Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
All content by RHCJC News
Laptop on classroom desk shows the ChatGPT website open on screen at USM’s Hattiesburg campus.

[Photo] Training the future: Mississippi expands AI in schools, colleges

Justin Glowacki, Alexa Hatten, Sami Jordan and Nischit Sharma
July 7, 2025
A small aircraft taxis across the wet runway at the Poplarville–Pearl River County Airport following rain. The airport plans to add new hangars using federal funds.

[Photo] Mississippi airports race to secure federal funds before 2026 deadline

Samuel Hughes, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet
June 23, 2025
A man in a white shirt holds a microphone while speaking during a seafood labeling Q&A session.

[Photo] Businesses adjust to seafood labeling law taking effect July 1

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan and Nischit Sharma
June 23, 2025
Gena Fortenberry, president of the Junior Auxiliary of George County, stands in front of a branded backdrop, speaking during a membership event.

Pecan Chateau, one of the local housing sites served through the Housing Choice Voucher program, is part of the South Mississippi Housing Authority’s effort to support low-income and elderly residents across 14 counties.

[Photo] Junior Auxiliary helps meet needs of underserved families in George County

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Sameen Chand and JC Roberts
June 23, 2025
Man in a black blazer sits beneath the Great Seal of the State of Mississippi.

[Photo] No complaints, no action: MDEQ says no sewage violations on Pascagoula River

Justin Glowacki
June 16, 2025
Jacob Guthrie and Pete Taggard walk across the city approved lot in Picayune where they plan to build a community skatepark. The project includes plans for a refurbished basketball court, a walking track and pickleball courts. “(We want) like a literal third space for like a more matured playground to where ages 10 to 12 to whenever, like it's built for them. A third space –– greenspace –– somewhere to just come sit and hang out,” Guthrie explained.

[Photo] Permanent skateparks? Coast skaters say it’s time

Justin Glowacki, Nischit Sharma and Sami Jordan
June 16, 2025
A woman stands on the front porch of a red brick house beside a white column labeled “400,” smiling and wearing a blue T-shirt and black shorts.

[Photo] With little aid, sober homes fill vital recovery need

Samuel Hughes, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet
June 9, 2025
Row of covered houseboats and boat docks line a quiet river channel surrounded by dense green trees under a partly cloudy sky.

[Photo] Raw sewage, murky oversight: Who’s policing the Pascagoula?

Justin Glowacki, Whitney Argenbright, Alexa Hatten, Jaydon Koss and Nischit Sharma
June 9, 2025
Two brindle dogs stand on their hind legs against a metal fence at an animal shelter.

[Photo] Animal clinics urge spaying, neutering to curb pet overpopulation 

Morgan Gill, Nischit Sharma, Alexa Hatten and Kiran Silwal
June 2, 2025
Interior of Encore Rehabilitation in Long Beach showing treatment tables, step equipment and workstations used in physical therapy.

[Photo] Shortage threatens timely care in Mississippi

Samuel Hughes and Cadence Renfro
June 2, 2025
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.

[Photo] Lumberton High unveils mural honoring late teacher

Whitney Argenbright, Sameen Chand, Nischit Sharma and Rochak Basnet
May 29, 2025
The historic 1928 L&N Train Depot in Bay Saint Louis, Mississippi, will serve as a key stop along Amtrak’s new Mardi Gras route, which reconnects Bay St. Louis to New Orleans and Mobile with twice-daily service. Beyond transportation, the depot anchors the city’s Depot District, a hub of shops, museums, and restaurants that surround the landmark building.

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

Justin Glowacki
May 19, 2025
Community members bow their heads in prayer during the Hall Health grand opening ceremony. Supporters gathered outside the downtown Hattiesburg facility to mark the launch of the new clinic.

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

Morgan Gill and Nischit Sharma
May 19, 2025
The Hall Health lobby provides a quiet, accessible waiting area for patients. The clinic emphasizes short wait times and longer appointments as part of its membership-based care model.

Martin Moore, coordinator with Pine Belt Mental Healthcare Resources, works from the crisis team’s call center in Hattiesburg. Pine Belt’s mobile response team is one of 14 across the state that deploys in real time to help individuals in mental health crises.

[Photo] Mobile crisis teams fill mental health care gap in rural Mississippi

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland and Gerome Webster
May 12, 2025
Legacy Actors Theatre members Eric Weill (masked), Steve Clyburn (masked), Karen Perkins Daniel and Regina Raybourn Lott rehearse a comedy sketch. The group blends humor and storytelling to engage audiences across the Pine Belt.

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

Morgan Gill and Gerome Webster
May 12, 2025
The Ocean Springs Community Center features more than 3,000 square feet of murals painted by Walter Anderson. The space regularly hosted federally funded programming through the Walter Anderson Museum of Art, including lectures that were free to the public.

[Photo] Funding cut halts humanities grants in Mississippi

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland and Gerome Webster
May 5, 2025
Inside Bettie’s ABC, classrooms are decorated with colorful art, seasonal themes and educational materials. The center cares for up to 60 children and is currently at full capacity.

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

Justin Glowacki and McKenna Klamm
May 5, 2025
The Porter Public House in downtown Hattiesburg hosts weekly trivia, open mic nights, and tabletop game events — part of a growing entertainment scene drawing locals and visitors alike.

[Photo] Hattiesburg builds a buzz: Local events drive connection, growth

Morgan Gill and Nischit Sharma
May 5, 2025
Recently built homes in a Vancleave subdivision reflect the area’s changing landscape. As Jackson County considers future development, residents are weighing the benefits of growth against the desire to preserve open space.

[Photo] Vancleave rezoning debate pits rural life against growing suburbs

Justin Glowacki, Rowan Luke, McKenna Klamm, Hailey Perkins and Miracle Jennnings
April 28, 2025
A tour group gathers along the Biloxi harbor before setting out on a shrimping cruise. Local guides say trips like these offer both entertainment and education about Mississippi’s coastal industries.

[Photo] Mississippi tourism faces seasonal staffing strain

Samuel Hughes, Rowan Luke, Gerome Webster, Hailey Perkins and Kennedi Drake
April 28, 2025
Each neighborhood includes a kitchenette and dining area, where residents can choose to eat meals communally or in their rooms. (RHCJC News)

[Photo] New veterans home brings Gulf Coast families closer to care

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland, Gerome Webster and Pragesh Adhikari
April 21, 2025
Workers on West North Street in Poplarville install underground broadband infrastructure as part of a federally funded effort to expand high-speed internet in rural Pearl River County.

[Photo] Broadband expansion moves ahead in Pearl River County

Kennedi Drake
April 21, 2025
These wooden pilings have supported the Hanshaw Road Bridge in Ocean Springs, Miss., since 1991. Decades of exposure to water and marine organisms have weakened the structure, prompting its closure in early 2025. (RHCJC News)

[Photo] Ocean Springs bridge closure raises questions over missed warnings

Justin Glowacki, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari
April 14, 2025
Chief Thomas Muffler with the McHenry-Sunflower Volunteer Fire Department in McHenry, Mississippi, picks through coats hanging on the rack to find the dates they purchased them with photographed coat’s label being faded with time.

[Photo] Old gear, tight budgets: Rural fire crews make do

Justin Glowacki, Sonya Woods, McKenna Klamm, Pragesh Adhikari and Evan Baronich
April 7, 2025
A student welds inside a training booth at Jackson County Technology Center. Welding is one of several high-demand trade programs offered through the district’s CTE curriculum.

[Photo] Jackson County schools expand training for skilled trades

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland, Rowan Luke, Gerome Webster, Hailey Perkins, Aidan Tarrant and Evan Baronich
April 7, 2025
A fire truck with lights on is parked inside the Sunflower-McHenry Volunteer Fire Department station in Stone County, Miss. Volunteer fire departments like this one are essential to rural emergency services but face staffing challenges.

[Photo] Volunteers power emergency response in Stone County

Justin Glowacki, Sonya Woods, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari
March 31, 2025
Construction crews work near the main building at the future site of Chickasa Waves in Leakesville, Miss., on March 18, 2025. The inflatable water park is expected to open this summer, bringing tourism and new economic opportunities to the small Greene County city.

[Photo] With water park opening, Leakesville eyes tourism boost

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Rasheed Ambrose, Nischit Sharma and Javion Henry
March 31, 2025
Volunteers at Jacob’s Well Recovery Center in Poplarville, Mississippi, pack boxes of groceries for distribution. As federal food assistance programs face cuts, pantries like this one are working to fill the gap for families in need.

[Photo] ‘Lord, have mercy’: Food aid cuts leave Mississippi families hungry for help

Samuel Hughes, Mallory Strickland, Rowan Luke, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins
March 31, 2025
University Libraries Special Collections at USM highlights archived newspapers expressing concerns regarding nuclear testing in the Salmon Test Site (Tatum Salt Dome) in Lamar County in March 2025.

[Photo] Mississippi’s forgotten nuclear test site still under federal watch

Morgan Gill, Hailey Perkins, Kennedi Drake and Rowan Luke
March 24, 2025
Back Bay Mission’s Micah Day Center provides a safe place for homeless and at-risk populations to receive vital services. Many homeless individuals frequent the center for a sense of community.

[Photo] With nowhere to go, more face homelessness on Mississippi’s coast

Samuel Hughes, Nischit Sharma, Mallory Strickland, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins
March 24, 2025
A sign detailing the proposed clean hydrogen hub in Perry County, Mississippi, which will no longer move forward.

[Photo] Steel plant scrapped, Perry County left in limbo

Justin Glowacki, Sonya Woods and Pragesh Adhikari
March 24, 2025
Canned food lines the shelves of the Salvation Army in Hattiesburg, Miss. as (unseen) employees work to stock storeroom ahead of summer, March 4, 2025.

[Photo] Food banks brace for increased demand as Mississippi declines federal summer food program

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma, Javion Henry and Gerome Webster
March 10, 2025
Number of Advisories since 2020

[Photo] Bacterial advisories prove challenging for beachgoers, businesses

Samuel Hughes, Kennedi Drake, Rowan Luke, Rasheed Ambrose, Gretta Graves, Gerome Webster and Hailey Perkins
March 3, 2025
A employee stood behind the register Feb. 19 at Sincerely Grocery in Downtown Hattiesburg.

[Photo] ‘Delightful’ Hattiesburg grocery store fills gaps, provides local goods

Morgan Gill, Miracle Jennnings, Mallory Strickland, Srividya Karuturi, Nischit Sharma, Javion Henry and Evan Baronich
March 3, 2025
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