The Wake Up Morning Report: Mississippi

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Tuesday, September 29, 2026 |

Mississippi begins Tuesday with a generally quiet weather pattern and several significant developments in public safety, state government, education/community affairs and college sports.

JACKSON — $5 MILLION BOND IN TASIA FORTUNE CASE: A Hinds County judge set a $5 million bond Monday for Eric Clark, the third man charged in the death of 29-year-old Tasia Fortune. Authorities allege Fortune was killed before her body was staged hanging from a tree behind an abandoned Jackson house. Police say the investigation remains active and additional arrests are possible.

Also in Jackson, a Hinds County jury acquitted former Mississippi Capitol Police officer Steven Frederick in connection with a fatal 2022 shooting and deadlocked on the second former officer charged in the case.

STATE GOVERNMENT — SPECIAL SENATE ELECTION: Gov. Tate Reeves has set a special election for Mississippi Senate District 34 following the resignation of Sen. Juan Barnett. Candidates can now qualify for the seat.

MERIDIAN: Goodwill Industries of Mississippi plans to open a new Meridian donation center Thursday, October 1, expanding its presence in east Mississippi.

Neshoba County officials are also in the pre-planning phase for repairs at Neshoba Lake following a major state grant.

TUPELO / NORTH MISSISSIPPI: Tupelo's Celebration of Distinction will honor educators in the Tupelo Public School District Tuesday. Meanwhile, Extra Table reports increasing demand for food assistance across North Mississippi.

MISSISSIPPI GULF COAST: Trinity Episcopal Church's annual pumpkin patch has opened for the fall season on the Coast and is scheduled to operate daily through the season.

COLLEGE SPORTS: No. 24 Mississippi State Bulldogs defeated No. 19 Missouri 31–24 Saturday in Starkville. Mississippi State Athletics confirms the final score. Ole Miss Rebels lost at Florida 52–28; Florida rushed for 302 yards in the victory.

The latest AP Top 25 subsequently moved Florida into the top 10, while Mississippi State also climbed in the rankings.

MISSISSIPPI WEATHER — TUESDAY

The dominant story is sunshine and late-September heat. National Weather Service forecasts checked for the covered regions show no meaningful rain threat for Tuesday.

Jackson's NWS forecast calls for sunshine around 92°F, while Hattiesburg is forecast near 92°F. Meridian's NWS forecast calls for sunshine near 89°F, and Gulfport's detailed forecast remains dry through Tuesday.

Morning forecast used for today's Hattiesburg News graphic: Greenville/Delta 95° / 66°, sunny; Jackson 92° / 65°, sunny; Hattiesburg 92° / 63°, sunny; Gulfport/Gulf Coast 90° / 69°, sunny; Meridian 89° / 61°, sunny; Tupelo 91° / 60°, sunny. Rain chance shown is 0% for today's dry forecast period. The National Weather Service forecast for Tupelo specifically calls for sunshine near 91°F

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This news story was covered by Hattiesburg News Staff. Thank you for visiting The Hattiesburg News.