Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Independent pharmacies in Gulfport warn that PBM practices hurt their business by paying near cost for medications, leaving little to cover overhead.

The Senate’s revised PBM bill was killed last week & Speaker Jason White is planning a special session to address the issue.

Hattiesburg residents can look forward to April’s Pink Moon when the full moon peaks on Apr.

1 at 9:11 p.m. local time (named for early spring blooms) and to meteor showers later in the month with the Lyrid shower expected to peak on Apr. 22 in pre-dawn hours.

East Jones Elementary students took part in an interactive STEM project building hovercrafts Monday.

More than 80 students joined instructors from The Hovercraft Project to build and test their crafts and learn about air pressure and motion.

Mississippi is in a moderate to severe drought with rainfall nearly 6 inches below normal, and local gardeners are advised to choose drought-tolerant plants and water early in the morning to reduce evaporation although some rain is forecast.

SSI recipients in Mississippi will receive their payment on Wednesday, April 1 (checks may be sent early if the first falls on a weekend or holiday) and can review the schedule online to plan their budgets.

New U.S. Census estimates showed Mississippi counties shifted population between July 1, 2024 and July 1, 2025, with 50 counties losing residents while four gained over 1,000.

Washington, Leflore and Hinds saw declines as Harrison, Madison, Rankin and DeSoto experienced gains.

Former Forrest County Supervisor Burkett Ross passed away after 12 years on the board, leaving a lasting legacy of support for Petal schools and local projects.

County leaders said his commitment to District 3 and the Petal School District still shapes local improvements.

No. 11 Southern Miss claimed the series over App State with a 13-4 win Sunday; Joey Urban hit a grand slam and freshman Gray Eugabnks added three hits, and the Golden Eagles will finish their four-game homestand Tuesday at 6 p.m. against Southeastern Louisiana.

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.