Chamber of Commerce of West Alabama

Sean McVay says he was thrilled when the Los Angeles Rams drafted Ty Simpson — and anybody who thought the pick created a rift with general manager Les Snead doesn't know their partnership very well.

Fans of Bluegrass music will head to Auburn for the annual "Bluegrass at the Station" music festival. This isn't the only event showcasing this form of music and working to preserve it. One took place recently in Tuscaloosa. Alabama Public Radio student reporter Lila-Jane Bonds takes us to "Fiddle Fest."

This might be the best endorsement Keelon Russell could get in his case to be Alabama's next starting quarterback…

Alabama didn't need to turn to the transfer portal or the recruiting trail to find a replacement for potential first-round draft pick Ty Simpson. The Crimson Tide had two options waiting for a shot. Austin Mack and Keelon Russell, the two guys Simpson beat out to start last fall, have spent spring practice vying for the job.

Today is World Autism Awareness Day. The observance was set up by the United Nations in 2007, World Autism Awareness Day to raise awareness for autism and celebrate those giving special care to those with this unique condition. One group “in the trenches” is the staff of Archway Academy.

A memorial has been assembled for University of Alabama student James Gracey, following his death during a spring break trip to Barcelona, Spain. Flowers, hand written messages, a portrait of Gracey, and large letters spelling “Jimmy” were left at Denny Chimes on the University’s central park known as the “quad.” A ribbbon was also tied around the tower, where chimes sound on the quarter hour. Regional police in Catalonia now say Gracey’s death was likely an accident.

Southeastern Conference Commissioner Greg Sankey released an affidavit backing the NCAA in its eligibility case against Alabama’s Charles Bediako, who is playing in the SEC for the Crimson Tide over two years after signing an NBA two-way contract.

Some construction work on the University of Alabama has led to a real life lesson in archeology. UA students will spend the coming weeks analyzing artifacts they dug up at a site dating back to the Civil War.

The regular season is over for Crimson Tide football. Tuscaloosa area businesses are looking at what these fans spent at local restaurants, shops, and hotels. The University of Alabama is still adjusting to the retirement of coach Nick Saban. APR news looked at how the dollars and cents are shaping for the football economy in the era of coach Kalen DeBoer…

The Crimson Tide is within two games of possibly losing a shot at the playoffs. And, Sports Illustrated and Newsweek are reporting on rumors that Alabama head coach Kalen DeBoer is in the running to replace the newly fired James Franklin in charge of the Penn State Nittany Lions. One report quotes a source close to DeBoer refuting the reports. A lot of others are “keeping their powder dry.”