RHCJC

House attempts to keep mobile sports betting alive

Justin Glowacki, Matthew Martin, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari • March 10, 2025

For the second consecutive year, an attempt to legalize mobile sports betting in Mississippi collapsed in the Senate Gaming Commission as House Bill 1302 failed to advance on March 4. Despite overwhelming support in the House, where it passed 89-11, the bill met the same fate as last year’s proposal, dying in committee without reaching the Senate floor.

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

Soft sand, cool water … and high levels of bacteria? Mississippi’s beaches are popular spots for spring break visitors, and they’re a cash cow for local businesses. However, visitors might discover a regular roadblock in their planning: advisories of high levels of bacteria along Gulf Coast beaches.

Mississippi lawmakers aim to tackle abandoned properties

Samuel Hughes, Miracle Jennnings, Rowan Luke, Mallory Strickland, Srividya Karuturi, Gretta Graves, Gerome Webster, Evan Baronich and Hailey Perkins • February 17, 2025

Tall grass creeps up boarded windows. Overgrown lots hold little but broken glass and flat tires. Rotten porches sag under the weight of years of neglect. These sights of urban decay are common in Mississippi – and cleaning them up is not a simple job.

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.

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.

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.

Oyster season is back, but for how long?

Justin Glowacki and Gerome Webster • January 13, 2025

2024 marked the return of oyster season on the Mississippi Gulf Coast for the first time in six years. For now, the Mississippi Sound is starting to rebound, and local oystermen are savoring the success of the 2024 season. But, as Parkinson and others know, the future remains uncertain.

Mississippi moves to lease historically public oyster reefs

Justin Glowacki and Evan Baronich • January 13, 2025

Mississippi’s plan to lease 80% of its historically public oyster reefs to private leaseholders has sparked debate between fishermen and policymakers.

DEEP DIVE: What is the Bonnet Carre Spillway

Justin Glowacki • January 13, 2025

The Bonnet Carré Spillway is a critical component of the Mississippi River's flood control system that is designed to protect communities, particularly New Orleans, from devastating floods.