Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Leakesville approves first tax, utility hike in six years 

Morgan Gill, Ashlyn Joyner, Alexa Hatten and Sameen Chand • October 6, 2025
For the first time in six years, Leakesville residents will see increases in both property taxes and utility rates beginning in early 2026. Town officials said the additional revenue is needed to repair aging water and sewer systems, maintain infrastructure, and prepare the town for future growth. 

North Lamar weighs ending community water fluoridation

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 29, 2025
The North Lamar Water Association is considering ending community water fluoridation, citing costs, equipment problems and operator safety. The system has not met recommended federal fluoride standards since 2020.

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. 

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.

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. 

Lumberton’s first food pantry to open in 2026 

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Sameen Chand and Jaydon Koss • August 25, 2025
In a city where nearly 4 in 10 residents live in poverty, Lumberton will open its first food pantry in early 2026.

Pascagoula Public Library to reopen after $4.2M renovation

Samuel Hughes, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet • August 11, 2025
After 14 months and $4.2 million in renovations, the Pascagoula Public Library will unveil its upgraded facilities to the public on Aug. 18. 

Lack of legal venues leaves racers and cities at odds 

Morgan Gill, Cadence Renfro, Jaydon Koss and Sameen Chand • August 4, 2025
As legal racetracks close across Mississippi, some racers are turning to city streets — a trend drawing both safety concerns and debate about access to controlled racing environments. 

‘I got my life back’: Mississippi man uses brain implant to regain independence

Whitney Argenbright, Sami Jordan, Justin Glowacki and Nischit Sharma • August 4, 2025
RJ Tanner lives on a quiet farm in George County — far from major hospitals or technology hubs — but he’s one of the first people in the world to receive a Neuralink brain-computer interface.

Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw work to revive traditions without recognition

Samuel Hughes, Whitney Argenbright, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet • July 21, 2025
The Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw Tribe, based in Jackson County, is working to preserve and revive its language, ceremonies and cultural identity — despite lacking recognition from both state and federal governments.
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