The Wake Up Morning Report: Mississippi

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HATTIESBURG, Miss - (THN News) BREAKING WEATHER: Hurricane Isaias threatens the Mississippi Gulf Coast. Meanwhile, federal authorities have announced 14 arrests connected to alleged drug and firearms trafficking in the Delta and Tupelo, Jackson officials are reviewing a proposed city property transaction, and a major community-college health sciences facility has opened.

HURRICANE ISAIAS — COASTAL WARNINGS IN EFFECT

Hurricane Isaias is strengthening over the Gulf of Mexico. According to the National Hurricane Center's 1 a.m. Thursday advisory, the storm had sustained winds of 75 mph, was moving east-northeast at 9 mph, and was expected to approach the northern Gulf Coast late Friday or early Saturday.

A Storm Surge Warning covers the Mississippi coastline. A Hurricane Warning extends from Ocean Springs eastward into Florida, while a Tropical Storm Warning covers the Mississippi coast west of Ocean Springs.

The National Hurricane Center forecasts potential storm surge of 3–5 feet from the mouth of the Mississippi River to Ocean Springs, with 5–7 feet possible east of Ocean Springs toward Indian Pass, Florida. The storm could also bring dangerous surf, strong winds and flooding rainfall.

MISSISSIPPI STATE FAIR OPENS TODAY

The 167th Mississippi State Fair opens Thursday in Jackson and is scheduled to continue through October 18. State inspectors have been checking rides and food vendors ahead of opening day. This year's theme is Let Freedom Ring.

MISSISSIPPI DELTA / GREENVILLE

FEDERAL AUTHORITIES ANNOUNCE MAJOR DRUG AND FIREARMS ARRESTS

Federal officials announced Wednesday that 14 people were arrested in Greenville, Leland and Tupelo during investigations involving alleged drug distribution, illegal firearms and machine-gun conversion devices.

Among those charged are Joshua Alexander, 30, of Greenville, with alleged drug distribution; Trevion Bernard, 20, of Leland, with alleged machine-gun possession; and La'Jayvion Moy, 21, of Greenville, with alleged carjacking and unlawful firearm possession.

Authorities said the arrests occurred in late September and that investigations are continuing. All charges remain allegations unless established in court.

JACKSON / CENTRAL MISSISSIPPI

CITY COUNCIL PAUSES PROPOSED LAND TRANSACTION

Jackson City Council members have delayed action on a proposed land transaction associated with a casino development. Council members raised questions about whether the proposed sale would provide appropriate value for the city. The transaction remains unresolved.

JACKSON POLICE INVESTIGATE SHOOTING NEAR SCHOOL

Police investigated a shooting near Key Elementary School on Wednesday. Jackson Public Schools placed the school under a temporary precautionary lockdown. School officials reported that students and staff were safe.

HATTIESBURG / PINE BELT

CONTROLLED BURN CAUSES SMOKE ACROSS HATTIESBURG

The Mississippi Forestry Commission confirmed that smoke observed across portions of Hattiesburg and Forrest County on Wednesday originated from a prescribed burn near Runnelstown in Perry County. Winds carried smoke into surrounding communities.

PINE BELT PREPARES FOR HURRICANE IMPACTS

Forecasters expect Hurricane Isaias to bring increased rain and wind to portions of the Pine Belt Friday night into Saturday. Areas along and east of Interstate 59 could experience stronger conditions. Residents should monitor official forecasts as the storm's projected track changes.

GULFPORT / GULF COAST

CRUISIN' THE COAST CONTINUES AMID STORM CONCERNS

The 30th anniversary of Cruisin' the Coast continues across South Mississippi.

Organizers announced that Wednesday and Thursday activities would proceed as scheduled while officials monitored Hurricane Isaias. Adjustments to later events remain possible as conditions develop.

NOLAN WELLS CASE RECEIVES NATIONAL ATTENTION

President Donald Trump said Wednesday that he was considering requesting an FBI investigation into the death of 18-year-old Nolan Wells, who was found dead on Horn Island in July.

Wells' family has sought additional investigation. A grand jury previously declined to indict anyone, and local authorities have said the evidence did not establish foul play. No new federal investigation had been confirmed in the cited report.

MERIDIAN / EAST MISSISSIPPI

WATER-RATE INCREASES DRAW CONCERN

Meridian residents and city officials are discussing increased water rates and their financial impact on households. Councilman Davis and resident Felicia Outlaw were among those addressing the issue in recent reporting.

STUDENT-LED CREDIT UNION OPENS

Meridian High School has opened a student-led credit union supported by 1st Mississippi Federal Credit Union, giving participating students experience with financial services and banking operations.

TUPELO / NORTHEAST MISSISSIPPI

TUPELO RESIDENTS INCLUDED IN FEDERAL ARREST ANNOUNCEMENT

The federal investigation announced Wednesday also resulted in charges against several Tupelo residents, including Craig Baker, 60; Jackie Brunson, 54; Otheno English, 42; and Raymond Long, 52, each accused of drug distribution.

Kabriyen Clark, 23, of Tupelo, was charged with illegal machine-gun possession. These are pending criminal allegations, not convictions.

MISSISSIPPI COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

HINDS COMMUNITY COLLEGE OPENS $64 MILLION FACILITY

Hinds Community College officially opened its new Health Sciences Complex on the Rankin campus Wednesday.

The 160,000-square-foot, $64 million facility includes simulation laboratories and training spaces for nursing, surgical technology, radiologic technology and respiratory care students.

MISSISSIPPI STATE RECEIVES MAJOR GIFT

Mississippi State University announced a $10 million commitment from alumnus Fred P. Burke to its industrial engineering department Wednesday.

COLLEGE SPORTS

Southern Miss football: Troy defeated Southern Miss 55–34 on Tuesday, October 6. Troy recorded 662 total yards, including 437 rushing yards. Southern Miss quarterback Landry Lyddy threw for 316 yards and two touchdowns. The Golden Eagles fell to 1–4.

Weather warnings: Gulfport is under a Tropical Storm Warning and Storm Surge Warning. A Hurricane Warning covers the Mississippi coast beginning at Ocean Springs and extending eastward.

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This news story was covered by Hattiesburg Staff. Thank you for visiting The Hattiesburg News.