Neighborhood Watch

Hattiesburg builds a buzz: Local events drive connection, growth

Morgan Gill and Nischit Sharma • May 5, 2025

In the Hub City, the calendar is filling up. From trivia nights and pop-up concerts to farmers markets and zoo events, businesses and community groups are turning weekdays into shared experiences.

Mississippi tourism faces seasonal staffing strain

Samuel Hughes, Rowan Luke, Gerome Webster, Hailey Perkins and Kennedi Drake • April 28, 2025

As the summer travel season approaches, Mississippi’s tourism businesses are facing a familiar challenge: not enough workers.

Vancleave rezoning debate pits rural life against growing suburbs

Justin Glowacki, Rowan Luke, McKenna Klamm, Hailey Perkins and Miracle Jennnings • April 28, 2025

Tucked behind fields, farms and winding creeks, a quiet stretch of rural land could soon give way to a new conservation-style subdivision — if the county approves a developer’s rezoning request.

Trash trouble: Litter lines Mississippi highways

Morgan Gill, Kennedi Drake, Nischit Sharma and Javion Henry • April 21, 2025

Litter is piling up along the Magnolia State’s rural roads, and the state is struggling to keep up. According to the Mississippi Department of Transportation, the state’s litter rate along rural highways is 30% higher than the national average.

Broadband expansion moves ahead in Pearl River County

Kennedi Drake • April 21, 2025

Rural Mississippi is seeing significant growth in broadband internet infrastructure, and communities in Pearl River County are among those set to benefit. The expansion aims to improve internet access for homes, schools and businesses, while also strengthening emergency communication systems.

Pascagoula diners help serve up parks, fields, fun

Justin Glowacki, Mallory Strickland, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari • April 21, 2025

Charlotte Jerde remembers her granddaughter’s first birthday at Beach Park — watching her run through the splash pad, laughing and chasing water jets.

Ocean Springs bridge closure raises questions over missed warnings

Justin Glowacki, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari • April 14, 2025

The sudden closure of the Davis Bayou Bridge on Hanshaw Road has left residents detouring, buses rerouting and local officials pointing fingers not just over the bridge’s crumbling support structure but over who knew what — and when.

Biloxi’s Saenger Theatre prepares for an encore

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland, Rowan Luke, Nischit Sharma and Hailey Perkins • April 14, 2025

Biloxi is meticulously restoring the theater to its former grandeur, with plans to make it a modern performance venue while preserving its historic character.

Worn building, strong mission: The Arc keeps serving

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Rasheed Ambrose, Nischit Sharma and Javion Henry • April 14, 2025

At small repairs — flickering lights, broken toilets and a growing list of maintenance needs — are a daily challenge. Amid the wear and tear, the nonprofit organization remains focused on what matters most: supporting individuals with disabilities.

Old gear, tight budgets: Rural fire crews make do

Justin Glowacki, Sonya Woods, McKenna Klamm, Pragesh Adhikari and Evan Baronich • April 7, 2025

The jacket Thomas Muffler wears to fight fires is 13 years old. Many hanging on the rack at the McHenry-Sunflower Volunteer Fire Department in Stone County are even older.