Daily
Hattiesburg
Tuesday, September 30th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 30th of September.
BUSINESS NEWS
- ➤ LoveFood named Ward's the top regional fast food chain in Mississippi. The Hattiesburg-founded chain, started by twins Ed and Richard Ward in 1978, serves its popular Big One burger filled with chili and cheese — along with homemade root beer — at 38 locations statewide. Hattiesburg American
- ➤ Adam Ganucheau was named as the first Executive Editor and Chief Content Officer of Deep South Today—he began his role on Monday after leading Mississippi Today as Editor-in-Chief. He will work with CEO Warwick Sabin to shape the newsroom’s strategy across the expanding nonprofit network. Mississippi Today
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ Hattiesburg High School held its Student Council Leadership Summit on Monday where local entrepreneurs—Jessica Kern-Huff, Carlos Twillie, Laila Esters, and Myron Lott—shared advice on leadership and success with students. Student Council members will be sworn in Tuesday to build unity for the coming school year. WDAM
- ➤ William Carey University is reporting record enrollment increases across campuses with a 50% rise in Hattiesburg residential students, an 80% increase in first-time freshmen and a 40% boost in total undergraduates since 2022—figures that also mark a 14% overall jump since 2024. The university welcomed 200 new medical students this fall—an effort that includes renovating its coffee house to improve campus life. WDAM
- ➤ Petal School District maintained its A rating for the 11th consecutive year — it ranked in the top five statewide and is the highest scoring district in the Pine Belt — as the Mississippi Department of Education’s accountability scores measured basic subject skills and high school factors like graduation and college readiness. WJTV
- ➤ William Carey University reported record enrollment numbers across its campuses today—school officials said they plan to expand courses and services to support the growing number of students. The announcement comes as the university strives to meet increasing demand for its programs. WDAM
- ➤ Jones College will launch an eight-week noncredit journalism certificate course for community members in fall 2026—funded by a $5,000 grant from Journalism+Design in partnership with the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center. The program aims to give students and adults skills needed to work in newspapers or on television. WDAM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ An infant under two months died from whooping cough on Sept. 29 (yesterday) as announced by the Mississippi Department of Health. This marks the third pediatric death from pertussis in the state since 2008 and comes as cases rose sharply to 115 this year from 49 in 2024. Hattiesburg American
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi’s only PGA Tour event is looking for a new title sponsor for 2026 after Wayne Sanderson Farms ends its 13-year run with the 2025 tournament — tournament director Steve Jent said local companies and the PGA Tour are in talks to keep the event in Mississippi. If a sponsor is not found by Spring, the tournament may not appear on next year’s schedule. Hattiesburg American
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Shrek The Musical by Picayune Theatre Company
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a full-scale musical adventure with Shrek and friends in this vibrant community production.
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Shrek - The Musical
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket prices vary — Experience a larger-than-life fairytale adventure with a talented cast in this high-energy musical.
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Hocus Pocus Movie Night Experience
7:00-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Special event price — Experience a magical night with costume contests and themed treats at this enchanting screening.
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Taste Of The South Food Truck Festival
11 a.m. - 6 p.m. — Fairley's Wings & More — Free entry — Experience a delicious gathering of food trucks and live music showcasing the best flavors from the South.
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Rainbow Kitten Surprise: Thanks For Coming Tour
7:30-9 p.m. — The Lawn at Lake Terrace — Ticket prices vary — Experience genre-defying music with Rainbow Kitten Surprise's electrifying performance.
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47th C. Rodger Wilson Leadership Conference
8 AM – 12 PM — The University of Southern Mississippi — $25 confirmation fee — Engage in dynamic discussions and targeted workshops to enhance leadership skills.
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Hattiesburg Zoo Boo
6-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Zoo — Ticket information not provided — Experience a glowing Halloween wonderland filled with dazzling lanterns and fun activities.
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No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
TODAY'S FOOD FOR THOUGHT
Most smart people overrate the value of intelligence and underrate the value of consistency.
~ Sam Altman
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