Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Thousands attended the 36th annual Okatoma Festival in Hattiesburg today—local vendors, live music, and family activities filled the day with a festive atmosphere.

The 53rd annual Day in the Park was held in Hattiesburg to raise funds for art scholarships and grants—organizers said the event supported local art education programs.

Members of Macedonia Baptist Church’s men's ministry met Saturday with a Southern Baptist Convention board member to learn how to use chainsaws and other equipment for disaster relief after storms in the region.

After passing background checks, they were certified to help with cleanups and rebuilding in local and surrounding communities.

A Petal man was jailed today on a felony arson charge, police said—further details of the incident have not been released.

A Petal man (41) is held in jail on a felony arson charge after an early Saturday house fire destroyed a home and killed two dogs, officials said he left before first responders arrived.

Mississippi Commercial Fisheries United and more than twenty oyster fishermen filed a lawsuit against the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources and the state over a plan to lease 80% of public oyster reefs in the Mississippi Sound— they argued the leasing plan would hurt their livelihoods, limit public access, and risk environmental harm while the state defended the program as a way to boost oyster reef restoration.

Mississippi State Parks announced a soft opening of revamped campsites at Paul B.

Johnson State Park for June 13—features include full utility hookups, lake views of 225-acre Lake Geiger, picnic tables, and improved access roads near Hattiesburg; booking details will be updated on the website.

Bobby Halford’s William Carey Crusaders beat Middle Georgia State 17—6 on Saturday in a seven-inning game and will face Loyola today at 1 p.m. in the Southern States Athletic Conference championship game.

USM won its eighth baseball game in a row today after outplaying its opponent.

The team's win boosts its season and it will build on this success in the coming contests.

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.

Yonder – Featuring Works by Ricardo Moody

12-2 p.m. — Prospect On Main — Free entry — Enjoy a FestivalTalk with featured artist Ricardo Moody and an exclusive viewing of his commemorative artwork.