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.