Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Residents can take part in free outdoor activities during National Lakes Appreciation Month at Lake Tuscaloosa, Lake Nicol + Harris Lake.

Tuscaloosa Water offers free parking and boat access July 3-5, and a Lake Nicol Paddle Fest is scheduled for Saturday, July 18 with free paddleboard rentals.

The Salvation Army opened its facility as a cool refuge when temperatures hit 95°F on Tuesday, with residents allowed to stay in the dining hall until 4 p.m. and access water and activities — a temporary change to its usual policy amid ongoing heat advisories.

Eligible West Alabama families will be able to register for free diaper assistance from Community Service Programs of West Alabama and the Heavenly Hiney Diaper Bank — registration is Monday, July 6, 10 a.m. to noon at Greensboro Technology Center and Tuesday, July 7, 10 a.m. to noon at Moundville Library.

Michelin announced its plan to consolidate operations — closing the historic Tuscaloosa BFGoodrich plant by the end of 2028 after nearly 80 years in operation.

The layoffs, beginning in early 2027, will affect roughly 1,200 workers.

Tuscaloosa will host Celebration on the River on July 4 from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. at Mercedes Benz Amphitheater + the free event offers live music, a children's zone, and fireworks at 9 p.m. to mark America 250.

A new school threat law, effective July 1, requires Tuscaloosa schools to remove students charged with terroristic threats until their cases are resolved and they pass a court-ordered evaluation (with parents paying the costs) along with meeting school board requirements.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced that families approved for CHOOSE Act education savings accounts can now access funding for the 2026-27 school year; the funds support tuition, tutoring, and approved educational expenses.

Approved families will receive a welcome email from ClassWallet (instructions and support included) on or around July 1.

The University of Alabama plans to hire 49 new academic advisors starting this fall and aims to lower advisor-to-student ratios across its colleges to meet national benchmarks (supporting one-on-one mentorship) as officials implement enhanced training measures.

Tuscaloosa County residents are coming together to pray for a local teen battling stage 4 cancer; community leaders are coordinating support efforts today.

Bray Hubbard, once a top high school quarterback, now plays safety for Alabama.

He uses skills learned from offense to make smart plays and tackles, drawing attention from NFL scouts.

Tuscaloosa News invites readers to vote for the top high school track and field athletes and coach of the year from the 2026 season; voting closes at noon Thursday, July 9 (nominees were selected by local coaches).

Lauren Daigle Concert

7-9 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the soulful music of two-time GRAMMY winner Lauren Daigle live in Tuscaloosa.

Jackson Chase Live at The Rabbit Hole

7-11 p.m. — The Rabbit Hole — Ticket prices vary — Experience Jackson Chase's unpredictable music with the Dogwood Bayou Band in a fun, lively venue.