Good morning, Mobile.

The Saraland Animal Shelter reported that five abandoned kittens were dropped off at its 104 Station Street facility on Sept.

30 at 6:44 a.m.—the shelter seeks help in identifying the vehicle and finding fosters or rescues to care for the kittens.

The Mobile Police Department increased patrols near Sweet Dreams Haunted Attraction on St. Francis Street as hundreds of juveniles gathered since Sept.

19, citing safety concerns for drivers and visitors—officials urge parents not to drop off their children unattended and note the attraction will operate until the end of October.

On Sept. 25, Orange Beach unveiled the restored Lower Perdido Islands that now give people safe beach access and provide quiet marsh habitat for migratory birds.

The project used 216,000 cubic yards of sediment and planted over 200,000 native plants to fix the islands—costing about $12.8 million mostly from oil spill funds—and the city will maintain the islands while keeping parts off limits to protect wildlife.

Gov. Kay Ivey announced $7.5 million in GoMESA funds to support two projects in Mobile—one allocating $4 million for improvements at Cooper Riverside Park and another providing $3.5 million for a new access road to Brookley by the Bay to boost downtown waterfront access.

Local leaders in Baldwin County are adding new vaping taxes that make vape products more expensive effective today while a state tax will take effect in October 2026—local business owners worry that higher costs may force some shops to downsize or close.

The tax rates vary by city and aim to counter declining revenue from cigarette taxes.

A Hispanic Baldwin County man filed a class action lawsuit against two federal agencies and additional government officials to stop ICE raids and policies he says break the Constitution.

The suit challenges federal immigration practices and names the defendants.

Mobile County’s budget will rise to $226.4 million in Fiscal Year 2026—investing in staffing, parks and workforce development while including a cost-of-living pay increase for employees.

Six Mobile Fire and Rescue teams are delivering nearly 200 smoke alarms in Autumndale today as part of a Smoke Alarm Blitz triggered by a fatal fire that recently claimed the life of a 5-year-old boy—residents say that working alarms saved a life during the incident.

The program, which started in 2018 and typically runs twice a year, ramps up when a fire fatality occurs and has so far provided alarms to over 5,000 homes.

The Mobile County Commission announced that merit raises and special merit raises are suspended effective immediately as part of the 2026 Annual Budget Overview—officials said overtime spending and new hires must be reviewed to ensure enough funds are available.

The commission will create a review process before lifting the moratorium on these pay increases.

Paul Finebaum—an ESPN Radio and SEC Network host since 2013—is considering leaving the network to run for Alabama’s open U.S. Senate seat after Sen. Tommy Tuberville chose to run for governor; WKRG News 5 Anchor Peter Albrecht discussed Finebaum’s timeline on Southeast Sports+ on Monday.

Mobile City Council approved a $2.7 million contract to upgrade Cooper Riverside Park—adding new concrete walkways, landscaping and ADA restroom renovations—after crews completed repairs to the bulkhead, and officials said the project will connect the park to a parcel in front of the convention center and could be finished by November next year.

Baldwin and Mobile counties and the University of South Alabama received more than $45 million from the Gulf of Mexico Energy Security Act to fund projects along the Gulf Coast—such as upgrades at Gulf State Park Campground and improvements in boating and water quality.

The funds will also boost environmental education and recreational access for local communities.

USA Health’s Courtney Thomson, RNC-NIC, joined WKRG yesterday to share car seat safety tips in Mobile—she explained how to avoid mishandling and when a child should stop using a car seat.

A local counselor and author released a journal and coloring book to help women share their feelings and lower stress—Eunice Mingo talked with Shamonee and Bill on a red couch to explain how the new tools support self-care.

2025 Senior Expo in Mobile

9 a.m. – 1 p.m. — The Grounds — Free entry — Explore a range of resources and activities tailored for senior lifestyles.

Mob City Western Truckers Ball

8 PM – 2 AM — The Locale — Ticket required — Experience Mobile’s wildest trucker party with live music and free food.

Dauphin Street Beer Fest

1-4 p.m. — T.P. Crockmiers — $1 off Bushwackers — Sample a variety of craft brews and enjoy a special Smoked Bacon Cheeseburger from Moe's Original Bar B Que.

Mobile Latin Fest

2-9 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — Celebrate Latin culture with vibrant music, delicious food, and fun for the whole family.

An In-conversation & Signing with Author Eleanor Brindle

3:00 – 4:30 PM — The Haunted Book Shop — Free entry — Engage with humanitarian Eleanor Brindle discussing her works and insights.

Continental Factory Training - AvGas Level 2 Course

8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m. — Continental Aerospace Technologies — $1,695 — Refresher training for certified technicians on Continental's piston engines over five days.

Arkansas State Red Wolves vs South Alabama Jaguars Football

6:30-8 p.m. — Hancock Whitney Stadium — Tickets available — Catch an exciting college football matchup in Mobile.

Fortune Feimster Live

7-11 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of laughter with comedian Fortune Feimster at the historic Saenger Theatre.

Jeffrey Earnhardt Racing Experience

3-5 p.m. — Mobile International Speedway — 50% off driving packages — Experience the thrill of driving a racecar at the historic Mobile International Speedway.

Joe Bullard Wine on the River

4-7 p.m. — USS ALABAMA Battleship Memorial Park — Starting at $55 — Experience a world of flavors with international wine tastings and local food samples.