Good morning, Mobile.

The retired SS United States is in port as crews prepare it to be sunk as an artificial reef off the Florida panhandle, with work set to continue through October.

Tour operators report that local visitors and maritime historians fill every seat on tours to see the liner – a symbol of a bygone era in Atlantic travel.

Foley grew by 12% in 2024 and added over 3,000 residents—about eight people per day—making it the fastest growing major city in the area.

In response, the city council approved a temporary hold on many new residential housing projects and permits have dropped 60% as the city works to manage its growth.

Mobile officials and community leaders will break ground at 10:30 a.m. Monday, May 19 at 1959 Bay Bridge Cutoff Road for the $5.1 million Africatown Welcome Center—funded by the federal RESTORE Act.

The project was designed with local input and will begin construction next week—celebrating Africatown’s historic roots.

Alabama lawmakers did not move forward with a plan to change the official name of the Gulf of Mexico to the Gulf of America—after a related proposal for mandatory weekly national anthem performances stalled in the House.

Senate President Gudger said legislators will look to reintroduce the measure next year.

Mobile is set to host the Distinguished Gentleman’s Ride on May 18, where riders will trade in leather for linen to raise money and awareness for men’s health initiatives including prostate cancer research and mental health.

Local sponsors such as Laroque Motorsports, Rosie’s 1901 Trading Post and Bill-E’s Restaurant support the event.

Local early sales led to a 90-minute sell-out of Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots festival that drew over 40,000 visitors to Gulf Shores beaches this weekend — residents not attending can choose from boat launches and watersport rental options across Baldwin County, including free access at CR 6 and Magnolia Springs as well as rentals for paddle boards, kayaks and jet skis.

Port City Pacers 5K Race

7:30-11:00 a.m. — Medal of Honor Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in a fun and challenging 5K cross-country race benefiting local scholarships.

Import Face-Off Car Show

11 a.m. – 6 p.m. — Mobile International Speedway — $20, kids 10 and under free — Gear up for exciting car competitions, drifting, and more at this vibrant car show.

May Spring/Summer Market in the Park

7:30 a.m. - 12 p.m. — Cathedral Square — Free entry — Discover fresh produce and artisanal goods from local vendors while enjoying live entertainment in the park.

Brandon Styles Magic Show

7-8 p.m. — OWA Parks & Resort — Fun and engaging entertainment — Experience a delightful mix of magic and humor that'll leave you amazed and laughing.

Food Truck Festival

4-8 p.m. — Mobile Museum of Art — Free entry — Indulge in diverse local flavors from the area's best food trucks while surrounded by art and community spirit.

2025 Ballin' On The Bay Showcase Basketball Tournament

4 p.m. — Mobile Convention Center — Tickets $25-$65 — Witness over 100 youth basketball teams from the Gulf Coast compete for glory.

On-Site Tour at Magnolia Manor

9 AM - 7 PM — Magnolia Manor — Free entry — Explore the best-rated senior living community known for its nutritious meals and engaging activities.

Didgeridoo Down Under Show

3-4 p.m. — Theodore Oaks Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Experience an interactive journey through Australian music and culture with the Didgeridoo Down Under Show.

Swamp Water Symphony Concert

6-10 p.m. — The Bull — $ — Experience the sounds of the American roots band Swamp Water Symphony from Mobile, Alabama.