Good morning, Mobile.

Today marks the start of the 93rd Alabama Deep Sea Fishing Rodeo on Dauphin Island, where anglers compete for up to $1M in prizes + enjoy live music and contests; the event runs through Sunday, July 19 with free admission for spectators.

Salvation Army Coastal Alabama Area Command is closing Family Haven residential shelter in Mobile on July 31 after reviewing funding and facility conditions + it will work with community partners to provide nonresidential case management for current residents.

International Paper halted work at its Pine Hill mill after a weather event damaged its critical roof & the company is assessing repairs with work maybe resuming as early as August.

Train performed a lively set at The Wharf in Orange Beach on Sunday, July 12, celebrating their 25th album anniversary with fan favorites while energizing the crowd.

Upcoming concerts will feature acts including Parker McCollum on July 18 and continue through September 13.

Education leaders and residents gathered Tuesday in Loxley to hear finalist interviews for the new superintendent following Eddie Tyler’s retirement; candidates include longtime local educator Marty McRae and Tony McGee from Mississippi (who has experience in smaller districts).

The board will vote today at its regular meeting.

On Thursday, July 9, the Mobile Bay National Estuary Program and partners deployed 3D-printed reef structures along Dauphin Island in Mobile Bay to restore coastal habitats.

The effort used dredged sediment — printed in Vicksburg — to test two formulas for oysters and marine life.

Prichard faces overflowing trash as two of its three sanitation trucks broke down, leaving one to serve nearly 10,000 residents.

Mayor Carletta Davis said the city is leasing trucks and is urging residents to contact their council representatives while it considers a 90-day outsourcing contract.

Governor Ivey took to social media to offer prayers for Will Roberts, a teen from Ralph receiving DeltaRex-G treatment in California for aggressive bone cancer.

She said she is lifting him, his family, and his medical team in prayer as he undergoes procedures to remove fluid.

The Reds will select Alabama shortstop Justin Lebron as their first-round pick at No. 18 on Saturday when he will start his pro career.

He is expected to adjust from a challenging season and becomes only the second Alabama player taken so early (Joe Vitiello was selected in 1991).

AL.com released its fourth installment of the Best in Bama ranking for Alabama high school football prospects, listing players (like Captain Munnerlyn Jr. of Williamson and Lee Steele of Orange Beach) ranked No. 20-11 with updates coming daily.

Unlock Alabama Builder Celebration

9 a.m. – 8:30 p.m. — Innovation Portal — RSVP required — Celebrate innovation and creativity with workshops, networking, and a showcase of local builders' projects.

Weirdo Record Wednesdays

6-9 p.m. — Alabama Music Box — Free entry — Dive into vinyl vibes with local DJs and special guest appearances each week.

Gulf Coast Ethnic & Heritage Jazz Festival

Three nights — The Temple Downtown — Ticket information not specified — A vibrant celebration of music, poetry, and culture in Downtown Mobile.

Culture Fest 2026 Vendors

1-5 p.m. — Africatown Heritage House — Free entry — Celebrate community and culture with engaging activities at this vibrant fest.

Weirdo Record Wednesdays

6-9 p.m. — Alabama Music Box — Free entry — Enjoy a night of vinyl records with DJ Hot Lobster and DJ RyJohn spinning tracks.

Books & Plant Bingo Night

7-9 p.m. — Oyster City Brewing Company — Free entry — Enjoy a night of bingo with books and plants, perfect for bookworms and plant lovers alike.

Huncho Fest Summer Bash

3-7 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — An afternoon filled with live performances, DJs, comedy, vendors, and more fun.