Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

More than 40 motorcycle riders joined the fifth annual Ride Down Memory Lane fundraiser hosted by Caring Days in Tuscaloosa, riding 65 miles to Woodstock, West Blocton and Centreville before returning to help lower costs for seniors with memory disorders — such as dementia or stroke-related memory loss.

Five Below is renovating a closed Dollar General at Northwood Crossings on McFarland Boulevard for its new Northport location aimed at teenagers.

Council president Christy Bobo said the discount store, which is already hiring staff, will bring jobs+energy to the area as work continues.

In May, nearly every day in Alabama had severe weather with only four storm‑free days, 20 confirmed tornadoes, and record rainfall in Tuscaloosa with nearly 15 inches recorded.

NOAA’s Storm Prediction Center forecasts no organized severe weather for the next seven days—though scattered rain and storms are expected.

Men’s Health Awareness Month is being observed this June to focus local attention on crucial health issues affecting men—organizers plan events that provide education and encourage early detection.

Community groups are partnering to offer resources and enhance wellness across the area.

Former Alabama running back Mark Ingram, linebacker Demeco Ryans, and ex-head coach Dennis Franchione are on the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame ballot—Ingram helped the Tide win a national title in 2010 while Ryans and Franchione built strong football careers.

Four-star quarterback Matt Ponataski, a dual-sport athlete from Archbishop Moeller High School (Cincinnati), will make his first official visit to Tuscaloosa from June 6-8 as Alabama looks to boost its 2026 recruiting class; he led his team to a 14-2 record and earned Ohio Mr. Football honors while also shining in baseball.

The National Football Foundation has nominated 79 players and nine coaches for the 2026 College Football Hall of Fame.

Among those with Alabama ties are former players Mark Ingram and DeMeco Ryans and coach Dennis Franchione—official class details will be announced early 2026.

Tuscaloosa County Parks and Recreation Authority and Shelton State Community College will launch an all-girls flag football league later this fall after free clinics in April grew local interest—aiming to boost sports opportunities for young women.

Tuscaloosa County’s head baseball coach Nick Richardson was named the Alabama Sports Writers Association 7A Baseball Coach of the Year over the weekend—an honor that marked his leadership when his team won its first state championship in May.

Three Wildcats players earned All-State honors, with pitcher Brooks Mellown on the Second Team and two others receiving recognition.

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.