Good morning, Mobile.

A 200-year-old oak tree split at its base Wednesday morning on Houston St.—damaging a home and two cars and forcing disabled homeowner DeNorris Lee, 53, out of his childhood home as the fire department barred his return, and Lee estimates removal costs of $30,000 to $40,000.

Mobile Police said Kenneth Reeves, 69, was arrested and charged with murdering Crystal Varden, 33 after an argument on July 27 in the 600 block of Petit Avenue led to fatal stab wounds.

Mobile County Sheriff’s Office deputies arrested a Prichard police officer—Malachi Ligon—on charges of third-degree theft and distributing private images after he allegedly took and unlocked Theodore Roberts Jr.'s phone during an Aug.

11 domestic violence arrest and then sent explicit content to the arrestee’s wife.

Tropical Storm Erin is far out in the Atlantic and will become a hurricane later today with winds rising to 74 mph and possibly reaching Category 3 by Sunday—forecast models show it may pass near Caribbean islands causing potential impacts.

A disturbance in the Gulf is expected to bring heavy rains to parts of Alabama with up to 4 inches falling, so residents should stay updated on weather changes.

The Pentagon is planning a new reaction force to suppress civil unrest that will include 600 National Guard troops divided into two groups; one group will be stationed in Alabama and the other in Arizona (plans remain pre-decisional).

Today, Mobile’s Chief Election Officer Lisa Lambert filed a response to a lawsuit by District 2 candidate Reginald Hill that challenges candidate Dr. Samantha Ingram’s residency requirement as Lambert argued her role does not include setting qualifications—she requested an expedited hearing to avoid election delays.

Alabama Amateur Open

2 AM – 5 AM — PickleRage — Registration fee required — Dive into competitive pickleball hosted by the APA for an action-packed weekend.

Chess Club at West Regional Library

3-5 p.m. — West Regional Library — Free entry — All ages welcome to improve chess skills in a friendly club environment.

SS United States Tour with Historian John Sledge

3-4 p.m. — Mobile Convention Center — Tickets from $15 — Discover the storied history of the SS United States from esteemed maritime historian John Sledge.

Orchestra Noir

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket required — Experience Orchestra Noir's electrifying reimagining of early 2000s music through orchestral power.

An Evening with Pastor Shirley Caesar

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket details available — Experience the uplifting performance of the Queen of Gospel.

Emerald Coast Beer Festival

5:30 p.m. — Seville Quarter — Cost not specified — Sample a variety of craft beers from Iron Hand Brewing at this local festival.

Free First Sunday at the History Museum of Mobile & Colonial Fort Conde

1-5 p.m. — History Museum of Mobile — Free admission — Enjoy a day at the museum and explore local history for free on the first Sunday of each month.

Comedy Open Mic Night

6:30-7 p.m. — Lucky Irish Pub & Grill — Free entry — Enjoy a cozy evening of laughter with local comedians showcasing their talents.