Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Ronald Creel, Sr. was named Citizen of the Year by the Alabama Broadcasters Association at the opening of the Alabama State Games in Birmingham and later honored at the Association's 80th Anniversary Reception in Tuscaloosa.

He spent 40 years building scholarships totaling nearly $468,000 for young athletes.

Coca-Cola UNITED exceeded its original $330M and job goals with its new campus in Kingston.

The facility (576,000 sqft) opened to media Thursday ahead of operations on Sept. 14 and will serve as the company’s headquarters while the former East Lake campus remains for sale.

Tuscaloosa Symphony Orchestra is set to open its 2026-27 season with “We the People” on Monday, Sept.

14 at 7 p.m. at Moody Concert Hall, featuring Tuscaloosa native Willie Williams and the Alabama Choir School in an all-American concert.

The Tuscaloosa County Sheriff's Office said no local schools have reported threats from a viral Cat in the Hat trend (despite similar concerns in Walker and Chilton counties) today, and officials urge parents and students to report any worrisome posts for added safety.

At Tuesday's town hall, Brookwood Mayor Joe Barger defended proposed data centers for the industrial corridor amid resident concerns about noise, water usage, and impact near Brookwood Middle School.

The council will vote on Sept. 15 on rezoning Project Brookwood land to decide this future development.

First responders and UA officials urge fans to hydrate early before Saturday’s sellout game as stadium temperatures may exceed 91+ degrees; they have prepared surge trucks and extra water stations to assist those walking the strip and climbing multiple flights of stairs.

At Bryant-Denny Stadium, Alabama will open its season Saturday in temperatures forecast to hit 96° (with heat indices above 100), prompting heat advisories and urging fans to stay hydrated while enjoying the game.

Brooks Austin (The Film Guy) appeared on the Beat Everyone podcast today to explain why Alabama starting quarterback candidate Keelon Russell is special; he noted that Russell’s electrifying high school career may give the Crimson Tide an explosive edge.

Nick Saban said Alabama is focused on fixing its offensive line while praising quarterback Keelon Russell for his playmaking skills; the team will start two transfers + two returners on Saturday against East Carolina.

On Thursday morning, Alabama men's basketball announced two staffing moves by naming Josh Pierre as director of player development and rehiring Alex Accetta as director of program relations & bringing her NBA experience after four seasons with Dallas.

Accetta, married to coach Nate Oats, is expected to boost team operations.