Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Friends at the Hattiesburg Zoo mourn Maya, the jaguar who received treatment for kidney disease and age-related issues and died this morning just shy of her 22nd birthday in May.

The zoo hosted an early birthday party with a special cake and decorations and now invites guests to leave flowers and photos at her habitat.

USM student Kaz Edge Ledet attended Mississippi Animefest at the Jackson Trade Mart on March 8-9, where hundreds of fans gathered to celebrate anime, cosplay, and pop culture.

The event—hosted by Jay Branch—featured voice actor panels, merchandise vendors, and a cosplay contest that offered a vibrant experience for attendees.

Hattiesburg received a $25,000 grant from the National Endowment for the Arts to create a 20 by 15-foot mural called 'The Hattiesburg Way' inside the Johnny L.

DuPree Public Safety Complex. The city will work with the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art as it calls for artists to apply electronically by 3 p.m. on March 21, with the chosen artist announced by March 26—the work must be finished by April 25.

USM faces concerns over cheating as some students use AI tools (ChatGPT and CoPilot) and paid tutors to finish assignments with little effort.

University officials say they require honest work and offer tutoring and support to help manage heavy workloads.

SMAC hosted a Mental Health Day at Southern Miss to help students relax before midterms by offering art activities such as building mini zen gardens, painting rocks, making necklaces, and enjoying snacks—free caricatures by a local artist added fun—on campus.

The event ran from 7 to 9 p.m.—organized by senior Jardashia Williams—and gave students a needed break from studying.

Southern Miss students gathered on March 13 at the Hattiesburg campus to demand a zero-tolerance Title IX policy as organized by student Kaitlyn Gooch—she argued that stricter sanctions were needed.

Students will meet again when a pre-protest community night is held on March 26 from 6-8 p.m. and a protest is scheduled for March 27 from 12-2 p.m.—they aim to permanently dismiss students found responsible for violations.

The IRS said eligible Mississippi taxpayers who did not claim the Recovery Rebate Credit on their 2021 tax return will receive up to $1,400+ automatically if they file by April 15.

Taxpayers must file to get the check, which will be mailed by paper check or direct deposit+ with further payment details provided in a separate notice.

Hattiesburg is six months into a $7.7 million water meter replacement project that began last fall and has replaced about 5,000 residential meters using new technology that sends readings directly to the Water Billing Office and connects to the Eye On Water app — helping residents monitor usage and detect leaks. City leaders said crews still have 9,000 meters remaining — and the project will be completed by the end of summer.

Hattiesburg five-star wide receiver Tristen Keys committed to LSU football on Wednesday through an Instagram post—he was rated as Mississippi's top recruit, top wide receiver and the fifth overall prospect for the Class of 2026.

He is the only Mississippi high school player committed to LSU.

Troy Trojans vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles Softball Game

The Southern Miss Golden Eagles will face off against the Troy Trojans in a college softball game at the Southern Miss Softball Complex in Hattiesburg, MS.

USM Dance Gala Concert

The Dance Gala Concert features performances by talented dancers from the USM Dance Program, including works by guest artists and faculty.

Hudson Westbrook Live at Ole 60

Hudson Westbrook will perform live at the Forrest County Multi-Purpose venue in Hattiesburg.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. South Alabama Jaguars Baseball Game

Watch the Southern Miss Golden Eagles take on the South Alabama Jaguars in an exciting collegiate baseball game at Pete Taylor Park, with a portion of proceeds supporting various causes.

Hattiesburg 10K Run

7 AM — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Registration fees apply — Experience the scenic streets of Hattiesburg while supporting local charities in this vibrant 10K race.

Louisiana Monroe Warhawks vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles Softball

12-4 p.m. — Southern Miss Softball Stadium — Cost info not provided — Experience the excitement of collegiate softball with the Warhawks taking on the Golden Eagles.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Texas State Bobcats

6-10 p.m. — Southern Miss Softball Complex — Ticket prices vary — Catch an exciting college softball match while supporting charitable causes.

Hub City Classic Car Show

10 AM – 7 PM — Forrest County Multi-Purpose — Tickets available online — Celebrate classic cars at this exciting local showcase.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Texas State Bobcats

12-4 p.m. — USM Softball Complex, Hattiesburg, MS — Ticket prices vary — Catch the exciting matchup between the Southern Miss Golden Eagles and Texas State Bobcats while supporting a cause!

3rd Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt

3-7 p.m. — Town Square Park — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of fun with Easter-themed activities, local vendors, and a charming photo opportunity with baby farm animals.