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Nolan Wells, found dead after July 4 boat trip, to be remembered at funeral by the Rev. Al Sharpton

Nolan Wells, found dead after July 4 boat trip, to be remembered at funeral by the Rev. Al Sharpton

Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip with his friends to a Gulf Coast island, will be remembered Monday in Mississippi
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Tropical Depression Two Prompts Storm Watch for Florida Panhandle

Tropical Depression Two Prompts Storm Watch for Florida Panhandle

A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for the Florida Panhandle from the Ochlockonee River to the Alabama border due to the formation of Tropical Depression Two in the Gulf of Mexico. The National Hurricane Center reports that the depression is expected to gradually strengthen, potentially bringing tropical storm conditions to the region starting late Monday. The system is forecast to produce significant rainfall, with amounts ranging from two to four inches and locally higher totals up to eight inches. Residents in the affected areas, as well as in Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, and Texas, are advised to monitor the storm's progress closely.
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Black teen found dead after July 4 boat trip to be remembered at funeral led by the Rev. Al Sharpton

Black teen found dead after July 4 boat trip to be remembered at funeral led by the Rev. Al Sharpton

Nolan Xavier Wells, an 18-year-old who was found dead after a July 4 boat trip with his friends to a Gulf Coast island, will be remembered Monday in Mississippi
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Mother of Nolan Wells Expresses Grief Over Son's Tragic Death

Mother of Nolan Wells Expresses Grief Over Son's Tragic Death

Christine Wonsley, the mother of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, has publicly shared her profound grief following the tragic death of her son. Nolan Wells reportedly drowned during a Fourth of July boating trip with friends at Horn Island, Mississippi. In a tearful Instagram video, Wonsley described the emotional turmoil she is experiencing, likening it to an 'elephant sitting on her chest.' Despite the ongoing investigation, Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter has stated there is no suspicion of foul play. Wonsley expressed gratitude for the support from friends and family, while also emphasizing her reliance on faith to cope with the loss. The incident has left the family seeking answers as they navigate this difficult time.
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FBI Joins Investigation into Nolan Wells' Mysterious Death

FBI Joins Investigation into Nolan Wells' Mysterious Death

The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) has become involved in the investigation of Nolan Wells, whose body was found in the water off Horn Island on July 6. Wells was reported missing on July 4 after failing to return from a boating trip with friends. The FBI is assisting in examining digital evidence and addressing interstate threats related to the case. Jackson County Sheriff John Ledbetter confirmed the FBI's involvement, noting that it is not unusual given Horn Island's federal land status. The investigation has also revealed that some individuals connected to the case have received threats, including Jackson County Chancery Judge Ashlee Cole, whose family has been targeted. Dispatch audio from a private towing company has been released, capturing a distress call from Wells' friends during the boating trip.
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Tropical Depression Forms in Gulf, Potential Storm Bertha Could Impact Gulf Coast

Tropical Depression Forms in Gulf, Potential Storm Bertha Could Impact Gulf Coast

A tropical depression has formed in the Gulf of Mexico, according to the National Hurricane Center. This system, located off the coast of Florida, is expected to bring high winds and heavy rains to the Gulf Coast, including Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana. While the depression could develop into a tropical storm, named Bertha, forecasters suggest that Saharan dust and strong wind shear may prevent it from becoming a hurricane. The depression currently has maximum sustained winds below 39 mph, but if it strengthens, it could reach tropical storm status with winds between 39-73 mph.
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Tropical Depression Two Forms in Gulf, Threatens Heavy Rain and Coastal Flooding

Tropical Depression Two Forms in Gulf, Threatens Heavy Rain and Coastal Flooding

Tropical Depression Two has developed in the northeastern Gulf of Mexico and is anticipated to bring significant rainfall and tropical storm-force winds to the northern and eastern Gulf Coast regions. The system is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha by tonight or Monday. A Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to gather data on the storm's conditions. The depression is predicted to cause widespread rainfall of 2 to 4 inches, with isolated areas receiving up to 8 inches. A storm surge of 1 to 3 feet is possible along Florida's Big Bend region. The system is moving slowly due to weak steering currents, but some strengthening is possible as it approaches the Gulf Coast of Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana by midweek.
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Governor Tate Reeves Signs Youth Court Reform Package to Enhance Mississippi's Juvenile Justice System

Governor Tate Reeves Signs Youth Court Reform Package to Enhance Mississippi's Juvenile Justice System

Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has enacted a comprehensive youth court reform package aimed at overhauling the state's juvenile justice system. The legislation, passed during a special two-day session, includes three bills designed to appoint full-time judges for youth court cases, expand the capacity of youth correctional facilities, construct additional detention centers, and establish a statewide intervention system. The reform seeks to better serve families and children, particularly those who are victims of abuse or have committed nonviolent offenses, while holding minors accountable for violent crimes. Currently, only 24 of Mississippi's 82 counties have full-time judges for youth court cases, with others relying on referees. The new law will transition these courts to divisions of a county's chancery court, with the option for counties to maintain their current systems if desired.
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U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Reforestation and Stormwater Park in Moss Point, MS

U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service Proposes Reforestation and Stormwater Park in Moss Point, MS

The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has put forward a proposal to reforest Khayat Park and develop a nature-based stormwater park in Moss Point, Mississippi. This initiative aims to enhance the local environment by increasing green space and improving stormwater management. The proposal is currently open for public comment, with individuals encouraged to submit their feedback in writing to Thomas Butera at the Department of Marine Resources in Biloxi, Mississippi. The deadline for comments is set for August 3, 2026, at 1:00 p.m. This project is part of broader efforts to address environmental concerns and promote sustainable development in the region.
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Tropical Depression Two Forms in Gulf of America, Heavy Rain Expected

Tropical Depression Two Forms in Gulf of America, Heavy Rain Expected

Tropical Depression Two has formed in the Gulf of America on July 19, 2026, as reported by the National Hurricane Center (NHC). The system, previously known as Invest 91L, is located near latitude 27.8°N and longitude 85.0°W, moving north-northwest at 2 mph. Maximum sustained winds are at 30 mph, with higher gusts, and the depression is expected to strengthen into Tropical Storm Bertha by Sunday or Monday. A Tropical Storm Watch has been issued for Florida from Ochlockonee River to the Alabama border. Heavy rainfall and potential flash flooding are the primary concerns for the northern Gulf Coast, including areas in Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, and Louisiana.
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The Citizens Bank Partners with To The Top Collective to Support Southern Miss Student-Athletes

The Citizens Bank Partners with To The Top Collective to Support Southern Miss Student-Athletes

The Citizens Bank Partners with To The Top Collective to Support Southern Miss Student-Athletes
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Governor Reeves Seeks Federal Aid for Mississippi Counties Hit by Tropical Storm Arthur

Governor Reeves Seeks Federal Aid for Mississippi Counties Hit by Tropical Storm Arthur

Governor Tate Reeves of Mississippi has requested a Major Disaster Declaration from President Trump for eight counties severely affected by Tropical Storm Arthur. The storm, which occurred on June 18-19, brought heavy rainfall, resulting in flash flooding that damaged 532 homes, 17 businesses, and 5 farms. The state is seeking Individual Assistance for Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, and Stone counties, which would provide grants for temporary housing, home repairs, and low-cost loans for uninsured property losses. Public Assistance is also requested for Covington, George, Greene, Hancock, Harrison, Pearl River, Stone, and Wayne counties to support local governments and nonprofits in debris removal and infrastructure restoration.