Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Petal has partnered with the South MS Planning and Development District — a move aimed at attracting new downtown businesses and boosting local commerce.

The collaboration is expected to guide downtown improvements in the coming weeks.

Hattiesburg brothers James and Thomas Duff turned their father’s Southern Tire Mart into the nation’s largest truck tire distributor and now own 18 diversified businesses.

Their net worth is estimated at $1.2 billion, making them Mississippi’s only billionaires.

Southern Chorale, the top choral ensemble at Southern Miss, rehearses three days a week to prepare performances locally and touring nationally.

The group will tour Europe this summer (including Italy and France) and continues to impress audiences in Hattiesburg.

USM’s Physical Plant keeps campus lights on and buildings running amid staffing challenges and tight budgets—upgrading LEDs in the library and sponsoring Hattiesburg’s Right Way to Throw Away Day to manage waste.

On Wednesday, Apr. 8, FedEx gifted $500K to JSU College of Business to support student scholarships, expand its supply chain management center, and upgrade its data analytics lab — renewing the partnership aimed at preparing students for the workforce.

Hattiesburg Fire Station #2 is nearing completion and will soon boost emergency services in the area.

City officials say construction has progressed steadily as the facility is set to open in the coming weeks.

At NASA’s Stennis Space Center, engineers completed tests of a rocket stage used for Artemis I that helped prepare for the Artemis II mission (ensuring astronaut safety), and they will test a stage for Artemis V this fall.

This work highlights Mississippi’s role in advancing space exploration.

Delta Sigma Theta Inc. is hosting a mental health seminar for parents and teenagers—designed to offer practical advice and resources to support family mental well-being.

Mississippi native Konnor Griffin signed a nine‐year, $140 million contract with the Pirates after his MLB debut on Friday, Apr.

3, marking the largest deal in team history. The rookie shortstop hit a double against the Orioles and is set to develop with the club.

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.