Good morning, Hattiesburg.

The University of Southern Mississippi welcomed students back to campus today in Hattiesburg as faculty and staff hosted welcome events to start the new semester.

High Energy Systems in Bassfield will soon begin a job training program in its classroom on Bass-Burkett Road using state-of-the-art industrial sewing machines funded by a grant from the Delta Regional Authority.

The program will help students and adults learn new skills.

State Treasurer David McRae announced that fees for the state’s MACS college savings plan are reduced by 20% to help Mississippians save for college and job training.

The plan opens at $25 and offers risk-based and capital-preservation investment options.

Mississippi is set to offer a three-year short-term health plan via an online portal that helps consumers compare doctors, drugs and provider networks; the option for young adults and others may be available in January 2027 (if approved).

Local doctors and a veterinarian warn that parked cars today can heat up quickly to dangerous levels for children and pets — they urge parents to keep kids and pets safe by never leaving them unattended in vehicles.

Hattiesburg’s Pineview Little League All-Stars, an all-Black team, won the 1977 state championship in Biloxi and later advanced to the Little League World Series in Williamsport (the only Mississippi team to do so nearly 49 years ago).

Brandon and Northside high schools were placed on probation — a one-year penalty with fines — by the Mississippi High School Activities Association after practicing with full pads on Aug.

13, two days before the allowed date of Aug. 15. The ruling does not affect playoff eligibility but warns that further violations may lead to tougher penalties.