Morning Business Report: January 18th, 2022

McDonald’s U.S. restaurants are open ten percent fewer hours than pre-pandemic, the boss of the chain has said. The CDC is changing its cruise guidance as experts believe the latest COVID-19 spike is nearing its peak. Jane King is in New York with those stories and more. Categories: Business Tags: business, morning business report

Southern Gaming Summit to be held May 3rd-6th

The annual Southern Gaming Summit will convene May 3rd through the 6th at Beau Rivage in Biloxi. Bill Miller, president and CEO of the American Gaming Association, is the keynote speaker. The summit begins with a golf tournament at Fallen Oak before the breakout sessions on May 4th. In addition, five people will be inducted into the Hall of Fame…

Wilkes Drawbridge in Gulfport reduced to two lanes

In Harrison County, traffic has been reduced to two lanes on the Wilkes Drawbridge. The north bound side of the drawbridge is closed as crews repair the bridge’s motors. Motorists are encouraged to find an alternate route and the speed has been reduced to 25 MPH in the work zone. Renovations to the northbound side are expected to be complete…

1/19 – Rob Knight’s “Warm & Breezy” Wednesday Afternoon Forecast

High pressure will remain centered east of the area, and this will allow for continued warm air and moisture advection into the forecast area. In advance of an approaching cold front, the increase in moisture and instability will support the development of showers by this afternoon. This front should rapidly push through the forecast area during the overnight hours and…

State auditor speaks to superintendents about stimulus money

South Mississippi superintendents and officials who represent Mississippi school districts attended a meeting with the state auditor to discuss legal ways to spend incoming stimulus money. According to State Auditor Shad White, the state budget is normally about $6 billion annually. With the next round of stimulus money, an additional $4 billion is expected for the state. Tuesday’s meeting opened…

Stone County residents talk to supervisors about proposed pellet plant

Enviva, a world-leading bioenergy company, could call Stone County home, exciting many residents, but leaving others wary. Residents on both sides of the argument voiced their opinions in a Board of Supervisors meeting Tuesday in Wiggins. “The ones who are in favor are because of the jobs it creates, the growth and the tax base it brings to Stone County,…

Local shelters, animals benefit from #BettyWhiteChallenge

The Humane Society of South Mississippi has collected more than $10,000 in donations in two days — thanks to the Betty White Challenge The effort stemmed from a viral social media trend that asked people to donate at least $5 to animal shelters in honor of the late actress and animal advocate, who died December 31, 2021. The Jackson County…

Hancock house floats return

Back for round two, Hancock House Floats will again be awarding prize money to the Hancock County residence and business with the best purple, gold, and green decorations. The contest, which began last year to keep the Mardi Gras spirit alive and well despite no big celebrations, is returning. Co-founders Elise Deano and Kay Kell say with COVID still lingering…

Local artists wanted for murals on Katrina high water markers

In a continued effort to integrate art into the community, the city of Bay St. Louis has awarded a grant to the Katrina High Water Mark Revitalization Project. In 2010 two concrete slabs were constructed to memorialize the flood peak water level after Hurricane Katrina. 12 years later the markers are getting re-branded. Hancock Leadership Council’s Michelle Fleming said, “As…

Krewe of Casa kicking off Mardi Gras season with gala

Casa of Hancock County will kick-off the Mardi Gras season on Saturday with their Krewe of Casa 10th anniversary Mardi Gras gala. Chuck Underwood– a supporter of Casa– was crowned the king and Rhonda Herring– a volunteer with Casa– was crowned queen. The gala is a fun night with food served by Jimmy Ladner and the Casa Cooks as well…

New Beau Rivage president bringing fresh looks to casino resort

Beau Rivage Casino & Resort recently announced that a familiar face — Brandon Dardeau — is taking over as president of the resort. And with Dardeau’s arrival comes some exciting changes as well. Dardeau will be overseeing a renovation of all 1,700 hotel rooms — from new wallpaper and furniture to other amenities. The renovations will begin in April and…

St. Peter’s By the Sea opens its doors as cold weather shelter

Since 2017, the St. Peter’s By The Sea Biscuit Brigade has cooked a warm breakfast for those using the Salvation Army’s cold weather shelter in Gulfport. This winter, the shelter is closed for renovations, compelling the brigade to expand their resources. When temperatures are predicted to drop below 35 degrees at night, St. Peter’s By The Sea Episcopal Church at…

U.S. Army offering big bucks as signing bonuses for recruits

The U.S. Army is offering its largest signing bonus to date with up to $50,000 available for qualified recruits who enlist for six years of active-duty service. Staff Sgt. Jeremy Ruland, a Gulfport recruiter, said the bonuses are higher than what he’s seen. “It’s not something that I have seen since I have been a recruiter for the past four…

1/18 – Rob Knight’s “Up & Down Temperatures” Tuesday Afternoon Forecast

Warmer temperatures overnight as the winds will become southerly along with increasing cloud coverage. Moisture levels will continue to increase Wednesday in advance of an approaching cold front. During the day Wednesday, convective development will be rather limited as even with dew points gradually rising into the mid and upper 50s. Temperatures climb into the 70s on Wednesday, but will…

1/18 – Rob Knight’s “Winter Is Coming” Morning Forecast

The first 24 hours of the forecast is rather benign, as the high pressure shifts eastward, with perhaps 5 degrees of warming of high temperatures today from yesterday with winds slowly gaining an onshore component. This will bring considerably warmer temperatures tonight. Moisture levels will continue to increase Wednesday in advance of an approaching cold front. During the day Wednesday,…