Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Moselle firefighter Marvin Pigford, 51, died from anaphylaxis after wasp stings on Sept.

4 following his birthday celebration; he was remembered for his dedication—his family has set up a fundraiser to cover funeral expenses.

Claire’s filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy in early August to reduce debt—its Hattiesburg and Laurel stores remain open as the company restructures amid falling mall traffic and rising online competition.

James and Thomas Duff of Hattiesburg are the only billionaires in Mississippi on Forbes' list of the 400 richest in the U.S. They are ranked 362 with a net worth of $4.1 billion — the brothers run a family tire business turned multi-company enterprise with investments in trucking, food, construction and real estate.

The USM Black Studies Center in Harkins Hall, Room 242 offers courses, films, and books on Black history and culture—serving as a meeting place for students and providing inclusive academic opportunities while remaining relatively unknown.

Dr. Vickie Reed said the center plays a key role in sharing American history.

The University of Southern Miss's Chi Alpha campus ministry is now completely student-led; president Amariah Penton said the team will continue to meet for large worship groups on the first Wednesday each month—along with weekly small Bible study sessions—to share its message of faith.

Southern Miss's McNair Scholars Program is accepting applications from first-generation college students who plan to pursue a future Ph.D.—students must submit the online application with the required documents by Oct.26.

USM will replace its old plastic A-frame signs with new digital displays after a student government senator was injured in rainy weather and pushed legislators to improve campus safety.

The digital boards will be installed starting early 2027 at Spirit Park and Cook Library/Powerhouse Breezeway—additional locations will follow as funds become available.

In August, the State Department set new visa rules to review students’ social media for signs of suspicious activity—about 200 to 300 visas were revoked for alleged terrorism and experts warn up to 150,000 fewer international students may enroll this fall.

Southern Miss officials said no student has been affected and they are working with students to meet the updated requirements.

Students in USM's education programs are worried about a teacher shortage that is leaving more than 2,000 positions open statewide, and many schools are using emergency measures to fill classrooms.

Professor Lipscomb said new initiatives—like mentorship and hands-on training—are being introduced to help graduates be ready when they start teaching.

Mississippi restricted the sale of unauthorized disposable vapes, e-liquids and refillable vapes under House Bill 916 to help reduce youth vaping.

On Oct. 1, the commissioner will release a list of legal products and retailers must remove unauthorized items within 30 days — those items will be considered contraband.

The Edwards Street Fellowship Health Clinic in Hattiesburg offers free medical, dental, and pharmacy care to uninsured and underinsured residents in Forrest and Lamar Counties—patients are screened for eligibility and receive treatment while learning to manage chronic conditions with online modules and support from USM. The clinic plans to expand services with exercise classes, vision screenings, and dental assistance to help more people take control of their health.

Researchers from leading universities say Chagas disease—carried by kissing bugs—is common enough in the United States to be considered endemic after studies found local Mississippi cases and high bug infection rates in 31 states.

The Mississippi Department of Health advises that doctors use two lab tests to check people with travel links or family cases for the parasite.

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.

Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour

7:30-9 p.m. — The Lawn at Lake Terrace — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-defying music with Rainbow Kitten Surprise's electrifying performance.