RHCJC

Mississippi’s forgotten nuclear test site still under federal watch

Morgan Gill, Hailey Perkins, Kennedi Drake and Rowan Luke • March 24, 2025

There’s no signpost marking Mississippi’s only nuclear test site. There’s no visitor center, either — just timberland, wildlife … and a radioactive legacy buried beneath the surface.

With nowhere to go, more face homelessness on Mississippi’s coast

Samuel Hughes, Nischit Sharma, Mallory Strickland, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins • March 24, 2025

Betty has been on the Gulf Coast for three years. Her journey away from her hometown of Fourt Collins, Colorado, began when she and her mother lost their home.

Mississippi public housing struggles as federal funding falls short

Samuel Hughes, Pragesh Adhikari and Aidan Tarrant • March 17, 2025

From cinderblock, single-story duplexes and quadplexes to rows of brick townhomes, public housing projects aren’t difficult to spot in Mississippi — particularly those that buckle under the weight of their age.

Leakesville addresses water infrastructure headaches ahead of funding deadline

Samuel Hughes, Pragesh Adhikari, Evan Baronich and Nischit Sharma • March 17, 2025

For small towns like Leakesville, keeping water flowing isn’t just about convenience — it’s about survival. Many of the city’s water lines date back to the 1970s, and while officials have worked to replace aging infrastructure, the costs add up quickly.

Poplarville faces challenges replacing old water lines

Whitney Argenbright, Morgan Gill, Gerome Webster, Kennedi Drake, Pragesh Adhikari, Evan Baronich, Samuel Hughes and Aidan Tarrant • March 17, 2025

Poplarville is working to replace its aging water infrastructure, but the upgrades are causing unexpected problems, including frequent water line breaks and boil water notices. Additionally, city officials said rising costs and the strain on old pipes are making the process even harder.

Bacterial advisories prove challenging for beachgoers, businesses

Samuel Hughes, Kennedi Drake, Rowan Luke, Rasheed Ambrose, Gretta Graves, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins • March 3, 2025

Soft sand, cool water … and high levels of bacteria? Mississippi’s beaches are popular spots for spring break visitors, and they’re a cash cow for local businesses. However, visitors might discover a regular roadblock in their planning: advisories of high levels of bacteria along Gulf Coast beaches.

Perry County Schools face budget struggles amid enrollment drop

Morgan Gill, Kennedi Drake, Stephani Perez Munoz, Sonya Woods, Colbey Penton, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma and Pragesh Adhikari • March 3, 2025

For 16 years, Perry County Schools have been underfunded under the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, the state's previous funding formula. During that time, the district navigated a cumulative funding loss of $8,747,681.

‘Delightful’ Hattiesburg grocery store fills gaps, provides local goods

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Mallory Strickland, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma, Javion Henry and Evan Baronich • March 3, 2025

A new grocery store is filling a long-standing gap in downtown Hattiesburg. Sincerely Grocery, a boutique grocery store specializing in locally sourced and specialty goods, held its grand opening on Feb. 1 at The Prospect on Main.

“Coming together but stronger”: Thousands gather for 2025 Knobtown Black History Parade

Justin Glowacki, Pragesh Adhikari, Sonya Woods, Stephani Perez Munoz, Matthew Martin and McKenna Klamm • February 27, 2025

Each year, the small unincorporated community of Knobtown, Mississippi—home to fewer than 400 residents—welcomes thousands of visitors for its annual Black History Parade. Now in its 29th year, the parade has grown into a cherished tradition, bringing families together from across the country to celebrate Black history, unity, and resilience.

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.