Coffee in hand, Hattiesburg? We've got the latest town updates for you. Keep reading to stay in the loop. ☀️
In today's newsletter:
Also on today's calendar: South Mississippi Genealogical & Historical Society and 9 more events.
Today's riddle: What do you call a belt that is made of watches? 🤔 (Answer below!)
From our Partner
Today's Hattiesburg Patch AM is brought to you in part by T-Mobile - America's Best Mobile Network, according to Ookla Speedtest. Based on analysis by Ookla® of Speedtest Intelligence® data 1H 2026. We thank T-Mobile for their support in helping to keep communities like ours connected and for making today's Hattiesburg Patch AM possible.
Find a T-Mobile store near Hattiesburg.
1. Hattiesburg receives Grant for New Transit Buses (sm2media.com) — Hattiesburg just secured a $6.45 million federal grant, plus over $1 million in city funds, to replace 14 aging Hub City Transit buses with cleaner propane-powered models and upgrade fueling and maintenance facilities. New buses will roll out in phases starting in 2027, improving reliability for riders across the city and the University of Southern Mississippi campus.
2. Pack A Picnic Blanket For These 5 Mississippi Drive-In And Outdoor Movie Nights This Fall (takingthekids.com) — Town Square Park in downtown Hattiesburg offers cozy, family-friendly outdoor movie nights and music events on a shaded lawn that's easy to navigate with kids. With a playground, nearby restaurants, bike amenities, and regular free gatherings like Friday music and a seasonal farmers market, it's a convenient fall hangout for residents from across the Pine Belt looking for low-cost evenings outside.
3. William Carey: High marks from Niche.com (hubcityspokes.com) — Hattiesburg's William Carey University climbed 30 spots in Niche.com's 2027 national rankings, landing in the top fifth of U.S. four-year schools. The university earned multiple No. 1 rankings in Mississippi, including Best Colleges for Education, History, Christian Colleges, and Top Private Universities, reinforcing its appeal for local students seeking strong academics and value close to home.
4. Art Industry Veteran Catherine Edmonson Selected as Southern Miss Gallery Director (hubcityspokes.com) — A familiar face in Hattiesburg's arts scene, Catherine Parker Edmonson has been named director of the University of Southern Mississippi's Gallery of Art and Design. Drawing on her work in downtown Hattiesburg and with the Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art, she plans to strengthen campus-community connections through exhibitions, lectures, and workshops that spotlight regional and national artists.
5. 'What if I just rode my bike?': How two students ventured across the country on two wheels (browndailyherald.com) — One of the nonprofits boosted by a Brown student's cross-country bike ride was the Spectrum Center in Hattiesburg, which supports and advocates for the LGBTQ+ community. As he pedaled from Florida to California, the rider spent two weeks volunteering at the center and raised part of more than $30,000 shared among three grassroots organizations nationwide.
Show off your photography skills and the sights around town! Click here to submit your Photo of the Day to Patch AM!
Add your event to our calendar and newsletter!
Want to see your event featured? Click here!
Other local events
Want to say something great about someone in town? Click here to submit your Shout Out to Patch AM! It's free!
Have we missed something on our calendar? Add an event yourself! As always, before attending confirm event details to ensure accuracy.
Want to see your business here? Click here to connect with local customers.
What your neighbors are talking about on social media
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: A waist of time. (Thank you Martin L. for sending it in!)
Got a good riddle for PatchAM? Submit it here!
We use a combination of real people and machines to tell you what's happening around town. Learn more about Patch AM.
Sign up for free local newsletters and alerts for the
Hattiesburg Patch
Patch.com is the nationwide leader in hyperlocal news.
Visit Patch.com to find your town today.