Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Kids Markets, a youth-run pop-up market that helps kids run small businesses, will expand to southeast Mississippi by partnering with local community events — such as farmers markets — to give children aged 5 to 17 a chance to learn business skills while selling crafts and food.

Local families have shown interest in attending upcoming markets.

Local billionaires James Duff & Thomas Duff are tied as Mississippi’s richest with a $4.5 billion net worth, Forbes reported on April 12; they have grown their wealth in Hattiesburg through trucking, energy, & real estate investments.

15-year-old Ian Gonzalez was chosen for National Youth Orchestra 2 and will perform at Carnegie Hall this summer.

He will travel from Hattiesburg to New York City and the Dominican Republic to showcase his talent.

Experts say pollen is more than an annoyance; it plays a key role in plant reproduction and helps produce food, explained a Jones College professor.

Rainforest Car Wash in Hattiesburg sees more business when pollen collects on cars — a natural sign of thriving flora.

Senate Bill 2695 now requires first-time drivers to show proof of graduating from a certified driver's ed program.

All high schools must offer the course & students who cannot enroll must use a private, MDPS-certified instructor; the law goes into effect July 1.

At Pine Belt Master Gardener’s Spring Garden Day held Saturday in Hattiesburg, vendors offered beginner gardeners simple tips on choosing plants they love and advised talking to local growers for care details—experts said understanding full sun or shade needs can help plants thrive.

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.