Roy Howard Community Journalism Center

Roy Howard Community Journalism Center The RHCJC, launching in January 2025, is a unique news initiative housed in the School of Media & Communication at The University of Southern Mississippi.

Funded by the Scripps Howard Foundation and based at Southern Miss, our student-powered newsroom is working to defeat the southeast Mississippi news desert through innovative journalism and media literacy efforts. Funded by the Scripps Howard Foundation in a three-year, $3 million renewable grant, the RHCJC will report news from 10 Mississippi counties (Lamar, Forrest, Perry, Greene, Pearl River,

Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison, and Jackson) as well as cover statewide issues. Its main bureau is located on the Hattiesburg campus of the university, and additional bureaus are in Jackson at Mississippi Public Broadcasting and at the Gulf Park campus
in Long Beach. The RHCJC is staffed by seven full-time media professionals as well as college and high school students from around the state. When fully operational, the RHCJC will send content to TV and radio stations, newspapers, journals, and news websites. It will also operate a media literacy program and a “What is True?” misinformation and disinformation hotline.

Microschools are spreading across Mississippi, serving as small, specialized learning environments and offering an alter...
10/07/2025

Microschools are spreading across Mississippi, serving as small, specialized learning environments and offering an alternative to traditional schooling! Lawmakers are debating whether to expand public funding, while critics fear expansion will strain the state budget and redirect money from already under-resourced public schools. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com. 🔗

Beginning in early 2026, Leakesville residents will see increases in both property taxes and utility rates! As the first...
10/06/2025

Beginning in early 2026, Leakesville residents will see increases in both property taxes and utility rates! As the first adjustment in six years, the additional revenue is needed to address an aging water and sewer system, maintain infrastructure, and prepare the town for future growth. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com. 🔗

10/02/2025

The North Lamar Water Association, which serves about 12,500 residents in Lamar County, is considering ending community water fluoridation after years of equipment problems, rising costs, and concerns over operator safety. The system has not met recommended federal standards since 2020. A public meeting will be held Oct. 6 in Oak Grove for residents to share their views.
Read more at rhcjcnews.com.


Would you prefer fluoride in your drinking water?

Mississippi laws prohibit the use of radar technology for sheriffs, while allowing only the Highway Patrol and certain m...
09/29/2025

Mississippi laws prohibit the use of radar technology for sheriffs, while allowing only the Highway Patrol and certain municipal police departments to use the tool to enforce speed limits. Local deputies continue to advocate for its use, with community members joining the effort. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com

Big news from the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center! We’re pulling back the curtain with our brand-new podcast, Mat...
09/26/2025

Big news from the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center! We’re pulling back the curtain with our brand-new podcast, Matter of Fact.

Producer & host, Hilawe Tibebe, will spotlight the voices, stories, and behind-the-scenes perspectives of the student workers and professional staff who keep the Center thriving.

The first episode will arrive in early October — stay tuned for conversations that matter. 🗞️

Elamipretide is an experimental drug that has been used to treat the symptoms of patients with Barth Syndrome, a rare ge...
09/23/2025

Elamipretide is an experimental drug that has been used to treat the symptoms of patients with Barth Syndrome, a rare genetic disorder that weakens the heart, lungs, and muscles. After uncertainty surrounding its access for patients, the Food & Drug Administration has granted the treatment accelerated approval. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com.

Mini pantries are popping up across Hattiesburg, signifying a communal effort to fight hunger in local areas! These pant...
09/22/2025

Mini pantries are popping up across Hattiesburg, signifying a communal effort to fight hunger in local areas! These pantries, stocked with canned food, pasta, and even hygiene items, are accessible to anyone at any time and serve as a grassroots effort to help curb food insecurity. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com. 🔗

Mississippi families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could soon face limits on what ...
09/16/2025

Mississippi families who rely on the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, or SNAP, could soon face limits on what foods they can buy, including soda and candy! With changes already set to begin as early as 2026 in a dozen other states, Mississippi could be next. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com. 🔗

Last Friday, our student workers had the opportunity to attend Press Play Jackson, hosted by !Experiences like these hel...
09/15/2025

Last Friday, our student workers had the opportunity to attend Press Play Jackson, hosted by !

Experiences like these help our student workers connect with professionals and further prepare them for careers in media and journalism.

The Pearl River County Technology Park is finally underway after being envisioned over 30 years ago! The park, with its ...
09/15/2025

The Pearl River County Technology Park is finally underway after being envisioned over 30 years ago! The park, with its first two buildings expected to open by 2026, aims to diversify the local economy and attract higher-paying jobs to the area. Read more at www.rhcjcnews.com. 🔗

Leakesville’s Basila District is landing its first restaurant: Jack’s opens by November with 50–60 jobs. Read more at rh...
09/09/2025

Leakesville’s Basila District is landing its first restaurant: Jack’s opens by November with 50–60 jobs. Read more at rhcjcnews.com. 🍔🏗️

Lawmakers are weighing a comeback for Mississippi’s storm-mitigation program to lower damage and premiums. Read more at ...
09/08/2025

Lawmakers are weighing a comeback for Mississippi’s storm-mitigation program to lower damage and premiums. Read more at rhcjcnews.com.

Address

114 Southern Miss Drive
Hattiesburg, MS
39406

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 5pm

Telephone

+16012664265

Website

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