Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Petal Children's Task Force thanked donors for funding its new warehouse expansion and now seeks more donations to build shelves to better store food boxes — a move that will help serve over 750 families monthly.

The group received a $25,000 gift and a grant from Forrest County Supervisors.

SSI recipients already received a check on December 1 and will get a second on December 31 due to the New Year's holiday.

Their Social Security payments will increase by 2.8% starting in January 2026.

Local banks and post offices in Hattiesburg will operate on modified holiday hours on Dec.

31 while most UPS and FedEx services adjust schedules for New Year’s Eve—on Jan. 1 regular mail and in-person banking will be unavailable except for ATMs and priority shipments.

Orangetheory Fitness began a promotional $2-a-day membership offer on Friday (Dec.

26) for local residents seeking science-backed workouts. The offer runs until Saturday (Jan. 31) to help participants kick off a new fitness journey this winter.

The sports column says Ole Miss is poised for a challenge against Georgia if the Rebels play at their best – it also covers the upcoming New Orleans and Duke’s Mayo bowls and notes the resurgent Saints.

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.