Hi Hattiesburg! We have the latest buzz right here. Let's keep you in the loop and get this morning started right! ☕️️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: South Mississippi Genealogical & Historical Society and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: Who's in favor of bringing back Roman Numerals? 🤔 (Answer below!)
1. Jail Docket for the week of September 24, 2026 (hubcityspokes.com) — Hattiesburg-area residents can see this week's jail docket, listing recent arrests by Hattiesburg Police, Lamar and Forrest County authorities, Petal and Lumberton police, and other agencies. Charges range from shoplifting and DUI to drug offenses, domestic violence, and probation or parole violations, offering a snapshot of current local law enforcement activity.
2. William Carey University rises in national and state rankings (wdam.com) — Hattiesburg's William Carey University just jumped 30 spots in national Niche rankings and now leads Mississippi in education, history, Christian colleges and private universities, while USM also earned strong marks. Campus leaders say new programs, booming enrollment and teacher preparation efforts are driving the momentum, which could attract more students, investment and educational opportunities to Hattiesburg.
3. Hattiesburg nonprofits collecting reflective vests for unhoused residents (wdam.com) — Hattiesburg groups are collecting reflective safety vests to protect unhoused residents who walk along local roads at night, with a goal of 360 vests to distribute Oct. 20. Organizers say more people experiencing homelessness are being hit after dark and are urging donations of any reflective vests, especially 360-degree visibility styles, to help prevent future injuries.
4. Experts encouraging Narcan use following Ole Miss deaths, rise of new drug (wdam.com) — Hattiesburg residents can now access Narcan for free at a vending machine inside Fire Station 6, part of a statewide push after suspected overdose deaths of two Ole Miss students. Health experts warn about a new synthetic opioid, cychlorphine, and urge everyone to carry Narcan, noting multiple doses may be needed but it's still the best tool to reverse opioid overdoses.
5. Ole Miss tops Mississippi colleges in 2027 U.S. News rankings (wapt.com) — Hattiesburg's University of Southern Mississippi and William Carey University both appear in U.S. News' new 2027 national rankings, with USM at No. 308 and Carey tied at No. 365. While Ole Miss leads Mississippi overall, the report highlights how Hattiesburg's campuses fit into the state's higher-education landscape, alongside other public, private and historically Black institutions.
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Ok Hattiesburg! So now you're in the loop about what's happening today. Thanks for reading, and see you in your inbox next time! Oh -- and if you like what you're reading, invite a friend to Patch AM!
-- The Patch AM Team
P.S. The answer to today's riddle: I for 1. (Thank you Bill L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
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