Good morning, Mobile.

A Mobile County Circuit Court judge convicted a Mobile man of intentional murder in the 2021 shooting death of 19-year-old Derrick 'DJ' Carson III.

Federal officials unsealed indictments charging seven water board workers with a $2.4 million fraud scheme—two have pleaded guilty—which hurt Prichard’s water and sewer system.

Residents met Thursday at a town hall as a court receiver warned that the troubled system could lead to a public health emergency.

The Mobile Police Department is asking the public for help to find two children who went missing from their home overnight on Friday.

The Bayside Academy Chess Team defended its state championship titles—winning the High School Under 1300 and Middle School Under 1100 divisions—at a tournament in Magnolia Springs on March 29.

The school will now prepare for the National Chess Championships in Orlando in May.

House lawmakers passed HB166 on Thursday that bans cell phones and wireless devices in K-12 schools starting in the 2026-2027 school year—local boards will set rules for device storage and consequences for violations.

Some lawmakers worry the ban may limit students' access to help in emergencies, but Gov. Ivey and supporters say it will reduce distractions during class.

Laura Grimm, an alumna of University of South Alabama who has served as NOAA chief of staff since January, has been named acting administrator for NOAA—she brings experience from Dauphin Island Sea Lab and Mobile Baykeeper to the role.

Former administrator Nancy Hann returned to her position as deputy undersecretary for operations.

In 2024, 52 of 67 counties recorded more deaths than births as an aging population and rural out-migration drove natural decline, while the state overall had 1,732 more deaths than births.

Experts warn that these trends may lead to school closures, economic challenges, and increased healthcare needs—factors that will shape policy decisions in coming years.

Oyster Revel

1-4 p.m. — Fort Condé Inn — Ages 21+ — An unforgettable afternoon of merriment with local chefs showcasing Mobile Bay's favorite oysters.

20th Artys Awards

6-9 p.m. — Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel — $65 ($75 at the door) — Celebrate local artists and performances at Mobile's premier arts award show.

LODA ArtWalk Celebrates National Pet Day

6-9 p.m. — Downtown Mobile Alliance — Free entry — Celebrate National Pet Day with local artisans, activities, and a pet photo station.

Mobile Chocolate Festival

3 PM — Cypress Cove — Benefiting Penelope House — Dive into a sweet celebration at the 15th Annual festival featuring delightful chocolate treats.

The Reader’s Choice Book Club

1-2 p.m. — West Regional Library - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Engage in a dynamic discussion of 'The Underground Library' by Jennifer L. Ryan.

Napoleon Dynamite - Film Screening and Conversation

7:30-11:30 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Tickets available — Experience a live screening of Napoleon Dynamite with cast members Jon Heder, Efren Ramirez, and Jon Gries.

Mobile Bay Anime Festival

10 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Daphne Civic Center — Buy tickets — Celebrate anime, manga, and pop culture with diverse guests and vendors in a family-friendly environment.

Easter Brunch Buffet

10:30 AM – 1:30 PM — Renaissance Mobile Riverview Plaza Hotel — $69 Adults, $39 Children — Delight in an artisan brunch with live music and holiday favorites.

Alabama SkillsUSA Leadership Conference, Championships and Career Expo

April 21-23 — Mobile Convention Center — Free entry — Celebrate skill development and career readiness at this annual conference and expo.

Happy Hour Social Meetup

4-6 p.m. — The Admiral Hotel, Downtown — Free entry — Connect with locals over drinks and good conversation in a fun atmosphere.