Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Christian Collegiate Academy teacher and coach Steve Spinks suffered a stroke on Jan.

2 and his community is uniting to offer prayers and help through a GoFundMe page; neighbors say he has long been a caring mentor to many.

The 40th annual Southern Miss Coca-Cola Classic Rodeo will be held at the University’s Campus Recreation Center (Forrest County Multipurpose Center) on Feb.

6-7. Tickets are available for $15 at Boot Country and Hub City West Farm and Garden or online for $20, with proceeds supporting student scholarships.

Mississippi’s Affordable College Savings program ranked sixth nationally for Best 529 Plans for 2025, state Treasurer David McRae said.

The program (accepting Bitcoin, Venmo, and PayPal payments) aims to help families save for college and vocational training while McRae’s team promotes it at local events.

Mississippi lawmakers are focused on education reform as the Senate passed a bill offering a $2,000 raise for teachers & a $132M funding package while the House introduced a school choice bill without a pay raise.

Lawmakers differ on policy details as they work to shape the state’s school system.

January is Glaucoma Awareness Month, and specialists warn that glaucoma—a leading cause of blindness affecting 4 million Americans—often goes undiagnosed; Dr. Adam Quinn from Hattiesburg Eye Clinic advises that early recognition of eye pain, headaches, and loss of peripheral vision can slow its progression.

Ole Miss will take on Miami tonight at 6:30 p.m. CST on ESPN in the Fiesta Bowl; despite Miami being favored by 3.5 points, all eyes are on standout quarterback Trinidad Chambliss to help the Rebels challenge a strong Miami offense.

USM edged a competitive overtime win 80-70 over Texas State on Thursday night (at Reed Green Coliseum), led by Tylik Weeks’ 25-point performance.

The Golden Eagles will host ULM Saturday at 2 p.m. (same venue).

William Carey men’s basketball won its seventh consecutive game by defeating Faulkner 88-78 on Thursday + the win extends the team's strong season.

On Jan. 8, Ole Miss kicker Lucas Carneiro made a 58-yard field goal in the Fiesta Bowl against Miami at State Farm Stadium, tying for the second-longest kick in school history.

The Rebels, now in the College Football Playoff semifinals, saw Miami lead 17-13.

After Ole Miss lost 31-27 to Miami in the Fiesta Bowl on Jan.

9, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss left the field emotional and later submitted a waiver for an extra season because of past medical issues; he expressed gratitude for his journey despite the tough game.

Hattiesburg Renaissance Festival

12:00 – 11:30 p.m. — SwitchYard — $15 – $20 — Experience the magic of medieval celebration with crafts, music, and festivities in the heart of Hattiesburg.

Vision Board Party: Vision and Vibes Social

12-3 a.m. — 101 Shadow Lake Dr, Hattiesburg, MS — Included with ticket — Connect with like-minded individuals while creating vision boards and enjoying poetry vibes and food.