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Hattiesburg, MS - The Lamar County District Attorney Hal Kittrell has officially invited the Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch to take over the Donvian Barnes case. The DA asked the Attorney General for a new investigation into the death of Donvian Barnes after completing a "post-presentment of the review of the file" according to a multiple sources who've seen a multi-page letter the District Attorney personally sent to both Donivan's family and the Attorney General. The letter itself is significant for 2 reasons. Most importantly, by law, the District Attorney must give the Attorney General permission to investigate or take over the case that is within their district. The District Attorney did grant the attorney general permission in the letter to conduct "any investigation or review any of the circumstances surrounding the death" of Donivan Barnes. Secondly, this is only the 2nd time in over 40+ years that District Attorney Hal Kittrell has ever asked for the Attorney General's office to investigate a case. That alone is not only significant, but historical. This is a developing story.

SILVIS, Ill . – No. 16 William Carey posted rounds of 301, 287, and 299 to finish in 11th place at the 2025 NAIA Men's Golf National Championship. The 11th place finish marks the highest finish for the Crusaders in the Championship.  After rain on day one shortened the event to three rounds, Carey got the tournament underway on Wednesday with  Chase Guillot  leading the way with a one over 72 to sit in 28th place while  Alessio Graziani  posted a 75. The second round saw WCU post their best score of the tournament to end the day in 13th place. Guillot improved on his round one score with a two under 69 to climb 16 spots on the leaderboard. Graziani also moved up the leaderboard with a one over 72 while  Diego Leslie  made the biggest move of the day after carding a one under 70 to climb 54 spots.  In the final round, the Crusaders continued their climb, moving up two spots to 11th. Guillot stumbled a bit, dropping to 21st with a six over 77. Leslie carried the momentum from round two into the final day, posting a one over 72 to finish in 31st place. 21. 21.  Chase Guillot                      72, 69, 77 31.  Diego Leslie                        78, 70, 72 43.  Alessio Graziani                  75, 72, 76 60.  Hunter Bell                          77, 76, 75 67. Ongsa Booncharn              77, 78, 76

Columbia, MS- The head of the Forrest County Democrat Party has been arrested and jailed at the Marion County Detention Center for "kidnapping." Martaze Hammond, the chairman of the Forrest County Democrat Executive Committee was arrested on Friday, May 23, 2025 by the Marion County Sheriff's Department. He was booked and immediatley bonded out. Less than a year ago, another Forrest County Democrat, David Breland, who was the Forrest County Circuit Clerk Democratic Nominee, was also arrested and sentenced to life in prison after being convicted of a hit and run in Hattiesburg, MS. Tuesday, May 27, The Forrest County Democrats will host a Town Hall at Jackie Dole Community Center featuring United States Congressman Bennie Thompson. This is a developing story.

Pictured: Suspect Andrew David Cook accused of killing Donvian Barnes, a 26 year old black man on Friday, October 6, 2023 in Hattiesburg, MS. Photo Credit: Lamar County Sheriff Department Hattiesburg, MS - Sources say the government is very unsettled and troubled by the demands and accusations made by Donivan Barnes family and the 24 hour timeline given by the family to re-open Donivan Barnes case. According to people familiar with the case, Donvian Barnes case was deem closed as of Friday, March 6, 2025 when the DA's office dropped all charges against suspect Andrew David Cook after the grand jury did not indict suspect Andrew David Cook citing not enough evidence. The Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel told the family he would review the case to see if other charges could apply after the grand jury did not indict Andrew David Cook but ultimately told the family 2 weeks later he would not re-investigate the case and the case would remain closed. Sources say officials will more than likely respond to the the family's demand within the next 72 hours. What they will say is not known.

One of the biggest superstars in sports has been confirmed dead. College superstar and talent LSU WR Kyren Lacy has committed suicide according to his family and neighbors. Kyren was potentially going to be drafted in the 1st round of the NFL Draft this year. Kyren was schedule to appear in court Monday, April 14, 2025 in relations to the hit and run accident that killed an 87 year white man a few months ago. Sources say this was the reason Kyren committed suicide as he initially thought the charges would be dismissed. This is a developing story.

Hattiesburg, Miss - On Monday Evening, April 7, 2025, the family of Donivan Barnes will speak to the media and public for very first time since he was found dead on Saturday, October 7, 2023, during the University of Southern Mississippi's Homecoming Weekend. The press conference will be held Monday, April 7, 2025 at the C. E. Roy Community Center, 305 E. 5th Street, in Hattiesburg, MS. Doors open at 6pm. The press conference is scheduled to begin at 6:30pm. "This is about more than one person it's about a community coming together to demand answer and support a family in their fight for justice!"- Danesha Moye 100's are expected to show up and protest against Lamar County whom recently made the decision there wasn't enough evidence to charge suspect Andrew David Cook, a then 23 year old white man, with the killing of Donivan Barnes. Evidence included Donivan's DNA and blood on suspect Andrew David Cook's truck, video footage, Andrew and his mother Kimberly Yawn Walker confession and other evidence. Danesha Moye, Donvian's sister, said on social media, "This is about more than one person it's about a community coming together to demand answers and support a family in their fight for justice!" Monday's press conference will be the first protest of the killing of Donvian Barnes since his story first made national news in 2023. "We're asking everyone, friends, neighbors, leaders, and advocates to come out and stand with us," Danesha went on to say. "Your presence shows that Don's life matters and that we won't be silent!" Related Stories: To follow or see all of the stories about the Donivan Barnes case,  click here.

Here is your forecast for the weekend as you can expect showers almost everyday. Tonight, it will be mostly cloudy, with a low around 71. South southeast wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 25 mph. Saturday it will be scattered showers, mainly between 11am and 4pm. Mostly cloudy, with a high near 85. South wind 10 to 20 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 50%. New precipitation amounts of less than a tenth of an inch possible. Saturday Night will be isolated showers, then showers and possibly a thunderstorm after 1am. Low around 67. South wind 10 to 15 mph, with gusts as high as 30 mph. Chance of precipitation is 80%. New rainfall amounts between a quarter and half of an inch possible. Sunday will be showers and possibly a thunderstorm before 1pm, then scattered showers and thunderstorms between 1pm and 4pm, then scattered showers after 4pm. High near 76. South wind around 10 mph becoming west in the afternoon. Winds could gust as high as 20 mph. Chance of precipitation is 90%. New rainfall amounts between 1 and 2 inches possible. Then Sunday Night, there will be isolated showers before 1am. Mostly cloudy, with a low around 49. Northwest wind around 5 mph. Chance of precipitation is 20%.

To follow along with this special investigation of The Donivan Barnes' Case, see exclusive evidence, hear directly from witnesses & lawyers, share your insight on the case, see the timeline of events, and talk directly to the victim's family as we uncover the truth and investigate this story all in a private THN (Hattiesburg News) Jail & Crime Group ,  click here . (Warning: Some images and videos may be graphic.) Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel Hattiesburg, Miss- Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel told Donivan Barnes family that he has made his decision not charge suspect Andrew David Cook with any other charges in the Friday, October 6, 2023 killing of Donivan Barnes, a 26 year old black man from Hattiesburg, MS. The sheriff said told the family he has "turned this case upside down" and based on the evidence in the case file that his officers created, there is not enough evidence to charge Andrew David Cook with any more charges including murder, manslaughter, vehicular homicide, attempted murder, or aggravated vehicular homicide. Mississippi law requires a person to be charged with homicide, the unlawful killing of a human being without the authority of the law, if someone is killed, whether intentional or unintentional. Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel disagrees and has decided not to charge Andrew with any other crimes. Suspect Andrew David Cook Andrew David Cook, then a 23 year old white male, confessed to the killing of Donvian Barnes, his mother confessed to her role in the killing, Donivan's blood and DNA was confirmed by the Mississippi Crime Lab to be all over Andrew's damaged truck, and video footage is all included in the evidence discovered so far, but that evidence is not enough the sheriff says to charge Andrew with any other crimes. Lamar County District Attorney Hal Kittrell dropped all charges against Andrew David Cook on Friday, March 6, 2025. Kittrell thinks Andrew is innocent and should not face any punishment. Suspect Andrew David Cook never spent one day in a jail for the crime. Weeks later after Donivan was killed, Andrew confessed to the killing of Donivan, but was immediately released by the Lamar County Sheriff's Office. After strong push back from Donvian's family, the next day Lamar County court held a secret hearing after court was closed and staff was already gone home, suspect Andrew David Cook was booked and released within less than 2 hours. Lamar County District Attorney Hal Kittrell Donivan's family has several options including state or federal investigations. The community is outraged that Andrew David Cook has been able to walk away freely from killing someone, especially with so much evidence. THN will take a deeper look as to why the Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel refused to charge Andrew David Cook with any more charges and why the Lamar County District Attorney Hal Kittrell thinks Andrew David Cook is innocent despite mounting evidence. To follow along with the investigation, click here.

To follow along with this special investigation of The Donivan Barnes' Case, see exclusive evidence, hear directly from witnesses & lawyers, share your insight on the case, see the timeline of events, and talk directly to the victim's family as we uncover the truth and investigate this story all in a private THN (Hattiesburg News) Jail & Crime Group , click here . (Warning: Some images and videos may be graphic.) Photo Credits: This photo was taken by WDAM. Hattiesburg, Miss- Lamar County District Attorney Hal Kittrell does not believe Andrew David Cook, a 23 year old white suspect charged with killing Donvian Barnes, a 26 year old black man, is guilty based on the evidence in the case file. He dropped all charges against the suspect on Friday, March 6, 2025. " Cook had no reason to think he had hit a human being."- Lamar County DA Hal Kittrell The evidence in the case file included a confession from Andrew David Cook, his mother Dr. Kimberly Yawn Walker confession, Donivan's blood and DNA all over the suspect's truck, video evidence, and the truck itself which was badly damaged among other evidence. Despite all this evidence, the District Attorney says suspect Andrew Cook is innocent. Not only does he believe Andrew is innocent, he & his staff spent hours with Andrew, his mom, and their attorneys before dropping all charges and going before the grand jury. Had the Lamar County District Attorney thought the suspect Andrew Cook was guilty, he would have charged him with additional charges including homicide, aggravated vehicular homicide, murder, manslaughter, or vehicular homicide, typical charges in a hit and run case that results in someone losing their life. In response to our story about Kittrell dropping all charges against the suspect Andrew David Cook despite overwhelming evidence, Hal Kittrell told his side of the story to a local news station saying that despite Cook's confession, "Cook had no reason to think he had hit a human being!" According to records, the DA's office never reached out to interview Donivan's family which is very unusual considering they were witnesses in the crime. Because they found Donivan's body, not only are they witnesses in the crime, typically, it's the district attorney's office that works with the victim's family in the pursuit of justice. That didn't happen in this case. In response to refusing to meet with Donivan's family, they responded "We do not represent the victim's family."

Grand Coteau, Louisiana,- Dickey’s Barbecue , the legendary Texas barbecue chain known for its authentic “Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™,” is thrilled to announce its partnership with Gaubert Oil and its wholly owned subsidiary, Go-Bears Food Marts, to bring the unmistakable flavors of Texas barbecue to even more Louisiana communities. The first location in Grand Coteau is now open, with two additional locations to follow in 2025. This collaboration promises to enrich the local food scene and offer Louisiana residents a new place to enjoy genuine, slow-smoked barbecue that only Dickey’s can deliver. “We are so excited to bring Dickey’s signature Texas barbecue to Louisiana in partnership with Gaubert Oil and Go-Bears,” said Laura Rea Dickey , CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. “This expansion marks a new chapter in our mission to deliver authentic Texas barbecue to more communities across the country. We know the Louisiana food scene is incredible, and we can’t wait to be part of it.”The partnership, initially announced in late 2024, will introduce three Dickey’s locations throughout Louisiana, starting in Grand Coteau. The restaurant will offer a full menu of award-winning smoked meats, including the iconic brisket, pulled pork, ribs and chicken, paired with signature sides and hand-crafted barbecue sauces. Families and barbecue lovers alike will now have the opportunity to experience a taste of Texas in their own backyard.“We are proud to team up with Dickey’s to bring this renowned Texas barbecue experience to our Go-Bears Food Marts,” said Grady Gaubert, CEO of Gaubert Oil. “Dickey’s dedication to quality and flavor aligns perfectly with the values of our Go-Bears locations and we are excited to offer our customers a new dining option that’s both delicious and memorable.” The new locations will be a great addition to Go-Bears Food Marts, which are staples in the Louisiana community. With a focus on exceptional customer service, Gaubert Oil is confident that the partnership will be a hit with both loyal Go-Bears customers and new Dickey’s fans.“We’re thrilled to continue expanding the Dickey’s brand and bringing our beloved barbecue to even more regions,” said Roland Dickey Jr. , CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group. “This partnership with Gaubert Oil is a great opportunity to grow our presence in Louisiana and further our mission of providing high-quality, authentic Texas barbecue to people all over the country. We can’t wait to see the impact it has on this community.” Dickey’s Barbecue is committed to offering a dining experience that brings people together. With a focus on providing quality, slow-smoked meats and a family-friendly atmosphere, the Grand Coteau location will be the first of many to offer local families a place to gather and enjoy a meal that is as rich in flavor as it is in tradition. About Dickey’s Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. Founded in 1941 by The Dickey Family, Dickey's Barbecue Restaurants, Inc. is the world’s largest barbecue concept and continues as a third-generation family-run business. For over 80 years, Dickey’s Barbecue Pit has served millions with its signature Legit. Texas. Barbecue.™ Slow-smoked over hickory wood-burning pits, Dickey’s barbecued meats are paired with a variety of southern sides. Committed to authentic barbecue, Dickey’s never takes shortcuts—because real barbecue can’t be rushed. With over 866 restaurants across eight concepts in the U.S. and several countries, Dickey’s Barbecue Franchise and Dickey’s Restaurant Brands continues to grow under the leadership of  Roland Dickey, Jr ., CEO of Dickey’s Capital Group, and Laura Rea Dickey, CEO of Dickey’s Barbecue Pit, Inc. Dickey’s has been recognized on Newsweek’s 2022 "America’s Favorite Restaurant Chains" list, Nation’s Restaurant News 2024 top fast-casual brands for value, and USA Today’s 2021 Readers’ Choice Awards. The brand has also ranked in the Top 20 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” for four of the past five years. Additional accolades include Entrepreneur's Top 500 Franchise and Hospitality Technology’s Industry Heroes list. The brand has been featured by  Fox News, Forbes, Franchise Times, The Wall Street Journal,  and  People Magazine . For more information, visit  www.dickeys.com . For information about becoming a franchise partner, visit  www.dickeysfranchise.com

Scottsdale, Arizona,-   Black Rock Coffee Bar  is continuing its rapid growth in Arizona with the opening of a new location in Peoria in the Phoenix Metro Area.  Set to open on Wednesday, March 26th, the new store is located at 29751 N. El Mirage Rd. in Peoria’s Vistancia community.  To celebrate the grand opening, the boutique coffee chain will offer all customers $2.00 Medium drinks all day at this location, as well as other specials throughout the following week.   The new Peoria location brings the total number of stores in the Phoenix metro area to 42 and 52 in Arizona, furthering its mission to serve exceptional coffee experiences to local communities. “We’re thrilled to continue growing in the Phoenix area, which has become a major driver for our brand’s expansion,” said Mark Davis, CEO Black Rock Coffee Bar. “Phoenix has proven to be an incredible market for us. Opening our 42nd store in the Phoenix metro area is a testament to how much this community has embraced us. We’re excited to deepen our connection with the community and bring more people together over great coffee.” The new 2000-square-foot Black Rock Coffee Bar store showcases the boutique coffee chains’ signature industrial modern design. The design philosophy is aimed at ensuring that visitors can not only enjoy their favorite beverages but also relax, work, socialize in a laidback and inviting environment. To enhance the guest experience, Black Rock Coffee Bar recently announced the relaunch of Black Rock Rewards, making it easier for rewards members to order and get rewarded quicker whether in-store, online, or through the new mobile app. Special offers and promotions will continue post-opening through this program. With 153 stores across the U.S., the popular coffee chain is set to become the go-to destination for all coffee enthusiasts seeking fast and friendly service. The skilled team of baristas at Black Rock are committed to enhancing the overall customer experience making it their duty to brighten their customers' day. Black Rock Coffee Bar’s mission is to be a positive force in the communities it serves.  Founded in 2008 in Portland, Oregon, an area of the Pacific Northwest known for its coffee excellence, Black Rock Coffee Bar continues its rapid expansion in the West and into the Sunbelt with locations in Arizona, California, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Texas and Washington. The boutique coffee chain recently was named the Fastest Growing Private Company in Oregon and SW Washington in 2021 by the Portland Business Journal. In 2023, Black Rock Coffee Bar ranked 1179th among America’s Fastest-Growing Private Companies by Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Annual List.  The Black Rock culture prides itself on providing opportunities for young people to learn how to lead, run a business, and develop people skills.

To follow along with this special investigation of The Donivan Barnes' Case, see exclusive evidence, hear directly from witnesses & lawyers, share your insight on the case, see the timeline of events, and talk directly to the victim's family as we uncover the truth and investigate this story all in a private THN (Hattiesburg News) Jail & Crime Group ,  click here . (Warning: Some images and videos may be graphic.) Hattiesburg, Miss- On Friday, March 6, all charges against Andrew David Cook , the 23 year old white suspect charged for killing Donivan Barnes were dropped. Lamar County Sheriff Danny Rigel said he would review the case to see if other charges would apply. Andrew David Cook was only charged with "Leaving the sconce of an accident causing bodily harm or death." Despite mounting evidence in the case including the victim Donivan's blood all over Andrew's truck, video evidence, and 2 confessions, one from Andrew and another from his mother, still all charges were dropped which sent the community in flames. To follow this case, click here. THN has opened up its own investigations into what really happened to Donvian Barnes, who was a part of it, and what happened after he was killed that left Hattiesburg in shock.