Miss. "bros" among 400 richest

JACKSON, Miss. - Mississippi Brothers James and Thomas Duff are on the Forbes list of "The 400 Richest People in America." The brothers co-founded and co-own Duff Capital Investors, a holding company Forbes says has a total revenue of more than $5B from more than 20 businesses. James, 62, and Thomas 66, are listed as having a $3 billion net worth as of Oct. 4. They are ranked 379 on the list. 

According to Forbes, the brothers were born and raised in Columbia, and are the only Mississippi residents on this year's list.

Proposed NOLA area projects 

Proposed industrial projects, coastal restoration spending and casino developments could push the New Orleans area to add 20,800 jobs in the next two years, according to the Louisiana Economic Forecast, an annual report published by economist Loren Scott.

Much of that projection hinges on whether the projects break ground, according to the report, which was unveiled Oct. 3. 

Scott is forecasting the New Orleans area will gain 9,500 jobs in 2024 and 11,300 jobs in 2025. The region is still about 22,600 jobs short of its pre-COVID levels. 

The area economy is still being held back by a lagging convention business and weak oil and gas exploration activity. (NOLA.com 10/03/23) New Orleans could gain 20,800 jobs by 2025, economist says | Business News | nola.com 

Zoom biz webinar on saltwater intrusion 

New Orleans and the Office of Economic Development will hold a webinar on Oct. 5 for businesses to discuss and provide updates regarding saltwater intrusion. The Zoom webinar will be held from 10-11:30 a.m. Register for the webinar here.

'Ring of Fire' solar eclipse Oct. 14

An annular solar eclipse will make its appearance in the skies over North, Central and South America on Oct. 14, creating a singular spectacle for those in its path — and a rare opportunity for scientists.

It is dubbed as the 'Ring of Fire'.

The dazzling celestial event will allow millions of people to witness "the awe and the wonder of seeing a beautiful ring of fire eclipse," said Peg Luce, acting director of the Heliophysics Division at NASA headquarters. (CNN 10/03/23) How to see the last ‘ring of fire’ eclipse until 2046 (wapt.com)