Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

AAA is launching its 100 Days of Safe Driving campaign from Memorial Day through Labor Day to urge local drivers to put phones away and avoid distractions—especially new teen drivers—as families plan travel.

The initiative comes amid rising gas prices and busy roads ahead.

The Britto Foundation honored 911 dispatchers at an awards luncheon this week.

The event recognized personnel from Tuscaloosa, Northport, and the University of Alabama for coordinating emergency calls — organizers presented plaques for their service.

Drivers preparing for Memorial Day weekend may face higher pump prices as gas in Tuscaloosa County rises to $4.14 per gallon, a 9-cent increase from last week.

Triple-A warns that prices could stay high with rising travel demand and ongoing global supply concerns.

Alabama education leaders reported that third-grade reading scores remained nearly unchanged at 88%, leaving 12% of students below benchmarks.

Officials said tougher literacy standards and targeted interventions could challenge schools (including Tuscaloosa City Schools) to better support struggling readers.

An EF-1 tornado touched down in Tuscaloosa County this morning + emergency crews are assessing damage and urging residents to follow safety guidelines.

Kettle Cuisine recalled Whole Foods Market Kitchen Minestrone Soup after it was discovered the label left out shrimp, which could trigger serious allergic reactions.

Customers in Alabama who bought the soup online or in stores should return it for a full refund.

Alabama baseball lost 13-3 to Florida in the SEC Tournament on Thursday in Hoover, leaving their postseason seeding uncertain despite a seven-game win streak.

The Crimson Tide will host a regional in Tuscaloosa next weekend and must improve postseason play to advance.

Hubbertville baseball won a walk-off over Fayetteville in the AHSAA title series game held in Jacksonville on Thursday+ the win forced a game three to decide the series.

Alabama softball put on a dominant display in a 7-0 win against LSU at the NCAA Tuscaloosa Super Regional on Friday, May 22 — Alexis Pupillo’s 18th home run energized local fans and the team will face LSU again today at 2 p.m. on ESPN.

Alabama football’s 2027 recruiting group, with 7 commitments (including two blue-chip quarterbacks), ranks differently among major services in the SEC and nationally.

Players will begin signing in December, so more details are expected soon.

Alabama basketball forward Amari Allen has not decided to return for his sophomore season as NBA teams host workouts ahead of the NBA Draft deadline on Wednesday, May 27; teams include the Memphis Grizzlies, New York Knicks, Oklahoma City Thunder + Miami Heat.

38 Special Concert

10:00 AM – 7:30 PM — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Check event host for ticket prices — Rock out to classic hits from the legendary Southern rock band 38 Special.