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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 Jacob Ritondo
Druid City Pride held its ninth annual Pride festival Sunday at Government Plaza.

Ninth annual Druid City Pride festival takes over Government Plaza

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor October 6, 2024

Druid City Pride held its ninth annual Pride Festival at Government Plaza Sunday, hosting local vendors, performers, nonprofits and visitors from 5 to 9 p.m. Founded in 2015, Druid City Pride is a volunteer...

Students have faced several issues concerning University transparency in the wake of SB 129.

University criticized for lack of DEI transparency

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor September 25, 2024

It was three years in the making.  Gov. Kay Ivey signed Senate Bill 129 — which restricts funding for diversity, equity and inclusion programs and events at public universities — on March 20, three...

A student raises a pro-Palestine poster as a counterprotester looks on.

Pro-Palestine UA students protest for second time Tuesday

Jacob Ritondo and Zoe Bernstein September 24, 2024

Students protested in support of Palestine in front of Denny Chimes Tuesday evening, following  a previous larger demonstration in May. Around 50 protestors holding signs with calls for an immediate...

The teaser trailer for the "Minecraft" movie released on Wednesday.

Culture Pick | It’s game over for the Minecraft movie following disastrous teaser trailer

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor September 8, 2024

Oh, to be blissfully unaware of the horrors that awaited in the teaser trailer for the Minecraft movie. But it’s too late. A teaser for the much-anticipated, 10-years-in-the-making Minecraft movie...

Darius Miles was removed from the men's basketball team following his arrest in connection to a January 2023 shooting on the Strip.

Darius Miles’ capital murder case expected to go to trial in 2025

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor August 24, 2024

Darius Miles, a former Crimson Tide basketball player, could go to trial in his capital murder case in 2025, defense attorney Mary Turner said. At a hearing Wednesday, Judge Daniel Pruet of the Circuit...

Gambill Gentry received bond Wednesday after appearing at the Tuscaloosa County Courthouse.

UA student previously charged with sex crimes received bond at a hearing Wednesday

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor August 22, 2024

A UA student previously charged with sex crimes including rape, sodomy and voyeurism received bond at a hearing Wednesday. Attorneys for 23-year-old Gambill Gentry filed a writ of habeas corpus on behalf...

Low voter turnout is common among younger generations.

‘The right to not vote’: Why young Americans vote least of any age demographic

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor August 21, 2024

With the general election just over two months away, many college students are preparing to cast their ballots. But not all. Some, like freshman accounting major Brendon Cotton, will exercise what he...

Gambill Gentry is currently being held in the Tuscaloosa County Jail.

UA student arrested for sex crimes, may have multiple victims

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor July 29, 2024

Content warning: This story contains references to sexual assault and other acts readers may find disturbing. Reader discretion is advised. Authorities arrested and booked 23-year-old UA student Gambill...

Try these beginner-friendly video games at your next gathering

Try these beginner-friendly video games at your next gathering

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor July 24, 2024

The start of the school year is quickly approaching, and with it comes the return of late nights staying up with college friends. For some students, that means partying or enjoying the latest TV show or...

The newly renovated Tuomey Hall is the location of the Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership.

Applications for inaugural cohort of Shelby Scholars program to close Monday

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor July 12, 2024

Student applications for the Shelby Scholars program in the newly established Shelby Institute for Policy and Leadership at The University of Alabama will close Monday at 11:59 p.m. CST.  The nonpartisan...

Former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles (pictured center) watches from the bench.

Former UA basketball player Darius Miles returns to court; bond hearing delayed again

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor June 19, 2024

A bond hearing for former UA men’s basketball player Darius Miles was delayed again Monday. The new date for the hearing on the bond motion is Aug. 21. The charges stem from an incident last January...

The Tuscaloosa Police Department operates a joint precinct with The University of Alabama Police Department on the Strip.

Starting June 15, Alabama drivers can get ticketed for holding phone while driving

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor June 12, 2024

Alabama drivers will be ticketed for operating a vehicle with their cell phones in hand under certain circumstances after a distracted driving law passed in June 2023 begins enforcement Saturday. The law...

Nick Tolbert poses with family at graduation while holding a file containing information about the Ellen Tolbert Memorial Endowed Scholarship. 

Pictured from left to right are Kelly Tolbert (uncle), Evan Tolbert (father), Sally Peacock (fiance), Nick Tolbert, Trent Tolbert (brother), Linda Bales (maternal grandmother) and Nancy Tolbert (paternal grandmother).

UA graduate creates cancer memorial scholarship in honor of late mother

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor June 5, 2024

A recent UA graduate has started an endowed scholarship in memory of his mother, who died of cancer in 2017. Beginning in fall 2025, The Ellen Tolbert Memorial Endowed Scholarship will support one student...

Tuscaloosans enjoy live music at the summer 2023 Live at the Plaza concert series.

Six local bands students should know

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor May 31, 2024

Title Town, Druid City — Tuscaloosa has many names. While it certainly has earned a reputation for producing successful sports teams, the local music scene is also bustling, helped in part by the large...

A student charged with hazing during recruitment at Sigma Alpha Epsilon in August has received youthful offender status.

Youthful offender status granted to UA student accused of hazing at SAE

Jacob Ritondo, Managing Editor May 21, 2024

A student charged with hazing and harassing another student during recruitment for the Sigma Alpha Epsilon fraternity was granted youthful offender status at a hearing Tuesday. According to Patriot...

Anti-war protesters demonstrate at Student Center Plaza Wednesday.

University of Alabama “Protest for Palestinian Lives” draws hundreds of students, counterprotesters

Maven Navarro and Jacob Ritondo May 1, 2024

Editor’s note: This story contains usage of profanities some readers may find offensive. A quote in this story was updated for clarity May 2. Hundreds gathered at the Student Center Plaza as the UA...

Second bond hearing set for former University of Alabama basketball player Darius Miles in capital murder case

Second bond hearing set for former University of Alabama basketball player Darius Miles in capital murder case

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor April 24, 2024

The second bond hearing for the capital murder trial of Darius Miles will take place June 17. It will address all pending motions in the case.  The hearing was initially set for Wednesday at 1:30 p.m.,...

UA professor pleads not guilty to possession of content depicting sexual abuse of minors

UA professor pleads not guilty to possession of content depicting sexual abuse of minors

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor April 17, 2024

Editor’s note: This story contains explicit mentions of the sexual abuse of children. Please read with discretion.  A UA professor previously indicted by a grand jury for possession of obscene material...

Students demonstrate against SB 129 on Wednesday outside the Alabama State House in Montgomery.

“I see hatred in this”: SB 129 passes in state House

Jacob Ritondo and Ethan Henry March 8, 2024

A controversial bill that threatens to upend diversity, equity and inclusion programs in Alabama schools, Senate Bill 129, passed the state House Thursday, inching the bill closer to the governor’s desk.  If...

A “Vote Here” sign found outside of the UA Recreation Center.

Students take to the polls on Super Tuesday

Elijah Doomes and Jacob Ritondo March 6, 2024

Many University of Alabama students cast a ballot in one of the presidential primary elections on Super Tuesday at the UA Recreation Center, even though Tuscaloosa County turnout this year was considerably...

Diversity increases among UA STEM majors

Diversity increases among UA STEM majors

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor February 28, 2024

Diversity in STEM majors at the University is increasing for many underrepresented groups, which reflects similar changes in the national workforce.  Data from the Office of Institutional Research...

Photo courtesy of the SGA

Q&A with uncontested VP for financial affairs candidate Lucas Weldon

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor February 21, 2024

Lucas Weldon is a junior majoring in finance and cybersecurity and the director of engagement for Vice President for Financial Affairs Eric Doh. Q: What made you want to run for VP of Financial Affairs? “My...

4 Republican primary candidates take the stage in Tuscaloosa

4 Republican primary candidates take the stage in Tuscaloosa

Jacob Ritondo and Ethan Henry December 7, 2023

To read about key takeaways from the debate, click here.   Then there were four.  Florida Gov. Ron DeSantis, former South Carolina Gov. Nikki Haley, biotech entrepreneur Vivek Ramaswamy and former...

Joyce Alexander named next dean of the College of Education

Joyce Alexander named next dean of the College of Education

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor November 17, 2023

The University announced Thursday that Joyce Alexander will start her tenure as the next dean of the College of Education on Jan. 3.  UA Executive Vice President and Provost Jim Dalton said Alexander...

Dan Isaac, left, joins in drumming during a Native dance.

‘We’re still here’: UA BISON shares Indigenous culture for Native American Heritage Month

Jacob Ritondo and Courtney Stringer November 5, 2023

During the month of November, Native American Heritage Month, UA students are trying to change the narrative that Indigenous people are “stuck in the textbooks,” in the words of Native student Katarina...

CW / David Gray

Darius Miles’ motion for immunity denied; case likely to go to trial

Jacob Ritondo and Ethan Henry October 27, 2023

Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Daniel Pruet denied Darius Miles’ defense attorneys’ motion to grant immunity on Thursday. If successful, the motion would have prevented the case from going to trial.  If...

Alabama defensive back Terrion Arnold (#3) preparing for a tackle against Texas on Sep. 9 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa, Ala.

Campus responds to Bama fans’ slurs and racist language at Texas game

Ethan Henry and Jacob Ritondo September 13, 2023

In the days following the Alabama football game against Texas, a video of Alabama fans yelling racist insults and homophobic slurs has garnered attention online. But some students say that such remarks...

Student organizations honor the victims of 9/11

Student organizations honor the victims of 9/11

Ethan Henry and Jacob Ritondo September 11, 2023

Twenty-two years later, UA students are taking steps to remember the victims of the attacks on Sept. 11, 2001.  On Monday, members of the Young Americans for Freedom, the Army ROTC and Circle K...

The SGA Senate held a special session on Monday to confirm four positions.

SGA Senate confirms appointment of 3 new officials

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor August 30, 2023

The SGA Senate unanimously confirmed a new associate justice to the student judiciary, as well as the Senate parliamentarian and both First Year Council co-directors for the 2023-24 term, during a special...

 The Cherokee Language Class will meet at B.B. Comer Hall

UA addition of Cherokee language class dependent on student interest

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor August 27, 2023

The UA Critical Languages Center is adding a Cherokee language class taught by native speaker Gary Drowning Bear this fall.  The class was developed by CLC Director Koji Arizumi, and several students...

A member of the City Council previously suggested closing bars earlier to address public safety concerns.

Bar closing time debate — and confusion surrounding it — heating up in Tuscaloosa

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor August 2, 2023

During last Tuesday’s Tuscaloosa City Council meeting, president Kip Tyner said he had received “exactly 408” emails from concerned students who believed the council would be voting to close bars...

Cars parked by Presidents Hall located at Woods Quad

Campus parking tickets taking the leap to the internet this fall

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor July 26, 2023

University of Alabama Transportation Services announced July 18 that it began testing electronic parking citations in lieu of physical ones on July 21 for registered vehicles.  The announcement said...

The Office of Research and Economic Development is houses within The Rose Administration Building which is located on University Boulevard.

University starts search for new vice president for research and economic development

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor July 5, 2023

The University announced June 29 the beginning of its search for a new vice president for research and economic development.  In April, Indiana University announced that the previous vice president...

Sid McDonald Hall, located on University Boulevard in Tuscaloosa, is The University of Alabama System’s headquarters.

UA System schools freeze in-state student tuition for 2023-24 academic year

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor June 21, 2023

The University of Alabama System board of trustees voted on June 9 to freeze tuition and fees for the 2023-24 academic year for Alabama residents who attend one of the system’s three institutions: The...

he Central Alabama Pride PrideFest on June 11 at Linn Park in Birmingham, Ala.

Central Alabama Pride hosts LGBTQ+ Pride Fest in Birmingham

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor June 14, 2023

 Central Alabama Pride, a nonprofit that organizes events for Pride month, hosted its annual Pride Fest Sunday in Birmingham’s Linn Park, capping off 11 days of celebration and commemorating the 45th...

Alabama men’s basketball team at the SEC Tournament on March 11 at the Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, TN

Kai Spears sues New York Times for falsely reporting he was at January shooting

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor June 7, 2023

UA men’s basketball player Kai Spears filed a lawsuit on May 31 against The New York Times over a story the publication ran that claimed he was present with teammate Brandon Miller at the shooting that...

Former Alabama basketball player Darius Miles (#2) during a game against Memphis on Dec 13 in Coleman Coliseum in Tuscaloosa, Ala. (CW File)

Darius Miles denied bond again during Wednesday hearing

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor May 24, 2023

Former UA basketball player Darius Miles was again denied bond during a hearing Wednesday morning in the Sixth Circuit Court of Alabama, over which Judge Daniel Pruet presided.  Investigators previously...

A view of the front of the Phi Mu house, the sorority which Shelby Rose, a woman featured in the documentary, is in.(CW/ Natalie Teat)

‘Bama Rush’ documentary released on Max

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor May 23, 2023

The highly anticipated Vice Media Group documentary “Bama Rush: Acceptance is Everything” was released on the Max (formerly HBO Max) streaming service Tuesday.  This comes in the wake of the #BamaRush...

The Capstone College of Nursing building on University Boulevard. (CW/ Natalie Teat)

University welcomes new deans to several colleges

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor May 11, 2023

The University of Alabama will welcome new deans for three different colleges this summer. Julie Sanford is the new dean of the Capstone College of Nursing, Tiffany Sippial is the new dean of the Honors...

Shooting at Evolve Tuscaloosa injures one, almost catches UA student in crossfire

Shooting at Evolve Tuscaloosa injures one, almost catches UA student in crossfire

Jacob Ritondo, Assistant News Editor May 5, 2023

A shooting took place the night of April 23 in the parking deck of the Evolve Tuscaloosa apartment complex on Jack Warner Parkway, resulting in a non-life-threatening injury to at least one person.   The...

SGA “spiritual wellness” day excludes non-Judeo-Christian religions

SGA “spiritual wellness” day excludes non-Judeo-Christian religions

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter April 19, 2023

The Student Government Association designated the week of March 25–31 “Wellness Week,” with each day highlighting an aspect of wellness, such as physical, financial or spiritual, through various...

University Programs holds “Bama’s Got Talent” talent show in Student Center

University Programs holds “Bama’s Got Talent” talent show in Student Center

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter April 2, 2023

University Programs held the “Bama’s Got Talent” talent show in the UA Student Center Theater March 24, awarding a $300 Bama Cash grand prize for the winner.  During the free two-hour event,...

University DEI ignoring Native Americans, Native students say

University DEI ignoring Native Americans, Native students say

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter March 29, 2023

Despite the University’s recent success with its diversity, equity and inclusion measures meant to increase enrollment and retention among certain minority groups, it has faced unchanging enrollment...

University named “Tree Campus USA” by Arbor Day Foundation for eighth consecutive year

University named “Tree Campus USA” by Arbor Day Foundation for eighth consecutive year

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter March 19, 2023

The University of Alabama hosted an event on March 9 on Bryce Lawn in partnership with the Alabama Forestry Commission wherein the commission measured the dimensions of a particularly large southern magnolia...

SGA releases unofficial results for spring 2023 elections

SGA releases unofficial results for spring 2023 elections

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter March 1, 2023

Editor's Note (3/1/23): The SGA Election's Board released a statement announcing that John Dodd would be representing the Graduate School after the other write-in candidate declined to participate in a...

See how executive candidates have engaged with DEI this election cycle

See how executive candidates have engaged with DEI this election cycle

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter February 28, 2023

Several candidates for the SGA executive council have made promises to advance diversity, equity and inclusion on campus if elected. The Crimson White reached out to each candidate to let them share how...

Candidates for president and executive vice president face off in debates

Candidates for president and executive vice president face off in debates

Alex Gravlee and Jacob Ritondo February 27, 2023

Candidates for Student Government Association executive vice president and president faced off in head-to-head debates the night of Sunday, Feb. 26.  The debates were preceded by a candidate forum...

Fire breaks out at UA Student Center Friday, causing building to be evacuated for 30 minutes

Fire breaks out at UA Student Center Friday, causing building to be evacuated for 30 minutes

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter February 19, 2023

A small fire broke out around noon on Friday inside the UA Student Center, briefly causing an evacuation of the building, after a portable battery charger caught fire inside a bag. The fire occurred while...

Five campus frats found hazing during fall 2022 – the most since spring 2021

Five campus frats found hazing during fall 2022 – the most since spring 2021

Jacob Ritondo, Race and Identity Reporter February 18, 2023

The University of Alabama found that several Interfraternity Council organizations and one United Greek Council fraternity violated the University’s hazing and alcohol guidelines last fall, according...

Students divided on merit of LSAT requirements in law school admissions

Students divided on merit of LSAT requirements in law school admissions

Maven Navarro and Jacob Ritondo January 25, 2023

The American Bar Association voted in November to eliminate its Law School Admissions Test requirement for admission to law schools. Starting in the fall of 2025, it will be up to the individual school...

AKA invites UA students to ditch New Year’s resolutions, embrace “vision boards”

AKA invites UA students to ditch New Year’s resolutions, embrace “vision boards”

Jacob Ritondo, Contributing Writer January 18, 2023

Alpha Kappa Alpha’s Theta Sigma chapter sprung into the new year this Tuesday, Jan. 17, at North Lawn Hall by hosting an event wherein attendees created “vision board” collages about goals for the...

Members of Greek chapters participate in discussion on DEI, which was moderated by Yechiel Peterson and William Skull of the Alpha Phi Alpha fraternity.

APA, IFC and NPHC come together to talk DEI in Greek life

Jacob Ritondo, Contributing Writer November 9, 2022

Members from organizations associated with the Alabama Panhellenic Association, the National Pan-Hellenic Council and the Interfraternity Council gathered at the UA Student Center on Nov. 2, to discuss...

“Getting a seat at the table:” Hear the voices of UA’s Black student leaders 

“Getting a seat at the table:” Hear the voices of UA’s Black student leaders 

Jacob Ritondo and Sophana Norville October 20, 2022

Editor's Note: This story was updated on 10/20/2022 to correctly list the name of the Theta Sigma chapter of the Alpha Kappa Alpha sorority.  This fall, The University of Alabama reached a milestone:...