Good morning, Hattiesburg.

On Sept. 4, Hattiesburg unveiled its 70th mural titled 'Scrape the Sky' in a downtown alley near 307 W.

Pine St. Artist Julia Reyes painted the 1700sqft two story work (visible from the Commons at Gordon's Creek) as part of the city's plan to reach 100 murals.

World Atlas listed waterways with many alligators in Mississippi, naming hotspots like the Pascagoula, Pearl, Wolf and Yazoo Rivers (areas with high gator numbers).

The Department advises caution near these spots and warns that feeding gators can make them lose their natural fear of people.

Mississippi doctors are launching a new 1 million dollar project this month to develop a tool that tracks trends in maternal health across 30 counties.

Backed by U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, the effort will bring together physicians, researchers, and community leaders to guide solutions for reducing maternal mortality.

Proponents say expanding Medicaid would cover 67,000 Mississippians and lower costs for unpaid care, which could ease a $390 million shortfall in the state’s health budget.

The move would secure permanent federal matching funds and support vital health services (according to a recent analysis).

Southern Miss football named senior Ethan Hampton its starting quarterback for today's season opener at Renasant Stadium against Alcorn State at 4 p.m. CT (he won the position after recovering from a hand injury and competing with Landry Lyddy and John White).

Rick Cleveland revisits college football eligibility issues in his column by recalling Bubba Phillips’ 1948 season at Southern Mississippi + his notable runs at a key game in Oklahoma City.

He draws a link between old rules and ongoing debates in the sport.

Cleveland boys ended a record-long offseason and now play meaningful football as local sports activity picks up, while columnist Rick Cleveland spotlights Jackson native Parker Bracken, Mississippi’s top volleyball player.

Southern Miss, led by coach Blake Anderson, is set to host Alcorn State today at the newly renamed Renasant Stadium in Hattiesburg & the Golden Eagles, featuring over 70 new players, are focused on rebuilding & aiming to boost their season.

Mississippi State hosts ULM today at Davis Wade Stadium at 6:30 p.m. on ESPNU.

Coach Jeff Lebby enters his third season with new starting quarterback Kamario Taylor, and the Bulldogs are predicted to win by a wide margin (41-7).

Local mayors have weighed in on the historic Little Brown Jug rivalry as Magee and Barker teams prepare for the next contest, noting the event’s role in uniting residents (further details are expected soon).