Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Local champion Kimberly Butler, crowned Ms. Wheelchair Mississippi earlier this year, will represent Hattiesburg at the Miss Wheelchair America competition in Grand Rapids from Aug 18 to Aug 24 — her 'Universal Design for All' message highlights the need for accessible public buildings. She has already worked with Mayor Toby Barker and the Forrest County Board of Supervisors to set up an ADA Advisory Board and urges voters to support her People’s Choice Award campaign through Aug 22.

Moore’s Bike Shop owner James Moore and Drug Court Judge Robert Helfrich have purchased 100 new bicycles for drug court graduates in Forrest County — each bike comes with a helmet, lights and a lock to help them reach work and meetings.

Mississippi’s electric vehicle industry is facing setbacks as Nissan delays production at its Canton plant because U.S. EV demand is slowing down — the state has one of the lowest EV ownership rates in the nation.

Other companies like Bollinger Innovations and Cummins continue investing in new projects while Paccar faces layoffs at its Lowndes plant — leaders remain hopeful for progress later this year.

Mississippi recorded 128 chronic wasting disease cases in deer with 10,754 tissue samples tested in the sample year ending June 30.

Parts of Pontotoc and Jefferson counties may be added to the management zones—officials are urging hunters to harvest an extra deer to help slow the spread.

The 2025 Atlantic hurricane season has had four named storms with no hurricanes, but meteorologists warn that warmer sea surface temperatures—along with neutral ENSO conditions—will boost storm activity into August and September.

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.

Calvin Richardson Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Center at Forrest County — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Multi-Grammy Nominated artist Calvin Richardson as he performs his new hit single.

Best of Both Worlds Alumni Aftergame Party

9 PM-2 AM — The Bottling Company — General admission & VIP options — Celebrate the rivalry with a classy alumni gathering for JSU and USM fans.