Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Hattiesburg firefighters responded to more than a dozen calls over the busy holiday weekend—including a fatal house fire on Gordan Street—and urged residents to avoid winter safety mistakes like using stoves for heat and plugging space heaters directly into outlets.

After a fatal hit-and-run, the homeless community in Hattiesburg demanded action from local officials—investigators are working to locate the driver and gather evidence.

A survey from PixlParade of nearly 2,000 adults shows Mississippi voters favor National Lampoon's Christmas Vacation — which got 58.82% of the vote — as their favorite Christmas movie.

The film also tops nationwide rankings as America's top pick.

City leaders signed an agreement with USM on Monday to expand the free tuition program to all city employees.

The program gives six free credit hours each semester for both undergraduate and graduate courses (a benefit that builds job skills) and is expected to help workers advance (city officials noted).

City of Purvis is under a precautionary boil-water notice — officials said residents must boil water until testing confirms its safety.

The City of Hattiesburg put up a roundabout Christmas Tree on Monday morning after closing downtown streets, and the 75th annual Jaycees Christmas parade will start at 6 p.m. Thursday (weather permitting) with a tree lighting at Town Square Park (downtown).

The intersection of Arlington Loop and South 28th Avenue in Hattiesburg is closed today — officials have not provided a reopening timeline.

City of Hattiesburg blocked downtown roads today to install its roundabout Xmas tree, which may cause traffic delays.

Crews working on the display are expected to finish soon—residents should plan for slower traffic in the area.

Dr. Katherine Pannel, president of the Mississippi Medical Association, said Hattiesburg residents should get their vaccines and wash hands to help keep RSV, flu and COVID-19 cases low after family gatherings.

She warned that a rise in whooping cough cases (134 so far, the highest count in 15 years) could point to a growing health risk if immunizations drop.

Former Delta State defensive back and assistant coach Pete Golding, a Cleveland native, will lead Ole Miss after Lane Kiffin's exit—his appointment has sparked strong local support with many praising his work ethic and community ties.

This news follows his celebrated career at Delta State and marks a proud moment for his hometown.

Do The Ugly Sweater Pub Crawl

4:30-9 p.m. — Grill and Grocery — Tickets required — Celebrate the festive season in your most outrageous holiday attire with games, contests, and a jolly good time.

Ragin' Cajuns at Golden Eagles Women's Basketball

7 a.m. – 2:30 p.m. — Reed Green Coliseum — Cost info not available — Southern Miss faces off against Louisiana-Lafayette in a competitive Sun Belt matchup.

The Nutcracker by World Ballet Company

7-8:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets required — Experience the magic of Christmas with a stunning ballet performance featuring Tchaikovsky's beloved score.

World Ballet Company - The Nutcracker

7:00 – 8:30 PM — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Experience a magical holiday classic with breathtaking performances and enchanting storytelling.