Browsing: Community Picks

Dr. Mark Robertson, a recent graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi’s (USM) School of Polymer Science and Engineering, has been named to the Forbes 30 Under 30 Science list for 2026. Robertson is following in the footsteps of his faculty mentor turned business partner, Dr. Zhe Qiang, who was also named to the list in 2022.

LUMBERTON — A once-neglected building on Main Avenue is being rebuilt into what its owners hope will become both a supply hub and a spark for downtown Lumberton’s revival. 

Mississippi State University faculty, staff and students planted trees today [Feb. 13] at Partnership Middle School for the second consecutive year, highlighting the role of hardwood species in landscapes and community spaces.

The first thing you notice when you walk into Sahara Brew is the smell.

It is not the scent of fried food or a drive through lunch. It is warm spices, something simmering, something layered. It feels different. Rich. The kind of aroma that makes you pause for a second before you even reach the counter.

The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “What Is True?” team investigated claims by the U.S. Dept. of Agriculture that the average American can make a healthy meal for only $3 to $4 per person.   

Ally Neal of Hattiesburg, Mississippi, is an author, mother, and co-creator of Embrace Chaos Co., a platform that supports mothers through the unpredictable, “in the thick of it” moments of life. When Neal found out that a friend’s daughter was going to need a heart transplant, she knew she wanted to help.

PASCAGOULA—In the rest of the state it is just February, but along the Mississippi Gulf Coast, Mardi Gras is in full swing, and that means King Cakes are a hot commodity and topic.

PASCAGOULA—With the artic blast that has blanketed Mississippi in 2026, ball-goers at The Krewe of Gilles took virtual trip to an endless summer to celebrate the 38 38 king and queen and royal court during a ceremony on Saturday, January 31.

Some of the best ideas in small towns don’t begin in boardrooms or planning meetings. They begin in conversation. At community gatherings. Over shared ice cream. With neighbors talking about what their town needs most.

The Mississippi Main Street Association (MMSA) has awarded funds to 19 Main Street Communities that applied for Community Development Grants for 2025-2026 to incentivize development, improvement, and revitalization in their historic downtown business districts throughout Mississippi.

Construction is underway at the Hattiesburg Zoo on a new ticket office, gift shop and education space aimed at improving how visitors enter the zoo and expanding hands-on learning opportunities. 

The Young Men’s Business Club of Moss Point has announced the Royal Court for its 86th Coronation Ceremony.

February is packed with creativity, learning, and connection across our libraries, and we’d love for more community members to know…

Downtown McComb is entering a new chapter as the McComb Main Street Association welcomes Brandon Andrews as its new Executive Director.

PASCAGOULA—Tee is his name and originality is his game, but like an onion, there are multiple layers to this gentle giant.

PASCAGOULA—There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. That’s right, and Pascagoula has welcomed home Olivia Randle to fill the vacated seat of Main Street Director for its city.