Good morning, Hattiesburg.

City of Hattiesburg hosts Right Way to Throw Away Day this Saturday from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. at two sites (Bobby L.

Chain Municipal Airport, Lamar County Multi-purpose Center in Purvis) where residents can safely discard hazardous items; shredding and prescription waste disposal is available only at the airport.

Laurel-Jones County Library hosted free legal help on Thursday provided by the Mississippi Center for Legal Services; lawyers assisted patrons with deeds, wills, custody, and divorces to ease legal challenges for those who could not afford a lawyer.

Festivals across Pine Belt are gearing up for a busy weekend with local food, music and crafts on offer.

Organizers say preparations aim to ensure a safe and lively experience for all visitors.

Regional gas prices in the Gulf Coast rose to an average of $3.68 per gallon for regular fuel on Monday up from $3.62 last week because traders expect further hikes amid supply concerns and seasonal demand; prices remain nearly 11% lower than the national average.

Mississippi’s wildlife officials set the 2026-27 waterfowl season dates with a shortened nine-day teal season — down from 16 days — while bag limits for other waterfowl remain unchanged amid a 4% decline in breeding duck numbers.

Hunters statewide should review the updated regulations.

FEMA & MEMA have opened 13 sites in declared disaster zones for Mississippians to file claims for damage from the January winter storm, covering home, vehicle, and medical costs; the centers operate weekdays from 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Saturdays until 2 p.m., and residents must bring ID and financial records.

A new bill in Congress proposes gradually increasing the federal minimum wage to $25 an hour by January 2031 for large employers, which could affect local workers as Mississippi still pays $7.25 per hour.

The proposal is under review by the House Committee on Education & Workforce.

Governor Tate Reeves announced that Mississippi has allocated nearly $13.5M to boost youth mental health services.

The funds will support programs to expand telehealth, mental health workforce training, and community education so children and students can get help in the state.

A report from the Commonwealth Fund showed Mississippi ranked last in healthcare outcomes for 2022–2024, with many residents lacking insurance and facing avoidable health risks.

Health officials and community programs are working to improve care—especially for Black and Hispanic communities—through targeted outreach and expanded services.