Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Southern Pines Animal Shelter is asking for fosters to keep puppies cozy in below-freezing weather plus it is offering free adult dog adoptions and accepting blanket and food donations during its noon to 5 p.m. hours every day except Wednesday.

Petal honored local community members at a celebration held on Friday, Jan.

30 at the community center. The event recognized residents' service with awards (a nod to their local efforts) and will inspire further neighborhood engagement.

Residents in Sumrall are collecting donations to help north Mississippians battling dangerous cold.

Volunteers will sort and distribute supplies at a local community center today, with deliveries planned throughout the week.

Hattiesburg’s animal shelter is taking extra measures to keep pets warm today in a cold snap.

Staff have increased bedding and adjusted heating (to help them cope) during the chilly weather.

Hattiesburg will celebrate Black History Month with cooking taking center stage as local chefs + community members plan events showcasing traditional dishes throughout February.

Organizers say the theme honors heritage through shared culinary experiences.

Hattiesburg Alliance for Public Art unveiled the first mural of 2026 on Wednesday near the Longleaf Trace on 4th Avenue.

The mural titled "We Only Come Out at Night" by artist Gavin Bird stretches 99 ft and features nocturnal animals (the 69th in the race to 100).

The Mississippi Senate will vote on SB 2522 that creates the UPSKILL Mississippi Grant Program to give community college students (24+) free tuition and a $500 annual stipend for materials in shortage areas.

If signed, a pilot will start in spring 2027 before full implementation.

MSU Extension Service hosted its 15th annual blueberry workshop in Hattiesburg for backyard growers, focusing on organic production and effective weed control.

Participants learned to monitor pests like blueberry gall midge (and spotted wing drosophila) to protect their crops.

The House Education Committee approved House Bill 1606, creating the Excellence for All Pilot Program that will redesign staffing in up to 10 school districts.

The $8.6M project boosts pay for top teachers to coach others and will update the Legislature by Dec. 2030 (a model used in 17 states).

Today, Governor Tate Reeves said state, county and federal agencies are fighting severe winter weather that has claimed 14 lives and damaged properties statewide.

Emergency teams are clearing roads and delivering supplies as another dangerously cold weekend is forecast (residents are urged to check on neighbors).

Winter Storm Fern left 10 dead statewide with new fatalities reported on Jan.

28 and thousands without power; forecasts call for dangerously cold temperatures and strong winds later today, with Hattiesburg expecting a mostly cloudy day and highs near 53 (other regions face even lower temperatures).

Molten Mohawk Niner and 4 Miler

7:30-9:45 a.m. — Thomley's Christmas Tree Farm — Cost varies — Challenge your endurance with a scenic run through Hattiesburg's beautiful landscape.

Mustache The Band Live

8 p.m. — Brewsky's — Tickets start at $27 — Experience an unforgettable night of live music with Mustache The Band.