Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Local advocates in Hattiesburg have distributed supplies and now are asking for donations to secure motel rooms for 150 unhoused residents on Christmas Eve, Christmas, and the following night.

The drive aims to raise $3,000 to give guests a place to reset.

The Hattiesburg Zoo confirmed that Sue Ellen, one of its first giraffes, passed away on Nov.

17 after a long battle with arthritis. The zoo is honoring her legacy — a testament to dedicated care — and will welcome a new male giraffe soon to grow the herd.

USM teaches students that film is a language in a two-year film studies program at its Hattiesburg and Gulf Park campuses.

The program combines film history and hands-on production to help future filmmakers learn every aspect of the craft.

Benedict Day School students will have their art featured on Christmas ornaments on the Mississippi tree beside the national tree in Washington, D.C.

The display in President’s Park runs from Dec. 6 through Jan. 1 and highlights local favorites such as fishing and pine trees.

Barry White will become executive director of the Mississippi Department of Archives and History on July 1 after Katie Blount retires next year, following his leadership in the department’s Historic Preservation Division since 2020.

The Mississippi Opioid Settlement Fund Advisory Council finished its session and issued recommendations for proposals for lawmakers to fund in the 2026 legislative session, while Hattiesburg recovery advocate James Moore raised concerns about inconsistent scoring and urged outside help to improve fairness — a change aimed at better funding processes.

LaTesha Williams is opening a new virtual after-hours men's clinic that will begin booking appointments in the third week of December and open on Jan.

2. The cash pay clinic partners with Empowered Pharmacy and LabCorp to offer services for men's health.

USM signed nine high school football players yesterday during its early-signing period; the signees include three offensive linemen, two receivers, one quarterback, one tight end, one running back, and one defensive back from Georgia.

West Jones football coach Cory Reynolds resigned on Dec.

3 after three seasons that included a 14-0 season and state title win in 2023. He will remain as athletic director and teacher as the Mustangs finished the season 8-4 following a first-round playoff loss.

Rick Cleveland, a Hattiesburg sports columnist, discusses an Egg Bowl redux, coach Kiffin’s departure, and Golding’s elevation while reviewing plans for the SWAC, state high school, SEC and FBS championships.

His column outlines evolving regional contests and rising sports energy.

Many Pine Belt high school football stars signed with Division-I schools on Wednesday, including players from Hattiesburg High School, as they take the next step in their sports careers.

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.