Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

Lumberton students create mural to honor late teacher, strengthen community art efforts

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Mallory Strickland, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma, Javion Henry and Evan Baronich • February 17, 2025

In the heart of Lumberton High School, students have turned grief into art. A group of students, led by art teacher Christopher Holzinger, have spent the past six months painting a mural to honor Susan Copeland, a beloved science teacher who died in a two-vehicle crash on Jan. 31, 2024.

Memorial Health System takes over Biloxi hospital, what will change?

Justin Glowacki, Rasheed Ambrose, Matthew Martin, McKenna Klamm, Javion Henry and Evan Baronich • February 17, 2025

On Feb. 1, Memorial Health System officially took over Merit Health Biloxi, solidifying its position as the dominant healthcare provider in the region. According to Fitch Ratings, Memorial now controls more than 85% of the local health care market.

Mississippi railroad crossings pose danger to drivers, spark call for action

Justin Glowacki, Mallory Strickland, Rasheed Ambrose, Srividya Karuturi, McKenna Klamm, Gerome Webster, Javion Henry and Evan Baronich • February 10, 2025

Railroad crossings across southeast Mississippi are becoming increasingly dangerous for drivers. Steep approaches — created by ongoing rail maintenance — are blamed for causing vehicles to stall on tracks, sometimes leading to deadly collisions.

Rural Mississippi schools fight to attract and keep teachers amid shortages

Morgan Gill and Evan Baronich • February 3, 2025

Mississippi’s education system faces a critical teacher shortage, particularly in rural areas like Greene County, where school leaders struggle to recruit and retain experienced educators.

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.

Imported vs. Domestic: The fight to protect Gulf seafood

Justin Glowacki • January 27, 2025

Imported seafood dominates the U.S. market, accounting for 64% - 94% of all seafood consumed in the country, according to varying sources. While imports provide affordability and year-round availability, industry representatives argue it comes at a steep cost to domestic fisheries.

RHCJC to host free media literacy training in Wiggins

January 24, 2025

The Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, in partnership with the Stone County Enterprise, will host a free media literacy training on Feb. 3 in Wiggins.

Mississippi fishermen feel forgotten as Oyster Task Force loses influence

Justin Glowacki • January 20, 2025

For years, Mississippi’s oyster industry has faced a cascade of challenges—from declining harvests and environmental degradation to rising operational costs and economic uncertainty.

Faith in every bloom: How The Flower Bed Nursery thrives on values and dedication

Mallory Strickland, Morgan Gill, Evan Baronich and Aidan Tarrant • January 20, 2025

The Flower Bed Nursery in Lumberton, Mississippi, is more than a business. For the Keith family, it’s a reflection of their faith, values, and dedication to serving their community. Now in their 23rd year of ownership, the Keiths are preparing for another busy spring season—growing not just plants, but also relationships rooted in trust and faith.

Oyster season is back, but for how long?

Justin Glowacki and Gerome Webster • January 13, 2025

2024 marked the return of oyster season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time in six years. For now, the Mississippi Sound is starting to rebound, and local oystermen are savoring the success of the 2024 season. But, as Parkinson and others know, the future remains uncertain.

Mississippi moves to lease historically public oyster reefs

Justin Glowacki and Evan Baronich • January 13, 2025

Mississippi’s plan to lease 80% of its historically public oyster reefs to private leaseholders has sparked debate between fishermen and policymakers.

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...