Good morning, Mobile.

On Thursday afternoon, volunteers from Feeding the Gulf Coast Food Bank gathered in Theodore to deliver a bulk food distribution for families affected by the government shutdown and halted food stamp benefits.

The food bank used a new drive-thru system—designed to speed up the process—to help local pantries get extra groceries and ease community worry.

Keller Williams Realty has launched the annual Blessing Baskets drive to provide nonperishable food to families in need during Thanksgiving and Christmas — the program works with local schools to identify those in need and offers a raffle entry for a $500 gift card with each basket donation.

Carol Danieli is working to create Alabama's first Mardi Gras specialty plate to honor local pride; the design has been approved by the state and orders will open when 1,000 pre-orders are received—extra funds from each $50 plate will support local grants and scholarships for Mardi Gras groups.

The FAA, facing a shortage of 2,000 air traffic controllers because of a government shutdown, announced it will cancel thousands of daily flights starting tomorrow.

Mobile Regional Airport said it is operating as usual (travelers should check flight status) while officials warn more cancellations may occur if staffing issues worsen.

Alabama airports warn travelers today that flight schedules may be disrupted after the FAA cut air capacity by 10% at 40 major hubs due to the government shutdown—airlines will issue vouchers, refunds, and rescheduling protocols as they adjust flight schedules.

Local pediatricians reported a rise in hand, foot and mouth disease in Mobile as children and adults experience flu-like symptoms and painful blisters—doctors stress that thorough handwashing can help slow its spread.

The illness usually clears on its own in about 10 days.

Baldwin County will send all 12 AHSAA programs to the state cross country meet on Nov.

8 at Moulton’s Oakville Indian Mounds Park and Educational Center — dozens of runners from boys and girls divisions will race, with the 1-2A girls 5k starting at 8:30 a.m. and the 5A boys event ending at 12:15 p.m.

Magnolia Run

8-11 a.m. — Jesses Restaurant — Registration fee required — A friendly gathering for runners and walkers in the scenic town of Magnolia Springs.

Bring Your Own Device Workshop

10-11 a.m. — West Regional Library - Mobile Public Library — Registration recommended — Get assistance with your digital devices and library apps in a helpful session.

Veterans Day Celebration and Parade of Flags

3-4 p.m. — USS Alabama Battleship Memorial Park — Free entry — Honor our veterans with patriotic music, presentations, and a flag parade featuring local students.

Wonderful Wednesday Storytime

10:00 – 10:30 AM — Theodore Oaks Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy stories and songs designed to promote early literacy for preschool-aged children and all ages welcome.

Teen Takeover at Parkway Branch

2:30-3:30 p.m. — Parkway Branch - Mobile Public Library — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon filled with video games, board games, crafts, and fun activities designed for teens.

Port City Classic

8-11 p.m. — Ladd-Peebles Stadium — Ticket prices vary — Celebrate the vibrant HBCU spirit with an exciting matchup between Alabama State and Mississippi Valley State.

Living History Festival at Fort Condé

10 a.m. – 3 p.m. — Colonial Fort Condé — Free entry — Experience life in the 18th century with hands-on demonstrations and exciting swordfighting shows.

Read & Play Storytime

10:00 – 10:45 AM — Ben May Main Library — Free — Engage your little ones in storytime with books, songs, and fingerplays to nurture their early development.

Florida Atlantic Owls vs. South Alabama Jaguars Women's Basketball Game

12 PM — Mitchell Center — Check for ticket prices — Watch an exciting showdown in women's basketball with top team stats from both sides.

Lighting of the Tree Celebration

5:30-8:30 p.m. — Mardi Gras Park — Free entry — Celebrate the holiday season with local vendors, festive activities, and a special visit from Santa Claus.