Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Fans can soon honor Dolly Parton with the new 'Drive with Dolly' specialty plate that will support her Imagination Library of Alabama.

The plate will be available in the next eight to 12 weeks & fifty dollars from each sale will fund nearly a year's worth of books for two children in the registered county.

Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest returns to Government Plaza on Saturday, Oct.

3 with live music, German food, a 5K race starting at 8:00 a.m. for the American Cancer Society and a dachshund dash presented by local groups. Admission is free except for a $10 stein.

University of Alabama now runs eight electric buses on its campus as part of a $12 million project funded by federal grants to reduce emissions and improve transportation.

The buses use smart software to adjust speed at traffic lights and aim for 50% emission-free driving in coming years.

Brittany Grayson, (former assistant principal at Central High) was named principal at University Place Elementary on Tuesday after a unanimous board vote, and she began her role that day.

World Atlas named Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge among the Gulf Coast's most tick-infested areas on Sept.

2. Visitors at the refuge west of Gulf Shores are advised to wear long pants and use EPA-registered repellent (especially against lone star ticks) to minimize bite risks.

Bray Hubbard explained in a video that Alabama football’s defense will stick to a simple game plan as the team prepares to face East Carolina in Week 1.

An anonymous Big Ten running backs coach said Alabama appeared to be playing like a Pac-12 team during fall camp after a loss to Indiana last season, while head coach Kalen DeBoer (noting improved communication) said the team was focused on reducing negative yardage runs.

William Sanders from Brookwood becomes the first local starting left guard for Alabama in the home opener against East Carolina on Saturday (he recovered quickly from a spring injury) and coaches are confident he can be a difference-maker.

Alabama coach Kalen DeBoer has named wide receiver Rico Scott the starter for the home opener against East Carolina on Saturday, Sept.

5 with plans to rotate extra receivers in the role. Kickoff is set for 11:00 a.m.

University of Alabama and ALDOT are coordinating extra water monitors, medical staff and traffic plans ahead of the season opener against East Carolina on Saturday at Bryant-Denny Stadium.

The sellout game expects over 100,000 fans — officials have pre-set traffic signals to manage heavy arrival.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association released its high school football rankings on Sept.2 in preparation for regional play later this week in the state.

The rankings cover all eight AHSAA classes and AISA teams, highlighting win-loss records plus point totals for top teams.

Alabama hosts ECU in its season opener at Bryant-Denny Stadium Saturday at 11 a.m.; forecasts predict temperatures climbing to the high 90s and a heat index reaching up to 110 (feels-like) during the game.