Magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026

Magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026.

Key points

• Ingalls Shipbuilding's Virtual Reality (VR) Welding Lab has officially surpassed 1, 000 trainees since opening in January 2025.
• On September 15, 2026, Pike County Circuit Court Judge David H.
• The Hill continued, Fewer independents say they will vote by mail in the midterms, at 20 percent compared with 28 percent in 2024.
• The case was investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office with assistance from the FBI and the Pike County Sheriff's Department.
• CNBC observed, Traders' attention will turn to this week's summit in Washington, DC between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping.

Magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026. By: Magnolia Tribune – September 22, 2026.

Significant state and national stories, market and business news, sports and entertainment, delivered in quick-hit fashion to start your day informed. McComb man sentenced for producing, possessing child sexual abuse materials.

Attorney General Lynn Fitch confirmed Monday the recent sentencing of James Cory Matthew Hill of McComb for one count of production of child sexual abuse material, one count of possession of CSAM, and one count of sexual battery of a minor.

Notably, the case was investigated and prosecuted by the Attorney General's Office with assistance from the FBI and the Pike County Sheriff's Department.

On September 15, 2026, Pike County Circuit Court Judge David H. Solid Jr. Sentenced Hill to 40 years in the custody of the Mississippi Department of Corrections (MDOC), with 25 to serve, for sexual battery; 40 years in MDOC custody, with 20 to serve, for the production of CSAM; and 40 years in MDOC custody, with 10 to serve, for the possession of CSAM. The counts will run concurrently and Hill will be required to serve his sentence day-for-day without the possibility of parole. He was additionally ordered to pay $1, 000 to the Mississippi Children's Trust Fund, $1, 000 to the Mississippi Crime Victim Compensation Fund, and $1, 000 to the Victims of Human Trafficking and Commercial Sexual Exploitation Fund. Hill will have to register as a sex offender upon release.

National News & Foreign Policy. 1. Fewer Democrats plan to vote by mail.

Notably, the Hill reports that "more Democrats plan to vote in person as President Trump ramps up his attacks on casting mail-in ballots, according to a new poll released Sunday."

"NBC News's latest poll demonstrates that 36 percent of registered Democratic voters plan to cast their ballots in person at an early voting site, a 6-point rise from this point in 2024. Another 36 percent say they will vote at a polling site on Election Day, 1 point higher than it was two years ago. Five percent say they are not yet sure how they will vote or are unlikely to vote at all, " The Hill documented. "The poll also found that 23 percent of Democrats say they will mail their ballots in the November midterm elections, down from the 34 percent who said the same this time in 2024."

Meanwhile, the Hill continued, "Fewer independents say they will vote by mail in the midterms, at 20 percent compared with 28 percent in 2024. Twenty-eight percent additionally stated they will vote early but in person, a 6-point growth from two years ago. While 15 percent say they are not sure or probable won't vote, more independents, 37 percent, say they will vote on Election Day. NBC News pollsters discovered virtually no changes with how Republicans plan to vote this year compared with the last general election. Sixteen percent say they will vote by mail, 26 percent say they will vote in person and 53 percent will vote on Election Day."

2. Trump, Mamdani meet in NY.

As documented by Politico, "In a continuation of one of the most unexpected bromances in American politics, Mayor Zohran Mamdani and President Donald Trump praised each other Monday after meeting privately at the mayor's residence in New York City for a wide-ranging discussion about everything from interior design to housing to immigration."

"I want what's good for New York. I want what's good for the country. So if I had a choice of having him be a bad mayor, or a horrible mayor – I don't want that. I want him to be a great mayor, and he's certainly obtained potential, secured great potential, " Trump, standing alongside Mamdani, noted to journalists on the lawn of Gracie Mansion before giving the mayor a slap on the back.

Politico further documented, Mamdani – a democratic socialist who once freely called the Republican president a fascist but has taken a softer approach since taking office – returned the compliments by thanking Trump for committing to take conversations to 'a new level' concerning securing federal funding for building more than 12, 000 units of housing on top of an old rail yard in Queens.

"I appreciate the president, his interest in this, and we also know the president not just as the leader of the country but also as someone who has built quite a lot of housing here in our city, " Mamdani remarked. 1. Golding named Bear Bryant Awards National Coach of the Week.

After a thrilling 32-24 victory over No. 7 LSU in one of the premiere games of the weekend this past Saturday, Ole Miss football head coach Pete Golding was named the Bear Bryant Awards National Coach of the Week, confirmed on Monday.

Golding has begun his first full season at the helm of the Ole Miss program 3-0, with victories over No. 24 Louisville, Charlotte, and now No. 7 LSU. Lately elevated to No. 4 in the AP Poll, the Rebels will head south to take on No. 21 Florida in Gainesville next on Saturday, September 26 at 2: 30 p.m. CT on ABC. 2. Chambliss named SEC Offensive Player of the Week.

Leading Ole Miss to victory over No. 7 LSU in one of the nation's premiere games of the weekend this past Saturday, quarterback Trinidad Chambliss was selected as the SEC Offensive Player of the Week, the conference office confirmed on Monday.

Leading the offense with a passing attack that now ranks eighth in the nation, Chambliss threw for 363 yards with three total touchdowns, completing a career-high 33 passes to support the Rebels defend Vaught-Hemingway Stadium in front of a record crowd. 1. Ingalls' VR welding lab surpasses 1, 000 trainees.

Notably, the milestone highlights the impact of Ingalls' investment in advanced training technology and the collaborative backing of the U.S. Navy, AccelerateMS and Mississippi Gulf Coast Community College (MGCCC) which supported establish the facility.

For context, the VR Welding Lab integrates immersive simulations into Ingalls' established welding certification process, enabling new and experienced shipbuilders up to 10 times more hands-on practice in a safe and controlled environment.

Shipbuilders who complete the VR program report immediate improvements in welding technique, confidence and readiness for certification. Welding Apprentice Olivia Saranthus notes the VR training has already produced a noticeable difference in her skill development. 2. Market sees best day since early August.

CNBC reports that "U.S. Equity futures were little changed on Tuesday following a rally driven by stocks tied to artificial intelligence."

"Tuesday's moves follow a solid session on Wall Street. The S&P 500 climbed 1.5% for its best day since Aug. While the Nasdaq Composite jumped 2.3% for its first closing record since June, 4. The Dow Industrials rose 366 points, or 0.7%, " CNBC documented. While Treasury yields pulled back as well, "A decline in oil rates fueled the stock market's gains. Even prior to the Federal Reserve's move to hike its key interest rate by a quarter point last week, Treasury yields have been trending higher as the economy contends with rising debt, elevated oil rates and stubborn inflation."

CNBC observed, "Traders' attention will turn to this week's summit in Washington, DC between President Donald Trump and Chinese leader Xi Jinping. Artificial intelligence, the Iran war, tariffs and rare earth metals are projected to be among the key topics covered in the gathering. Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent convened with Chinese Vice Premier He Lifeng prior to Xi's visit to the U.S." Regarding the Author(s). This article was produced by Magnolia Tribune staff. News Magnolia Tribune September 21, 2026. Magnolia Mornings: September 21, 2026.

No indictments handed down by Jackson County grand jury in death of Nolan Wells. News Jeremy Pittari September 18, 2026. Lawmakers say Ag Commissioner order on excused school absences is non-binding.

"While I appreciate his input, it carries no legal authority, " House Education Chairman Rob Roberson remarked Friday. News Jeremy Pittari September 18, 2026.

House lawmakers exploring ways to cut Mississippi property taxes, car tag fees.

Such a move could mean cuts to local governments or finding replacement revenue for the $1.2 billion collected by cities, counties and school districts annually throughout the Magnolia State. News Clara Turnage September 21, 2026. Student-athletes report need for suicide prevention, training. News Frank Corder September 21, 2026.

President Trump welcomes Mississippi's Reeves, other governors to Oval Office for Medicaid announcement. News Frank Corder September 21, 2026. Absentee voting opens in Mississippi ahead of November 3 midterm election. Business Cass Rutledge September 18, 2026. Industrial Timber expanding its Ripley operations with $2.6 million investment. Business Frank Corder September 15, 2026. Hitachi Energy brings largest U.S. Investment to date to Mississippi. Business Frank Corder September 10, 2026.

General Atomics confirmed second expansion this year, bringing 125 more jobs to Shannon. Culture Meredith Biesinger September 22, 2026.

Meanwhile, the house that stone built: The story of the Purvis Rock House. Culture Alistair Begg September 22, 2026. Culture Magnolia Tribune September 21, 2026. Sights from the Vaught: Ole Miss vs. LSU. Opinion Lesley Davis September 21, 2026. The war on women's spaces has reached the sorority house. Opinion Sid Salter September 16, 2026.

Despite plenty of statutory protections, there is no clear constitutional right to clean water. Opinion Russ Latino September 15, 2026. Sydney Sweeney Novig Ad: Body positivity's double standard.

Taken together, the developments around magnolia Mornings: September 22, 2026 point to a situation that is still moving, and the coming days should bring more clarity.