Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Hattiesburg City Council accepted bids to convert the former Pathway Christian Fellowship church into the Katie Dabbs Community Center.

The church, bought in 2021 for $100,000 with community development block grant funds, will undergo renovations—costing just over a million dollars with $250,000 from the state legislature—and is expected to be finished by year's end.

Today, the Ann Morris Fund announced over $61,000 in grants for Pine Belt community organizations (including the Hattiesburg Arts Council, Arc of Southeast Mississippi programs, the Arc of the Pinebelt Region Outreach Program, Abbie Rogers Civitan Camp, and Enhacing Autism Minds) to support programs for adults with intellectual disabilities.

First-year medical students at William Carey University prepared over 70 first aid kits from local donations and will deliver them to tornado survivors in Tylertown today.

Another group from the university’s Baptist Student Union gathered cleaning, baby and hygiene supplies, while three students helped families in Taylorsville with cleanup.

Downtown Hattiesburg is set for a big weekend as Eaglepalooza returns Friday with headliners Briston Maroney and local band Grits and Greens (starting at 7 p.m.) and HubFest follows Saturday with live music, food vendors, arts, crafts, and a children's area (with a $10 fee).

College baseball games featuring Southern Miss and William Carey University will also be held throughout the weekend to add extra excitement.

Westminster Presbyterian Church in Hattiesburg will host a free F.A.F.S.A. workshop on Saturday, March 29 to help future graduates complete the required financial aid application process—local high school facilitators will guide students, and participants should bring a laptop or phone if available. The workshop runs from 9 a.m. to 12 p.m. at 115 North 25th Avenue and is open to all students regardless of residency.

A study released this week shows Mississippi has some of the weakest gun laws in the nation & ranks 49th out of 50 states with a composite score of 4 and a gun death rate of 29.4 per 100,000 people.

The report used CDC data & analyzed 50 proven policies but noted that Mississippi lacks basic protections like required background checks at sales.

Columnist Rick Cleveland recalled covering a 1977 fight in Pensacola where boxing great George Foreman knocked down fighter Pedro Agosto three times.

Foreman, who died this past weekend, later apologized in a 1995 phone interview about his rough treatment as he promoted his upcoming biography—By George.

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.

Easter Sunday Groove with The Jay Morris Group

6:30-11 p.m. — Nostalgia Lounge & Bar — Refunds up to 21 days before event — Get ready for a Southern Soul celebration where the Aunties and Uncs groove together on Easter Sunday.