Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Forrest County investigator Andretta English—praised for her compassionate service during a Saturday benefit ride in Columbia—died in a traffic crash and is remembered by colleagues for her lifelong dedication to helping others.

Workers in Mississippi earn $7.25 per hour while congressional proposals seek to raise the federal minimum wage to $25 (with large companies starting in 2032 and smaller firms by 2039).

The bill would tie future increases to the national median wage.

Mississippi Legislature approved Senate Bill 2294 that directs $9 million to expand effective literacy strategies to middle school classrooms.

The bill rolls out literacy coaching, teacher training & in-class assessments starting this school year to help students improve their reading.

The Mississippi Office of Student Financial Aid is facing a $7.3 million gap that may reduce college aid for nearly 27,000 students in spring and force changes to the FAITH award and teacher loan repayment.

Lawmakers plan to address the shortfall in the upcoming session.

Shady Grove Fire Rescue introduced a new fire station in Hattiesburg on Monday, Jun.

29 — the facility aims to cut emergency response times and support local safety.

Saharan dust from Africa is drifting into Mississippi ahead of the Fourth of July weekend and is causing hazy skies that may worsen allergies and asthma (residents are advised to use masks and air purifiers).

Hattiesburg food lovers can explore six hot dog cooking methods (air fried, boiled, deep-fried, griddled, grilled, or microwaved) to perfect summer cookouts and enjoy treats from local spots like Crescent City Grill.

Tasting Table named Hot Dog Man in Vicksburg as the best hot dog spot in the state.

Southern Miss baseball added freshman pitcher Luke Williams (from East Central Community College) on June 28.

He pitched in 19 games with a 3.49 ERA and his fastball topped 96 mph; he is the second transfer joining the team this offseason.

Hub City Classic Car & Bike Show

8 a.m. – 5 p.m. — The Center at Forrest County — Free entry — Experience a vibrant showcase of custom cars, bikes, and community culture all in one exciting location.

Writing and Publishing High-Impact Research Manuscripts

8:30 a.m. - 5 p.m. — Lake Terrace Convention Center — Free entry — Enhance your biomedical writing skills with expert guidance from Dr. Papasian.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

7-10 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket pricing varies — Experience the magic of Frozen brought to life on stage.

The Molly Ringwalds Live

8-11 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets starting at $19.25 — Experience an electrifying tribute to 80s music with dazzling visuals and captivating performances.

Disney's Frozen - The Musical

7-10 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an enchanting performance of the beloved musical based on Disney's animated classic.