Good morning, Hattiesburg.

United Way of the Capital Area continues the Dolly Parton Imagination Library to mail free, new books every month to children in Hinds, Madison and Rankin counties since 2018.

Nearly 1,000 kids remain on the waiting list as the nonprofit honors her legacy amid growing demand for access to new books.

A historic Highway 49 building reopens as Clark Russell Mercantile, a vintage shop opening on Labor Day at 4510 Highway 49.

Owner Mark Russell plans to add a coffee bar, short-term rental, and event space in the future — giving new life to a 100-year-old property.

Visit Hattiesburg CEO Marlo Dorsey earned the Certified Destination Management Executive designation, the tourism industry's top honor, after two years of coursework in leadership, destination advocacy, and revenue growth at Destinations International's convention in Portland (she plans to use this expertise to boost local visitor numbers).

Mississippi will receive nearly $189 million from Meta Platforms over the next 10 years under a settlement that limits Instagram and Facebook use by children—new rules include daily time caps, nighttime blocks, and stricter parental controls to fund youth mental health and digital literacy programs.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch’s Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council announced that applications for its 2026 grant cycle are now available on the new portal.

Eligible organizations may apply online from Aug. 31 to Oct. 5 and join webinars on Sept. 15 at 2 p.m. and Sept. 23 at 1 p.m.

Mississippi State University scientists advised residents to watch for the invasive Asian longhorned tick that has spread to more than 20 states.

There have been no confirmed cases in Mississippi and locals can submit suspected samples to the state health department for analysis.

Crisis Text Line released a report showing rural Mississippi ranks third in using text messaging for mental health support (2 million texts from 2019 to 2024).

Officials say the service provides needed anonymity and immediate help in areas with limited care options.

Southern Miss football players Greg Nunnery, Aloali'i Maui & Jameer Lewis got temporary restraining orders that let them challenge an NCAA rule and play in 2026; they will join the home opener against Alcorn State on Sept.

5.