Neighborhood Watch

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 Sameen Chand • 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.

Rolling library brings books, Wi-Fi to underserved areas

Morgan Gill, JC Roberts and Rochak Basnet • July 21, 2025

A van filled with books, laptops, Wi-Fi and job tools is closing access gaps in south Mississippi — one parking lot at a time.

New planner aims to boost civic info, community connections

July 15, 2025

A new weekly resource is launching to help southeast Mississippi residents stay informed and connected. The Southeast Mississippi Planner will feature civic updates, community news, event listings and more.