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.