Magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026

Magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026.

Key points

• News Lindsay Whitehurst, Associated Press, Nicholas Riccardi, Associated Press August 25, 2026.
• Created by the Allstate Sugar Bowl, the Manning Award honors the college football accomplishments of Archie, Peyton, and Eli Manning.
• As documented by the Washington Post, President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate won in a high-profile South Carolina Senate primary on Tuesday – a victory not only for Sen.
• Where Mississippi public education began: The 200-year story of Franklin Academy.
• "We are incredibly proud of their significant professional accomplishments and contributions, and I look forward to welcoming them home in October to celebrate!" National News & Foreign Policy.

Magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026. By: Magnolia Tribune – August 26, 2026.

Significant state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion to start your day informed. Southern Miss Alumni to induct 7 into Hall of Fame.

For context, the University of Southern Mississippi Alumni Association remarked this week that it will induct seven alumni who bring favor and distinction to the University into its Hall of Fame during Homecoming festivities this fall. The 2026 inductees include.

"This year's class is an incredible lineup of alumni who have led their communities and organizations while staying true to their Southern Miss roots, " remarked Tucker Sappington, executive director of the Alumni Association. "We are incredibly proud of their significant professional accomplishments and contributions, and I look forward to welcoming them home in October to celebrate!" National News & Foreign Policy. 1. Trump-backed Graham, Mazzei win in SC, OK.

As documented by the Washington Post, "President Donald Trump's endorsed candidate won in a high-profile South Carolina Senate primary on Tuesday – a victory not only for Sen. Darline Graham, but for Trump. This person invested both time and funds to turn around his streak of losing endorsements. Although narrowly, in a primary runoff for Oklahoma governor.", and nationwide, another Trump-endorsed candidate won Tuesday night.

"Graham, whom Trump backed for a six-year term after her brother Lindsey Graham unexpectedly died last month, beat Rep. Ralph Norman in a runoff election that had sharply divided Republicans in South Carolina and beyond, despite the president weighing in, " WP documented. "In Oklahoma, Trump-backed Mike Mazzei, a former state senator, beat Attorney General Gentner Drummond by a razor-thin margin. Drummond has at times criticized Trump on problems like tariffs and beef imports."

WP continued, "The president's efforts to support secure Graham over the finish line ultimately paid off – and they far exceeded what he has done for most other candidates he has endorsed in primaries. It indicated that while the power of Trump's mere endorsement has slipped, the president can still wield significant sway over GOP voters if he is willing to produce an in-person appeal." 2. Congressional GOP faces heavy agenda after recess.

Notably, the Hill reports that "Republicans in both chambers are staring down a September sprint after returning from August recess, with a jam-packed legislative agenda and little time to clear their biggest remaining priorities before the midterm election crunch."

"At the top of the House's list is passing a short-term stopgap spending measure – additionally known as a continuing resolution (CR) – to avert a potential shutdown and keep the administration funded past the Sept. 30 fiscal deadline, " The Hill documented. "What will likely be more of a headache for the GOP in both chambers is trying to push through a third reconciliation package that President Trump has been clamoring for."

While the upper chamber isn't slated to return until Sept, the Hill continued, "The lower chamber returns next week, only to leave Washington again the week after. 14. That leaves Republicans in the House and Senate with roughly three weeks to work on their top priorities before leaving for another monthlong recess in October." 1. Chambliss named to Manning Award watchlist.

Meanwhile, the Allstate Sugar Bowl confirmed their preseason watch list for the 2026 Manning Award this week, given annually to the top college quarterback in the nation, selecting Ole Miss' Trinidad Chambliss.

Meanwhile, a finalist for the 2025 Manning Award, Ole Miss Athletics remarked Chambliss is among the top returning quarterbacks in the nation after throwing for 3, 937 yards and 22 touchdowns while adding 527 and eight scores on the ground last year.

As he was selected to the preseason watch list for the Walter Camp Player of the Year award, Davey O'Brien Award, Maxwell Award, tabbed a preseason first team All-American by numerous outlets, and named to preseason all-SEC teams by the conference coaches, media, Athlon, and Phil Steele, he has already earned a handful of recognition entering the 2026 season. 2. JUCO football kicks off Thursday.

Mississippi's community colleges will open their 2026 football season on Thursday. Here is a rundown of the games on tap this week. 3. SAA coaches preseason poll ranks Millsaps 4th.

Notably, the Millsaps College football team finished last season with a 6-4 overall record and ranked fourth in the conference standings. The Majors look to build on that success after tying for fourth in the 2026 Southern Athletic Association (SAA) football preseason poll. Confirmed by the league office after a head coaches' vote, Trinity University was selected to finish first with 54 points and five first-place votes. Berry College earned the second spot with 52 points and three first-place votes. 1. Mortgage rates at highest level in three weeks.

CNBC reports that "mortgage interest rates moved even higher last week, causing demand for loans to weaken yet again."

"Total mortgage application volume dropped 1% from the previous week, according to the Mortgage Bankers Association's seasonally adjusted index, " CNBC documented. "The average contract interest rate for 30-year fixed-rate mortgages with conforming loan balances of up to $832, 750 rose last week to 6.78% from 6.77% the prior week, with points increasing to 0.66 from 0.65, including the origination fee, for loans with a 20% down payment. That is the highest level in three weeks."

CNBC observed, "Applications to refinance a home loan. It are most sensitive to weekly rate moves, fell 2% for the week. When rates were 9 basis points lower." 2, they were 17% lower than the same week one year ago. Walmart rolls out tap-to-pay in stores.

According to FoxBusiness, "Walmart is rolling out tap-to-pay technology across its U.S. Stores, giving shoppers another way to make purchases with contactless cards, smartphones and smartwatches."

"The retail giant remarked the payment option will commence appearing at select Walmart stores and Sam's Club locations starting Aug. 24, with intends to expand it to all U.S. Stores and clubs by the end of 2026, " FoxBusiness noted. "Walmart also plans to bring tap-to-pay capabilities to its fuel stations by mid-2027."

FoxBusiness continued, "The checkout expansion comes as Walmart increasingly focuses on convenience across its physical and digital businesses." Concerning the Author(s). This article was produced by Magnolia Tribune staff.

Supreme Court sides with Trump administration on mail voting restrictions ahead of midterms.

Notably, the U.S. Postal Service laid out its plan for implementing the order last week, but time is running short to impose major changes. More From This Author. News Magnolia Tribune August 25, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 25, 2026. News Magnolia Tribune August 24, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 24, 2026. News Magnolia Tribune August 21, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: August 21, 2026. Culture Kristin M. Hall, Associated Press August 25, 2026.

Dolly Parton, music star, actor and beloved figure who spanned generations, dies at 80. News Jeremy Pittari August 24, 2026.

State Board of Education approves new math cut score, updated excused absence policy.

In practice, the Mississippi State Board of Education additionally heard an update on efforts to improve the ClassWallet system for teachers' classroom funds. News Frank Corder August 24, 2026. Mississippi Cattlemen, Farm Bureau Federation have beef with Trump.

President Trump notes the beef agreement confirmed Friday "will reduce prices for Americans while giving space for our Great American Beef Herd to grow again." Mississippi farmers and producers contend the White House is creating an unlevel playing field against U.S. Farmers. News Jeremy Pittari August 25, 2026.

Mississippi foster home focused on hard to place youth receives $3.4 million renovation grant. News Clara Turnage August 25, 2026. Telehealth coaching helps rural patients take charge of diabetes care. News Cass Rutledge August 25, 2026. Mississippi launches UPSKILL grant for adult education, training for in-demand careers. Business Cass Rutledge August 20, 2026. Solero Technologies announces $14 million expansion in Water Valley. Business Frank Corder August 18, 2026. New Director coming to Port Pascagoula. Business Frank Corder August 18, 2026. Marathon Cheese expanding in Booneville, creating 39 jobs. Culture Alistair Begg August 26, 2026.

Culture Meredith Biesinger August 25, 2026. Where Mississippi public education began: The 200-year story of Franklin Academy. Culture Alistair Begg August 25, 2026. We all worship something. Opinion Roger Wicker August 21, 2026. Amtrak's Mardi Gras line boosts jobs, tourism. Opinion Sid Salter August 19, 2026.

Shades of Skynet? State's measured approach to AI policy development was wise plan. Opinion Shaun Yurtkuran August 17, 2026. The Mississippi that welcomed my family.

Taken together, the developments around magnolia Mornings: August 26, 2026 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.