Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Officers identified the suspect in Wednesday's officer-involved shooting on Timothy Drive as 20-year-old Amardius Mack, with Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem confirming he is alive—officers are on paid leave as the investigation continues.

Mississippi native Jamal Roberts, a Top 3 finalist from Meridian, will perform in the American Idol Season 23 finale airing Sunday, May 18 at 7 p.m. CT on ABC—voters can support him by casting votes online, via the app, or by text.

Southern Miss Ph.D. student Bella McGill published her debut novel 'Princess and the Pauper' under the pen name Isabelle Kelly in a modern queer retelling of a classic tale.

The book started as her undergraduate senior thesis and took 18 months to complete — it reflects her struggles and passion to inspire young adult readers.

Governor Tate Reeves appointed poet Ann Fisher-Wirth from Oxford as Mississippi’s Poet Laureate for a four-year term; she will create and read poems at state events and promote literacy and cultural heritage—Fisher-Wirth, who retired after 33 years at Ole Miss in 2022, said she is ready to continue the work begun by her predecessor Catherine Pierce—she has received several awards including the Governor’s Award for Excellence in Literature and Poetry.

The University of Southern Mississippi was named a top Military Friendly School for 2025-2026 after its center helped service members, veterans, families and survivors—ranking third among research schools and first for military spouse support.

The Hub City Garden Club dedicated a Blue Star Memorial marker at the USM Center for Military Veterans on the Hattiesburg campus to honor U.S. Armed Forces members—local leaders, student veterans, and community members gathered at Quinlan-Hammond Hall of Honor to observe a moment of silence and a salute to service.

Jones College honored Top of Class 2025 winners from Columbia High School & Wayne County High School.

At Columbia, valedictorians Cole Lot and Gavin Davis plan to study at USM and salutatorian Cooper Smith will study nursing at Ole Miss while Wayne County’s top students Greyson Holland and Jacob Bowles plan to pursue mechanical engineering at Mississippi State and sports coaching at Jones College.

Federal lawmakers from Mississippi are promoting the Safer Shrimp Imports Act to have the FDA increase testing on imported shrimp to protect consumers and local seafood producers— a move backed by Gulf Coast industry groups.

The bill aims to limit unsafe foreign products from entering the market.

The Mississippi Attorney General’s Office sued China in 2020 after alleging the nation hid COVID-19 data and controlled PPE supplies—China did not appear in court and a default judgment was issued.

The office now waits for a federal judge to decide on over $200 billion in damages and may seize Chinese assets if payment is not made.

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.

Dog Days Run Walk

7:30-9:00 a.m. — Kamper Park — Entry fee applies — Enjoy a family-friendly run or walk with your furry friends while supporting Hub City Service Dogs.