Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Holloway for Hope opened in the Palmers Crossing neighborhood after a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Wednesday+ founder Tanya Holloway and co-founder Willie Holloway Jr. distributed 41 food bags on her birthday to help residents in need while the nonprofit now offers food, medical, utility and resource services.

Randi Gardner launched Blessing Boxes to fight food insecurity in Hattiesburg and placed the first box at her church at 5050 Old Highway 42—stocked with foods that do not spoil and essential supplies for residents and college students.

The community quickly filled the box with donations and she plans to expand the project by adding safe cold storage for fresh items.

iFriends helps more than 100 international students settle in Hattiesburg each fall by providing essentials like mattresses, utensils, and furniture.

The group—started by volunteer Kathy Pope in 2007—hosted its annual Welcome party last Saturday to connect new students with local residents.

A former student of the University of Southern Mississippi filed a federal lawsuit alleging that hazing by Omega Psi Phi began in December 2022 and culminated on April 17, 2023—when he was beaten so badly that he spent 11 days in the hospital and had to relearn to walk, with university leaders reportedly aware of the abuse.

The USM Dixie Darlings will perform at the New Orleans Saints’ halftime show on Sunday, Oct.

5 at noon—joining DJ Jubilee and Light Balance in a highly anticipated display of talent. The band has set up a donation fund to support the dancers and help cover the cost of the event.

A USM dancer who lost all her belongings in a fire has received strong support from her teammates and community as she begins to rebuild her life—she said the help gives her hope to start anew.

Toyota of Hattiesburg presented the $20,000 Max R.

Pierce Scholarship to a PRCC automotive technology student on Wednesday. The award—named in honor of the dealership’s late founder—will help pay for tuition, fees, and program costs.

The Southern Miss Alumni Association will soon honor seven alumni including local inductees Hal McMahon, Jennifer Duke Payne, and Ellen Hunter Ruffin by inducting them into its Hall of Fame.

They will be celebrated at a Hall of Fame Banquet on Oct. 24 and at the Homecoming game on Oct. 25—events that recognize their leadership and support for the university—.

The Hattiesburg City Council voted unanimously to rename a section of Pearl Street to Dr. Eddie Holloway Drive in mid-October to honor his decades of service to the community and leadership at USM—recognizing his historic role as the first African American Dean of Students and a local council member.

More than one hundred Mississippi health professionals received free perinatal mental health training on Tuesday, Sept.

23 at Table 100 in Flowood—organized by local health groups and funded by a federal grant—to learn how to better spot and refer signs of distress in new mothers.

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.

47th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference

8 AM – 12 PM — The University of Southern Mississippi — $25 confirmation fee — Engage in dynamic discussions and targeted workshops to enhance leadership skills.