A new digital tool aims to make it easier for southeast Mississippi residents to stay informed, engaged and connected to what matters most in their communities.
The Southeast Mississippi Planner, launching Aug. 18, will be a free, weekly update covering civic news, public meetings, local announcements and community highlights from across the region.
The planner is produced by the Roy Howard Community Journalism Center. Student workers power the planner. They also built the digital infrastructure that supports it and are incorporating the responsible use of artificial intelligence to automate processes while maintaining editorial oversight.
Community members, organizations and government agencies can now submit updates using the official form. Submissions will be reviewed, edited for clarity and style, and published at the discretion of the center.
The planner features several recurring sections designed to keep residents informed and connected:
— Civic Watch offers a roundup of verified government meeting notices, agendas, minutes and opportunities for public input, helping increase access and transparency.
— Neighbor Notes serves as a digital bulletin board where community groups can share events, needs, volunteer opportunities and success stories.
— News from the Source provides summarized press releases from trusted agencies and institutions, giving readers reliable updates without misinformation or noise.
— Weekly Highlights delivers a curated list of important things to know in each county, including timely updates, events and stories.
The planner will serve 10 southeast Mississippi counties, including Lamar, Forrest, Perry, Greene, Pearl River, Stone, George, Hancock, Harrison and Jackson. Those needing additional information can contact Joshua Wilson, the center’s community liaison, at [email protected] or 601-266-4265.
By strengthening local information access, rebuilding trust in media and promoting civic engagement, the initiative supports the journalism center’s mission. In regions facing shrinking news coverage and rising misinformation, it offers a practical, reliable way to stay connected to what matters.
The center, based at The University of Southern Mississippi and supported by the Scripps Howard Foundation, produces trustworthy, community-focused reporting and promotes media literacy across southeast Mississippi. The center works alongside students, journalists and local residents to inform the public and support civic engagement.
