Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Deputy Yates Rodney, injured in June, received a $3,000 Running 4 Heroes grant Monday (his partner accepted via FaceTime) while two other first responders were also recognized with grants.

Hattiesburg native Jane Granberry (crowned Miss Mississippi in June) will represent the state in the Miss America pageant starting Aug.

28 in West Palm Beach. Viewers can watch the finals online on Sept. 6 at 6 p.m. CDT.

William Carey University hosted its annual assembly yesterday at Saenger Theatre to kick off the new school year, highlighting Thomas Auditorium renovations and staff milestones.

President Dr. Burnett outlined plans for a 107-acre expansion and Biloxi housing bids as students return next week + boosting on-campus growth.

The Powerball jackpot has reached an estimated $1 billion for tonight’s drawing at 9:59 p.m. CT as strong ticket sales drive interest, and players from the U.S. + U.K. are now eligible under new expansion rules by the Mississippi Lottery Corp.

Assma Ali, a Yemeni-American attorney, was appointed last week as the municipal judge for Benoit in Bolivar County and soon faced online backlash from trolls and some officials questioning her credentials because of her Muslim faith.

Local legal experts affirm her qualifications and commitment to uphold state and constitutional law.

Disaster Unemployment Assistance is available for residents in Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River and Stone counties who lost work after Tropical Storm Arthur caused severe damage between June 18-20.

Eligible individuals can apply online + by calling 601-493-9428 until Monday, Oct. 2 as benefits run from June 21 until Feb. 6.

The March of Dimes report shows nearly half of Mississippi counties lack obstetric care, affecting about 107,000 people and 7,000 births each year.

Experts urge more investment & Medicaid changes to help women access care.

Southern Miss football coach Blake Anderson wrapped up his first fall camp practice as transfers boosted the receiver room and linebacker unit while injured running back Robert Briggs works to recover from a shoulder injury (the team will open its season against Alcorn State on Sept. 5).

Antavion Allen, a four-star defensive lineman from Hattiesburg High School, committed to Ole Miss on Aug.

11 and became the No. 2 recruit in Mississippi for the 2028 class — he chose coach Pete Golding over offers from several top programs.

Southern Miss football is set to regain three players for the 2026 season after a judge granted extra eligibility.

Coach Anderson said they will practice from Aug. 17 ahead of the Sept. 5 opener against Alcorn State, though the NCAA is appealing the ruling + playing time is not guaranteed.