Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Nearly 1,000 fans lined up before the first Buc-ee's in Mississippi opened at 6 a.m. Monday, June 9 in Pass Christian, and the 74,000 square-foot travel center features 120 gas pumps — making it 20,000 square feet larger than the nearby Alabama location.

Authorities located a missing woman from Smith Co. who endured near-daily abuse for three weeks—sheriff’s office officials said—and the investigation remains active.

The Hattiesburg Juneteenth Festival starts this weekend with a parade at 9 a.m.—the route ends at Vernon Dahmer Park where the festival features vendors, games, swimming, live entertainment and a fireworks show at 8:30 p.m. City Councilman Nick Brown said Saturday marks the event’s 42nd year to honor ancestors and celebrate freedom.

A judge ruled that colleges can now pay student athletes directly starting the upcoming school year — each school may share up to $20.5 million across all sports while the NCAA pays $2.8 billion in back damages for competitions since 2016.

Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann warned that Mississippi schools could be at a disadvantage compared to larger programs from Texas or Michigan.

USM received approval from the Mississippi Institutions of Higher Learning Board of Trustees to establish the Mississippi Center for Apprenticeships and Residency in Education to boost teacher training programs.

The new center will build on residency cohorts from fall 2019 and summer 2022 and expand an apprenticeship pathway that earned a $3.8 million grant from the U.S. Department of Labor.

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.

Whitney: Always Love You - FestivalSouth

7:30-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — $45/adult; $20/child — Celebrate the iconic voice of Whitney Houston with a night of her timeless hits and spectacular performances.

Star-Spangled Celebration on the River

6-10 p.m. — Chain Park — Free admission — Celebrate the Fourth of July with family-friendly activities, live music, and a spectacular fireworks display over the Leaf River.