Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

East Tuscaloosa will see the new Five Points Piggly Wiggly open this fall, which will house Tuscaloosa Drug Company (a beloved local pharmacy that has served Five Points for over a decade) just across from its previous location, along with a bakery, deli, floral department, and a specialty meat case.

Historic Tuscaloosa is hosting its fourth annual Progressive Dinner – Dining Through Time: A Taste of Historic Tuscaloosa – on Thursday, Oct.

1 at key historic sites such as the Battle-Friedman House, Jemison–Van de Graaff Mansion and Historic Bama Bed & Breakfast; funds will support repairs for the Old Tavern ahead of its bicentennial celebration.

Stillman College has held classes since last week while Shelton State had its first day yesterday and students at the University of Alabama will begin classes tomorrow; higher ed officials stress that early study habits set the tone for the semester.

Capitol Scholars applications remain open until Sept.

14 for UA students aiming to gain summer internships in Washington, D.C. Applicants must submit a resumé with two recommendations and can join a virtual info meeting on Sept. 1 at 5 p.m. (Zoom registration is online).

New CDC data shows that Alabama kindergartners reached a record 3% vaccine exemption rate this school year, with nearly all exemptions being non-medical.

The rise marks the largest jump since 2011-12 as vaccine coverage for MMR, DTaP, polio and varicella slightly declined.

The University of Alabama President’s Mansion reopened after months of restoration that replaced the stucco, repaired its windows, and added an ADA-compliant elevator + it now hosts the presidential family and campus events.

Alabama faces a tough fall fire season if rainfall does not change soon; as of today, all wildfires except one near Seale (off U.S. 431) are contained and the largest blaze has burned 253 acres in Washington County.

State Farm began sending a record dividend to qualifying Alabama auto customers based on their 2025 premiums.

Eligible policyholders will receive notifications (via digital payment or check) as payments are distributed in waves.

Tuscaloosa drivers must stop for school buses with flashing signals on most roads (except on divided highways where only same-direction drivers must stop) or face fines starting at $150.

Repeated violations bring higher penalties with community service, license suspensions and a felony for a fourth offense.

Offensive coordinator Ryan Grubb praised junior wide receiver Ryan Coleman-Williams for an 80-yard touchdown catch during fall camp (his effort has impressed the team).

The team will hold a scrimmage on Thursday as they gear up for the season.

Alabama football defensive coordinator Kane Wommack compares player evaluation to the film Moneyball as he prepares for fall camp this week.

He expects to finalize reserve winners by week's end and UA will hold its second fall scrimmage on Thursday.