Good morning, Hattiesburg.

WDAM 7 — Jack's Family Restaurant are teaming up for a winter coat drive to provide coats for families in need, with more details to be revealed soon.

Tupelo-based early childhood program specialist Cathy Grace from the North Mississippi Education Consortium said more state action is needed to fix the affordable child care crisis—despite praise for Gov. Tate Reeves and other leaders.

She explained that better child care will boost our economy and help local families.

The Hattiesburg Regional Airport is in the contract phase for a secondary access road funded by a $2.3 million grant from the Mississippi Development Authority — the road will ease one-way access for FedEx and another company and is set to begin construction in January with an 18-month timeline.

Mississippi will enforce a ban on disposable vapes on December 1 after a 60-day grace period began in October—only products made by FDA-authorized manufacturers can be sold, and shops will face fines for non-compliance.

The law also requires a registry of all vape products to help keep these items from being used by youth.

Mississippi law classifies wild animals such as primates, large carnivores, elephants, and rhinos as inherently dangerous and requires strict permits to keep them—native species like deer and raccoons cannot be owned as pets.

Colt Mooney said the regulations ensure that these animals, held as public resources, do not cause life-threatening incidents.

A Pine Belt doctor went viral on TikTok after calling imaging centers and hospitals for cash prices for uninsured patients.

Dr. Ashlee Hendry, owner of Mid-South Direct Primary Care, found costs ranged from $210 to over $2,000—showing the price gap between cash rates and insurance rates.

Jones College sophomore forward Sherline King was named MACCC women’s soccer Player of the Year after scoring 29 goals and making 8 assists this season.

She set a school record with 54 career goals—teammates Hope Welsh and Brayleigh Driskell also earned all-conference honors as the Lady Bobcats advanced to the NJCAA national semifinals.

A fight broke out on the sidelines during the Class 4A-Division III state championship game on Nov.

22 at Robinson Hale Stadium when a Lamar School player was shoved near Brookhaven’s bench (leading to ejections of two Lamar players, a Brookhaven assistant and another team affiliate) as Lamar won 34 to 17.

Hobble Then Gobble 2025 5 Mile Run and 2 Mile Walk

8 a.m. - 2 p.m. — Lake Serene Clubhouse — Registration fee — Start your Thanksgiving with a run or walk to burn off some calories before feasting.

DJ D.Reau Concert

11 PM - 2 AM — Brewsky's — Ticket required — Dance to the beats of DJ D.Reau in Hattiesburg's lively atmosphere.

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.