The University of Southern Mississippi’s Union department will host its first-ever Esports Day Camps from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Oct. 7 and Oct. 9 in the R.C. Cook University Union on the Hattiesburg campus. Designed for students ages 11–14 or in grades fifth through eighth, the camps will introduce participants to the excitement of competitive gaming while developing skills, building camaraderie and learning from experienced esports coaches.

Partners for the Arts (PFTA) and The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Music announce the return of their popular fall celebration, Pops in the Park, Tuesday, Oct. 7, at 6 p.m. at Spirit Park on the Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus. Sponsored by Cadence Bank, the event will feature the Southern Miss Symphonic Winds, with an opening performance by the USM Jazztet, as well as special guests and surprises throughout the evening. The public is invited to bring picnic baskets, blankets and chairs to enjoy this family tradition. Admission is free, with a VIP experience available for PFTA members.

Mississippi’s greatest treasures are her people. They always have been, and they always will be. No matter where a person travels within the borders of our state, I can guarantee that there will be some kind, hospitable Mississippians to greet and help that traveler along the way. Seriously, kindness and hospitality are absolutely part of our Mississippi DNA.

When people talk about the soundtrack of America, Mississippi is always playing in the background. The Magnolia State gave birth to the blues, nurtured gospel and soul, and shaped the rhythms of country and rock. You can’t talk about American music without talking about Mississippi.

For nearly a year, I lived in Goodman Mississippi without ever stepping foot inside the little brick building on Main Street. I’d drive past it, see the sign out front with some message about story time or a craft night, and think nothing of it. Downtown Goodman isn’t flashy. There’s a post office, one restaurant, town hall, and that library tucked into what used to be a Presbyterian church. Nothing about it seemed urgent enough to stop for.