Good morning, Mobile.

The new $72M sports complex The Land opened in Saraland, offering indoor courts, rock climbing walls, a walking trail, and party rooms for kids—city officials say it will host 50 tournaments and family competitions.

Mayor Joe McDonald said the project took 15 years to plan and gives the community a new space to play.

American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope reopened its new $1.7 million headquarters Friday afternoon after its previous building was destroyed by Hurricane Sally in 2020.

The building offers a large gathering space, a dedicated veterans counseling room, and a public bar and restaurant that will help support veteran programs while the post works to pay off its loan.

The Business Council of Alabama announced that veteran political strategist Tim Howe will serve as its new chief advocacy officer beginning in December—he will guide strategic initiatives and support policies to boost the state's business community.

Helena Duncan said his two decades of experience will be a key asset in advancing the state's economic competitiveness.

Dillard’s will close several stores in the coming quarter, including its Plano, Texas location scheduled to shut between Jan 12th and 25th (resulting in 93 layoffs) as it cuts back amid shifting shopping trends.

The chain operates 272 stores across 30 states and still has nine locations in Alabama (showing its local presence).

The University of Mobile has received its largest financial gift to date to build a new mission center named the Tom Elliff Center of Missions where students will receive training for missions.

The center will open in the fall and university officials will soon begin searching for a director with extensive missions experience.

State officials said full SNAP benefits were restored in Alabama on Thursday — ending weeks of partial emergency funding — so families no longer had to rely on temporary aid for groceries.

The second round of high school football playoffs ended in Mobile as Saraland extended its home win streak to 40 after beating Spain Park—experts Gerhard Mathangani and Patrick Walsh offered analysis on the key games.

Mary G. Montgomery lost 54-0 Friday night in the Class 7A quarterfinals to No. 3 Thompson at Warriors Stadium as the team struggled to gain yardage while Thompson scored 41 points by halftime.

Coach Zach Golson said he will keep chopping wood for future success—he praised his seniors—even as Thompson advances to the semifinals against Central-Phenix City next Friday.

Foley High School announced it will part ways with head football coach Deric Scott after six seasons—he led the team to a 28-32 record and one playoff appearance in 2022 while Coach Scott explores other opportunities and the school looks to move in a new direction.

On Friday, the Saraland Spartans played Spain Park in the high school football playoffs.

Despite trailing at halftime when Spain Park led 17 to 14, the Spartans won 35 to 31 and advanced to the next round.

Baldwin County seniors from four programs will take the field at the 67th AHSAA North-South All-Star Football Classic on Dec.

12 at Hancock Whitney Stadium in Mobile — the roster includes key players like Fairhope’s Will Cooper, Orange Beach’s Dylan Tabb, Gulf Shores’ Nick Hampton, Fairhope kicker Grant Thompson, and Daphne’s Edrick EJ Williams.

Read & Play Storytime

10:00 – 10:45 AM — Ben May Main Library — Free — Engage your little ones in storytime with books, songs, and fingerplays to nurture their early development.

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. South Alabama Jaguars Women's Basketball Game

12 PM — Mitchell Center — Check for ticket prices — Watch an exciting showdown in women's basketball with top team stats from both sides.

Lighting of the Tree Celebration

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with local vendors, festive activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus.

Cirque Dreams Holidaze

5:00 – 6:30 PM — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Cost Info Not Provided — Experience a mesmerizing family-friendly holiday stage spectacular blending cirque enchantment with festive spirit.

16th Annual Turkey Trot for Hope

8-10 a.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Registration fees apply — Participate in a festive Thanksgiving 5k or 1 mile ‘Gobble Wobble’ while supporting a great cause.

Florida A&M Rattlers vs. South Alabama Jaguars Women's Basketball

12 PM — Mitchell Center — Check for ticket prices — Watch an exciting women's basketball matchup as South Alabama hosts Florida A&M.

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10:00 – 10:30 a.m. — Theodore Oaks Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Delight in stories and songs that spark early literacy for all ages.

Tower of Power Concert

7:30-9 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket prices vary — Experience the energy of funk and soul legends Tower of Power live on stage.

Killer Beaz: Best Buzz in Town Tour

7-11 p.m. — Crescent Theater — Check venue for ticket cost — Comedian Killer Beaz brings laughs to celebrate 10 seasons of 'Moonshiners'.

Saturday Morning Studio

10-11 a.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free entry — Explore your creativity through arts and crafts in a welcoming environment for children.