Pearl River County families push water utility accountability
Rural water customers are frustrated with limited oversight of nonprofit, member-owned systems — which serve about 1.6 million Mississippians.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
Social media users have claimed Home Town, featuring Laurel couple Erin and Ben Napier, is responsible for driving up home prices in the city. The post Did HGTV’s ‘Home Town’ cause Laurel’s housing prices to rise? Not exactly. first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
As traditional agriculture faces labor shortages, aging farmers and economic pressure, a growing number of Mississippi farms are turning to agritourism to stay afloat. The post Agritourism brings economic, educational benefits to Lucedale first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
Rural water customers are frustrated with limited oversight of nonprofit, member-owned systems — which serve about 1.6 million Mississippians.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
At the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center, we use artificial intelligence in limited and transparent ways to support our work — never to replace the human judgment that defines good journalism. Artificial intelligence, or AI, refers to computer-based tools that can assist with tasks such as analyzing text, improving readability or generating audio versions of| RHCJC
With national lotteries reaching record payouts, an increasing number of ads on social media have invited Mississippi players to download an app to purchase Mississippi lottery tickets and check their numbers. The post Fake Mississippi Lottery app ads target players amid record jackpots first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
For the first time in six years, Leakesville residents will see increases in both property taxes and utility rates beginning in early 2026. Town officials said the additional revenue is needed to repair aging water and sewer systems, maintain infrastructure, and prepare the town for future growth. The post Leakesville approves first tax, utility hike in six years first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
Once rare, “microschools” are spreading across Mississippi — about 50 have opened since 2020 — as lawmakers consider whether to expand public funding for alternatives to traditional classrooms. The post Families turn to microschools as Mississippi debates future of education funding first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
A state scholarship makes specialized dyslexia therapy possible. Their experience reflects a growing question at the Capitol: Should more Mississippi parents be able to direct public education dollars toward schools and programs they believe work best?| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
The North Lamar Water Association is considering ending community water fluoridation, citing costs, equipment problems and operator safety. The system has not met recommended federal fluoride standards since 2020. The post North Lamar weighs ending community water fluoridation first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
Mississippi sheriffs say they need radar guns — a tool currently banned for county law enforcement — to help curb dangerous driving on rural roads.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
Seventeen-year-old Christopher Pena has spent his life battling Barth syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that weakens the body. On Friday, he learned the drug he credits with giving him strength to jump, carry heavy items and keep up in school won accelerated approval from the Food and Drug Administration. The post After years of uncertainty, Mississippi teen sees drug approval for Barth syndrome first appeared on RHCJC.| RHCJC
Three “mini pantries” in the Hub City — on a university campus, at a community center and in a church driveway — form a network of neighbors fighting hunger.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
Reporting What Matters| RHCJC
Joe Ladnier went missing on Dec. 24, 2023. His wife said local authorities searched for four days before calling off the effort.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
Mississippi families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program — SNAP — could soon face limits on foods they can buy, including soda and candy.| RHCJC - Reporting What Matters
