Good morning, Hattiesburg.

On Tuesday, more than 600 families received gifts at the annual Toys For Tots event at Oseola McCarty Youth Development Center — community groups collected toys over the past two months to support the effort, and a bike giveaway is planned for today morning.

A recent Exoticca survey found that many Americans view Ocean Springs as the ideal Gulf Coast location for a future Hallmark Christmas movie — thanks to its vibrant food, arts, and shopping scene.

Previous productions in Natchez, Oxford, and Gulfport underscore Mississippi’s growing holiday appeal.

State lawmakers and college leaders met Wednesday and Thursday to review funding models and college success metrics for public universities, aiming to boost support for nontraditional students.

Lawmakers will propose a workforce grant program and financial literacy initiatives in January.

Mississippi law prohibits package store alcohol sales on Christmas Day, meaning residents must use bars or restaurants for drinks while local rules may alter on-site hours.

A new law effective July 1 will allow shipping up to 12 cases of specialty wine per year (with a 15.5% tax) statewide.

Stafford Shurden — a local farmer and retired judge — started his Gas Station Tailgate Review series in 2020 after a chance stop in Drew led him to sample gas station eats; his videos now draw millions of views on social media.

PHS senior Jy Moore leaves Petal today for the six-day Hawaii Tiki Bowl in Honolulu, where he will play his final high school game and meet college recruiters (his trip cost around $3,000 is covered by community fundraisers).

Gina Skelton reached her 1,000th win at Wayne County High School — the first woman in the state to do so — and earned multiple state titles and Coach of the Year awards, with players crediting her inspiring coaching for shaping local basketball.

Blake Anderson was named Southern Miss head football coach Dec.

11 and will coach in the New Orleans Bowl on Dec. 23 (4:30 p.m. CT) at Caesars Superdome. He plans to recruit high school players and use the transfer portal to build the team and fill staff roles.

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.