Good morning, Mobile.

The City of Mobile broke ground on the Africatown Welcome Center on Monday, and it will serve as a community anchor + the facility costs $5.1 million funded by the federal RESTORE Act.

Mobile law enforcement indicted Marcus Cobbs, 23, and Cameron Hall, 19, marking the first-time use of the new criminal enterprise law for drug trafficking that may carry a minimum-25-year sentence, following their November arrest at Cobb's home on Lenox Ave.

The Mobile Public Library system announced its new director, Jurée Hall, who once worked in Baltimore and will start leading the library on June 1.

She has led projects like eCampus (an online learning platform) and will bring her national experience to boost community programs.

The Alabama Aquarium at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab will host a hands-on salt marsh excursion on May 29 from 9:45 a.m. to noon that lets participants collect samples and study the ecosystem supporting juvenile fish, shrimp and crabs.

Attendees will pay $15 per person and must wear closed-toe shoes and dress for wet, muddy conditions — a measure to guard against sharp oyster shells and thick marsh mud.

City officials and Oak View Group will host a groundbreaking at 9 a.m. on May 21 at 401 Civic Center Drive to begin building Mobile Arena, a $237 million, 10,000-seat facility that will replace the old Mobile Civic Center—Mobile Mayor Sandy Stimpson, City Councilman William Carroll, Oak View Group Co-Chairman Peter Luukko, and Venue Management President Greg O’Dell will attend, and renderings of the arena will be released.

Mobile's Historic Districts, Government Street Collaborative — and Mobile Historical Development Commission are hosting a 2025 Mayoral Candidates' Forum today at Moore Hall of the Dauphin Way United Methodist Church where seven candidates will answer public questions.

A meet and greet with refreshments starts at 5:15 p.m. and the forum runs from 6 to 8 with a mix and mingle until 8:30 p.m.

Dean Waite and Associates LLC is partnering with LifeSouth Community Blood Centers and Chick-fil-A to host a blood drive on Friday, May 23 from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. at 4707 Airport Blvd in Mobile.

Donors will receive three Chick-fil-A coupons, a limited edition t shirt, and a $25 egift card and will be entered in a giveaway that includes a Blackstone tabletop griddle.

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.

Juneteenth Behind-the-Scenes Collection Tours

10:30 a.m. & 2:00 p.m. — History Museum of Mobile — $15-$20 — Explore the vault and discover African American contributions to Mobile's rich history.