• 'GAME CHANGER'
Expansion of the Panama Canal and a proposed free trade agreement with Panama are critical to the future of the city, state and nation, local and Panamanian officials said Monday at the Mobile Container Terminal.

• Commercial real estate struggling to survive
For commercial Realtors, 2009 has been a year of survival.

• NEW NAME, NEW LOOK FOR OLD STRUCTURE
When the renovations are complete, the 34-story former AmSouth building will be a tribute to Mobile's famous party of parades ? Mardi Gras.

• Gates of Fowl River adds water, sewer taps
The Gates of Fowl River developers are banking on new water and sewer hookups to help sell lots.

• Suddivision to follow Village of Spring Hill guidelines
Old Shell Crossing is for buyers looking to "simplify" their lifestyle, according to Johnny Roberts of Roberts Brothers, developer of the six-lot subdivision in Spring Hill.

• Showcase house at Longleaf Gates is still on
The Home Builders Association of Metro Mobile will build its 2010 Parade of Homes showcase house in Longleaf Gates, despite developers' plans to open the subdivision on Girby Road to a volume home builder.

• Tax credit extension raises hopes for local market
It doesn't have to be your first time to get a tax break.

• Open house set at Scott Plantation
Staff Report

• Real Moves
SARAH PUGH was the top producer in October at Port City Realty, and JOE WINANS was the top listing agent.

• Real Moves
Exit Realty Pros has opened at 199 Shell Road in Saraland, and

• Kia plant steers business to Alabama
Kia's new auto assembly plant in western Georgia is bringing pockets of prosperity to communities across Alabama, particularly an eastern swath of the state that has faced heavy job losses tied to the fading textile industry.

• State to hear claims against insurance agent
State regulators will hold a disciplinary hearing against Mark Rowley after expanding their complaint against the Dauphin Island insurance agent to include allegations that he wronged four additional clients ? three Mardi Gras groups and an Eight Mile American Legion post, Insurance Department spokesman Ragan Ingram said.