Mississippi Politics & Voting: Shelby County early voting for the Aug. 6 primaries and county general election runs July 17 to Aug. 1, with voters able to use any early voting site in the county (ID required). State Government & Budget: Mississippi lawmakers sent a sweeping youth court overhaul to Gov. Tate Reeves after a special session, including funding for youth correctional upgrades, new detention centers, and a statewide diversion system. Energy & Cost Pressure: East Mississippi residents and farmers are watching Strait of Hormuz shipping uncertainty for signs of higher diesel and fertilizer costs, even as officials say commercial traffic remains open. Workforce Development: Bay Springs manufacturer Hol-Mac is building a local pipeline by training high school students through welding apprenticeships and CTE-linked programs that feed directly into plant jobs. Transportation & Local Economy: SBA opened a Business Recovery Center in Mississippi, aimed at helping businesses after disasters. Public Sector Leadership: MDOT promoted Jada Kirk to deputy executive director, tasked with leading the agency’s financial operations. Community & Tourism: Downtown Meridian says summer events are boosting foot traffic and sales for local shops and restaurants. Housing & Affordability (Regional Data): A new round of HUD-assisted housing rankings shows how different counties stack up on vouchers and other programs, underscoring uneven access to affordable units. Gas Prices Watch: GasBuddy reported Mississippi’s average regular gas price at $3.39 for the week ending July 11, with local lows in several counties.