Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Money's Best Colleges in America list for 2025 names seven Mississippi schools—Hattiesburg's William Carey University earned the highest four-star rating—and shows that other state schools differ in costs and acceptance rates.

Eastern hognose snakes in Mississippi show dramatic defenses when disturbed—flaring their necks, hissing, playing dead and sometimes releasing a foul musk.

Local experts say these behaviors help the snakes escape predators and that sightings vary with the sandy habitats they prefer.

The Mississippi State Department of Health warned Wednesday that whooping cough cases have risen to 80 since July 10 — ten patients have been hospitalized, including seven infants under two months old, and 40% of cases are in northeast Mississippi.

Today, Hattiesburg Zoo announced new close-up animal encounters that will let families feed an anteater at 11 a.m. Saturday, pet a sloth at 1 p.m. Saturday, visit a South America Yard at 11 a.m. Sunday and meet giraffes at 2 p.m. Sunday (tickets are sold separately).

Drum Corps International

7:30-9 p.m. — M.M. Roberts Stadium — Tickets available — Experience the vibrant performances of top drum corps from across the nation.

The Molly Ringwalds Live Performance

9-10:30 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets starting at $15 — Experience an electrifying night with 80s hits and captivating stage visuals.