Daily
Hattiesburg
Wednesday, August 20th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Wednesday, the 20th of August.
CRIME NEWS
- ➤ FBI officials are asking for help to find potential victims of former Purvis gymnastics coach Sean Gardner, who was arrested last week on charges of sexually exploiting children and is believed to have targeted young athletes at programs in Purvis, Des Moines and Prairieville. WDAM
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ U.S. District Judge Henry T. Wingate issued a preliminary injunction that blocks enforcement of Mississippi’s House Bill 1193 (which bans DEI programs in public schools and universities) until a final ruling is made. Attorneys now will move to discovery as the case progresses, with plaintiffs saying the decision safeguards academic freedom. WLBT
- ➤ A federal judge ruled that the state law banning DEI policies in schools violates the First and Fourteenth Amendments—he issued a preliminary injunction pending a full review that challenges Gov. Tate Reeves’ order. This decision protects academic freedom and stops the law until the case is fully resolved. WJTV
- ➤ A federal judge ruled Tuesday that Mississippi’s state Supreme Court districts dilute Black voting rights and must be redrawn to allow for fair elections — the decision calls on the Legislature to update maps that have been in use since 1987 and reflects a long history where no Black candidate has been elected without an interim appointment. Mississippi Today
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Fredo Bang Live at Nostalgia for Southern Miss Season Opener
9 p.m. — Nostalgia Lounge & Bar — Tickets available online and at the door — Kick off the Southern Miss football season with a live performance from Louisiana’s own Fredo Bang.
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Calvin Richardson Live Performance
7-11 p.m. — The Center at Forrest County — Tickets required — Experience the soulful sounds of Multi-Grammy Nominated artist Calvin Richardson as he performs his new hit single.
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Best of Both Worlds Alumni Aftergame Party
9 PM-2 AM — The Bottling Company — General admission & VIP options — Celebrate the rivalry with a classy alumni gathering for JSU and USM fans.
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
What you resist, persists.
~ Carl Jung
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