Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Tuscaloosa hosts a busy slate of events this September, including movie nights, art walks, and tailgate breakfasts alongside career workshops and outdoor concerts (Sept.

1 through 30) that invite residents to join local campus and downtown activities.

Dexter Roberts will perform tonight at Two Dimes on the Tuscaloosa Strip at 7 p.m. (the former Voice alum from Fayette has released two EPs and plans more music soon).

The Tuscaloosa Delta Sigma Theta Alumnae Chapter is hosting a free virtual EmpowerHer Tech Talk on leadership and technology on Wednesday, Sept.

9 at 7 p.m. Kenyatta Powers-Rucker will lead the online discussion to help women build professional confidence and embrace tech.

UA has launched a new electric bus fleet on campus today, funded by a federal grant that supports quiet, energy-efficient rides and hands-on research for students (including studies on battery and route performance).

The buses serve daily transit needs and help advance transportation technology for the community.

The University of Alabama marks National Campus Safety Awareness Month by sharing safety tips and urging everyone to report unusual activity; it will test its emergency notification systems today at 11:55 a.m. (weather permitting).

Shelton State and Tuscaloosa County High School have launched a pilot program for about 400 freshmen to earn college credits and develop workplace skills; half will take the course in the fall and the rest in spring 2027 (campus visits are included).

UA is dedicating September to events designed to help second-year students connect, learn and combat the sophomore slump+ the program features a kickoff meet-up, leadership fair and ongoing activities including a send-off in April.

Researchers found that a popular artificial sweetener sold in Alabama is linked to a 57% higher risk of heart attack and stroke (after adjusting for age, obesity and diabetes), and they advise residents to review their sweetener choices.

Alabama's new starting quarterback Keelon Russell will start Saturday, Sept.

5 at the home opener against the East Carolina Pirates; his coach cited a dinner with his offensive line (a sign of leadership) along with practice wins (boosting team confidence) to ready him for tougher tests this season.

Saturday's Alabama-East Carolina football game at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa will face extreme heat, with a forecast high of 93°F and RealFeel reaching 107°F + a potential heat index of 110°F.

Other teams will experience cooler conditions during their evening games.

Alabama football kicks off on Saturday, Sept.

5 at 11 a.m. at Bryant-Denny Stadium, featuring new gate and section numbers, updated customer services, enhanced concession menus, and a return of the free Champions Lane concert series — changes that aim to improve game day navigation and experience.