Daily
Hattiesburg
Thursday, October 9th, 2025
Good morning, Hattiesburg. Here's your local news at a glance for Thursday, the 9th of October.
COMMUNITY NEWS
- ➤ Local barber Joshua Hayes announced that his new Main Appearance Barbershop offers rent-free space for barbers, stylists and nail technicians to build their clientele—he will open the shop in November and plans a food drive and toy giveaway before the holidays. WDAM
- ➤ The YMCA partnered with Hattiesburg Parks & Recreation for Safety Around Water Week—offering free water safety classes that teach swimming skills, floating, and pool exit to children. Fifty kids have participated this week and the classes will continue until Friday. WDAM
EDUCATION NEWS
- ➤ At USM, first-generation college students get help from TRIO Student Support Services, which offers free grants, financial coaching, workshops, and a computer lab to boost academic skills. The program is in Room 109 at Cook Library and runs Monday through Thursday from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.—it builds a community where students learn to succeed. SM2 Media
- ➤ Federal agencies cut $1.81 billion in research grants between late February and early April, which strained programs at the University of Southern Mississippi Hattiesburg campus—this led to fewer graduate and teaching assistant positions. Faculty and students reported that the funding cuts made programs less appealing—raising concerns about future research resources. SM2 Media
GOVERNMENT NEWS
- ➤ Hattiesburg Fire Department will roll out a new alert system by the end of this year—only the fire stations needed will be notified to reduce unnecessary nighttime awakenings. Forrest County Emergency Management will fund the $97,000 upgrade so firefighters can get more rest and stay healthy. SM2 Media
- ➤ Hattiesburg school zones have seen fewer speeding citations after more than a year of using camera-assisted radar guns, city officials said — the system operated by IntelliSafe is now expanding to more school zones with plans to use nearly $248,000 for new crosswalks and sidewalk improvements. Mayor Toby Barker said the program has changed driver behavior and is set to boost student safety. WDAM
HEALTH NEWS
- ➤ The 12th annual Pink Monday will take place on Oct. 13 at Town Square Park and will include live entertainment, free food, and vendors offering breast cancer information. Breast cancer survivors and supporters will gather to raise awareness and celebrate strength—organizers say the event shows that a diagnosis is not a death sentence. WDAM
- ➤ Hattiesburg emerged as a model of transparent spending when Mayor Toby Barker and recovery advocate James Moore formed an advisory group to direct $54,000 of opioid settlement funds toward school drug education, naloxone availability and recovery support. Their plan contrasts with other local governments in Mississippi that used similar funds for unrelated projects during a time when over 1,300 drug-related deaths were recorded. SM2 Media
- ➤ State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney said that federal funds for the WIC program will last through October and maybe into early November as the shutdown continues. The program, which helps 70,000 families, will only process Priority 1 applicants — pregnant or nursing women and high-risk infants — to stretch current funding. Mississippi Today
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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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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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Reed Timmer Meet and Greet
7:30-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Cost not listed — Post Show Meet and Greet with Reed Timmer includes a photo op and Team Dominator sticker.
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
If you do what is easy, your life will be hard. If you do what is hard, your life will be easy.
~ Les Brown
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