Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Kara Martin Jemison and her children, who survived a car crash in July 2022 that left their daughter Miracle wheelchair bound, will move into a new, wheelchair-accessible Habitat For Humanity home—built with 1,360 hours of work from over 150 employees and designed with wide rooms and an accessible driveway. Warrior Met Coal sponsored the fully furnished house that meets the family’s special needs.

University of Alabama music professor Ozzy Molina will perform the world-premiere of a piece by Cuban composer Leo Brouwer at Carnegie Hall on May 20.

Molina, who spent nearly 20 years at UA and 18 years with the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, sees this as a key career milestone (a chance to play on one of music's most historic stages).

Tuscaloosa City Schools said that all seniors in the class of 2026 must get the College and Career Readiness Indicator, a rule meant to help students be ready for college, work, or military service.

The requirement will use ACT scores, dual enrollment, or career courses + special education students will not have to take it.

Tuscaloosa resident Scott Huffman began his role as president and CEO of the Alabama School of Healthcare Sciences Foundation on May 15.

He plans to expand the board + secure funding for the Demopolis school that will train health care workers and open in 2026.

Alabama Governor Kay Ivey signed the FOCUS Act on May 14, banning smartphones in public schools except for emergencies, specific health needs or approved educational purposes—local schools must also set up internet safety rules and offer social media training for students before eighth grade.

High schoolers can soon enroll in more than 100 UA Early College courses for $33 per credit hour—about 90% lower than before.

The program, announced Wednesday, is open to sophomores, juniors and seniors with at least a 3.0 GPA and will be offered both on campus and online this fall.

Yesterday, Governor Kay Ivey signed two bills in Montgomery that will enhance law enforcement protections and electronic monitoring for dangerous juveniles.

The Safe Alabama package—HB202 and HB199—received bipartisan support and aims to help protect communities across Alabama.

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.