Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Hattiesburg announced the 2026 Mardi Gras season with parades, parties and a scholarship ball planned for February.

The events include a walking parade at 6:30 p.m. on Feb. 6, a pub crawl and parade on Feb. 7, and a ticketed scholarship ball on Feb. 13 (tickets required).

Southern Miss will host criminal justice, forensic science and security classes in the renovated HPER Building this fall, offering modern labs & a new annex with an academic courtroom designed for hands-on learning and collaboration, funded by $16.6 million from the state plus $570,000 from the university to support enrollment.

The Mississippi Legislature is considering bills to require local school boards to restrict student cellphone use after both House and Senate Education Committees approved similar measures.

Rep. Sam Creekmore (New Albany) cited improved engagement in districts that already imposed similar policies.

USM’s DuBard School for Language Disorders is expanding its Gulf Coast services at a new Long Beach facility funded by roughly $12.4 million in grants and donations.

The program, which has about 80 children a year on its roster and a waitlist, faces ongoing funding and staffing challenges.

USM has launched a 10-week online program to help student workers earn a digital badge demonstrating problem solving, professionalism, and teamwork (skills required for Student Employee of the Year nominations).

Students on and off campus can enroll to boost their job readiness in today’s competitive market.

State lawmakers plan to change the higher education funding formula that links university budgets to student outcomes, and local students worry that the shift will reduce resources for arts and social science programs.

Anthropology major Katherine Daleke (concerned about research funding) says the proposal could limit graduate opportunities.

Hattiesburg ended 2025 with a perfect score on its drinking water inspection — marking the seventh consecutive year of safe water.

City and university officials said continued testing and infrastructure upgrades keep water quality high despite occasional discoloration in older buildings.

Mississippi left tackle Charles Cross of Laurel is among several local players expecting a Super Bowl appearance with the Seahawks and Patriots — sports columnist Rick Cleveland reviews college basketball, baseball and Scottie Scheffler while highlighting local talent's role this season.

Former Southern Miss coach Todd Monken (who led in Hattiesburg from 2013 to 2015) was hired by the Browns yesterday as head coach, replacing Kevin Stefanski after a challenging season.

Molten Mohawk Niner and 4 Miler

7:30-9:45 a.m. — Thomley's Christmas Tree Farm — Cost varies — Challenge your endurance with a scenic run through Hattiesburg's beautiful landscape.

Mustache The Band Live

8 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets start at $27 — Experience an unforgettable night of live music with Mustache The Band.