Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Christian Services is hosting its annual toy drive, accepting new, unwrapped toy donations until Friday, Dec.

12 at its Second St. and Broadway Drive drop-offs for the Birthday Party for Jesus on Dec. 13, and the ministry will hold a Community Christmas Lunch on Dec. 18.

The ongoing Mississippi Brain Drain survey has drawn responses from 76 counties + 48 states + 17 countries, and the team is still collecting more input to develop ideas for boosting local opportunities; a final report will be released early next year.

On Friday, the Area Development Partnership held its annual meeting in Hattiesburg, where best-selling author and entrepreneur Jess Ekstrom delivered a keynote on purpose-driven leadership and resilience as industry members united to support the group’s mission.

On Friday morning, Threads of Hope delivered uniforms & hygiene products to eight Hattiesburg Public Schools to support students' needs, including at Hawkins Elementary.

Group member Calvin Bogan said the donation was inspired by a principal's request for extra supplies.

After 21 seasons at William Carey, Danny Owens accepted the head women’s soccer coach role at USM and his longtime assistant Ryan Weir will join him.

His move comes after a storied career that included a 2018 NAIA national title.

Columbia High School won the Class 4A state championship with a 6-0 win on Friday at Wade Davis Stadium.

Tra Lewis scored a final touchdown run with 15 seconds left plus Tyson Brown’s interception sealed the Wildcats’ undefeated season.

Jackson Academy linebacker TJ White was named Gatorade Mississippi Football Player of the Year on Dec.

5. The 6-foot-2, 230-pound senior helped lead his team to an 11-1 record and will join the 2026 U.S. Navy All-American Bowl following his commitment to Tennessee football.

In Hattiesburg, Tiger fans cheered a heartfelt send-off event today as the team prepared for its state championship football game, energizing the local community at the stadium.

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.