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HPD investigating bank robbery

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HATTIESBURG (WDAM) - Hattiesburg Police are currently working a possible attempted robbery of the Regions Bank located on Highway 98 west near The Arbor shopping plaza. Details are sketchy but authorities

News 7 Top Stories

Explosion reported on offshore platform in Gulf

Courtesy: KLFY-TV Courtesy: KLFY-TV
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The explosion occurred 80 miles south of Vermillion Bay around 9 a.m., and the rig is still on fire.

Forrest County escapee captured

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Forrest Co. (WDAM)- An escapee from the Forrest county community work center has been captured in North Mississippi. 39 year old Paul Pettis was apprehended by sheriffs deputies in Panola county Wednesday

Hattiesburg bank robbed

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A Regions branch bank was robbed around 11:30 a.m. along the 4800 block of Hardy Street.

Disaster declaration after Miss. flooding

Associated Press - September 2, 2010 10:34 AM ET JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - The U.S. Department of Agriculture has designated 20 counties in Mississippi as natural disaster areas because of losses...

Hurricane Earl strengthens, barrels towards Eastern Seaboard Video included

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Hurricane Earl continued to barrel toward the Eastern Seaboard on Thursday.

Rex's Thursday Weather

Rex has the latest on the tropics !!

Gaston moves across Atlantic with no strengthening Video included

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Tropical Storm Gaston, which became the seventh named storm of the season Wednesday afternoon, further slowed its pace Thursday morning on its trek across the open eastern Atlantic Ocean.

Crews to remove blowout preventer cap Thursday Video included

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Engineers don't expect to see another gusher Thursday when they delicately remove a cap on the blown-out Gulf of Mexico well

Woman gets 40 years in son's death by starvation

Associated Press - September 2, 2010 6:34 AM ET McCOMB, Miss. (AP) - A 27-year-old woman who admitted to letting her 2-year-old child starve to death has been sentenced to 40 years in...

Johnson and Johnson DePuy recalls hip implant

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Johnson & Johnson DePuy has recalled one of it's artificial hip products.

A Lamar County toddler is attacked by a pit bull

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A Lamar county toddler is lucky to be alive after being mauled by a neighbor's pit bull.

Homes of Hope gets new $250K Pepsi grant

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A Purvis Christian ministry that provides a home for children in crisis has gotten a second large grant from a major corporation. 

Southern Pines Shelter hosting car raffle

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You can help some homeless pets in our area and maybe even win a new car by participating in a raffle for the Southern Pines Animal Shelter. 

USM professor speaks about program cuts

On Monday, Southern Miss's President Martha Saunders announced how USM plans to address an anticipated 15-million dollar budget shortfall for the 2012 fiscal year. The proposal encompassed faculty layoffs, program consolidations and even the deletion of some fields like religion.

Choctaw casino construction continues despite opposition

Despite organized opposition, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians will proceed with new casino plans for Jones county. Today in Neshoba county Choctaw Miko Beasley Denson talked about the controversial casino the tribe is currently building in Jones county. Denson appears resolved to going ahead with the project despite protests from some state officials.

Obama working towards new Middle East peace talks

President Obama says he's not going to let extremists get in the way of new Middle East peace talks. The negotiations aim to create a Palestinian state alongside a secure Israel.

USM's DuBard School gets donation

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Philanthropist Charles Guidroz has parlayed his appreciation for the DuBard School for Language Disorders at USM into a donor advised fund.

Private study disputes claims that Gulf seafood is safe Video included

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It's a question that keeps surfacing: Is seafood from the Gulf safe to eat? A new study posted Wednesday by a private Boston lab raises questions about whether toxic chemicals are still in the water and the food chain. The lab said it found dispersant in a water sample near Horn Island, and it claims samples show oil and toxins in crab. Trang Pham-Bui asked some consumers in Biloxi if they are concerned about the findings.

Concern grows as Hurricane Earl approaches East coast

Along the East coast, people are bracing for at least a glancing blow from category 4 Hurricane Earl. The massive storm is on track to bring punishing winds, heavy rains and dangerous currents to the eastern seaboard. The outer banks of North Carolina will likely see the first, and some of the worst, of the storm.

Hattiesburg students honored for high test scores

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At Grace Christian Elementary School in Hattiesburg Wednesday dozens of students were recognized for their excellent performance on state tests.

Hospitals suing University Medical Center

University Medical Center is being sued by 3 private hospitals, Baptist, Saint Dominic, and the Central Mississippi Medical Center. At issue is whether UMC should get another major piece of medical equipment to treat cancer patients.

Mississippi holds top spot for teen births in nation

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Mississippi holds the number one spot for teen births, and local counties are contributing to that number.

Spurrier: South Carolina focused on Southern Miss

Associated Press - September 1, 2010 2:04 PM ET COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - Steve Spurrier says South Carolina is focused and ready to play Southern Miss, no matter how often he's asked about...

Obama: US combat in Iraq over, 'time to turn page' Video included

Claiming no victory, President Barack Obama formally ended the U.S. combat role in Iraq after seven long years of bloodshed, declaring firmly Tuesday night: "It's time to turn the page." Now, he said, the nation's...

Feds downplay risk of leak when well cap moved

Associated Press - September 1, 2010 12:24 PM ET The federal government's point man on the Gulf of Mexico spill response says there is no "significant risk" that more oil will leak into the sea...

Firings and evictions at water park...is it retaliation?

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For the last 2 years, Dalton Lumpkin and his wife have called site number 63 at Little Black Creek Waterpark home. 

East Coast should prepare for Hurricane Earl: FEMA

Residents of the U.S. East Coast need to take steps to prepare for Hurricane Earl, say Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) officials.

Preventive surgeries may be lifesaver for women at high cancer risk

Women who carry genetic mutations that boost their odds of breast and ovarian cancer can live longer and reduce their cancer risk by having preventive surgery, a new study suggests.

Double shooting claims 1 life in Jackson

Associated Press - September 1, 2010 6:24 AM ET JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Police are trying to piece together a double shooting that left one man dead and another hospitalized in northwest...

Hurricane Earl weakens to a Category 3... Video included

Hurricane Earl weakens to a Category 3 storm; hurricane watch issued for Virginia coast.

Counterfeiting ring targeting Walmart stores busted Video included

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Hinds county deputies bust members of an interstate counterfeiting ring who targeted stores in the metro Jackson area. The take down has launched a multi-state investigation.

President Obama's address on the end of the combat mission in Iraq

Transcript released by The White House of the August 31st remarks by President Barack Obama regarding the end of combat operations in Iraq.

Senator Wicker examines the condition of HPD's workspace

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Hattiesburg officials and Mayor DuPree are looking for federal dollars to build a new police department.

City of Laurel finalizing budget cuts

Final changes are being made to the city of Laurel's 2011 budget before sending it to the full council on next Tuesday night.  The first thing out...unnecessary travel.

Lamar county family speaks out about toddler mauling

A Lamar county toddler is lucky to be alive after being mauled by a pitbull. Tonight in a story you will only see on News Seven, we sit down with the family to see how this all happened and how their daughter is doing.

Rescue workers learn electric car safety

Hybrid cars are changing the way some people drive, but they're also changing the way rescuers handle emergencies. The high voltage systems pose a different kind of risk that rescuers need to know how to deal with.

Hyundai shifting production of SUV to Kia plant

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Hyundai Motor America says the automaker will shift manufacturing of its Santa Fe SUV to another plant. 

Miss. tax collections beat expectations in August

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Mississippi tax collections were above expectations in August, for the second month in a row. 

Exhibit on Taiwan Opens Sept. 1

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A reception is set for Wednesday, Sept. 1 in the gallery of Cook Library at USM for the opening of a new exhibit on Taiwan.

Economy showing strength, except in jobs

At least some better than expected news on the economy. The latest numbers on consumer confidence, the banking industry, and housing all appear well, but job worries continue to drag down the mood.

As Iraqi combat officially ends, Obama prepares to address nation

Today marks the official end to the US combat mission in Iraq and tonight President Obama will mark the event with a prime time oval office address to the nation.

East coast prepares for possibility of Hurricane Earl

Hurricane Earl is now a category four storm, packing winds of 135 miles-per- hour. The storm is expected to stay offshore but it could be a close encounter for the east coast of the united states. Federal officials are warning residents along the eastern seaboard to be ready for possible evacuations.

Millions of gallons of rain and raw sewage spew in Waveland Video included

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The Department of Environmental Quality is overseeing a sewer waste clean up operation on one of Waveland's busiest streets. City leaders say crews are on Waveland Avenue cleaning up waste water that over flowed into ditches and yards over the weekend. As Al Showers reports, Waveland leaders say mother nature is to blame for the mess.

Miss. tax collections beat expectations in August

Associated Press - August 31, 2010 5:54 PM ET JACKSON, Miss. (AP) - Mississippi tax collections were above expectations in August, for the second month in a row.

Mississippi leaders consider saving some stimulus money

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Republican Gov. Haley Barbour and a bipartisan group of Mississippi lawmakers are considering saving, rather than spending, one of the two pots of federal stimulus money Congress recently approved.

USM Homecoming Parade heads downtown

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For Southern Miss's centennial year the annual homecoming parade is returning to it's roots as a downtown Hattiesburg attraction.

Special from CSMonitor.com

Education secretary Arne Duncan: headmaster of US school reform

As students head back to school, educators nationwide are implementing controversial school reform wrought by Arne Duncan, possibly the most powerful education secretary ever.

Allen: Friday or later before spill crews resume

Associated Press - August 31, 2010 3:04 PM ET MYRTLE GROVE, La. (AP) - Retired Coast Guard Adm. Thad Allen says it will be Friday or later before efforts can resume to remove the failed blowout...

Athletics complex abruptly shuts down

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An athletics complex that has served as a haven for youth has shut down, leaving employees and parents wondering why.

South Carolina's starting QB still up in the air

Associated Press - August 31, 2010 1:04 PM ET COLUMBIA, S.C. (AP) - It's two days until the opening kickoff, and South Carolina coach Steve Spurrier still isn't ready to name his starting...

USM cuts more Gulf Park programs

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Two more programs are on the chopping block at USM Gulf Park. USM officials just announced that the Engineering Technology Master's program is being axed, as well as the Specialist Degree in Education.

USM Gulf Park could take big hit from budget cuts Video included

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USM announced plans to cope with an expected $15 million budget shortfall next year, a plan that includes faculty layoffs and program closures.  At USM Gulf Park, six teaching positions and five degree programs are slated to either be eliminated or consolidated to Hattiesburg. Trang Pham-Bui talked to several USM students as news of the budget cuts came down Monday.

Endangered turtles released into Gulf

Associated Press - August 31, 2010 9:34 AM ET GULFPORT, Miss. (AP) - With the help of Mississippi first lady Marsha Barbour, four endangered Kemp's Ridley sea turtles have been released back...

Dog gene offers clues to rare human brain disease

Scientists who discovered a gene mutation that causes a fatal neurodegenerative disease in American Staffordshire (Pit Bull) terriers say the same gene may also be linked to a similar, rare fatal brain disease in humans.

6 ways to save online

Whether you're buying online or not, with these tips, the web is your superhighway to big savings.

Head-on collision in Shady Grove sends two to hospital in serious condition

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A two vehicle head-on collision in Jones County sent two people to the hospital Monday evening in serious condition.

Condition of pregnant woman shot at bus stop upgraded

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The pregnant woman shot a school bus stop last Friday has been upgraded to good condition at UMC.

U-S-M announces budget cuts

U-S-M is starting the school year off with major cuts to faculty and programs in an effort to make up millions in expected losses.

Enrollment grows in Lamar County

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Lamar County is one of the fastest growing areas of the state and the school district is no exception. Enrollment this year is currently over nine thousand students.

Bill passed to ban "spice" state wide

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Spice, K2, Mojo, Incense whatever you want to call it, the substance is now in the process of being banned state wide.

1 new case of West Nile virus reported in Mississippi

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Health officials say one new case of West Nile virus has been reported in Mississippi, bringing the state total to four so far this year.

Unwelcome Washington teacher calls in sick

A Washington state teacher who won his job back after a conviction for inappropriately touching girls called in sick Monday as some parents demonstrated outside school.

Katrina: Five Years Later

Compare the aerial view of the Mississippi Gulf Coast, now and five years ago today. Skycopter 3 pilot Coyt Bailey recently duplicated his flight from August 30, 2005, and gave us his observations.

USM announces $15 million in budget cuts

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USM is dropping over 20 programs and not renewing the contracts of 29 professors, 11 of which were tenured, in an attempt to trim the university budget. Ten of these individuals serve in the College of Arts & Letters.

Preventing complications of Type 2 diabetes

Type 2 diabetes can cause serious complications, including heart disease, kidney damage and vision loss. Learn how to prevent these problems.

Southern governors push for drilling revenue

Associated Press - August 30, 2010 1:04 PM ET HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - Alabama's and Mississippi's governors are telling federal officials the Gulf coast states deserve more from oil wells drilled...

Another delay hits final plugging of BP's well

Associated Press - August 30, 2010 12:44 PM ET BP PLC says high seas on the Gulf of Mexico have delayed operations to raise the piece of equipment from the seabed that failed to prevent the...

Biloxi Jr. High accidentally calls hundreds of parents about absent child

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Biloxi parents, don't worry. Your child most likely is at school today. The Biloxi School District's Connect-Ed automated phone system accidentally called out to all 1,141 junior high students' homes this morning saying their child was absent.

Trial rescheduled for FBI agent

Associated Press - August 30, 2010 11:04 AM ET OXFORD, Miss. (AP) - The trial for an FBI agent charged with lying about ownership of an Oxford building has been rescheduled for Nov. 8 in U.S.

Growing Hurricane Earl threatens north Caribbean

Associated Press - August 30, 2010 9:44 AM ET SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico (AP) - Hurricane Earl is lashing the northeastern Caribbean with heavy rain and strong winds today.

Five years after Katrina, President Obama assures New Orleans of his support

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Five years after Hurricane Katrina's wrath, President Barack Obama sought to reassure disaster-weary Gulf Coast residents Sunday that he would not abandon their cause.

Relocated families from New Orleans reflect on new life in Jackson Video included

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In the wake of Hurricane Katrina many families moved from New Orleans to start a new life here in Jackson.

Feinberg: Most spill claims lack documentation

Associated Press - August 29, 2010 6:54 PM ET HOOVER, Ala. (AP) - The administrator of the new claims process for victims of the Gulf oil spill says most of the individual claims reviewed in...

Jones firefighters receive recognition

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Jones County Emergency Management recognized several volunteer firefighters for their efforts in helping to find a missing Ovett woman earlier this summer.

Memories of chaos, rebirth 5 years after Katrina

Associated Press - August 29, 2010 9:04 AM ET NEW ORLEANS (AP) - From New Orleans' Lower 9th Ward to the Mississippi coast, people hit hard by Hurricane Katrina are paying homage to those...

Toddler in hospital after dog attack

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A Lamar County toddler is in the hospital, recovering from injuries after being attacked and bitten by a dog Friday afternoon. 

Dead body at Hattiesburg gas station believed to be caused by a drug overdose

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A dead body was found in a Hattiesburg gas station bathroom at approximately 3:20 Friday afternoon. 

U.S. Education Secretary visits Hattiesburg teachers

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U.S.  Education Secretary Arne Duncan sat down with local teachers to share an important message.

Partnership helps teachers provide emergency care

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This year, Kathy Johnson, a nursing instructor at Southern Miss is teaching the Children's Center staff members what to do in case a baby chokes or has another type of medical emergency.

Obama to commemorate Katrina on 5th anniversary

Associated Press - August 27, 2010 2:24 PM ET VINEYARD HAVEN, Mass. (AP) - President Barack Obama will head to New Orleans following his Marthas' Vineyard vacation to reaffirm his commitment to...

Katrina: Five years later, our viewers share their memories

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We asked you to share your memories of Katrina, and here is what some of you said.

Two from Jasper county arrested in federal drug bust

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Jasper Co. (WDAM)- 11 people including at least two from Jasper county have been arrested by federal drug enforcement agency's, in which truck-loads of marijuana was brought to Mississippi from Texas.

Bio fuel producer will set up multiple shops in Mississippi

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KiOR has selected Columbus, Miss., and Newton, Miss., for its first facilities and has determined another facility will be located in southwest Mississippi.

Laurel mayor reflects back on Katrina

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A few days after Katrina plowed through Mississippi Governor Haley Barbour announced that Jones County was the second hardest hit area in the state.

Pine Belt organization volunteers their time to commemorate Katrina Anniversary

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R3SM will commemorate the fifth year anniversary of Katrina with a Katrina day of service.

Mississippi over the limit, under arrest campaign in full swing

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The Mississippi Department of Public Safety "Drunk Driving, Over the Limit, Under Arrest program is in full swing.

Are the eggs in your fridge safe to eat?

If you're like millions of Americans, the recent news of a massive egg recall due to salmonella contamination has probably made you refrain from ordering "sunny side up" the past couple of weeks.

Columbus man charged in death of ex-girlfriend

Associated Press - September 1, 2010 2:24 PM ET COLUMBUS, Miss. (AP) - A 41-year-old Columbus man has been charged with murder in the death of a woman identified as his former...

More Stories

Police investigate Greenville shooting death

Associated Press - August 30, 2010 5:54 AM ET GREENVILLE, Miss. (AP) - Greenville police are investigating the shooting death of a 32-year-old man.

Read up to the second updates and watch video from around the globe.

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