RHCJC

Food banks brace for increased demand as Mississippi declines federal summer food program

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma, Javion Henry and Gerome Webster • March 10, 2025

Federal food aid has dwindled after Gov. Tate Reeves opted out of the federal Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer program for the second year in a row, leaving more families in southeast Mississippi struggling to put food on the table.

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.

Mississippi’s ‘unusual’ lack of laws leaves abandoned pets unprotected

Justin Glowacki, Stephani Perez Munoz, Sonya Woods, Matthew Martin, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari • February 24, 2025

Across Mississippi, pets are being abandoned on bridges, at dead ends and even outside closed animal shelters. The issue has grown more pressing as shelters reach full capacity, leaving pet owners with two options: wait for an available surrender date or leave their animals in a place where no one will see them.

Mississippi farmers face losses due to inflation, poor market conditions

Samuel Hughes, Kennedi Drake, Rowan Luke, Rasheed Ambrose, Gretta Graves, Gerome Webster, Hailey Perkins and Evan Baronich • February 24, 2025

Farmers in southeast Mississippi are facing rising production costs, making it harder to stay profitable. With crop prices fluctuating and economic uncertainty ahead, many are searching for new solutions to sustain their livelihoods.

Mississippi lawmakers aim to tackle abandoned properties

Samuel Hughes, Miracle Jennnings, Rowan Luke, Mallory Strickland, Srividya Karuturi, Gretta Graves, Gerome Webster, Evan Baronich and Hailey Perkins • February 17, 2025

Tall grass creeps up boarded windows. Overgrown lots hold little but broken glass and flat tires. Rotten porches sag under the weight of years of neglect. These sights of urban decay are common in Mississippi – and cleaning them up is not a simple job.

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 researchers investigate growing tick-borne allergy to red meat

Joshua Wilson, Kennedi Drake, Gretta Graves, Evan Baronich and Nischit Sharma • February 10, 2025

Mississippians are no strangers to ticks, but residents of the Magnolia State may be surprised to learn that these pesky parasites are capable of spreading a food allergy that makes red meat particularly hazardous.

Mississippi works to keep police officers from leaving for better pay

Samuel Hughes, Kennedi Drake, Rowan Luke, Stephani Perez Munoz, Srividya Karuturi, Matthew Martin, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins • February 10, 2025

Mississippi lawmakers are advancing House Bill 855 to help police departments across the state retain officers by offering financial incentives. The bill, sponsored by Rep. Jeffrey Harness, D-McComb, would provide a one-time, $600 stipend to certified law enforcement officers who have worked at least one year at their agency.