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Thursday, September 4th, 2025

Hattiesburg native Jeff Cook has been named CEO of Forrest Health as record growth drives rising patient demand—he said his top priority is expanding capacity and recruiting more physicians to support busy emergency and inpatient services. The system is fast-tracking its Cancer Center expansion and adding new clinic space next summer while nursing numbers return to pre-COVID levels.

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

The American Heart Association and American College of Cardiology released new blood pressure guidelines to help lower the risk of high blood pressure in Mississippi. The guidelines advise residents to cut salt and alcohol, eat a heart-healthy diet, and exercise—steps meant to protect about 700K adults who had high blood pressure in 2023.

Thursday, September 4th, 2025

A recent study by GoBankingRates shows that Mississippi’s middle-class income range starts at $41,999 for a two-adult household and rises for larger families. Hattiesburg residents may see lower income thresholds compared to states like Maryland and Massachusetts — which require nearly $30,000 more annually—as the state’s low cost of living keeps expenses modest.