Mississippi
New website launched to connect Mississippi mothers to resources
JACKSON, Miss. (WLBT) -We’ve heard repeatedly the question of what Mississippi is doing to support women and children. It was a central concern after the overturning of Roe versus Wade. One answer is coming in the form of a newly launched website.
Attorney General Lynn Fitch is glad to see this next step in the empowerment movement turned reality.
“In the Mississippi Dobbs case, when we won, we asked the justices to give us the job to take care of women and children,” said Lynn Fitch.
The newly launched Mississippi Access to Maternal Assistance or MAMA site pulls the public and private resources together, allowing women to learn where to go for a wide range of needs, from during pregnancy to after the birth of their child.
“If you’re a young mother, you are looking for opportunities,” explained Fitch. “And it could be to get a job. It could be upskilling for them. Or it could be they’re just in a situation where they need to get their child on the CHIP program, and they don’t know where to go. Because, you know, a lot of those sites are overwhelming.”
Among the resources linked on the site are crisis pregnancy centers. The Vicksburg location’s executive director says the number one resource women need is support to know they’re not alone.
“We are women who understand what you’re dealing with in the moment that you’re in crisis. I have had to make the decision of, you know, my son was very, very ill and in utero, and they wanted me to abort,” said Shannon Bagley, Executive Director of the Crisis Pregnancy Center in Vicksburg. “So, I’ve stood in the place of do I abort? Do I carry? You know, we are not women just coming in and telling you to make a decision because we think it’s the right one. We are women who have stood in those decisions, and we know what it feels like.”
They have seen more clients in the past year. And many times, they hear from women that they had no idea about the variety of free services they offer. That’s why she’s optimistic about the doors the MAMA program will open.
“Anything that can help bring that information to a woman that is in need of it,” added Bagley. “At that moment, she needs. It is absolutely important.”
The program is detailed in a bill from this past legislative session, and it specifies that it will also include a mobile app beginning in 2024.
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Mississippi
MDOC searches for escaped prisoner from South Mississippi Correctional Institution
The Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the help of other authorities, is searching for a prisoner who escaped Tuesday afternoon from the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville.
Drew Johnson, 33, has blond hair and blue eyes. He weighs 200 pounds and is 6 feet tall.
Johnson was sentenced in 2022 to life in prison for a homicide/murder in Rankin County.
Anyone who believes they may have seen Johnson should contact the nearest law enforcement agency.
Mississippi
MDOC searching for escaped inmate out of South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville
LEAKESVILLE, Miss. (WLOX) – The Mississippi Department of Corrections, with the help of other authorities, is searching for an inmate who escaped the South Mississippi Correctional Institution in Leakesville Tuesday afternoon.
According to an alert sent out by the Greene County Emergency Management office, 33-year-old Drew Johnson escaped from the facility around 3:30 p.m. He’s currently serving a life sentence for murder.
He was sentenced on February 14, 2022.
Johnson is described as a 6′0″ male with blue eyes, blond hair, and 200 pounds. He was last seen near Old Highway 24 in Leakesville.
Crews are still out searching for him as of 8:03 p.m. If you have any details regarding the incident or see Johnson, officials say to call 911.
We will update this story as new details become available.
See a spelling or grammar error in this story? Report it to our team HERE.
Copyright 2024 WLOX. All rights reserved.
Mississippi
What MS Coast casino restaurants are open Christmas Day? Here’s our list
Christmas on the Coast is a tradition for many families throughout the Southeast. Mississippi Coast casinos are ready to welcome them with open arms and open restaurants.
Below are the casinos open for dining on Christmas Day, some with limited holiday fare. Reservations may be required for some restaurants.
875 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-386-7111.
BR Prime
Reservations required.
- Holiday Bouillabaisse, Icy Blue Mussels, Little Neck Clams, Gulf Shrimp, Seabass $15
- Prime Rib with Demi Glace, Thyme Horseradish Cream, Hasselback Potatoes, Heirloom Carrots, Roasted Brussels Sprouts $72
- Peppermint Hot Chocolate Cheesecake $15
Salt and Ivy
Reservations encouraged.
- Christmas Feature $38: Crab, Shrimp and Spinach-stuffed Flounder with Dill Bearnaise, Wild Mushroom Farro and White Wine-Garlic Broccolini
The Buffet
Holiday Brunch: 8 a.m. to 10 a.m., Adults, $32.99; Children, $19.99; Under 4, free.
Holiday Lunch/Dinner: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., Adults, $49.99; Children $25.99; Under 4, free.Free Under 4
- Features include herb-crusted prime rib, spicy shrimp boil, NOLA BBQ shrimp and grilled sirloin
151 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-435-5400.
Morton’s The Steakhouse
Reservations recommended. Restaurant hours: noon to 9 p.m.
- The Chateaubriand three-course menu for two includes Chateaubriand with Roasted Shallots, Red Wine Demi Reduction, Sauce Bearnaise and Au Jus; Winter Salad to share; choice of two sides; and choice of desserts for $179. Lobster tails or mini crab cakes are available at an extra cost.
Lillie’s Asian Cuisine
Restaurant hours: 4 p.m. to 10 p.m.
Saltgrass Steak House
Restaurant hours: 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Bubba Gump Shrimp Co.
Restaurant hours: noon to 8 p.m.
Michael Patrick’s
Restaurant hours: 8 a.m. to 9 p.m.
777 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-374-7625.
Christmas Day Buffet, $39.99 from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.
- Menu includes starters, a carving station, Satisfaction favorites such as Southern Fried Chicken and Stuffed Crabs, Asian Cuisine, sides and desserts.
711 Hollywood Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2100.
Epic Buffet
Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.
- The Epic Buffet features more than 80 dishes including Crab Legs, Peel and Eat Shrimp, Southern barbecue, Asian cuisine, Creole, Italian and fresh seafood.
3300 West Beach Blvd., Gulfport, 228-314-2100.
The Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Low Country Crawfish Bisque; Creole Seafood Gumbo; Carrot Soufflé Casserole; Praline-Crusted Sweet Potatoes; Orange Chicken with Vegetables; Crispy Fried Shrimp; Carved Roast Turkey; Carved Strip Loin of Beef; Cornbread Dressing; Sliced Roast Turkey in Giblet Gravy; Carved Round of Beef, Smoked Ham and Cajun Fried Turkey; Cranberry Compote; Roasted Salmon Loin; Boiled Gulf Shrimp with Remoulade Sauce; Happy Family Shrimp and Vegetables; Smoked Pork with all the Trimmings; and more, $29.99.
C and G Grille
Christmas Day hours: 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m., $26.
- Choice of Starter: Seafood Gumbo or House Salad
- Choice of Entrée: Roast Turkey and Dressing or Glazed Bone-In Ham Steak. Each served with Green Bean Casserole, Candied Sweet Potatoes and Cranberry Compote
- Dessert: Cookie Butter Banana Pie
The Diner
Christmas Day hours: 10 a.m. to 10 p.m., $20.
- Choice of Starter: House Salad or Seafood Gumbo
- Entrée: Roast Turkey with Dressing, Gravy, Cranberry Sauce and Green Beans
- Dessert: Sweet Potato Pie with Whipped Cream
Dockside Deli
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $21.
- Starter: Crab and Corn Bisque or Seafood Gumbo
- Choice of Entrée: Debris-Style Turkey Dressing, Green Beans, Cranberry Compote and Carrot Soufflé Casserole or Sausage Sampler with pineapple jalapeno, knockwurst and green onion sausages. Served with red kraut and warm potato salad.
- Dessert: Spiced Applesauce Cake
Prime Cut Restaurant
Christmas Day hours: 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., $45.
- Starter: Crab and Artichoke-Stuffed Mushrooms Drizzled with Hollandaise
- Choice of Entrée: Beef Tenderloin au Poivre or Pan-Seared Sea Bass with lemon beurre blanc. Each served with a side of choice
- Dessert: Pumpkin Swiss Cake Roll
158 Howard Ave., Biloxi, 228-432-8888
Restaurant hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., $40.
- Traditional Christmas menu plus Prime Rib, Smoked Baked Ham, Sliced Turkey Breast, Boiled Shrimp and dishes from the Grill, Comfort, Wok and Coastal stations.
9380 Central Ave., D’Iberville, 888-752-9772.
Under the Oak Cafe
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Herb Dijon Crusted Pork Tenderloin with Sweet Potatoes Puree, Roasted Brussels Sprouts with Bacon and Cranberries and an Herb Dijon Reduction, $25.
- Creamy Eggnog Bread Pudding, $14.
Scarlet’s Steaks and Seafood
Reservations recommended. Christmas Day hours: 4 p.m. to 9 p.m.
- Lobster Thermidor, Broiled Coldwater Stuffed Lobster topped with Mushroom Cognac Cream Sauce, Parmigiana Reggiano, Garlic Butter Breadcrumbs and Wilted Arugula Salad, $80.
- Beef Wellington, 8-ounce filet mignon, with Mushroom Duxelles, Prosciutto and baked in Puff Pastry, served with Bordelaise Sauce, $78.
- Creme de Mint Cheesecake, $13
5000 South Beach Blvd., Bay St. Louis, 228-469-2777.
Jubilee Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 9 p.m.
- Traditional holiday menu plus, all-you-can-eat Dungeness Crab and Jumbo Shrimp, $49.95.
Blue Bayou Bar and Grill
$58 per person.
- Salad: Baby Spinach with Candied Pecans, Dried Cranberries, Mandarin Orange, Goat Cheese, Roasted Cacao Nibs and a Citrus Vinaigrette.
- Entrée: Choice of Crispy Roasted Half Duck, Braised Red Cabbage, Port Wine Demi Glaze and Whipped Roasted Garlic Mash or Blackened Pork Loin, Pomegranate Glaze, Bacon Braised Crispy Brussels Sprouts and Sweet Potato Gratin
1980 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-385-6000.
Infinity Buffet
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to 10 p.m.
- Carved ham, roasted turkey, roast brisket and more, $47.99 with crab, $25.49 without crab.
The Den
Christmas Day hours: 11 a.m. to midnight.
- Bacon-wrapped stuffed pork loin, $38; or prime rib, $45.
The following casinos will be open Christmas Day but restaurant options were not available:
280 Beach Blvd., Biloxi, 228-436-2946.
850 Bayview Ave, Biloxi, 228-436-3000.
Lici Beveridge is a reporter for the Hattiesburg American and Clarion Ledger. Contact her at lbeveridge@gannett.com. Follow her on X @licibev or Facebook at facebook.com/licibeveridge.
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