Jackson Free Press

Ben Allen’s Defense Hangs on DJP’s Public/Private Status

Whether Downtown Jackson Partners is public or private, governmental or nonprofit, is a pivotal issue in the case against indicted DJP President Ben Allen.

Tackling Poverty this Holiday Season

For families and individuals who are struggling, especially financially, the holidays can be a tough time. That's where nonprofits come in, for both immediate and systemic help. You can donate …

Legislature Asserts Control Over CARES Act Funds by Early Return

The Mississippi Legislature will reconvene on Monday, “if not sooner,” Senate Minority Leader Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, told the Jackson Free Press today. The Legislature’s lightning-quick return comes weeks in advance …

Aiming for Alabama-like Victory, Espy Opens ‘Modern’ Campaign Headquarters

Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Mike Espy announced what he called “the most modern headquarters that I think any Democrat has had in Mississippi’s history” at a ceremony for the opening …

UPDATED: Inside the ‘Brexit Boys’ Data Project at Ole Miss

After months of negotiations and coordination facilitated in part by Gov. Phil Bryant to bring two British companies stateside, a public United Kingdom office that reports to Parliament is investigating …

UPDATE: 'Very Serious': Council Accuses Mayor of Dodging Whether Budget Reserves Depleted

Jackson City Council members today accused Mayor Tony Yarber and his administration of concealing information that could show whether or not the City's budget reserves are depleted.

Lawmakers Use Templates to Target Welfare Fraud, Focus on Recipients, Not Providers

Lawmakers seem serious about addressing welfare reform this year, potentially making it both harder to get benefits and then to stay on the rolls once a recipient has a job. …

Electing Justice: Money, Partisanship and Dirty Ads

Judicial races are meant to be nonpartisan. After all, the judicial branch is a separate arm of the state government from the Legislature and the governor's office.

Americans Who Live Near Border say Trump's Wall is Unwelcome

All along the winding Rio Grande, the people who live in this bustling, fertile region where the U.S. border meets the Gulf of Mexico never quite understood how Donald Trump's …

Where to Delight Your Love on Valentine's Day

On Saturday, Feb. 13, The Detectives Comedy Dinner Theatre will perform comedy "Couples Retreat" at Kismet's. Seating is at 6:30 p.m., and the show begins at 7 p.m.

Farish Street Affordable Housing Hits Snags

Not everyone is supportive of expanding the pastel-painted affordable housing units in the Farish Street Historic District.

Vouchers May be Ticket Out of Public Schools for Kids with Disabilities—But is that a Good Thing?

Some students with disabilities may get a chance to leave the public school system here—but advocates and parents aren't sure it will improve their education.

Lumumba, Priester, Horhn Lead Mayoral Money Race: Who Are Their Big Donors?

Chokwe Antar Lumumba, Melvin Priester Jr. and John Horhn are leading the money race heading into the last week of the race for mayor.

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Ole Miss Students Demand Answers After Ouster of Dan Jones

Angry students held aloft red and white signs proclaiming their support for ousted Chancellor Dan Jones on Monday, urging their classmates at the University of Mississippi to sign petitions and …

MAEP Formula Explained

MAEP funding (theoretically) covers teacher and district employee salaries, retirement and insurance, instruction materials, operational costs, transportation, and special, vocational, gifted and alternative education.

The Egg Bowl is Anyone's Game

Bragging rights will be up for the taking this weekend in a showdown to cap off the greatest season of Mississippi college football in recent memory.

Community Events and Meetings

The Mississippi Freedom Summer 50th Anniversary Conference runs from June 25-29 at Jackson Convention Complex and Tougaloo College.

Turkey Cracks Down on Oil Smuggling Linked to IS

Turkish authorities recently ramped up a multi-layered crackdown that has significantly disrupted the illicit trade of oil with the Islamic State group.

A Legal Marriage Under Attack

Nick and Jessica Fulgham, who married Sept. 18, received a wave of public backlash when American Family Radio, an anti-gay organization based in Tupelo, broadcast news of their marriage after …

UPDATED: Former JPD Chief Vance Running Against Beleaguered Hinds County Sheriff

Lee Vance, who retired as chief of the Jackson Police Department in December 2017 after 30 years on the force, has filed to run in the 2019 Hinds County sheriff's …