Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Dozens gathered in Fosters community Saturday to support the family of 15-year-old Will Roberts (who died last week after battling bone cancer) as they returned from California, showing a unified local spirit.

The Tuscaloosa Metro Animal Shelter seeks foster families to care for animals while workers replace drain covers from July 27th to 30th; animals will be returned on the afternoon of the 30th.

Habitat for Humanity Tuscaloosa hosted its first orientation meeting to explain its process for homeownership—selling homes at appraised value over a zero-percent interest, 30-year mortgage—with nearly two dozen locals attending; the next meeting is Saturday, Aug.

8 at 10 a.m. at the Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama.

USDA will purchase up to $20 million in surplus farm-raised catfish to help stabilize prices for growers in Alabama, Mississippi, Arkansas, and Texas after senators pushed for relief, aiming to ease economic pressures on producers and preserve a key part of the regional industry.

Tuscaloosa City Council shifted $1.3M from Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater repairs to fund a new rooftop terrace at the Saban Center that will host STEM education and arts events.

The event space, available for rent and fundraising, will open in mid-2027 (as part of a $74M, 118,000 sqft center).

Taylor’s Law takes effect Aug.

1 as Alabama high school students will see a one-week delay per discipline point added to permit eligibility (capped at one year), though accumulated points can be reduced after a full school year of good behavior.

Because of the 2026 calendar, SSI recipients in Alabama will receive August benefits on July 31, resulting in two payments in July + no payment in August, while their full annual benefit remains unchanged with similar adjustments in November and December.

4-star linebacker Tysir Young from Middletown (DE) committed to Alabama over the weekend and became the seventh recruit in the Tide’s SEC-leading 2028 class, choosing the school over offers from Miami, Oregon, Ohio State, Georgia and Rutgers after an unofficial visit to Tuscaloosa.

Alabama men’s basketball announced an 18-game SEC schedule for the 2026-27 season, with season openers against Sam Houston on Tuesday, Nov.

3 and conference play starting at Mississippi State on Jan. 2 (the team will kick off a five-game homestand).

Former Alabama quarterback Ty Simpson signed his rookie contract with the Los Angeles Rams over the weekend.

The four-year deal includes a $14.9 million bonus and he will learn from veteran quarterback Matthew Stafford.

Alabama basketball sophomore Collins Onyejiaka practiced on July 27 after missing most of his freshman season because of a heart condition (coach Nate Oats said his clearance is still pending).

Alabama basketball head coach Nate Oats married former Crimson Tide staffer Alex Accetta over the weekend in Tuscaloosa (wedding attendees included athletics director Greg Byrne and UA staff).

Oats got engaged in April and marked this milestone with family and friends.