Mississippi State News

First Lady Visits Mississippi

Michelle Obama was right here in the Magnolia state this weakened speaking to grads at Jackson State. The first lady reflected on the heated battles her husband has endured as president and urged students to use peaceful means towards making…

Singer Lance Bass on House Bill 1523

Singer and actor Lance Bass, a Mississippi native, is speaking out against the Religious Accommodations Act that has become law in his home state. Jessica Bowman caught up with him while he was in Clinton helping promote healthy living. “It’s…

President Obama Talks about Mississippi

President Obama said today that North Carolina and Mississippi laws that limit anti-discrimination protections for the LGBT community are wrong and should be overturned. Speaking during a joint news conference with British Prime Minister David Cameron, the president said the…

Bill Could Loosen Open Container Laws

Places like New Orleans and Las Vegas allow you to walk in the street with an alcoholic beverage. Soon, some downtown areas in Mississippi could be added to that list. State Legislators are looking to loosen open container laws in…

2016 Mississippi Legislature

The Mississippi Legislature has concluded its 2016 session. During the first session of a four-year term, republicans gained a supermajority in both chambers abolishing elected school superintendents, phasing out corporate franchise tax, and passing the religious freedom bill. However legislators…

Bill Could Loosen Open Container Laws

Taking your margarita to go from your favorite downtown hot spot? Well that will soon be a reality. State legislators passed a law loosen open container laws in downtown areas across Mississippi. HB 1223 could allow designated areas all across…

Ocean Springs Upper Elementary Named Healthiest School in Mississippi

Ocean Springs Upper Elementary School now has bragging rights and a $50,000 check after being named Mississippi’s healthiest school. The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Mississippi Foundation recognized Ocean Springs Upper Elementary for their continued efforts to not only…

Mississippi Senate Wraps Up, House Back for One Day

The Mississippi Senate has ended its part of 2016 Legislative session, but the House still had a bit of work. Senators adjourned and went home Wednesday. House leaders planned to do the same but Democratic Rep. Bryant Clark of Pickens…

Target’s New Transgender Bathroom Policy

Target’s new policy on bathroom use is attracting mixed reactions from customers with some now calling themselves former customers. The company now allows transgender employees and guests to use the bathroom they most identify with. The announcement was made on…

State Budget Cuts

Mississippi Governor Phil Bryant says he’s making another round of budget cuts and will take $10 million out of the state’s rainy day fund. This is the first round of cuts since fiscal year 2016 started last July. The reason…

Mississippi Attorney General Releases Opinion Column

“Start acting like leaders” those are words Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood has for Legislators as he says they continue to pass unneeded tax cuts. Hood released an opinion column to lawmakers today in part stating: “even a child understands…

Veil Of Secrecy

A legal veil of secrecy could drop over much of the execution process in Mississippi under a bill agreed on by house and senate negotiators. Both bodies passed senate Bill 2237 Tuesday, sending it to Gov. Phil Bryant for his…

Jazz Concert in Ocean Springs Cancelled Due to HB 1523

More fallout over House Bill 1523 as comedian Tracy Morgan cancels his performance in Tunica and Belinda Carlisle writes her own scathing opinion of the bill to Governor Bryant. News 25 has learned that another major event has been cancelled…

Biloxi City Council Votes on HB 1523

Biloxi Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich has made his stance on House Bill 1523 very clear on local and national levels. News 25’s Kristen Durand attended today’s City Council meeting where council members voted on whether or not to call for…

Possible Changes to Government Aid

Lawmakers are considering a bill that would audit Medicaid recipients and tighten restrictions on other government aid. The proposed House Bill 1116 would use an outside company to verify recipients’ financial information and residency to determine if they are still…

Local Man Protests House Bill 1523

If you were driving by Jones Park in Gulfport today, you may have seen a man holding up a sign that read “No hate. Go away, House Bill 1523.” Kevin Ely has been a Gulfport resident for over 20 years.…

Biloxi City Council Votes on House Bill 1523

In a 6-0 vote today, the Biloxi City Council passed a resolution in support of repealing HB 1523. All but one council member voted in favor of standing by Biloxi Mayor Andrew ‘FoFo’ Gilich to support a repeal of our…

Belinda Carlisle Message to Governor Bryant

Belinda Carlisle wrote on her Facebook page this afternoon: "Governor Bryant,   I am scheduled to perform in your great state this Saturday, however given the very recent anti-LGBTQ attacks that your administration has leveled against some of your own…

Biloxi City Council to Appeal HB 1523

Biloxi Mayor Andrew “FoFo” Gilich has spoken against the governor’s decision to sign House Bill 1523 into law. Now, he’s taking his stance one step further. The mayor plans to issue a resolution during tomorrow’s City Council meeting that calls for the…

Guns in Mississippi Churches Bill Signed into Law Today

Governor Phil Bryant has signed into law a bill that allows some members of churches to undergo firearms training so they can provide armed security for their congregations. The Church Protection Act specifies that those designated can carry guns into…

Club Calls for Repeal of House Bill 1523

The Biloxi Business Men’s Club is making it known they support the LGBT community, calling for the repeal or nullification of House Bill 1523. The club is a group of business representatives and professional men from Biloxi who discuss subjects…

Judge Considering Lawsuit on State Flag

A federal judge says the Confederate emblem on the Mississippi flag is “anti-American” because it represents those who fought to leave the United States. U.S. District Judge Carlton Reeves is not yet saying whether he will fully consider a lawsuit…

No Hate in our State Rally at Jones Park

Gulf Coast community members rallied through the rain today to oppose the recent signing of House Bill 1523. “No hate in our state” signs took over Jones Park as dozens of protesters stood side by side, saying the act is…