Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Jakob’s Friends, Finds, and Hope Thrift store, honoring 17-year-old Jakob Hill, will begin regular hours Wednesday, Aug.

5 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. at 7195 Highway 98 — the store offers cleaned items and kindness cards to support community donations.

Mississippi startup Numadx is developing air-pressure based insoles for workers on their feet, co-founded by Hattiesburg native Paul Thomas and polymer science professor Jeff Wiggins.

The company recently leased a local facility and is accepting preorders as it readies production expansion with a Mississippi workforce.

At USM’s Hattiesburg campus, The DuBard School for Language Disorders welcomed 25 new students and families on Monday as they prepared for school starting Tuesday — the public school, established in 1962 and using the DuBard method, plans to open a second campus on the Gulf Coast next school year.

Teachers in eight counties can apply for the 2027 Leo Seal Teacher Grant, which offers one-time awards of up to $2,000 to boost classroom learning; proposals must be submitted by Sept.

30. The grants are provided by Hancock Whitney and managed by the Gulf Coast Community Foundation.

Jones County School District welcomed students back on Monday as the new 2026-2027 school year started.

Officials upgraded safety with new cameras — installed privacy fencing at schools — and refreshed instructional materials while enforcing attendance rules as they celebrated 70 years in education.

Lamar County high school seniors visited five local elementary schools Monday morning to help students start the school year strong.

Alumni from Longleaf and Oak Grove shared encouraging messages & energy to inspire young learners.

Mississippi ranked 48th in U.S. News’ Best States report, showing low marks in health care and infrastructure despite top affordability.

The state’s economy, education, and public safety scores offer a mixed picture (highlighting areas for improvement) from the nationwide analysis.

On July 21, Hattiesburg hosted a community meeting where health officials, residents, and local providers discussed transportation challenges + the lack of available prenatal care services amid Mississippi's high infant mortality rate; officials planned further meetings to strengthen resource coordination and improve maternal health access.

High school football fans can vote for Mississippi’s top defensive back for the 2026 MHSAA/MAIS season until noon Friday, Aug.

7 (one vote per hour per device). Nominees include Hattiesburg’s Jaylin Andrews and top players from across the state.

Greg Warren Live Comedy Show

7:30-10:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Get ready for a night filled with laughter from the comedian Greg Warren.