Biloxi experiencing a surge in homelessness

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) – Back in 2018, Back Bay Mission served around 230 people experiencing homelessness. Fast forward to 2025, with a few months still left in the year, that number has already tripled, surpassing 700. Staff at the nonprofit say rising inflation and the overall cost of living may be key factors behind the surge. Currently, there are no…

Gulfport Behavioral Health System hosts Military, Veterans, and First responders unit Open House

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- Gulfport Behavioral Health System hosted their military, veterans, and first responders unit open house Thursday morning. The Gulfport Behavioral Health Services Patriot Support programs provide treatment for active-duty military, veterans, and their families. Programs and services here are specifically designed to address the effects of behavior health issues. As treatment programs are expanding within the community, Universal…

MS Secretary of State swears in as NASS president

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — The National Association of Secretaries of State wrapped up its annual conference at the Beau Rivage today, capping off the event with the induction of a new president – Mississippi’s own Michael Watson. The conference kicked off on Monday morning, bringing together non-partisan secretaries of state from across the nation for a four-day event. The conference…

Art contest announced for Mullet Fest in Gautier

GAUTIER, Miss. (WXXV)- Gautier’s Mullet and Music Fest is not for a few more months, but Coast artists are invited to submit their artwork right now. That artwork will be used as the festival’s official logo and on the official festival t-shirt. Guidelines are that the art must be original, include the theme of celebrating nature’s playground, and must have…

Juvenile Justice Symposium kicks off in Biloxi

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — Experts from all across the state are gathering at a Juvenile Justice Symposium in Biloxi to learn how to help kids have successful futures. Juvenile justice has been a big topic at the IP Casino in Biloxi. Wednesday kicks off the three-day event offering classes to those wanting to learn how to better serve our youth….

Back to School Blitz: Meet Sophia Evins, WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s July Teacher of the Month

PASCAGOULA, Miss. (WXXV) — Day two of WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s Back to School Blitz is here, and we’re honoring another outstanding educator in South Mississippi! July’s Teacher of the Month is Sophia Evins, a fourth grade teacher at Arlington Elementary School in Pascagoula. Evins has a contagious personality and is well-loved by her students. Evins was nominated by…

Living Local – Holmes Motors

Susie makes a stop at Holmes Motors in D’Iberville to learn from CEO Brian Holmes about the unique business practices that set Holmes apart from other dealerships. Categories: Living Local Tags: brian holmes, bryan holmes, car dealers, car dealerships, d’iberville, Holmes, holmes motors, Living Local, Susie Davis

Living Local – Seven P Fit

Susie Davis visits Seven P Fit, a unique fitness center in Ocean Springs specializing in fitness for not just the body but the mind and spirit as well. The center offers a variety of classes including barre, bungee, Zumba, stretch meditation, body pump, yoga, body jam, body combat and more! Categories: Living Local Tags: 7 p fit, barre, body combat,…

Singing River Health System hosting blood drives to support local family

The Singing River Health System is hosting a blood drive in support of a local family. The drives are in honor of Kevin Chevalier, who spent the last six weeks in the ICU battling a life-threatening ICU autoimmune disorder.  He has required multiple blood transfusions during treatment. The blood drive starts Monday, August 11 at the Ocean Springs Hospital’s board…

Update on Long Beach Gateway Project

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV)- The City of Long Beach shared an update on the Gateway Project at the harbor. Officials say work is on schedule. Drainage improvements are currently underway to enhance the storm water management. Meanwhile, underground electrical work is beginning this week, preparing for lighting and infrastructure enhancements. The project was launched in 2018 with a groundbreaking happening…

New police, fire chief speak to Ocean Springs residents

OCEAN SPRINGS, Miss. (WXXV)- The Ocean Springs Chamber of Commerce Breakfast with First Responders event took place Wednesday morning. The event was designed to connect community members with local first responders, including police officers and firefighters. The event allowed for discussions about community safety, current challenges, and opportunities for collaboration. This community event featured the newly appointed Ocean Springs Police…

8/6 – Breaking Down the Tropical Outlook

We’ve officially made it to August, and while the first quarter of hurricane season has been relatively quiet, things are starting to heat up in the tropics. Tropical Storm Dexter is currently churning out in the Atlantic with winds of 50 mph. It’s expected to strengthen a bit more, possibly reaching winds near 70 mph, but it’s likely to remain…

Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary: Mississippi’s Only Primate Refuge Supporting PTSD Recovery and Fighting Exotic Pet Trade

PERKINSTON, Miss. (WXXV) – The Gulf Coast Primate Sanctuary houses three spider monkeys, two squirrel monkeys, and two kinkajous. It is the only USDA-licensed primate sanctuary in Mississippi. Every monkey at the sanctuary was once a house pet whose owners decided they could no longer care for them. Founder April Stewart emphasized that primates are not easy to care for…

Anduril opens solid rocket motor facility in Stone County

STONE COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- Anduril officially cut the ribbon this week on its new solid rocket manufacturing complex in McHenry. It’s a process that has been a year and a half in the making and the facility now employs around 100 people. The site on East McHenry Road will allow Anduril to grow annual production to 6,000 tactical motors by…

Community comes together for fundraiser for Harrison County sheriff deputy battling cancer

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- In Harrison County, family, friends, and law enforcement colleagues came out in a big way to help support a sheriff’s deputy as she battles cancer. Amber Simmons was diagnosed with cancer in June of this year and has since begun treatment and chemotherapy. The ten-year Marine veteran has been part of the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office…

Susie Davis discusses this week’s Living Local

Susie Davis is here to talk about this week’s episode of Living Local. Living Local is a new half-hour show airing Thursdays at 12:30pm WXXV NBC 25 showcasing local shops, restaurants and hot spots along the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Susie takes you inside our unique local businesses to find out what sets them apart and let you know how to…

Joppa Shriners hosting several events this month

George Ackley with the Joppa Shriners is in studio to discuss a few events they have coming up this month. On Friday, August 8, the Joppa Shriners steak night takes place. That is from 6 to 7:15. Admission is $20 and includes a steak, baked potato, salad, roll and dessert. Dance Night is August 16. Country two-line step dance lessons…

All-clear given after morning lockdown involving Vancleave schools

VANCLEAVE, Miss. (WXXV)- The all-clear has been given for Vancleave schools after they were put into shelter-in-place mode for a time earlier Wednesday morning. According to a post from Vancleave High’s Facebook page, the move was done out of abundance of caution after a traffic stop involving a dangerous suspect near the schools. There was never a direct threat to…

Back to School Blitz: Meet Dr. Melody Smith, WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s June Teacher of the Month

SAUCIER, Miss. (WXXV) — The start of a new school year means the return of WXXV and Huntington Learning Center’s Teacher of the Month segment! To celebrate, WXXV is honoring three local teachers in a Back to School Blitz. The first honoree is June’s belated Teacher of the Month, Dr. Melody Smith! Dr. Smith is an inclusion special needs teacher…

U.S. Senator Wicker met by protesters during visit to the Coast

HARRISON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV) – Mississippi Gulf Coast Mutual Aid Collective is voicing strong opposition to Senator Wicker’s recent support of House Resolution 1, dubbed the “Big Beautiful Bill.” The protest drew a small but vocal crowd, with Gulf Coast residents from both political sides expressing frustration with what they see as a failure to prioritize local needs.    Categories:…