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Mike Johnson, the 6th candidate to run for speaker of the House of Representative wins the gavel. All of the former candidates came together to vote for Johnson, who is loyal to Donald Trump, who still is the frontrunner and most prominent figure in the Republican party. This is a developing story.

Drive by shooting aimed at William Carey University Medical Students on Hattiesburg Campus in Mississippi. Wednesday Morning, police swarmed the neighborhood in response to an active shooter on William Carey University Campus, just blocks away from the Hattiesburg Police Department. The shooting took place at the university's medical facility, where students are trained to be nurses, doctors, and other health professionals. According to unofficial reports, a car drove up, started randomly shooting at students and drove off. There is no word of any injuries at this time. There is no word of a suspect at this time either. This is an developing story.

O'Charley's Restuarant + Bar closing its doors after 27 years! Wednesday, October 25, 2023 is the last day O'Charley's will be ever open in Mississippi. O'Charley's have been closing all of its stores around the country and the Hattiesburg location, one of the top stores in the country, unexpected was added to the list. The store has been operating in Hattiesburg for the past 27 years helping bring jobs to countless of families and creating millions of memories. Whether you enjoy their famous chicken tenders, ribs, or shrimp pasta, Wednesday will be the last day to experience its legendary food again. 100's of people are expected to stop by as the store wishes its customers their very last farewell. The store opens at 11am for the very last time. The bar will also be opened for one last time tomorrow as well.

The USM Golden Eagles has struggled this season, going only 1-5 to kick things off in 2023. The Eagles can't seem to find the spark needed however fans are eager for a hometown win during Homecoming 2023. Last year, USM won 20-19 during Homecoming Week when the Eagles played against Arkansas State. Fans are hoping for a repeat for homecoming victory 2023. Homecoming 2023 kicks off from Oct. 2-7. This year's homecoming theme is “Destined for Distinction." Here's Homecoming Schedule for 2023: Oct. 4-5: Presidential Inauguration Celebrations at the Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses Oct. 6: 25th Annual Alumni Homecoming Golf Tournament, 8 a.m., Hattiesburg Country Club Oct. 6: Alumni Hall of Fame Banquet, 6:30 p.m., Thad Cochran Center, Hattiesburg campus Oct. 6: Friday Night at Spirit Park, 7 p.m., Southern Station, Hattiesburg Campus Oct. 7: Alumni Association Annual Meeting, 10:30 a.m., Thad Cochran Center Ballrooms Oct. 7: Homecoming Parade, 1 p.m. on Hardy Street in Hattiesburg Oct. 7: Pregame entertainment at Southern Station, 4 p.m. Oct. 7: Homecoming football game vs. Old Dominion University, 6 p.m.

The Community Development Division of Hattiesburg Management Group is hosting another big event, one of the last outdoor events of 2023. On Saturday, October 28, they will host Octoberfest, 3 events in 1 at the San Antonio Field in Hattiesburg, MS. The event will consist of a Food fair with local businesses and chefs preparing food, Fall Festival where local businesses and organizations participate in giving candy to kids in the local community, and a special Halloween fireworks show at night. The event will also feature local businesses who are interested in hiring young people who will be eager to not only hire high school and college students on the spot but also provide hiring information for students as well. For mor info about how to participate in this event email info@hattiesburggroup.com.

M cComb High School Tigers are having an incredible season as they continue to roll through their schedule still undefeated. The Tigers are 6-0 and Friday Night they faced their toughest challenge yet, according to star quarterback Jamarcus Pittman, battling against the Laurel High School Tornados who has 2 extremely talented corner backs, 3 Star Recruit #1 Rashyd Mcgruder and 3 Star Recruit #12 Anthony Rogers. Despite Laurel's star studded defense featuring a feared pair of cornerbacks, the Ole Miss commit Sanfrisco Magee became a dragon himself on Laurel's famed dragon night, as he torched the defense with 8 big catches. Magee has clearly become the go to for Offensive Coordinator Marquis McFarland, who's made the tigers look like an elite college team. Frisco, as he's called by coaches and teammates, has also become Pittman's favorite target as he's proven to do damage to any opponent's field, not only creating space between him and any defender, but he's just that talented to also do extreme harm to an entire defense after the catch, racking up yards after yards all the way to the opposite side of the field where the referees do the usual; hold both arms straight into the air and scream to the top of their lungs "Touchdown!" Only 6 games in, Frisco has recorded 734 yards, including 233 yards from the 8 catches he got against the Tornados. He's on track to having well over 1,000 yards this season, a trophy not many NFL Wide Receivers can claim. Within only 5 games, he's had 7 touchdowns. Add the 3 he scored against Laurel in Game 6, that's a total of 10 touchdowns only halfway through the season. 10 touchdowns and almost 1,000 yards in only 6 games and it's clear why Frisco is not only headed to Ole Miss, but within the next 2-3 year, he's bound to be a star player in the National Football League. He's extremely talented. He's showtime ready. He commands the spotlight & so far, he's owned every defense he's faced.

W eek 6 is completed in high school football sports in Mississippi and for the first time, there's a new school sitting at the Top of the High School Football Throne, Oak Grove High School located in Hattiesburg, MS, lead by its Star Quarterback ESPN #7 Ranked Recruit in the Class of 2024, Aj Maddox. Aj has led his team to a 5-0 start for the season which is tuff for a 7A Division School. It hasn't been easy as 2 out of the 6 games went into over time. That don't include however, two of the Warriors biggest rivals, Hattiesburg High School Tigers (32-14) and Laurel High School Tornados (52-14). Oak Grove has so many talented players, it's hard to compete. Any given night, any player can have a "breakout" night, whether he's a top recruit or not. Take for example Oak Grove's Wide Receiver #4 Damari Jefferson or Running Back #6 Tajii Burkett, two of Aj's favorite weapons who are almost impossible to stop and always gain a lot of yards. Not to mention star Running Back #7 Kylin Champagne who is only a junior, but butchered the Laurel Tornados with his strong ground game. Then there are the star playmakers who you must keep an eye on at all times because they can easily change the dynamics of the game within seconds such as 3 Star Recruit Wide Receiver #1 Nehemiah Taylor and 4 Star Recruit Athlete #11 Pj Woodland. Pj Woodland, similar to Colorado University's star player Travis Hunter, plays both sides of the field exceptionally well. Pj has already committed to Mississippi State which is nothing short of a steal for the Bulldogs. Oak Grove remained at the #2 spot with Tupelo dominating at the #1 spot until they lost to the Houston Mustangs in Germantown, Tennessee 38-33. However, during Week 2, Oak Grove beat its out of state opponent, the Hoover Buccaneers in Hoover, Alabama in what was perhaps one the biggest upset in high school sports. The #1 Quarterback in Mississippi High School Sports, Aj Maddox, a Texas A&M Commit, has all the checkboxes marked to be a NFL Quarterback. With all of the attention and spotlight constantly shining on him, he's very humble, soft spoken, and love his teammates more than anything. He brings the type of leadership to a team that every coach dreams of. His coach, Drew Causey is a Nick Sabin and Bill Belichick combined and has turned Oak Grove High School Warriors in Hattiesburg, Mississippi into a factory for colleges quite like Alabama has become the go-to factory for the NFL, both producing multiple star athletes year after year after year!

The iconic pavilion at Vernon Dahmer Park in Hattiesburg, Mississippi was burned down on Thursday, October 5, 2023. No one knows who are why the pavilion was set on fire. The pavilion had been at the park for decades. A new pavilion will most likely be built within the next several months. This is an updating story.

Less Than A Week: There Is Less Than A Week Left To Register To Vote In The 2023 Elections In Mississiappi! Last Day To Register To Vote Is Monday! Monday, October 9 is the last day to register to vote in Mississippi. To vote in Mississippi, you must be 18 years or older. Because there is no online registration in Mississippi, to vote you must go to your local circuit clerk's office. It easy. It only takes a few minutes. Voting is one of the most powerful tools citizens have to change their communities and future. What's Needed To Vote? The only thing required to vote is a copy of a photo id. You may present it to the clerk when you show up to register to vote. Also, you can simply fill the form out at home and drop it back off at the local clerk's office. Who Can Vote? Anyone in Mississippi can vote as long as you are at least 18 years old. You can register to vote in the county in which you are currently living. By registering in the county you are living, you have a say so in what happens in that specific local community. Who Can't Vote? In Mississippi, there are a list of 22 crimes that takes away a person's right to vote if a person is convicted of one of those crimes. Those crimes are: arson, armed robbery, bigamy, bribery, embezzlement, extortion, felony bad check, felony shoplifting, forgery, larceny, murder, obtaining money or goods under false pretenses, perjury, rape, receiving stolen property, robbery, theft, timber larceny, unlawful taking of motor vehicle, statutory rape, carjacking and larceny under lease or rental agreement. Can Convicted Felons Vote? Yes! If you are a convicted felon you can STILL vote. If you have been convicted of a crime that's not listed below, then you can vote in the upcoming election. When To Go Vote? The big election also called the general election is coming up on Tuesday, November 7, 2023. At this election, you will have to option to vote for who will lead the State of Mississippi. That ranges from governor of the state to who sits as a local board member overseeing all aspects in the local county you live on what's called the Board of Supervisors.

Photo: The honorable Representative Percy Watson (D) speaks with a supporter as he is keynote speaker of the Steak & Salmon's Meet & Greet. Monday Night was a huge win for democrats as they try to rally their base in hopes of turning out voters on August 8, 2023 for the party's primary election. The Forrest County Democratic Party in concert with the powerhouse consulting firm Hattiesburg Management Group hosted its second meet & greet to kick of Spring Break Week in the Pine Belt, entitled "Steak & Salmon Meet & Greet" which was held at O' Charley's in Hattiesburg, MS. Photo: Dr. Eddie Holloway, Senior Associate Provost for the University of Southern Mississippi walks the red-carpet. The party's biggest stars such as former Democratic Gubernatorial Nominee Dr. Johnny DuPree, Representative Percy Watson, & Senator Juan Barnett as well as local celebrities and dignitaries were in attendance including the newly appointed Senior Associate Provost of the University of Southern Mississippi Dr. Eddie Holloway, Dennis Dahmer, son of assassinated Civil Rights Icon Vernon Dahmer Sr, Vice President of the NAACP Milan Hoze, & Group Chief Executive of Hattiesburg Management Group Dee Moye among others. Photo: Forrest County Democratic Nominee for Coroner Greg Fluker pictured with son Jeremy Pollard. Also featured is Civil Rights Leader Attorney Glenda Funchess & Rep. Percy Watson. Democratic candidates and nominees were also in attendance gracing the red-carpet and speaking about their candidacy including the honorable Sharon Thompson of the Forrest County Board of Supervisors representing District 2, the first woman ever elected to the board in county history. "I'm running for re-election. We've made a lot of progress in District 2 but the work isn't finished," Thompson told a crowd of eager supporters. Photo: Democratic Candidate Shelia Angelety speaks with Constable Jennifer Brown (D). Followed behind Thompson was her democratic opponent, Shelia Angelety, who said she's running to "inspire young people democrats and republicans to run for offices not just old folks!" The Forrest County Democratic Nominee for Constable Jennifer Brown & Dee Moye, Group Chief Executive of Hattiesburg Management Group walks the red carpet. Constable Jennifer Brown spoke about how she's passionate about serving the community as a whole. "I love our community and I want to be re-elected to help people when I can and continue to serve our community," the Democratic Nominee for Constable exclaimed. Photo: (Below) Democratic Candidate James Fenton & family walks the red carpet. Democratic Justice Court District 4 Candidate James Fenton passionately spoke to the congregants about the "broken legal system that only works for the rich, well connected, and smart folks," he exclaimed. Fenton, the only justice court candidate who participated in the well attended event went on to say, "It's time to put the Justice Court back in the hands of ordinary people. It's an ordinary court for ordinary people to fix everyday problems. It's not working for us ordinary people!" Also speaking were two men both chasing history to become the first African American men elected. The Democratic Nominee for Forrest County Sheriff Kenny Johnson spoke to the crowd about his motivation of being the First African American Sheriff of Forrest County. Photo: The Forrest County Democratic Nominee for Sheriff Kenny Johnson & family walks the red carpet. "I'm running not only to protect our civil rights and serve our community, I'm also running to educate our community about their rights and the police in general," Johnson said. "I want to restore the Sheriff's Office as the People's Office and be known as the People's Sheriff!" exclaimed Johnson. The Democratic Nominee for Forrest County Coroner Greg Fluker briefly spoke about running for office. He's known throughout the party as the most shy candidate, but has one of the biggest support bases in the entire county. Photo: The Forrest County Democratic Nominee for Coroner Greg Fluker & family walks the red carpet. Notably not speaking but had one of the biggest presence in the room was the City of Hattiesburg's 1st First Lady to be elected to public office, Johniece DuPree, who served as the city's first African American First Lady. She is running unopposed for District 2 Election Commissioner. Also running unopposed are Senator Juan Barnett and Representative Percy Watson. All 3 public figures are considered well loved and respected leaders both in their party and the Greater Pine Belt Community. Photo: Democratic Supporter Gia Croom poses with Democratic Nominee for District 2 Election Commissioner Johniece DuPree as she walks the red carpet. The key guest speakers for the event were Senator Juan Barnett and the Honorable Representative Percy Watson, arguably considered two of the most powerful political figures in the State of Mississippi, both representing Forrest County. Bringing out the heavy hitters early was key to making this event a success according to Hattiesburg Management Group, who organized the event. The firm's Group Chief Executive Dee Moye, spoke briefly about the event. "Our firm has been working on this event for months. We typically have it once a year. We're fired up about two of the biggest icons in the democratic party, Rep. Watson & Sen. Barnett, both of whom I have an enormous amount of respect for serving as our keynote speakers which definitely made the difference in making sure the event was a success." Photo: The honorable Senator Juan Barnett (D), Chair of Mississippi Department of Corrections & Dee Moye, Group Chief Executive of Hattiesburg Management Group walks the red carpet. Barnett, chairman of Mississippi Department of Corrections, spoke about just getting folks registered isn't good enough. "I know some people may get mad at me for saying this but it don't matter how many people you get registered to vote if the folks registered to vote don't actually go out and vote on election day! We've got to do better. We deserve better. Together, we all can do better to getting our friends and love ones out to the polls on election day!" Photo: (Below) University of Southern Mississippi President of College Democrats Stephon Ward poses with Dennis Dahmer, son of assassinated Civil Rights Icon Vernon Dahmer Sr. walks the red carpet. Moye went on to say, "Working with both Chairman Brad Parker, Chair of the Forrest County Democratic Party and President Stefon Ward, President of the Young Dems at the University of Southern Mississippi was simply a delight. Both guys worked extremely hard in making sure this event was well put together with candidate participation, rolling out the red-carpet & all. The awesome staff at O' Charley's always accommodate us every year with the very best staff, great food, & even better service!" The event was a red-carpet local star studded evening that featured a 5 course meal including O'Charley's famous steak and salmon. The first meet & greet was sponsored by Hattiesburg Management Group firm. This event was in concert with the firm. Known mostly throughout the community influentially as 'Mr. Hattiesburg', Moye excitedly talked about the arrival of whom he considers community heroes. "To see so many big names & community icons, Mr. Milan & Mrs. Stephanie Hoze, Mr. Vernon Dahmer, The Wayside Church Family, Civil Rights icon Glenda Funchess, Dr. Holloway, The DuPree's & so many many others as well as so so so many young people just warm my heart knowing our community is fired up and changing & that's what our firm is all about, building a better community!" Photo: Jeremy Pollard, son of Democratic Nominee for Coroner Greg Fluker, excitingly greets Hometown Hero Dee 'Mr. Hattiesburg' Moye, HMG's Group Chief Executive, as he walks red carpet.

"There were are record number of people here tonight!" There was standing room only at the Forrest County Democratic Kickoff Monday Night held at the Forrest County Chancery Court Building in downtown Hattiesburg as elected officials, democratic candidates, democratic party officials, and supporters gathered to kickoff what appears to be an exciting 2023 election season for the Democratic Party. Some of the biggest stars in the Forrest County Democratic Party were in attendance as attendees seemed excited about the new party's transformation. Among the party stars who were featured as guest speakers were soon to be District 2 Election Commissioner Johniece DuPree, the 1st African American First Lady of the City of Hattiesburg, who ran unopposed, Constable Tommy Joe Cook, a retired police officer who's running for reelection and City of Hattiesburg City Councilman Nick Brown who's running for District 4 Board of Supervisors in what is anticipated to be one of the biggest primary races this year against current supervisor Rod Woullard. The night was filled with optimism and hope as newly democratic candidates graced the podium introducing themselves for the first time to the democratic party. Among the new democratic candidates were Justice Court District 2 Candidate Brenda Roberts of Petal, MS & Forrest County Board of Supervisors District 2 Candidate Shelia Angelety, who's running against current District 2 Board of Supervisors Sharon Thompson, who although was out of town in Washington, D.C. felt the night was so important that she sent her campaign manager, Dr. Peggy Answorth, to passionately speak on her behalf. Interestingly, in perhaps what's expected to be another huge democratic primary battle, both Pastor James Fenton, a Financial Advisor & bail bondsman and Attorney DeCarlo Hood, Former Senior Assistant District Attorney, both fresh faces in the democratic party, spoke empathically at the kickoff giving a glimpse at what could be a very heated exciting judicial debate as both are running to unseat Democratic Judge Robert Davis, The Senior Judge at Forrest County Justice Court. A taste of history was also in the air as two democratic nominees addressed the enthused crowd. Forrest County Sheriff Democratic Nominee Kenny Johnson faces off against the current Republican Sheriff Charlie Simms in what is expected to be a very close re-match between the two law enforcement officers. Forrest County Coroner Democratic Nominee Greg Fluker, owner of A & A Memorial Funeral Home, humbly introduced himself to the party, as the crowd erupted in screams, applauses and cheers. If either Johnson or Fluker win, they will become the first African American to hold either position in more than 100 years. Visibly still excited and thrilled about the monthly meeting that was created into a 3 in 1 event, the new party leader spoke about the positivity of the party. "We're just concluding a really great February Monthly meeting for the Forrest County Democratic Party. We've got some really exciting things happening. We've got some great candidates coming up for this election cycle!" said Brad Parker. The Forrest County Democratic Kickoff was sponsored by a familiar firm, Hattiesburg Management Group, a powerhouse consulting firm that's already set numerous of records in the Pine Belt for large events, such as the annual Summer Job Fair, the biggest job fair in Hattiesburg's history, the annual Black History Celebrations, the biggest black history event in Mississippi, as well as the Mississippi March, the largest march in Hattiesburg's history. The event included music, food, fun, and fellowship. Other big names in the community that was among the featured local stars in attending the kickoff included former Congressional Candidate Pastor David Sellers, and Hometown Hero Dee Moye, known affectionally as Mr. Hattiesburg. Moye, who serves as the Group Chief Executive of Hattiesburg Management Group, says he was overjoyed to see so many people come out in support. "Our firm worked so very hard on this project. We're humbled so many of the party leaders and stars came out and supported this event. The Democratic Party has an awesome new Chairman, Brad Parker, who also was very supportive of this event to reenergize the democratic party by connecting it with the community. And just to see so many people here, from kids to college students to senior citizens, men and women, blacks and white, diversity at its finest, I'm speechless!" he exclaimed. "Really thrilled to see how many new faces we had; how much excitement there was!" Brad said after the meeting. During the end of the meeting, he passionately spoke about being apart of the party for years but never seen a turnout like this. "I've been apart of this party for a few years and I've never seen this many people participate with the party!" Former Forrest County Dem Chair was also very excited about the kickoff. "We had a record number of people here tonight!" said Forrest County Democratic Chair Emeritus Lakeylah White. White exclaimed, "Our membership is here! It's up here for our Forrest County Democrats and we're excited about it!" She concluded by offering everyone to come out and participate, "Come and join the party!"

(Councilman Nick Brown stands with his son affectionally called "Jr" as he officially sign papers to run for Forrest County Board of Supervisors District 4 downtown at the Forrest County Circuit Court.) "What about Sheeplo? What about Palmer's Crossings? What about the other communities that need help? In what appears to be the biggest local race on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 is also the biggest fight of current Forrest County Board of Supervisor Rod Woullard's political life as he now faces the young two term City of Hattiesburg Councilman Nicholas Brown, both democrats! What makes this race even more interesting is both men are undefeated, neither having lost a race in their political career. But Nick, as he's known in the community, isn't willing to wait another twenty years, the amount of time Mr. Woullard has been supervisor, and thinks the time is now for Forrest County to move forward. Speaking exclusively with Hattiesburg News, Nick says, "I will continue to serve the community I am already serving. But what about Sheeplo? What about Palmer's Crossing? What about those other communities that need help and there's basically nothing I can do but pray for them. Now, I'm praying for them, with them, and together, with God's grace after I win this election, we'll implement change and growth by adding them to the other communities I already serve." Nick decided to run for Board of Supervisor's because he says there's a greater opportunity to help more people and greater resources to make sure those people actually get the help they need. He's betting on relationships he's built at The City of Hattiesburg the past 6 years serving as the highest ranking elected African American, will help in this new role. "Working together with city officials who I have a personal relationship with is a plus for our community. It creates a natural partnership. Now the city and the county can come together to not only support the community, but to improve the community with new infrastructure and new developments that our communities so desperately need," Councilman Brown said. Brown tells Hattiesburg News, "This race is not about a single person. This race is about where we are now and where we want to be. I don't think our community is satisfied with where we are now. Over these next few months, I'm going to work as hard as I can to make sure I'm in a position to help push our community where we want to be. That starts with me being elected as District 4 Supervisor of Forrest County!" This race is expected to be the biggest race in the primary election as two of the most powerful African American men in Forrest County fight to see who the community wants to take it to the next level of progress! This race will ultimately go down to the wire.