01-06-2025
Five Mississippi articles reveal rural economic shifts and community impacts in 2025
Stories by Biloxi SunHerald journalists, with AI summarization
Five recent Mississippi articles show how economic changes are reshaping rural communities in 2025. The closure of 62 Dirt Cheap discount stores has forced locals to search further for affordable essentials and left workers without jobs, prompting groups like the Blue Mountain Civic Association to provide support. Meanwhile, Enviva shut down its Amory wood pellet plant after bankruptcy, but keeps operating in Lucedale and Pascagoula, raising questions about long-term job stability in the region.
A favorite local bakery, Cheeky Monkey, closed its doors but now shifts to custom orders from home, preserving its connection with loyal customers. At the same time, ALDI is opening new stores in place of closed Winn-Dixies, offering different shopping experiences and filling some retail gaps in these affected areas.
Bankruptcies like that of Dirt Cheap often leave behind limited retail options in rural communities. | Published January 6, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mallory Strickland
Two months after emerging from Chapter 11 Bankruptcy, Enviva is closing its plant in northern Mississippi and looking at efficiencies at its other facilities, including two in South MS. | Published February 5, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez
Here's a throwback to Southern-style buffet restaurants that were popular on the MS Gulf Coast 25 years ago and owned by the same chef. | Published February 28, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez
The Biloxi bakery with an unusual name is going in a different direction after the head baker decided to stir things up. Here's what is next for their cakes and treats. | Published March 4, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez
Get a quarter ready for the shopping cart and bring your grocery bags. Shopping at this new ALDI store is a little different than at other supermarkets. | Published April 8, 2025 | Read Full Story by Mary Perez
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
