SUMMARY: The Senate approved a tax cut plan that reduces state income tax and grocery sales tax, while slightly increasing the gasoline tax, passing 34-15 with some bipartisan support. The net tax cut is $326 million, less than the House’s $1.1 billion proposal aimed at eliminating the income tax over a decade. The Senate plan lowers income tax from 4% to 2.99% and grocery tax from 7% to 5% by July 2025, while raising the gas tax by 3 cents yearly for infrastructure funding. Negotiations between the GOP-majority Senate and House will determine a final compromise before the March 31 deadline.

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SUMMARY: The Biloxi Shuckers will host the Battle at the Beach High School Baseball Tournament at Keesler Federal Park, featuring six games over three days from March 7-14. The tournament includes a rivalry game between Biloxi and D’Iberville on March 7 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $10, with general admission seating. Athletic Director Eddie Lofton highlighted the tournament’s growth, now hosting 82 teams, while Shuckers General Manager Hunter Reed expressed excitement about providing student-athletes a chance to play in a Double-A venue. The tournament begins March 7 at 5:00 p.m. and features additional games on March 13-14.

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SUMMARY: The Vatican has initiated nighttime prayers for Pope Francis, who is battling a serious lung infection and complications, including double pneumonia and early-stage kidney insufficiency. Cardinal Pietro Parolin will lead the first prayer in St. Peter’s Square, reminiscent of vigils preceding St. John Paul II’s death. Despite being in critical condition, Francis was reported to be alert and in good spirits, having attended Mass. His hospitalization, lasting over ten days, is the longest of his papacy. Doctors warn of sepsis as a significant threat, though no evidence of it has emerged. Faithful are uniting in prayer for the pontiff’s recovery.

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