Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC


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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 state capitol

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. 
The main bureau of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center is housed on the Hattiesburg campus of The University of Southern Mississippi.

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.
Abria Turner is the student administrative assistant for the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center.

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.
Ryan Bradley

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%.
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