Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

A local community group will host a Back-To-School Bash on Thursday, July 10 at 10 a.m. at Tuscaloosa River Market to give away 400 backpacks filled with school supplies that students must collect in person.

A 65-year-old Tuscaloosa County man was found dead floating in the lake by his home Sunday, and investigators said he was last seen early in the morning outside with no evidence of foul play — his identity will not be released.

A Moundville man was arrested on Friday after he allegedly stabbed a 22-year-old man at a park on Topaz Road in Hale County—about 40 miles south of Tuscaloosa during a work dispute over money.

This fall, eligible Tuscaloosa City School students can take up to nine free UA Early College courses due to an expanded Elevate Dual Enrollment Scholarship that lowers course costs—TCS superintendent Mike Daria said the change removes financial barriers.

UA's cost reduction from $385 to $33 per credit hour, which allowed over 1,000 dual enrollment courses in 2024-25, is seen by Mayor Walt Maddox as an investment in our students and local economy.

On Tuesday, the Tuscaloosa City Council approved a $150 million riverfront resort project at 105 Rice Mine Road North that will include a six story building with hotel managed condos and retail — and they reapproved a program letting residents clear parking tickets with donated school supplies from July 7 to Aug. 1. The council also updated its memorandum of understanding for the West Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force — planned a $220,000 grant for homelessness and domestic violence services — approved a reimbursable utility agreement for the Woolsey Finnell Bridge replacement — and annexed nearly five acres at 6005 New Watermelon Road.

Mayor Walt Maddox is preparing to sue the state over the Simplified Sellers Use Tax law that he says forces Tuscaloosa to lose millions in online sales tax revenue — funds needed to improve public safety and support local schools.

The lawsuit follows the city council’s decision and comes after last year’s loss of $15 million in revenue and an additional $5 million for the school system.

Tuscaloosa City Council voted today to change its plan for the Veterans Memorial Parkway Pedestrian Bridge—linking the Mayfair subdivision with nearby shopping areas—after residents said demolishing it would create unsafe crossings.

The council set aside $1.5 million to fix structural problems and add safety features like stronger railings, better fencing, cameras and handicap access.

Former Alabama quarterback Tua Tagovailoa became the first Crimson Tide star to join the NFL Top 100 after the 2024-25 season—he played 11 games for the Miami Dolphins, completing 72.9% of his passes for 2,967 yards and 19 touchdowns while his ranking fell from No. 31 to No. 91.

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.

Hot Hundred Cycling Event

12 AM – 2 PM — Tuscaloosa — Registration fee required — Experience scenic rides through the rolling hills while supporting mental health initiatives.

Hydroponic Systems Workshop for Gardeners and Educators

2-7 p.m. — Tuscaloosa County Courthouse Annex Auditorium — Free — Learn about hydroponics and build your own system to take home while enjoying lunch.

Rhythm & Brews Concert

7 PM – 1 AM — Rhythm & Brews — Tickets available — Experience Glen Templeton’s country music live in Tuscaloosa.