SUMMARY: The Singing River Mall in Gautier, Mississippi, long vacant and symbolizing economic decline, is being demolished as part of the city’s largest redevelopment in decades. City leaders, including Mayor Casey Vaughan, see this as a step towards creating a vibrant downtown with new shops, restaurants, green spaces, walkable streets, and housing. The demolition will take about 60 days, initially turning the site into green space. A key new project is the Mississippi Songwriters Hall of Fame Performing Arts Center, already under construction. This redevelopment aims to attract investment, create jobs, and revitalize Gautier’s commercial district, blending past memories with future growth.

Read the full article

The post Singing River Mall demolition signals new era for Gautier appeared first on www.wxxv25.com

SUMMARY: The New Orleans Saints brought their Hall of Fame Experience to Biloxi’s IP Casino Resort Spa, where hundreds met about two dozen Saints alumni. Attendees enjoyed memorabilia auctions, food, drinks, and a photo opportunity with the Super Bowl XLIV Lombardi Trophy. Newly inducted 2025 Saints Hall of Famers Tracy Porter and Brett Maxie shared emotional reflections on their honors. Porter expressed gratitude for fans’ patience, while Maxie described a heartfelt moment with his family. Upcoming events on June 20 include the Saints Hall of Fame Gulf Coast Scramble golf tournament in Pass Christian and Saints Hall of Fame Night with the Biloxi Shuckers at Keesler Federal Park.

Read the full article

The post New Orleans Saints Hall of Fame Experience welcomes standout alumni and fans to IP appeared first on www.wxxv25.com

SUMMARY: Juneteenth commemorates the emancipation of enslaved people in Texas on June 19, 1865, when Union Maj. Gen. Gordon Granger issued General Order No. 3, declaring all enslaved individuals free with equal rights. Although the Emancipation Proclamation was issued in 1863, true freedom required Union troop enforcement locally, making Juneteenth the last large emancipation event in the U.S. Texas had seen a rise in slavery as enslavers fled there during the Civil War. The Dallas Historical Society will display one of the few surviving original handbills of the order, highlighting Juneteenth’s vital historical significance. The holiday became federally recognized in 2021.

Read the full article

The post Juneteenth started with handbills proclaiming freedom. Here’s what they said appeared first on www.wxxv25.com