RHCJC

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.

Mississippi lawmakers push PERS funding, teacher recruitment, insurance relief in 2025 session

Samuel Hughes • February 3, 2025

Mississippi lawmakers are prioritizing Public Employees’ Retirement System of Mississippi reform, teacher recruitment and insurance relief as key legislative goals for the 2025 session.

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.

Mississippi tax reform bill promises grocery savings, higher gas costs

Samuel Hughes, Gerome Webster and Morgan Gill • February 3, 2025

A proposed tax reform in Mississippi promises to cut grocery taxes and raise gas costs to support infrastructure improvements, marking a major shift in the state’s approach to taxation and funding.

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.

AMPLIFY: High preterm birth rates in Mississippi highlight health care barriers

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

Mississippi has the highest preterm birth rate in the United States, standing at 15%, compared to the national average of 10.4%.

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.

What southeast Mississippi mayors want from the state Capitol in 2025

Samuel Hughes • January 13, 2025

The 2025 legislative session is underway, and state Capitol leaders are preparing to tackle major issues affecting Mississippians. From tax reforms to infrastructure improvements, the decisions made under the dome will have lasting impacts on communities across the state.

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.