Good morning, Tuscaloosa.

On Wednesday, Easterseals of West Alabama named Dusty Wilder permanent Executive Director after she led as interim for five months; she brings 18 years of local experience to bolster workforce development, secure grant funding and strengthen community partnerships.

More than 100 local residents gathered Friday to honor 15-year-old Will Roberts at Sipsey Valley Middle School—after his battle with stage four bone cancer, Gov. Kay Ivey declared today Will Roberts Day.

His funeral is scheduled Saturday at Shelton State Community College with visitation from 9 a.m. to noon.

Epsilon Industries broke ground on expanding its Tuscaloosa plant on July 31 (with local leaders present, including Senator Tuberville and Mayor Maddox).

United Way of West Alabama partnered with AT&T and Compudopt to donate 100 refurbished laptops and supply-stuffed backpacks to local students and community organizations.

The donation provided 56 laptops to the Boys (and) Girls Clubs and supports efforts to close the digital divide this school year.

Congresswoman Terri Sewell introduced a bipartisan bill to update Medicare ambulance payments to help rural areas facing limited emergency services, since rates have not changed since 2002.

The RESCUE Act will adjust payments every three years, with new rates planned for 2029.

Publix expanded its recall of GreenWise Organic blueberries and mixed berries after the FDA linked them to an E. coli outbreak that sickened 12 people in eight states including Alabama.

Customers who bought these products are urged to dispose of or return them for a full refund.

Phil Steele’s College Football Preview ranks the Crimson Tide as a national title contender for the 2026 season, placing them third in the SEC and eighth nationally.

The Tide will open on Sept. 5 against East Carolina at Bryant-Denny Stadium (preseason camp begins early August).