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.