Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Alabama drivers can pre-register for a specialty license plate supporting the Imagination Library program (deadline May 1) that honors the late Dolly Parton and funds monthly book deliveries to children; only 87 of 1,000 needed pre-registrations have been received so far.

United Way of West Alabama will celebrate its one-millionth book delivery from Dolly Parton’s Imagination Library at Tuscaloosa Public Library on Oct.

3 from 9-11 a.m. The event honors her legacy after her Aug. 25 passing and recognizes community donors who support local literacy.

Yeti has launched new Crimson Tide fan gear for Tuscaloosa tailgates ahead of the season — the collection features limited-edition water bottles, tote bags and coolers available on the official fan shop.

Fans can choose from 16 items designed for game-day celebrations.

Tuscaloosa City Schools reported higher scores in reading and math over the past several years as elementary English proficiency rose from 42% to 65% and math scores more than doubled from 21% to 45%, district officials said.

UA installed more than a dozen new oak trees between 2nd Ave and Peter Bryce Blvd this summer to enhance the campus entrance and provide shade for students and visitors—phase two will begin after fall commencement to extend the canopy from Stadium Drive to Hackberry Lane.

Reading Allies seeks local volunteers to tutor first to third grade students and boost their literacy skills.

The tutoring sessions last 30 minutes twice a week from the week of Sept. 8 until the week of Nov. 16 and require volunteers to be at least 16.

Labor Day will fall on Monday, Sept.

7, and state employees will have the day off as many state offices and post offices close (private businesses and schools set their own schedules).

Alabama football GM Courtney Morgan said the team is cautious in spending on new recruits and carefully evaluates prospects, including quarterback Keelon Russell (and receiver Lotzeir Brooks).

He said the approach boosts fiscal responsibility ahead of the Sept. 5 opener at Bryant-Denny against East Carolina.

The Tide is still finalizing its starting offensive line as the left guard remains in open competition between Mal Waldrep Jr. and Will Sanders (both showing strong play) ahead of the game against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium on Saturday, Sept.

5.

Jeremiah Beaman from Birmingham will miss the Alabama season after re-tearing his ACL on the same knee he battled last year.

The injury struck at preseason camp and defensive coordinator Kane Wommack said the team will rely on extra depth along the defensive line.

Alabama transfer tight end Josh Ford, who hasn’t played since last September, will return on Saturday, Sept.

5 when the Tide face East Carolina. He practiced at fall camp today and is eager to bring his physical play to the season opener.

Alabama defensive coordinator Kane Wommack expects Dre Kirkpatrick Jr. to receive more playing time this fall as his versatility strengthens the secondary.

The coach noted Dre stepped up in early scrimmages and could fill multiple roles among returning starters.