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Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

THC-infused seltzers are displayed in a convenience store in southeast Mississippi, Wednesday, June 12, 2025. The drinks contain the main psychoactive compound in cannabis and are legally sold throughout the state without age restrictions.

THC drinks raise concern — but facts are mixed

Walker Scott and Joshua Wilson June 16, 2025
A viral post claims THC drinks can get kids high — but that oversimplifies the issue. These legal, unregulated drinks lack age limits, but there’s little proof they’re being marketed to children.
A weathered trash can is marked with peeling white paint in this file photo.

No ongoing waste options? The full story says otherwise

Matthew Martin and Joshua Wilson June 9, 2025
Forrest and Lamar counties offer year-round options for disposing of certain bulky items like appliances, electronics and yard debris.
A voter casts a ballot in this file photo.

Abrams was not given $2B in public funds for elections

Joshua Wilson June 9, 2025
A public official posted this claim on Facebook: “Stacey Abrams was given $2 billion by the Biden administration to spend on elections.” Our rating: False.
A row of speakers is displayed in this file photo.

Claim that Hattiesburg ignores noise law is false

Mohammad Asaduzzaman and Joshua Wilson June 9, 2025
The Hattiesburg Police Department responds to noise complaints and issues citations or warnings.
Center Note: ‘What Is True?’ continues to serve the community

Center Note: ‘What Is True?’ continues to serve the community

Joshua Wilson June 2, 2025
We’re reminding our community about “What Is True?” — the community-driven fact-checking service from the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center.
A pair of subterranean termites move across a surface. These wood-destroying insects are most active in warm, humid conditions and often swarm in spring and early summer. This photo is from the National Pest Management Association.

Yes, warm, humid weather triggers termite swarms in Mississippi

Walker Scott and Joshua Wilson June 2, 2025
Experts confirm that rising heat and humidity — especially after rain — do trigger termite swarms in Mississippi each spring and early summer.
A snake rests in the grass. While some people try to deter snakes using mothballs, experts say the method is ineffective — and illegal if used outdoors.

Do mothballs repel snakes — and is it illegal to use them in your yard?

Joshua Wilson May 12, 2025
We can verify mothballs are not proven to repel snakes — and using them outdoors in this way is a violation of federal pesticide law.
Despite social media rumors, a Texas Roadhouse location in Hattiesburg is not currently in the works, according to company officials. (Texas Roadhouse Press Image)

Rumor rolls in, truth says ‘neigh’: No Texas Roadhouse in Hattiesburg

Joshua Wilson April 1, 2025
Is a Texas Roadhouse restaurant coming to Hattiesburg? No, according to company officials — despite repeated social media rumors.
Fiber-optic networks play a key role in expanding broadband access to rural Mississippi.

Does a Trump order halt broadband funds for Mississippi?

Joshua Wilson March 13, 2025
A reader recently asked “What Is True?” if a Trump administration executive order would halt federal funding aimed at expanding broadband internet access to rural portions of Mississippi.
Emotions drive the spread of false and misleading information — and the results can be disastrous. Programs like the “What Is True?” fact-checking service at the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center can provide clear, fact-based answers.

Misinformation spreads fast — but we can stop it together

Joshua Wilson March 10, 2025

Misinformation spreads faster than ever. A single post, video or manipulated image can travel across the internet in seconds, reaching thousands — sometimes millions — of people before the truth has...

A gavel is displayed on a white marble backdrop.

Bounty programs for reporting undocumented migrants do not currently exist

Joshua Wilson February 3, 2025
Social media posts regarding bounties for reporting immigrants who lack permanent legal status in the U.S. contain misinformation.
U.S. Census Bureau forms are displayed in 2020.

No, ‘Internal Affairs employees’ won’t check for ‘valid ID’ for the ‘upcoming census’ and somehow steal your house

Joshua Wilson January 27, 2025

Have you seen a message — spreading through social media, email chains and text messages — about “Internal Affairs employees” from the “Ministry of Home Affairs” checking identification cards...

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