Vanessa Pacheco

Breaking News and Traffic Anchor

Mobile, Alabama

Vanessa Pacheco is the Breaking News and Traffic morning anchor at FOX10 WALA in Mobile, Alabama.

She was previously a morning news anchor at WDAM 7 in Hattiesburg, MS. She began her broadcasting career at WDAM 7 in 2012 and received various Associated Press Broadcasters and Mississippi Association of Broadcasters’ awards throughout the years, including Best Investigative Reporting, Best Documentary and Best Franchise Reporting.

Vanessa graduated from Grambling State University with a master’s degree in Mass Communications. She was scouted by the university while attending high school and received a scholarship to play for the women’s soccer team. During her four years playing, she received two SWAC Championship rings.

Born in Houston, TX, Vanessa is a sports fanatic and roots for all the hometown teams. In her free time, she also enjoys traveling, graphic design, video editing and loves spending time with family and enjoying the outdoors.

National

A Mississippi teacher and her husband say they are welcoming quintuplets to their family.

Teacher surprised to find out she is pregnant with quintuplets: ‘How is this possible?’

Updated: Dec. 24, 2022 at 3:13 PM CST

By Vanessa Pacheco and Jordan Gartner

Shawn and Haylee Ladner say they have always wanted to start a family.

State

Shawn and Haylee Ladner got married in 2019 and shortly after, decided to start having a family.

Mississippi teacher pregnant with quintuplets

Updated: Dec. 23, 2022 at 1:43 PM CST

By Vanessa Pacheco

The Oak Grove Middle School teacher is currently 20 weeks and expecting four girls and one boy.

News

Rashida Marshall, who has been an educator for 12 years, hopes to raise awareness through her...

Hattiesburg librarian writes children’s book to raise breast cancer awareness

Updated: Oct. 28, 2022 at 9:22 AM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

Rashida Marshall, a librarian at Grace Christian Elementary School, is now adding her own book to the shelf.

News

Thanks to help from family, friends, and The Asbury Hospice House, Talbert Easterling was able...

Father joins Hattiesburg bride down the aisle before passing

Updated: Sep. 16, 2022 at 9:22 AM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

There’s a lot that goes into planning the perfect wedding day, but for one Hattiesburg resident, that special day had to be planned less than three days after her father became extremely sick.

News

Perry County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Williams has caught the attention of thousands of people on...

Miss. deputy gains popularity on Tik Tok

Updated: Aug. 5, 2022 at 8:45 AM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

Perry County Sheriff's Deputy Ryan Williams says he plans to use his social media platforms to help spread mental health awareness.

National

A Soso teenager is currently recovering in the hospital after a tree fell on top of him. The...

WATCH: Teen trapped after tree falls on Miss. home

Updated: Jul. 26, 2022 at 4:35 AM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco and Gray News staff

The teen's father says he doesn’t know what caused the tree to fall, but according to an insurance adjuster, heat may have played a role.

News

A Waynesboro man, born with a rare disorder, fulfills his dream and becomes trucker for a day.

Pine Belt man with rare illness becomes trucker for a day

Updated: Mar. 18, 2022 at 7:25 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

A Waynesboro man, born with a rare disorder, fulfills his dream and becomes trucker for a day.

State

Petal Primary School music teacher Kristi Linton says she spent a total of 139 days in three...

Petal teacher back home after battling COVID-19 for 139 days

Updated: Jan. 28, 2022 at 10:46 AM CST

By Vanessa Pacheco

Petal Primary School music teacher Kristi Linton says she spent a total of 139 days in three different health care facilities. Against all odds, she beat COVID-19 and was finally able to return home.

Good News

Sacred Heart High School senior Jillian Hall has received some exposure lately for being...

Sacred Heart football player crowned homecoming queen

Updated: Oct. 8, 2021 at 10:13 AM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

That Friday night, Jillian Hall kicked a field goal, took off her helmet and switched to the crown.

News

The Better Business Bureau is warning those affected by Hurricane Ida to beware of scammers....

BBB: Tips to avoid Hurricane Ida scams

Updated: Sep. 1, 2021 at 7:26 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

The Better Business Bureau is warning those affected by Hurricane Ida to beware of scammers. Natural disasters often bring out the best in people, but unfortunately, it’s also a time when scammers come out.

News

According to the FBI, nearly 39.7 million background checks for gun purchases were conducted...

Gun sales and self-defense training on the rise

Updated: Apr. 1, 2021 at 9:06 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

According to the FBI, nearly 39.7 million background checks for gun purchases were conducted in 2020, a 60% increase compared to 2019.

Top Story

A helicopter crashed in Jones County on Tuesday morning, killing one person.

Pilot killed in Jones Co. helicopter crash identified

Updated: Dec. 29, 2020 at 10:48 AM CST

By Vanessa Pacheco

One person is dead after a helicopter crash in Jones County.

News

Although there were fewer red kettles this year, The Salvation Army of Laurel still decided to...

The Salvation Army of Laurel reaches $90K red kettle goal

Updated: Dec. 25, 2020 at 1:16 PM CST

By Vanessa Pacheco

The grand total came out to $100,265.93.

Top Story

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy and Republican incumbent U.S Senator Cindy...

U.S. Senate candidates’ campaign in the Pine Belt

Updated: Oct. 31, 2020 at 8:36 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

It’s a mad dash to the finish line as one congressional race in the Magnolia State heats up.

Top Story

The medical marijuana portion of the ballot features two selections for voters to make.

Public hearing on medical marijuana ballot measures held in Hattiesburg

Updated: Oct. 7, 2020 at 10:12 PM CDT

By Renaldo Hopkins and Vanessa Pacheco

Featured speakers for and against Initiative 65 and Alternative Measure 65A spoke to attendees at the Jackie Dole Sherrill Community Center.

News

Mike Espy held meet-and-greets in Hattiesburg and Laurel on Saturday.

Senate candidate Mike Espy makes campaign stops in Hattiesburg, Laurel

Updated: Sep. 26, 2020 at 6:42 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

Senate candidate Mike Espy made campaign stops in Laurel and Hattiesburg Saturday.

Top Story

State Auditor Shad White says some school districts may have provided attendance data that may...

State Auditor concerned with accuracy of education data

Updated: Sep. 5, 2020 at 9:59 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

State Auditor Shad White says some school districts may have provided attendance data that may contain errors, and sometimes the Mississippi Department of Education doesn't verify it.

Top Story

The Jones County Sheriff’s Department has launched an investigation after a 31-year-old man...

Sheriff: Man fatally stabbed by mother in Jones Co.

Updated: Aug. 3, 2020 at 2:28 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

The incident happened Sunday at a home on Ovett Petal Road.

Coronavirus

Dr. Tim Cole, who specializes in pathology at Forrest General Hospital, says those who have...

Doctors say recovered COVID-19 patients can help by donating plasma

Updated: Jul. 26, 2020 at 8:24 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

COVID-19 may improve faster if they receive plasma from someone who has recovered.

News

“The only way that you can end tribalism amongst human beings, is for me to get to know you...

Voter registration rally bring groups together in Laurel

Updated: Jul. 18, 2020 at 11:09 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

Toward the end of the voter rally, both groups came together for a peaceful discussion.

News

Jones County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Monday on a motion to take the proper...

Jones Co. supervisors vote to explore removal of once-segregated water fountains

Updated: Jul. 6, 2020 at 3:00 PM CDT

By Vanessa Pacheco

The Jones County Board of Supervisors unanimously voted Monday on a motion to explore the steps necessary to remove once segregated water fountains in front of the Ellisville Courthouse.

News