Good morning, Hattiesburg.

More than 200 participants joined the 14th annual Lighthouse Dash on Saturday at the Petal Civic Center, raising about $70,000 to help 750 families monthly.

The event fuels Petal Children's Task Force (PCTF), which in 2025 supplied 383,000 pounds of food to over 22,000 people.

Community members celebrated Black History in the 28th annual event with a parade that began at Martin Luther King Avenue & ended at Vernon Dahmer Park, followed by a baseball tournament & fireworks show.

Black History Committee chair Dee Moye said it honors local history and guides the community’s future.

Hattiesburg residents are discussing a proposal for 24-hour child care to help parents who work irregular schedules.

Myra Hawthorne and local providers say the new facility would need more staff (and extra costs) to meet growing demands amid a state child care shortage.

Beef prices remain high as low cattle supply and rising demand push up costs for burgers and steaks, experts say (Mississippi cattle officials note that if ranchers expand herds now, prices may ease two to three years from today).

Southern Miss history professor Heather Stur said next week’s classes will examine long-term effects of recent U.S.-Israeli action on Iran (drawing parallels to past conflicts) at the Dale Center for War and Society.

Local scholars are already planning lessons to help students understand these historical patterns.

A wildfire in Perry County has burned 2,800 acres since Sunday and is 50% contained as US Forest Service crews, county agencies, and volunteer fire departments work to secure trees and patrol nearby areas.

No injuries, structural damage, or wildlife issues have been reported.

Willis Preston, 58, donated his kidney to his younger brother Keith Preston, 55, after eight years on dialysis — the successful transplant was completed on Feb.

17 at University of Mississippi Medical Center, and both brothers are recovering while planning a kidney health outreach event.

The MHSAA announced the final four teams for the state basketball tournament — match-ups will be held at local school gyms later this week.

Flow Tribe Live Concert

8-11 p.m. — Brewsky's — Check event page for ticket info — Experience high-energy performances blending R&B, soul, and Caribbean rhythms by the lively Flow Tribe.

Dance Gala Concert

7-9 p.m. — Mannoni Performing Arts Center — Tickets available — Experience the premiere dance event of the season amidst a vibrant atmosphere.