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.