Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa’s Dog Mayor Race features 30 canine candidates raising funds for the metro animal shelter.

Voting is open until June 28 (inauguration is set for June 30) and each candidate's campaign supports local pet care efforts.

Tuscaloosa is set to host a free Fourth of July celebration on Saturday, July 4 at Tuscaloosa Amphitheater, featuring kids' activities, live music, and fireworks.

Free downtown parking and shuttle service will accommodate guests despite closures on MLK Boulevard due to construction.

Northport leaders will consider a $4.8M deal at tomorrow’s 5:30 p.m. City Council meeting to bring Big Mike’s Steakhouse to a vacant site near Airport Road and Jemison Lane — the plan will build a 6,720 sqft restaurant that could create 35+ jobs and boost taxes via revenue-sharing.

UA named Dr. André Denham as the new associate provost and dean of the Graduate School, effective July 1.

Denham will lead new grad programs and improve recruitment and admissions while building on his work as associate dean for graduate academic affairs (aligning doctoral study with local needs).

Juneteenth remains a federal and state holiday, observed on June 19, despite DEI policy changes last year (which only affected park entrance fee exemptions).

Federal offices and many banks will close on the day to honor the end of slavery.

Northport City Council will hold a public hearing Thursday at 5:30 p.m. at City Hall to review plans for Big Mike's move across from Walmart (the regional favorite will use a new 6,720 sqft building for at least 20 years).

Some local residents have expressed concerns over the proposed deal.

NASA named the Artemis III crew on Tuesday, including backup astronaut Bob Hines with Alabama aerospace ties from UA & Maxwell AFB.

The four-person team will launch from Kennedy Space Center to test systems in low-Earth orbit before a lunar mission.

Astronaut Randy Bresnik, a space shuttle veteran, will lead the Artemis-3 crew on a two-week orbital demo scheduled for 2027 on an Alabama-built Space Launch System rocket.

The crew will practice docking the Orion capsule (testing two lunar lander designs) while orbiting Earth.

Alabama’s returning offensive lineman Michael Carroll moved from tackle to guard during spring scrimmage (a change meant to improve the run game) as coach Kalen DeBoer said his versatility will help the team in 2026.

Alabama guard Labaron Philon Jr. is one of 14 players invited to the NBA Draft green room and will attend the first round starting Tuesday, June 23.

He averaged 22 points (3.5 rebounds, 5 assists) for Crimson Tide last season.

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.

The RNB Brunch Experience

1:30-5 p.m. — Bryant Conference Center — Admission tickets available — Indulge in a unique blend of food, drinks, and a nostalgic R&B music experience.