Margaret Kates | mkates@al.com

Margaret “Maggie” Kates is a reporter for the Mobile Press-Register based in Mobile, Alabama. A native of the South, Maggie has reported on a range of issues, including education, the environment, infrastructure, industry and the economy. With the Press-Register, she focuses her efforts on growth and economic development in coastal Alabama, and its effects on the people and local ecology. Previously, Maggie worked for Washingtonian magazine, where she covered activism in the run up to the 2020 election. Her work has been published in the Times-Picayune, Chalkbeat Chicago and the Progressive magazine. She received a master's and bachelor's degree in journalism from Northwestern University's Medill School of Journalism, Media, Integrated Marketing Communications, where she specialized in social justice and investigative journalism.

Press-Register
Amtrak returning to Mobile with Gulf Coast route after city council member announces support
As early as next week, the Mobile City Council could vote on a ground lease and funding agreement with Amtrak, after one city councilmember threw his support behind it.
17h agoMargaret Kates
Press-Register
AM/NS Calvert to plead guilty to violating Clean Air Act, pay $750k fine
Federal prosecutors say that AM/NS Calvert, one of the largest employers in Mobile County, failed to report violations of its permit that could jeopardize its ability to regulate chlorine emissions.
19h agoMargaret Kates

Press-Register
Here’s what the new, $300 million Mobile Civic Center arena could look like
The city of Mobile released a "sneak peek" Tuesday of what a new civic center arena could look like, now that 60% of the designs have been completed.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
Mobile police intelligence chief fired after report on Prine’s claims
Kevin Levy, who led the Gulf Coast Technology Center, was fired after an investigation into former Mobile Police Chief Paul Prine's allegations.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
Mobile Baykeeper intends to sue Army Corps of Engineers over $366 million channel deepening project
Mobile Baykeeper and the Center for Biological Diversity notified the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers of its intention to sue over the $366 million deepening and widening of the shipping channel.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
$366 million Mobile Harbor project a ‘generational change,’ CEO says
A massive project to deepen and widen the shipping channel in Mobile Bay is on time and on budget. It's spurred massive investment in the port.
Margaret Kates

Man found dead on Mobile roadway after report of pedestrian struck by a car
A man was found dead in Theodore early Friday morning after police responded to a report of a pedestrian struck by a vehicle on Highway 90.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
400-acre wildfire in Bon Secour wildlife refuge still smoldering after two days
Fort Morgan residents may still see and smell smoke from a fire that started Wednesday in the Bon Secour National Wildlife Refuge, but crews remain on the ground.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
Mobile City Council set to authorize civic center demolition by end of month
The Mobile City Council could review a contract to demolish the 60-year-old Mobile Civic Center during its meeting next week, city officials say.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
Mobile moves toward distributing more than $2 million in opioid settlement funds
On Tuesday, the Mobile City Council approved a contract with a nonprofit collaborative, to vet proposals for spending more than $2 million in opioid settlement funds.
Margaret Kates

Press-Register
‘It’s a very scary situation:’ Sewage leaks threaten coastal Alabama
Sewage leaks are common in coastal Alabama, which can pose a threat to our waterways.
Margaret Kates
Press-Register
Baldwin County city hopes to transform downtown with ‘Cat Alley Walkway’
This Baldwin County city, one of the fastest-growing in the state, hopes to draw more people to its historic downtown.
Margaret Kates