Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Mississippi skies will brighten this spring as the Lyrid meteor shower starts today and peaks Wednesday, April 22 — while the eta Aquariids run from April 19 with a peak May 5—6.

Stargazers should seek clear spots away from city lights between midnight and dawn.

The IRS estimates Mississippi taxpayers are owed nearly $9.9 million in 2022 refunds, with about 11,800 eligible to receive a median of $635 if they file by April 15.

Gov. Tate Reeves approved the Strengthen Mississippi Homes Act — a program offering up to $10,000 in grants for roof repairs to single-family homeowners starting in July.

Homeowners will join a lottery system after licensed contractor inspections to ease repair costs from earlier tornado damage.

Mississippi will observe Confederate Memorial Day on Monday, April 27 as a state holiday for public workers while still celebrating Confederate Heritage Month.

Past attempts by lawmakers to replace the holiday with Juneteenth Freedom Day have not succeeded.

Mississippi State dropped out of the top-10 after losing to Tennessee while Southern Miss fell following two losses and Ole Miss stayed ranked after sweeping LSU.

Today, Southern Miss faces Ole Miss at Trustmark Park and Mississippi State plays Samford at 6 p.m.

Mississippi State fell from the Top 10 at Dudy Noble Field after a Tennessee sweep, Southern Miss dropped to No. 22, and Ole Miss stayed at No. 25 with a LSU sweep at Swayze Field— Tuesday games feature Southern Miss vs. Ole Miss and Mississippi State vs. Samford.

Downtown Crawfish Jam 2026

10:30 a.m. – 5:30 p.m. — Walthall Park — $40-$50 — Enjoy live music and all-you-can-eat crawfish at this family-friendly festival.