UA Homecoming Queen Candidates | TCSS Bus Crash | Deadly Walker County Home Invasion

TGIF, T-Town! Get all caught up with us on this Friday morning.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• County school bus involved in crash.
• Contract awarded for Tuscaloosa bridge replacement.
• Search in Carbon Hill murder case.

First, a look at today's weather: Cooler and pleasant, feeling like fall. High: 83 | Low: 50 🌞

🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Friday morning goes to Alabama goalkeeper Madi Munguia, who recorded her ninth shutout of the season in a 3-0 win over Georgia in Tuscaloosa Thursday night. The feat moves her to within one of tying McKinley Crone's program record of 10 set in 2022. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

👏 Thanks to our sponsors 👏

Our mission to bring quality, independent journalism to Tuscaloosa would not be possible without the support of our friends at DCH Health System, United Way of West Alabama, Strange Brew Coffeehouse, Right Space Commericial and BankFirst. Interested in becoming a local Tuscaloosa Patch sponsor? Please email me at ryan.phillips@patch.com.

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa

1. Meet The 5 Candidates For University Of Alabama Homecoming Queen: Here's a quick look at the five finalists for UA's 2026 Homecoming Queen, with students set to cast their votes next week ahead of the university's annual homecoming festivities. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. ALDOT Awards $167M Contract To Replace Tuscaloosa's Woolsey Finnell Bridge: Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that the Alabama Department of Transportation (ALDOT) has awarded a $167 million contract to replace Tuscaloosa's aging Woolsey Finnell Bridge over the Black Warrior River. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. Search Continues For Man Linked To Deadly Walker County Home Invasion: Carbon Hill police are searching for a 38-year-old man believed to be connected to a deadly home invasion Wednesday that left a woman dead and prompted an ongoing manhunt. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. No Injuries After Crash Involving Tuscaloosa County School System Bus: No injuries have been reported after a Tuscaloosa County School System bus was involved in a traffic accident Thursday afternoon on Highway 69 South. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. Thursday Night Crash Closes Highway 216 In Tuscaloosa County: A two-vehicle crash Thursday evening prompted the closure of both lanes of Alabama Highway 216 in Tuscaloosa County. We will have more as information comes in. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

📆 Today in T-Town 📆

• Breaking Benjamin @ Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater (6 p.m.)
• WAMBA Presents "Funhouse" Haunted House @ Sokol Park (7 p.m.)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Worlds of Work career expo gives students a glimpse into different career paths (Chelsea Jensen, WVUA 23 News)
2. Alabama Gubernatorial candidates discuss goals leading up to election (Avery Kervin, Alabama's 42)
3. Tuscaloosa County family describes riding Goliath coaster hour before fatal accident (Josh Gauntt, WBRC Fox 6 News)
4. Springbrook resident questions traffic access tied to Tuscaloosa development (ABC 33/40)
5. Thursday Availability Report: Alabama starter now doubtful vs. Tennessee (Charlie Potter, BamaOnline)

🙏 Obituaries 🙏

*Our obituary section is generously sponsored by our friends at Dorroh & Mills, P.C.

Eleanor "Mrs.Ellie" Powell, 90, of Tuscaloosa (Memory Chapel)

Odie Lee Fletcher, 62, of Berry (Norwood-Wyatt Chapel)

James Harold Lowe, 86, of Reform (Skelton Funeral Home)

Now you're in the loop about what's happening today.

Thanks for reading and we'll see you in your inbox next time! And if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch!

- RP