Good morning, Hattiesburg.

The holiday season brings a variety of festive events to the region this weekend - parades in Purvis today and in nearby towns on Dec.

6 with tree lightings, zoo light displays, and downtown cookie and Grinchmas celebrations. Hattiesburg’s Christmas Parade has been rescheduled to Dec. 11 for families to enjoy.

At United Way’s Prancer Path in Laurel, donation boxes were emptied, trees were unplugged, and alcohol was left behind after tampering; organizers changed the locks and urged witnesses to contact the Laurel Police Department (601-425-4711) as the free fundraiser remains open 24/7 until New Year’s.

A documentary on journalist Bill Minor will debut on MPB on Thursday, Dec.

11 at 7:30 p.m. It showcases his civil rights era coverage and features interviews with notable figures (including civil rights leader Myrlie Evers) and former Gov. William Winter.

Hattiesburg officials are inviting local artists to submit designs for the city's New Year's poster art — the initiative will showcase local talent for the upcoming celebration.

Submission guidelines and deadlines are available from the city office.

Pearl River Central Elementary School won the Prodigy State Challenge for math in October by correctly answering 31,925 questions.

The school later held a celebration (pizza party) for 50 top-scoring students as it prepared for the upcoming Prodigy National Cup from May 1 to May 14.

Battalion Chief Bobby Dillard from the Hattiesburg Fire Department graduated from the year-long Mississippi Executive Fire Officer Program, joining a group of 11 who honed leadership and strategic problem-solving by completing a demanding research project on preventive maintenance for aging apparatus. He balanced training with full-time work and family duties.

Mat Cantagallo from the Australian Embassy met with gulf coast business leaders to discuss defense technology opportunities for Mississippi firms under the AUKUS agreement.

The discussion was hosted by Gulf Blue and the University of Southern Mississippi.

Hattiesburg High School will face Warren Central High School today at 7:30 p.m. in Starkville for the Class 6A football state title, as the Tigers seek a second consecutive championship run.

WDAM will air the MHSAAA state playoff games live on Bounce channel 7.3 (featuring local Pine Belt teams) with the first game starting today at 4 p.m. and additional matchups plus a postgame show at 10 p.m. on Saturday.

LSU coach Lane Kiffin will appear as a guest on ESPN's College GameDay in Atlanta ahead of the SEC championship game; his appearance marks his first major ESPN role after leaving Ole Miss for LSU last week.

Nine Golden Eagles earned All-Sun Belt Conference honors, with three on the first team + others receiving third-team and honorable mention.

The selections were announced Thursday morning by the conference office, highlighting defensive lineman J’Mond Tapp and linebacker Chris Jones.

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.