Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Animal clinics urge spaying, neutering to curb pet overpopulation 

Morgan Gill, Nischit Sharma, Alexa Hatten and Kiran Silwal • June 2, 2025
Animal advocates across Mississippi are launching a statewide awareness campaign to promote spaying and neutering, hoping to reduce shelter overcrowding, animal abandonment and one of the highest euthanasia rates in the country. 

Shortage threatens timely care in Mississippi

Samuel Hughes and Cadence Renfro • June 2, 2025
Across the state, residents are commonly referred to physical therapists to regain function after injuries, surgeries, falls and chronic pain. But a national study warns that some patients may soon face longer wait times — or longer drives — to get the care they need. 
A girl in a blue dress cuts a red ribbon with support from a man in a floral shirt as others stand beside them in front of a colorful science-themed mural.

Lumberton High unveils mural honoring late teacher

Whitney Argenbright, Sameen Chand, Nischit Sharma and Rochak Basnet • May 29, 2025
Students, faculty and family members gathered Thursday at Lumberton High School to unveil a mural in memory of Susan Copeland, a longtime science teacher who died in a car crash on Jan. 31, 2024.
A University of Southern Mississippi student listens as Joshua Wilson presents the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s “Ask Me What Is True?” media literacy training on April 15.

Free media literacy session set for June 6 at Gulf Park

May 23, 2025
A free media literacy training will be held Friday, June 6, at the University of Southern Mississippi’s Gulf Park campus in Long Beach.

Rising insurance premiums push homeowners to the edge

Samuel Hughes and Nischit Sharma • May 19, 2025
Nita Hope, 62, has lived in the same home since 1990.  Now, she’s boxing up her life, painting the walls and putting it up for sale.

Hall Health aims to close care gaps for Hattiesburg’s uninsured

Morgan Gill and Nischit Sharma • May 19, 2025
A new downtown health clinic is offering an alternative to traditional health care — one designed for those who often go without it. Hall Health, which opened May 8, provides primary care without requiring insurance.

‘Let’s get it rolling’: Mississippi coast ready for passenger rail

Justin Glowacki • May 19, 2025
In this artsy coastal town, the familiar rumble of trains will soon carry a new significance. Trains that once transported cargo will begin carrying passengers again — something residents and local businesses hope will bring new life to the downtown economy.

Better L.A.T.E. than never: Theater troupe helps Hattiesburg seniors reconnect

Morgan Gill and Gerome Webster • May 12, 2025
In a spacious common room inside the historic Hattiesburg Cultural Center, laughter echoes as a group of seniors huddle together, reading from scripts and exchanging inside jokes. 

Mobile crisis teams fill mental health care gap in rural Mississippi

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland and Gerome Webster • May 12, 2025
When the phone rings for Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources’ Mobile Response Team, Coordinator Martin Moore is ready to respond — one example of an expanding model of mental health care in the Magnolia State. 
Sticks, leaves and small debris washed ashore Feb. 24 on Biloxi East Central Beach.

Mississippi fishermen sue the state over oyster reef leases

Justin Glowacki • May 8, 2025
A group of commercial fishermen has filed a lawsuit in Harrison County Chancery Court, seeking to block the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources from finalizing the leases. 

One center, too many kids: Greene County faces child care crisis

Justin Glowacki and McKenna Klamm • May 5, 2025
On a Monday afternoon, a mother arrived at Bettie’s ABC Advanced Child Care Center with paperwork in hand, hoping to enroll her child. Instead, she was added to a growing waitlist — a familiar outcome for many families in the area.

Hattiesburg builds a buzz: Local events drive connection, growth

Morgan Gill and Nischit Sharma • May 5, 2025
In the Hub City, the calendar is filling up. From trivia nights and pop-up concerts to farmers markets and zoo events, businesses and community groups are turning weekdays into shared experiences.
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