Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC
Reporting What Matters

RHCJC

‘A voice for the child’: Mississippi’s first appropriation for court advocates supports rural youth courts

Samuel Hughes, Kristen Kaylor and Nischit Sharma • September 15, 2025
The organization fills a gap in youth courts, where judges often lack time and staff to investigate every aspect of a child’s situation. Volunteers act as the court’s eyes and ears, focusing solely on what’s best for the child.

After 30 years, technology park takes shape in Picayune

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Ashlyn Joyner, Sameen Chand and Jaydon Koss • September 15, 2025
Construction is underway on the Pearl River County Technology Park across from the Picayune Municipal Airport — a development local leaders say will give residents better access to well-paying jobs close to home. 

Contract standoff sends Lucedale inmates to other counties

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan, McKenna Klamm and Makiya Jackson • September 8, 2025
A contract dispute over who pays for Lucedale inmates housed at the George County Regional Correctional Facility has led the police department to transport detainees to neighboring counties.

First restaurant planned in Leakesville’s Basila District

Morgan Gill, Jaydon Koss, Alexa Hatten, Sameen Chand and Ashlyn Joyner • September 8, 2025
The Basila District, a planned hub of businesses and green space, is the centerpiece of a push to keep young people in Greene County and attract new jobs.

Richton splash pad delayed to 2026, town plans daily fee 

Justin Glowacki, Sami Jordan and McKenna Klamm • September 1, 2025
Months after town leaders promised a new splash pad, families are still blocked by locked gates. Now, the town estimates it won’t open until May 2026 — more than a year behind schedule — and residents will have to pay to use it. 

Wiggins businesses tap grants to refresh downtown district

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Jaydon Koss and Sameen Chand • September 1, 2025
Downtown Wiggins is getting a new look, thanks to $50,000 in grants helping local businesses repair, repaint and revive storefronts. Leaders of the Stone County seat said upgrades are drawing more visitors and energy to the small city’s two-street business district. 

Lumberton’s first food pantry to open in 2026 

Morgan Gill, Alexa Hatten, Sameen Chand and Jaydon Koss • August 25, 2025
In a city where nearly 4 in 10 residents live in poverty, Lumberton will open its first food pantry in early 2026.

‘We’re doing this from the heart’: Communities respond to Mississippi foster home needs

Samuel Hughes, Cadence Renfro, Sameen Chand and Rochak Basnet • August 18, 2025
Monica Robinson begins her day at 5:30 a.m., driving a school bus before starting her full-time job as a social worker for a Mississippi school district. After work, she heads home to another gig: caring for her three foster children as well as her biological son. 

Pascagoula Public Library to reopen after $4.2M renovation

Samuel Hughes, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet • August 11, 2025
After 14 months and $4.2 million in renovations, the Pascagoula Public Library will unveil its upgraded facilities to the public on Aug. 18. 

Lack of legal venues leaves racers and cities at odds 

Morgan Gill, Cadence Renfro, Jaydon Koss and Sameen Chand • August 4, 2025
As legal racetracks close across Mississippi, some racers are turning to city streets — a trend drawing both safety concerns and debate about access to controlled racing environments. 

Harrison County group proposes ‘Baby DJ’s Law’ to help locate endangered children faster 

Samuel Hughes, Whitney Argenbright, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet • July 21, 2025
One year after 4-month-old Denilson Elligson died during a medical crisis while the Mississippi Department of Child Protective Services tried to find him, a Harrison County committee is pushing for a new law and stronger community partnerships they hope could prevent similar tragedies.

Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw work to revive traditions without recognition

Samuel Hughes, Whitney Argenbright, Cadence Renfro and Rochak Basnet • July 21, 2025
The Vancleave Live Oak Choctaw Tribe, based in Jackson County, is working to preserve and revive its language, ceremonies and cultural identity — despite lacking recognition from both state and federal governments.
Load More Stories