Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

City leaders in Northport joined the former first lady of Alabama Football on Friday morning to cut the ribbon on a new playground funded by Nick and Terry Saban's charity.

Council President Christy Bobo praised the donation (which also helped upgrade Civitan Park on Main Street) while Terry Saban announced that ground will be broken next month on the $150 million Saban Center across the river in Tuscaloosa.

Venue Tuscaloosa is a food hall with five restaurants located across from Sokol Park that quickly seats any group.

Owner Bryan Finison said the space—formerly focused on live music—will host community gatherings and join Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week from June 22nd through 28th.

Cliff and Anne Clark plan to expand Decades Pub & Grub downtown during Tuscaloosa Restaurant Week, which begins June 22, by doubling their space and launching new menu items such as a premium steak and cheese sandwich.

The revamped venue will present a pop culture theme (with plans to add sports memorabilia) as it offers improved dishes and gluten-free options.

Tuscaloosa police responded to a homicide on the 4500 block of East Skyland Blvd Friday afternoon—one male victim was found dead.

Organizers in Northport are hosting their fourth annual Juneteenth celebration today at the Faucett Brothers Activity Center from 2 to 7 p.m. Jashira Sullivan said attendance rose from 100 to 400 in the past three years — the free event will include grilling, a concert, a comedy show, and a dance competition.

May’s housing report showed that Alabama recorded 6,214 home sales, which was 7.3% more than April, and a median price of $230,130 that increased by 2.3% from the previous month.

The total value of closed homes reached $1.7 billion—26.9% higher than last May—and listings hit a five-year high.

Former Alabama quarterback A.J.

McCarron said on the Dynasty podcast that redshirt junior Ty Simpson is ready to earn the starting job as he shows strong arm talent and can run well with the ball — he expects Simpson to lead the Tide when they face Florida State on August 30. The team seeks a new signal caller after Jalen Milroe left for the NFL and is also watching candidates like Austin Mack and Keelon Russell.

Alabama’s newest quarterback commit, Jett Thomalla, a 6-foot-5, 195-pound four-star from Millard South in Omaha, flipped his commitment from Iowa State to join the Tide this week.

He finished 10th overall at the Elite 11 Finals camp at Mira Costa High School—ranking fourth on day 2 with strong passing numbers.

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.

Masters of the Mic

6-7:30 p.m. — Tuscaloosa Amphitheater — Check event host for ticket pricing — Experience the classic beats of Doug E. Fresh in a lively outdoor setting.