Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Residents should plan to join the upcoming Parade of Champions on May 5 at 5:30 p.m. as local schools, homeschool programs and universities are honored; the parade begins at Sacred Heart School — following West Pine, Front and Main Streets to the Hattiesburg Community Arts Center, with more details coming soon.

Starting today, a road-widening project on Old Richton Road in Petal will slow traffic between Fairchild Drive and the Evelyn Gandy Parkway for the next three months + Petal Mayor Tony Ducker advised drivers to seek alternative routes as lane closures may occur.

On April 23, the PERS Board voted to direct Executive Director Ray Higgins to send Gov. Tate Reeves a letter asking him to add recurring funding in an upcoming special session to address PERS’ $26.5 billion in unfunded liabilities before the fiscal year ends.

A USDA letter reviewing work requirements for SNAP will likely not change the local program since it already enforces an 80-hour monthly work rule for most recipients.

State lawmakers ended the regular session early and will meet in a special session before July 1 to set a new budget.

A 2009 opinion from Attorney General Jim Hood said that key services must get funds from the state Constitution—public schools included—while other programs like Medicaid may lose funding if no budget is passed.

MDOT reports that crews are working on I-59 to rubblize the roadway from Bouie River to Lamar County line (using rubble to form new concrete) and will add fresh pavement from Moselle in the northern end.

They also plan to refurbish the northbound ramp to U.S. 49 as part of the I-59 restoration project, which is set to finish by the end of 2026.

USM baseball swept Appalachian State Sunday with a 7-6 win at Smith Stadium.

The Golden Eagles collected 13 hits + three home runs and will host University of New Orleans Tuesday at Pete Taylor Park.

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.