Sybil Wilkes is back with What We Need To Know, covering the news that matters most. From a closely watched death investigation in Mississippi to a viral moment lifting a Black-owned business, today’s “What We Need to Know”
No Charges in the Death of Nolan Wells
The office of the Jackson County District Attorney in Mississippi, led by Angel Myers McIlrath, announced that a grand jury unanimously returned a “no true bill” in the death investigation of 18-year-old Nolan Wells. That means no criminal charges or indictments will follow. The 23-member jury did not take the decision lightly. They reviewed phone forensic reports, GPS logs, security camera footage, 132 subpoenas, and testimony from 43 witnesses. The Wells family’s own legal team also reported finding no evidence of criminal activity. Prosecutors say Nolan was found dead in the water off Horn Island, off the Mississippi coast, on the morning of July 6 two days after he set out with a group of friends to celebrate the Fourth of July.
Major Networks Challenge White House Press Restrictions
In a significant move for press freedom, CNN, Politico, and MSNBC filed a joint lawsuit challenging White House restrictions on media access. The legal battle follows executive orders that revoked press credentials for those outlets over the weekend. In a show of solidarity, other major networks refused to provide shared television coverage in response to the restrictions. The outcome could shape how freely journalists report on the decisions that affect our neighborhoods and daily lives.
Tax Tuesday: Know Before You Deduct
For the entrepreneurs and business owners building wealth in our communities, here’s a reminder worth keeping. Luxury items like designer bags and eyewear rarely qualify as tax-deductible business expenses. The tax code requires deductible purchases to be ordinary, necessary, and directly tied to how your company operates. Proper documentation remains essential to withstand IRS scrutiny. If you own a business, keep clean records and clear receipts, that paperwork protects the work you’ve put in.
Ms. Rachel Sparks a Boost for Blended Joe
Now for some good news. Everyone loves children’s entertainer Ms. Rachel, and folks love her even more after she used her platform to lift up a Black-owned coffee shop. She took to social media and asked Black business owners to reply with their companies so people could support them, then highlighted specialty brand Blended Joe. That viral endorsement generated thousands of new customer orders for the shop. It’s a powerful reminder of what happens when we rally behind our own.
