Good morning, Hattiesburg.

More than 100 local entrepreneurs attended an SBA-hosted workshop Tuesday at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Center in Hattiesburg—where officials explained how local lenders and micro-loans can help business owners secure financing.

The SBA reported that banks provided $1 billion in loans to small businesses in 2020 and that 6,000 businesses opened while 5,000 closed between March 2020 and March 2021.

Taylor Garretson — a senior at USM from Greene County — was crowned 2025 Mississippi Miss Hospitality on July 19 at the Historic Hattiesburg Saenger Theater.

She won the pageant after a week of interviews and stage presentations and will spend the coming year serving as a goodwill ambassador for tourism and economic development.

Mississippi universities announced that eight students and two faculty received Fulbright awards and will travel overseas to exchange knowledge—Ole Miss had seven students, Millsaps had one and Southern Miss had two professors who will serve in countries like Taiwan, South Korea, Germany and Spain.

City leaders announced Hattiesburg earned an improved FEMA score by moving from Class 8 to Class 7.

The new rating means most flood insurance policyholders will save 15% on premiums starting April 1 + officials credited flood mitigation, drainage upgrades and public education for the boost.

State AG lawyers called on federal Judge Henry T.

Wingate to explain mistakes in a temporary restraining order issued on July 20 that paused a state law banning diversity, equity and inclusion programs in public schools—errors included wrong quotes and names. They also demanded that the order be put back on the public docket as the case may be appealed to the U.S. 5th Circuit.

Two state laws went into effect July 1 that ban camping on public property not designated for shelter (up to $50 fine) and require panhandling permits (up to $25 daily fee), which may force Hattiesburg’s 145 unhoused residents into unsafe spots.

Local leaders and city officials said they are concerned that these rules will push vulnerable people into more dangerous places and stressed the need for more shelter space.

Mississippi high school football fans can vote to choose the state's top wide receiver for the upcoming 2025 MHSAA and MAIS season based on the Clarion Ledger's top watch list; the poll closes at noon on Saturday & one vote per hour per device is allowed.