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MOBILE, Ala (THN News)- Tony Vance, the former Hattiesburg High School Head Football Coach is the new Offensive Coordiantor and Quarterbacks Coach at a local high school in Alabama. Tony was hired by Theodore High School in Mobile, Alabama to work with their quarterbacks and to run their offense. Tony said in a statement, “Proud to announce that I have accepted a position at Theodore High School in Mobile, Alabama as Offensive Coordinator and QBs Coach. Thankful to head coach Steve Mask and the entire Bobcat family for this opportunity and welcoming me.” This is a developing story. More updates soon.

Celebrity chef and Food Network star Anne Burrell's cause of death has been revealed as first reported by USA Today. The 55-year-old TV personality was found dead June 17, and the Office of Chief Medical Examiner in New York City ruled the manner of death as suicide, according to a statement shared July 24 with USA TODAY. Burrell's cause of death was acute intoxication due to the combined effects of diphenhydramine, ethanol, cetirizine and amphetamine, the medical examiner determined. The spunky Food Network contributor, recognized for her platinum blonde hairdo and fiery but joyful disposition, made her debut in 2005 on the culinary channel's cutthroat competition series "Iron Chef America." Later, Burrell rapidly became a mainstay as host of "Secrets of a Restaurant Chef" and most famously "Worst Cooks in America."

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) Hulk Hogan, the star who took professional wrestling to the national mainstream and became the biggest money-making draw in the history of the industry, died Thursday at the age of 71, Florida police and the WWE said Thursday. In Clearwater, Florida, authorities responded to a call Thursday morning about a cardiac arrest. Hogan was pronounced dead at a hospital, police said in a statement on Facebook . "There were no signs of foul play or suspicious activity," Maj. Nate Burnside told reporters. WWE posted a note on X saying it was saddened to learn the WWE Hall of Famer has died. "One of pop culture's most recognizable figures, Hogan helped WWE achieve global recognition in the 1980s. WWE extends its condolences to Hogan's family, friends, and fans," it said.

MENDENHALL, Miss (THN News) One of the most talented athletes in Mississippi, 3 Star Athlete Montavis Hobbs, is staying in Mississippi and has committed to attending East Central Community College this fall. 3 star athlete Montavis Hobbs playing basketball. The 6’7 sports star from Mendenhall High School is 175 pounds full of talent, as he plays both basketball and baseball. Yes, he’s a true athlete. It’s also rumored that he will be signing a 6 figure contract with a local NIL Collective this fall, showing how talented he is both on and off the court. 3 star athlete Montavis Hobbs playing baseball. Although his pitching tops out at a whopping speed of 89 mph, he actually loves basketball a tab bit more which is why none of his talent will be wasted as he’ll be playing both basketball and baseball at East Central. Montavis, who is mostly called Pooh by close friends and family, talked about how much he values family. “My family means the world to me!” His family is perhaps his biggest motivation. He also gave a shoutout to his school where he really fell in love with sports, “School means the world to me because without school it wouldn’t be sports; not saying I’m going just because of sports, it’s just sports makes school better overall!” the state basketball all-star explained. Although he’s single, he’s not really ready to mingle. Instead, he’s locked in ready for college. “I want to excel in the classroom & also on the court & on the field.” Yes, Pooh is very attractive. But despite being tall, slim and handsome, which is what every college girl dreams of, not to mention being smart but also humble, he’s got his mind on his books. “I’m ready to achieve my associate degree!” His own passion to be great is without question his biggest inspiration of all. “I wake up and keep pushing, grinding; trying to make a better opportunity for myself and for the loved ones around me,” says the 3 Star High School Dual Threat Star. Montavis is a talented athlete with a very bright future ahead of him who’s taking his Mendenhall raised skills & talent to East Central, choosing to stay home in Mississippi.

PALO ALTO, CA  (THN News) – Today,  SmartNews , a global leader in news discovery, released a comprehensive ranking of the smartest and most news-obsessed cities in Mississippi.  SmartNews identified the 999 smartest cities in America, based on per capita daily news consumption, and found that the smartest city in Mississippi is Blue Springs. The full list of the Smartest Cities in America can be found on the  SmartNews website .  Smartest Cities in Mississippi Blue Springs  Biloxi  Clinton  Gulfport  Jackson  Vicksburg  Hattiesburg  Southaven  Olive Branch  “Mississippi has some of the most intelligent people in the country,” said Jason Alderman of SmartNews. “There has long been a friendly rivalry between the cities in Mississippi about which is the smartest, and now SmartNews has settled the debate with this definitive list.”

SENATOBIA, Miss (THN News) Master Magician Lance Burton & Friends are ready to amaze Mississippi when they come to Northwest Mississippi College's Heindl Center for the Performing Arts on August 23, 2025, at 7:30 p.m. Burton has been amazing audiences over 30 years. Born and raised in Louisville, Kentucky, Burton took the world by storm after appearing on the Tonight Show starring Johnny Carson on October 28, 1981, where he did a 12-minute routine. That was the first of 10 appearances that Burton made while Carson was host. During his career, he completed 15,000 shows. His first job in Las Vegas was a featured act in "The Folies Bergere" at the Tropicana Hotel, a job he was at for 9 years. In 1991, his own show opened at the Hacienda Hotel before becoming the first entertainer to have a theatre named after him in 1996 at the Monte Carlo Hotel. Mostly retired now, Burton still takes on some shows around the United States and the World. "We are so excited to kick off our magical Fall 2025 season with actual magic on our stage from legendary Master Magician Lance Burton," said Dr. Blake Bostick. "Widely considered to be the greatest stage magician of the past century, Lance Burton has been mesmerizing audiences for decades with his mind-blowing illusions and masterful sleight of hand. He has performed fifteen thousand shows for over fifteen million fans, primarily through his residency shows in Las Vegas, as well as numerous TV specials and appearances. Lance has been named the Best Stage Magician and twice named Magician of the Year from the Academy of Magical Arts, he was voted the best magician in Las Vegas 18 years in a row, and he performed for President Ronald Regan and Queen Elizabeth. And now you have the chance to see Master Magician Lance Burton along with his friends right here in Senatobia." To learn more about the Heindl Center or purchase tickets, please visit heindlcenter.org

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN News) - The Hattiesburg City Council met Tuesday, June 17, 2025 to vote on the things they discussed on Monday, June 16, 2025, including two important decisions that directly affected the African American community, which has the largest population in the city. The council came together and voted unanimously on both Mt. Carmel Church and Eric Boney, in a 5-0 decision, after the community came together showed their support. "I'm happy there was a unanimous 5-0 vote to table Mt. Carmel situation and to extend our contract with Medical Analysis for our City Employee Clinic!" said City of Hattiesburg Councilman Nick Brown. Councilman Brown, who represents the largest population of African Americans in Hattiesburg, was excited about the unity the council showed after listening to the citizens at Monday's council meeting. Brown added, "This shows that we can come together, black, white, democrats and republicans to make collective decisions for the betterment of our community and citizens." Eric Boney won the Ward 2 City Council seat in this year's municipal election. However, city officials said there was a conflict of interest as his wife is the manger of the City of Hattiesburg Employee Clinic, serving as the city's nurse practitioner which meant Eric or his wife needed to step down from their position. Removing Eric from office meant throwing away 100's of citizen's votes, something Mayor Toby Barker wasn't prepared to do. Instead, Mayor Barker requested the City Council approve a 12 year extension before Councilman Elect Eric Boney takes office to avoid any future conflict of interest. Eric's wife technically doesn't work for the City of Hattiesburg, but for Medical Analysis, a private contractor who the city outsources it's medial services to. The city council approved the extension by voting 5-0. Several community stake holders and leaders publicly showed their support for longtime Civil Rights Leader Reverend Kenneth Fairly and The Mt. Carmel Church at Monday's council meeting, strongly pushing back from Urban Planning & Development Director Wiley Quinn's request that The City of Hattiesburg declare the church a public nuisance and tear it down as a result of the damages the church has received from past tornados and storms. Leaders included the Reverend Reggie Woullard, Pastor of Shady Grove Baptist Church who also serves on Forrest General Hospital Board of Directors, his brother, Forrest County Board of Supervisors Vice President Rod Woullard, former Hattiesburg High School Football Head Coach Pastor Clemon Ector who pastors the New Seasons Baptist Church, Pastor Robert Johnson of The Real Life Church, & others community members who all spoke on how important Mt. Carmel has impacted their lives and what the church means to the community. Councilman Brown also spoke out against tearing down Mt. Carmel Church and pushed back against Director Wiley in Monday's meeting. After Tuesday's 5-0 vote not to take any action against Mt. Carmel, Councilman Brown was grateful and hopeful. "I'm hopeful that as a city we do all we can legally to help Mt. Carmel ministries in restoring their structure. This organization has been a pillar in our community for decades and what we can't do is turn our backs on them." Pastor Fairly spoke directly to Mayor Barker and members of the City Council saying it's time we come together and put aside our political differences. "We are one Hattiesburg. All of us are Hattiesburg. It's time we come together." Obviously, the council agreed. The council put off making any decision in regards to Mt. Carmel Church for 90 days, giving the church time to start implementing their own plans of improvements to their property.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - A lady was found unresponsive in the kitchen of her home, according to family. Law enforcement was on the scene in the Quarters Community where a lady later identified by her family as Jennifer Renee Coleman was found deceased. According to local officials, it appears she’s been unresponsive for some time. Forrest County Coroner Lisa Klem confirmed the incident. “The victim was found unresponsive and appears to have been unresponsive for an extended period of time.” “At this time her death is being ruled undetermined pending an official autopsy from the state crime lab,” according to Coroner Klem. An earlier statement by The Hattiesburg News that stated the death was the result of a murder or domestic violence was incorrect. A spokesperson from The HMG Firm, the parent company that owns The Hattiesburg News, issued a rare recant and full apology. “An earlier statement that said the coroner said domestic violence may be the reason for the death of the victim in the Quarter’s Community is not true neither is there any evidence of foul play. If our company has offended anyone with this misinformation we sincerely apologize. Our hearts and prayers are with the entire Coleman Family during this difficult time,” the firm spokesperson said.

Photo Credit: Travis Jackson on Saturday, July 12, 2025. HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Multiple shots fired. Multiple violent incidents happening in Hattiesburg at the same time. Leaders are asking everyone to clear the streets and return home immediately. “With all the activity we have going on tonight, we need everyone to please go home, be safe, pray for our city and let’s restart tomorrow,” said City of Hattiesburg City Councilman Nick Brown

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Ladonna Nicole Owens of Hattiesburg is missing according to her children. She was last seen yesterday around 3:00pm according to her kids who posted on social media asking the public for help in finding their mom. The people who were last known to be with her claims she’s fine but others who are searching for her claimed to check the house the people whom were last with her said she was allegedly at and have publicly stated she’s not there and her whereabouts are still unknown. Close friends said they have been searching for her since 3:00am with the help of local law enforcement but with no luck. If you have any information of her whereabouts, please contact local law enforcement or family members. This is a developing story.

3 Star Baseball Athlete Mason Bouldin of Natchez High School preparing to bat during the state baseball all-star game at Rust College on Saturday, June 28, 2025. HOLLY SPRINGS, Miss (THN News)- Natchez Mississippi was represented well at the Mississippi Baseball All-Stars, the state’s official all-star game. Student athletes from all over Mississippi came together to spend a week at Rust College, Mississippi’s first HBCU, preparing for a college showcase on Friday and the state all-stars on Saturday. The Mississippi Association of Players, known as MAP, who oversees the state all-stars & state-wide players rankings, selected Rust College to host the state baseball all-stars, giving student athletes a unique perspective not only into college life but also into Mississippi history. MAP is also one of the largest student athlete organizations in the state. Any 7th-12th grade student athlete can join MAP, although only 9-12th graders can be a state all-star. Being a state all-star is the highest achievement & honor a student athlete in Mississippi can achieve. 3 Star Baseball Athlete Chris Sewell and 3 Star Baseball Athlete Mason Bouldin both of Natchez High School pose together during the state baseball all-stars at Rust College on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Natchez was represented by two baseball all-stars, 3 star athlete Mason Bouldin and 3 star athlete Chris Sewell, who’s also a dynamic football athlete. Saturday, when things came to an end and the rain started pouring down, so did the accolades for Natchez High School Senior, 3- Star Baseball Athlete Mason Bouldin. Mason was very impressive during the baseball all-stars. He earned: The Mississippi Baseball All-Stars Championship The Mississippi Baseball All-Stars MVP His first college offer which was from Rust College 3 star baseball athlete Mason Bouldin takes a picture holding his MVP Trophy he recently won as he’s leaving the Baseball All-Star Awards at Rust College. During the awards banquet following the all-star game, Mason was awarded MVP, Most Valuable Player. All his hardwork during all-star week finally paid off. Mason was overwhelmed! He said it was simply a dream come true! It’s what he’s been waiting on his whole life. Coach Dan Smith, Mason’s head baseball coach at Natchez High School, was also extremely proud and excited for Mason. “Congratulations to Mason Bouldin on an outstanding summer on the diamond, where he was named Baseball MVP and played a pivotal role in securing the All-Star Championship title!” 3 star baseball athlete Mason Bouldin playing catcher during the Mississippi Baseball All-Stars at Rust College on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Reflecting on Mason’s talent, Coach Smith said, “His clutch performances—especially during high-pressure moments—helped lead his team to victory.” Mason has a promising future ahead of him “Adding to the excitement, Mason just received his first collegiate offer from Rust College, marking an exciting next chapter in his athletic journey,” Coach Smith added. We got a chance to sit down and interview Natchez Star Baseball Player and ask him a few questions. The Mississippi Association of Players’ Most Valuable Player Award of the Mississippi Baseball All-Stars. Good evening Mason. We understand that you won MVP at the state all-star game. How does it make you feel winning MVP? Mason: Winning MVP felt incredible, a validation of hard work and dedication. Day in and day out, just work. To see me getting the recognition I’ve been praying for is astonishing. You also won the state all-star championship. How does that make you feel? Mason: Winning the state all-star championship was exhilarating, a true team accomplishment. I really enjoyed working with Coach Dillard, I’ve learned a lot from him and have taken it home to sharpen those attributes in my gameplay. 3 star baseball athlete Mason Bouldin walks back to home plate during the Mississippi Baseball All-Stars at Rust College on Saturday, June 28, 2025. Mason, you received your first offer from Rust College. Explain how that made you feel? Mason: Receiving my first offer from Rust College was a dream come true, a major step toward my future. I was afraid of not having a shot at becoming a college baseball player, yet God amazes me again. All praise to the God above. #Godfirst You’re a part of MAP. How has being apart of MAP changed your life? Mason: Being part of MAP has been transformative, providing invaluable guidance and support. They have given me friends that could last me a lifetime, it’ll be hard to repay that. 3 star baseball athlete Mason Bouldin, pictured far right, stands at the end of the line as he is preparing to eat dinner with other 3 star baseball athletes from around the state at Rust College during all-star week. How was your experience at Rust College, the state first HBCU? Mason: My experience with Rust College was enriching, connecting me with a vibrant community. I’m walking history now, I’ve literally walked the grounds of the first HBCU in Mississippi. This was a huge accomplishment in my life. What does winning so much means for your city, your school, and your family? Mason: Winning so much means everything for my city, school, and family, bringing pride and acknowledgement. I’ve received many congratulations from people I don’t even talk to daily, it’s a testimony of how everyone comes together when someone represents their city in an event. What will you miss most about three all-stars? Mason: I’ll miss the camaraderie and intense competition of the all-stars. I’ll miss the people I met and bonded with over the course of 4 days. Thank you MAP.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - The new “talk of the town” for a change is good gossip, a fresh sense of hope for a city who is looking to go higher with the election of one of the city’s biggest pillars in the community, Marian Allen, Executive Director of the Laurel Jones County Black History Museum & Arts. Sworn-in to the highest office in the community, the new Ward 7 City Councilwoman appears to be ready and overjoyed to get to work fighting to uplift the city called beautiful. “I am truly honored and humbled to have been elected as your city councilwoman.” -Marian Allen, Ward 7 City Councilwoman, City of Laurel Filled with excitement and joy, Councilwoman Allen said, “This position is not just a title. It is a commitment to serve you and to work tirelessly for the betterment of our community.” Newly sworn in City of Laurel Council Member of Ward 7 Marian Allen stands outside the City Council Chambers in Laurel, MS. One of the biggest issues in Laurel is the amount of crime and violence that’s recently taken hold of the city. Insomuch, Mayor Johnny Magee has decided to go in a different direction for who’s going to lead Laurel’s law enforcement agency, refusing to reappoint Chief Tommy Cox. One of the first big test to her new role is confirming a police chief to take over so hopefully crime can start to go down. Newly elected Laurel City Councilwoman Marian Allen stands next to the Former President of Laurel City Council Thaddeus Edmonson. Her new powers include oversight over the city budget, advise and approve any of the mayor’s appointments to lead any department or sit on any board, set the city policy through passing ordinances & the power to investigate any part of the city’s government, holding the city accountable to its citizens, including the power to summon people to testify on record before the council and provide any requested data. Before being sworn in as a member of the city council, as Councilwoman Elect, Marian Allen picked up trash on the weekend within her Ward, helping to keep Laurel both beautiful and clean. Newly elected Laurel City Council Member Marian Allen talks with City of Laurel Executive Director of Housing Ailrick D. Young Sr. A big focus of Councilwoman Allen’s first term is not only safety but also housing as she aims to bring more affordable housing into her community while also addressing the city’s homeless community. “As I step into this role, I want to share my vision for our community. Together, we will focus on enhancing public safety, improving our local infrastructure, and promoting sustainable development,” Councilwoman Allen said. City of Laurel Councilwoman Marian Allen poses with Laurel Public School District Superintendent Dr. Michael Eubanks at The City of Laurel Inauguration. Outside of crime and housing, perhaps one of the biggest if not the biggest part of her agenda in her first term is supporting Laurel Public School District, as she is a big supporter of Dr. Michael Eubanks, Superintendent of Laurel Public School District. Councilwoman Allen believes education is key to advancing any community toward. Councilwoman Allen sung high praises & support for Dr. Eubanks. “Laurel Public School District no doubt has one of the best if not the best superintendents in Mississippi! Dr. Eubanks has taught my kids well and all around the community you hear of the awesome job he’s doing to make our school district excel. I look forward to doing anything I can to support the Laurel Tornados!” she stated. Newly elected City Councilwoman Marian Allen celebrates her moment of being sworn-in with longtime friend Dee Moye, Principal of The HMG Firm. “This is her moment. She definitely deserves it. Nobody but God gets the glory. She stayed faithful to God. He alone has rewarded her,” said longtime friend Dee Moye, Principal of the powerhouse HMG Firm, which brings 1,000’s of jobs each year to the City of Hattiesburg. The HMG Firm hosts the state’s largest job fair each year in downtown Hattiesburg through its economic division as well as serves as parent company to other companies and organizations. “She’s been fighting for the community of Laurel a mighty long time. It’s in her heart to serve her people. Whether it’s a meeting with a state official or President Trump’s friend United States Congressman Mike Ezell, you will always see Councilwoman Allen networking trying to find innovative ways and opportunities to bring back to the city of Laurel. City of Laurel Councilwoman Marian Allen poses with longtime friend Circuit Court Judge The Honorable Dal Williamson as he signs her Oath of Office. That’s all before she was elected. Imagine what she will do now that she’s official sworn in. That’s the kind of fight you want in a leader!” Principal Moye said. Councilwoman Allen is also seeking to increase job growth, stimulate the economy, and support the existing businesses in the city of Laurel. The Councilwoman passionately stated, “I am dedicated to creating a vibrant economy that supports local businesses and provides job opportunities for our residents.” Mayor Johnny Magee and The City of Laurel City Council Members posing after being sworn in. Yes, Marian now has the power to continue to make a huge impact for Laurel, MS but now with way bigger platform.