12 November 2026
AP calls U.S. Senate race for Colom (all nine counties). The Associated Press projected Democrat Scott Colom the winner of Mississippi’s U.S. Senate race shortly before 5 p.m. Wednesday, WLBT reported. Colom had 49.2% of the vote to 48.7% for Republican Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, with 99% of votes reported. His lead was 4,669 votes and grew as affidavit ballots were counted. The results are still unofficial. Counties must certify by Friday, Nov. 13. Pine Belt Guide reported on the count Tuesday.
Purvis man sentenced in trafficking case (Lamar County). Chad Owen of Purvis was sentenced Nov. 9 to 40 years, with 15 to serve, on one count of human trafficking of a minor, the Mississippi Attorney General’s Office said, WDAM reported. Lamar County Circuit Judge Prentiss Harrell also ordered five years of post-release supervision and 20 years of unsupervised probation. Owen must register as a sex offender when he is released. “When we put these predators away, we help their victims take back their power from their traffickers,” Attorney General Lynn Fitch said.
Jury deadlocks in jail beating trial (Forrest County). A jury could not reach a verdict Tuesday in the aggravated assault trial of O’Brien Brown, WDAM reported. Prosecutors say Brown kicked an inmate in the face during a September 2025 beating at the Forrest County Jail that was caught on video. The jury split 10-2 for conviction after nearly four hours. A new trial is set for March.
164 PRCC students get Roundup scholarships (regional). Pearl River Valley Electric Power Association gave Pearl River Community College a $109,000 check Wednesday for this year’s Roundup for Education scholarships, WDAM reported. The money comes from co-op members who round their bills up to the next dollar. Since 2012, 1,700 students have received more than $2 million.
Purvis student wins new PRCC award (Lamar County). Wildcats running back Moses Cummings of Purvis is the first winner of the Shelby Speights Award of Leadership, Courage and Valor, PRCC said. The award honors Speights, a PRCC alumnus and Purvis High graduate who earned five Silver Stars in World War II.
Thanksgiving chickens reach 20 pantries (regional). Extra Table delivered chickens to 20 Pine Belt food pantries for families in need this holiday season, WDAM reported. Gifts from Mississippi Power added five pantries this year. A $15 gift buys three whole chickens at extratable.org/bird.
Laurel airport runway work moves ahead (Jones County). Crews have finished grading and laid the first asphalt to extend Runway 31 and its taxiway 300 feet south at Laurel Municipal Airport, WDAM reported. A $2.4 million FAA grant is paying for the work. Lights are due in three to four weeks, and the project should wrap up in May 2027.
Stuff a Bucket Truck starts Friday (Jones, Wayne and Forrest counties). Dixie Electric’s food drive collects nonperishable food from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Friday at Grocery Depot in Laurel, Tuesday, Nov. 17, at Norman’s in Waynesboro and Friday, Nov. 20, at Corner Market in Petal, WDAM reported. Food goes to local pantries.
Southern Miss rallies past Jackson State (Forrest County). Jalyke Gaines-Wyatt scored a career-high 28 points as the Golden Eagles beat Jackson State 84-80 in overtime Wednesday at Reed Green Coliseum, the school said. Southern Miss, now 2-1, plays at Texas State at 7 p.m. Friday.