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Reporting What Matters

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

Reporting What Matters

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

Reporting What Matters

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center



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Mississippi researchers investigate growing tick-borne allergy to red meat

Mississippians are no strangers to ticks, but residents of the Magnolia State may be surprised to learn that these pesky parasites are capable of spreading a food allergy that makes red meat particularly hazardous.

Mississippi works to keep police officers from leaving for better pay 

Mississippi lawmakers are advancing House Bill 855 to help police departments across the state retain officers by offering financial incentives. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Harness, D-McComb, would provide a one-time, $600 stipend to certified law enforcement officers who have worked at least one year at their agency.

Mississippi tax reform bill promises grocery savings, higher gas costs

Samuel Hughes, Gerome Webster and Morgan Gill February 3, 2025
A proposed tax reform in Mississippi promises to cut grocery taxes and raise gas costs to support infrastructure improvements, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to taxation and funding. 
The main bureau of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is housed on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi.

RHCJC to host free media literacy training at Southern Miss Hattiesburg campus

January 28, 2025
The public is invited to attend a free Roy Howard Community Journalism Center media literacy training session on Feb. 28 at the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi.

AMPLIFY: High preterm birth rates in Mississippi highlight health care barriers

Mississippi has the highest preterm birth rate in the United States, standing at 15%, compared to the national average of 10.4%.

Forrest County

Samuel Hughes January 13, 2025

Hattiesburg Hattiesburg Mayor Toby Barker is focused on several legislative priorities for the 2025 session, including efforts to extend leases on 16th Section land along Broadway Drive and West Pine...

Bill of Health: Advocates outline widespread impact of Medicaid expansion

Lamar County resident Kenneth Hornsby doesn’t mince words when discussing the challenges of accessing health care in his town.

Big Business Bankruptcies: Closures hurt rural communities, low-income families

Mallory Strickland January 6, 2025

MISSISSIPPI - Sixty-two Dirt Cheap locations — once a staple for budget-conscious shoppers — across eight states now sit empty after the company filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy on Oct. 10. The...

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center staff members include, bottom row, left to right, Morgan Gill, reporter and producer; Joshua Wilson, community liaison; and Jada Austin, administrative lead; and second row, left to right, Justin Glowacki, reporter and producer; Nichole Cyprian, director; Samuel Hughes, reporter and producer; and Whitney Argenbright, managing editor.

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center to launch in January

Joshua Wilson November 6, 2024
The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center will formally open its doors on Jan. 6. Housed in the university’s School of Media and Communication, the center is funded by the foundation for three years at $1 million a year.
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