Good morning, Mobile.

Jack Thomas, who is in his eighties, recalled how his older brother Boots Thomas raised an American flag on Mount Suribachi in Iwo Jima and died eight days later while earning honors like the Navy Cross and Purple Heart.

A park in Spanish Fort was dedicated in his memory and features a bronze plaque to honor his service—it is located at the end of Sgt. E.I. Thomas Drive in the I-10 Commerce Center.

The Senior Bowl and its partners will give away 1,000 Thanksgiving meals, including turkeys, during the Turkey Bowl event at Hancock Whitney Stadium on Nov.

16. Volunteers will start handing out meals at 2:30 p.m.—the effort comes as the state warns of cuts to food assistance for many residents.

Port officials and APM Terminals announced a $131 million expansion that will add a new 1,300-foot berth to allow three Ultra Large Container Vessels to be handled at once—construction will begin in 2026 and a seventh ship-to-shore crane will boost capacity to 1.4 million TEUs.

Mobile will start Mardi Gras celebrations early next year as Fat Tuesday — set for Feb.

17th — is the focus with downtown's first parade featuring the Conde Cavaliers scheduled for Jan. 30th. The Krewe de la Dauphine parade on Dauphin Island will start on Jan. 17th.

Since October 1, Greg Warren from Orange Beach donned a Frankenstein costume that quickly became a hit on the Gulf Coast — drawing cheers at piers, seafood shacks, and local gatherings.

He said he may extend his monthlong Halloween tribute if demand stays high.

Historic Blakeley State Park in Spanish Fort will build four floating cabins on the Tensaw River using a $2 million grant from offshore oil and gas leases — the cabins, each 48 feet long and 24 feet wide with its own floating access pier, are under review by state and federal agencies and will be completed by late 2027 or early 2028.

The Alabama Department of Human Resources announced that SNAP benefits will be suspended starting Nov.

1 due to a federal shutdown. Recipients can use benefits already on their cards—new applications and recertifications will be processed so funds resume when federal funding is provided.

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s Marine Patrol Division will launch free Boating Basics and License Courses at local sites on Nov.

1 in Orange Beach and Mobile, on Nov. 10 in Wilmer, and on Nov. 22 in Orange Beach—classes run from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents receive hands-on safety training from ALEA Troopers and earn certificates that will update their Alabama driver licenses after processing.

Business, government, and community leaders will gather in downtown Mobile on November 3 from 8 to 11 a.m. for a forum hosted by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce + local partners at the Battle House Renaissance Mobile Hotel & Spa to share practical steps that boost disaster resilience and protect the Gulf Coast economy.

StateHouse Speaker Nathaniel Ledbetter and Senate President Pro Tem Garlan Gudger credited the Oversight Commission on Alabama Opioid Settlement Funds with reducing opioid overdose deaths by 30% since last year by distributing Naloxone kits and funding prevention programs.

The report noted that $81 million was allocated to these measures—saving lives—and supporting families across the state.

Over the coming weeks, Foley will host three Sun Belt championships—cross country on Oct.

31 at Graham Creek Nature Preserve, women’s soccer from Nov. 3-8 at the Foley Sports Tourism Complex, and volleyball from Nov. 19-23 at the Foley Event Center.

Dauzat St. Marie Concert

8-10 PM — The Peoples Room of Mobile — Ticket prices vary — Experience an evening of catchy songwriting and vocal harmonies from the acclaimed duo Dauzat St. Marie.

Halloween AI Lunch & Learn

12-1:30 p.m. — Innovation Portal — Free entry — Explore the frightening potential of AI while enjoying some treats and wearing costumes.

4th Annual Gulf Coast Mac Down

11 a.m.–3 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — $14 for ages 6 and up — Celebrate macaroni and cheese with a cook-off and family-friendly fun.

Christmas Sip and Shop

1-4 p.m. — Richards-DAR House Museum — Unique Christmas items — Enjoy an early Christmas shopping experience at Caroline's Closet.

The Man Who Came to Dinner

7:30 p.m. — Chickasaw Civic Theatre — $15 to $18 — Enjoy the comedic chaos when a celebrity guest overstays his welcome in this classic play.

Magnolia Run

8-11 a.m. — Jesses Restaurant — Registration fee required — A friendly gathering for runners and walkers in the scenic town of Magnolia Springs.

Bring Your Own Device Workshop

10-11 a.m. — West Regional Library - Mobile Public Library — Registration recommended — Get assistance with your digital devices and library apps in a helpful session.

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade of Flags

3-4 p.m. — USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park — Free entry — Honor our veterans with patriotic music, presentations, and a flag parade featuring local students.

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Theodore Oaks Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories and songs designed to promote early literacy for preschool-aged children and all ages welcome.

Teen Takeover at Parkway Branch

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Parkway Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon filled with video games, board games, crafts, and fun activities designed for teens.