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Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

Serving The University of Alabama since 1894.

The Crimson White

All content by Benjamin Smith
SGA hosts 'OneUA Week' in support of inclusivity and belonging

SGA hosts ‘OneUA Week’ in support of inclusivity and belonging

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer February 2, 2025

This week, the SGA will host a series of events under the moniker OneUA, a campaign for inclusivity surrounding the theme of “Hate Doesn’t Roll Here.” The events were organized by Aubrei Grisaffe,...

Culture Pick | FKA twigs breaks new ground with diverse sounds in latest album ‘Eusexua’

Culture Pick | FKA twigs breaks new ground with diverse sounds in latest album ‘Eusexua’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 31, 2025

English electronic-pop star and actor Tahliah Barnett, known in the music world by her stage name FKA twigs, released her third studio album, “Eusexua,” on Thursday. This new project is just as creative...

The University's new electric buses will be wrapped with a design created by senior Jake O’Reilly.

University of Alabama paves way for electric and autonomous buses on campus

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 29, 2025

Eight electric buses are set to join The University of Alabama’s Crimson Ride fleet this July as part of a partnership between the College of Engineering’s Center for Advanced Vehicle Technologies...

SGA hosts weeklong environmental awareness campaign with clothes drives, biodegradable confetti and more

SGA hosts weeklong environmental awareness campaign with clothes drives, biodegradable confetti and more

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 26, 2025

The SGA will host the University’s 34th annual Green Week from Monday to Friday. Festivities will include a variety of environmentally conscious programming such as recycling promotions and clothing...

Culture Pick | Canadian folk group The Weather Station rehashes the past in new album ‘Humanhood’

Culture Pick | Canadian folk group The Weather Station rehashes the past in new album ‘Humanhood’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 22, 2025

The Weather Station, a folk band based out of Toronto, released its seventh studio album, “Humanhood,” on Friday. The album takes on a swathe of modern issues while embracing the band’s acoustic...

Chicken Salad Chick opens in Student Center as Bama Dining eyes replacing Wendy's

Chicken Salad Chick opens in Student Center as Bama Dining eyes replacing Wendy’s

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 15, 2025

Bama Dining opened its newest addition to the Student Center, Chicken Salad Chick, last Wednesday. The Alabama-based restaurant chain is one of several changes at Bama Dining, including longer hours for...

American flags line the Mound on the Quad.

Governor Ivey orders American flags on state buildings to be raised for inauguration in spite of mourning period

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 15, 2025

Gov. Kay Ivey announced Monday that flags at the Alabama State Capitol and all other state buildings will be at full-staff for President-elect Donald Trump’s inauguration on Jan. 20. The University of...

League of Women Voters of Alabama promotes early voting bill with free virtual event

League of Women Voters of Alabama promotes early voting bill with free virtual event

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 12, 2025

The League of Women Voters of Alabama will host “A Conversation: Early Voting in Alabama,” a public online forum on Thursday at 6:30 p.m. via Zoom, to discuss the lack of early voting in the state.  The...

Ethel Cain's new EP released on Wednesday

Culture Pick | Ethel Cain’s EP “Perverts” is brilliantly appalling and utterly unique

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 12, 2025

Ethel Cain, the musical alias of singer-songwriter Hayden Anhedönia, debuted her 90-minute-long EP “Perverts” on Wednesday. The release represents one of the starkest anti-commercial pivots in popular...

Snow covers the Randall Welcome Center

UA students enjoy winter weather as campus shuts down for snowstorm

Benjamin Smith, Contibuting Writer January 12, 2025

Students got a unique opportunity to explore the campus in a new shade of wintry white this Friday as a snowstorm took over Tuscaloosa. The University canceled Friday’s classes and suspended normal operations...

University creates guidelines for discussing “divisive topics” in wake of SB129

University creates guidelines for discussing “divisive topics” in wake of SB129

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 8, 2025

The University of Alabama issued guidelines for faculty that align with the passage of SB129, a controversial Alabama state law that, among other things, restricts DEI policies and prohibits endorsements...

Kendrick Lamar released of his newest album, “GNX,” on Friday.

Culture Pick | From rock to pop to jazz, ranking the best albums 2024 had to offer

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer January 8, 2025

2024 was an eventful year for the music world, featuring new releases from artists around the globe. Once the dust of 2024 has settled, some albums will be remembered while others fade into obscurity,...

SGA hosted Wellness Week 2024.

SGA hosts Wellness Week to promote healthy habits among UA students

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer December 10, 2024

Recognizing the stress of students entering exams, the SGA hosted Wellness Week to encourage students to take care of themselves. The week began on Sunday and ended on Saturday. According to a press...

Grade A Productions and Interscope Records released Juice WRLD’s final studio album “The Party Never Ends.”

Culture Pick | New posthumous release from emo-rapper Juice WRLD taints his legacy

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer December 9, 2024

Five years after the death of emo-rap sensation Jarad Higgins, known by his stage name Juice WRLD, Grade A Productions and Interscope Records released his final studio album “The Party Never Ends.”...

Michael Kiwanuka released his album “Small Changes” on Nov. 22.

Culture Pick | Soul musician Michael Kiwanuka embraces simplicity in outstanding new album ‘Small Changes’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer December 2, 2024

British-Ugandan soul singer Michael Kiwanuka released his much anticipated fourth album, “Small Changes,”  on Nov. 22. Keeping with the title, Kiwanuka’s newest record is more cut down and streamlined...

Joshua Tillman released his newest album, “Mahashmashana,” on Friday.

Culture Pick | Singer-songwriter Father John Misty gives a toast to finality in “Mahashmashana” album

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 26, 2024

Seattle singer-songwriter Joshua Tillman, currently releasing music under the pseudonym Father John Misty, unveiled his newest album, “Mahashmashana,” on Friday. Borrowing its name from the Sanskrit...

Kendrick Lamar released of his newest album, “GNX,” on Friday.

Culture Pick | “I am reincarnated”: Kendrick Lamar jumps back in the fray with new album “GNX”

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 26, 2024

Compton rapper, 17-time Grammy winner and Pulitzer Prize recipient Kendrick Lamar took a musical victory lap this Friday with the surprise release of his newest album, “GNX.” It takes time to address...

The Iranian Students Association hosted its fifth annual celebration of the Iranian holiday Yalda on Friday.

Iranian Students Association celebrates the upcoming solstice with Yalda festivities

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 25, 2024

The Iranian Students Association hosted its fifth annual celebration of the Iranian holiday Yalda in the Student Center Ballroom on Friday.  The event featured a diverse itinerary, including live music...

UA College Republicans discuss election issues with Alabama Secretary of State

UA College Republicans discuss election issues with Alabama Secretary of State

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 20, 2024

The UA College Republicans hosted Alabama Secretary of State Wes Allen in Houser Hall Tuesday for a discussion about election logistics and policy. Allen, a UA alum and former football player for the...

St. Vincent released an adaptation of her most recent album “All Born Screaming” last Friday.

Culture Pick | Art-pop icon St. Vincent brings old album to new audience with Spanish translation of Grammy-nominated ‘All Born Screaming’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 20, 2024

Dallas singer-songwriter Annie Clark, professionally known as St. Vincent, released an adaptation of her most recent album “All Born Screaming” last Friday. The new project, “Todos Nacen Gritando,”...

Veo and other e-scooters transform public transit on campus, get met with excitement and controversy

Veo and other e-scooters transform public transit on campus, get met with excitement and controversy

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 17, 2024

The electric scooter-sharing company Veo is about to enter its fourth year on campus, and its mark can be seen on nearly every road and by nearly every building. With a campus spanning 1,400 acres,...

Ab-Soul released his sixth studio album, “Soul Burger,” on Nov. 8.

Culture Pick | Ab-Soul releases highly anticipated new album ‘Soul Burger’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 16, 2024

West Coast MC and Black Hippy member Ab-Soul released his sixth studio album, “Soul Burger,” on Nov. 8. The record is dedicated to the memory of his friend Armon “DoeBurger” Stringer, who was killed...

Students at UA struggle with overcommitting, the stress of doing too much

Students at UA struggle with overcommitting, the stress of doing too much

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer November 13, 2024

Many students around the University are involved in the community in various ways, but sometimes, those commitments can become too much.  Students have the option to be a part of Greek life, a member...

Students walk across the street in front of Reese Phifer Hall.aq

University of Alabama grapples with traffic safety amid record enrollment

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 13, 2024

As The University of Alabama becomes more densely populated than ever due to record-breaking enrollment this year, traffic safety is becoming a concern for pedestrians across campus. Alabama is a car-dependent...

British goth-rock band The Cure released its newest album, “Songs Of A Lost World,” on Nov. 1.

Culture Pick | Goth, gloom and plenty of gusto: The legacy of The Cure

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 10, 2024

British goth-rock band The Cure released its newest album, “Songs Of A Lost World,” on Nov. 1 following a hiatus of over 16 years. It was released to massive acclaim and topped the UK charts, the first...

Culture Pick | Phil Elverum returns from tragedy with a new sound in Mount Eerie’s new album “Night Palace”

Culture Pick | Phil Elverum returns from tragedy with a new sound in Mount Eerie’s new album “Night Palace”

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 6, 2024

Mount Eerie, the one-man band led by singer-songwriter Phil Elverum, released its newest album, “Night Palace,” on Friday. The 26-track double album is reminiscent of Elverum’s career, including...

The Cure released its album "Songs of A Lost World" on Friday.

Culture Pick | A review of alt-rock band The Cure’s newest album, ‘Songs Of A Lost World’

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer November 3, 2024

Legendary goth band The Cure returned from a 16-year hiatus with its newest album, “Songs Of A Lost World,” which was released on Friday. The Cure was founded in 1976 and has since existed as an...

Students paint during Hispanic Heritage Month Paint Night.

FAC funding for events remains unchanged, campus organizations struggling

Benjamin Smith, Staff Writer October 23, 2024

Student organizations at the University regularly host high-attendance events on campus, but organizers are failing to keep up with costs, especially with catering. Leaders from student groups have pointed...

Chat Pile's latest album "Cool World" released on Friday.

Culture Pick | Indie metal band Chat Pile releases new album “Cool World”

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer October 14, 2024

Oklahoman metal band Chat Pile released its sophomore album, “Cool World,” this Friday, following up its acclaimed debut “God’s Country.” Chat Pile is an innovative band that has been referred...

Q&A with Homecoming Queen candidate Allison Pope

Q&A with Homecoming Queen candidate Allison Pope

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer October 13, 2024

Benjamin Smith sat down with Allison Pope, a Homecoming Queen candidate, to talk about her platform. Smith: Please introduce yourself with your name, major and hometown. Pope: My name is Allison...

HLA tabling at the La Gozadera event

Hispanic-Latino Association hosts La Gozadera in celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer October 13, 2024

The Hispanic-Latino Association hosted its yearly celebration, La Gozadera, Thursday to usher in Hispanic Heritage Month.  The event featured dancing, reggaeton, authentic food, soccer and collaborating...

"Cutouts" by The Smile released on Friday.

Culture Pick | The Smile returns with new project, “Cutouts”

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer October 6, 2024

English rock band The Smile released its second album of the year, "Cutouts," on Friday.  The Smile is a spinoff of Radiohead, a five-member rock band that found early success with its single “Creep.”...

A dog sits next to its owner at a soccer game.

Tailgating with pets at UA

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer October 2, 2024

The University of Alabama faced rival Georgia on Saturday, and the tailgaters weren’t the only ones excited to see the legendary faceoff. The tailgate’s real stars were the game day dogs, brave hounds...

"Megalopolis," directed by Francis Ford Coppola, released this Friday.

Culture Pick | Chaos, calamity and Coppola: A retrospective analysis of “Megalopolis”

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer September 29, 2024

History is full of flawed geniuses and artists who get a free pass for their failures and mistakes. Oftentimes, they are preceded by an enormous reputation, an accomplishment so incredible it outweighs...

The Holle Center is located inside of the Digital Media Center in Bryant-Denny Stadium.

UA opens Holle Center for Communication Arts

Benjamin Smith, Contributing Writer September 29, 2024

The University of Alabama opened the Holle Center for Communication Arts this week. The institution, located within the Digital Media Center in Bryant-Denny Stadium, teaches across all disciplines to create...

Computer camp teaches programming

Benjamin Smith July 18, 2012

Beginning July 9 and continuing through Aug. 3, the University of Alabama is offering a series of camps that serve to introduce computer science concepts to middle and high school students. The middle...

Program helps students start green businesses, sell products

Benjamin Smith July 11, 2012

Sixteen local students in six start-up companies presented sustainable products they developed through the Green Entrepreneurial Internship Program at Pie Lab in Greensboro. The new companies placed their...

Professor sounds off on Obamacare

Benjamin Smith July 11, 2012

Two weeks ago, the United States Supreme Court voted 5-4 to uphold the Patient Protection and Affordable Care Act, which will expand health insurance to millions of currently uninsured Americans. Obamacare,...

State and county unemployment rates rise

Benjamin Smith June 27, 2012

A new report by the Alabama Department of Industrial Relations shows that, for the first time this year, unemployment both on a state level and in Tuscaloosa County has increased. The seasonally adjusted...

Camp Cash teaches financial responsibility

Benjamin Smith June 20, 2012

Camp Cash, a one-week day camp hosted by the College of Human Environmental Sciences, is returning for its fifth summer starting on July 16. The camp serves to teach middle school children financial responsibility...

New study highlights RSA track record

Benjamin Smith June 13, 2012

Studies on the Retirement Systems of Alabama, a government agency that uses tax money to fund investment in the state of Alabama, has shown it to have significant beneficial impact over the past twenty...

Tuscaloosa firefighters build home in five days

Tuscaloosa firefighters build home in five days

Benjamin Smith June 6, 2012

Thirty members of the Tuscaloosa Fire Department paired with Habitat for Humanity to rebuild an Alberta home destroyed by the April 27 tornado. They completed the build in only five days, one day less...

Crowd gathers on Gallalee roof to view Venus cross the Sun

Crowd gathers on Gallalee roof to view Venus cross the Sun

Benjamin Smith June 5, 2012

Venus won’t move across the face of the Sun again for another 105 years, and on June 5, all astronomy professor William Keel wanted was for the typical Alabama late-afternoon cumulus clouds to clear....