Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Seeds of Hope finished its winter greens harvest after feeding over 700 families and is now taking applications from local food pantries to receive part of its summer corn crop, which will be distributed next season.

Hattiesburg’s Salvation Army says fewer people are dropping cash into Red Kettles as more shoppers use cashless payments — a trend that may keep the group from reaching its $100,000 goal; donors are urged to give online today as donation boxes close on Christmas Eve.

For five years, Dossett Cadillac has donated $1,000 to Forrest General Cancer Center through its annual sponsorship of Green South Breast Cancer Walk in October — the Tuesday donation honors founder Danny Dossett Sr. and continues the tradition now led by his son.

A Poplarville farm is turning Mississippi blueberries into teas, baked goods + dog treats to help keep the local industry alive as the number of growers falls from 85 to 15.

The farm will add pear trees and produce cider next season to diversify its offerings.

A local couple gifted the Hub City an oil painting titled 'The Hattiesburg Stack' by Charlie Buckley.

The piece, featuring landmarks like Lucky Rabbit & Saengar Theatre, was unveiled on Dec. 11 at Prospect on Main Gallery in downtown.

Decades-old concerns over school choice, championed by educator Robert Clark, still influence debates today as the state’s House Select Committee gathered testimony in August.

House Speaker Jason White said lawmakers will draft new legislation for the 2026 session — a move aimed at reinforcing public education.

Mississippi restricts package store alcohol sales on Christmas, while restaurants and bars serve drinks from 10 a.m. to midnight and beer stays available 24/7; updated rules allow drive-thru daiquiri sales and a new law lets residents ship up to 12 cases of wine annually.

Hattiesburg Clinic pediatrician Dr. Henderson said nearly 50% of flu tests came back positive in the past few days (flu cases remain high as holiday gatherings approach) and urged families to get flu shots now to protect children.

Mississippi health officials plan to boost prenatal and neonatal care in 2026 after MSDH declared a public health emergency for record infant death rates; Dr. Daniel Edney said efforts will expand care access and community education — steps aimed at saving more babies.

Southern Miss played against Western Kentucky in the New Orleans Bowl on Tuesday, Dec.

23 at Caesars Superdome. The game followed a recent coaching change after offensive coordinator Blake Anderson became head coach when Charles Huff left for Memphis.

Blake Anderson became the head coach for Southern Miss football on Dec.

11 with a four-year deal worth $3.4 million, including an automatic fifth-year extension and performance bonuses for winning major games — his contract also outlines buyouts if he departs early.

Hattiesburg Renaissance Festival

12:00 – 11:30 p.m. — SwitchYard — $15 – $20 — Experience the magic of medieval celebration with crafts, music, and festivities in the heart of Hattiesburg.

Vision Board Party: Vision and Vibes Social

12-3 a.m. — 101 Shadow Lake Dr, Hattiesburg, MS — Included with ticket — Connect with like-minded individuals while creating vision boards and enjoying poetry vibes and food.