Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Southern Outdoors Unlimited will take 44 young people with disabilities on guided alligator hunts starting Aug.

28 in South Mississippi. The nonprofit uses expert volunteer hunters to ensure safety and help kids gain confidence during these outdoor adventures.

Prediction markets are gaining traction on college campuses, letting 18-year-olds bet on sports and events despite state restrictions on online wagering.

The platforms claim to be federally regulated investment tools — though they operate much like sports betting services with limited safeguards for young users.

Students at Long Leaf Elementary School in Hattiesburg enjoyed a mini-concert on Friday morning by local AGT contestant Elsie.

The Columbia native said her performance inspires young fans to believe in their dreams.

Gov. Tate Reeves said that Mississippi reached a record 1,196,200 non-farm jobs in July — a milestone that highlights the state’s continued economic growth driven by private investments and job creation.

USM freshmen painted the Eagle Walk (a tradition since 1997) last Friday on campus ahead of the home game, using rollers and brushes to leave their welcome mark at Southern Miss.

The revamped Fannie Lou Hamer digital driving tour now includes Jackson and features 10 historic sites with videos and archival materials.

Posted online Aug. 21, 2026, the free project lets visitors explore Hamer's civil rights journey and educational resources, funded by the MS Humanities Council + W.K. Kellogg Foundation.

Nissan Neighbors awarded a grant to the Foundation for Mississippi History to fund free museum field trips for students statewide — the program will offer educational visits to two local museums beginning this fall.

Renasant Bank will pay $13.7 million over 10 years for naming rights as Southern Miss renames its stadium, ending an era tied to a racist past — a deal that starts with a $500,000 payment this year.

The change marks a significant move in the school's athletic branding.

Southern Miss football holds its final preseason scrimmage today at 11 a.m. at Renasant Stadium.

The event offers a final look at the quarterback battle including coach evaluations and player updates with opportunities for fans to get autographs after practice.