Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa will host the Celebration on the River on Friday, July 4 from 6 to 9 p.m. at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater, drawing families with a Kids Zone, live performances by DJ Tank, Drum Nation and the Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra, and fireworks after remarks from Mayor Walt Maddox—visitors are advised to park in the nearby Intermodal Facility parking deck since on-site parking is limited.

A Tuscaloosa man was killed when Marcos Morales, age 22, lost control of his 2018 Ford pickup on Keenes Mill Road near Hurricane Road in the Cottondale area Saturday night—Trooper Brandon Bailey said Morales was not wearing a seatbelt and was ejected before the vehicle caught fire.

Tuscaloosa police reported that on June 20 a former employee fatally shot 42-year-old Roy Lamar Curry Jr. at the Texaco gas station on Skyland Blvd and stole a vehicle—22-year-old Tyshawn Laquan Thompson was later apprehended near Batesville, Mississippi at around 10:30 p.m.

In Tuscaloosa, celebratory gunfire is illegal under a city ordinance that bans discharging a firearm within city limits or within 300 yards of them — a rule meant to prevent serious injuries and property damage.

Violators who fire within 100 yards of a residence, church or business risk jail time — authorities warn that falling bullets can be deadly.

Nate Oats and his staff strengthened Alabama’s 2025 class by adding a 6-foot-10 center from Boston who reclassified from the 2026 class on Friday—four-star Collins Onyejiaka averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his junior year at Newman School and visited Tuscaloosa on June 18.

Two Shelton State pitchers—John Michael Pickens and Mason Steele—were named to NJCAA All-American teams on Monday as the only ACCC players honored, with Pickens earning third team honors and Steele an honorable mention while the program continued its record season.

On Friday the Tide added 6-foot-10 center Collins Onyejiaka from Boston after he reclassified from the 2026 class to join their eight-signee 2025 class—he averaged 9.5 points, 7.9 rebounds and 2.7 blocks in his junior season at Newman School.

He is expected to compete for playing time next season with other transfer players.

On Sunday, four-star offensive lineman Chris Booker stopped his recruitment after visits to Georgia, Ole Miss, Florida and Tuscaloosa and said he is fully committed to Alabama.

His decision—made after several campus visits—gives head coach Kalen DeBoer more time to add top recruits as the Tide’s 2026 class now has nine commits and awaits further decisions.

The Crimson Tide flipped four-star running back Javari Barnett—originally committed to the Fighting Illini—and he is now the first running back in the Tide’s 2026 class; Barnett from Tampa Bay Tech School made one official visit last weekend to Tuscaloosa.

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.

Save a Life Training Workshop

9-11 a.m. — Employee Resource Center — Free entry — Gain essential life-saving skills in this transformative workshop at The University of Alabama.

Jackson Chase: Rhythm & Brews

9 PM - 1 AM — Rhythm & Brews — Cost Info Unavailable — Experience the full band performance of Tuscaloosa native Jackson Chase, a talented singer on stage since elementary school.