Brandon Raines

Multimedia Journalist at WHLT-TV (Hattiesburg, MS)

Multimedia Journalist at WJTV-TV (Jackson, MS)

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Articles

Illegal animal dumping leads to overcrowding at Hattiesburg shelter

4 days ago | wjtv.com | Brandon Raines

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The Hub City Humane Society in Hattiesburg said illegal animal dumping has caused critical overcrowding at the shelter. Last week, officials said the Hub City Humane Society rescued five animals that had been illegally dumped nearby.
Teachers react after Mississippi drops US History assessment

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Brandon Raines

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Mississippi educators responded to the State Board of Education’s (SBE) decision to eliminate the administration and graduation requirement of the U.S. History statewide assessment beginning in the 2025-26 school year. Dr. Darian Spann, president of the Mississippi Association of Educators (MAE), said he hopes the state will consider eliminating more mandated tests. He believes state testing is often unnecessary and fails to accurately measure a student’s knowledge.
Jury convicts teen in death of USM football player

1 week ago | wkrg.com | Brandon Raines

Posted: Jun 19, 2025 / 03:16 PM CDT Updated: Jun 19, 2025 / 03:16 PM CDT HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – Orlando May was found guilty of capital murder in connection to the death of Southern Miss football player MJ Daniels. On June 19, the jury found May guilty of capital murder, conspiracy to commit armed robbery and vehicle theft.
Prosecution rests in trial of teen accused of killing USM football player

1 week ago | yahoo.com | Brandon Raines

HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The prosecution rested its case on June 18 in the capital murder trial of Orlando May. He’s accused of killing Southern Miss football player MJ Daniels in 2024. Eight witnesses took the stand, including Samir Green and Nytavion Shaw. They testified that they helped steal a white Acura the night of the shooting.
Trial begins for teen accused of killing USM football player

1 week ago | wjtv.com | Sethanie Smith |Brandon Raines

by: Sethanie Smith, Brandon Raines Posted: Jun 17, 2025 / 04:48 PM CDT Updated: Jun 17, 2025 / 06:12 PM CDT HATTIESBURG, Miss. (WHLT) – The trial for one of the suspects accused of killing a Southern Miss football player in 2024 began on June 17. Orlando May faces multiple charges, including capital murder. Both the prosecution and the defense gave their opening statements on Tuesday.
More than 1,000 ICE arrests made across Mississippi

2 weeks ago | wjtv.com | Brandon Raines

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased arrests of undocumented immigrants in Mississippi. According to the agency, more than 1,000 undocumented immigrants were arrested in the state this fiscal year. Brian Acuna, acting-Field Officer Director for the ICE New Orleans Office, said agents are mostly focusing on those who pose a threat.
More than 1,000 ICE arrests made across Mississippi

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Brandon Raines

JACKSON, Miss. (WJTV) – Agents with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) have increased arrests of undocumented immigrants in Mississippi. According to the agency, more than 1,000 undocumented immigrants were arrested in the state this fiscal year. Brian Acuna, acting-Field Officer Director for the ICE New Orleans Office, said agents are mostly focusing on those who pose a threat.
Jones County investigators work to solve missing persons cases

2 weeks ago | wjtv.com | Brandon Raines

JONES COUNTY, Miss. (WHLT) – The Jones County Sheriff’s Department is working to solve cold cases in the county that involve missing persons. In the first case, James Abel Pryor was last seen on August 14, 2025, in Shady Grove. His father reported him missing on September 18, 2025. Pryor’s truck was found abandoned on his father’s hunting property on Trace Road. “I really believe that truck was placed there as a decoy to try and throw off Barry, Pryor’s father, and the family and law enforcement.
Magee police chief lauds decline in violent crime rates

2 weeks ago | yahoo.com | Brandon Raines

MAGEE, Miss. (WJTV) – Violent crime in Magee is down as the police department targets the roots of drug and gang violence. The City of Magee has seen a 54% drop in violent crime, according to Police Chief Denis Borgas. The department reported only 27 gun-related incidents in 2025 as of June 10. This is down from 148 in 2024. Borgas, who took over the department in September 2024, said this is a major accomplishment for both the city and the Magee Police Department.
Magee police chief lauds decline in violent crime rates

2 weeks ago | wjtv.com | Brandon Raines

MAGEE, Miss. (WJTV) – Violent crime in Magee is down as the police department targets the roots of drug and gang violence. The City of Magee has seen a 54% drop in violent crime, according to Police Chief Denis Borgas. The department reported only 27 gun-related incidents in 2025 as of June 10. This is down from 148 in 2024. Borgas, who took over the department in September 2024, said this is a major accomplishment for both the city and the Magee Police Department. “I’m happy with it.