Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Leadership Pine Belt’s Class of 2026 raised funds to buy 125 car seats + distributed them to five local law enforcement agencies as part of its 'Oh Baby, Buckle Up' project to help keep children safe in the car.

The head brewer crafts iconic Pine Belt beers — blending traditional recipes with fresh methods to create a signature taste cherished by locals.

His work is boosting interest in Hattiesburg’s craft beer scene today.

Miss Mississippi Jane Granberry will visit elementary schools this fall on her Healthy Hearts, Bright Minds tour to encourage reading, exercise and healthy habits, partnering with TrueCare (a local nonprofit) to provide books, jump ropes and water bottles to students.

On Saturday, more than two dozen residents joined 'No Kings' rallies at Hardy Street by the University of Southern Mississippi, at Longleaf Trace, and over Hwy 49 & I-59 as organizers urged Hattiesburg to vote on Nov.

3.

On Monday, Jones and Jasper counties in the Pine Belt were placed under a burn ban that lasted until Nov.

16 & Nov. 19, as officials sought to reduce fire risks amid dry conditions.

Mississippi Agriculture Commissioner Andy Gipson is urging state leaders to suspend the 24-cent fuel tax to ease the burden on drivers amid an average gas price of $3.88 per gallon, a move that aims to help commuters and retirees who face high fuel costs.

At Hattiesburg Clinic, veteran technician Martha Cochran explained that abnormal mammogram callbacks often reveal dense tissue rather than cancer, thanks to advanced 2D screening — a method that compares current and previous images.

She advised patients to stay calm and follow up on recommended tests.

Mississippi State football will face the No. 18 Texas Longhorns in Austin on Oct.

31 at 6:30 p.m. The game will air on ABC & ESPN.

Southern Miss basketball guard Isaac Taveras was named Sun Belt preseason Player of the Year on Oct.

19 and earned a spot on the preseason All-Sun Belt first team. The Golden Eagles, picked to finish seventh, host an exhibition game at Reed Green Coliseum on Oct. 21.

Southern Miss guard Isaac Taveras has been named Sun Belt Preseason Player of the Year by league coaches & he is expected to boost team morale as the season approaches.