Good morning, Hattiesburg.

An abandoned building on Highway 49 is being turned into the Mississippi Hub Complex, a center that will offer the unhoused free hot meals, showers, laundry, legal and mental health help — led by nonprofit Diamond Excursion Ladies Edition.

Volunteers have begun clearing the space and the full renovation will take about three years as the project prepares to add a bistro and job opportunities.

Alpha Chi Omega sorority at The University of Southern Mississippi recently hosted two fundraisers—Colors of Courage and Cornhole for a Cause—to benefit the Domestic Abuse Family Shelter in Hattiesburg.

The events featured a live performance by The Fogies, food, games and activities, with donations and entry fees providing funds for domestic violence awareness.

Izzy Karns, a 19-year-old Southern Miss freshman, was crowned Miss Teen Volunteer America in Jackson, Tenn.

She became the first Mississippian to reach the semifinals and won over $10,000 in scholarships and awards—she said her joy comes from giving back to the community.

Union members from the United Campus Workers protested on the Southern Miss campus to fight state and federal rules that they say hurt higher education + lower fair pay and academic freedom + limit support for campus workers.

Mississippi residents must update their driver's licenses to a Real ID by May 7 to fly or access federal facilities.

The Mississippi Department of Public Safety will offer special Saturday appointments on May 3 at select locations + including Hattiesburg West + to help residents meet the deadline.

Students who want to live off campus next year need to start their apartment search early since many complexes fill up fast.

Property manager Ashley Dills said students can either pay a deposit or use a guarantor—someone over 18 who shows income—when signing their lease.

Southern Miss baseball player Jake Cook, a Madison Central graduate, hit his first home run since he was 13 during a midweek game against UNO on April 30—his three-run shot gave the Golden Eagles a lead that helped secure a 9-4 win.

Northeast Jones High School hosts defending Class 4A baseball state champion Sumrall High School in round three of the Mississippi High School Activities Association playoffs this weekend—teams vie for a win to advance in the competition.

Madea Seed Mother’s Day Brunch

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — RICHBURG COMMUNITY CENTER — Special gift for moms — Celebrate amazing mothers with brunch and a chance to win a $250 gift!

38th Anniversary of the Mothers' Day Blues Festival

2-10 p.m. — Forrest County Multipurpose Center — $47-$75 — Celebrate Mother's Day with live blues music at the festival in Hattiesburg.

Haunted Tavern Experience

6-7:30 p.m. — The Social — Tickets required — An immersive cocktail evening featuring ghostly tales and handcrafted drinks in one of Hattiesburg's most haunted venues.

Cade Ortego Live in Hattiesburg

8-10 p.m. — Brewsky's — $13.10 — Catch the lively performance by Cade Ortego and The Mood Swings for a night of great music.

Yonder – Featuring Works by Ricardo Moody

12-2 p.m. — Prospect On Main — Free entry — Enjoy a FestivalTalk with featured artist Ricardo Moody and an exclusive viewing of his commemorative artwork.