Good morning, Hattiesburg.

PraCon Global Investment Group filed a request with the Public Service Commission on Apr.

22 asking that self-generated power for on-site use be exempt from public utility rules—helping data centers keep energy costs low. The filing could pave the way for new AI and data center projects in Mississippi.

Spire will sell its Mississippi natural gas distribution business to Delta Utilities for $75 million.

The sale includes 745 miles of pipelines serving 18,000 customers in the Pine Belt (including Hattiesburg) and will shift 35 employees pending regulatory approval, with closing expected in early fiscal 2027.

USM’s Golden Eagle Teacher Residency program offers a one-year low-debt teaching pathway for future educators by covering full tuition, textbooks, tests, and a $20,000 stipend.

The program, funded by $3.6 million in grants, targets filling 3,800 unfilled teaching positions in high-needs rural schools statewide and is currently accepting applications.

Mississippi's new CPA rules will take effect July 1, 2026 to allow more USM students to qualify for the CPA exam with a bachelor's or master's degree plus work experience — an effort to ease the state's shortage of certified public accountants.

Dr. Shelby Thames, former USM president and polymer science pioneer, passed away on April 17 leaving a lasting legacy in higher education.

Visitation is tomorrow from 5 to 8 p.m. at Bennett Auditorium — service will follow April 25 at 10 a.m. before burial at Highland Cemetery.

Volunteers removed trash from Bouie Lakes on Earth Day — April 22 — to protect local water quality and beautify the lakes as part of a community effort.