Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Hattiesburg Zoo received accreditation from the Association of Zoos and Aquariums today—confirming it met strict standards during a thorough review.

Four Jones County students are recovering after two crashes Saturday—one on Wadsworth Road where a 14-year-old driving hit a tree and a 12-year-old was transported to the hospital, and another on Lebanon Road where a 14-year-old riding an ATV sustained serious injuries; authorities say all are stable as investigations continue.

The University of Southern Mississippi’s School of Leadership announced TEDxSouthern Miss—an independently organized event taking place in October at the Fleming Education Center on the Gulf Park campus—that is seeking speakers who are passionate about innovation, leadership and coastal environment issues. Talks must last 5 to 18 minutes and the selection committee will begin reviews on May 7.

Gov. Tate Reeves signed a law in March to gradually phase out Mississippi’s income tax, but residents must file state taxes today—this change will take up to a decade to complete.

The law also cuts grocery sales tax by 2 percent and raises the gas tax by 9 cents over the next three years to help fund infrastructure.

MDOT provided an update on several projects in the Pine Belt.

Safety improvements continue on I-59 in Forrest and Jones counties as crews repave a 14-mile stretch from the Bouie River to the Lamar County line to be finished by summer + a 20-mile overlay in Jones County will finish this fall while the U.S. 45 interchange in Wayne County is nearly complete pending erosion repair and a final inspection.

Lawmakers, advocates and healthcare leaders met Monday, April 14 at the Capitol to mark Black Maternal Health Week—stressing that Black women are three times more likely to die of pregnancy-related causes than white women and pushing for improved emergency care and mental health screenings. The group highlighted the preventable nature of most of these deaths and urged legislative action to address the crisis.

Students from East Jones Elementary School brought their stuffed animals to South Central Regional Medical Center for a toy checkup to help them feel safe during doctor visits, and nurses evaluated the toys to encourage comfort at the hospital.

The hospital plans to hold this event annually to help reduce children’s anxiety about doctor visits.

3rd Annual Community Easter Egg Hunt

3-7 p.m. — Town Square Park — Free entry — Enjoy an afternoon of fun with Easter-themed activities, local vendors, and a charming photo opportunity with baby farm animals.

Easter Sunday Groove with The Jay Morris Group

6:30-11 p.m. — Nostalgia Lounge & Bar — Refunds up to 21 days before event — Get ready for a Southern Soul celebration where the Aunties and Uncs groove together on Easter Sunday.

Southeastern Louisiana Lions vs. USM Golden Eagles Baseball

6-10 p.m. — Pete Taylor Park — Tickets start at $1 — Enjoy a night of college baseball featuring local teams with guaranteed low prices.

Southern Miss Golden Eagles vs. Appalachian State Mountaineers

6-7:45 p.m. — USM Softball Complex, Hattiesburg, MS — Ticket prices vary — Catch the action as the Southern Miss Golden Eagles take on the Appalachian State Mountaineers in an exciting college softball matchup.

Henry Cho Stand-Up Comedy Show

8:00-9:30 p.m. — Hattiesburg Saenger Theater — Tickets available — Enjoy a night of laughter with comedian Henry Cho, known for his appearances on top late-night shows.

Appalachian State Mountaineers vs Southern Miss Golden Eagles Softball

12-4 p.m. — USM Softball Complex — Ticket sales final — Catch the action as the Golden Eagles take on the Mountaineers in a thrilling softball showdown.

Pancakes with Pastors

3:00-4:30 AM — The Claiborne at Hattiesburg Assisted Living — RSVP required — Enjoy flapjacks and fellowship to honor local clergy serving the community.

Madea Seed Mother’s Day Brunch

11 a.m. – 3 p.m. — RICHBURG COMMUNITY CENTER — Special gift for moms — Celebrate amazing mothers with brunch and a chance to win a $250 gift!

38th Anniversary of the Mothers' Day Blues Festival

2-10 p.m. — Forrest County Multipurpose Center — $47-$75 — Celebrate Mother's Day with live blues music at the festival in Hattiesburg.