Good morning, Biloxi.

Local charities are helping as a funding lapse will pause SNAP benefits in November and affect about 385,000 Mississippians who rely on food assistance.

Extra Table is asking for donations to quickly supply food to 63 pantries and soup kitchens—its private funds letting it bypass red tape and meet rising demand.

Feeding the Gulf Coast serves 24 counties along the Central Gulf Coast — CEO Michael Ledger said each meal the group provides is supported by nine meals from SNAP benefits.

He added that more than 70% of SNAP recipients are seniors or families with children, creating a ripple effect in local communities.

Local businesses and individuals were honored at Ground Zero Blues Club — WXXV awarded winners in 187 categories as part of the 2025 Viewer’s Choice Awards — marking a night of community celebration with Morning Anchor Chloe Carter emceeing the event.

Three research monkeys are still loose after a truck overturned Tuesday afternoon while transporting them from Louisiana to Florida; state conservation officers and the Jasper County Sheriff’s Department are investigating the accident and urging the public to avoid contact with the animals.

A new report shows Mississippi public schools have a chronic absenteeism rate above 27% (with some schools managing lower rates) while the issue remains a statewide concern.

Gulfport School Superintendent Glen East discussed the problem on air (as Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann highlighted its impact).

DeLisle Elementary students teamed up with Waste Management, Tandem Global — and the Mississippi Native Plant Society to plant a microhabitat at the Pecan Grove landfill.

The 1,500 square foot area featured over 750 native trees, shrubs, wildflowers and grasses, giving students a hands-on lesson in sustainability.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College earned the David M.

Halbrook Jr. Trophy for the 2024-25 academic year for strong academic performance among its student-athletes — it is the Bulldogs’ second consecutive win and seventh overall since 2009–10. The college also honored soccer’s David Ruiz Ospina and tennis’ Danique Vermue for demonstrating academic excellence.

Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith and Sen. Tommy Tuberville introduced the LABEL Act to require clear labeling of seafood with its country of origin and production method so American producers can compete against cheap imports—this bill would take effect 180 days after it is adopted.

Similar laws already passed in Mississippi and Alabama, and the measure is backed by local seafood industry groups.

Mississippi agriculture officials announced that new applications for the wild hog control program will open online from November 1 to November 15 in all 82 counties—landowners and managers on private agricultural and forestry properties will receive training and technical guidance to use smart traps, with applications evaluated based on available acreage, past losses, and current trapping efforts.

Mississippi landmarks will light up in teal on Monday, November 3 to support Alzheimer’s Awareness Month.

The event is part of a national program and includes sites like the Governor’s Mansion in Jackson and the Biloxi Lighthouse to honor those affected by the disease.

A new AARP study shows that 34% of Mississippi adults provide unpaid care for loved ones and face financial strain as they pay around $7,200 out-of-pocket annually — a burden that represents about 25% of typical incomes — with AARP urging lawmakers to offer tax credits and expand support options. This report highlights the urgent need for policy changes to help ease the financial impact on caregivers.

Four South Mississippi coaches were named Coaches of the Year by MHSAA and NFHS for their sports.

D’Iberville High’s Sanwaa Cooper earned Bowling Coach honor after leading his team to a state championship+ George County’s Anna Grace Rigby, Bay High's Colby Adams, and Pascagoula High's Jessica Wilkinson received awards for Softball, Girls Soccer, and Speech and Debate respectively.

St. Martin High School student Makenzie Rocco competes in cross country, wrestling and jiu-jitsu and will race at the State Championship this weekend—she has won gold medals in Baton Rouge and Fort Worth and says her Bible studies and faith help keep her focused.

Jessica Riley Craig Live

7 p.m. — Ground Zero Blues Club & Restaurant Biloxi — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy a night of soulful music from Mississippi's own Jessica Riley Craig.

Cannonball 5K & Fun Run

1-3 p.m. — Beauvoir — Check the event page for registration fees — Participate in the inaugural run on the beautiful Mississippi Gulf Coast.

LSU Tigers vs Samford Bulldogs Baseball Exhibition

11:00 AM – 12:30 PM — Keesler Federal Park — Tickets from $33 — Experience the excitement of college baseball with LSU Tigers taking on Samford Bulldogs.

Lone Star Skynyrd Tribute Concert

6:30-10:30 p.m. — The Sanctuary Biloxi — Ticket prices vary — Experience an electrifying tribute to Lynyrd Skynyrd by the ultimate tribute band.

2025 GCCA Annual Run For the Beads 5k

8:45 AM — Point Cadet — $16.90-$27.50 — Join a festive community run featuring a Beer Mile and awards for top finishers.

The Sound of Dreams

7:30 p.m. – 9:30 p.m. — Biloxi Little Theatre — $5 for students, BOGO offer — Watch talented young artists perform their dream songs on stage.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

10:00-11:30 a.m. — Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center — Ticket prices vary — Embark on a magical journey with Mickey Mouse and friends in an exciting ice show adventure.

Disney On Ice: Road Trip Adventures

12:00 – 1:30 PM — Mississippi Coast Coliseum and Convention Center — Cost varies — An enchanting ice-skating adventure with Mickey Mouse and friends awaits!