Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Little Debbie holiday snacks will appear in local stores mid-October through mid-December—featuring new Hot Cocoa Mini Muffins and Christmas Old Fashioned Donuts along with classic Christmas Tree Cakes and more treats for fans.

Shoppers can use the snack finder to locate nearby stores carrying these festive favorites.

Hattiesburg’s October calendar features 241 community events planned for the month — local organizers host art classes, happy hours and the Luckyween celebration at The Lucky Rabbit to boost economic growth and offer family fun.

The Pine Belt celebrates October with fall festivals every weekend across Hattiesburg and nearby towns.

Families can visit pumpkin patches + haunted trails while enjoying live music, carnival rides and trick-or-treat events.

Today, Hattiesburg unveiled its 71st large-scale mural, A Mosaic of Freedom, along an 80-foot wall on Main Street to honor local veterans and mark America’s 250th birthday, with city officials & veterans joining a ribbon-cutting and a reception at VFW Post 3036.

William Carey University opened a (6,400 sqft) art building at the corner of Cherry Street this fall, giving art students a new space to create and work together.

The facility supports the growing art program that once shared makeshift classrooms.

Mississippi Development Authority director Bill Cork is stepping down after nearly three years at the helm — deputy director P.J.

Waldrop will take over, as local unemployment in Hattiesburg falls to 2.9% while the civilian labor force contracts amid growing investments driven by data centers.

The Mississippi Air National Guard reached a recruiting milestone this fiscal year during a ceremony at its Jackson base (Tech Sgt. Michael Evans recruited over 100 new members) as six airmen took their oath to boost state disaster response.

The milestone ensures Mississippi stays ready for natural emergencies.

Hattiesburg Restaurant Week returns Oct.

11-17 — local restaurants will offer creative 'On a Roll' dishes like cinnamon roll lattés and lobster rolls while featuring giveaways for early guests. Residents and visitors can enjoy a flavorful week exploring local menus.

Southern Miss football coach Blake Anderson remains undaunted by a 1 to 3 start and recalls past turnarounds at Arkansas State and Utah State.

Senior quarterback Landry Lyddy has boosted the offense, and the Golden Eagles will face Troy on Oct. 6 (7 p.m. on ESPN2).