Good morning, Mobile.

Mobile's own Chef Jim Smith from The Hummingbird Way was named a James Beard Award semifinalist for Best Chef South after the James Beard Foundation announced the list on Jan.

21. His restaurant on St. George St. is known for its fresh + local seafood.

Mobile County native Alexia Jayy won NBC's The Voice on Tuesday night after impressive renditions of Lady Marmalade and One and Only.

She earned a $100,000 prize and a national recording contract (honoring her Irvington roots and Alma Bryant High School legacy).

Alabama gasoline prices increased to $3.84 per gallon from $3.27 a month ago—experts expect further hikes this week amid renewed supply concerns from international tensions affecting fuel shipping, while diesel climbed to $5.43.

The Alabama State Department of Education is introducing a lifetime teacher certification for retired educators to rejoin classrooms without extra coursework—aiming to ease teacher shortages in subjects like math and science.

The option, available for those with 25 years of service for a $200 fee, is part of an overhaul of the certification process.

Registration is open for the Mobile Bay Estuary Corps summer program for sixth- and seventh-graders until April 29.

The hands-on program will run June 11-14 with field trips to Gulf State Park, a fish hatchery, and the new Gulf Coast Eco Center (cost $90 per student).

State Forester Rick Oates announced a statewide Fire Alert effective today because drought and low humidity have raised wildfire risks.

Outdoor burning permits are now limited and authorities will review conditions on Monday, Apr. 20.

Gov. Kay Ivey signed the Let the Kids Play Act on Tuesday to protect school choice students from athletic discrimination — the law allows CHOOSE Act participants to sue the AHSAA in eligibility disputes.

Governor Kay Ivey signed a law on Monday that will allow public universities to fire tenured faculty and change faculty senate roles (excluding UA and Auburn University).

The law takes effect Oct. 1 and requires universities to set new policy guidelines.

After nearly 3,000 votes were cast, residents selected Second Line Transit as the new name for Mobile’s redesigned public transit system.

The brand, which reflects Mardi Gras traditions & community input, will launch in July while The Wave remains in service.

Snook Christian Academy competed in its final AISA (Alabama Independent Schools Association) track and field meet in Gulf Shores before joining the AHSAA next school year.

Seventh grader Rachel Smith won gold in the girls 3,200-meter run while the team recorded other notable placements.

Foley's boys repeated their title + Fairhope's girls dominated the Baldwin County track and field championships, with Foley earning 127 points and Fairhope 259 points at the meet before teams set sights on the state qualifiers in Gulf Shores on April 24-25.

Mobile Improv Comedy Carnival

6:40 p.m. — Mobile Carnival Museum — $45 early bird pass — Experience two nights of unscripted hilarity at Alabama's first improv comedy festival.

Family Research with the DAR

10 AM – 1 PM — Local History & Genealogy - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Discover your ancestry with guidance from DAR experts at the library.

Eric Johnson Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — Soul Kitchen Music Hall — Tickets available — Experience an unforgettable night of mesmerizing guitar skills and soulful vocals from Eric Johnson.

Little River Band Live Performance

7:30-9 p.m. — Saenger Theatre Mobile — Ticket prices vary — Experience a night of electrifying music with the iconic Little River Band as they perform their timeless hits.

Mobile County Earth Day 2026

10 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Chickasabogue Park — Free admission — Celebrate our planet with live music, local food, crafts, and earth-friendly fun.

Weirdo Record Wednesdays

6-10 p.m. — Alabama Music Box — Free entry — Rediscover vinyl with DJ Hot Lobster and DJ RyJohn playing records all night long.

Friends of the Mobile Public Library Book Sale 2026

9 a.m. - 6 p.m. — The Grounds — Affordable prices — Discover thousands of used books and support the Mobile Public Library.

Public Works Project Presents: FOSTER by Claire Keegan

2-3 p.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free admission — Experience a poignant story of a child's summer in rural Ireland, filled with emotional depth.

Beginners' Computer Literacy Class

10-11 a.m. — Monte L. Moorer/Spring Hill Branch - Mobile Public Library — Registration recommended — Enhance your computer skills with classes on Microsoft applications and more.

Clue Crew

4-5 p.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free entry — Unleash your inner detective with scavenger hunts, puzzles, and mystery-themed crafts.