Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Yesterday, shoppers visited the Tuscaloosa Farmers Market at Tuscaloosa River Market to buy fresh vegetables, mushrooms, fruits and local goods.

Vendors like Sugar Hill Farms and Underground Forest offered a display of produce — highlighting items from local growers.

Gov. Kay Ivey + the Alabama Department of Early Childhood Education announced Thursday that 55 more classrooms will join the P-3 early learning program next year, expanding it to 454 classrooms in 29 counties.

The initiative aims to boost pre-kindergarten to third grade learning and narrow the achievement gap.

A town hall held Saturday at East Lake United Methodist Church saw local groups Alabama Arise and Birmingham Indivisible warn that a federal bill will cut SNAP and health care aid, potentially costing the state nearly $300 million and affecting benefits for 800,000 people+ advocates urged community members to contact state senators to oppose the bill.

Today, SB63 takes effect in Alabama and requires DNA+fingerprint collection from undocumented noncitizens in custody, a mandate signed by Governor Kay Ivey on May 12 that immigrant advocates say invites racial profiling; another law, SB53, will take effect in October and requires local officers to contact federal agents when they suspect an illegal presence, raising concerns that normal community help could be criminalized.

Today, ASWA released its 2025 All-State Baseball Team showcasing high school players and coaches from 167 schools nominated by local coaches—standouts include Aiden Poe for Class 2A, Steele Hall for Class 7A, and Eric Hines for Class 5A; the Mr. Baseball winner will be announced at Jacksonville State University on June 8 while the All-State Softball team is set for announcement on June 7.

Bob Baumhower is a former Alabama football player and five-time Pro Bowler with the Miami Dolphins who opened his first restaurant, Wings and Whiskers, in Tuscaloosa in 1981.

He now runs Aloha Hospitality with his family—he says Coach Bear Bryant’s lessons guide him every day.

On May 31, the Alabama Crimson Tide baseball team faced elimination when it played Southern Miss at Pete Taylor Park in Hattiesburg at 2 p.m. CT on ESPN2—this critical game tested the Tide’s bid to extend its historic NCAA Tournament run.

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.

Ringo Starr and His All Starr Band Concert

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Tickets available — Experience classics from The Beatles and Ringo's solo hits live on stage.