After years of inspections, weight limits and safety concerns, a long-traveled bridge in Petal is being rebuilt — restoring more than just a roadway. City leaders say the replacement of the South George Street Bridge marks a turning point for infrastructure planning, neighborhood safety and future development.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story, “Rebuilding of Petal bridge opens gateway for future projects.” The episode explores how a single infrastructure project can reshape daily life for residents while signaling broader momentum for a growing city.

Listeners hear from Petal Mayor Tony Ducker, who explains why engineers recommended closing the aging bridge in 2023, how repeated inspections led to lowered weight limits and what it took to move forward with an $800,000 taxpayer-funded replacement. He details the city’s decision to avoid loans, the 180-day construction timeline and the long-term planning behind a new culvert-style bridge designed to last for decades.

The episode also features resident Judy Longstaff, who lives next to the bridge and relies on a power chair for mobility. She shares how the closure affected neighbors and why sidewalks and safer access matter for families, children and residents with mobility devices.

Reporter Kristen Kaylor joins host Hilawe Tibebe for a Behind the Lens conversation about what infrastructure reporting reveals beyond construction timelines — including how public works projects intersect with accessibility, safety and economic growth.

In our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott explains why infrastructure reporting requires careful attention to funding sources, government processes and long-term projections — and how residents can verify claims about public spending and future development.

At its core, this episode asks: when a bridge reopens, what else becomes possible for a community?

Artificial intelligence is changing how we create, share and consume information — but it’s also raising urgent questions about ownership, consent and identity. As AI tools make it easier to replicate voices, faces and likenesses without permission, lawmakers in Mississippi are racing to address a growing ethical and legal gray area.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story, “Mississippi AI identity bill advances after clearing Senate committees.” The episode explores how AI-generated content can blur the line between reality and fabrication — and why a proposed state law would treat a person’s name, likeness and voice as a protected property right.

Through voices from the Capitol, academia and small business, the episode examines who stands to be most affected by digital identity misuse. Listeners hear from Sen. Bradford Blackmon, a co-sponsor of Senate Bill 2046, who explains why existing laws fall short in the age of AI and why protections are needed now. Legal studies professor Billy Newman provides context on how traditional privacy and defamation laws struggle to keep pace with rapidly evolving technology. And Sarah Evans, owner of Snatched by Sarah LLC, shares how online identity theft poses real risks for small businesses that rely on social media to connect with clients and generate income.

Reporter J.C. Roberts joins host Sami Jordan for a Behind the Lens conversation about how the story came together, what he learned from sources across sectors and why digital identity has become a community issue — not just a celebrity concern.

The episode also looks ahead, placing Mississippi’s efforts within a shifting national landscape as federal policymakers begin shaping broader AI frameworks that could eventually redefine how states regulate emerging technology.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Roy Howard Community Journalism Center Director Nichole Cyprian breaks down why deepfakes are so hard to debunk, how to spot red flags in AI-generated content and what listeners can do if they believe their identity has been misused online.

At its core, this episode asks a timely question: in a digital world where replication is easy and reality is fragile, who owns your identity — and how should it be protected?

Human trafficking is often imagined as something distant or obvious — a crime that happens elsewhere or looks a certain way. But across Mississippi, survivors and advocates say trafficking often exists in plain sight, built on trust, manipulation and silence.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story, “From Trust to Trafficking: Mississippi survivor shares story of being an invisible victim.” Through the firsthand account of survivor Amber Eide, the episode explores how trafficking can begin with an ordinary encounter, unfold over years and remain unseen by those closest to it. Her story challenges common assumptions about who trafficking affects, how it happens and why victims often struggle to seek help.

Reporter Morgan Gill joins host Hilawe Tibebe for a Behind the Lens conversation about reporting on trauma responsibly, building trust with survivors and navigating the ethical challenges of telling deeply personal stories. Together, they reflect on how survivor-centered journalism can expose hidden patterns while honoring the voices of those most impacted.

The episode also places individual experiences within a broader statewide context, examining Mississippi data that shows trafficking occurs across all 82 counties — not just in urban areas — and highlighting ongoing efforts to improve identification, training and survivor services.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how misinformation and sensationalized narratives distort public understanding of human trafficking. He explains how media literacy can help communities recognize real warning signs, question viral myths and better understand the complex realities survivors face.

At its core, this episode underscores why accurate, community-centered journalism matters — especially for crimes designed to remain invisible. It’s a reminder that understanding trafficking starts with listening to survivors, replacing myths with facts and ensuring that trust, truth and accountability remain at the center of public conversation.

As Mississippi lawmakers launch the 2026 legislative session, the policy debates unfolding in Jackson are shaped by conversations happening far from the capitol — in city halls, county boardrooms and small-town streets across southeast Mississippi.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s project, “Southeast Mississippi leaders share priorities ahead of 2026 session.” Student journalists spent months talking with mayors, supervisors and local officials across the center’s 10-county service area to understand what their communities need most — and what they’re asking state lawmakers to address in the year ahead.

From aging roads and strained infrastructure to housing shortages, public safety concerns and the pressures of rapid growth, local leaders describe challenges that vary by community but often share a common thread: many solutions depend on state-level decisions. Through voices from Lamar, Greene, Forrest, Pearl River, Hancock and Harrison counties, the episode explores how local needs become legislative priorities — and why timing matters when those priorities are documented before a session begins.

Host Hilawe Tibebe is joined by Senior Reporter Kristen Kaylor, SMP Producer Alexa Hatten and SMP Reporter Jaydon Koss for a Behind the Lens conversation about how this multi-county reporting project came together, what surprised them in the field and how covering local government at this scale shaped their growth as journalists.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how audiences can critically evaluate claims made ahead of a legislative session, understand public funding conversations and recognize patterns that signal broader regional issues rather than isolated complaints.

At its core, this episode highlights why community-centered journalism matters — not just for reporting outcomes, but for ensuring local voices are heard before decisions are made. It’s a reminder that legislative priorities are rooted in everyday life — and that documenting them early helps strengthen accountability, trust and democratic participation across southeast Mississippi.

When people talk about revitalizing small towns, the conversation often centers on large developments and outside investment. But in Wiggins, Mississippi, change began with a single craft — and a commitment to community.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center story “Southern Turnings carves out a place in Wiggins’ revival.” The episode explores how a small woodturning studio grew into a coffee shop, gift store and gathering space that now plays a key role in breathing new life into downtown Wiggins.

Reporter Ashlyn Joyner joins host Hilawe Tibebe to discuss how Southern Turnings evolved from a personal workshop into a community hub — drawing visitors from across Mississippi and beyond, supporting local events and helping reenergize Pine Avenue. Through the voice of owner Scott Maddox, listeners hear how creativity, persistence and local investment can reshape a rural downtown over time.

The episode also examines the challenges that come with running a small business in a rural community, from workforce shortages to pandemic disruptions, and why Maddox says civic involvement and local awareness remain essential to long-term growth.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott explains how local journalism helps communities verify claims about economic health and revitalization — and why reporting on small, locally owned businesses can challenge oversimplified narratives about rural decline.

At its core, this episode looks at how grassroots efforts, creative spaces and community-driven businesses can serve as catalysts for renewal — showing that meaningful change doesn’t always start with big projects, but with people willing to invest where they live.

Litter along Gulfport’s streets, parks and beaches has become a growing concern for residents who say the problem is affecting public health, neighborhood pride and the city’s image.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center story “‘It’s Nasty’: Gulfport residents, mayor call for litter cleanup.” The episode takes listeners into the neighborhoods and public spaces where residents say trash has become impossible to ignore — from fast-food containers and plastic bottles to illegal dumping along roadsides and empty lots.

Student reporter Michelle Pinto joins host Hilawe Tibebe to explain how the story came together, what residents were most eager to share and what she learned while documenting frustration alongside community pride. Through interviews with residents and Gulfport Mayor Hugh Keating, the episode explores why people believe the problem is getting worse, what the city says it is doing to address litter through enforcement and cleanup efforts, and where gaps remain.

Listeners also hear how litter impacts daily life in a coastal city that depends on tourism — and why residents say responsibility must be shared between local government and the community.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how to separate perception from data when people talk about litter on social media, explaining how to verify claims, track trends over time and avoid common exaggerations that can spread misinformation.

At its core, this episode examines civic responsibility, community frustration and what it takes to confront a visible problem that affects how people experience their city every day.

The closure of Poplarville’s historic downtown post office in early 2022 set off a long and complicated process — one largely governed by federal procedures rather than local decision-making.

After severe termite damage forced the U.S. Postal Service to shut down the building, responsibility for evaluating repairs, selecting a replacement site and determining construction timelines remained with USPS. City officials say they advocated for solutions and updates, but had limited authority over how quickly decisions moved forward.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of two Roy Howard Community Journalism Center stories: “Poplarville’s long-overdue wait for a city post office is over” and the follow-up, “USPS delivered Poplarville false promises on post office plans, residents say.”

Student reporter Alexa Hatten and reporter Morgan Gill join host Hilawe Tibebe to explain how their team tracked a multi-year federal process, verified what fell within USPS jurisdiction and documented how communication gaps affected residents and postal workers alike. The episode explores the challenges of navigating large federal systems — especially for small, rural communities seeking clarity and timelines.

Through the voices of residents, local officials and journalists, listeners hear how service disruptions can reshape daily life, even when no single decision-maker is acting alone.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how to verify claims about federal projects, government timelines and public services — and why long stretches without official updates can lead to confusion or misinformation.

At its core, this episode looks at access, process and the realities of how public services move — slowly and carefully — through federal systems.

It can start quietly — with joint pain that won’t go away, bloodwork that raises concerns or exhaustion that feels harder to shake with each passing year. For hundreds of thousands of Mississippians, those early signs often lead to a much larger diagnosis tied to obesity and chronic disease.

Across the state, about 1.2 million adults — roughly 40 percent of the population — are classified as obese. Projections show that number could climb to 57 percent by 2030. Health officials call it an epidemic, one linked to diabetes, heart disease, high blood pressure and rising infant mortality. And for many families, the crisis is shaped as much by access and affordability as it is by biology.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story, “Mississippi expands obesity response as rates continue to climb.” Student reporter Makiya Jackson joins host Hilawe Tibebe to talk about what she learned while interviewing a young woman navigating weight loss, medical barriers and stigma — and how her personal story reflects a much broader public health challenge.

You’ll hear from Dr. Rasheedah Hall, a family physician treating obesity on the front lines in Hattiesburg, and from Mississippi State Health Officer Dr. Dan Edney, who explains how childhood obesity is shaping the state’s long-term health outlook. We also explore how new efforts — from Medicaid coverage for anti-obesity medications to interactive health education in schools — are part of a growing statewide response.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, Media Literacy Coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how misinformation surrounding diets, weight-loss drugs and so-called “miracle cures” spreads online — and the tools listeners can use to separate credible medical guidance from misleading claims.

At its core, this episode isn’t just about weight. It’s about access, stigma, prevention and the systems that shape health long before someone ever steps into a doctor’s office.

To read the full story and explore related reporting, visit rhcjcnews.com.

It starts with a moment many of us know well — standing in a doctor’s office, handed a form we’re expected to read and sign without hesitation. But for thousands of Mississippians, that moment brings something else: uncertainty, embarrassment and the fear of getting something wrong.

Across the state, an estimated 700,000 adults struggle with functional illiteracy. They can read words on a page, but understanding them — court orders, medical instructions, job applications, even recipes — becomes a daily obstacle. And until recently, adults in the Pine Belt had few options for getting help.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story “Hattiesburg nonprofit tackles Mississippi’s adult literacy crisis with new program.” Reporter Sami Jordan joins host Hilawe Tibebe to share how she discovered one of the first adult literacy initiatives in the region, what she learned from the people behind it and why this issue is so often overlooked.

You’ll hear how a routine interaction in the child support office revealed a much deeper problem — and how one Hattiesburg nonprofit, RISE, is working to fill a decades-long gap in literacy services. Through conversations with program leaders, adult learners and reporters, we explore what it takes to teach adults to read, the certification required for instructors and how literacy shapes everything from economic mobility to generational opportunity.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, media literacy coordinator Walker Scott breaks down how reading comprehension plays a role in identifying misinformation — and the early warning signs anyone can use to stay informed.

At its core, this episode isn’t just about literacy. It’s about dignity, access and the power of giving adults the tools they need to understand the world around them.

If you’d like to learn more about RISE’s program or explore literacy resources near you, visit rhcjcnews.com.

It started with a simple letter in the mail — the kind most people might toss aside without a second glance. But for residents of Oak Grove, Mississippi, it sparked a question that reached far beyond the tap: Should the North Lamar Water Association stop adding fluoride to its drinking water?

What began as a maintenance issue quickly turned into a community-wide debate about safety, cost and trust. Some residents argued that keeping fluoride in the water protects public health and helps prevent tooth decay. Others questioned the expense, the equipment needed to keep levels consistent and whether people should have a choice in what’s added to their water.

In this episode of Matter of Fact, we go behind the reporting of the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center’s story “North Lamar weighs ending water fluoridation.” Reporter Kristen Kaylor joins host Hilawe Tibebe to share how her team first learned about the issue, what it was like to verify scientific claims and how the story unfolded as they spoke with residents, health experts and state officials.

You’ll hear how something as small as a broken fluoride machine revealed a bigger story about how small-town decisions get made — and how journalists work to build trust while covering them. Through the voices of residents, reporters and experts, we explore what this local debate says about communication, transparency and the shared responsibility of keeping communities informed.

Plus, in our What Is True? segment, media literacy coordinator Walker Scott breaks down the facts about fluoride — what’s naturally in the water, what’s added and how to find reliable information about your own water system.

At its heart, this episode isn’t just about fluoride — it’s about connection, curiosity and the process of telling stories that matter.

What to see what's in your water? Click here for the CDC's My Water Fluoride database.