Good morning, Mobile.

The Jimmy Buffett exhibit Son of a Son of a Sailor Experience will open Saturday, Sept.

12 at the National Maritime Museum of the Gulf near the Convention Center in Mobile; the 6,000 sqft display features more than 130 artifacts that celebrate his Gulf Coast roots.

University of South Alabama expects a record 3,500 students to live on campus this fall as they move into dorms on Tuesday; the university, which had fewer than 3,000 residents last year, is buzzing with energy for the new term.

Four Baldwin County high schools were among the first 300 winners of T-Mobile's Friday Night 5G Lights competition, receiving $5,000 grants for athletic needs; they will join public voting beginning Oct.

8 and final voting starting Oct. 29, with the grand prize announced on Nov. 12.

State data from the Alabama State Department of Education showed educator shortages increased 23% to 3,413 positions for the 2025-26 school year.

Elementary and K-6 shortages made up 60% of the rise while Birmingham City Schools had a 46% jump as programs like Grow Our Own work to boost teachers.

Mobile officials launch the Safe Passage initiative to help students travel home safely from Williamson High and LeFlore Magnet Schools after a rise in conflicts prompted school leaders to ask for community support (Mobile Police, Fire-Rescue, Public Safety, volunteers, and locals work together to build trust with students).

The abandoned sailboat rests on the north bank of the Intracoastal Waterway between SR 59 and Saunders Yachtworks as Gulf Shores officials said the U.S. Army Corps+Coast Guard will work to select a contractor for its removal.

Mobile County Health Department inspected 76 food places in July, awarding three perfect scores, 61 in the 90 range, and 10 in the 80s while Grand Bistro (74) and Adams Flavor House (61) scored below 80 and needed follow-up.

The scores reflect checks on food temperature, sanitation, and handling.