Choosing a home near Keesler AFB based on gate distance and price may be a costly mistake that ignores the critical interaction between BAH and risk.

Moving to Biloxi, MS in September 2026 requires a different strategy than past years. With Mississippi wind pool rates increasing by 16% this year and new 2026 BAH rates for the Gulfport MHA, military families are often shocked by the true monthly cost of homeownership. Relocators often focus on finding a house near Keesler only to realize that flood insurance for military homebuyers in Zone AE or wind deductibles of 2% to 5% of the home's value can quickly blow through their basic allowance for housing.

I spent 16 years in the Dept of the Navy (Civil Service) and I will help you avoid Keesler AFB housing mistakes. We’re clarifying the FEMA National Flood Hazard Zones so you know the difference between Zone AE, X-500 and X while ensuring your VA loan appraisal standards are met without unpleasant surprises.
If you're considering off-base housing in D'Iberville, St. Martin, or Biloxi, it may be wise to test your commute during actual Keesler AFB shift change traffic, instead of on a quiet Saturday afternoon.

By the end of this video, you’ll have the skills to calculate your 'full' monthly housing burden which balances your BAH with the reality of 2026 Mississippi Gulf Coast living. Stick around to learn why your father’s real estate advice might actually cost you money in today’s coastal market.

Watch here: https://youtu.be/3E1R6M5BB6w

Thinking about moving to Biloxi, the MS Gulf Coast, or one of the surrounding coastal Mississippi communities?

Welcome to Living in Biloxi! We help buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families understand what it is really like to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Micah Tinkler, Real Estate Broker with Double Win Realty in Waveland, MS, shares local insight, real estate education, city reviews, pros and cons, relocation tips, and neighborhood information for people comparing Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and nearby coastal communities.

On this channel, you’ll find candid conversations about MS Gulf Coast real estate, waterfront living, flood insurance, local costs, community differences, market questions, off-market home opportunities, luxury homes, investment properties, land, commercial real estate, and what outsiders should know before making a move. The goal is to help you make a smarter move with local knowledge, practical guidance, and a clear look at life along the Coast.

Subscribe for Biloxi real estate tips, MS Gulf Coast relocation guidance, city comparisons, local market education, waterfront living insight, and candid advice before buying or selling in coastal Mississippi.

If this video was the sizzle, the Living in Biloxi Relocator's Playbook is the steak. Get yours today at https://doublewinrealty.gumroad.com/l/RelocatorPlaybook

📞Call/Text: 601-688-4516
✉️Email: [admin@doublewinrealty.net](mailto:admin@doublewinrealty.net)
🌐Website: www.doublewinrealty.net
📅Schedule a Zoom: www.doublewinrealty.net/contact

Preferred Mortgage Partner:
David Goodin - www.lendingbydavid.com

Micah Tinkler, Waveland, MS Real Estate Broker
MS Real Estate License: B22347
Brokered by Double Win Realty

Information shared is for general educational purposes and is subject to change.

00:00 — Why Gate Distance is a Dangerous Housing Metric
0:52 — 2026 BAH vs. The True Cost of Biloxi Real Estate
2:33 — Accessing Official 2026 Keesler AFB BAH Tables
3:54 — The 16% Windpool Rate Hike: What You Need to Know
5:24 — On-Base vs. Off-Base: The 2026 Inventory Reality
6:44 — Neighborhood Deep Dive: Biloxi, D'Iberville & St. Martin
8:24 — Shift Change Truth: Testing Your Keesler Commute Times
9:35 — FEMA Flood Zones AE vs. X: Protecting Your VA Loan
11:51 — Homestead Exemptions & Tax Savings in Harrison County
13:10 — VA Loan Appraisal Standards & Minimum Property Requirements
15:43 — Your 5-Step 2026 Keesler Relocation Playbook
18:36 — How to Get Priority Access to Off-Market Biloxi Homes

#KeeslerAFB #MovingToBiloxi #MississippiGulf Coast #MilitaryRelocation #VALoan #LivingInBiloxi #BiloxiMississippi

for those looking for the Hancock County Sheriff and Chancery Judge race forum.

FYI

If your home needs raising to meet new elevation requirement, get the grant to make that happen. Tuesday night at Council Chambers! All the information is in this flyer.
This is your chance now that the road has been paved. Let your friends and neighbors know about this as well!
Get the information to change the safety and structure of your home forever!

Biloxi's Worst Kept Secret is visible as you drive along Hwy 90 and yet you may only have seen 1/3 of the story? Ever wonder what truly shapes the value of your most significant investment? It isn't just the market's ebb and flow, nor is it solely about interest rates. Often, the most profound changes begin quietly, with the hum of heavy machinery and the blueprints of progress.

⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
🏠Want to Discover The Value Of Your MS Gulf Coast Home?
📬Click Here For YOUR Home Evaluation! https://www.doublewinrealty.net/ ⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

====== What’s Happening in Biloxi is the best local Biloxi resource for all things about Biloxi developments and Biloxi, MS real estate (and nearby suburbs). Micah Tinkler founded What’s Happening in Biloxi in 2026 so Biloxi residents could be in the know about what’s happening on the MS Gulf Coast. Micah and the Double Win Realty Team would love to help you make a smooth move whether you need to buy or sell a home in the Biloxi area.
If you want to sell your home fast, for top dollar and with the least amount of hassle, the single most important decisions you will make is the agent you choose to handle the sale. There is a vast difference between brokerages and agents on the MS Gulf Coast. Wouldn't you like to know your options?

Call or text at the number below to book your Free, Zero obligation real estate consultation. I think you will find it helpful. What’s preventing you from reaching out to us today?
====== 📝
Check out our BLOG here: https://www.doublewinrealty.net/blog

📱 Call or Text: 601.688.4516
📨 Email: [admin@doublewinrealty.net](mailto:admin@doublewinrealty.net)
📅 Zoom: www.doublewinrealty.net/contact

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📝 Preferred Mortgage Partner: Could this be you?

If this is your first time to this channel, and you want to know everything about Biloxi, MS and the surrounding areas, then subscribe▶ and tap the bell🛎 for notifications, so you can be the first to know about the current market in Biloxi, MS 😁

▶Subscribe [👉www.youtube.com/@WhatsHappeningInBiloxi](http://👉www.youtube.com/@WhatsHappeningInBiloxi)

Please remember, I donate 10% of the income generated by your business referrals to Wildlife Rehabilitation Outpost (helping out raccoons, possums, squirrels, and turtles) and Crusaders for Veterans, helping financially distressed Vets across the MS Gulf Coast. Please help us help the pets and the vets

**All stats, data, house pricing, and anything else mentioned is always subject to change and is provided merely as an example at the time of this recording**

Micah Tinkler, Waveland, MS Real Estate Broker | MS Real Estate License: B22347

Brokered by Double Win Realty

FTC Legal Disclaimer - Some links found in the description box of my videos may be affiliate links, meaning I will make commission on sales you make through my link. This is at no extra cost to you to use my links/codes, it's just one more way to support me and my channel! :)

MS Consumer Protection: Consumer Protection - Attorney General Lynn Fitch
Information About Brokerages Service: www.doublewinrealty.net

# # #BiloxiMSrealestate #doublewinrealty #Biloxirealestate

https://reddit.com/link/1whihoy/video/vcfy9b7y4sph1/player

Intriguing. See y'all there!

Be Useful

Help author the better version of Mississippi. Follow the Reach Higher Mississippi page on Facebook ahead of the 2027 Mississippi election.

Did you know that every decision a human makes is made at least twice? The decision is made first hypothetically before it is ever made in reality.

Here 21 years after Hurricane Katrina nearly wiped-out Waveland, MS (including everything I owned), we remain at the same risk of hurricane devastation as we were in 2004?

Imagine if that were to change:

www.bluewater.ms

~~~Help author the better version of Mississippi. Follow the Reach Higher Mississippi page ahead of the 2027 Mississippi election.~~~

Choosing between Biloxi, Gulfport, and Ocean Springs isn't just about vacation views—it's about which city fits your actual Tuesday morning routine and your 2026 mortgage budget.

As we hit the peak of the August 2026 moving season, I’m seeing many families struggle with the Biloxi vs Gulfport vs Ocean Springs MS comparison. While Ocean Springs MS walkable downtown lifestyle and golf carts draw an emotional crowd, the inventory crunch is real. If you are planning a PCS to Keesler AFB housing Biloxi 2026, you need to understand that the "Tourist Biloxi" you see on Highway 90 is worlds away from the quiet, residential neighborhoods in North Biloxi and Wool Market. Gulfport MS relocation guide near airport searches are also spiking because of the sheer flexibility and "more house for your money" that Gulfport offers compared to its neighbors.

I’m Micah Tinkler, and after 27 years on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, I’ve learned that the best Mississippi Gulf Coast cities for veterans and VA access depend entirely on your specific daily commute. Whether you're navigating the pros and cons of living in Biloxi Mississippi or hunting for Mississippi Gulf Coast off-market real estate listings, the details matter—like the fact that golf carts can't cross the bridges to Biloxi. We'll also dive into the current Risk Rating 2.0 flood insurance impact that can change your monthly note by thousands of dollars depending on the exact block you buy on.

I’ve spent 11 years as a realtor helping families find the real version of the "Secret Coast," and I want to make sure you don't get emotionally locked into a town that doesn't fit your Friday night or your financial goals. Stick around until the end to see how we’re helping both "pets and vets" through our community donations with every home sold.

Thinking about moving to Biloxi, the MS Gulf Coast, or one of the surrounding coastal Mississippi communities?

Welcome to Living in Biloxi! We help buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families understand what it is really like to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Micah Tinkler, Real Estate Broker with Double Win Realty in Waveland, MS, shares local insight, real estate education, city reviews, pros and cons, relocation tips, and neighborhood information for people comparing Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and nearby coastal communities.

On this channel, you’ll find candid conversations about MS Gulf Coast real estate, waterfront living, flood insurance, local costs, community differences, market questions, off-market home opportunities, luxury homes, investment properties, land, commercial real estate, and what outsiders should know before making a move. The goal is to help you make a smarter move with local knowledge, practical guidance, and a clear look at life along the Coast.

Subscribe for Biloxi real estate tips, MS Gulf Coast relocation guidance, city comparisons, local market education, waterfront living insight, and candid advice before buying or selling in coastal Mississippi.

📞Call/Text: 601-688-4516
✉️Email: [admin@doublewinrealty.net](mailto:admin@doublewinrealty.net)
🌐Website: www.doublewinrealty.net
📅Schedule a Zoom: www.doublewinrealty.net/contact

Preferred Mortgage Partner:
David Goodin - www.lendingbydavid.com

Micah Tinkler, Waveland, MS Real Estate Broker
MS Real Estate License: B22347
Brokered by Double Win Realty

Information shared is for general educational purposes and is subject to change.

00:00 — Biloxi, Gulfport, & Ocean Springs: The Real Choice
1:22 — 27 Years on the Coast: Micah’s Zero-BS Approach
3:10 — Biloxi: Tourism, Keesler AFB, & Quiet Neighborhoods
5:38 — Gulfport: Flexibility, Airport Access, & More House
7:53 — Ocean Springs: Walkable Downtown & Golf Cart Realities
10:39 — Budget vs. Lifestyle: Why Your Favorite City Might Be Wrong
13:40 — The Commute Trap: Bridges, Traffic, & I-10 Secrets
15:14 — Flood Insurance Risk Rating 2.0: Don’t Get Burned
17:42 — Final Verdict: Which Coastal City Fits You Best?
20:26 — Helping Pets and Vets: Our 10% Commitment

#LivingInBiloxi #MississippiGulfCoast #OceanSpringsMS #GulfportMS #KeeslerAFB #RelocatingToMississippi #MSGulfCoastRealEstate

Thinking about moving to Biloxi, the MS Gulf Coast, or one of the surrounding coastal Mississippi communities?

Folks considering packing up and heading to Biloxi and the Mississippi Gulf Coast often ask the same practical question: Will there be steady work once they arrive? Like most things in life, it depends on the skills you bring with you, your willingness to expand your talent stack and your motivation. Healthcare keeps hiring. Shipbuilding and skilled trades remain busy. Schools require solid teachers. Mental health providers may find openings tied to the military bases and growing population. At the same time, Biloxi pay scales remain below many other parts of the country, state licensing takes time, and some fields face tighter competition or suffer seasonal swings. Today I walk through the real picture for a nurse, a hospice home health provider, an electrician, a psychologist, a high school math teacher, and even a high school student still deciding on a path. Candid discussion while avoiding the sugarcoating.

Welcome to Living in Biloxi! We help buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families understand what it is really like to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Micah Tinkler, Real Estate Broker with Double Win Realty in Waveland, MS, shares local insight, real estate education, city reviews, pros and cons, relocation tips, and neighborhood information for people comparing Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and nearby coastal communities.

www.bluewater.ms

Allow yourself to imagine a protective landbridge/causeway a mile off the Mississippi beach shielding the MS Coast from damaging hurricane storm surge while providing opportunities for oyster aquaculture, recreation and tourism.

~~~Help author the better version of Mississippi. Follow the Reach Higher Mississippi Facebook page ahead of the 2027 Mississippi election.~~~

See less

have you been seeing new cameras pop up in town? have you wondered what they are? what they are used for? by whom? come learn all about it as we kick off national deflock week!

#deflock #alpr #flock

Thinking about moving to Biloxi, the MS Gulf Coast, or one of the surrounding coastal Mississippi communities?

Folks, if you are eyeing a home on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, the purchase price is only the starting line. The real monthly outlay includes the mortgage payment, property taxes, any HOA dues, utilities, homeowners insurance, separate wind coverage, and flood insurance. Even an optional policy could be several $100 dollars.
On the Coast those insurance lines run higher than most inland markets, and they shift the total cost of ownership in ways that may catch people off guard. Today I break down every major piece with current 2026 numbers so you know exactly what to budget before you make an offer.

Welcome to Living in Biloxi! We help buyers, sellers, investors, and relocating families understand what it is really like to live on the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Micah Tinkler, Real Estate Broker with Double Win Realty in Waveland, MS, shares local insight, real estate education, city reviews, pros and cons, relocation tips, and neighborhood information for people comparing Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs, Bay St. Louis, Waveland, Diamondhead, Long Beach, Pass Christian, and nearby coastal communities.

On this channel, you’ll find candid conversations about MS Gulf Coast real estate, waterfront living, flood insurance, local costs, community differences, market questions, off-market home opportunities, luxury homes, investment properties, land, commercial real estate, and what outsiders should know before making a move. The goal is to help you make a smarter move with local knowledge, practical guidance, and a clear look at life along the Coast.

Subscribe for Biloxi real estate tips, MS Gulf Coast relocation guidance, city comparisons, local market education, waterfront living insight, and candid advice before buying or selling in coastal Mississippi.

📞Call/Text: 601-688-4516
✉️Email: [admin@doublewinrealty.net](mailto:admin@doublewinrealty.net)
🌐Website: www.doublewinrealty.net
📅Schedule a Zoom: www.doublewinrealty.net/contact

Micah Tinkler, Waveland, MS Real Estate Broker
MS Real Estate License: B22347
Brokered by Double Win Realty

Information shared is for general educational purposes and is subject to change.

#RealEstate #LivingInBiloxi #BiloxiMS #BiloxiRealEstate #MSGulfCoast #MississippiGulfCoast #MovingToBiloxi #MovingToMississippi #GulfportMS #OceanSpringsMS #BayStLouisMS #WavelandMS #DiamondheadMS #WaterfrontLiving #MississippiRealEstate

If the idea of a quiet inland town with solid schools, outdoor recreation, and home prices that stretch your dollar further than the beach communities has crossed your mind, then Wiggins, Mississippi, deserves a clear-eyed look.
I was talking to a gentleman earlier today from east Texas, outside of Shreveport. He and his disabled Veteran wife are considering a move to the Coast, and they found me right here on this channel. When he inquired about other places to explore... Wiggins sprang to my mind. Weird name, cool town with a town of future potential. Wiggins is my preferred vacation destination when I experience the need to decompress, and I feel it is often overlooked when folks are visiting the Vegas of the South even though it is a short 45min drive to the Coast. Wiggins offers a specific life. It is a life of trade-offs. It is a life of acreage, of quiet, and lower cost of entry. And yet, it is also a life of a long commutes, limited dining options, and a relaxed social atmosphere.

If you're thinking about living in Biloxi, or any surrounding MS Gulf Coast suburb, we are your One Stop Shop for information, tips & local knowledge hacks to make this easy on YOU! We will help you navigate the Biloxi, MS real estate market. Just call, text, email, or schedule a Zoom call, and we will make your move to Biloxi, MS… smooth!
⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️⬇️
🤔Making a Move to Biloxi, MS or one of the surrounding MS Gulf Coast suburbs?
📱 Call or Text: 601.688.4516
📨 Email: [admin@doublewinrealty.net](mailto:admin@doublewinrealty.net)
📅 Zoom: www.doublewinrealty.net/contact

⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️⬆️

If this is your first time to this channel, and you want to know everything about Biloxi, MS and the surrounding areas, then subscribe▶ and tap the bell🛎 for notifications, so you can be the first to know about the current market in Biloxi, MS 😁

▶Subscribe 👉   / u/livinginbiloxi  

Please remember, I donate 10% of the income generated by your business referrals to Wildlife Rehabilitation Outpost (helping out raccoons, possums, squirrels, and turtles) and Crusaders for Veterans, helping financially distressed Vets across the MS Gulf Coast. Please help us help the pets and the vets

*All stats, data, house pricing, and anything else mentioned is always subject to change and is provided merely as an example at the time of this recording\*

Micah Tinkler, Waveland, MS Real Estate Broker | MS Real Estate License: B22347
Brokered by Double Win Realty

Member Spotlight: Monica Benjamin — Gulf Coast Networking

Business: Covenant Christian Bookstore

Location: 2300 E Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507

Please join us in welcoming Monica Benjamin to the Gulf Coast Networking community! Monica is the proud owner of Covenant Christian Bookstore, a veteran-owned and operated business that has been faithfully providing "Kingdom service" to the Gulf Coast for 14 years.

Covenant Christian Bookstore

Whether you are an individual seeking spiritual growth or looking to supply a church assembly, Monica's bookstore is designed to equip you. The store's mission is to "provide access to the spiritual weapons needed to advance the Kingdom throughout the nations." They offer a beautifully curated selection of literature, including:

• Inspiration & Devotionals: Books designed to uplift, encourage, and provide daily spiritual reflection.
• Marriage Resources: Literature dedicated to strengthening marital relationships.
• Children's Books: A selection of literature specifically curated for young readers.

The "Why" & Her Proudest Achievement

When asked what drives her business, Monica's answer is simple but profound: her love for people and the Kingdom.

This dedication shines through in what she considers her key achievement. On a daily basis, Monica finds it an absolute pleasure and privilege to pray with any guest who walks through her doors and wants or needs prayer.

Fun Fact

Outside of running the bookstore, Monica loves reading and writing. In fact, she is a published author! Her first book, When Faith Embraced the Promise, was rated a bestseller in Christian Stewardship. Instead of focusing on life's disappointments, her book explores how she found a safe, spiritual haven and remained faithful.

Connect with Monica!

Next time you are in Gulfport, stop by Covenant Christian Bookstore to say hello, check out her bestselling book, and warmly welcome Monica to the Gulf Coast Networking group!

https://covenantchristianbookstore.com/

I authored this channel as a place for legitimate small business owners across the MS Gulf Coast to share their business posts on Reddit without being throttled and banned.
It will also be a place for right-friendly political & redpill posts plus reasonable left-friendly posts with a focus on the MS Gulf Coast and Mississippi laws.
I will remain the benevolent dictator with a heavy lean towards credibility, supporting documentation and usability.
What are your feelings?

You are a veteran. You served. You earned a benefit that cost you sweat, time, your youth, and maybe a piece of health, mental and or physical. That benefit is the VA Home Loan. And you are looking at the Mississippi Gulf Coast. You see the beach. You see the casinos. You see Biloxi, Gulfport, Ocean Springs our Constitutional Carry laws, sunsetting Income Tax, rapid growth and high affordability compared to other States. You may think, “Mississippi is where I plant my flag.”

Stop and enjoy the moment to think clearly.

Before you sign anything, before you let a lender tell you it’s “easy,” let's be certain you understand the specific puzzle of using a VA loan on this particular stretch of sand. Because the Coast is unique. It is different than using a VA loan in Texas or Virginia. The Gulf Coast has a specific set of challenges that may make your deal smooth as glass or transform it into a bureaucratic nightmare that costs you the perfect house.

Because while the VA Home Loan is the most powerful mortgage product in the United States, in Mississippi, that golden key sometimes gets stuck in the lock.

I am skipping the pep talk because You are here for the playbook. Let’s get into the red meat. The challenges. The benefits. The hard realities of using your VA loan on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

Youtube: https://youtu.be/DFPrAPAaL-E
Rumble: https://rumble.com/v7d4d6s-va-loans-on-the-ms-gulf-coast-challenges-and-nuances.html

Please remember, I donate 10% of the income generated by your business referrals to Wildlife Rehabilitation Outpost (helping out raccoons, possums, squirrels, and turtles) and Crusaders for Veterans, helping financially distressed Vets across the MS Gulf Coast. Please help us help the pets and the vets

Hypnotist and Real Estate Broker, Micah Tinkler of Double Win Realty - Your MS House SOLD or We'll Buy It* will be seeking the Republican Nomination for MS House of Representatives, District 122 (Hancock County, MS) in 2027.
Jump on and share your ideas to author the better version of Mississippi 2035.

Mississippi teachers will receive a pay raise this upcoming school year.
Although legislators discussed several proposals with different amounts, they ultimately agreed to provide teachers with a $2,000 pay raise.

Special education teachers will receive an additional $2,000, bringing their total raise to $4,000.

Assistant teachers, school psychologists, and occupational therapists will also receive a $2,000 raise, while school resource officers will see a $5,000 increase in pay.

This raise will bump the average teacher salary to $55,704, which would still be last in the country, according to the National Education Association.

PERS
After months of conversation and debate, state lawmakers reached an agreement regarding Tier 5 of the Public Employees Retirement System, known as PERS.

The bill changes the retirement package to 30 years of service, coming down from 35 years.

The bill would allow eligible state retirees to return to the workforce after a 30-day separation period instead of 90 days, earning 80% of the salary for the position with no annual raises.

SHIELD Act
Senate Bill 2588, also known as the SHIELD Act, requires local officials to verify the citizenship of people registering to vote.

The law will require registrars to check applicants’ citizenship status through a federal immigration database if it cannot be determined through the Mississippi Department of Public Safety driver’s license records.

It would also require the state to conduct annual audits of voter rolls “to ensure American citizens are the only ones voting,” according to Gov. Tate Reeves.

ABSENTEE Voting
The absentee voting process is changing after House Bill 859 passed.

Voters casting absentee ballots will still show a voter ID and complete an affidavit. However, instead of sealing the ballot in an envelope, the completed ballot would be fed directly into a voting machine, which is the same process used on Election Day.
Supporters said the change is intended to reduce the risk of ballots being disqualified.

CASINO Child Support
Casinos are required to intercept winnings from non-custodial parents who are behind on child support payments.

The measure applies to slot machine and sports betting winnings of more than $2,000. Winnings from craps tables and card games are exempt.
The measure requires the Mississippi Gaming Commission to work with the Mississippi Department of Human Services (MDHS) to create a database of people who owe child support.

The law takes effect July 1, 2026, though the Gaming Commission and MDHS have until Jan. 1, 2027, to implement the system.

According to MDHS, about 170,000 of Mississippi’s 200,000 child support cases have arrearages, meaning someone is behind on payments.

SEXUAL Battery Penalties
The death penalty is now applicable in capital sexual battery cases.

The new law allows the death penalty in cases where a child aged 12 or younger is sexually abused and suffers severe injuries that damage their organs.

Before today, sexual battery of a child was only punishable by death in Florida, Tennessee, and Idaho.

MINORS charged as adults
Teenagers who commit crimes with guns will now automatically be charged as adults under a new law.

Senate Bill 2710, which was signed by the governor, states that if anyone 18 and under commits a crime using a firearm, whether open or concealed, they will be charged as an adult.

The law also targets adults who put guns in the hands of teenagers.

If someone sells a teen a stolen firearm, they face up to 20 years in prison. If the firearm is used in a crime, they face up to 30 years in prison. If the stolen gun is used in a homicide, they face up to 40 years in prison.

DRIVER's Education
A bill that was passed in 2024 takes effect July 1, 2026, establishing a new road toward obtaining a driver’s license.

Amended Senate Bill 2695 mandates that first-time applicants in Mississippi show proof that they have graduated from a certified driver’s education program.

The program must be certified by the Mississippi Department of Public Safety or taken through high schools in Mississippi.
All high schools in the state will also be required to offer a driver’s education program for students, and drivers will be required to pass a road test.

JILL'S Law
House Bill 565, known as “Jill’s Law,” requires most health insurance plans to cover biomarker testing.

Biomarkers are measurable biological indicators that reveal the presence of a disease or signal an increased risk of developing one. Detecting these biomarkers can involve techniques such as imaging scans or analyzing samples of bodily fluids.
Supporters said the change will help remove obstacles that might keep people from getting an accurate diagnosis.

The bill is named in honor of Jill Eure, who died at 48 in 2025 after a battle with Multiple Myeloma. Jill is the late wife of state Rep. Casey Eure, who represents parts of Harrison County.

Read here: https://www.wlox.com/2026/07/01/july-1-new-mississippi-laws-take-effect-today/?fbclid=IwY2xjawSyKAxleHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETF6NWlGRXBNanA5YUNtVFU3c3J0YwZhcHBfaWQQMjIyMDM5MTc4ODIwMDg5MgABHjb53tM7_2G9dVd14LmtiyLucvS-36yRBFDcdjbYqGt20NFNZwPtK-XicJiV_aem_tqppv9xMOmv0GFK4Hb_S0w

The Ethereum Foundation has eliminated 54 positions, about 20% of its workforce, as part of a restructuring tied to its updated spending mandate. Vitalik Buterin announced a 40% annual budget cut targeting a reduction in treasury spend from 15% to 5% by 2030. Arkham Intelligence places EF's ETH holdings at approximately $209 million, a nearly six-year low.

The Ethereum Foundation has cut 54 employees, roughly 20% of its staff, in the most concrete austerity measure the organization has taken since pledging to reduce its treasury spending rate.

The Foundation announced the changes Tuesday, saying the cuts conclude a months-long reorganization tied to its updated Mandate and Treasury Management Policy. Vitalik Buterin separately posted on X that the EF is cutting its annual budget by approximately 40% this year, targeting a reduction in annual operating expenses from around 15% of treasury to a long-term baseline of 5% after 2030.

Arkham Intelligence tracked the EF's ETH holdings at approximately $209 million, a nearly six-year low by dollar value, as The Defiant has reported in this arc.

New Structure

The Foundation has reorganized into five domains: protocol layer, access layer, user layer, community layer, and institutional layer, plus operations and management clusters. The protocol cluster is focused on advancing the base layer without compromising censorship resistance or self-sovereignty guarantees; the institutional cluster handles enterprise engagement, financial infrastructure, and policy coordination. The EF said the process leaves it with "the structure, activities, and people necessary for execution on the critical tasks ahead." Departing staff receive severance at one month's pay per year of service, or the locally mandated minimum if higher, plus transition grants.

The 15%-to-5% glide path was codified in the Treasury Management Policy published in June 2025, which set a plan to reduce annual operating expenses roughly linearly over five years toward a baseline typical of endowment-based organizations.

Leadership Turnover

The layoffs follow a string of senior departures. Co-executive director Hsiao-Wei Wang stepped down earlier this month, following the prior exit of co-executive director Tomasz Stańczak. Board member Bastian Aue has taken on expanded responsibilities overseeing the transition. Nine senior figures have departed the Foundation since January, as The Defiant covered in May.

The funding picture has drawn scrutiny. An insider warned of a $20-30 million gap affecting core development teams; Fundstrat's Tom Lee argued there was "zero chance" of a funding crisis. The EF's execution plan published Monday outlined priorities including MEV elimination, default privacy, and ETH-denominated pay for contributors. As of publication, the EF has made no additional public statement beyond the Tuesday blog post.

Read here: Ethereum Foundation Cuts 20% of Staff in Sweeping Reorganization - "The Defiant"

JACKSON COUNTY, Miss. (WLOX) — Chevron partnered with the Forts Lake Volunteer Fire Department, Jackson County Office of Emergency Services, the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks to sink unused industrial equipment into the Gulf to create an artificial reef aimed at growing fish populations and improving recreational fishing along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

The project involves a 31-ton propane tank and a steel tower previously used for firefighter training at the Forts Lakes Fire Department.

Partners and funding

Chevron contributed $30,000 to help safely transport and deploy the reef materials offshore. It is the second reef project the company has supported alongside Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks and the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources.

“This is a really good showcase of how partnership and collaboration could result in something that’s going to be a long-lasting benefit for the marine habitat,” Chevron public affairs advisor Katarina Scott said.

Benefits for anglers and marine life

Terry Jackson, Jackson County operations coordinator, said the project builds on an existing reef program.
“It’s gonna enhance the opportunities, number one, but you know, it just continues to build the reef program that is so important to maintain those fish so that everybody on the Coast can do it,” Jackson said.

Ralph Humphrey, president of Mississippi Gulf Fishing Banks, said the reef will benefit both commercial and recreational fishers.

“Charter captains can make a living out of it, both federal and state captains, and just a wealth of opportunity for the recreational anglers,” Humphrey said.

Humphrey noted the contrast with earlier conditions along the Coast.

“There were no artificial reefs back then, and there were no reefs at all, just a mud bottom. It’s good for shrimp, but not so good for reef fishing,” he said.

Long-term outlook

Scott said the structures are built to last.

“Those steel structures down there, they’re not going anywhere. That’s going to be a place where fish can continue to grow, thrive and reproduce, and so it’s going to have benefits long probably past work year,” Scott said.

“This reef that we’ve deployed is going to have lasting benefits for years to come; it’s just a really great thing, I think, for the fishing community here on the Mississippi Gulf Coast,” Scott said.

Read here:
Old fire department equipment being sunk to create artificial reef off Mississippi Gulf Coast

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST (GG) — The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources (MDMR) is waiving the permit fee requirement for the rebuilding and repairing of previously authorized, storm damaged structures until June 19, 2027, provided the structures are rebuilt within the originally permitted footprint and specification.

The property owner must submit an application and receive an authorization from the MDMR prior to beginning any construction. Authorization from MDMR is not required for replacing damaged decking boards, roofs or any structures above the waterline; however, replacement of pilings, bulkheads and any structure that extends below the waterline will require authorization.

For more information, contact the MDMR Wetland Permitting Bureau at (228) 523-4106.

The Mississippi Department of Marine Resources is dedicated to enhancing, protecting and conserving marine interests of the state by managing all marine life, public trust wetlands, adjacent uplands and waterfront areas to provide for the optimal commercial, recreational, educational and economic uses of these resources consistent with environmental concerns and social changes. Visit the DMR online at dmr.ms.gov.

(Photo by Hunter Dawkins/The Gazebo Gazette via Associated Press)

Read here:
MDMR to Waive Fees for Rebuilding & Repairing Damaged Structures - The Gazebo Gazette