Good morning, Hattiesburg.

On July 28th, a second baby was surrendered at the Safe Haven Baby Box in Collins following the first surrender in May.

Officials said the secure system locks automatically—alerts prompt staff to retrieve the infant for quick hospital evaluation before adoption arrangements are made.

Two teens were injured in a fiery rollover crash in Jones County on July 28 when their vehicle caught fire and emergency responders worked to contain the blaze.

Mississippi’s agriculture led state GDP growth in the first quarter thanks to $120 million in federal payments—farmers remain worried about low row crop prices and harsh weather that could hurt yields.

The payments are part of the American Relief Act to help battle high costs and past weather damage.

William Carey University dedicated its new Charles W.

Pickering Institute of Primary Care yesterday in Hattiesburg—an integral part of the College of Osteopathic Medicine that will train more primary care doctors—with hundreds of attendees at the ceremony.

Teachers were greeted by cheerleaders, drummers + city leaders at a Monday convocation as Hattiesburg Public School District readies for the new school year with students returning to renovated classrooms and a new Capturing Kids Heart program starting Friday.

Families needing school supplies can call the HPSD Central Office at 601 582 5078.

U.S. District Judge Henry T.

Wingate issued a mistake-filled order on July 20 to stop a law banning DEI programs — it had wrong names, quotes and cases — and after lawyers said it had errors Tuesday, he filed a new order on Wednesday that keeps the original date. Parties in the case will meet again on Aug. 5 to argue over the next steps.

Mississippi parents waitlisted for child care assistance will be able to apply starting August 1 when MDHS reopens the Child Care Payment Program—email invitations will be sent in the order families were added since April 1.

Applicants must complete the application within 10 calendar days to secure 12 months of child care support.