Good morning, Hattiesburg.

The Commons project will turn an empty lot near Hardy Street—previously used for food trucks—into a community space with amenities for kids and a small stage.

City leaders say the $2.9 million project is funded by state and federal grants and construction will finish by late fall.

Hattiesburg and Petal will host the annual ‘Star-Spangled Celebration’ on July 3—bringing community members together for patriotic events.

Lauren Johansen, 22, was murdered in Mississippi after her ex-boyfriend was released on bond in Nashville—her family filed a $150M lawsuit against the bail bonding companies for alleged failures to enforce full bond premiums that they claim led to her death—while the case remains under ongoing legal review.

Africanized honey bees, often called killer bees, have shown up in Mississippi and 12 other states.

Experts say the insects can swarm aggressively if disturbed—residents should leave the area if they spot a hive to avoid painful stings.

Mississippi’s Tax Free Weekend will run July 11-13, so eligible clothing, footwear, and school supplies under $100 will not have sales tax, even for items ordered by mail, telephone, or online (shipping and handling charges do not count toward the price).

Purchases returned after the holiday for credit on different items will have sales tax applied.

Hattiesburg celebrated Tuesday as it honored longtime council members—Ward 2 Councilwoman Deborah Delgado and Ward 3 Councilman Carter Carroll—who ended over 20 years of service by retiring at the end of their terms.

Newly elected council members will be sworn in next week to continue the city's leadership.

Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson launched the 'Make Mississippi Healthy Again' tour — a campaign urging residents to eat healthier with locally grown produce — after visiting Eubanks Produce in Lucedale on Monday.

The tour will expand statewide — more farm visits are planned — to support local farmers and promote a healthier lifestyle.

Former Southern Miss women’s basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis died on June 24th at age 63 after a long battle with lung cancer.

She spent 21 seasons leading the Lady Eagles and is survived by her husband, daughter, and son who worked with the team.

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.

Drum Corps International

7:30-9 p.m. — M.M. Roberts Stadium — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant performances of top drum corps from across the nation.

The Molly Ringwalds Live Performance

9-10:30 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets starting at $15 — Experience an electrifying night with 80s hits and captivating stage visuals.