Ocean Springs annual ‘Tree Lighting with Santa’

If you’re looking for a little holiday cheer this year, have no fear! Ocean Springs annual ‘Tree Lighting with Santa’ is almost here. Weather permitting, the event will take place Thursday from 6 to 8 p.m. on the grounds of the Mary C. Although there is the possibility that the event will be rained out and if that happens, the…

State health officials discuss record number of COVID-19 cases

State health officials are speaking out after a record number of coronavirus cases were reported in Mississippi. In a press briefing this afternoon, State Health Officer Dr. Thomas Dobbs expressed concern over the nearly 2,500 reported cases today and record number of hospitalizations the state has experienced this week. As a result, the MSDH has issued public health recommendations to…

Mississippi Aquarium welcomes Santa

The Mississippi Aquarium is celebrating its first holiday season and this evening they’re rolling out the red carpet for a special guest. News 25’s Grant Chighizola has more. Categories: Local News, News Tags: Mississippi Aquarium, santa

Crusaders for Veterans holding virtual wreath placing ceremony

COVID-19 is definitely shaking things up this holiday season, but it is not stopping the Crusaders for Veterans from honoring our troops. The traditional wreath placing ceremony will still take place at the Biloxi National Cemetery on December 5th at 11 a.m. However, this event will be by invitation only to prevent a huge gathering. You can join the ceremony…

Gulfport Kiwanis Club hosts 64th annual Pancake Day

If you missed breakfast this morning, don’t worry. You can catch the annual Pancake Day until 7 p.m. tonight. The Kiwanis Club of Gulfport is serving their hot fluffy pancakes for the 64th annual Pancake Day. It’s their biggest fundraiser of the year and because of the pandemic, they’ll be serving their signature pancakes and sausage to-go style outside of…

U.S. Senate confirms new federal district judge for the southern half of Mississippi

The U.S. Senate has confirmed a 37-year-old attorney as a new federal district judge for the southern half of Mississippi. Taylor B. McNeel of Pascagoula, who has been involved in Republican politics, was nominated this year by President Donald Trump. The Senate voted 53-39 Tuesday to confirm McNeel to the lifetime position.  He succeeds Judge Louis Guirola Jr. who retired…

Harrison County EMA Director Rupert Lacy retires

Harrison County’s Emergency Management Director has retired after 13 years in that role. Rupert Lacy’s last day as EMA director for the county was yesterday. Harrison County Spokesperson Jeff Clark tells News 25 that Lacy’s service to the county goes beyond his 13 years as director as he played a big part in the area’s recovery following Hurricane Katrina and…

Holiday celebration begins tonight in Gulfport

While Hurricane Zeta may have dashed any plans for this year’s Harbor Lights Winter Festival put on by the City of Gulfport, the department of leisure services to still determined to bring holiday spirit to the Coast. Festive lights still shine throughout Jones Park, despite Hurricane Zeta taking out 30 percent of the Harbor Lights in October. Now, instead of…

Tips to stay safe this holiday season

While it’s easy to get caught up in all the cooking and decorating surrounding the holidays, the Biloxi Fire Department says it’s especially important during this time of year to keep an eye out for potential fire hazards in your home. The holidays are the leading time for kitchen fires with Thanksgiving and Christmas being the two leading days for…

Festival of Lights begins at MGCCC Perkinston

The first of December means a splash of colorful light has made its way to the streets of Perkinston. MGCCC’s Festival of Lights kicked off this evening on campus, although in a slightly different fashion due to COVID-19. Gone this year are the vendors and activities of year’s past, but new this year is a local radio station featuring Christmas…

Pet of the Day: Tallulah needs a loving home

It’s Tuesday which means its time for our pet of the week. Tallulah is a four-year-old female pit mix. She loves everyone she meets. She is good with kids and dogs, great on leash, spayed, chipped, and crate trained. She is their longest residents. She came into the shelter on 8-14-20. It’s $65 to adopt. Categories: Community Headlines, Pet of…

Update on new construction and development in Biloxi

The countdown to Christmas is underway, but that’s not the only countdown happening in Biloxi. Residents and developers are counting down the days of construction for a variety of projects in the city. For example, Margaritaville has resumed construction again on the parking garage and amusement park. Also, they are repairing some of the damage caused by Hurricane Zeta. The…

Zeta cleanup and recovery continues in Pass Christian

Hurricane season is now officially behind us, but cleanup and recovery is far from over here in South Mississippi. Debris removal is in full swing in Pass Christian as cleanup and recovery continues. They’ve decked the halls, city hall, with Christmas decorations in the Pass, but instead of Santa giving out gifts from his sleigh, it’s trucks and crews from…

Goula Grinch is stealing Christmas cheer in Pascagoula

Pascagoula Police Chief Matt Chapman held a special press conference Tuesday morning regarding the Goula Grinch who has been terrorizing residents in the city. It’s been less than two weeks since the Goula Grinch was granted parole on ‘good behavior’ yet he has already been wreaking havoc in the City of Pascagoula. The city is preparing for their annual ‘Downtown…

Governor Reeves adds more counties to mask mandate

Governor Tate Reeves is adding more restrictions as coronavirus cases continue to rise in the state. On Monday, hospitalizations reached a record high in Mississippi. Today, Reeves added 13 counties to the mask mandate list that now covers 54 counties which is more than half of the state. Those counties are: Quitman, Jefferson, Franklin, Noxubee, Kemper, Amite, Coahoma, Sunflower, Scott,…

Wanted for aggravated domestic assault by Pearl River Sheriff’s Department

A man is wanted by the Pearl River Sheriff’s Department for aggravated domestic assault. John Red is wanted for an incident that took place on Sunday where deputies say he shot a woman in the arm. Authorities ask if you know his location to contact Crime Stoppers by calling 1-877-787-5898. Categories: Crime, Featured, Local News, News Tags: aggravated domestic assault,…

Ocean Springs Mayor’s Youth Council holding toy and clothing drive

Some local youth in Ocean Springs are making sure children within their community receives gift this Christmas. The Ocean Springs Mayor’s Youth Council is partnering with the Duchess Club to collect toys, clothes, and shoes of all sizes, as well as hygiene products. The youth council is collecting now through December 14th. They’re also asking local businesses to donate items…

Downtown for the Holidays in Pascagoula

The 20th annual Downtown for the Holidays will be lighting up Pascagoula’s main street this Friday. The event starts at 5 p.m. with the lighting of the tree next to Santa’s village on the corner of Delmas Avenue and Magnolia Street. Vendors will be selling crafts and businesses will have later hours than normal. There will also be a parade…

Remembering Edward ‘The Rev’ Powell Jr

Edward C. Powell Jr. AKA the Rev, a larger than life Coast icon, will soon be laid to rest. News 25’s Toni Miles shows us the life of this long-time radio DJ and personality through the eyes of the man who called him dad. Edward Powell III said, “One year he was the Grand Marshal at one of the Mardi…

Salvation Army cold weather shelters open

With the cold weather lasting throughout the night and into the morning, the Salvation Army has activated cold weather shelters here on the Coast. Salvation Army locations in Gulfport and Pascagoula opened at 6 p.m. this evening in a first come, first serve format and will close at 7 a.m. tomorrow morning. CDC guidelines are being followed within the shelters,…

Taking care of pets in the cold weather

It’s also important not to forget about your furry friends as this cold weather comes to the Coast. While the Mississippi Gulf Coast may not get traditional wintery weather, the change in temperature between fall and winter still affects us and our pets. Pet owners are encouraged to bring their four-legged friends inside if you can. If you can’t bring…