State lawmakers returned to Jackson last week for a four month session. During this time, hundreds of important bills will be debated and voted on.  In our eyes, none is more important than making sure the state remains covered by FEMA's flood insurance program.

The federal agency has threatened to drop the state from coverage unless fishing and hunting camps are mandated to follow the same elevation guidelines that all other structures must adhere to.  They are currently exempted under state law.

On Wednesday, July 20, 2011 the Diamondhead Community Association will hold a candidates forum. The forum will take place at the Diamondhead Country Club located at 7600 Country Club Drive.

By Jeff Lawson

GULFPORT, MS (WLOX)-

Mississippi will elect a new governor this year, and seven of the men who would like that job were in Gulfport Sunday. They were on hand for a political forum sponsored by the Westside Community Association.

This kind of event gives people a chance to meet, up close and personal, the individuals who want to lead this state for the next several years.

The questions included things like: will you raise taxes? What do you think of the job MDOT is doing?