Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Pastor Brent Gilbert and his wife Candice will launch Beautifully Mended, a free recovery center for women facing addiction in Jones County, and will host the Light the Path Gala at Bethlehem Community Church in Laurel on Saturday, Aug.

29 at 7 p.m. (Ticket sales end Friday, Aug. 14.)

Hub City parents will raise funds to cover meal plans for local volleyball teams — the initiative will support players’ nutrition as they prepare for upcoming matches.

Miss Mississippi titleholders Jane Granberry and Madalyn Sullivan are preparing for the national Miss America competition next month after supporters celebrated their efforts in Madison County.

Granberry, an Ole Miss graduate with over $50,000 in scholarships, promotes her Literacy Without Limits initiative while Sullivan rehearses in Jackson.

Today, Oak Grove Public Library is hosting its first-ever Scholastic Book Fair to offer community members a chance to explore a wide range of books and interactive reading activities (designed to spark young readers' interest).

Mississippi will face dangerous heat this week as forecasts in Hattiesburg and Jackson predict temperatures near 100 degrees this weekend, and forecasters are monitoring tropical systems in the Atlantic with development chances from less than 40% to 60%, though impacts to the Gulf Coast are not expected.

North Forrest Volunteer Fire Department announced that it will add a new engine rescue truck soon to boost emergency services across the area + the upgrade is part of ongoing efforts to modernize its fleet.

A WalletHub study shows Mississippi ranks last for baby and child well-being — citing high infant mortality and few doctors — as local families face costly care and limited resources in health and childcare.

Dr. Christopher Jones from Memorial Health System said patients with diabetes or a BMI over 30 may be ideal for GLP-1 weight loss medications and listed Semaglutide, Ozempic, and Tirzepatide as options while warning of side effects — acid reflux, upset stomach, and nausea.

Southern Miss football added three fifth-year players for the 2026 season after a court injunction granted extra eligibility.

Greg Nunnery and Jameer Lewis are already practicing in Hattiesburg while Aloali'i Maui will join later this week as the team evaluates their condition, coach Anderson said.