Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Hunter Chapel AME Zion Church is hosting a free community boutique on Saturday, July 18 from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at 1105 22nd Avenue, offering gently used clothing & household items for those in need.

Ready is hosting the Freedom Day Back To School Bash this weekend in downtown Tuscaloosa, offering family-friendly activities & local vendor booths to celebrate the back-to-school season.

The Tuscaloosa City Board of Education will vote Tuesday on a pay plan to raise salaries and boost benefits for teachers, support staff, and coaches—aiming to improve recruitment.

If approved, the new schedule will take effect Aug. 1 through Sept. 30, 2027.

Yesterday, U.S. News & World Report released its 2026 college rankings — the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa placed third after Auburn and UAB among seven state schools ranked.

Most Central Alabama public school districts have delayed their start for the 2026-27 school year; the typical first day moved from Aug.

7 last year to Aug. 10 this year. In the updated calendar, schools (including Tuscaloosa) begin from Aug. 5 to Aug. 13.

Sanders Flight Training Center is expanding pilot training through a partnership with Liberty University (online courses are available) that lets students earn a Bachelor of Science in Aviation with practical instruction at the Tuscaloosa campus (at Tuscaloosa National Airport).

The program opens career paths for local aspiring aviators.

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff’s Office launched a new Ranger Program for 16- and 17-year-olds to offer hands-on law enforcement training through classroom sessions, mentorship and local events (specific dates and application details are pending).

A new ranking of NFL touchdown leaders with Alabama roots shows that Terrell Owens led with 156 and Derrick Henry finished with 127 touchdowns after scoring 16 in the 2025 season (2025), while rising talents like Josh Jacobs and Jahmyr Gibbs continued to build a strong legacy.

Seven Alabama football players signed Nike deals on Thursday, joining Ryan Coleman-Williams — who signed a multi-year deal in 2025 — to boost local talent.

Yhonzae Pierre of Eufala, EJ Crowell of Jackson, and Cederian Morgan of Alexander City are among the homegrown athletes.

Alabama men's and women's basketball will return to Boutwell Auditorium for preseason exhibition games.

The men's team faces Ole Miss on Oct. 15 at 7:00 p.m. CT while the women's team takes on UAH at noon (showcasing new rosters and coaching changes), offering fans an early look at the season.

Seven new Alabama football players signed with Nike on Thursday (morning), including quarterback Keelon Russell and five others such as freshmen Cederian Morgan and EJ Crowell.

Their signing brings the Tide’s total with Nike to eight and boosts the team’s depth.

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.