SUMMARY: A special election has been scheduled for April in Pearl River County following the discovery of two illegal votes in the recent tax assessor and collector race. Governor Tate Reeves announced the election date after court documents revealed that illegal votes affected the runoff results between Sandy Cain Smith and Joe Lynn Houston. The runoff was originally decided by just three votes in Picayune’s south side precincts. Due to the narrow margin and the invalid ballots, voters in two precincts will return to the polls to ensure a fair and accurate outcome for the county tax assessor and collector position.

The special election for the Tax Collector/Assessor in Pearl River County will also be held on November 4, 2025.

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SUMMARY: The 2027 governor race will be highly competitive as Tate Reeves is term-limited. Key Republican contenders include State Auditor Shad White, Delbert Hoseman, billionaire Tommy Duff, several congressmen or former congressmen, former Speaker of the House, and Attorney General Lynn Fitch. Experts predict a crowded primary likely leading to a runoff, with candidates drawing support from different regions like the coast, Pine Belt, and Jackson metro. On the Democratic side, Brandon Presley, the 2023 nominee, is considered the odds-on favorite to run again and likely secure the party’s nomination in 2027.

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SUMMARY: South Mississippi starts Sunday with clear blue skies and temperatures in the low to mid-80s, reaching heat indexes near 90°F and potentially triple digits in dry spots. Afternoon may bring scattered showers or storms, some strong with small hail, heavy rain, or frequent lightning. Recent rainfall was heaviest near the coast, with up to 4 inches in Jackson County. Tropical Storm Chantal made landfall in South Carolina early Sunday and is weakening rapidly, expected to dissipate within 48 hours. The week ahead features rising humidity, heat indexes possibly above 105°F, and increasing rain chances later in the week. Stay hydrated and prepared.

Meteorologist Aaron Colby has the latest on Tropical Storm Chantal and the week’s forecast.

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