Magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026

Magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026.

Key points

• The National Park Service published state-specific findings from its Annual Report on the Economic Impact of the Federal Historic Tax Credit for Fiscal Year 2025 on Monday.
• Mississippi Valley State University football has now won two consecutive games, storming back from a 17-point deficit on Saturday to defeat Texas Southern 38-34 at W.W.
• William Daniel Davis and Robert Lee Davis each face up to 10 years in prison and $5, 000 in fines if convicted.
• In Mississippi, the agency remarked the program backed $44.1 million in rehabilitation investment during Fiscal Year 2025.
• While Nasdaq-100 futures hovered around the flatline, S&P 500 futures were up 0.2%.

Magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026. By: Magnolia Tribune – October 14, 2026.

Significant state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion to start your day informed. 1. Former Guntown Alderman, Public Works Director arrested for fraud.

State Auditor Shad White confirmed Tuesday the arrest of former Guntown Alderman William Daniel Davis and his cousin, former Public Works Operator Robert Lee Davis, for alleged fraud or embezzlement in public office.

According to The Auditor, between October and November 2024, the pair allegedly conspired to defraud the City of Guntown through billing the city for the installation of a residential sewage line at a private residence belonging to Daniel Davis, causing a loss of $9, 950.

William Daniel Davis and Robert Lee Davis each face up to 10 years in prison and $5, 000 in fines if convicted. 2. Ezell introduces measure to modernize Marine Mammal Protection Act.

Fourth District Congressman Mike Ezell, Chairman of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Subcommittee on Coast Guard and Maritime Transportation, remarked Tuesday that he has introduced legislation to modernize the Marine Mammal Protection Act (MMPA) of 1972, improve regulatory certainty, and ensure federal permitting decisions are based on the best available scientific data.

For context, the legislation would update requirements governing the incidental take of marine mammals during otherwise lawful activities, including maritime operations, infrastructure development, and other projects in coastal waters. By clarifying regulatory standards and streamlining the permitting process, the bill seeks to reduce unnecessary delays while maintaining protections for marine mammal populations.

Ezell remarked the Marine Mammal Protection Act plays an notable role in conserving marine mammal populations. Nevertheless, its permitting requirements can additionally affect maritime construction, port improvements, offshore operations, and other activities significant to coastal economies. 3. Historic Tax Credit supports Mississippi jobs, economic activity.

Notably, the National Park Service published state-specific findings from its Annual Report on the Economic Impact of the Federal Historic Tax Credit for Fiscal Year 2025 on Monday. The Federal Historic Tax Credit encourages the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic income-producing buildings by helping attract private investment to preservation projects.

In Mississippi, the agency remarked the program backed $44.1 million in rehabilitation investment during Fiscal Year 2025. It included supporting 920 jobs, contributing $30.7 million to the state's gross domestic product, and generating $13.1 million in total tax revenues.

For context, the Federal Historic Tax Credit helps create the rehabilitation and adaptive reuse of historic buildings financially feasible. Projects backed through the program can transform vacant, underused, or deteriorated properties into housing, businesses, community facilities, and other productive uses while preserving the character and history of local communities. National News & Foreign Policy. 1. Zacharia's first White House press briefing draws criticism.

As documented by The Hill, "White House press secretary Katie Zacharia was met with a barrage of criticism following her first briefing in her new role, leading some to question the future of her tenure shortly after she was tapped for the job."

"Zacharia on Tuesday delivered a roughly 14-minute briefing and took questions from only three outlets. She notably broke news when she informed a reporter the administration asked Kimberly Guilfoyle to resign from her role as U.S. Ambassador to Greece, but she wrapped the briefing shortly thereafter, " The Hill noted. "One former White House official characterized Zacharia's performance as 'fine, ' noting 'it was clear that this was just a warmup.'".

Notably, the Hill further documented, "Critics were quick to note Zacharia looked visibly nervous during the briefing and stated it looked like she concluded it prematurely. Zacharia replaced former White House press secretary Karoline Leavitt. This person confirmed she was leaving the administration earlier this year."

2. Will 88-year-old Waters lead House Financial Services Committee if Dems win majority?

Politico report that "House Democrats are poised to face a polarizing choice on the other side of the midterm elections: Shove aside one of the most prominent Black progressives in their party in favor of a middle-aged white guy with similar policy views, or potentially hand one of the most powerful chairmanships in Congress back to a nearly 90-year-old as their base clamors for generational change."

As Rep, "It's poised to be one of the most contentious and high-profile fights for Democrats when they return to Washington. Sean Casten of Illinois prepares to try to topple Rep. Maxine Waters of California in a race for the party's top spot on the House Financial Services Committee. Casten's probable move against Waters sets up a momentous clash over the coveted spot on the panel. It has wide-ranging jurisdiction over banking, housing, crypto, the Federal Reserve and more, " Politico noted. "Casten's bid starts as a long shot, but Waters is not without vulnerabilities. And her biggest is one she can do little regarding: her age."

Politico continued, "At 88, Waters would be the oldest House Financial Services chair ever if control of the chamber flips. Democrats appear increasingly hungry for generational change after Joe Biden's collapsed 2024 re-election campaign, with some in the party calling for an end to the so-called gerontocracy. House Democratic caucus rules impose no term limits on committee leaders, and Waters has led her side of the panel for 14 years, including two terms as chair." 1. Week 8 on tap for Mississippi JUCO football.

For context, the 2026 season is winding down in Mississippi community college football. Here are the Week 8 matchups on tap for Thursday night. 2. Valley wins 2 in a row.

Mississippi Valley State University football has now won two consecutive games, storming back from a 17-point deficit on Saturday to defeat Texas Southern 38-34 at W.W. Thorne Stadium in Houston.

For context, the Delta Devils (3-4, 2-1 SWAC) scored 24 points in the final quarter, including the game-winning touchdown with just 42 seconds remaining, to secure their second consecutive Southwestern Athletic Conference victory under second-year head coach Terrell Buckley.

Josh Brown delivered a standout performance, accounting for all five of Mississippi Valley State's touchdowns. The quarterback completed 19 of 39 passes for 266 yards and two touchdowns while adding 100 rushing yards and three scores on 19 carries. 1. Home sales rose in September for first time since May.

Meanwhile, the Wall Street Journal reports that "home sales in September rose for the first time since May, with buyers taking advantage of a plateau in mortgage rates over the summer before the surge in recent weeks."

"Sales of existing homes rose 1.5% over the previous month to a seasonally adjusted annual rate of 3.99 million, the National Association of Realtors stated Tuesday. Economists surveyed by The Wall Street Journal projected a decline of 0.8%, " WSJ noted. "The September sales largely reflect purchase contracts signed in July and August when mortgage rates were in the mid-6% range. The growth in sales marks a slight rebound from August when home sales fell 3.2% from the prior month."

WSJ continued, "Still, August and September marked the two slowest months for home sales this year, NAR stated. September sales were additionally down 2.2% year-over-year." 2. Futures up as investors await inflation report.

CNBC reports that "U.S. Stock futures rose Wednesday, as investors awaited the release of September's consumer inflation report, due later in the session."

While Nasdaq-100 futures hovered around the flatline, "S&P 500 futures were up 0.2%. Dow Jones Industrial Average futures climbed 213 points, or 0.4%, " CNBC documented. "Investors are awaiting the September reading of the U.S. Consumer cost index Wednesday morning. Economists polled by Dow Jones anticipate inflation to have risen by 3.6% on a year-over-year basis, up from 3.4% in the prior reading."

CNBC observed, "The report arrives as oil prices remain elevated and consumers pay more for gasoline, which is averaging at $4.34 a gallon, compared to $3.08 per gallon a year earlier, according to AAA." Concerning the Author(s). This article was produced by Magnolia Tribune staff. News Magnolia Tribune October 13, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: October 13, 2026.

Poll: Majority of Mississippi voters backing property tax elimination, school choice, restoration of the ballot initiative. News Frank Corder October 12, 2026.

Callais decision causing headaches in Mississippi as special election and 2027 loom sizeable.

For context, a sitting state senator has qualified to run for a special election in another district this December and qualifying for 2027 legislative elections are less than two months away. Lawmakers, attorneys, and constitutional scholars have much to consider in the days and weeks ahead. News Jeremy Pittari October 12, 2026. IHL extends commissioner's contract, increases pay.

According to information provided to Magnolia Tribune by the IHL in May, Rankins' previous contract included a salary of $441, 000 and was set to end on September 20, 2027. His new salary is $463, 050. News Frank Corder October 13, 2026. Cork named President and CEO of Texas Economic Development Council. News Cass Rutledge October 13, 2026. Startup plastics manufacturer Koinonia setting up operations in Drew. News Frank Corder October 13, 2026.

Attorney General problems opinion on suppressors in Mississippi after ATF ends mandatory registration. Business Cass Rutledge October 12, 2026. ALO investing over $176 million in Southaven for national distribution center. Business Cass Rutledge October 7, 2026.

Huntington Bank investing over $40 million to modernize Tupelo operations center, regional headquarters. Business Cass Rutledge October 6, 2026. Westwin Elements investing $502 million to establish nickel refinery in Natchez. Culture Alistair Begg October 14, 2026. Culture Dave Skretta, Associated Press October 13, 2026.

Now stars for No. 13 Mizzou, QB Simmons and WR Lee ready to face former teammates at No. 9 Ole Miss. Culture Meredith Biesinger October 13, 2026. Witch Dance: The strange Mississippi legend along the Natchez Trace. Opinion Roger Wicker October 9, 2026. Permit reform act is a much-needed course correction. Opinion Delbert Hosemann October 8, 2026. Hosemann: It is time for Mississippi to ban all kratom products. Opinion Sid Salter October 7, 2026.

Growing calls to suspend or eliminate federal and state gas taxes have consequences.

In short, magnolia Mornings: October 14, 2026 is the central thread here, and readers can expect follow-up reporting as the picture becomes clearer.