• '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.

• 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.

• City Council OKs extension for Leon Atchison Furniture
Sales are apparently slow enough at one Mobile retailer that it won't close the doors on schedule.

• Bay-area students learn about medical careers at occupational health fair
Alan Howell picked up a Craftsman hand drill, pointed the bit at a long bone, then leaned in as the tool squealed to life.

• Business Briefs
Independence commissioning set

• Say hello to Mobile's new Fantasy!
The Holiday leaves Mobile for the last time this afternoon, ultimately bound for Spain, as the newer and larger Fantasy prepares to take its place Tuesday.

• Shutdown of McIntosh Splenda plant ahead of schedule
Tate & Lyle PLC said Friday that closure of its Splenda-brand sucralose plant in McIntosh is running ahead of schedule.