Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

76-year-old bus driver Ella Ivory received a new home from Habitat For Humanity Tuscaloosa after her family urged her to apply—she completed 200 volunteer hours and took financial literacy training—and celebrated with family at a dedication ceremony.

West Alabama faces a childcare shortage as many parents need care beyond the usual 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. hours, and the free 3by3 program launches training to help meet this need for workers in manufacturing and healthcare.

Orientation sessions are held today from 6:30 to 8 p.m. in Northport and on May 15 from 6:30 to 8 p.m. —participants must register in advance and bring required documents— to secure a spot in the program.

Tuscaloosa City Schools announced new graduation requirements for high school seniors starting with the 2025–26 school year that will require students to earn a College+Career Readiness Indicator and have a confirmed postsecondary plan before graduation.

Counselors and administrators will help students through the district's What’s Your E? campaign so that graduates are better prepared for college, work, or military service.

The City of Tuscaloosa will host its annual Household Hazardous Waste Disposal Day on Saturday, June 7 from 8 a.m. to noon at the Public Safety Logistics building on Reese Phifer Avenue—Tuscaloosa County residents must show ID to verify eligibility as the City may limit accepted materials due to budget concerns.

Alabama basketball player Grant Nelson set an unofficial record at the NBA Draft Combine by finishing his shuttle run in 2.58 seconds—this mark beats the previous record and boosts his draft stock after receiving his degree at Coleman Coliseum.

He now prepares for the NBA Draft starting at 7 p.m. CT June 25.

Alabama beat No. 19 Troy 10-2 and won a series against No. 6 Georgia to boost its bid to host June baseball as the Crimson Tide now has 15 wins and sits at No.8 in the RPI rankings—teams need 16 to 18 wins to secure hosting.

The team will play more games in Gainesville and at the SEC tournament in Hoover to try to lock in their bid.

Two Tuscaloosa county schools will compete in the AHSAA Baseball State Finals this week.

Tuscaloosa County High School will face Enterprise in the 7A finals starting Thursday, May 15 at Choccolocco Park in Oxford and American Christian Academy will begin the 5A series on the same day in Oxford with later games in Jacksonville—both teams aiming for their first state title under experienced coaches focused on one game at a time.

Tuscaloosa County High School baseball team advanced to its first state championship game by defeating Bob Jones 3-1 in game three of the semifinals on Monday night—sophomore Dillion Dubose pitched seven strong innings.

The Wildcats will face Enterprise on Thursday, May 15 at 2:00 p.m. in Oxford.

Alabama men's basketball coach Nate Oats signed four transfer portal players yesterday—each adding size, skill and a strong defensive presence—to join the Crimson Tide.

He said the new additions will strengthen the team’s system as they bring valuable talent to the program.

Alabama basketball guard Mark Sears led Tuesday's NBA Draft Combine shooting drills with a 69% score, outpacing runner-ups Chaz Lanier and PJ Haggerty by over five percent—he performed well in off-dribble mid-range pull-ups and side-mid-side three-point drills.

The draft is set to start on June 25 at 7 p.m.—Sears is projected to be picked 59th overall.

Adam Hood Concert

7-11:59 p.m. — Government Plaza — Tickets required — Enjoy a soulful evening of country and American roots music from Adam Hood.

Live at The Plaza Concert Series

6-9 p.m. — Government Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy free live local music in a family-friendly atmosphere with fun activities for the kids.

Interviewing Skills Workshop

1-2 p.m. — Goodwill Store & Donation Center — Free entry — Prepare for success with tips and strategies to ace your next interview.

A+ College Ready Leadership Institute 2025

3:30 AM - 10:30 AM — Bryant Conference Center — Registration required — Equip and empower educators to foster innovation in Alabama schools.

Live at The Plaza Concert Series

6–9 p.m. — Government Plaza — Free entry — Enjoy free live music every Friday with family and pets welcome.

Jackson Chase Live Performance

6-10 p.m. — 43 Prime — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening with Jackson Chase, a talented local vocalist from Tuscaloosa.

Old Dominion Concert

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Tickets from $43 — Enjoy a night of country music with Old Dominion in Tuscaloosa, AL.