Good morning, Mobile.

A 63-year-old man named Ennis Holbert Smith, Jr. of Saraland drowned over the weekend while swimming in Chickasabogue Creek at Chickasabogue Park—his body was recovered around 7:40 p.m. Saturday by police and emergency management.

Saturday night, two people were injured when two vessels collided near Bayou Coden and Portersville Bay after a community event — one man was airlifted for hospital treatment and a woman on the same vessel was taken by ambulance — while Alabama Marine Patrol Division investigates.

Sweet Grown Alabama is inviting residents to nominate their favorite Surf — N — Turf dish in a contest running July 7—21, part of a state agricultural branding program that supports local farmers and fishermen.

The top nominees will move on to online bracket-style voting on Facebook with a taste test by judges in August for a cash prize and media feature.

Lawmakers have earmarked $375 million over three years for the new RAISE fund to boost school funding based on student needs such as poverty, special education, and English learners—this plan will help improve classroom resources for many districts.

Mobile County Public Schools will receive about $11.4 million extra in fiscal year 2026, and districts must show progress on test scores to keep the new funds.

The Mobile City Council passed two resolutions that set aside $10 million to remodel a service road site (bought for about $850,000 in April) into a modern animal shelter.

City staff said design work is underway and construction will begin in summer 2026.

The Mobile Chamber has released its 2025 Election Guide to help voters make informed choices for the municipal election scheduled for August 26.

The guide features unedited candidate responses, updated voting districts and polling locations, and key deadlines—details that will aid Mobile voters in understanding where the candidates stand on issues like economic growth and quality of life.

The Mobile Airport Authority said Monday that the new terminal at Mobile International Airport is expected to open in fall 2026 with its first flight scheduled for November — construction will finish by September 2026.

Delta, United, and American Airlines will shift from Mobile Regional Airport as supporting work on a parking garage and elevated roadway ends by March 2026 — the project kept its $381 million budget by refining its design.

Mobile drivers on Airport Blvd. have encountered a deep sinkhole in the center turning lane near Police Headquarters — a hazard that has caused vehicle damage and a car to be towed — and a wide pothole on the south service road near Panda Express.

The city said repairs for the sinkhole will start this week while urging drivers to report roadway hazards by calling 311.

Owen Bailey, CEO of USA Health, earned the Alabama Hospital Association’s Gold Medal of Excellence—its highest honor—for his work in improving local healthcare and expanding services like mobile clinics and telehealth; he will retire in August.

His leadership has brought new care sites closer to families in Mobile and throughout South Alabama.

Forever Ozzy - Tribute to Ozzy Osbourne & Black Sabbath

7-8:30 p.m. — Soul Kitchen Music Hall — Tickets starting at $18 — Experience a tribute to rock legends Ozzy Osbourne and Black Sabbath in Mobile.

Dementia and Future Planning Seminar

10-11 a.m. — Via Health, Fitness and Enrichment Center — Free entry — Learn about legal and financial planning for dementia at this informative seminar.

Alabama Launchpad Regional Meetup: Mobile

4:30-6 p.m. — Innovation Portal — Free entry — Connect with local entrepreneurs and discover growth opportunities for your startup.

14th Annual Dauphin Street Vault

8 a.m. – 9 p.m. — Downtown Mobile Alliance — $80 early-bird registration — Experience the thrill of pole vaulting at one of the oldest street events in America.

Lettuce Celebrate Summer: Plant-Based BBQ

3:30-6:30 p.m. — Fuse Project — Refunds up to 7 days before event — Celebrate summer with delicious plant-based food and inspiring conversations about healthy living.

Pretty Tied Up (Guns N’ Roses Tribute)

8-9:30 p.m. — The Merry Widow — $23.76 — Rock out to the iconic hits of Guns N' Roses performed by tribute band Pretty Tied Up.

Port City Shoot Out Classic and Car Show

5-10 p.m. — Mobile International Speedway — Refunds available — Experience a classic car extravaganza that's sure to impress enthusiasts.

Mobile Mystery Dinners: Murder on the Group Tour

Evening event — Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a thrilling murder mystery dinner with your friends while exploring unique characters and clever plots.

Peabo Bryson Live Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of soulful music with Grammy winner Peabo Bryson.

Swing Fore! Habitat Fundraiser

1-4 p.m. — Topgolf Mobile — Registration fees apply — Swing for a good cause while supporting affordable housing for families in the community.