Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Seven peaceful May Day demonstrations are scheduled for May 1 across Alabama, including one in Tuscaloosa from 4 to 6 p.m. at 408 Skyland E Blvd; organizers urge participants to bring signs and follow safety rules.

Today marks the 15th anniversary of the 2011 tornado outbreak that hit Tuscaloosa and other parts of the state, producing 62 tornadoes in 18 hours and claiming over 250 lives, which spurred ongoing rebuilding efforts.

Local communities continue to remember the day as they honor those affected.

Microchip Technology cut the ribbon on a new manufacturing facility in Tuscaloosa yesterday, where some of the world’s most accurate atomic clocks are made for space+terrestrial use.

Guests, including Mayor Walt Maddox, toured the facility.

C&J Resources is hosting a free raffle that will give West Alabama families access to summer workshops in reading, math & STEM.

Participants must like the company’s Facebook post and tag a friend by April 30.

Dr. Shane Crawford, a University of Alabama engineer, is using his 2011 tornado experience to test debris loads in his lab and design safer, lower-cost storm shelters; his work already influenced updated safety standards for schools, hospitals, and first responder buildings.

Experts warn that Alabama still faces a hurricane threat despite no direct hit since Hurricane Sally in 2020.

Hurricane season runs June 1-Nov. 30 and forecasts suggest sporadic storms will bring tropical risk to coastal areas + residents should stay alert.

Mayor Randall Woodfin announced grant money for youth violence intervention programs yesterday to support local efforts aimed at reducing violence and assisting at-risk teens in the community.

Analysts expect Alabama players Zabien Brown, Ryan Coleman-Williams and Yhonzae Pierre to extend the Tide's first round draft streak in the 2027 NFL draft, which will take place in Washington, D.C.

Trenton Yowe from Calera High signed with the Tennessee Titans as an undrafted free agent and joins fellow graduate Kobe Prentice in the NFL.

A city celebration honoring Yowe is planned for Thursday from 4-8 p.m. at Calera Elks Lodge.

Local high school baseball playoffs resume with second round matchups set for various classes starting Thursday, Apr.

30 and continuing on May 1 with additional rounds planned through May 16. The tournament will conclude with state finals from May 18 to 22 in Oxford and Jacksonville (check game times for each team).

Local sports analysts are forecasting a strong 2027 NFL Draft for Alabama.

Prospects such as defensive back Zabien Brown, wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams and edge rusher Yhonzae Pierre are drawing attention for possibly continuing the Tide’s long streak of first-round picks.

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.