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Friday, January 9th, 2026

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Good morning, Mobile. Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 9th of January.

COMMUNITY NEWS

  • The fourth annual Chasing Greatness conference will take place on Jan. 22 at the Mobile Convention Center and feature speakers including former Mayor Sandy Stimpson, Big Oak Ranch CEO Brodie Croyle, and 68 Ventures founder Nathan Cox offering insights on service and leadership. Registration is available online.  1819 News

BUSINESS NEWS

  • Amtrak has launched a train-themed Mardi Gras merchandise collection available in downtown Mobile shops and online; orders close on Feb. 17 (Fat Tuesday) with delivery scheduled for spring after Carnival season ends.  AL.com
  • The original Foo at 310 S. University Blvd closes Saturday, Jan. 10 after 26 years and a new location opens Monday, Jan. 12 at 6255 Airport Blvd. It will be larger with added facilities to serve loyal customers + honor longtime employees.  AL.com
  • Amtrak announced Thursday that it will add an extra coach car (for Mardi Gras crowds) to its service between Mobile and New Orleans (boosting travel options).  Lagniappe Daily

CULTURE NEWS

  • Mobile Animal Services moved its free Mardi Gras horse rider training to The Grounds at 1035 Cody Road N due to heavy rain forecast; the event runs from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 10 for horse owners needing current training for upcoming parades.  City of Mobile

GOVERNMENT NEWS

  • U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville's office is accepting nominations for the final Veteran of the Month series to honor Alabama veterans for their service and community involvement. Entries must include veteran details (name, hometown, branch, and years served) and should be submitted via email to designated contacts.  Gulf Coast Media
  • Bill Nichols, an Alabama WWII hero, co-sponsored the Goldwater Nichols Act in 1986 to streamline military command + the law is credited with enabling a flawless capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro during Operation Absolute Resolve. His legacy continues to shape joint operations today.  1819 News

HEALTH NEWS

  • Three companies received dispensary licenses from the Alabama Medical Cannabis Commission to help launch medical marijuana sales. Director John McMillan said he hopes sales will start by March when more doctors complete certification.  NBC 15
  • The Thomas Hospital Auxiliary named Kathy Bevel Volunteer of the Quarter for the first quarter of 2026 and recognized her 670 volunteer hours supporting patients & families in the surgery waiting area at Thomas Medical Center in Daphne.  Gulf Coast Media
  • The Alabama WIC program is facing declining participation with 14,000 eligible individuals not using benefits and a drop from 115,000 to 101,000 participants, which may affect funding and limit services. Program director Pam Galloway plans outreach campaigns to boost numbers + help secure future funding.  NBC 15

REAL ESTATE NEWS

  • Mike Rogers and Tom Townsend unveiled plans to revitalize the 400 block on Dauphin Street. Rogers will transform a former furniture store into a boutique hotel and restore an 1840s home, while Townsend proposes converting fire-damaged buildings into mixed-use space, with work expected over coming years.  AL.com

SPORTS NEWS

  • The Alabama High School Athletic Association is reviewing how public and private schools compete after concerns over balance and scheduling were raised. A reclassification meeting will take place on Jan. 23 to study options that may affect future playoff formats.  Gulf Coast Media

EVENTS

SUBMIT EVENT
  • Lighting of the Mardi Gras Tree

    5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — Celebrate the start of the Mardi Gras season with music, food, and the grand tree lighting ceremony.

    Sat, 1/10/26

    View event
  • BYOD: Bring Your Own Device Workshop

    10-11 a.m. — West Regional Library - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Get assistance with your digital devices and learn about valuable library apps.

    Mon, 1/12/26

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  • January 2026 Vehicle Auction

    8 a.m. — Mobile Police Department Impound Lot — Registration required — Bid on a variety of vehicles at the monthly auction event.

    Tue, 1/13/26

    View event
  • 2026 January Membership Breakfast

    6:45-8:00 a.m. — Mobile Marriott — $35 per person — Network over breakfast and hear updates on Big Creek Lake from Water & Sewer Director Bud McCrory.

    Thu, 1/15/26

    View event
  • Delta Adventure Cruise

    10 AM – 12 PM — Historic Blakeley State Park — Cost Info Not Provided — Explore the stunning landscapes and diverse wildlife of the Mobile-Tensaw Delta on this scenic cruise.

    Sat, 1/17/26

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  • What's Up Wednesdays

    4-5 p.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free entry — Surprise yourself with fun weekly activities like arts and crafts in the Youth Programming Room.

    Wed, 1/21/26

    View event
  • 8th Annual King Cake-Off

    5-7:30 p.m. — Mobile Convention Center — General admission tickets go on sale Nov. 28 — Enjoy sweet competition, live music, and endless King Cake tastings while supporting a great cause.

    Fri, 1/23/26

    View event
  • Teen Dungeons and Dragons Adventure

    11:30 a.m. – 1:30 p.m. — Monte L. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch — Registration recommended — Roll dice and create epic heroes in a thrilling D&D adventure tailored for teens.

    Sat, 1/24/26

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  • Good Listener's Storytime

    10:00 – 10:30 AM — Parkway Branch - Mobile Public Library — Registration required — Engage young minds with stories, rhymes, games, and crafts designed for ages 3 to 7.

    Tue, 1/27/26

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  • Doc Rock 2026

    6:30-8:30 p.m. — Soul Kitchen Music Hall — $25 — Enjoy a lively battle of the bands featuring USA Health affiliates and support critical clinical needs.

    Thu, 1/29/26

    View event

REAL ESTATE

SUBMIT LISTING

No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.

JOB BOARD

SUBMIT JOB

No new job posts today. You can submit one here.

ANNOUNCEMENTS

SUBMIT

No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.

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