Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Forrest General Cancer Center is set to host its 5th annual Fuel to Fight Cancer 5K on Saturday, Oct.

17 in Hattiesburg; the event offers a 5K, 2-mile walk + a new 5-mile run and a free kids’ run in its healing garden to help patients with transportation to treatments.

Texas Roadhouse is set to open Dec.

7 at the former O’Charley’s site in Hattiesburg. Construction barriers and fencing have been removed + the restaurant’s website now shares operating hours and job application details.

The Pride of Mississippi marching band practices for game-day shows at the university — building friendships through rigorous rehearsals and uniting crowds at football games and campus events.

Hattiesburg prepares for a busy Halloween month with family events including a pumpkin carving contest at Keg and Barrel on Oct.22, Zoo Boo at the Hattiesburg Zoo on select evenings featuring LED lanterns and rides, downtown trick-or-treating on Oct.26, and the 14th Halloween Parade on Oct.29—organized to celebrate seasonal traditions.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s Physician Assistant Studies Program earned provisional accreditation and will welcome its first class in January 2027 at the Gulf Coast campus.

Faculty and community partners helped shape the seven-semester program designed to meet regional healthcare needs + boost patient care.

The demolition of the 40-year-old Southern Miss Wesley building has begun as the ministry prepares its new facility funded by a $5.8m campaign; temporary locations on Hardy Street and at Peck House will host services until construction is complete in November 2027.

South Central Regional Medical Center hosted the Well Doll Clinic for St. John’s Day School students in Laurel on Wednesday to simulate hospital visits; nurse Amy Dickerson led sessions that taught basic checkup steps and safety lessons (including proper bike helmet use).

Hattiesburg boxer T’Jchon “Jabman” Henly is training hard at JB Boxing and Facility to prepare for Hub City Box Night on Dec.

5 at the Forrest County Center. The event starts at 5 p.m. after doors open at 4 p.m. & Henly is focused on boosting his strength and endurance.

Oak Grove High School earned Team of the Week after a 29+28 overtime win over the Petal Panthers on Oct.

14, 2026. The impressive finish boosted local fans as the team continues its season.