MR
Michael R. Sisak
Criminal Justice & Courts · United Kingdom
Covers
Criminal Justice & Courts
Breaking News & General Assignment
Sports
Social Issues & Demographics
Business & Economy
Politics & Government
Seen in
Published work
The Independent
Jul 2026
Parents of Nolan Wells issue new plea as details of his July 4 death raise questions
Nolan Wells’ family and attorney Ben Crump called for a deeper investigation into the 18-year-old’s death during a July 4 outing to Horn Island, citing discrepancies in accounts from friends and concerns about missing phone data. The Jackson County Sheriff’s Office, which does not suspect foul play, says friends reported Wells chose to stay on the island, though the family disputes this and notes he appeared to be the only Black person in videos from the scene. An autopsy has been completed, with results pending, as authorities and the family continue seeking information from witnesses and anyone with video from the island.
The Independent
Jul 2026
StubHub sued by World Cup fans who say ticket cancellations crushed their dreams
Customers who purchased World Cup tickets through StubHub are suing the company after their orders were canceled or never delivered. The lawsuit, filed in New York, seeks class-action status and claims StubHub used misleading sales practices, leaving fans without tickets or refunds. StubHub attributes the issues to FIFA’s ticketing infrastructure, while FIFA denies responsibility for problems with third‑party platforms. The plaintiffs describe significant financial loss and unsuccessful attempts to resolve the issue through StubHub’s customer service.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Former NBA star Malik Beasley pleads not guilty in gambling scandal
Malik Beasley pleaded not guilty in federal court to charges that he manipulated his performance in several 2024 NBA games to benefit sports bettors and reduce personal debts. Prosecutors allege Beasley coordinated with bettors through former teammates and associates, including Ed Davis and agent Paolo Zamorano, who also entered not guilty pleas. The indictment outlines instances in which Beasley allegedly altered his play to meet or exceed betting lines, resulting in profits for conspirators. Both defendants were released on bond and are set for a future court appearance as investigators continue a broader gambling probe involving multiple former NBA players.
The Independent
Jul 2026
Trump told to pay up as E. Jean Carroll demands $5.8M after Supreme Court decision
E. Jean Carroll asked a federal judge to require Donald Trump to immediately pay the nearly $5.8 million owed following a civil verdict that found he sexually abused and defamed her, arguing he has exhausted all avenues of appeal after the Supreme Court declined to hear his case. Her lawyers oppose further delays requested by Trump’s team as they consider seeking reconsideration from the Court. Trump continues to deny the allegations and is appealing a separate $83.3 million defamation award issued earlier in 2024.