Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

Cracker Barrel is celebrating National Pancake Day today by offering a $5 all‐you‐can‐eat pancake deal to guests dining in at its Alabama restaurants, including Tuscaloosa.

Loyalty program members get early access on Sept. 25+ ensuring they can enjoy the deal before others.

Southern Ionics is expanding its Tuscaloosa plant with a $34 million investment to upgrade equipment and add a new product line — construction at 5410 Reichhold Rd. will begin later this year, and the project will be fully operational by second quarter of 2027 while creating seven new jobs paying $45 per hour.

A new historic marker was unveiled on Jack Warner Parkway near Manderson Landing to honor the 13 Black coal miners affected by a 1901 disaster, and the Alabama NAACP's annual convention kicked off in Tuscaloosa yesterday.

Dr. Thaddeus Steele said the marker will educate visitors about past struggles and inspire progress for the future.

Tuscaloosa City Schools partnered with Rooted and Fresh Value to launch a snack pantry at the New Heights Community Resource Center—stocked weekly with donated items and open from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.—to support students and families facing food insecurity.

UA students have access to many campus services such as free tutoring, writing help, mental health support, and nutritional counseling (with some services offered at little to no cost) that help them succeed academically and personally.

These resources are available on campus to support assignments, manage stress, and improve overall wellness.

The city of Tuscaloosa has been awarded an $800,000 federal grant to add about 800 feet of new sidewalk in West Tuscaloosa starting near Benjamin Barnes YMCA.

The grant will cover more than half of the project cost while the city will match part of the expense and add two handicap parking spots — making the area safer for pedestrians and non-drivers.

USDA announced that emergency assistance loans are available to farmers in 25 declared disaster counties plus 14 nearby areas after spring rains damaged crops and worsened drought and wildfire risks.

Farmers in Tuscaloosa, Fayette and Lamar counties have eight months from September 15 to apply for help—local USDA offices can provide further details.

The Tuscaloosa City Council may adopt a tax on vaping products to keep local revenue ahead of the statewide plan that will take effect next October.

The council will consider a resolution on Tuesday—proposing a 10-cent tax per milliliter within city limits and a 5-cent tax outside—to meet the October 1 deadline.

Aidan Meyers, a senior at the University of Alabama, used worms to study a gene that may protect nerve cells from damage linked to Parkinson’s disease—he earned a national fellowship from the Parkinson’s Foundation for his work in the Caldwells’ lab.

His research with C. elegans could lead to new treatment steps in the future.

On Saturday, No. 17 Alabama plays No. 5 Georgia at 7:30 p.m. ET and No. 4 LSU meets No. 13 Ole Miss at 3:30 p.m. ET — both games will serve as a big test on the national stage.

Coaches and players like Alabama’s Ty Simpson and Georgia’s Gunner Stockton will try to lead their teams to a win in these high-stakes contests.

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.

Cinderella - The Musical

1-4 p.m. — The Historic Bama Theatre — Experience the enchanting tale of Cinderella come to life through stunning ballet performances.

Loud Luxury Concert

6-11 p.m. — Druid City Music Hall — General Admission — Experience electrifying dance music from the Canadian duo Loud Luxury.

Tennessee Volunteers vs. Alabama Crimson Tide Football

1-4 p.m. — Saban Field at Bryant-Denny Stadium — Tickets required — A classic SEC rivalry showdown in the heart of Alabama.

Drake White Live Performance

6:00 – 7:30 p.m. — Two Dimes — Check with the host for the latest info — Experience the raw sounds of Drake White as he showcases music from his debut album.

Dance Alabama! Fall 2025 Concert

7:30-9:30 p.m. — UA English Building - Dance Theater — Cost info unavailable — Experience an evening of engaging dance performances by Alabama students.