Good morning, Pensacola.

On Monday, fire crews quickly extinguished a blaze at EMR Southern Recycling, where a 50-by-100-foot pile of wiring and spools was burning and Mayor Reeves said the company must cover firefighting costs (no injuries were reported) as investigators probed the cause.

UWF archaeologists are finishing the excavation of a prehistoric Native American site on campus (they uncovered a projectile point from Tallahatta sandstone and Wakulla Check Stamped pottery) before construction of a retention pond begins.

The team is collecting soil samples and data to track ancient human activity.

UWF has formed an AI task force to explore how teachers and students can use artificial intelligence for learning while preventing cheating.

Faculty and staff will revise assignments and set new guidelines (noted in class syllabi) to help manage AI use.

Escambia County commissioners will vote on a $50K reimbursement request tonight for Real Change Project Reconnect, a nonprofit program that helps relocate 535 homeless people to supportive locations and has saved $18 million in taxpayer funds + eased community costs.

Pensacola is seeking reimbursement from EMR for six fire responses at its Southern Recycling site over the past two years, including Monday's incident.

City officials and firefighters say updated safety measures (smaller pile sizes, fire breaks, and monitoring systems) are in place while discussions with EMR continue.

Remains of Pfc. Joseph Chancery, missing for 75 years, are being escorted to Pensacola today before moving to Mobile for a Purple Heart Salute.

The event is scheduled Friday at Daphne Civic Center (5 to 7 p.m.) to honor 45 to 50 recipients.

The CDC reported cyclosporiasis cases have climbed above 10,000 nationwide, with Florida confirming 254 cases since May 1, and health officials recommend thoroughly scrubbing produce — especially leafy greens — to avoid illness linked to recalled Taylor Farms products.

On Wednesday, Aug. 12, astronomy enthusiasts in Pensacola will enjoy a planetary alignment (visible before sunrise) and a partial solar eclipse (with eclipse glasses required), plus a peak meteor shower at night under new moon skies.

Pensacola News Journal has launched a public poll asking readers to vote for the best high school linebacker among 12 notable players from Escambia and Santa Rosa County (it will not affect official end-of-season awards).

Voting is open until 11 a.m. CT on August 12.

Pensacola residents are invited to vote for the top defensive back from a list of 11 players from Escambia+Santa Rosa County until 11 a.m. CT on August 13, noting the poll does not affect season awards.