Good morning, Hattiesburg.

United Way of the Pine Belt Region received a $50,000 donation from ExxonMobil on Thursday—city leaders, volunteers and state Senator Robin Robinson joined the check presentation as the funds will be used for future storm relief efforts.

Local organizers in the Pine Belt have planned a busy weekend with free events like HattiesburgLive at Five today from 5:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at 100 Main Street—along with a Downtown Crawfish Jam, a zoo anniversary celebration, and a fundraiser at ATO’s Crawfish Boil.

Nearby, Jackson offers Moonlight, Music and Meteors with a meteor shower and Southern Miss Theatre presents Sense and Sensibility on Saturday and Sunday to bring arts, food, and family fun to the region.

Hattiesburg is expecting tens of thousands of visitors this weekend as more than three dozen events take place from the baseball park to the zoo — local leaders and business owners say the inflow will boost the city's economy.

Local operators are preparing with extra staff and adjustments to serve guests and support increased sales.

AccuWeather released its wildfire forecast that shows Mississippi faces moderate fire risk this spring due to dry conditions and strong winds—fire danger will ease in summer when heavy rains lower the threat.

Advocates and child care providers gathered outside the state Capitol on April 24—urging MDHS to use unspent TANF funds so the agency can resume accepting child care certificate applications that were put on hold on March 31, a hold that has put thousands of children at risk.

MDHS said the hold will end when the number of children falls below 27,000 and monthly spending drops under $12 million.

Mar-Jac Poultry at 1301 James St. was named on the national Dirty Dozen list on Thursday for repeated safety failures, including the fatal incident of 16-year-old Duvan Perez on July 14, 2023.

A wrongful death lawsuit is set for trial on March 11 in Forrest County — the company maintains that staffing agencies should verify worker ages.

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.

Haunted Tavern Experience

6-7:30 p.m. — The Social — Tickets required — An immersive cocktail evening featuring ghostly tales and handcrafted drinks in one of Hattiesburg's most haunted venues.

Cade Ortego Live in Hattiesburg

8-10 p.m. — Brewsky's — $13.10 — Catch the lively performance by Cade Ortego and The Mood Swings for a night of great music.