Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter needs temporary foster homes for dogs during scheduled kennel maintenance from Monday, July 27 to Thursday, July 30 & early Monday pickups are especially preferred; interested community members should email with their phone number if available.

Gas at Tuscaloosa County stations rose to $3.67 today, marking a dollar increase compared to last year and a 21-cent jump from last week; analysts note that global oil pressures may keep prices volatile (the lowest fill-up cost in West Alabama).

Governor Ivey appointed three Tuscaloosa educators, a teacher + tech director + UA professor, to a commission studying screen use in K-12 classrooms; they will submit findings by Dec.

1 to guide policy.

Tuscaloosa City Schools hosted an orientation for over 100 new educators ahead of the school year starting Aug.

10. The meeting introduced wearable panic buttons + outlined plans to fill 11 vacancies in elementary and special education.

On July 23, 2026, pre-schoolers at RISE Center in Tuscaloosa showcased their talents during a graduation rehearsal—each child performed skits and carried a sign naming their future school.

UA RISE Center graduated 19 children into the school system, marking a key step in local education (Gary Cosby Jr. reported).

Families and educators celebrated the milestone and look forward to supporting the students' future success.

Sen. Tuberville said some local schools have begun AI education (covering how it works and ethical use) to prepare students, with teacher training a core part of the plan.

The move aims to equip kids for a changing tech landscape.

The University of Alabama book arts program received a $4 million grant from the Windgate Foundation to expand scholarships, fellowships and equipment upgrades for its long-running MFA program.

The boost builds on momentum after the program moved to renovated space in McLure Library.

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville said on Thursday that AI should be taught early in classrooms (schools using trial programs have seen positive results) as he supported Gov. Kay Ivey’s new commission for screen-based instruction and stressed the need to build students’ skills and ethics.

Residents are raising concerns as proposed data centers—including the $14.5 billion Project Marvel near Bessemer and a new development near Brookwood Middle School—risk straining local water supplies and elevating utility costs; officials will review rezoning at Brookwood on Aug.

11 (environment).

Tuscaloosa teen Will Roberts, whose battle with osteosarcoma and call for experimental treatment united local support, died Thursday (12:45 a.m.) surrounded by family, leaving a legacy that touched many in our community.

West Alabama is under a heat advisory until 9 PM as temperatures may hit 109.

Tuscaloosa community groups and local agencies have opened cooling stations (for those vulnerable) to help residents beat the heat.

Alabama coach Zabien Brown praised true freshman Jireh Edwards (a 'freak of nature' recruit) who chose the Tide over top programs; preseason camp begins in about two weeks ahead of the Sept.

5 game against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Tuscaloosa fans can vote for the top 2026 preseason quarterback as 12 local high school players vie for the honor; votes close at noon Friday, July 31.