Here's your local news at a glance for Friday, the 12th of December.
Good morning, Hattiesburg.
🏘️ Community
Hattiesburg has many holiday events this weekend.
Residents can join a sing-a-long at the Saenger Theatre today, run in a festive 5k on Saturday at Kamper Park (a local favorite), and enjoy candlelit tours and light displays for the season.
The Geminid meteor shower, active from Dec.
4 to Dec. 17, is nearing its peak and promises up to 120 meteors per hour when skies are clear at dark-sky spots like Bienville National Forest — stargazers should dress warmly and avoid city lights.
📰 Finance
Hattiesburg AT&T customers who experienced data breaches may be eligible for up to $7,500 as part of a $177 million settlement.
They must file an online claim by Thursday, Dec. 18 (mail claims accepted) and payments may start after a federal judge’s approval set for Thursday, Jan. 15, 2026.
🏛️ Government
Deep South Today hosted a virtual town hall on Dec.
4 where reporters from Mississippi Today, Verite News, and The Current discussed how opioid settlement funds are spent in our region—highlighting differences in spending and calls for more transparency that may lead to further reporting next year.
Hattiesburg earned a perfect 100 on the state health department’s new 100-point water inspection checklist.
Mayor Toby Barker credited city employees’ daily diligence—despite aging infrastructure—for upholding safe drinking water, marking the seventh consecutive win.
Mississippi Lottery Corporation transferred more than $11 million to the State Highway Fund in November — part of $53 million generated this fiscal year to improve roads and bridges.
Once the lottery reaches an $80 million threshold, remaining funds will go to the Education Enhancement Fund.
🏥 Health
AMT-130 slowed Huntington’s progression by 75% in trials, but patients in Mississippi and across the country will have to wait as the FDA postponed its early review scheduled for Q1.
Local advocates collected 41,000 petition signatures (supporting faster approval).
🏈 Sports
Southern Miss officially removed the interim tag from offensive coordinator Blake Anderson ahead of the Golden Eagles' New Orleans Bowl on Dec.
23 at Caesars Superdome & he aims to build on a six-game turnaround that boosted the team's performance.
Southern Miss promoted Blake Anderson as its 24th head football coach.
He replaces Charles Huff and brings 10 years of coaching experience from Arkansas State and Utah State after serving as the offensive coordinator and quarterbacks coach.
🎉 Hattiesburg Events
Submit an event →
Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl
4:30-9 p.m. — Grill and Grocery — Tickets required — Celebrate the festive season in your most outrageous holiday attire with games, contests, and a jolly good time.
Ragin' Cajuns at Golden Eagles Women's Basketball
7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Reed Green Coliseum — Cost info not available — Southern Miss faces off against Louisiana-Lafayette in a competitive Sun Belt matchup.
The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company
7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas with a stunning ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score.
World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker
7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical holiday classic with breathtaking performances and enchanting storytelling.
🏠 Hattiesburg Real Estate
Submit a listing →
No new real estate listings today. You can submit one here.
💼 Hattiesburg Job Board
Submit a job →
No new job posts today. You can submit one here.
📣 Hattiesburg Announcements
Submit an announcement →
No new community announcements today. You can submit one here.
Stay in the know, Hattiesburg.
Free, always. No spam. Unsubscribe anytime.