RHCJC

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.

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.