Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Dr. Timothy Gutmann was honored as Teacher of the Year by the Mississippi Humanities Council for his lecture (Can Ancient Chinese Philosophy Make America Read Again?) that combined ancient philosophy with modern educational research.

Community members, including students, asked how to implement fun reading practices in local schools.

Southern Miss Study Abroad runs a program that allows student teachers to split their experience between local classrooms and international schools.

This semester, three students will head to Germany, Greece, and Australia after completing the first half of their training locally.

Lucky Day & the Honors College at Southern Miss give high-achieving students leadership, service, and research opportunities to prepare for life after graduation; Lucky Day, celebrating its 25th year, requires GPA maintenance and service hours while the Honors College focuses on thesis research and interdisciplinary study.

The Reporters Committee for Freedom of the Press places its new staff attorney, Andrew Coffman, in Tupelo to provide free legal support for local newsrooms (Local Legal Initiative).

The program will expand to serve nine states later this year.

Mississippi lawmakers passed a bill on Feb.

25 that would remove taxes on student-athletes’ Name, Image and Likeness earnings so players at Ole Miss and Mississippi State can keep all their deal money. The Senate must still vote on the measure.

Mississippi Senate is reviewing HB 1466, a bill that would let restaurants use menu symbols (as at Triangle Seafood & Po’ Boy) instead of individually labeling seafood dishes; if approved, the rule will take effect July 1 and lower costs.

Owners say the change will make compliance easier.

Mississippi residents are experiencing increased allergy symptoms as high tree pollen counts linger today; experts say checking pollen forecasts+ taking precautions like using masks and antihistamines can help ease discomfort during peak allergy season.

Baptist Medical Center is showcasing a mega colon model in its cancer center lobby to boost awareness of colorectal cancer and promote screenings (developed with the American Cancer Society) through the end of March.

Southern Miss baseball beat Mississippi State 7-6 Tuesday at Pete Taylor Park after Drey Barrett’s 450-foot home run sparked the win; the Golden Eagles, marking nine straight 40-win seasons, climbed into Top 10 rankings as national observers took notice.

On Wednesday night at Pete Taylor Park/Hill Denson Field, Nicholls upended Southern Miss 3-2 with a decisive two-run fifth inning — snapping an 11-game winning streak — while the Golden Eagles, who had opened the scoring, fell in a tightly contested game.

Heidelberg's team lost in overtime last night after a heartbreaking final play — the close loss leaves them facing a challenging season ahead.

Mississippi’s turkey hunting season will run three extra days this year as a new law shifts the start from March 15 to March 14 and extends the end from May 1 to May 3.

Hunters must buy a turkey stamp for public and private lands.

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.