Good morning, Mobile.

Tuscaloosa-based Power and Rubber Supply will invest $7 million as it begins construction on a new facility on Salco Road in Mobile this August—expected to create 55 jobs over five years and be operational by spring 2027.

Semmes Mayor Brandon Van Hook will ask the City Council tonight to authorize a feasibility study (expected to last three months) with the Wilson Parris Group to examine a city school system.

A recent poll showed strong resident support for keeping more educational funding local.

Mobile County Public Schools will start the 2026-2027 school year on Aug.

10. The calendar outlines professional development and teacher work days along with holidays like Labor Day and Thanksgiving Break — check the schedule for all key dates.

Baldwin County Public Schools released its 2026-2027 calendar today; key dates include the first day of school on Wednesday, Aug.

12, breaks for Labor Day, Fall, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Mardi Gras and Spring, as well as sessions for professional development and teacher work days (consult the schedule for details).

Tropical Storm Bertha is strengthening in the Gulf of Mexico and moving toward the Florida Panhandle, prompting a tropical storm warning and storm surge watch from the Florida-Alabama border to Louisiana.

Coastal areas near Mobile face heavy rain and high surf within 36 to 48 hours (NHC reports 50 mph winds).

Federal regulators may approve a plan that would let Alabama oversee coal ash ponds at major power plants, while environmental groups warn that toxic ash near rivers feeding Mobile Bay could leak into groundwater & risk local contamination.

A RentCafe report using March data shows that Birmingham renters receive 1,083 sqft for $1,500 monthly (a decline of 32 sqft from last year) while Mobile renters now get 1,198 sqft and Huntsville 1,149 sqft; the study ranks Birmingham 27th, Mobile 16th and Huntsville 21st nationwide.

St. Michael Catholic High School will host a nationally televised football game against Battle Ground Academy at 1:30 p.m. Saturday, Aug.

22 at 11732 St. Michael Way in Fairhope, with top recruit Gunner Rivers leading the team & ESPN2 set to broadcast the game.

AL.com highlights top running backs from Double-A Private schools as teams gear up for the season.

Coaches praised local stars (including ones from McGill-Toolen Catholic) for their vision, physical play, and impressive stats from last year.

Linebacker Jeremiah Telander said he was inspired to join Tennessee after Alabama lost to the Vols in 2022, setting up a heated SEC rivalry.

This season, Alabama will travel to Neyland Stadium as Tennessee aims to keep its unbeaten home record.

Dr. Daniel McCarthy has been named USA's new Director of Athletics after serving as interim since June 1.

He joined the university in 2008 and oversaw sports programs + major capital projects that helped boost academic success.

South Alabama has named longtime interim athletics director Daniel McCarthy (who has served the university for 18 years) as its permanent athletics director after he led the department since June 1.

The university expects his leadership to guide the Jaguars as they prepare for upcoming sports seasons.

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.