Good morning, Biloxi.

Darian Atkinson, accused of killing Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen in 2019, was indefinitely committed to Mississippi State Hospital after a second competency hearing this week—doctors said he remains unable to understand the charges and help his defense.

On Tuesday, March 25th, Judge Christopher Schmidt held a second competency hearing for Darian Atkinson, the man accused of killing Biloxi Police Officer Robert McKeithen, as doctors testified that his severe mental illness prevents him from understanding the charges and assisting his defense, prompting the judge to order his indefinite commitment to the Mississippi State Hospital at Whitfield (with the District Attorney’s office set to request annual competency evaluations if he is restored to trial readiness).

Mississippi’s red snapper season for private anglers and for-hire vessels will begin at 12:01 a.m. on May 23 and end at 11:59 p.m. on July 6 with a daily limit of two 16-inch fish per person.

Anglers must hold a valid Mississippi Recreational Offshore Landing Permit and state fishing license — rules enforced by the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

The Institute for Marine Mammal Studies (IMMS) will release five Kemp’s Ridley sea turtles tomorrow at the beach across from Edgewater Mall at (9:30 a.m.) and will live stream the event on its Facebook page.

Mayor FoFo Gilich met with community leaders at Memorial Hospital Biloxi this morning to update them on city projects including Saenger Theatre renovations, extending Popps Ferry Blvd, repairing a long troubled bridge, improving the A.J.

Holloway Sports Complex, and planning work on the Lighthouse pier project with FEMA and MEMA—efforts aimed at boosting the city’s economy and health care. He also presented Quarterly Awards to honor an outstanding police officer, firefighter, airman and nurse—recognizing local service.

The City of Biloxi says intermittent lane closures will occur on Popp’s Ferry bridge from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday as crews repair street lighting.

Victims of mid-March tornadoes in 25 counties are receiving $1.3 million in unclaimed money—officials say the funds will support recovery efforts.

Municipal Primary elections are one week away in South Mississippi as voters in Diamondhead will cast their ballots next Tuesday, April 1st, at City Hall and the community center from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Absentee voting is available at local municipal clerk offices until Saturday, March 29th—if no candidate wins a majority, runoff elections will be held on April 22nd with the general election on June 3rd.

On Tuesday, March 25th, former Southern Miss pitcher Daniel Stewart discussed the Golden Eagles' win over Ole Miss, a weekend sweep of ULM, and a game against Nichols in Biloxi—he also noted that Southern Miss softball shortstop Claire Ginder previewed a matchup with Mississippi State scheduled for tomorrow night.

Candlelight: Tribute to Queen and ABBA

8:30-10:00 p.m. — Mary C O'Keefe Cultural Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience a unique candlelight performance of beloved hits by Queen and ABBA.

2025 Ribbon Walk

8 AM – 2 PM — Point Cadet — $20+ — A vibrant day filled with family fun events to support the fight against cancer.

Crawfish Music Festival

April 23-27 — Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center — $10 entry — Enjoy live music, delicious crawfish, and family fun in Biloxi.

Crawfish Music Festival

Apr 24-27 — Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center — Various pricing options — Enjoy rides, delicious crawfish cooked in every imaginable way, and live music at this family-friendly festival.

Newsies Musical

7:30 p.m. — Biloxi Little Theatre — Ticket availability varies — Experience the inspiring story of young newsboys fighting for justice in a dazzling Broadway musical.