Category: Uncategorized

Beloved Florence Middle School Coach Dies at 46

FLORENCE, Miss. (WJTV) – The Florence community is mourning the loss of Coach Eric Bridges, a longtime teacher, coach, and bus driver at Florence Middle School, who passed away on September 17, 2025, at the age of 46.

School officials said they are “incredibly heartbroken” by the news, remembering Bridges as more than an educator — he was a source of encouragement, laughter, and inspiration.

For the past two decades, Bridges dedicated himself to Florence Middle School, faithfully serving in multiple roles and becoming a beloved figure among students, colleagues, and parents alike. “Coach Bridges brought continuous joy to our entire FMS family,” the school shared in a statement. “We are so thankful for the community’s outpouring of love and support during this time. Please join us in keeping the Bridges family in your thoughts and prayers.”

Bridges’ influence extended far beyond the classroom and athletic fields, as he was remembered for his uplifting personality and deep care for the students he guided over the years.

Funeral services for Coach Bridges will be held at First Baptist Church of Florence on September 20, 2025, where family, friends, and the community will gather to celebrate his life and legacy.

Mississippi Delta Community College Football Player Dies After Game

Mississippi Delta Community College (MDCC) is mourning the loss of one of its athletes after freshman offensive lineman Emanuell Cooks, 18, died following a football game Thursday night.

Cooks, a native of Elba, Alabama, collapsed after MDCC’s matchup against Hinds Community College in Raymond, Mississippi. Emergency personnel provided immediate medical attention, and he was transported to a nearby hospital, where he was later pronounced dead.

School officials confirmed his passing Friday morning, calling it a devastating loss for the Trojans community. “Emanuell was a dedicated student-athlete with a bright future ahead of him,” MDCC said in a statement. “We extend our deepest condolences to his family, teammates, coaches, and friends during this heartbreaking time.”

Cooks was in his first season with the Trojans and had quickly become known for his strong work ethic, leadership qualities, and positive energy both on and off the field. Friends and teammates described him as uplifting, respectful, and passionate about the game of football.

The cause of death has not yet been released. Authorities and school officials are working with medical personnel to gather more information.

Cooks’ sudden passing marks a tragic moment for the Mississippi junior college football community. Tributes are pouring in from fellow athletes, coaches, and the Elba High School community where he graduated earlier this year.

Funeral arrangements will be shared once finalized, and MDCC has announced that grief counseling services will be made available for students and staff.

Texas Congressional Staffer Regina Santos-Aviles Dies After Tragic Fire at Home

The Uvalde community and Capitol Hill are mourning the loss of Regina Santos-Aviles, a 35-year-old congressional staffer for U.S. Rep. Tony Gonzales (R-Texas), who died after catching fire at her Texas home on September 14, 2025.

According to the San Antonio Express-News, Santos-Aviles’ mother, Nora Ann Gonzales, discovered her daughter engulfed in flames and desperately tried to save her. In her final moments, Santos-Aviles reportedly uttered the words, “I don’t want to die,” before being airlifted to Brooke Army Medical Center in San Antonio, where she was later pronounced dead.

Santos-Aviles, who was the mother of an 8-year-old boy, was a dedicated public servant and a well-known figure in Uvalde. She worked as a staffer for Rep. Gonzales, focusing on constituent services and community outreach. Her sudden and tragic death has left colleagues, friends, and loved ones stunned.

Rep. Gonzales and his staff issued a statement expressing their grief and calling Santos-Aviles a “devoted and compassionate member of our team whose commitment to the people of Texas will never be forgotten.”

Authorities are still investigating the circumstances that led to the fire. No official cause has been released.

Friends, family, and community leaders have since flooded social media with tributes and condolences, remembering Santos-Aviles as a caring mother, passionate advocate, and beloved member of the Uvalde community. Funeral arrangements are pending as loved ones rally to support her young son.

New Scotland Man Arrested on Felony Charges in Sexual Assault Investigation

ALBANY COUNTY, N.Y. — A New Scotland man has been arrested in connection with a sexual assault investigation involving a 16-year-old girl, the Albany County Sheriff’s Office announced Thursday.

Deputies said 38-year-old Hubert Campbell was taken into custody earlier this week and now faces multiple felony charges related to the case. Authorities have not released the full list of charges or specific details about the alleged assault, citing the ongoing investigation and the age of the victim.

According to the sheriff’s office, Campbell was arrested following an intensive investigation conducted by the Albany County Sheriff’s Special Victims Unit. Officials emphasized that protecting minors remains their highest priority and that the case will be handled with strict adherence to victim privacy.

Campbell was arraigned in local court and remanded to the Albany County Correctional Facility. Authorities said additional charges could be filed as the investigation continues.

Sheriff Craig Apple urged anyone with further information about the incident or other potential victims to contact the sheriff’s office directly. “We’re committed to a thorough and transparent investigation to ensure justice is served,” the sheriff said.

No further details about the victim’s condition or identity have been disclosed. The sheriff’s office said it will provide updates as the case moves through the courts.

Brooklyn Bodega Worker Claims Self-Defense in Fatal Scuffle With Local ‘Neighborhood Nuisance’

A Brooklyn bodega employee says he was forced to defend himself during a fatal altercation with a man he described as a “neighborhood nuisance” who threatened to kill him inside the Royal Deli & Grill earlier this week.

Kelvin Melo, 48, told the Daily News that Gerry Hill, 59, barged into the Bushwick shop Monday night and immediately started shouting, disrupting customers and yelling threats at staff. Melo said Hill punched him in the face, sparking a struggle on the floor.

“I grabbed him and he fell on top of me and we were fighting,” Melo recalled, noting that he initially thought the blood on his hands was his own.

During the melee, another employee, identified as Mukel Shaibi, reportedly struck Hill with a baton — a stick normally used to break ice — as the struggle unfolded. Hill eventually left the store but was later rushed to the hospital, where he died from his injuries.

Melo maintains that both he and Shaibi were acting in self-defense after Hill allegedly threatened, “I’m going to f–king kill you” and challenged employees to fight.

NYPD officers questioned both workers but, as of Thursday, no charges had been filed. The investigation into the incident is ongoing.

The deadly clash has renewed attention on the risks faced by New York City bodega employees, who frequently deal with theft, harassment, and violence while serving their neighborhoods.

Harrison County Community Mourns Sudden Death of Alicia Stubenrauch

KARNACK, Texas — The Harrison County community is grappling with the sudden death of 35-year-old Alicia Stubenrauch, also known as Alicia Shore, of Karnack. Authorities confirmed that Stubenrauch died on Sunday, September 14, just one day after being booked into the Harrison County Jail on a charge of tampering with evidence.

Harrison County Sheriff BJ Fletcher said the incident remains under investigation, and no additional details about the circumstances of her death have been released. The Texas Rangers are assisting with the case to ensure an independent review.

Family, friends, and community members have been left shocked and heartbroken by Stubenrauch’s passing. Known to many as a vibrant and caring individual, she is being remembered for her sense of humor, her compassion, and her ability to light up a room. Loved ones have taken to social media to share memories and tributes, reflecting on the impact she had in their lives.

Local advocacy groups have also expressed concern and called for transparency as authorities work to determine exactly what happened during Stubenrauch’s time in custody. Meanwhile, community members have organized informal vigils to honor her memory and offer support to her family during this painful time.

Funeral arrangements and memorial service details have not yet been announced. Friends and supporters say they hope to celebrate Alicia Stubenrauch’s life while seeking answers and accountability in the days to come.

Grammy-Winning Songwriter Brett James Dies in North Carolina Plane Crash at 57

Country music is mourning the loss of Brett James, the Grammy-winning songwriter behind some of the genre’s most iconic hits. James, 57, was among three people killed Thursday afternoon when a single-engine Cirrus SR22T aircraft crashed in an open field near Iotla Valley Elementary School in Franklin, North Carolina. Officials confirmed no one on the ground was injured.

According to flight records, the 2016 SR22T plane was registered to James under his legal name, Brett Cornelius. The aircraft departed Nashville’s John C. Tune Airport shortly after 1:40 p.m. and went down before 3 p.m. The FAA and National Transportation Safety Board are investigating the crash.

James began his career as a performer but soon became one of Nashville’s most sought-after songwriters. He penned more than two dozen No. 1 country radio hits, including Carrie Underwood’s “Jesus Take the Wheel,” Dierks Bentley’s “I Hold On,” Rascal Flatts’ “Summer Nights,” and songs for Kenny Chesney, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Martina McBride, and even Bon Jovi. In 2020, he was inducted into the Nashville Songwriters Hall of Fame.

Fellow artist Dierks Bentley called James a “total legend,” recalling their collaboration on “I Hold On” as life-changing. “Rest in peace, pal,” Bentley wrote on Instagram. “Total stud. Fellow aviator. One of the best singer-songwriters in our town.”

James is survived by his wife, Sandra, and their children. His passing leaves a profound void in the country music community, where his influence will endure for generations.

Newton Community Mourns the Loss of Andrew “Andy” Dannen of Ryan’s Tire & Auto

The Newton community is grieving the sudden loss of Andrew “Andy” Dannen, a beloved father, business owner, and friend. Andy passed away unexpectedly this week, leaving behind his family, friends, and countless customers whose lives he touched through his work at Ryan’s Tire & Auto.

To his son Ryan, he was simply “Dad.” But to those who knew him through the shop, Andy was much more — a chief encourager, legendary storyteller, and true friend. Known for his warmth and generosity, he had a gift for making everyone feel welcome, whether they were family, team members, or first-time customers walking through the door.

In a heartfelt statement, Ryan shared how his father instilled the values of honesty, integrity, and treating people right — principles that have shaped both their business and their lives. Andy’s well-known motto, “If you get up in the morning and I’m gone, you’re gonna have to lace your boots up and get back to work,” is a legacy his family plans to honor as they move forward.

As Ryan and his sister continue to process this devastating loss, they have pledged to uphold their father’s spirit and dedication to the community. They are asking for continued thoughts and prayers from friends, customers, and supporters during this difficult time.

Remembering Tommy “Boogie” Derr: Beloved West Lawn Beverage Icon Passes Away

The West Lawn Beverage family and the wider community are grieving the heartbreaking loss of Tommy “Boogie” Derr, who passed away after a tragic accident on Tuesday. Known by many affectionate nicknames — “OG,” “GOAT,” “Pops,” “Pappy,” and “TD” — Derr was far more than a familiar face at West Lawn Beverage. He was a mentor, friend, and pillar of the local community whose warmth and humor left an enduring impression on everyone he met.

For years, Derr embodied the spirit of West Lawn Beverage, making it more than just a store — he made it a gathering place where customers felt like family. Friends and co-workers remember his dedication, kindness, and ability to brighten even the most ordinary day. His sudden passing has left many in shock, disbelief, and deep sorrow.

In a heartfelt message shared online, West Lawn Beverage expressed their devastation, calling Derr their “OG” and “GOAT,” a testament to the impact he had on those around him. The message also promised commemorative highlights celebrating Derr’s life and legacy in the days to come. Plans for a community event, “A Toast to Tommy,” will be shared soon.

As the community mourns, the Derr family and West Lawn Beverage team are asking for patience and support as they navigate life without their beloved Tommy. Though he may be gone, his legacy of generosity, laughter, and love will continue to inspire all who knew him.

Gunfire Reported at Kalihi Valley Homes Leaves Community on Edge

Honolulu, HI – Police are investigating a late-night shooting in the Kalihi Valley Homes (KVH) area after multiple 911 calls reported gunfire shortly before midnight on Thursday, September 18, 2025.

According to the Honolulu Police Department (HPD), several rounds were fired within the public housing complex, one of the largest in the city. While no injuries have been reported, the incident has left many residents alarmed and fearful.

Officers responded quickly, securing the area and canvassing for evidence. Detectives collected shell casings and are reviewing surveillance footage in an effort to identify those involved. Authorities have not yet confirmed whether the shooting was linked to ongoing disputes, gang activity, or other criminal matters.

For many families living in KVH, the sound of gunfire so close to home has reignited long-standing concerns about safety. Community leaders have called for increased patrols and stronger preventive measures to protect residents.

Honolulu officials emphasized the importance of community cooperation in solving the case. They are urging anyone with information to contact HPD or submit anonymous tips through CrimeStoppers.

Although no one was injured, the shooting serves as a stark reminder of the risks faced by communities where violence has erupted in the past. Residents are hopeful that swift police action will prevent further incidents and restore a sense of security.

The investigation remains ongoing, and HPD says additional updates will be provided as more details become available.