Mississippi’s Thursday, November 5, 2026 evening headlines: the victims of the fatal Highway 61 crash in Walls have been identified, including a DeSoto County juvenile detention officer, and the Hyde-Smith campaign’s demand to preserve affidavit ballots from the November 3 election is drawing legal scrutiny. Also today: a new mayor pro tem in Corinth, a planned school merger in Prentiss County, and a $26.7 million indoor tennis complex approved in Southaven.
The Mississippi Highway Patrol has identified the victims of the fatal crash on Highway 61 in Walls: two Horn Lake women, including a DeSoto County juvenile detention officer, and a Byhalia man. The crash involved a Walls Police Department vehicle.
Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith’s campaign is leaning on Mississippi’s affidavit-ballot statute and federal retention law to demand counties wall off every affidavit ballot from the November 3 election. The U.S. Senate race remains uncalled as the counting continues.
Corinth aldermen elected Michael McFall mayor pro tem as the new term began, renewed the city’s Blue Cross health coverage, and added costs for drainage work on Polk Street and in the Coke area.
The Booneville and Baldwyn school districts plan a merger that would combine district administration while keeping all campuses open. The proposal goes to the Legislature in 2027.
Downtown Tupelo will hold a holiday open house Sunday, Nov. 8, with shopping and seasonal activities. Santa will be at the GumTree Museum of Art from 1 to 3 p.m. for photos.
The Oxford St. Jude Dream Home Giveaway announced a ribbon cutting and sneak peek at a home in the Highlands Subdivision, along with tour and volunteer information. The drawing is set for Dec. 10.
Mississippi State lists 19 players among 24 alumni on NFL rosters, coaching staffs and other roles. Week 9’s schedule includes appearances by Dak Prescott, Chris Jones and other former Bulldogs.
The Mississippi News Report is a twice-daily roundup of headlines from across the Mississippi News Group network.
Jon Ross Myers is the executive editor and publisher of the Mississippi News Network, Mississippi's largest digital only media company. He can be reached at editor@tippahnews.com
