Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Impact Nation Fellowship Church will host its annual Back-to-School Bash on Friday, Aug.

7 at 10 a.m. at its campus (1110 26th Ave. E.) to offer school supplies on a first-come, first-served basis for Tuscaloosa-area students and families.

Nick and Terry Saban hosted their 20th annual Nick's Kids Giveaway Luncheon inside Bryant-Denny Stadium, where they recognized local nonprofits and donated over $775,000 to programs benefiting kids, families, and educators.

The Sabans also announced plans to fund their 22nd Habitat for Humanity house and a teacher scholarship endowment.

State data shows hundreds of teacher shortages for the 2025-26 school year, with many positions filled by educators on temporary licenses.

Tuscaloosa City Schools reported 81 openings — a sign of ongoing challenges with recruitment and retention.

A national study published on Aug.

5 found Alabama ranks last for maternity care — limited access to OB-GYNs and pediatricians contrasts with lower childbirth costs, which may affect local families relying on accessible health services.

ALUM Tuscaloosa is building a 68-unit luxury condo-hotel near the University with a 116,000 sqft facility featuring a private club, rooftop lounge, chef-curated dining, meeting spaces, and pool — groundbreaking is expected in a few weeks with Derek Jeter as brand ambassador.

EJ Crowell, a former five-star running back from Jackson, returned to practice at fall camp on Wednesday after recovering from a lower-body injury that sidelined him most of spring; Coach Kalen DeBoer said his play recalled high school highlights + the team hopes to see him in games.

During fall practice, coach Kalen DeBoer noted that QBs Austin Mack and Keelon Russell showed consistency and explosive plays, setting the stage for who will take most snaps against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept.

5 at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

Alabama football started its first preseason camp practice on Wednesday at the university facility (EJ Crowell, Cederian Morgan, and Jireh Edwards) as coaches gave promising freshmen an early shot to secure positions for the 2026 season.

AL.com has spotlighted the top AISA wide receivers after 28 high school football coaches (via survey data) highlighted players from across the state.

Standout talents from schools like Escambia and Southern are expected to boost their stats this fall.