Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

A recent Back-to-School Bash outside Tuscaloosa River Market gave away 400 backpacks filled with school supplies to help ease start-of-year costs for families.

Local groups like READY organized the event—parents simply visited 12 vendor tables to collect the items they needed.

A man was reportedly shot at McDaniel Arms Apartments on Harper Road in Northport around 10:30 p.m. Thursday — he is in stable condition as police report no arrests and the investigation continues.

Tuscaloosa students will return to class on August 7 while teachers start professional development on August 1, 4, 5, and 6—other districts have varying start dates with Montgomery students on August 5, Mobile on August 11, and Huntsville on August 4, while Alabama will hold a sales tax holiday from July 18 to 20 offering a 4% tax exemption on eligible school supplies and clothing.

Governor Kay Ivey announced 58 new classrooms for First Class Pre-K for the 2025 to 2026 school year in collaboration with the state Department of Early Childhood Education.

The expansion will raise the total to 1,528 classrooms statewide to support quality early education (the program has been nationally recognized for 19 straight years).

Emerald Ash Borers have spread into six counties in Alabama—Jefferson, Madison, Etowah, Calhoun, St. Clair and Shelby—and are killing ash trees by boring into them and blocking water flow, which has led the Alabama Forestry Commission to advise landowners to treat or remove infested trees.

The CDC said tick bites have surged to record levels this summer, reaching the highest numbers since 2019 across the nation.

Officials note that these bites have driven more emergency room visits than any summer since 2017 — urging residents to stay cautious when spending time outdoors.

The New York Times mini crossword on Friday featured former Alabama coach Nick Saban as a clue, and he now works as a football analyst on ESPN after a long career with the Crimson Tide.

He will be inducted into the College Football Hall of Fame later this year (his team won six national titles).

Former Alabama basketball player Mark Sears missed his NBA Summer League debut with the Milwaukee Bucks due to a left calf strain—Bucks representatives said he will be available for today’s game against the Cleveland Cavaliers at 2:30 p.m. CT.

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.