🌱 Trump Endorses Britt + Remembering Kennis Croom

Good morning, Tuscaloosa! It was a busy Friday, so let's get your weekend started off on an informed note.

In today's Daily, we have these stories and more ...

• UA honors first female president.
• Remember Kennis Croom.
• A real-life version of a Hollywood classic.

---

First, today's weather: Partly sunny and humid. High: 88 | Low: 74. 🌥

---

🏡 Looking for more real estate leads in Tuscaloosa? Let us help you reach prospective home buyers and stand out from the competition. Click here to learn more.

---

🕯 Never Forget 🕯

State and local leaders found different ways to pay tribute to the memory of fallen Mississippi police officer and Tuscaloosa native Kennis Croom, with the City of Tuscaloosa lighting up all of its building in blue beginning Friday evening at sundown. Click here to see how other leaders and agencies across two states are remembering the beloved public servant. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

---

🗞 Here are the top 5 stories today in Tuscaloosa 🗞

1. In a move many would have considered inconceivable only months ago, former President Donald Trump on Friday surprised Alabama voters by formally endorsing Republican U.S. Senate candidate Katie Britt ahead of the June 21 runoff for U.S. Senate. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
2. Watch our exclusive video of the police procession and escort for the body of Kennis Croom, as it was transported Friday evening from Mississippi to Northport Funeral and Cremation. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
3. In another development following Croom's death, a former police officer has been taken into custody after being named a suspect. Dante Bender, 31, was arrested in Ackerman, Mississippi Friday and also stands accused of killing his pregnant fiancée. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
4. The University of Alabama on Friday officially dedicated the Judy Bonner Child Development Center in honor of UA's first female president. (Tuscaloosa Patch)
5. District 2 Tuscaloosa City Councilor Raevan Howard is set to host a districtwide litter clean day on Saturday, June 18. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

---

🗣 Patch Shout Out 🗣

Our Shout Out for this Saturday morning goes to accomplished student journalist and University of Alabama junior Ashlee Woods, who has been named the next editor-in-chief of Nineteen Fifty-Six Magazine — the first Black student-led magazine at the University of Alabama made possible through the UA Office of Student Media. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

🗓 Today in Tuscaloosa 🗓

• Saturday in the Park: Beading & Textiles (More)
• Book Signing & Talk with Mark I. Pinsky (More)
• Dignity Memorial 4th Annual Gospel Singing (More)

📸 Around T-Town 📸

The threat of rain and inclement weather managed to hold off for Friday night's installment of "Live at the Plaza in downtown Tuscaloosa to see a strong attendance. The June 10 show featured the musical stylings of Tranquility and John Wilson Band. (Tuscaloosa Patch)

5️⃣ Other Stories I'm Reading Today

1. Honors College dean next in long line of senior leadership departures (Ainsley Platt & Ty Boyle, Crimson White)
2. Man Arrest Asleep At The Wheel, Guns, Drugs and Cash Seized (Chelsea Barton, WVUA 23 News)
3. Jay Barker entered 'best interest' plea in domestic violence against Sara Evans (Associated Press)
4. Tuscaloosa woman, son bitten by copperhead (Lauren Harksen, WBRC Fox 6 News)
5. Shelby criticizes Biden border policy for placing burden on National Guard (Jacob Holmes, Alabama Political Reporter)

---

More from our sponsors — thanks for supporting local news!

Events:

• Bama Dining Hiring Event, Friday, 6/17 from 9a - 1p (June 17)
• Hire A Pro To Clean Up The Yard For Dad (June 19)
• Add your event

---

Now you're in the loop and ready to start this Saturday. I'll be back in your inbox tomorrow morning with another update!

— RP

Have a news tip or suggestion for an upcoming Tuscaloosa Daily? Contact me at ryan.phillips@patch.com