Good morning, Mobile.

The City of Mobile Swim Association received a $65,000 grant from USA Swimming to support its Community Impact Program at Florence Howard Elementary.

The award comes as the club prepares for a new $23-million aquatic center expected to broaden local competitive swimming opportunities.

Foley City Council approved city services for the Gulf Coast Hot Air Balloon Festival, scheduled for April 30 to May 2 at OWA Parks and Resort.

The festival, featuring (55 hot air balloons) and evening balloon glows, draws tens of thousands and boosts local business.

Blooms & Brews Spring Fest will take place on April 18 at Weeks Bay Plantation with family-friendly activities and live music from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., followed by the adults-only Blooms & Brews After Dark from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. Ticket prices vary for daytime and evening events.

The 11th Annual MudBottom Revival Music Festival returns Sunday, April 19 at 3619 Riviere Du Chien Road, featuring live music and family-friendly activities to support Dog River conservation.

Tickets start at $35 (free for children 12 and under) while sponsorship opportunities remain available.

Gas prices in Mobile County are at $3.10 per gallon and Baldwin County at $3.06, lower than the national average even as rates climb due to seasonal summer-blend gasoline and rising demand; AAA expects prices to jump 30 cents for Spring Break travel.

Alabama State Parks launched a new Junior Ranger Program for children ages 5-12 yesterday at Oak Mountain State Park, inviting families, schools and scout troops to learn conservation through hands-on activities statewide (free program booklets are available online and at park offices).

Orange Beach Coastal Resources is supporting No Mow March at the Hugh S.

Branyon Backcountry Trail to help pollinators by encouraging residents to leave native weeds unmowed during early spring — the effort boosts pollen and nectar supplies for insects.

The City of Mobile and Via are inviting riders to vote on the transit system’s name and branding (Second Line Transit or MoGo) by completing an online survey open until March 27.

The new network will launch in July and offer trolleys, buses and microtransit.

Mobile Arena construction is half complete and on schedule, with the final steel beam placed last week, to open in time for the 2027 Mardi Gras season.

The 10,000+ seat venue will host Mardi Gras balls + concerts and bring a new professional hockey team to Mobile.

The Architectural Review Board approved plans to renovate Budget Inn on Government Street with new windows, doors and a rooftop deck following last year's truck collision.

Owner Fred Rendfrey is applying for a grant while Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said the project will boost downtown hotel capacity ahead of upcoming events.

Spanish Fort High School hired Andre Epps as the new head boys basketball coach after two losing seasons.

The coach, noted for a 26-7 record at Murphy High, will host a meet-and-greet with the community today at 6 p.m. in the school library (to share his plans to revive the team).

The latest AHSAA poll shows seven Baldwin County soccer programs ranked in the top 10, including the Foley Lions (No.8) and Gulf Shores (No.10) on the boys’ side and leading Spanish Fort and Orange Beach teams on the girls’ side, with upcoming matchups expected to shift standings.

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.

Somnia: A Film by Josie and Mitchell Robinson

6-10 p.m. — Crescent Theater — Tickets starting at $20.51 — Explore the surreal journey of a daughter reconnecting with her mother in dreams.

Antique Bottle Show

9 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Daphne Civic Center — Sales table application available — Discover unique antique bottles and connect with fellow collectors.

Mahjong Tournament for a Cause

1-5:30 p.m. — Country Club of Mobile — $400 for a table of four or $200 for a table of two — Test your skills in American mahjong while supporting a great cause.

ASCEND HBCU Technology Conference 2026

7:30 a.m. - 10 p.m. — Bishop State Community College — Free entry — A two-day conference uniting tech leaders, HBCUs, and students for meaningful learning and networking opportunities.

The Magic Flute

7:30 p.m. & 2:30 p.m. — The Temple Downtown — Ticket prices vary — Experience the enchanting blend of comedy and mysticism in Mozart's timeless opera.