Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Officials are investigating the cause of a fire at the Heirloom Hotel—its owners plan to rebuild the property.

George Mabrey—a Hattiesburg man wanted for vehicular homicide from a 2024 car crash on I-59 that killed Peggy Herron and Lisa Foster—was arrested in Palmer in Massachusetts after a routine traffic stop and is held without bail as he awaits extradition.

Jones County deputies are searching for 25-year-old Clifton McGruder—facing first-degree murder and attempted murder charges for a February 2024 shooting at Premier Sports Bar and Grill—after he failed to keep in contact with his attorney and a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

House Education Chairman Rob Roberson said lawmakers must talk about school choice, consolidation, or other ways to help improve the state’s schools—he stressed the ideas should be nonpartisan and bring more options for kids.

His comments came after the first select committee hearing on education policy.

The Hattiesburg Fire Department will install a new alert system that sends calls only to the units needed—cutting off unnecessary alarms for more than 40 firefighters—and will spend about $97,000 from Forrest County Emergency Management to complete the project by year-end.

Ole Miss football moved up to No. 14 in the US LBM Coaches Poll on Sept.

2 after a 63-7 win over Georgia State, with redshirt sophomore Austin Simmons throwing for 341 yards and three scores in his first start — the Rebels will play Kentucky on Sept. 6 at 2:30 p.m. on ABC for their first SEC matchup.

West Marion’s senior quarterback Braxton Albritton threw 16 of 21 passes for 305 yards and five touchdowns in a 49-22 win over East Marion last Thursday and earned WDAM 7 Player of the Week honors.

He will lead his team against Columbia High School on Friday—showing his determination on the field.

Jackson State will travel to M.M.

Roberts Stadium in Hattiesburg on Sept 6 at 4 p.m. after beating Hampton, hoping to notch their first FBS win by upsetting Southern Miss — ticket prices start at $55 in the upper bowl and $84 in the lower bowl.

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.

Shrek The Musical by Picayune Theatre Company

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a full-scale musical adventure with Shrek and friends in this vibrant community production.

Shrek - The Musical

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a larger-than-life fairytale adventure with a talented cast in this high-energy musical.

Hocus Pocus Movie Night Experience

7:00-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Special event price — Experience a magical night with costume contests and themed treats at this enchanting screening.