Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

During a July meeting, Tuscaloosa’s West Alabama Quilter’s Guild honored 97-year-old Senior Sergeant Charles Smith—a Korean War and Vietnam veteran—with a Quilt of Valor, a rare honor granted to only a few veterans each year.

The Arts Council of Tuscaloosa is inviting movie fans to quote along during a screening of 'Coming to America' at the Historic Bama Theatre tonight at 7:00 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults plus discounted rates for students and seniors, and season passes are available.

Lauren Daigle will perform tomorrow at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater as part of her Summer 2026 tour & tickets for the 7:30 p.m. show remain available.

This event marks another highlight in her celebrated music career.

From July 16 to 22, Tuscaloosa offers a week of events including a preview of Theatre Tuscaloosa’s ‘Big Fish: The Musical’ and Lauren Daigle’s performance at the Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater.

Other events include art markets, book signings and live music (check details for times and prices).

The Alabama Department of Revenue announced that the Back-to-School Sales Tax Holiday will run from 12:01 a.m. Friday, July 17 to midnight Sunday, July 19, allowing qualifying clothing, school supplies, computers and books to be sold without state sales tax.

Shoppers (depending on local rules) may still face local tax.

CNBC ranked Alabama No. 8 among the worst states for quality of life, earning a D-minus grade in studies of mental health & worker protections along with other factors.

Childcare and air quality were noted as strengths in the report.

Preliminary ACAP scores from spring 2026 show improved science performance with more 4th and 8th graders achieving proficiency (over 50% reaching Level 3 or above) while math and English language arts remain unchanged, the state superintendent said.

The results underscore ongoing investment in STEM courses statewide.

Tuscaloosa low-to-moderate-income homeowners who qualify can apply for funding to repair owner-occupied homes through the city's Let's Paint Let's Renovate Program from July 20 through July 24; applications are available online, at City Hall, or by phone.

University Medical Center now offers lifestyle medicine services and has expanded women's healthcare by adding UMC OBGYN Associates at DCH Medical Tower.

Referred patients will receive wellness assessments, nutrition counseling, and personalized plans to help prevent chronic disease and manage health.

New SEC football rankings released yesterday place Alabama and Oklahoma at the top based on tradition and fan support, while 14 other programs including Texas, Georgia, LSU and Tennessee are also ranked according to history and recent success.

Alabama basketball alumni competed in the NBA Summer League Tuesday with Labaron Philon leading the 76ers against Houston while other Tide formers played for various teams.

Fans followed live updates and highlights as the players vied for roster spots and contract opportunities.

The University of Alabama is hiring game day workers for fall football games in Tuscaloosa, and applicants 16 and older can attend walk-in interviews Mon to Fri, 10:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. where training is provided plus transportation is available depending on location.

Alabama updated its 2026-27 men's basketball nonconference schedule this mid-July, with games including a Nov.

24 tipoff against Baylor during the Players Era Festival in Las Vegas and a Dec. 16 matchup at South Florida.

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.