Mobile

Amtrak’s new route, the Mardi Gras Service, is launching in New Orleans this summer, bringing train travel back to the scenic Gulf Coast for the first time in nearly 20 years.

Amtrak is making its final pitch for a Gulf Coast passenger train line. The private companies that own the tracks the trains would run on, however, oppose the deal.

Mississippi wants to move full steam ahead with plans to restore the passenger rail, but Alabama worries the line will disrupt freight rail.

Mardi Gras celebrations are off to a modest start on the Alabama coast.The weather was nice in Mobile this weekend, but area businesses say the crowds…