Aging infrastructure begins biggest challenge in Lucedale

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER-In Lucedale, city leaders say rapid growth has made aging infrastructure the city’s biggest challenge. Mayor Al Jones says traffic congestion and water lines dating back decades are under increasing pressure as more people move into the area. He says addressing those needs will be a top priority during this 2026 legislative session. “Some of the…

Road closure rescheduled in Gulfport

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- In Gulfport, city officials announce that a road closure is being rescheduled. The closure will begin on January 12 starting at 8 a.m. Work is expected to run until January 16 at 3 p.m. Crews will be on site installing a new sewer tap. South Railroad Street, Dolan Avenue, and 16th Street will be the designated detour…

Jackson County School District hosting job fair

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- The Jackson County School District is hosting a job fair on January 29. The St. Martin, East Central, and Vancleave schools will all be hiring. The fair takes place at Vancleave High School from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. Positions open include teacher assistants, maintenance and custodians, clerical, bus drivers, and food service. Applicants can expect…

Diamondhead city leaders looking to shape growth

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER- Diamondhead is one of Mississippi’s youngest cities, incorporated just over a decade ago. City leaders say that gives them a rare opportunity to shape growth intentionally. Officials say state-backed funding programs are helping turn long-term plans into visible projects, including road connections, drainage improvements, and the early phases of a defined downtown. City leaders say…

2025 was a better year for Christmas tree farms in Mississippi

ROY HOWARD COMMUNITY JOURNALISM CENTER-After Mississippi endured its worst drought in 50 years during 2023 and 2024, improved weather gave Christmas tree farms a stronger season and gave families a chance to reconnect with local traditions. Morgan Gill with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center reports. At 18 Acres Farm outside Richton, steadier weather this year has helped Christmas trees…

Walter Anderson Museum of Art receives accreditation

The Walter Anderson Museum of Art announced that it has achieved accreditation by the American Alliance of Museums, one of the highest national recognitions in the museum field. This re-accreditation affirms the museum’s ongoing mission of excellence and reflects its dedication to preserving and sharing Walter Anderson’s legacy. Categories: Local News

Seabees host farewell ceremony for public affairs officer

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Seabees are saying goodbye to Rebecca Shaw, who served as the base’s public affairs officer for the last three years. During the farewell ceremony, base Commanding Officer Captain Ana Franco presented Shaw with the Civilian Service Commendation Medal. Base officials say Shaw’s leadership, professionalism, and devotion to the Seabee’s was critical to the construction center’s mission….

Longtime Lt. John Barnes retires from Gulfport Police Department

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- After more than 24 years of dedicated service, a longtime Gulfport police lieutenant retires this week. John Barnes worked his way up to patrol sergeant in 2007, working his way up to the rank of lieutenant and officer in charge of the department’s strategic response unit. Gulfport police leaders say that Barnes’ impact is not measured solely…

Institute for Marine Mammal Studies looking for interns

GULFPORT, Miss. (WXXV)- The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies is looking for interns this spring. Those interested would be helping the research and animal care departments. These programs aim to help individuals gain experience in real-world settings. The research internship focuses on the photo identification project of wild dolphins in the Mississippi Sound. Interns will assist in field work and…

William Carey launches PhD program in neurodiverse studies

William Carey University is officially launching its PhD program in neurodiverse studies this month. This is the first and only program of its kind in the United States. It is intended to help professionals who interact with neurodivergent people develop strategies based on their needs. This program is not just for teachers, but a range of support professionals, including social…

Progress continues on Long Beach Gateway Project

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV)- The City of Long Beach shared a progress report on their gateway project on Tuesday. This week, crews are installing the walls on the gateway tower. You can actually see visible progress from Highway 90 now. Work is also ongoing on the concrete arched curbs, which are designed to help manage sand flow. You can go…

Mississippi Power warning against phone scams

Mississippi Power is warning customers against a scam going around recently. Officials saying customers are reporting calls, the person on the other end is threatening service disconnection if a payment isn’t received. Mississippi Power wants to remind everyone that they will never demand a specific form of payment over the phone. They would never ask for debit or credit card…

MS Dept. of Agriculture and Commerce using America250 Mississippi inspection sticker

Soon you will see a new design on the Mississippi Department of Agriculture and Commerce’s Bureau of Regulatory Services inspection stickers around the state. The stickers will honor the 250th anniversary of our nation’s founding. The promotional initiative of the MDAC was announced by Commissioner Andy Gipson on Monday. The red, white, and blue design will be seen in grocery…

D’Iberville linebacker Caleb Triplett will announce college commitment during Navy All-American Bowl

Set your alrms for noon on Saturday as d’Iberville standout linebacker Caleb Triplett announces his commitment during the 2026 Navy All-American Bowl in San Antonio. The Team Mississippi MVP and the rest of the top high school football recruits in the nation will be competing against one another and you can watch it on NBC and peacock starting at noon….

Biloxi Basketball alum and William Carey Guard Shaneal Corpuz hits 1,000th career point!

Shaneal Corpuz achieved a milestone by reaching 1,000 career points as William Carey secured an 84-64 victory over Faulkner University.  In the final ten minutes, William Carey dominated, expanding their lead to as much as 21 points en route to victory. A standout moment of the game occurred when Corpuz reached her 1,000th career point with a layup with six…

Annual Frosty Kroc Race returns Saturday

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV)- The Salvation Army’s Frosty Kroc race is still on for Saturday morning in Biloxi. All the fun is set to start at 8:30 with a one-mile fun run, 5K, and 10K options for runners. The course takes runners on a path through parts of East Biloxi, as well as across the Biloxi Ocean Springs Bridge. For more…

‘Unfortunately, human trafficking can affect anybody:’ raising awareness about trafficking crimes in Mississippi

BILOXI, Miss. (WXXV) — January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, with National Human Trafficking Awareness Day falling on Sunday, January 11th. According to the Mississippi State Department of Health, there were over 300 victims of human trafficking in Mississippi in 2024. The Gulf Coast Center for Nonviolence aims to combat this on the Coast. WXXV News 25’s Elizabeth Keen…

King Cake Crawl 5K in Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV)- The King Cake Crawl 5K is happening in Long Beach Saturday. You can head to Long Beach’s Harper McCaughan Town Green. Registration is set to begin at 7 a.m., weather permitting. Registration is $25 for adults and $10 for children. There won’t just be a 5K, there will be king cake stops throughout the pathway. Categories:…

Jeep-A-Gras parade rolling through Downtown Long Beach

LONG BEACH, Miss. (WXXV)- In Long Beach, carnival gets underway with Jeep-A-Gras. This year’s Grand Marshal is our very own morning anchor Chloe Carter. The day starts with Jeep the Beach from 10 a.m. until 2 p.m. on Saturday. Road closures in anticipation of the parade are set to begin at 5:30 and the parade rolls at 6 p.m. The…

1/9 – Chance for storms continues into Saturday morning

Meteorologist Sam Lucey has a look at your forecast

Showers and thunderstorms will be widespread tonight through Saturday, bringing periods of heavy rain and unsettled conditions across the area. Rain gradually tapers off late Saturday as a cold front moves through, shifting winds to the north and allowing cooler air to settle in. Temperatures will drop noticeably on Saturday night, marking the start of a much cooler pattern. Sunday…

Two arrested in recent copper thefts in Jackson County

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WXXV)- In Jackson County, two people are behind bars after a string of recent copper thefts in the eastern part of the county. Anduril Stratton is facing grand larceny and theft of motor vehicles and infrastructure charges, while Samantha Stratton is charged with receiving stolen property. Details are still limited as to which sites were impacted by…