RHCJC

Permanent skateparks? Coast skaters say it’s time

Justin Glowacki, Nischit Sharma and Sami Jordan • June 16, 2025

Pete Taggard never expected skateboarding to save his life. But when a doctor warned that Type 2 Diabetes was threatening his health, he returned to something he hadn’t done since his teenage years: skating.

Ocean Springs bridge reopens after emergency repairs

Justin Glowacki • June 12, 2025

After three months of detours and construction, the Davis Bayou Bridge on Hanshaw Road is set to reopen following the completion of emergency repairs.

Rising insurance premiums push homeowners to the edge

Samuel Hughes and Nischit Sharma • May 19, 2025

Nita Hope, 62, has lived in the same home since 1990. Now, she’s boxing up her life, painting the walls and putting it up for sale.

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

Justin Glowacki • May 19, 2025

In this artsy coastal town, the familiar rumble of trains will soon carry a new significance. Trains that once transported cargo will begin carrying passengers again — something residents and local businesses hope will bring new life to the downtown economy.

Mississippi fishermen sue the state over oyster reef leases

Justin Glowacki • May 8, 2025

A group of commercial fishermen has filed a lawsuit in Harrison County Chancery Court, seeking to block the Mississippi Department of Marine Resources from finalizing the leases.

Ocean Springs bridge closure raises questions over missed warnings

Justin Glowacki, McKenna Klamm and Pragesh Adhikari • April 14, 2025

The sudden closure of the Davis Bayou Bridge on Hanshaw Road has left residents detouring, buses rerouting and local officials pointing fingers not just over the bridge’s crumbling support structure but over who knew what — and when.

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.