Updated: 7:35 PM Plans to beautify Meridian's downtown were announced at Tuesday's city council meeting.

Updated: 7:35 PM The United Way of East Mississippi charted the progress so far in its current fundraising campaign.

Posted: 7:57 PM Children across the nation are getting ready for Halloween trick-or-treating.

Updated: 7:23 PM United Way Pacesetters stepped out of their usual work day to volunteer Friday at non-profit agencies in Lauderdale County.

Posted: 2:53 PM The town of Marion is making plans for its annual Christmas parade Dec. 3.

Updated: 7:19 PM It's only October, but downtown Meridian officials are already planning for the Christmas holiday season.

Updated: 6:59 PM Hamasa Shriners are hosting a children's magic show Saturday morning at the Temple Theater. But even better than that, it's free.

Updated: 1:41 PM The Meridian Council for the Arts is conducting a Community Youth Arts Competition, including a literary arts or book review competition and a visual arts competition built around "To Kill A Mockingbird".

Updated: 7:20 PM A new Red Cross office is opening in Choctaw County, Alabama.

Posted: 7:44 PM ButlerFest comes to Choctaw County this weekend and is expected to draw thousands of people to downtown Butler.

Updated: 7:14 PM The importance of volunteering was stressed Friday during Volunteer Day at Meridian Activities Center.

Posted: 7:58 PM Mayor Cheri Barry issued a proclamation for Breast Cancer Awareness Month Thursday.

Updated: 11:02 AM October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Riley Hospital is hosting Pink Thursdays, taking lunch and an educational presentation to businesses.

Updated: 6:52 PM Four area Habitat for Humanity chapters are working on a merger to combine resources of Lauderdale, Scott, Newton, and Neshoba counties.

Updated: 7:01 PM The Queen City Fair is underway at the Lauderdale County Agri-Center, and it includes the return of Meridian's Most Talented Contest.

Updated: 7:18 PM The Disabled American Veterans mobile services van was in Meridian Monday to make staff available to veterans with questions about benefits.

Posted: 11:46 AM The Gulf Pines Girl Scouts Council is merging with Central Mississippi Girl Scouts to create a new organization.

Posted: 11:37 AM A serious of break-ins have led Meridian citizens to take action. They've initiated a Neighborhood Watch to protect each other. For them, it will be all about observation and awareness.

Updated: 7:35 PM The March of Dimes is preparing for its annual March for Babies, a fundraiser to help in the fight against birth defects.

Updated: 7:53 PM A new carousel horse in Meridian's "Around Town Carousels Abound' program was unveiled Tuesday at Aldersgate Retirement Community.

Updated: 7:21 PM Community and health care leaders are invited to help plan events for October, Breast Cancer Awareness Month.

Updated: 3:40 PM Thousands of former Meridianites are coming into the Queen City this weekend to celebrate their hometown.

Updated: 7:07 PM The Meridian Police Department has teamed with the Meridian Department of Homeland Security and the Downtown Optimist Club to teach teen drivers defensive driving.

Updated: 7:09 PM Saturday, June 6, is the deadline to vote absentee in the upcoming special election.

Posted: 2:43 PM Voters in Lauderdale County are being advised to check their registration cards to see if they are eligible to cast a ballot in the June 9 special election.