MOSS POINT—After being thankful for family, friends and food on Thanksgiving, the whirlwind of Black Friday, Shop Small Saturday and Cyber Monday all focus on getting the best deals on gifts or other purchases. But there is one more, less promoted, day on the calendar that is not about buying, but instead, it is about giving.

The University of Southern Mississippi (USM) School of Musicwill present its annual Holiday Choral Spectacular on Dec. 2 and 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Main Street Baptist Church in Hattiesburg. The concerts will feature the choirs of Southern Miss Choral Activities, the Southern Miss Symphony Orchestra, and several area school choir programs in two joyous evenings of music. 

A Golden Eagle–style holiday tradition will continue Wednesday, Dec. 3, at The University of Southern Mississippi’s Hattiesburg campus with the annual Lighting the Way for the Holidays event. Presented by the Student Government Association (SGA), the celebration is open to members of the university and local communities.

MOSS POINT—While the needs of the low income and homeless seem to be amplified during the holidays and when the weather is cold, but homelessness and the need for help knows no season or temperature. Just like God is ever present, so are the needs of those less fortunate.

Live Oaks are iconic trees across the coastal plains of the northern Gulf of Mexico and southeastern Atlantic coast. As…

For the second year in a row, the Milken Family Foundation traveled from California to Mississippi to bestow the Milken Educator Award (the “Oscar of Teaching”) on a two-time graduate of The University of Southern Mississippi. Kayla Saxton, a Golden Eagle and third-grade English/language arts teacher at Mannsdale Upper Elementary School in Madison, Miss., received the news during a surprise school assembly. Click here to watch.

Jackson, MS…The Mississippi Museum of Art (MMA/the Museum) today confirmed its acquisition of Fountainhead, the Frank Lloyd Wright-designed property in Jackson’s Fondren neighborhood following approval by the Jackson Planning and Zoning Board and City Council. The residence and its furnishings were designed by the renowned architect in 1948, and completed in 1954 for J. Willis Hughes, who lived in the home with his family until 1980.

PASCAGOULA—Repurpose it and they will come! That is where David Boland’s brain has been lingering for the past 25 years as he was handed hit after hit in trying to keep Pavco Wood Products in operation on River Road in Pascagoula.

Local shops, good food, and a relaxed way to tackle your gift list.

Downtown Summit has become an unexpectedly great spot for holiday shopping. The stretch along Robb Street mixes vintage finds, local art, cozy cafés, and independent shops in a way that makes wandering from place to place actually enjoyable. If you want to keep your shopping local — or just avoid the chaos of bigger towns — Summit is an easy win.

Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College has been named a national finalist for the prestigious Bellwether Award, recognized in the Workforce Development category for its leadership in creating innovative solutions that connect education with regional labor market needs. MGCCC is the only college in Mississippi selected among this year’s finalists.

If you’ve ever walked into Sugaree’s Bakery in New Albany, then you already know this truth: some places don’t just smell good — they feel good. And Sugaree’s is one of those places where the air is thick with butter, sugar, and just enough nostalgia to stop you in your tracks before you make it all the way to the counter. It hits you right in the childhood.

Since fire ants first came to the United States in the early 20th century, researchers have searched for ways to control their destructive spread and eradicate them from areas where people live.

Mississippi has one of the lowest rates of homelessness in the United States. However, our state isn’t without its challenges, like increased homelessness in Jackson and on the Mississippi Gulf Coast, with both areas reporting rising numbers. There are many reasons why someone may find themselves without housing, and finding a solution can often feel overwhelming. But helping people experiencing homelessness doesn’t have to be hopeless, especially during the winter months.

In a Moss Point school conference room, teachers took on the role of students — reading, discussing and analyzing a scientific passage in small groups. As conversation quieted, all eyes turned to the instructor.

The nation’s oldest singing Christmas tree tradition began at Belhaven University, and this year marks the 93rd performance of the Belhaven University Singing Christmas Tree.

Construction of Mississippi State’s premier research facility to pioneer advancements in the prevention and treatment of equine laminitis is underway…