Good morning, Mobile.

State legislators have proposed two bills for public K-12 schools that would require a weekly performance of the anthem (using Library of Congress-approved recordings) and daily recitations of the pledge with optional prayer, with local boards set to vote on the changes and the measures needing voter approval if passed.

Gov. Kay Ivey awarded $43.8 million in grants to help low-income households cover heating and cooling bills during extreme weather.

Mobile Community Action Inc. received $3.8 million, and residents can call (251) 626-2646 for details on applying.

Governor Kay Ivey announced Monday that Alabama received over $203 million from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services for a five-year Rural Health Transformation Program that the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs will manage to improve rural health services.

The City of Mobile will host a free horse rider training class on Saturday, Jan.

10, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the former Mobile Police Department horse barn at 1251 Virginia Street for riders who have not taken a certified course in the past year (riders planning to join 2026 Mardi Gras parades must attend).

Two Alabama children died from flu-related complications as 14-year-old Noah (Smo) Smothers died early Monday at TC Thompson Children’s Hospital and 11-year-old Jace Watkins died Saturday after battling flu symptoms in Birmingham; doctors warn this flu season is unusually severe.

A 14-year-old freshman from Ider High School died Monday at TC Thompson Children’s Hospital from flu-related complications, following another death of an 11-year-old from Hueytown (local officials say the season is exceptionally severe).

Health officials (ADPH) reported that flu rates doubled last week as ER visits climbed from 2.7% to 6.3%, raising concerns across Alabama.

They advise residents to get a flu shot, avoid contact with sick individuals, and wash hands often to help slow the spread.

Renovators have begun updating a run-down apartment complex near Bel Air Mall in Mobile that once faced rodent infestations (official updates on the project are forthcoming).

LEGO Fun Tuesday

4-5 p.m. — Semmes Regional Library — Free entry — Use your imagination and challenge your building skills with engaging LEGO activities for kids ages 6 to 18.

A Stitch in Time

3:30-5 p.m. — Ben May Main Library — Free kit available — Creative hands come together to cross stitch with fellow crafters.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.