Good morning, Hattiesburg.

After the USDA announced that SNAP benefits will not be given for November, Extra Table will launch its 'Give 'Em a Bird' food drive on Nov.

1 to help families get a whole chicken for Thanksgiving + the nonprofit asks for a $15 donation to buy three chickens that will be delivered directly to local food pantries.

Pine Belt food pantries in Hattiesburg are bracing for a surge in new sign-ups after the USDA announced no SNAP benefits will be issued November 1—a measure resulting from the ongoing government shutdown.

Local groups are working with partners to secure extra supplies to meet the rising demand.

Ohio-based Huntington Bancshares Inc. agreed to acquire Cadence Bank in a $53B deal that will make it Mississippi’s largest bank by deposits and a top ten bank in Alabama and Arkansas—Huntington said it will not close any Cadence branches as it grows its market share in Texas.

Mississippi Power recommends setting home thermostats to 68 degrees in winter as each degree above that may boost energy use 3—5%, while experts advise adjusting settings by 7 to 10 degrees for eight hours to save money and keep humidity in the 30—50% range.

Homeowners should follow safety tips with space heaters—keeping them 3 feet from flammable items—to avoid fire risks.

Fourteen schools from nine Pine Belt-area districts were recognized Monday by Lieutenant Governor Delbert Hosemann (for keeping chronic absenteeism at or below 15%) during the 2024-25 school year.

Each school will receive a certificate (acknowledging their efforts to keep students in class) from his office in a state initiative to reduce chronic absenteeism.

Hattiesburg nonprofit RISE launched the Pine Belt’s first adult literacy program to help adults who read below a ninth-grade level & train 15 volunteers before the program officially starts next year.

The initiative aims to address widespread functional illiteracy and improve job opportunities.

The Mississippi Insurance Department’s Fire Services Division received a $500K FEMA grant to continue its Free Smoke Alarm Installation Program by providing 40,000 long-life alarms and fire safety education—local firefighters and volunteers will install smoke alarms and distribute 30,000 brochures to help residents prepare for fire emergencies.

The Hattiesburg Convention Commission announced that the Osceola McCarty House will open as a museum early 2026 and that the Moeller Military Vehicle Museum will have utilities installed after its exterior was completed in 2024—its reopening may stretch into early 2027.

They also plan to add new animal exhibits and a gift shop at the zoo while replacing the aging HVAC system and delaying some roof repairs at the Convention Center to avoid event disruptions.

Hattiesburg Zoo Boo

6-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Zoo — Ticket information not provided — Experience a glowing Halloween wonderland filled with dazzling lanterns and fun activities.

Day of the Dead Parade

3 PM — Rebekah Stark Johnson Community Arts Center — Free entry — Celebrate Mexican heritage with a vibrant parade featuring costumes, music, and community spirit.

Mississippi Esthetics and Spa Conference: 2nd Annual

10 AM – 5 PM — Thad Cochran Center — Pricing not mentioned — A day of education, hands-on training, and networking for estheticians and spa professionals.

Blippi: Join the Band Tour

6:00-7:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket details available — Sing and dance along with Blippi and friends in this lively musical event for families.

Repertory Dance Company: Fall Evening of Dance

7:00 PM — Theatre and Dance Building — Free entry — Experience an unforgettable showcase of movement and expression by talented dancers.

Reed Timmer Meet and Greet

7:30-9 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Cost not listed — Post Show Meet and Greet with Reed Timmer includes a photo op and Team Dominator sticker.

Ballet Magnificat: Light Has Come

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Ticket info unavailable — Experience a powerful dance retelling of the story of salvation from the angels' perspective.

Jeff Tweedy Concert

7:30-9:00 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available starting July 18 — Experience the intimate sounds of Jeff Tweedy, a respected songwriter, as he performs solo and Wilco favorites.

CitiLimitz Concert

7-11 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Enjoy the vibrant sounds of CitiLimitz performing live music from their popular soundtrack.

Hobble Then Gobble 2025 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Lake Serene Clubhouse — Registration fee — Start your Thanksgiving with a run or walk to burn off some calories before feasting.