Good morning, Hattiesburg.

Local brothers James and Thomas Duff appear on Forbes 400 with net worths of $4.5 billion each.

They grew their family business (Southern Tire Mart) into a multibillion-dollar empire through trucking, energy and diverse investments.

Lenã Pizza + Bagels in Cleveland was named among the world's top 50 pizza spots after officials in Naples announced the list on Sept.

15. The restaurant, known for blending Neapolitan techniques with Southern flavors, closed temporarily and will reopen Oct. 1.

Mississippi's oyster reefs in Pass Christian are growing ahead of the 2026-27 season as the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources reports nearly 400,000 sacks in surveyed oyster beds, up from 275,000, and fishermen & officials plan to open the oyster season Oct.

1 with a 30% harvest quota to protect stocks.

Mississippi has attracted billions in tech investments as Amazon plans $25B for 2,000 jobs in Madison, Hinds, and Warren counties while Compass Datacenters sets to build a $10B data center campus in Meridian.

Research from MS State University shows graduates are qualified for tech jobs but lack retention opportunities.

In its 32nd year, the Hattiesburg Veteran of the Year program is accepting nominations for veterans from Forrest and Lamar counties who served honorably and continue community service; submissions must be received by Monday, Oct.

26 and further details are available from Committee Chair Col. (Retired) Sheila Varnado.

Sumrall High School overcame rival Purvis with a thrilling 22-21 comeback win five days after losing Chance Daniels, boosting team morale + setting a hopeful tone for upcoming games.

CBS National College Football Writer John Talty joined the Crooked Letter Sports Podcast to discuss this week’s LSU & Ole Miss game and his book profiling LSU coach Lane Kiffin, a notably divisive figure in sports.

His conversation offers a fresh look at college football rivalries for local fans.