Tuesday, October 7th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Tuesday, the 7th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ The Hattiesburg Zoo will hold its Wild Style Costume Party on October 11 to celebrate its 75th anniversary. The event will feature a monster hunt, costume contest with local school mascots + a family parade and story time. Hattiesburg American
- ➤ Roland Weeks, a retired publisher who led the Sun Herald for 33 years, died Saturday at 89. He was a strong community leader—known for flying his plane to help deliver newspapers during storms and volunteering at the Salvation Army. Mississippi Today
CULTURE NEWS
- ➤ Local leaders, family and community members in Mount Olive unveiled a Country Music Trail Marker yesterday to honor the late Billy Ray Reynolds. The marker is the 45th on the trail and was installed in partnership with Visit Mississippi — the ceremony featured musical performances and remarks. WDAM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ USM held a ribbon cutting ceremony today—unveiling its renovated dining facility on campus and marking the space's return to service for students. WDAM
- ➤ On October 6, 2025, Eagle Dining held a ribbon-cutting ceremony for the $6.1 million renovation of The Fresh Food Company at USM—its new space now features sleek black-and-gold interiors and expanded menus for students. USM officials said the upgrade gives a modern dining hall that better serves the campus community. WJTV
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Rep. Sam Creekmore—House Public Health and Human Services chairman—said he will propose a law to require that cities and counties use opioid settlement money solely for mental health treatment and prevention. He plans to include public reporting for spending as local governments are expected to receive nearly $48 million more over the next 15 years. Mississippi Today
- ➤ Mississippi lawmakers’ plans to redraw state Supreme Court districts are paused as a lower court ruled the current maps weaken Black voting strength—Attorney General Lynn Fitch appealed the ruling and the process now awaits review by the U.S. Supreme Court. The appellate process is on hold until the federal court rules on redistricting cases that may change voting rights challenges. Mississippi Today
- ➤ From October 14th—17th, travelers can enroll or renew their TSA Pre-Check membership at Hattiesburg-Laurel Regional Airport to skip long security lines. Airport officials reported that only 38 of the 300 available spots are filled so far and approved applicants will pay a $76 fee for a five-year membership and receive a known traveler number in three to five days. WJTV
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ Ben Bush, a former U.S. Army Ranger from Brandon, shared his struggle with PTSD and explained how the plant-based psychedelic ibogaine helped him regain his life after he had to travel to Mexico for treatment because it is illegal here. House Public Health Chairman Sam Creekmore plans for Mississippi to invest in testing ibogaine and push for federal approval to explore its potential to treat opioid addiction. Mississippi Today
SPORTS NEWS
- ➤ Mississippi State running back Fluff Bothwell was carted off the field after a leg injury late in the Texas A&M game. Coach Jeff Lebby is expected to give an update today as Davon Booth may replace him if he misses more games. Hattiesburg American
-
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.
-
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.
-
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.
-
Day of the Dead Parade
3 PM — Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate Mexican heritage with a vibrant parade featuring costumes, music, and community spirit.
-
Mississippi Esthetics and Spa Conference: 2nd Annual
10 AM – 5 PM — Thad Cochran Center — Pricing not mentioned — A day of education, hands-on training, and networking for estheticians and spa professionals.
-
Blippi: Join the Band Tour
6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket details available — Sing and dance along with Blippi and friends in this lively musical event for families.
-
Repertory Dance Company: Fall Evening of Dance
7:00 PM — Theatre and Dance Building — Free entry — Experience an unforgettable showcase of movement and expression by talented dancers.
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
Time magnifies the margin between success and failure. It will multiply whatever you feed it.
Know who said this? Send us an email!
Reveal the authorAbout Daily Hattiesburg
Welcome to the Daily Hattiesburg, your community newsletter that's anything but snooze-worthy, packed with positive, impactful local news + events across the Hattiesburg, Mississippi community. If you like the Daily Hattiesburg, support us by subscribing to our email newsletter and sharing us with your friends and family in Hattiesburg.
Advertising Opportunities
Advertising with us will make sure you stay at the top of everyone's mind—in Hattiesburg and across Mississippi. You can learn more here. We'll work together to build a custom plan to hit your goals this year.
Alternatively, you can submit events, announcements, real estate listings, and job postings. We'll include them in our newsletter on whichever dates you like.
Community, delivered
Our hyper-local media company activates communities through daily email newsletters that curate the most positive, impactful local news + events – all for free.
Subscribe to Daily Hattiesburg
A free Hattiesburg community newsletter.
- Daily local news
- We curate the most positive, impactful local news + events.
- 6AM City
- A publication of 6AM City, the nation's leading local newsletter-first media network. Nominate your city.
© 6AM City Inc. 2025. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy. Terms of Service. Questions? Contact us here
Sitemap: https://dailyhattiesburg.com/sitemap