Good morning, Biloxi.

Local bakeries are preparing unique king cakes for Mardi Gras with special fillings + flavors as they gear up for the season; some Long Beach shops are already selling out early batches and will offer cakes fresh all season.

7 Brew announced that its Gulfport location will open on January 26 at a spot on Highway 49 near El Saltillo and Goodwill — it joins sites in D’Iberville and Waveland and a planned Biloxi location on Pass Road.

South Mississippi Carnival season is underway as local officials prepare for Mardi Gras parades that will fill streets with tradition and community pride — safety measures have been increased to manage heavy traffic and crowds.

Bishop Louis F. Kihneman III led a Eucharistic Celebration at Holy Family Parish (Menge and Evangeline Drive in Pass Christian) on Sunday, Jan.

4, marking the Feast of Epiphany, which honored the end of the Christmas season and celebrated Jesus as the light of the world.

Mississippi State Senate approved education reforms that include a $2,000 teacher pay raise, eased restrictions for retired teachers, and historic funding for PERS — $500 million plus annual $50 million appropriations.

The bills now advance to the House for further review.

Aquaponics in Action exhibit will be unveiled during a ribbon-cutting on Jan.

13 at 3 p.m. at LMDC— a partnership by USM’s TCMAC, Symbiotic, and the GULF BLUE Initiative aims to educate families on sustainable aquaculture and STEM skills as part of the Marine Aquaculture Demonstration Initiative.

Bay High sophomore Kamryn Lafontaine is honored as WXXV Student Athlete of the Week after scoring 25 goals this season — she credits a strong team bond and family support for her success.

The Senate Education Committee approved bills Tuesday that will raise teacher salaries, let retired educators return without losing benefits, and ease student transfers + address a statewide teacher shortage.

The full Senate is set to vote on these measures soon while the House works on its own education reforms.

Three U.S. Navy and Marine Corps leaders visited Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula today to inspect work on modernizing fleets and developing new vessel designs.

The visit highlighted the shipyard's role in the Navy's golden fleet initiative (including Zumwalt destroyer upgrades and early battleship design).

Gulfport Combat Readiness Training Center hosts *STARS Day* on Friday, Jan.

9 at 8:00 on base to showcase demos by the 209th Special Operations Civil Engineer Squadron and the 255th Air Control Squadron. Officials hope the event will boost community awareness and career interest in the Guard.

d'Iberville senior forward Nyla Breeland signed with Hinds Community College Eagles and celebrated the move at her high school as she takes her soccer career to the next level.

Sam Joyner Blues Band Live Performance

7-10 PM — Ground Zero Blues Club & Restaurant Biloxi — Ticket prices vary — Experience a soulful mix of Blues, R&B, Jazz, and Reggae with the renowned Sam Joyner.

SAFe® 5.1 Lean Portfolio Management Training

9 AM – 1 AM — Biloxi, Mississippi — $1299 early bird, $1899 regular — Enhance your portfolio management skills with hands-on training and certification preparation.

Pre-Valentine's Day RnB Concert Featuring Fel Davis

3-7 p.m. — Ground Zero Blues Club & Restaurant Biloxi — Reserved seating highly suggested — Enjoy 90's RnB hits with live performances and great food before Valentine's Day.

Rehab with Abaddon's End and DJ T Swan

8:00 – 11:50 p.m. — The Sanctuary - Biloxi — Please check the event page for pricing — Enjoy live performances by multi-platinum band Rehab and more.

Biloxi Boat Show

10 AM – 5 PM — Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center — Admission details pending — Explore the latest boats and marine accessories from local dealers.