Good morning, Mobile.

The Mobile Area Chamber Foundation named Liz Freeman as board chair for 2026 (president of Long’s Human Resource Services) and added three members (Kim Garrett of 68 Ventures, Mike Jordan of the Alabama Power Foundation and Laura O’Connor from the Mobile Chamber) to drive local development.

On Saturday, Mar. 7, the Sloop at 103 W.

Canal Drive in Gulf Shores will host Jam for Jessie to honor local bartender Jessie Acosta and raise funds for her daughter Lexi's education; the event continues the community’s tribute to her lasting spirit.

Cassidey Broome and her husband recorded 13 drivers bypassing lowered railroad crossing arms at a busy Irvington intersection on Saturday (the incident highlights dangerous behavior that risks collisions), warning locals to follow traffic rules.

On Tuesday, the final steel beam was installed at the new downtown arena, marking the halfway point in construction; leaders say it is set for an early 2027 opening with hockey returning in October 2027 and a team name to be revealed in June (part of planning for upcoming events).

A new riverboat, American Cruise Lines’ Symphony, will arrive at the Port of Mobile on March 6 as part of its inaugural eight-day Gulf Coast Cruise that left New Orleans on March 1.

Up to 180 guests can join guided excursions while the ship visits port cities along the route.

The Mobile Arts Council will host its 21st Annual Artys Awards Dinner on Apr.

8 from 6 to 9 p.m. at Renaissance Riverview Plaza Hotel, featuring live music from the Jimmy Roebuck Trio and performances by Mobile Opera and Mobile Ballet (tickets are $65 in advance, $75 at the door).

This weekend, events along the Gulf Coast include a free birding walk in Fairhope on March 5, the 47th Annual Orchid Show in Theodore from March 6-8, and Mahjong night in Orange Beach on March 6.

Additional events are scheduled (registration or tickets may be required).

Gov. Ivey signed Senate Bill 149 to create a temporary teaching certificate for veterans addressing teacher shortages.

The five-year nonrenewable certificate will take effect Oct. 1 and requires applicants to meet state education criteria.

Mobile County will spend over $15 million to restore 30 acres of marsh habitat along the eroded Salt Aire shoreline starting in April; Viking Dredge, LLC will lead the 10-month project north of Goat Island (boaters should be aware of access channels and submerged equipment).

Coast Guard Sector Mobile is searching for a white 22-foot May Craft that became overdue on Monday at 3 p.m. near Dauphin Island; the vessel carries one person, Travis White, and anyone with information can call 833-MOB-USCG+ officials are investigating.

Mobile Christian's Hadley Kelly scored 19 points, grabbed 18 rebounds and blocked 6 shots Tuesday to lead the Leopards to a win over Glencoe and a spot in the state championship game; the team will face top rated Saint James Friday at 12:30 p.m. at Legacy Arena.

Zawyer Sports & Entertainment will reveal the new hockey team name, logo, and ticket details in June during an epic event as the Mobile Arena reaches its 50% milestone.

The arena will host the minor league team starting in October and boost downtown events with a $300 million investment.

Kyle Kinane Comedy Show

7-10 p.m. — Crescent Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of laughs with comedian Kyle Kinane from Addison, Illinois.

McFunk Duo Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — The Rear Pocket — Free entry — Enjoy a lively acoustic duo performance in a cozy Mobile venue.

Medal Madness Race

8 a.m. — Medal of Honor Park — $30-$65 — Participate in family-friendly races of 5K, 10K, and half-marathon distances.

Maggie Koerner Live Performance

7-10 p.m. — Callaghan's Irish Social Club — Very limited tickets available — Experience the powerful Louisiana singer Maggie Koerner with guest Olivia Barnes.

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10-11 a.m. — Theodore Oaks Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy engaging stories and songs that foster early literacy in children.

Stories & Songs with Brent Rader, Ben Turner & Matt Pritchard

8-10 p.m. — The People’s Room of Mobile — Tickets available — Experience an evening filled with heartfelt songs and stories from talented local musicians.

Huncho Fest

3-7 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — No entry fee — Experience the city's hottest independent artists with vibrant sounds and festival vibes.

Good Listener's Storytime

10:00-10:30 a.m. — Parkway Branch - Mobile Public Library — Registration required — Engage in a world of stories, rhymes, games, and crafts designed for young children aged 3 to 7.

Badflower Concert

6-8:30 p.m. — Soul Kitchen Music Hall — Tickets from $69 — Catch Badflower live in Mobile for an unforgettable night of music.

Teen Takeover at the Library

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Parkway Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy video games, board games, crafts, and more in a vibrant teen-friendly atmosphere.