🌱 Baker High School Threat + Human Trafficking Victim Rescued

Hi, everybody. I'm back in your inbox this morning to walk you through everything you need to know about what's happening in Mobile these days.

But first, today's weather:

Partly sunny. High: 53 Low: 35.

Business owners and marketers in Mobile: Do you want to build awareness with local customers? I have a limited number of sponsorships available to introduce our readers to local businesses they need to know. Click here to learn more.

Here are the top three stories today in Mobile:

1. The Mobile Police Department (MPD) is investigating a possible threat on social media involving Baker High School. On Wednesday morning, police responded to the school at 8901 Airport Blvd. and discovered a student may have circulated the threat. As of Thursday, MPD was actively investigating the matter. (Fox 10 News)
2. Newly proposed calendars for the 2023-2024 school year have cut Mobile County teachers' summer vacations. According to the new calendars, Mobile County Public School System (MCPSS) teachers will return to classrooms on Jul. 31, a day earlier than last year. Students will return on Aug. 7, three days later than last year. Two meetings will be hosted by the Mobile County Board of School Commissioners regarding the calendars — on Jan. 30 and Feb. 6, both at 3:30 p.m. in the Board Room of MCPSS Central Office. (WKRG News 5)
3. In nearby Baldwin County, an 18-year-old human trafficking victim was rescued on Wednesday. Baldwin County deputies conducted a traffic stop on I-10 near the Florida state line and found one of the three people in the vehicle. The driver had an active warrant for prostitution-related charges out of Harris County. Benjamin Sapp, 20, and Breanna Chanthanam, 22, both from Sacramento, CA, were arrested for human trafficking in the second degree and possession of marijuana in the second degree. (WEAR)

Today in Mobile:

• 5th Annual King Cake-Off At Mobile Civic Center Expo Hall (5:00 PM)
• Waka Flocka Flame At Troubadours (9:00 PM)

From my notebook:

• The City of Mobile has announced its Black History Month 2023 events! You can see the details at the link. (NBC 15 WPMI)
• Need help with your taxes? Here's where to get free tax return prep in Mobile county and southern Alabama. (WKRG News 5)
• If you're looking for work or a job change, Austal USA is looking to hire 1,200 employees. Learn more at their job fair, starting tomorrow, Jan. 28, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. (Mobile County, Alabama via Facebook)
• Celebrate Mardi Gras in the city that started it! Click here to view the full schedule of events around the city. (Visit Mobile via Facebook)

Now you're in the loop and ready to head out the door on this Friday. See you all tomorrow for another update!

— Miranda Fraraccio

About me: Miranda Fraraccio is a staff writer for content creation agency Lightning Media Partners. She is a graduate of the University of Rhode Island, where she earned degrees in Writing & Rhetoric and Communication Studies. In her free time, you can find her traveling, drinking tea, or practicing film photography.