Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Earlier this week, more than 100 residents joined the Tuscaloosa Community Safety Forum at the Career & Technology Academy to discuss public safety and law enforcement concerns – topics included traffic stops, body cameras and advice for young drivers.

Law enforcement and community leaders answered questions to build trust and improve safety.

The Tuscaloosa City Council voted last night to sign a 15-year deal with a local nonprofit that will keep the world-renowned Kentuck Festival of the Arts in town through 2039.

Mayor Walt Maddox and Kentuck's Executive Director Exa Skinner said the agreement follows a successful first run that drew 16,000 visitors last October — the festival is set to return on October 11th and 12th.

Warrior Met Coal is set to bid on two lease areas in Tuscaloosa County on Sept.

30 at 9:00 a.m. CDT, and if successful will expand its operations with a 21-year coal bed and bring 425 jobs—boosting the local economy.

On September 8, the Office for General Education hosted the Pathways and Parfait event at the Student Center Great Hall to introduce a program that lets freshman earn a special credential by taking designated courses.

Faculty answered student questions and free Moonshot Creamery ice cream was served+ students learned how the program connects core classes to job skills.

The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs opened a seven-day public comment period today on its final Broadband Equity, Access, and Deployment proposal—set to be submitted on September 18th to expand high-speed internet access to over 101,090 locations statewide.

Governor Kay Ivey said the plan aims to boost service in underserved areas.

Today, the Hunter Whitley Butterfly Initiative, a veteran suicide prevention nonprofit, will host a suicide awareness roundtable at 6 p.m. at Izzy’s Coffee and Collectibles in Northport (its theme is substance abuse and guest speakers will share personal stories during a 30-minute discussion) with food provided by Decades Pub and Grub.

Tarris Bouie, a four star forward from SPIRE Academy, committed to Alabama basketball and said he liked Coach Nate Oats’ fast-paced offense and supportive coaching—he joins Chris Washington Jr. in the 2026 recruiting class.

Alabama quarterback Keelon Russell, a 5-star recruit from Texas, flashed his lightning quick release on Sept.

6 in the 73-0 win over Louisiana-Monroe—he is third on the depth chart and may start more when Eastern Illinois visits Tuscaloosa on Nov. 22.

Coach Kalen DeBoer said that star receiver Ryan Williams (concussion) is expected to play against Wisconsin while running back Jam Miller remains a game-time decision due to a collarbone injury, and tight end Danny Lewis will miss Saturday's home game.

Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer said on Wednesday that redshirt freshman wide receiver Aeryn 'Bubba' Hampton is no longer with the football program—he had played in three games last season.

The Alabama Sports Writers Association released Week 3 high school football rankings—Tuscaloosa Aca leads Class 2A with 11 first-place votes and a 2—0 record while teams statewide are ranked by win–loss records and poll points; the poll will affect playoff seeding as regional play approaches.

Alabama football coach Kalen DeBoer faces a penalty problem as his team averages over seven penalties per game and often ends with more penalty yards than its opponents—efforts are underway to cut foolish mistakes ahead of a home game against Wisconsin on Sept.

13 at 11 a.m. CT.

Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo Live

7-8:30 p.m. — Tuscaloosa Amphitheater — Check local listings — Experience the unforgettable hits of a legendary music partnership.

Tuscaloosa Oktoberfest 5K

8-9 a.m. — Government Plaza — Registration fees apply — Lace up for a day of fun and purpose while supporting the American Cancer Society.

Peter Noone Live

7-11 p.m. — Mercedes-Benz Amphitheater — Ticket prices vary — Experience the legendary sound of Peter Noone, the iconic lead singer of Herman's Hermits.

Tuscaloosa Taco & Margarita Festival

12-6 p.m. — The Venue — Ticket prices vary — Taste bold tacos, chilled margaritas, and enjoy live music at this ultimate fiesta.

The Brook & The Bluff Concert

7-9:30 p.m. — Druid City Music Hall — Ticket prices vary — Experience the expertly crafted songs and sublime musicianship of Nashville-based band The Brook & The Bluff.

Alabama Law Tailgate on the Quad

11:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. — Amelia Gayle Gorgas Library — Free entry — Tailgate with Dean Brewbaker before the big game on the Quad.

Greensky Bluegrass Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — The Historic Bama Theatre — Check for ticket prices — Experience an electrifying night of bluegrass music from the renowned Greensky Bluegrass.

Valentino Khan Live

6:00-9:30 p.m. — Druid City Music Hall — General Admission — Experience Valentino Khan's limitless creativity and versatility in a high-energy performance.