Good morning, Hattiesburg.

This weekend, Hattiesburg will host a Juneteenth parade starting at 7:30 a.m. and a festival at Vernon Dahmer Park from 11 a.m. Saturday, with a Train Depot concert from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m. today, a constellation session at the Public Library on Saturday, and a movie screening plus historic tour on Sunday. Additional Pine Belt events include neighborhood sports, arts, and statewide celebrations in Biloxi, Jackson + Poplarville.

The Mississippi Supreme Court denied a rehearing for death row inmate Richard Gerald Jordan—who is set to be executed on June 25—after an 8—1 vote, leaving him with no further legal options after 48 years in prison for the 1976 murder of Edwina Marter.

Clyde Kennard fought to end segregation in college and would have turned 98 on June 12—advocates say he risked his life, went to jail, and was not given needed care, which helped open doors for fair education.

Governor Reeves announced today the launch of the Mississippi AI Talent Accelerator Program to award $9.1 million in grants to colleges for AI training—helping build skills in machine learning and digital literacy through a partnership with Accelerate MS, the Mississippi Development Authority, and Amazon Web Services.

On May 30, Hattiesburg parents who lost children to opioid addiction met at Moore’s Bicycle Shop to protest local officials’ plan to spend opioid settlement funds on items like police equipment rather than on treatment and prevention — they argued that the nearly $750,000 received so far should be used with help from affected families to stop future drug deaths.

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.