Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Strong thunderstorms damaged the area around Turtle Creek Mall earlier today + emergency crews are assessing property and clearing debris from nearby streets.

Monday storms scattered debris along U.S. 98, leading crews to clear fallen trees and repair storefronts near the mall and secure a church with a dangling steeple; cranes are scheduled to remove the steeple tomorrow.

Supplemental Security Income payments will be sent on Thursday, Oct.

1 and early on Friday, Oct. 30, while regular Social Security retirement benefits are scheduled on Oct. 14, Oct. 21, or Oct. 28 based on birth dates (per the SSA schedule) to help beneficiaries plan their budgets.

Forrest General ER has opened a new 12-bed unit to boost patient capacity + improve care at the facility.

The expansion will help the hospital treat more patients efficiently.

Ole Miss men’s basketball has finalized its non-conference slate for the 2026-27 season, including a game with Southern Miss at the Mississippi Coast Coliseum on Tuesday, Dec.

22. Ticket details will be announced later & the complete schedule is pending.

Senior quarterback Elijah Collins earned WDAM 7’s player of the week honor with 286 passing yards and six touchdowns in a 43-16 win against Lawrence County — his second straight game with four or more touchdowns.

The Tigers, now with two wins and two losses, face Seminary on Thursday night.

Southern Miss coach Blake Anderson said starting quarterback Ethan Hampton is unlikely to play against Tulane on Sept.

26 because a hand injury has hampered his throwing ability + senior Landry Lyddy will start at Yulman Stadium.