Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Downtown businesses hosted the annual Trick or Treat on Main Street Monday evening, welcoming costumed families with candy, giveaways and Parks and Recreation activities at the Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center; the free, all-ages event kicked off Halloween week.

State researchers confirmed tawny crazy ants in Marion, Perry and Lamar counties, marking the first detection in Lamar; the Termidor SC quarantine exemption will be extended to Lamar County and MSU Extension asks residents outside confirmed counties to send suspected samples to its Insect ID Lab.

SSI recipients will get November checks early on Friday, Oct.

30, because Nov. 1 falls on a weekend. Regular Social Security retirement benefits will be issued Tuesday, Nov. 10; Wednesday, Nov. 18; and Wednesday, Nov. 25, and the Hattiesburg SSA office can help beneficiaries plan.

The relief bridge on Sims Road reopened to traffic two months ahead of schedule, restoring the route after months of detours; the site remains a construction zone with a 20 mph limit and guardrails expected in four weeks (drivers should follow signs and reduce speed).

Southern Miss rushed for 286 yards and four touchdowns in a 35-31 upset of Louisiana on Oct.

27, and will test that running identity next at Louisiana Monroe on Oct. 31 at 2:30 p.m. CT on ESPN Plus.

Jones County Schools celebrated completion of a nearly $15 million project Tuesday morning with a ribbon-cutting at Northeast Jones, part of upgrades that added three girls' training centers (Northeast, West, South), new or expanded locker rooms, a baseball fieldhouse, and a shared track.

Southern Miss announced a fundraising plan (Where Tradition Meets Tomorrow) to renovate Pete Taylor Park with new suites, premium seating, an enhanced Roost entrance, a youth mini field, and a relocated hitting and performance center; the campaign is asking fans and alumni for donations ahead of the team's Feb. 2027 return.

The MHSAA announced new classifications on Oct.

27 for the 2027-29 cycle, moving Pearl from 7A to 6A, shifting 26 schools overall with 17 moving down and nine moving up, and placing Hattiesburg High in Class 6A while Class 1A is the largest with 48 schools.