CLEVELAND, Ohio (THN News) - The Cleveland Browns have settled their quarterback competition, naming Deshaun Watson the starter for the season opener at the Jacksonville Jaguars, according to CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. The decision puts Watson back in line to play his first regular-season game since Oct. 10, 2024, when he tore his Achilles. He later re-tore the tendon in early January 2025, an injury that kept him out for all of last season. Watson beat out Shedeur Sanders for the job after a preseason competition that featured uneven reps, loud public reaction, and another round of scrutiny around one of the most expensive quarterback bets in NFL history. Cleveland opens the season with a major quarterback decision already made. Watson gets the nod after a tense preseason Watson had been viewed as a slight leader for much of the Browns’ quarterback battle. He often received the first reps with the first-team offense, even though the total work with starters appeared to be split more evenly at times. The preseason schedule also hinted at the pecking order. Watson started in preseason Week 1 with several starters, while Sanders started in preseason Week 2 with mostly backups. That made the final call less surprising, even if Sanders had a real chance to push the competition deeper. Browns head coach Monken, in his first year leading the team, said the competition played out in “the best way I thought we could go about it.” The result is clear now: the Browns Name Deshaun Watson Starter Over Shedeur Sanders for Season Opener, and the team will open the season with the veteran under center. Quarterback Preseason role What it suggested Deshaun Watson Started Week 1 alongside starters Cleveland still viewed him as the front-runner Shedeur Sanders Started Week 2 with mostly backups He remained in the race but did not receive the same setup Browns staff Split reps at times The team wanted a competition, but Watson held the edge The Bills game turned up the pressure The timing of the announcement adds another layer to the story. Just two days before the reported decision, Watson struggled badly in preseason Week 2 against the Buffalo Bills. He completed 5 of 12 passes for 35 yards with an interception. He played in the third and fourth quarters with, and against, backups. Browns fans booed during the performance, and Watson responded afterward by criticizing the reaction. “I think the whole world knows it has nothing to do about the performance,” Watson said. “It’s a little bit more personal than that. So, I think it’s a disrespectful thing.” Those comments ensured the quarterback decision would carry more than football meaning in Cleveland. Watson has not only been fighting for the starting job. He has also been trying to regain trust from a fan base that has seen little return from the franchise’s massive investment. Sanders falls short in the first decision point Sanders entered the competition as the more intriguing option for many fans. He brought name recognition, youth, and the possibility of a fresh start at the position. Still, Cleveland’s handling of the preseason suggested the staff did not view the two quarterbacks as perfectly equal. Watson’s Week 1 start with starters mattered. Sanders’ Week 2 start with mostly backups mattered, too. That does not mean Sanders is out of the picture. A long NFL season can change depth charts quickly, especially when a starter is returning from serious injury. Watson’s two Achilles injuries add obvious uncertainty, and his recent performance has not quieted questions. For now, though, Sanders will have to wait. The Browns’ choice shows that the coaching staff still values Watson’s experience and believes he gives the team its best immediate chance, even with all the concerns attached to the decision. Cleveland’s Watson trade still hangs over everything No Browns quarterback decision involving Watson can be separated from the cost of acquiring him. In 2022, Cleveland traded three first-round picks, a third-round pick, and two fourth-round picks to the Houston Texans for Watson and a sixth-round pick. The Browns then signed him to a fully guaranteed five-year, $230 million contract. That deal reset expectations from the start. Watson was not brought in to compete for a job years later. He was brought in to solve the position. Instead, his Cleveland tenure has been defined by missed time, injury, suspension, inconsistent play, and growing frustration. Watson did not play during his final season in Houston in 2021. After the trade, he was suspended for the first 11 games of the 2022 season. Since joining the Browns, he has appeared in just 19 games. That limited availability is central to the disappointment. The Browns paid a franchise-changing price, then had to keep building around a quarterback who has rarely been on the field. What this means for the opener at Jacksonville The season opener at the Jaguars now becomes a major test for Watson and Cleveland’s coaching staff. Watson will be returning from a long layoff and two Achilles injuries. He will also be playing under heavy scrutiny after a poor preseason outing and pointed comments toward Browns fans. The Jaguars game will not answer every question about the Browns’ season, but it will offer the first real look at what Watson can still be in this offense. Cleveland needs more than flashes. The team needs basic stability at quarterback, efficient drives, and fewer plays that put the defense in bad spots. That is especially true on the road in Week 1, where early mistakes can tilt the game quickly. For Sanders, the next step is different. He needs to stay ready, keep taking second-team reps seriously, and be prepared if circumstances change. Backup quarterbacks often become central figures in the NFL, and Cleveland’s recent history makes that lesson hard to ignore. The Browns are betting on Watson one more time The Browns’ decision is not just about the Week 1 depth chart. It is another declaration that the franchise is still tied to Watson, both financially and competitively. Naming him the starter gives Cleveland the cleanest short-term path. It also exposes the team to the same questions that have followed Watson since the trade: health, performance, public trust, and whether the investment can still produce anything close to the original expectation. Cleveland’s quarterback choice will be tested immediately in Week 1. Watson now has the job. The harder part starts in Jacksonville. If he plays well, the Browns can move forward with a calmer quarterback room. If he struggles, the calls for Sanders will return quickly, and the pressure around one of the NFL’s most debated quarterback situations will only grow.

LOS ANGELES, Cal. (THN News) - William “Will” Leapart, a 19-year-old former Tustin High School football standout, was killed late Thursday night in Compton in a shooting that has left friends, family members, teammates, and the Orange County community grieving. Los Angeles County sheriff’s deputies responded shortly before 10 p.m. to the 14000 block of South Stanford Avenue after reports of a shooting, according to the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department. Leapart was found dead at the scene. The Los Angeles County Medical Examiner’s office identified the victim as William Leapart, 19. He was known across Tustin for his athletic talent, his presence on the field, and the character that friends say made him easy to root for. A close friend of Leapart’s family said the shooting reportedly stemmed from a hat he was wearing at the time. Authorities have not publicly confirmed a motive. A quiet field reflects the loss felt by a school community. Deputies responded to a late-night shooting in Compton The shooting happened shortly before 10 p.m. last Thursday in Compton, according to sheriff’s officials. Deputies were called to the area after reports of gunfire. When they arrived, they found Leapart dead at the scene. The incident was also described in reports as involving a car crash, though officials have released limited details about the sequence of events. The case remains part of an active law enforcement investigation. Public details so far have been limited to the location, time frame, victim identification, and the confirmation that deputies responded to a reported shooting. No suspect information has been included in the available details provided in the brief. Authorities have not publicly announced arrests in the information presented here. For the people who knew Leapart, the lack of answers adds another layer to the grief. A young man known for focus, discipline, and promise was taken in a violent moment far from the football field where so many knew his name.

GREENWOOD, South Carolina (THN News) - According to Cody Alcorn of NBC -Atlanta, the Greenwood Police Department said the girl’s mother contacted law enforcement after discovering her daughter was missing. During the investigation, officers determined the teenager had been with Secdrick Cooper, 31, and that the two had engaged in sexual intercourse. Police said Cooper was arrested because the girl could not legally consent under South Carolina law. Cooper is charged with second-degree criminal sexual conduct with a minor, or attempted criminal sexual conduct with a minor, involving a victim younger than 16. He is also charged with first-degree sexual exploitation of a minor. Jail records show Cooper was arrested Aug. 16 and denied bond on both charges. Police said Cooper lives in Simpsonville and does not reside in Greenwood. Investigators said he and the teenager met through a mutual acquaintance connected to a workplace. Cooper signed with the Atlanta Falcons as an undrafted free agent on April 28, 2018. He spent the 2018 preseason with the team before being waived during final roster cuts on Aug. 31, 2018.

SEATTLE, Wash (THN News) - The Seattle Seahawks added a proven but recently injury-limited cornerback to their secondary, signing former Dallas Cowboys standout Trevon Diggs to a one-year contract after putting their planned signing of Arnold Donald on hold. ESPN’s Adam Schefter first reported the agreement, citing a source informed of the situation. Seattle later announced the move and confirmed the corresponding release of wide receiver Julian Hicks. The signing gives the Seahawks another option in a cornerback room that had become thin in the short term. Arnold, a former first-round pick of the Detroit Lions, is facing eight felony charges in connection with a February robbery and kidnapping. Schefter reported that Seattle still plans to sign Arnold, though he is expected to land on the Commissioner’s Exempt List. Seattle added depth at cornerback after its Arnold plans were delayed. Seattle adds Diggs after putting Arnold move on hold The timing of the move matters as much as the player. Seattle had been preparing to add Arnold, but his legal situation changed the immediate outlook for the defensive backfield. The Commissioner’s Exempt List would keep Arnold away from game action while the league reviews the matter. That created a short-term roster need for the Seahawks, who were already looking for more support at cornerback. Diggs gives Seattle an experienced option with a high-end playmaking history. He is not arriving as a long-term building block on a multiyear deal. The one-year structure points to a more immediate purpose: add a veteran cover man, create competition, and give the coaching staff another usable body while the team waits for clarity on Arnold. Seattle worked out Diggs earlier this week, according to the report. That step suggested the club wanted to evaluate where he stood physically before making a commitment. The Seahawks also had to clear a roster spot, which led to Hicks being released. Hicks’ departure gives Seattle room to bring in Diggs as the team continues reshaping the back end of its roster. Diggs brings a rare ballhawk track record Diggs entered the NFL as a second-round pick out of Alabama and spent six seasons with the Cowboys. At his best, he was one of the league’s most dangerous cornerbacks when the ball was in the air. His peak came in 2021, when he led the NFL with 11 interceptions. That season made him one of the most recognizable defensive backs in football and helped cement his reputation as a corner who could change a game with one read. He earned two Pro Bowl selections during his time in Dallas. Those honors came because of his instincts, length, and willingness to challenge throws rather than simply survive in coverage. That skill set should be attractive to Seattle. The Seahawks have often valued defensive backs who can turn coverage into takeaways. Diggs fits that profile when healthy and in rhythm. Diggs built his reputation on takeaways and aggressive coverage. Health and availability remain the key questions Diggs’ recent career has been shaped less by talent than availability. He suffered a torn ACL early in the 2023 season and struggled to stay on the field after returning. The concern for Seattle is not whether Diggs has shown NFL-level ability. That part is clear. The question is how close he can get to the version of himself that made plays at a Pro Bowl level in Dallas. After his Cowboys tenure ended, Diggs was released late in 2025 and claimed by the Green Bay Packers. His stop in Green Bay was brief. He appeared in two games for the Packers, Week 18 and the Wild Card Round, and played just one snap in the playoff loss before being released after the postseason. That recent usage shows why this signing has a measured feel. Seattle is taking a look at a talented player on a short deal, not making a sweeping bet that he will immediately return to his peak. For Diggs, the opportunity is clear. A one-year deal gives him a path to reestablish himself, prove he can hold up physically, and show that his ball skills still translate after the knee injury. For the Seahawks, the risk is limited if the contract is structured like many late veteran additions. The reward is more interesting. If Diggs recaptures even part of his Dallas form, Seattle gets a cornerback who can create turnovers and push the depth chart. What it means for the Seahawks secondary Seattle’s cornerback room needed immediate reinforcement once Arnold became unavailable in the short term. Diggs helps fill that gap, though his exact role will likely depend on his conditioning, health, and how quickly he picks up the defense. The Seahawks can use him in several ways: As a veteran outside corner who competes for defensive snaps As insurance while Arnold’s status remains uncertain As a rotational defensive back who can play in specific matchups As a camp and roster competitor if Seattle keeps adding at the position The signing does not erase the Arnold situation. It simply gives Seattle a more stable option while that process unfolds. The club still plans to sign Arnold, according to Schefter, but any move involving a player expected to land on the Commissioner’s Exempt List carries uncertainty. Seattle needed someone who could help now. Diggs fits that need better than a player who may not be available to practice or play. A short-term move with a clear purpose The Seahawks are not signing Diggs based only on what he did in 2021. They are also not ignoring that season. Few available cornerbacks have led the league in interceptions, earned multiple Pro Bowl nods, and played starting-level football for a franchise like Dallas. That mix explains the move. Seattle needed a cornerback. Diggs needed a chance. The Arnold delay created the opening. The next step is performance. Diggs will have to show that the workout was not just a snapshot, but a sign that he can contribute on an NFL field again. If he does, Seattle may have found a useful answer at a position where depth can disappear quickly. If he does not, the one-year deal gives the Seahawks flexibility. That matters for a team balancing immediate roster needs with a complicated situation involving another planned signing. Diggs gets another chance to show he can still contribute. For now, the move gives Seattle a veteran corner with real playmaking history and something to prove. It is a practical response to an unsettled depth chart, and it puts Diggs back in position to compete for meaningful snaps.

JACKSON, Miss (THN News) -Jackson State University is entering a new athletic chapter after the departure of Vice President and Director of Athletics Ashley Robinson, a Jackson native whose tenure lined up with one of the most visible stretches in the Tigers’ modern sports history. Robinson has left Jackson State, according to a WLBT report. On Wednesday, the Texas Southern Board of Regents reportedly approved Robinson for the athletic director position at Texas Southern. Multiple JSU coaches also posted farewell messages to Robinson on social media, signaling the end of a long run in charge of the Tigers’ athletic department. Alyse Wells-Killbert will serve as Jackson State’s interim vice president and director of athletics.

Elite High School Athletes Series: Track Star Breyln Tucker BILOXI, Miss (THN News) - In our new Elite High School Athletes Series, we're covering some of the most talented high school athletes in the country. Today, we're traveling to the Mississippi Gulf Coast to meet the #1 ranked 110mh in Mississippi, 18 year old Brelyn Tucker, a senior at Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. Photo: Brelyn Tucker practicing at Gulfport High School in Gulfport, Mississippi. Bre is 5'11 and 140 pounds full of pure talent. And he has the medals to prove it. He won 1st place at the Mississippi Track and Field All-Stars sponsored by MAP, the most important meet in Mississippi, where all student athletes from home, private and public schools come together, regardless of classification, to compete to be the #1 in the state. Photo: Coach Dee Moye, President of the National Association of Players awards Star Athlete Brelyn Tukcker his state all-star gold medal and official all-star certificate. He also placed 2nd at the 2026 State Championship sponsored by MHSAA, competing against the best in his school classification, the most important event in 7A. Photo: Brelyn Tucker being awarded runner-up medal for placing 2nd at the MHSAA State Championship. But who is Bre? Born 15 days before Christmas, instead of reindeer, he loves horses. In keeping with the Christmas spirit, his favorite color is green. Now, when it comes to food, his favorite dish is alfredo, preferably cooked by his sister. And out of all of the sports teams in the world, his favorite sports team is the Atlanta Hawks. No doubt about it, Bre is build different. He's very handsome. He's very intelligent. He's very hardworking. He's extremely talented. And yes, your dreams are true. He's single as a pringle. Photo: Brelyn Tucker as a senior in class at Gulfport High School. We asked Brelyn, "How would you describe this past season?" As he took a moment and reflected on last season's meet and its results, he simply replied two words: "Major Growth!" We then asked, "How would you describe the work you've put in this summer to prepare for this upcoming season?" Pondering and gleaming over his summer experiences, both the success and his future goals, an elated Brelyn stated, "staying consistent." All that hard got us thinking about this upcoming season, his final season as high school student. So we asked what everyone else wanted to know, "What can fans expect from you this season?" Gratified yet unpretentious, unruffled by the pressures of the denouement of his final high school season, Brelyn enthusiastically rejoined , "Growth and faster times!" Photo: Brelyn Tucker warming up at the state all-star meet, The Mississippi Track and Field All-Stars 2026. Inspired by his family and coaches, the reason he competes in Track and Field is for a better opportunity. Bre says Track and Field to him is "Everything." Finally, we asked Brelyn perhaps one of the most important questions we ask all athletes toward the end of the interview, "What would you like to say to your future college coaches and future teammates? "I'm glad I got the opportunity to move on the the next level and won't let you guys down and will try my best to succeed and meet all your expectations," he eagerly stated. A state all-star. A state championship runner-up. The #1 ranked 110 mh in the state. A high school senior who's PB is 14.27. A student athlete that holds the records at two seperate high schools. We asked ourselves? "What's behind all of this success of one of Mississippi most talented student athletes?" We asked him and his answer might shock you. "I was told I wasn't good enough. So I found what I love and made myself good enough!" Brelyn confidently answered. A kid from Mississippi Gulf Coast who's had to overcome so many hurdles in life for not being good enough is now being recognized not only as one of the best at overcoming hurdles in high school track and field in Mississippi, but may end up being one of the best in the country. America meet star athlete Brelyn Tucker!

GULFPORT, Miss (THN News)- Elijah Eckford has pleaded guilty in the homicide of 16-year-old Zaelyn Braxton, a Gulfport teen found shot to death outside his family home in February 2024. A judge sentenced Eckford to a total of 35 years to serve after he admitted during a plea hearing that he went to Braxton’s home to steal a gun. The case centered on the events of February 12, 2024, when Gulfport Police responded to a home on Kenwood Drive and found Braxton’s body near the back doorway. Investigators said the teenager had been shot multiple times. Police found Braxton outside his family home According to the case details, Gulfport Police found Zaelyn Braxton at about 2:30 a.m. on February 12, 2024. His body was located in the back doorway of his family home on Kenwood Drive. Detectives began piecing together what happened through surveillance footage and evidence recovered from the scene. Investigators found video showing a suspect running down the road, getting into a vehicle, and leaving the area. They also recovered Braxton’s phone. Police said information from the phone showed that Braxton had made plans to meet Elijah Eckford that night. Those facts became key parts of the investigation. They helped connect Eckford to the location and to the events leading up to the shooting. Eckford first denied involvement, then changed his account Police interviewed Eckford after identifying him during the investigation. According to investigators, he initially denied any involvement in the shooting. He later admitted he had gone to Braxton’s home, but he first gave detectives a different explanation for why he was there. Eckford told police he had gone to sell Braxton a vape. He said the two argued about the price, and that the argument turned into a shootout. That account changed during the plea hearing. In court, Eckford said the real reason he went to Braxton’s home was to steal a gun. He said Braxton had shown off the gun on social media. Eckford said that when Braxton grabbed the gun, he heard a gunshot and began firing at the teen. He then ran away from the scene. The plea hearing account marked a major shift from his earlier statement to police and gave the court a clearer version of the motive presented in the case. Investigators said Braxton’s phone helped show plans to meet Eckford that night. Judge imposed consecutive sentences Judge Christopher Schmidt sentenced Eckford to 25 years for Second-Degree Murder and 10 years for Shooting into a Dwelling. The sentences will run consecutively. That means Eckford must serve one sentence after the other, for a total of 35 years to serve. Assistant District Attorney Jasmine Magee prosecuted the case. The sentencing closes a major legal chapter in the Elijah Eckford sentenced to 35 years in Zaelyn Braxton homicide case, though the impact of the shooting remains with Braxton’s family, Eckford’s family, and the Gulfport community. Prosecutors described the case as a warning about youth violence District Attorney Crosby Parker addressed the broader impact of the case after sentencing, calling it a painful reminder of what youth violence can take from families and communities. “This case is another painful reminder of the devastating consequences of youth violence,” Parker said. “A 16-year-old lost his life, a then-19-year-old will spend decades in prison, and two families will carry the weight of this tragedy for the rest of their lives. As a community, we must continue investing in our youth and impress upon them that carrying a gun and making a split-second decision can have lifelong, irreversible consequences.” The statement pointed to two losses. Braxton’s life ended at 16. Eckford, who was 19 at the time, will now spend decades in prison. The case also highlights how quickly a planned meeting turned deadly. According to the plea hearing account, the encounter was tied to a plan to steal a gun. Moments later, gunfire left one teenager dead and another young man facing a long prison sentence.

Video Source: Hattiesburg News. HATTIESBURG, Miss. (THN NEWS) - Celebrity Chef Jamiah Nelson, famously known as "Mr. Pork Steak" makes his final stop in Hattiesburg today, located across from Advance Auto Parts, next to Autozone on Broadway Drive, opening up at 5:00pm. The first people in line will receive a FREE crawfish plate, thanks to Hattiesburg News and Hometown Hero, Dee "Mr. Hattiesburg" Moye, who had an exclusive one on one interview with the celebrity chef. "That's my brother man. I'm happy he pulled up in Hattiesburg. The only bad thing is I was just about to start my diet today but since he's in town, I'll start tomorrow," Mr. Moye joking said. "But seriously, I always do whatever I can to not only support our community, but I also try to do my best to support and uplift the culture. He's a great young black man who's doing something positive and I don't think we celebrate our own enough," said Mr. Moye. "Hattiesburg, I love you so much. I'm telling you their is no hate in my heart for you. There's no hate in my heart for Hattiesburg. They come! They show out!" Mr. Pork Steak said excitingly. Mr. Moye went on to say, "Hattiesburg News won its first official state award yesterday on the Gulf Coast; certified as one of the top news agencies in the state, so we're still celebrating!" Dee Moye is the Principal of The HMG Firm, the parent company that owns Hattiesburg News.

LAUREL, Miss (THN News) - The recent investigation into Johnny Collier, a contractor hired by the City of Laurel, Mississippi, has stirred significant public interest and debate. After an investigation by Hattiesburg News, Johnny Collier has been cleared of any wrongdoing. He has not broken any state or local laws. Both Johnny Collier's family and the City of Laurel welcomed the news. Understanding the Case: What Happened with Johnny Collier? Hattiesburg News received multiple inquires about people in Laurel performing jobs without proper license or authority, which promoted a THN Investigation, prompting state officials to clarify licensing requirements. Johnny Collier was contracted by the City of Laurel to demolish houses. Questions arose about whether he held the proper residential contractor license for this work. "Submitting a bid, entering into a contract, or otherwise engaging in the business of a contractor without holding a certificate of responsibility number issued under this chapter in violation of Miss Code Ann. §31-3-21," According to state officials, typically contractors that violate state law formal complaints say, "Submitting a bid, entering into a contract, or otherwise engaging in the business of a contractor without holding a certificate of responsibility number issued under this chapter in violation of Miss Code Ann. §31-3-21," as with the case of MD Designs LLC, Byrne & Jones Sports Construction, Hargrove Sealcoating and Stripping, MS Designs Inc, SD Industries LLC, Joe R Jones Construction Inc and countless others. However, The Mississippi Board of Contractors confirmed that a residential contractor license is not required for demolishing residential houses, especially for projects under $50,000. He is also not required to get commercial license either. Not only does the state not require a license, it does not issue licenses specifically for demolition projects below this threshold. Instead, the only necessary approval is from the local municipalities on what they require, which is generally liability insurance. Since the City of Laurel contracted Johnny Collier, this approval effectively authorized his work. State officials concluded that Johnny was not in violation of any state or local laws. This clarification ended the uncertainty surrounding his licensing status and the legitimacy of his contract. Reactions from City Officials and the Community "We're glad to hear this news!" - Laurel City Council President George Carmichael. The outcome of the investigation was welcomed by many city leaders and residents. City Council President George Carmichael was both relieved and excited about the news that the City of Laurel as well Johnny Collier did not break any laws. He emphasized that the process reaffirmed Laurel’s commitment to being accountable to its citizens. "The City of Laurel is being transparent. Integrity is the most important thing to the City Council. Just glad that this didn't come to any criminal activity. We're glad to hear this news!" said President Carmichael." Johnny Collier’s family also voiced relief and happiness that his name was cleared. They felt he had been unfairly targeted but understood the public’s desire to know how tax dollars are spent and who receives contracts. The family highlighted Johnny’s ongoing contributions to the community, including: Sponsoring local sports teams and events Volunteering for community projects Providing free services such as counting down trees to protect homes in underserved neighborhoods These actions reflect Johnny’s dedication to giving back beyond his contracted work. The Controversy Around the Building Department While Johnny Collier’s case was resolved, it sparked many concerns about the City of Laurel’s building department. Often considered an outspoken critic of the current administration, Council Member Marian Allen pushed for an investigation into the department’s operations, citing dissatisfaction from many local businesses and residents. It also raised broader concerns from Councilwoman Allen, an outspoken community leader turned recently elected public official, about where citizens dollars are going and to who, as she continues to fight for not only better communities throughout Laurel, but also for transparency with the city government. These issues led to a packed city hall meeting where citizens voiced their frustrations. Despite the public pressure, the city council did not approve the proposed investigation. Councilwoman Allen also requested that all payments to contractors be paused until the matter was resolved. However, Mayor Johnny Magee opposed this, arguing that contractors who completed work should be paid promptly. The council ultimately agreed to pay Johnny Collier for his completed work, reflecting a balance between addressing concerns and honoring contractual obligations.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News)- Currently, Magnolia Avenue behind William Carey University is closed between Cherry Street and Arledge Street due to ongoing construction. Dust and holes in the road have added to the difficulties, making it essential for residents and commuters to stay informed and plan accordingly. What You Need to Know About the Magnolia Avenue Closure The closure affects the stretch of Magnolia Avenue directly behind William Carey University, specifically between Cherry Street and Arledge Street. This section is currently inaccessible to vehicles and pedestrians due to construction work. The closure has a noticeable effect on traffic patterns around William Carey University and the surrounding neighborhoods. Increased Congestion on Alternate Routes Drivers who normally use Magnolia Avenue must find alternative routes, which has led to heavier traffic on nearby streets such as Cherry Street, Arledge Street, and sections of Tuscan Ave. During peak hours, these detours can cause delays.

HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Currently, the right lane on Highway 49 near the Southern Miss campus and the Long Leaf overpass is closed. Crews are working on the side of the highway, leaving only one lane open for traffic. What Drivers Need to Know About the Lane Closure The right lane closure on Hwy 49 is causing significant traffic delays. Here are the key points every driver should keep in mind: Location: The closure is near the Southern Miss campus and the Long Leaf overpass. Lane Status: Only the left lane remains open for through traffic. Reason: Crews are working on maintenance or construction tasks on the side of the highway. Traffic Impact: Expect slower speeds and possible backups, especially during peak hours. Safety: Drivers should reduce speed, stay alert, and follow posted signs and flaggers’ instructions. What to Expect When Driving Through the Work Zone Driving through a lane closure requires extra caution. Here’s what you can expect: Reduced Speed Limits: Work zones often have lower speed limits to protect workers. Narrowed Lanes: With only one lane open, the road space is tighter than usual. Flaggers or Traffic Signals: Personnel or temporary signals may control the flow of traffic. Construction Vehicles: You may see trucks and equipment entering or exiting the work area. Sudden Stops: Traffic can slow or stop unexpectedly as vehicles merge.

Photo Credit: Picture of the Jackie Dole Community Center in downtown Hattiesburg. HATTIESBURG, Miss (THN News) - Today is sunny Sunday and hot. A great Mother's day indeed. However, there may be some rain tonight and there may be even more rain and thunderstorms tomorrow. Here's today and tomorrow's weather. Today’s Weather: Mostly Sunny and Calm Expect a pleasant day with mostly sunny skies and a high temperature near 84 degrees Fahrenheit. Key points for today: High temperature around 84°F Mostly sunny skies Calm wind, making it feel comfortable No significant chance of rain during the day Tonight’s Weather: Slight Chance of Showers and Patchy Fog As the day turns to night, the weather shifts slightly. Between 10 p.m. and midnight, there is a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms, with a 20% chance of precipitation. After 2 a.m., patchy fog may develop, reducing visibility in some areas. The temperature will drop to around 65 degrees, and the wind will remain calm. What to expect tonight: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms late evening Patchy fog after 2 a.m., which may affect early morning travel Low temperature near 65°F Calm wind conditions Monday’s Weather: Showers and Thunderstorms Likely Monday brings a higher chance of rain, with showers and thunderstorms likely mainly between 1 p.m. and 2 p.m. The chance of precipitation rises to 60%. Before 9 a.m., areas of fog may linger, but the day will be partly sunny overall. The high temperature will be near 82 degrees, slightly cooler than today. Winds will be calm in the morning but will shift to a north direction at around 5 mph in the afternoon. Important details for Monday: Showers and thunderstorms likely early afternoon 60% chance of precipitation New rainfall amounts between 0.1 and 0.25 inches, with higher amounts possible in thunderstorms Areas of fog before 9 a.m. Partly sunny skies with a high near 82°F Calm wind becoming north at 5 mph in the afternoon Thunderstorms can bring brief heavy rain and gusty winds, so stay updated with local alerts. Monday Night: Slight Chance of Showers and Mostly Cloudy Skies The evening of Monday will see a slight chance of showers and thunderstorms between 8 p.m. and 10 p.m., with a 20% chance of precipitation. The skies will be mostly cloudy, and temperatures will drop to around 61 degrees. Winds will be from the north-northeast at about 5 mph, becoming calm later in the night. Monday night summary: Slight chance of showers and thunderstorms early evening Mostly cloudy skies Low temperature near 61°F North-northeast wind around 5 mph, becoming calm