Good morning, Hattiesburg.

State Auditor Shad White said Mississippi’s Legislature should raise the minimum pay for assistant teachers to ease shortages caused by low wages, noting that the minimum was raised from $15,000 to $17,000 in 2022 while average pay remains $22,840.

He urged lawmakers to cut outside-of-classroom spending and reinvest those dollars into classroom support—this increase would mean nearly a $6,000 boost per teacher and a cost of about $67.3 million.

Today Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker proclaimed Fire Personnel Week at the new Fire Station 2—launching a week-long celebration honoring local firefighters who keep the city safe.

Sen. Scott DeLano said Mississippi lagged behind other Gulf states in storm mitigation because the state insurance commissioner did not push for strong programs to protect residents from storm damage and rising insurance costs since Hurricane Katrina—he also criticized a state think tank leader's remarks on social media.

Trustmark Park will get a new synthetic turf when Spectrum Entertainment installs Major Play Matrix®—covering more than 40,000 square feet—to replace the old infield that caused game delays from bad sod and flooding.

The Mississippi Mud Monsters announced Thursday that the upgrade will let the ballpark host more baseball, concerts, and festivals in the future.

Southern Miss women's soccer earned its first win on Sunday with a 1-0 shutout over Louisiana Tech at the Marshall Bell Track & Field and Soccer Complex—Ryan Smith scored in the 11th minute and the defense kept a clean sheet as the team will host Mississippi Valley State tomorrow at 4 p.m.

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.

Taste Of The South Food Truck Festival

11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Fairley's Wings & More — Free entry — Experience a delicious gathering of food trucks and live music showcasing the best flavors from the South.