Good morning, Hattiesburg.

The Mattie’s Foundation hosted a Soul Food Giveaway at Cloverleaf Center on Saturday – providing free hot meals to those in need while founder Nicole Ferguson honored her late mother's legacy with community support from local sponsors.

Young artists in Laurel participated in the 7th annual Kids’ En Plein Air painting event Saturday at Downtown Art Park — raising funds for the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter as every $25 fee provided an art kit, canvas and ice cream.

A similar event is planned in Hattiesburg in September.

Pine Belt Quilters partnered with the Hattiesburg Arts Council on Saturday at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center, where 87 quilts were showcased to highlight local creativity.

Members said ongoing classes and practice have sharpened their quilting skills over time.

Fans camped overnight at T-Bones Records for Record Store Day, arriving as early as 6:30 p.m. Friday and bonding over rare vinyl finds (a revival of the classic music tradition) until sunrise.

The event highlighted community spirit and a renewed interest in physical media.

Federal support now extends to Gulf Coast fishermen through the USDA’s new Office of Seafood (designed to help secure subsidies) as it advises leaders on industry issues and boosts domestic production and school meal programs.

Southern Miss football coach Blake Anderson recapped spring practices and the game on Saturday, Apr.

18 — noting key improvements — and said the Golden Eagles are preparing for the upcoming season.

Southern Miss ended a three-game losing streak with an 8-2 win over Texas State on Friday night at Pete Taylor Park (Hill Denson Field).

Ben Higdon hit a three-run homer and four players provided double hits to spark the Golden Eagles' win.

Southern Miss beat Texas State (6-3) Saturday afternoon at Pete Taylor Park, with Davis Gillespie driving in three runs from two hits that helped the Golden Eagles achieve 12 hits overall.

The team will complete the series today at noon.