Good morning, Hattiesburg.

The Sumrall High School community mourned the loss of student Chance Daniels, who touched many lives + school officials asked everyone to keep his family, friends, and teachers in their thoughts as they shared his memories in the days ahead.

Miss Mississippi Jane Granberry, an MBA student from Hattiesburg, made the top 11 as a semifinalist in the Miss America pageant held on Sept.

6 in West Palm Beach + she also won the Evening Gown preliminary award with a $3,000 scholarship.

The Twentieth Star DAR chapter will bring Constitution Week lessons to Pine Belt classrooms, teaching fourth graders the Constitution’s preamble & promoting local history and patriotism as events run Sept.

17-23.

The Mississippi Division of Medicaid will host two free workshops in Hattiesburg on Wednesday, Sept.

9 at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center to help members learn about health care benefits — including transportation services.

Herbert Griffith, a 65-year-old oral cancer survivor from Laurel, received a double jaw reconstruction at UMMC School of Dentistry using a titanium scaffold that restored his ability to chew soft foods (including apple tart).

Offered since 2025, the procedure marks Mississippi’s rare use of this advanced reconstruction technique.

Doctors at Forrest General Cancer Center reported more breast cancer cases in women under 50 — but improved 3D mammography helps catch signs early and boost survival nearly to 100% — and now recommend annual mammography starting at age 40.

Mississippi Olympic gold medalist Ruthie Bolton is developing youth basketball camps to help kids learn life skills from the game.

She will partner with local organizations and share her 25 years of professional experience to inspire the next generation.

Southern Miss football coach Blake Anderson praised the team's play after a week 1 win in which the Golden Eagles defeated Alcorn State 49+3.

College football weekend brought big wins in Mississippi.

Ole Miss survived Louisville on Sunday in a close finish while Mississippi State, Southern Miss, and Jackson State also posted strong performances, setting the stage for upcoming contests.