Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Shady Grove Baptist Church will host a Back-to-School Rally & Giveaway event where Pine Belt students pick up essential supplies for the upcoming school year — organizers say the event will offer a fun way to prepare for classes.

Mississippi Today launched the state’s first scientific study on brain drain on July 15 and more than 4,700 people have already taken the survey to share why they stay in or leave the state.

Journalists and research partners will use the results to study the crisis and look for solutions — more residents are encouraged to join the survey.

Shady Grove Baptist Church is set to host its fourth annual Back2School Rally & Giveaway event from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturday, Aug.2 in Hattiesburg—Pine Belt students will get school supplies, backpacks and community resources and enjoy games, raffles and lunch.

High school seniors in Hattiesburg are told to get their college applications started early by gathering all needed items such as transcripts, resumes, and test scores to boost their scholarship chances.

University officials from USM and William Carey urge students to attend college preview days on Sept. 27 and Nov. 15—registration opens Friday.

Mississippi is moving forward with its broadband expansion plan despite federal changes—over 300 grant applications have been submitted and BEAM will review them before opening the proposal for public comment.

Some advocates worry the shift away from fiber may lead to higher costs and slower speeds in rural areas.

Mississippi’s 2025 Special Primary Election will be held on Tuesday, August 5 as polls will open at 7:00 a.m. and close at 7:00 p.m. Voters in line by closing time will be allowed to vote (including those casting an affidavit ballot), while absentee voters must meet deadlines (in-person by August 2 and mail ballots postmarked by August 5).

Fredo Bang Live at Nostalgia for Southern Miss Season Opener

9 p.m. — Nostalgia Lounge & Bar — Tickets available online and at the door — Kick off the Southern Miss football season with a live performance from Louisiana’s own Fredo Bang.