Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Twin sisters Mary Margaret and Betty Duggan were born a day after Hurricane Katrina in New Orleans and moved with their family to Hattiesburg where a nurturing community helped them overcome early hardships.

Now juniors at the University of Southern Mississippi, they say life here provided opportunities and support they could not have found elsewhere—fostering a deep connection with their new home.

Southern Miss has begun construction on a state-of-the-art oyster hatchery at the Gulf Coast Research Laboratory Thad Cochran Marine Aquaculture Center—located at Cedar Point in Ocean Springs—and the facility will produce up to one billion eyed larvae for restoration and research with completion expected by late summer or early fall 2026.

Mississippi’s Second Amendment Sales Tax Holiday will run from Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31, and buyers will not pay state sales tax on eligible items like pistols, rifles, ammunition, and archery gear—rules require immediate shipping for online orders and exclude items such as trucks and ATVs.

Governor Reeves has proclaimed tomorrow as Hurricane Katrina Remembrance Day statewide to mark 20 years since the storm devastated South Mississippi, calling for a statewide moment of silence at 8:29 a.m. State agencies and the National Guard will host a 20th Anniversary Commemoration — honoring lives lost and community resilience.

Fire officials say a change to the state's retirement rules will mean new firefighters must work 35 years for full benefits starting in March 2026 — a move that may worsen staffing and delay leadership roles.

State Senator Joey Fillingane said the rule aims to fix an underfunded system while a 2024 plan to give extra credit did not gain support.

Mississippi hunters are getting ready for the early archery season starting Sept.

12-14 with special permit rules and a bag limit of one legal buck on private or public lands. A later season will open on Oct. 1 and Oct. 15 in other deer management units—photos reveal the top 10 non-typical archery bucks on record.

Seventeen-year-old Rachel McAlpin from Brandon won the world junior swimming championships in Romania last week—marking one of the best finishes for a Mississippi athlete—and she is now celebrated by local sports fans.

Fredo Bang Live at Nostalgia for Southern Miss Season Opener

9 p.m. — Nostalgia Lounge & Bar — Tickets available online and at the door — Kick off the Southern Miss football season with a live performance from Louisiana’s own Fredo Bang.

Calvin Richardson Live Performance

7-11 p.m. — The Center at Forrest County — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Multi-Grammy Nominated artist Calvin Richardson as he performs his new hit single.

Best of Both Worlds Alumni Aftergame Party

9 PM-2 AM — The Bottling Company — General admission & VIP options — Celebrate the rivalry with a classy alumni gathering for JSU and USM fans.

Toad the Wet Sprocket with KT Tunstall

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Enjoy an evening of heartfelt music from the beloved band Toad the Wet Sprocket and the dynamic KT Tunstall.

James McMurtry Concert

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Cost info not provided — Enjoy a night of Texas music with James McMurtry and special guest BettySoo.