First, some Hurricane Idalia

As of our deadline Alabama was not looking at major impacts from Hurricane Idalia — certainly not anything like the Big Bend of Florida and points north and east of there are seeing.

But in southeast Alabama you could be getting a little wind and a lot of rain.

Meanwhile, utility workers from throughout Alabama have been deployed and will be busy clearing debris and restoring power to parts of Florida and Georgia. And, of course, there will be the giving and helping opportunities that come along in these situations.

For updates on the hurricane, its forecast and news that unfolds, check in at al.com/weather.

Also, you can see video from the region potentially affected through these live cams (as long as they’re operating).

Lawmaker in trouble

Alabama State Rep. David Cole, a Madison Republican, has been alleged to be living in a home outside the district he represents, reportedly having rented spaces in State House District 10 in Madison while maintaining a permanent home and family in nearby District 4.

The Alabama State Legislature is empowered to determine whether Cole is qualified to represent District 10, but lawmakers have so far not moved on the issue.

Then on Tuesday, Cole was arrested on charges that he has voted at the wrong place, reports AL.com’s Mike Cason. That’s a Class C felony. Attorney General Steve Marshall’s staff said he’s prosecuting the case.

Attention, I-85 travelers

Tuesday morning, just before 7:30, an 18-wheeler was involved in a crash with three other vehicles on Interstate 85 in Montgomery, reports AL.com’s William Thornton.

The 18-wheeler struck support columns for the South Perry Street Bridge. Of course it was hauling a load of lumber, so there was a fire that took a half hour to put out and damaged the bridge support.

There were only minor injuries.

The Alabama Department of Transportation has been assessing the damage to see what kind of affects drivers will be dealing with going forward. But for now, if you plan on traveling I-85 southbound, just know you may have to take a detour before you get to I-65.

Republicans (even Trump) in T-Town?

Former New Jersey Governor and current presidential candidate Chris Christie has indicated there will be a Republican presidential debate in October in Tuscaloosa, reports AL.com’s John Sharp.

He also said he thinks Donald Trump will be there, but that part came along with a little spin. Christie went on MSNBC’s “Morning Joe” and said he figured that by that debate Trump will have slipped more in the polls and feel like he needs to show up.

Regarding the Tuscaloosa debate, the Alabama Republican Party told John to ask the Republican National Committee, and the RNC didn’t respond to a request for a comment.

No word yet on a possible date for the yet-unannounced third GOP debate, but the second debate will be the last week of September at the Reagan Presidential Library in Simi Valley, Calif., and (just to allow you to speculate if you want) the Crimson Tide football team has a bye week the last week of October.

Quoting

“Nick Saban’s not delivering a depth chart is beneath him, despite likely giving the guys calling the game some semblance of lineups.”

— Fox Sports commentator Tim Brando, posting on The Social Media Platform Formerly Known As Twitter, on Saban’s refusal to release a depth chart.

By the numbers

34,000,000: The estimated age of a whale skull found by high school junior Lindsey Stallworth and her teacher, Drew Gentry, in Monroe County.

More Alabama news

Born on this date

In 1917, Pop Gates of Decatur, moved to New York by the time he was in high school, broke the color barrier in the National Basketball League and went on to play and coach the Harlem Globetrotters and is now in the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame.

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