Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

After years of uncertainty, Mississippi teen sees drug approval for Barth syndrome

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 22, 2025
Seventeen-year-old Christopher Pena has spent his life battling Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that weakens the body. On Friday, he learned the drug he credits with giving him strength to jump, carry heavy items and keep up in school won accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration.

Neighbors build network of free food boxes in Hub City

Justin Glowacki, Makiya Jackson, McKenna Klamm and Michelle Pinto • September 22, 2025
Three “mini pantries” in the Hub City — on a university campus, at a community center and in a church driveway — form a network of neighbors fighting hunger.

‘A voice for the child’: Mississippi’s first appropriation for court advocates supports rural youth courts

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 15, 2025
The organization fills a gap in youth courts, where judges often lack time and staff to investigate every aspect of a child’s situation. Volunteers act as the court’s eyes and ears, focusing solely on what’s best for the child.

After 30 years, technology park takes shape in Picayune

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Ashlyn Joyner, Sameen Chand and Jaydon Koss • September 15, 2025
Construction is underway on the Pearl River County Technology Park across from the Picayune Municipal Airport — a development local leaders say will give residents better access to well-paying jobs close to home. 

Mississippi considers SNAP limits, nutritionists weigh food swaps 

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan, McKenna Klamm and Michelle Pinto • September 15, 2025
Mississippi families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could soon face limits on what foods they can buy, including soda and candy. 

Contract standoff sends Lucedale inmates to other counties

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan, McKenna Klamm and Makiya Jackson • September 8, 2025
A contract dispute over who pays for Lucedale inmates housed at the George County Regional Correctional Facility has led the police department to transport detainees to neighboring counties.

First restaurant planned in Leakesville’s Basila District

Morgan Gill, Jaydon Koss, Alexa Hatten, Sameen Chand and Ashlyn Joyner • September 8, 2025
The Basila District, a planned hub of businesses and green space, is the centerpiece of a push to keep young people in Greene County and attract new jobs.

Mississippi lawmakers weigh return of storm damage mitigation initiative

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 8, 2025
The Mississippi insurance commissioner is pushing to restart a hurricane damage mitigation program lawmakers cut off after only one year.

Richton splash pad delayed to 2026, town plans daily fee 

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan and McKenna Klamm • September 1, 2025
Months after town leaders promised a new splash pad, families are still blocked by locked gates. Now, the town estimates it won’t open until May 2026 — more than a year behind schedule — and residents will have to pay to use it. 

Jackson County K-9 brings closure to families, fills a critical gap in disaster response

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 1, 2025
Joe Ladnier went missing on Dec. 24, 2023. His wife said local authorities searched for four days before calling off the effort.

Wiggins businesses tap grants to refresh downtown district

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Jaydon Koss and Sameen Chand • September 1, 2025
Downtown Wiggins is getting a new look, thanks to $50,000 in grants helping local businesses repair, repaint and revive storefronts. Leaders of the Stone County seat said upgrades are drawing more visitors and energy to the small city’s two-street business district. 

Mississippi auto insurance rates begin to stabilize after years of increases 

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor, Nischit Sharma and Sameen Chand • August 25, 2025
After years of steady hikes, Mississippi auto insurance rates are showing signs of stabilizing, with more than a dozen companies approving decreases this year that could affect 80% of drivers. 
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