Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Fifteen years ago, an EF-3 tornado damaged over 200 homes in south Tuscaloosa and local leaders say the event helped crews prepare for later storms.

Officials note that the memory remains strong in affected neighborhoods.

Yesterday, PARA opened a pocket park beside Walker Elementary in Samantha that features a pavilion and playground equipment, and children quickly enjoyed the new space—County Commissioner Stan Acker and PARA CEO Brian Davis led the ribbon cutting.

Morgan Wallen’s Still The Problem Tour will take place at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday with gates opening at 4:30 p.m.—temporary road and parking closures are set to manage the crowd.

15-year-old Will Roberts, fighting cancer, made his radio debut on Wednesday morning on 953 Bear Steve and DC Morning Show.

He spoke with Tommy Tuberville and received Morgan Wallen concert tickets as a surprise.

Sixteen educators statewide were named finalists for the 2026–2027 Alabama Teacher of the Year award, with five nominees from central Alabama including one from Tuscaloosa City Schools.

The program will later narrow the group to four finalists who will serve as state ambassadors for education.

Justice Sotomayor spoke at UA Law's recent Albritton Lecture — hosting lunch and Q&A sessions with students on topics including artificial intelligence and leadership.

The event continues a 30-year tradition that began in 1996 and reinforced the law's role in public service.

Gov. Ivey signed bills into law that expand rural health care and EMS services, ease physician assistant licensing, lower cancer screening costs, and set limits on sugary SNAP purchases and vaping in public; the measures aim to improve access and efficiency for patients and first responders in Alabama.

After finishing spring practice, Alabama projects its offense for a potential Saturday game with redshirt freshman Keelon Russell expected to start at quarterback; running back Daniel Hill and a revamped offensive line provide added depth for the Tide in Tuscaloosa.

Former Mississippi State forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming has committed to the Crimson Tide men’s basketball team through the NCAA transfer portal, marking the team’s second transfer addition.

He played in 32 games last season + averaged 3.7 points and 4.8 rebounds per game.

Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson made his final top-30 visit with the Arizona Cardinals on Wednesday in Glendale (AZ) ahead of next week’s NFL Draft.

He has also met with teams like the Jets, with NFL Network ranking him 38th overall.

Alabama players Kadyn Proctor, Ty Simpson and Germie Bernard appear in Mel Kiper's 2026 NFL mock draft.

Kiper projects Proctor at #12 with the Browns, Simpson at #30 with the Cardinals after a trade, and Bernard at #34 with the Dolphins.

Former Mississippi State forward Jamarion Davis-Fleming has committed to join Alabama men’s basketball through the NCAA transfer portal.

The 6-foot-10 forward, a former four-star recruit from Canton (Miss.), averaged 3.7 points and 4.8 rebounds at his previous school.

Kentucky Wildcats vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Softball

6:59-10:59 p.m. — Rhoads Stadium — Check event host for latest details — Come cheer on the Alabama softball team as they face off against Kentucky in a thrilling SEC matchup.

Vanderbilt Commodores vs. Alabama Crimson Tide

6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Watch college baseball as the Commodores take on the Crimson Tide in a thrilling match.

Alabama vs. Ole Miss Baseball Game

6-7 p.m. — Sewell-Thomas Stadium — Great community event — Experience an exciting baseball showdown between the Crimson Tide and the Rebels.