Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Local veterans gathered at Veterans Memorial Park last Friday to commemorate POW/MIA service members under National POW/MIA Recognition Day — recalling the sacrifice of those still missing, Troy Batiste of DAV Chapter 62 said the event provided an important moment for the community to remember its history.

Today, the Hattiesburg Zoo introduced Ava, a new Malayan tiger from Tulsa that arrives four months after Bunga’s passing.

The zoo team plans to nurture Ava’s comfort with enrichment toys and a cooling pool as she settles into her new home.

A local hospital is using a grant of over $290K (to enhance worker efficiency and improve patient safety) as it updates staff training and equipment, with changes starting soon.

WDAM 7 recapped a thrilling high school football game with playoff implications & a showdown of Pine Belt programs today.

Fans across the region look forward to more local action as teams prepare for upcoming matchups.

Southern Miss hosts UConn today at Renasant Stadium at 6 p.m. CT as analysts predict a close game; the team aims to cut turnovers and boost its run game while UConn relies on its dual-threat quarterback.

ESPN’s College GameDay is in Oxford today at Vaught-Hemingway Stadium at 6:30 p.m. as Rebels face LSU led by Lane Kiffin; analysts say the game feels personal — actor Morgan Freeman is on deck as guest picker adding extra flair.