Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Homes of Hope for Children hosted its second annual Evening of Hope banquet Thursday at Lake Terrace Convention Center — attracting hundreds who gathered to support stable housing, food, and education for children in need.

Cattiesburg Cafe is hosting a fill-a-bag sale where customers can fill a plastic bag with books for $2 plus tax to support the Pretty Pittie Committee's animal rescue.

The sale will run until Sunday and may become a monthly event.

Sweet Life Canna Co. opened its Long Beach cultivation facility in 2025 and now supplies 135 dispensaries across the state with top-quality medical marijuana grown, processed and packaged for patients (the company is pursuing certification with good manufacturing processes).

The inaugural Hattiesburg Music Showcase will take place on Nov.

20 at Saenger Theater, featuring four local bands. Jacob Arnold and the Bulldogs, Grits & Greens, Drew Young Band, and Blue Mountain will each play a 45-minute set while a street party offers food and drinks outside.

Local officials have announced an initiative to lower cooling costs in Pine Belt by providing energy efficiency upgrades and support (details are expected soon).

The program aims to help residents manage rising expenses.

William Carey University welcomed freshmen and transfer students on Thursday, Aug.

13 to nearly full residence halls, starting a busy orientation weekend + campus investments include upgraded dorms, a new art building and community spaces. Classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 17 at the university.

Mississippi cattle farmers are coping with a heat wave that is drying pastures and lowering pond levels, forcing adjustments in feeding and cooling methods so cows get enough shade and water.

Ranchers warn that these conditions could lead to a winter supply shortage.