Good morning, Hattiesburg.

This weekend, Hattiesburg and nearby communities will host events to help beat the heat — a redesigned splash pad at Dewitt Sullivan Park and a free art market with indoor yoga on Saturday — along with a community picnic and fireworks on Sunday at Temple Baptist Church.

Additional events in Laurel, Myrick, and Long Beach include a 5K run, a food truck festival, and a 4th of July Jubilee scheduled for Saturday.

Laurel-based Howard Industries announced a $236.95 million investment to expand its operations in Clarke, Jones, and Simpson counties, which will create 450 jobs and meet new U.S. Department of Energy requirements.

The company plans to complete the project within five years while state and local agencies assist with tax incentives and infrastructure—Gov. Tate Reeves noted the investment boosts regional economic growth.

Forrest County deputies responded to a shooting in Dixie on Wednesday afternoon and found 59-year-old Thomas Roseberry dead at the scene—his body was sent to the state crime lab for autopsy—while no arrests have been made.

Forrest County investigators continue their probe into the shooting case—detectives are gathering evidence and following leads as the investigation remains active.

Judy Alsobrooks Meredith, wife of James Meredith who faced mob violence in 1962, said the new state law restricting DEI policies will hurt how schools teach civil rights history and key figures like Medgar and Myrlie Evers—she urged recording family stories to preserve the past.

More than 100 relatives and friends celebrated Meredith’s 92nd birthday at a Jackson restaurant on June 25, and a federal judge heard arguments on a lawsuit seeking to block the law.

ESPN has revived its SportsCenter series '50 States in 50 Days' to highlight local sports stories and launched the tour with a special edition hosted by Scott Van Pelt today.

SportsCenter anchor Shea Cornette will be live at the Neshoba County Fair on Tuesday, July 29 — where he will shine a spotlight on Mississippi’s Giant Houseparty and local traditions during the fair.

University of Southern Mississippi announced funeral arrangements for longtime women’s basketball coach Joye Lee-McNelis, who passed away Tuesday.

Visitation is today from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. at Temple Baptist Church — 5220 Old Highway 11 and the funeral service is set for 1:30 p.m. Saturday with a graveside service at Lee’s Chapel Baptist Church No. Two — 27015 Leetown Road in Picayune.

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.