Picayune Police Department rolls out special cruiser for Autism Awareness Month

PICAYUNE, Miss. (WXXV)- April is Autism Awareness Month, the Picayune Police Department shared pictures of their special cruiser. The department says it is a time to promote understanding, acceptance, and support for individuals and families living with autism. Throughout the month, the community is encouraged to learn more about autism, practice patience and understanding, support families and caregivers, and celebrate…

Mississippi Sound Coalition to unveil study findings at supervisors meeting

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- Mississippi Sound police proposals and studies will be presented to the Harrison County Board of Supervisors Monday morning. Scientists with the Northern Gulf Institute, USM, and MSU, alongside the Mississippi Sound Coalition, will present two new studies on the impact of the Bonnet Carre Spillway openings. The research looks at potential ecological and water flow ‘tipping…

Ocean Springs High Hope Squad receives grant

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV)- The Ocean Springs High School Hope Squad has been working hard to be a mental health support group, reaching more than 2,000 students in total. Part of the help comes from an almost $2,000 grant from Singing River Electric’s ‘Helping Neighbors Community Grant.’ The Hope Squad will be using the funds to buy audio visual equipment…

MGCCC and USM partner to expand degree pathways

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College and the University of Southern Mississippi are teaming up to offer more degree pathways at the Gulf Park Campus in Long Beach. The agreement allows MGCCC to offer freshmen and sophomore level courses on campus, creating a smoother transition for students working toward a bachelor’s degree. The goal is to make earning a four-year degree…

Home of Grace opens women’s fitness center

Home of Grace Women’s Campus hosted a ribbon cutting celebrating the grand opening of its new state of the art fitness center. The addition is part of a broader effort to support holistic health in addiction recovery. The $10,000 project was funded through community donations and support from alumni families. The center will give clients a positive outlet, helping improve…

Ingalls launches future USS George M. Neal

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- Ingalls Shipbuilding successfully launched the future guided missile destroyer George M. Neal on Wednesday. It’s the fourth flight three Arleigh burke class destroyer to be built at the shipyard. The ship represents the next generation of surface combatants for the U.S. Navy featuring technology designed to counter threats well into the 21st Century. The George M. Neal…

Dredging operations set to begin in Pascagoula

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- A head’s up for boaters in Pascagoula, dredging operations near the Pascagoula Harbor are set to begin soon. The Army Corps of Engineers say that work begins on April 6th with crews pumping materials into open placement sites there. The corps say this work will last approximately two months. Categories: Featured, Local News Tags: dredging, Pascagoula

‘Operation Safe Streets’ kicks off in Moss Point

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV)- Moss Point is launching a new collaborative effort between the city’s police and parks and rec departments called ‘Operation Safe Streets.’ City leaders say it is a way to strengthen public safety and trust. The operation runs through the upcoming spring break Moss Point event. In a statement, Police Chief Dennis Stevenson says ‘Operation Safe Street’…

MS Dept. of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks proposing wild turkey habitat project

The Mississippi Department of Wildlife, Fisheries, and Parks is rolling out new projects to improve conditions for turkey habitats. The state is proposing more than $108,000 in improvements across over 1,500 acres of public land on wildlife management areas, including the Pascagoula WMA in South Mississippi. Projects include clearing overgrown forests, improving roadside habitat, and planting food sources like clover…

Humane Society of South Mississippi spotlighting ‘Project Dogs’

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- For the entire month of April, the Humane Society of South Mississippi will be featuring their special Project Dogs. Thanks to a donation by Hill’s Pet Nutrition, these project dogs are getting the extra care, training, and advocacy needed to make them lifelong companions. These pups will receive dedicated work on basic commands and manners, personalized behavioral…

Chevron Pascagoula Refinery announces new director

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV)- In Pascagoula, there will be a change in leadership soon at Chevron’s Pascagoula Refinery. Marissa Badenhorst will take over as refinery director of both the Pascagoula and Pasadena refineries on May 1st. Current Refinery Director Steve Potter is retiring after 36 years with Chevron. Badenhorst has been with Chevron since 2000 and most recently has served as…

Wiggins PD holds annual Mayor Joel Miles Memorial Basketball Tournament

WIGGINS, Miss. (WXXV)- The Wiggins Police Department hosted their annual Mayor Joel Miles Memorial 3 versus 3 Basketball tournament last Saturday. The department says this tournament helps bring the community together in competition, fellowship, and remembrance. Mary Miles served as the tournament hosts. This year’s champions are the Bandits. Categories: Local News Tags: Mayor Joel Miles Memorial Basketball Tournament, Wiggins…

Moss Point Parks and Rec Department wins six awards

MOSS POINT, Miss. (WXXV)- Moss Point Mayor Billy is back with another edition of River City Chat on his Facebook page. In this video, he was joined by the city’s Parks and Rec Director Donna Joseph. The two discussed how the department recently won six awards from the state. Mayor Knight says these recognitions reflect the hard work, commitment, and…

City of D’Iberville hosts Fire Service Instructors Association Conference

D’IBERVILLE, Miss. (WXXV)- D’Iberville played host to the State Fire Service Instructors Conference last week. The conference is a training experience that brings instructors and professionals in from across the region. Participants had the chance to hear from instructors out of Louisiana and Alabama, important updates from officials, and take part in hands on training sessions. Those sessions were presented…

Ocean Springs Middle School announces new principal

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV)- The Ocean Springs School District announced administrative changes taking effect next school year. Nicholas Thomas has been selected to be principal of Ocean Springs Middle School. This comes after serving as the assistant principal at the high school. The changes are set to take effect on July 1. Categories: Local News Tags: Nick Thomas, ocean springs…

Meet baby penguins at Mississippi Aquarium over the weekend

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Mississippi Aquarium is wrapping up its limited time baby penguin experience this weekend. Four African penguin chicks, born earlier this year, have been making special appearances on weekends, but that all ends Easter Sunday. Visitors can get an up-close look at the fluffy newcomers Saturday and Sunday from noon to 1:45 p.m. Viewing the penguin chicks…

Mythic Skateboards debuts at Biloxi First Friday Downtown Block Party

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — The City of Biloxi hosted its monthly First Friday Downtown Block Party to begin the Easter holiday weekend, and it featured plenty of excitement. Aside from the usual food trucks, vendors and live entertainment, Mythic Skateboards also made its public debut. Skaters gathered to check out the organization’s merchandise and experience a team-based skateboard competition, with…

Mississippi Aquarium hosting Penguin Easter Egg Hunt

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Mississippi Aquarium is hosting their Penguin Easter Egg Hunt Saturday on the west lawn. Throughout the day, aquarium guests will be able to enjoy free Easter Egg hunts as well as photos with the Easter Bunny. One golden penguin egg will be hidden on campus and the finder will win two annual passes. The egg hunt…

Win for Coast oyster fishermen

A press conference was held Friday by Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United at the Pass Christian Harbor. The group announced a legal victory after a Harrison County judge ruled in their favor. The judge struck down the state’s plan to lease 80 percent of oyster reefs in the Mississippi Sound to private companies. The ruling pointed out private leasing violates the…

4/3 – Sam’s Friday Night Forecast

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at the week ahead

Expect a warm and quiet night with mostly cloudy skies and temperatures falling to around 68. Saturday will be another humid day, with a mix of sun and clouds, and highs reaching near 80 before showers and thunderstorms develop during the afternoon. The wettest part of this forecast arrives Saturday night through Sunday, when widespread rain and storms are expected,…

Mississippi Power dedicates workforce training center to former leader

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Mississippi Power honored a former leader with a new name for a facility that helps train the next generation of energy workers in South Mississippi. The company dedicated its workforce development and training center in honor of retired chairman, president, and CEO Anthony Wilson. The facility, which opened in 2024, serves as a key site for safety…