Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa Water will launch the Lake Tuscaloosa Photo Contest tomorrow as part of Drinking Water Week (May 3-9), inviting residents to share photos on Facebook or Instagram with #TuscaloosaWater to win two concert ticket vouchers at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.

The Avett Brothers with special guests Drive-By Truckers will perform a fall concert at Tuscaloosa’s Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater (downtown) on Oct.

2 at 7 p.m.; tickets go on sale Friday, May 8.

Live at the Plaza kicks off tonight in Tuscaloosa—local performers will light up the venue with live music as the community comes together for an evening of entertainment.

Alabama gas prices have increased recently but remain below the national average.

Tuscaloosa drivers see regular unleaded at $3.884 per gallon while rates as low as $3.846 in Gadsden and as high as $3.962 in Montgomery show wide variation across the state.

The University of Alabama has selected three standout students as Goldwater Scholars for 2026.

The students, majoring in biochemistry, geology, and engineering, bring UA’s total to 72 Goldwater recipients and join a 40-year legacy of supporting emerging college researchers + furthering scientific research.

Tuscaloosa City Schools reopened its computer science lab on Wednesday at the Tuscaloosa Career and Technology Academy with $300,000 in upgrades.

The modern lab features flexible seating — standing desks and collaborative areas — and updated tech including computers, drones and touchscreens to boost real-world learning.

Greensboro Avenue in downtown Tuscaloosa will see road closures and construction beginning May 4 for a $4.3 million streetscaping project designed to widen sidewalks and improve pedestrian safety — closures affect a two-block stretch from University Boulevard to Seventh Street while keeping foot access to local businesses open.

Alabama’s grocery tax holiday is in effect—shoppers pay no 2 percent state tax on groceries from May 1 until the end of June, potentially saving families around $40 while lawmakers plan three years of tax relief.

The city will begin condemning many structures at Legacy at Country Club Apartments next week after residents reported poor conditions and no management repairs (one resident said the onsite office has been closed for months).

Alabama edged Vanderbilt 5-4 in game one as Eric Hines hit a three-run homer in the seventh and John Lemm ended the game with a walk-off home run in the ninth.

Alabama beat Vanderbilt 5-4 in game one after John Lemm hit a walk-off home run, aided by local outfielder Eric Hines (a Tuscaloosa native who hit a three-run homer).

Game two will be played Friday at 12:30 p.m. in Tuscaloosa.

Alabama landed its first 2028 class commitment on Friday when three-star quarterback Charles Scott Jr. from Richmond selected the Crimson Tide.

The school offered him on April 1 and he impressed scouts with his strong arm & calm play on the field.

Today, the 152nd Kentucky Derby begins at 5:57 p.m. local time at Churchill Downs, and Alabama residents can legally bet on the race using licensed online platforms (ADW systems) while general sports betting remains banned.

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.