Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Jones County deputies said Justin Lee Dearmon, 34, of Moselle, was wanted for aggravated assault and weapon possession by a felon—he was apprehended in Louisiana in Franklin Parish on July 28—and is now held at the Jones County Adult Detention Facility pending his court appearance.

Air Force Senior Master Sgt. Vernon Dahmer Jr.—son of voting rights activist Vernon Dahmer Sr. killed in a 1966 firebombing—was laid to rest on Wednesday in the same cemetery as his father after decades of seeking justice.

He was known for his deep patriotism, military service, and role in founding the African American Military History Museum.

Niche ranked Mississippi schools for 2025 using DOE data and reviews, naming the Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science as the best public high school and St. Andrew's Episcopal School as the top private school.

The ranking also highlights leading elementary and middle schools with scores for academics, diversity, clubs and resources — reflecting a thorough evaluation.

Hattiesburg students return to class this August and police resume enforcement of the 15 mph school zone limits using camera-assisted radar during active hours—focusing on Woodley Elementary and Grace Christian Elementary while shifts to Hattiesburg High School and Rowan Elementary will occur if West 7th Street is closed due to construction.

Mississippi House Speaker Jason White said he will push for school choice legislation in 2026 after speaking at the Neshoba County Fair on Thursday—he plans to let parents choose schools for their children and use a voucher program to help students in underperforming districts.

White added that Gov. Tate Reeves is expected to support the initiative as he works to reform the education system for all students.

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.