Jackson Free Press

Rankin Schools Paying for Religion Violation

Magdalene Bedi, a junior at Northwest Rankin High School in 2013, didn't subscribe to an institutional religion, but considered herself spiritual—and not an atheist.

Hurricane Katrina: Young Mississippians Remember the Storm

Ten years after Hurricane Katrina, graduate student Ashley Norwood asked Gulf Coast natives at the University of Mississippi, "What's the first thing that comes to mind when you hear Hurricane …

Who Is the Hinds County Board of Supervisors’ President?

The question regarding who will chair the Hinds County Board of Supervisors meeting next week, Monday, Jan. 17, remains unclear as two supervisors both claim to be the president—District 2 …

How Integration Failed in Jackson’s Public Schools from 1969 to 2017

Jackson's public schools, like the majority in the state, remained solidly separate and unequal in the 1950s and 1960s despite the ruling in the Brown v. Topeka Board of Education …

[Grayson] Ready or Not

When Donna Ladd called and told me that I had received the Association of Alternative Newsweeklies' Diversity Internship Grant, I was thrilled. I was excited that I was embarking on …

[Gig] ‘Let's Do This'

Andy Scissorhands stepped back from his opponent. Standing between him and the Mississippi state championship of Rock Paper Scissors was a no-nonsense girl who had won the first of three …

What To Do This New Year's Eve in Jackson

Traditionally New Year's Eve means a celebration with family and friends. Here's the lowdown about your favorite spots around town. Our advice is to call right away for reservations.

Mississippi Pols Predict Blue Dog Defeat

Mississippi politicos today predicted big election wins for Republican candidates running against Mississippi conservative Democrats in the congressional elections, but expected few gains from Congress if Republicans took control.

Jackpedia: People To Watch

<em><b>John McKellar</b></em>

John McKellar, a 21-year-old sophomore at the Raymond campus of Hinds Community College, is a busy man. Between taking classes in landscape management at Hinds, working as a landscaper, taking …

Where Voter ID Stands in Mississippi

After years of unsuccessfully trying to get the Mississippi Legislature to pass a voter ID law, last November, state conservatives put the issue of voter ID to the state's voters.

New Republic on the ‘K Street Evil Genius'

I knew New Republic was doing a story on Gov. Haley Barbour, and this one looks like a doozy. There's a lot there, but this part about Capitol Resources, etc., …

Boston Bombing Suspects Echo Home-Grown Terrorists in Madrid, London Attacks

The story of the Boston bombers, Dzhokhar Tsarnaev and his 26-year-old brother, Tamerlan, is still unfolding at high speed. Many aspects of the case, including the brothers' motivations, are not …

Obit: Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, Dead at Age 88

WASHINGTON (AP) — Sen. Daniel Inouye of Hawaii, the influential Democrat who broke racial barriers on Capitol Hill and played key roles in congressional investigations of the Watergate and Iran-Contra …

Mississippi School Discriminated to Avoid White Flight, Lawsuit Claims

Nearly 50 years after federal courts ordered Cleveland High School desegregated, the Delta high school remains embroiled in battles over desegregation.

Establishment Clause Front, Center in HB 1523 Courtroom

"Congress shall make no law respecting an establishment of religion or prohibiting the free exercise thereof...." How those words affect the language in House Bill 1523 could lead to a …

From Opioids to Heroin Addiction, Addressing the Epidemic in Mississippi

Heroin was involved in 24.0 percent (35 cases) of all opioid-related overdose death in 2015, data from the Mississippi Department of Health show. John Dowdy, director of the Mississippi Bureau …

Where Are We Now? Education A Prime Issue for the Primary Election

Education is a major focus for candidates in the upcoming primary elections, especially due to this year's political back-and-forth on fully funding the Mississippi Adequate Education Program.

Hinds Judicial Races, Court of Appeals Likely Headed to Runoff

Candidates for various Hinds County and statewide judicial roles appeared on Tuesday's ballot alongside U.S. Senate and congressional candidates. Just before midnight on election night, Hinds County released unofficial results …

[Balko] The Coroners Revolt

Mississippi coroners attempt to defy a ban on disgraced medical examiner Steven Hayne.

MDOT Approves Fortification Street Project

A Mississippi Department of Transportation commission voted to approve a plan to narrow Fortification Street and install traffic-slowing features Wednesday. "Obviously we're extremely pleased that we received an affirmative vote …