Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Worthy Stables will host its inclusive rodeo 'The Pine Belt Round Up' on April 11 at 502 Sheeplo Loop in Petal for people with special needs.

Gates open at noon with a 2:00 p.m. ceremony, and the event (Designed for Access, Powered by Grit) promises accessible rides and trophies.

Southern Pines Animal Shelter announced it received a $40K grant from PetSmart to support National Adoption Week at the Hattiesburg PetSmart location from March 23–29.

The shelter will waive all adoption fees for cats, kittens, puppies and dogs during the event.

United Way announced its $100k grant winner today in Hattiesburg, and the funds will support community projects that benefit locals.

Local farmers face rising fertilizer costs as the closed Strait of Hormuz due to ongoing conflict delays shipments and drives prices up about $100 per ton.

Some growers are switching from corn to soybeans while state officials work with federal partners to boost domestic production.

School districts have reduced the number missing annual audits from 47 to 32 as officials urge compliance—63 of 138 districts have already submitted audits, and remaining districts must file fiscal year 2025 audits by March 31 to avoid sanctions.

The Mississippi State Board of Education approved a new strategic plan that builds on classroom success with six goals to boost learning.

The plan takes effect July 1 (after broad stakeholder input) to improve student outcomes statewide.

Gov. Tate Reeves signed a law on Wednesday to fund ibogaine clinical trials using up to $5 million from opioid settlements & instructing the State Department of Health to form a research partnership for addiction, depression, and brain injuries.

The bipartisan bill passed both chambers and awaits fund appropriation.

Recent data from the CDC & University of Wisconsin show that Mississippi’s average life expectancy was 72.6 years in 2022, with county averages ranging from below 66 to over 75; local health risks like teen pregnancy, obesity & physical inactivity are tied to these low numbers.

A Hattiesburg woman who battled rare nasal cancer is raising awareness about early detection and treatment options by sharing her personal journey — an effort aimed at helping neighbors recognize symptoms sooner.

Hattiesburg local Alisha Price (misdiagnosed for six months with ear infections) was later found to have a rare nasal cancer by Dr. Andrew Nida at the local ENT clinic.

After seven weeks of radiation and weekly chemotherapy, Price has been cancer-free for over two years and now raises awareness.

Christone 'Kingfish' Ingram - The Hard Road Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — $43.30- $74.25 — Experience the dynamic sound of blues with Kingfish's innovative musical journey.

Downtown Crawfish Jam 2026

10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Walthall Park — $40-$50 — Enjoy live music and all-you-can-eat crawfish at this family-friendly festival.