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Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Mississippi beekeepers brace for winter in wake of record die off 

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma October 20, 2025
From June 2024 through February 2025, U.S. beekeepers suffered their worst winter losses in more than a decade, with commercial operations losing an average of 62% of colonies. 

‘It changed my life’: music student’s hearing loss spotlights coverage gap in Mississippi

As the 2026 legislative session approaches, audiologists are urging legislators to revisit having private insurers cover hearing aids, saying the lack of coverage affects thousands of Mississippians each year. 

Mississippi lawmakers revisit tourism agency bill after governor’s veto 

The plan would separate Visit Mississippi —the state’s tourism division — from the Mississippi Development Authority — a move advocates say would give the multibillion-dollar industry more viability and flexibility. 

Sand in the tap: Pearl River County families push water utility accountability

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma October 13, 2025
Rural water customers are frustrated with limited oversight of nonprofit, member-owned systems — which serve about 1.6 million Mississippians. There had been 471 rural water association complaints statewide since Jan. 1, 2024 — including 187 in the Southern District. 

Families turn to microschools as Mississippi debates future of education funding

Once rare, “microschools” are spreading across Mississippi — about 50 have opened since 2020 — as lawmakers consider whether to expand public funding for alternatives to traditional classrooms. 

Scholarship helps Mississippi families access dyslexia therapy amid school choice debate

A state scholarship makes specialized dyslexia therapy possible. Their experience reflects a growing question at the Capitol: Should more Mississippi parents be able to direct public education dollars toward schools and programs they believe work best?

Mississippi sheriffs push to use radar to curb speeding

Morgan Gill, Ashlyn Joyner and Sameen Chand September 29, 2025
Mississippi has one of the nation’s lowest percentages of traffic deaths tied to speeding, yet sheriffs say they need radar guns — a tool currently banned for county law enforcement — to help curb dangerous driving on rural roads.

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

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.

Mississippi considers SNAP limits, nutritionists weigh food swaps 

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

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.
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