Jackson Free Press

Testimony of Gov. Haley Barbour about Katrina - March 7

Testimony of Governor Haley Barbour to U. S. Senate Committee on Appropriations

Thank you for this opportunity to join you today to discuss the worst natural disaster in our nation's history, Hurricane Katrina. First, we in Mississippi greatly need and genuinely appreciate …

12 Local Stories of the Week

There are no slow news weeks in Jackson, especially at the Jackson Free Press. Here are 12 vital stories from the last week.

The 'Solid South' Growing More Complex As Demographics Change

The "Solid South" was a political fact, benefiting Democrats for generations and then Republicans, with Bible Belt and racial politics ruling the day. But demographic changes and recent election results …

The 2020 Inauguration Speech of Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves

Gov. Tate Reeves took the oath of office today at the Mississippi Capitol beneath gloomy skies, surrounded by the state's new leadership. The governor's speech centered around unity, even as …

UPDATED: 'Kingmaker' Bickers' Name Surfaces in Atlanta Bribery, Intimidation Investigation

A well-known and nationally recognized political operative that Mayor Tony Yarber refers to as a "kingmaker," Mitzi Bickers, has been mentioned in connection to a federal bribery investigation into the …

Donald Trump’s Most Vicious Lie, Yet?

It's a tough contest, but Donald Trump just spread his most poisonous lie yet in his race to become the fuehrer of the 21st century.

Creating Better People

It's hard to watch a grown man cry. It's even harder to see a distinguished judge break down in front of an audience decades after a white teacher lied about …

Reaganite Says Aborting Black Babies Would Reduce Crime

Here's your stupid Republican quotation for the day, coming from Reagan's secretary of education:

State Of The Coast

Betty Maerker often visits Ocean Springs' shoreline right before a storm, where she watches the waves rise and fall, and gathers her thoughts. But for the past five years, her …

Meet the Judicial Candidates

Here are the judicial candidates in the running for Hinds County.

DOSSIER: Mississippi Secrets Revealed, from 'Ole Miss' to RFK to Charles Overby

"Most people in Mississippi who do not agree with the radical-conservative, racist status quo have always been afraid to speak publicly about it—certainly at least the white ones."

Bush ‘hatred'; Wilson Carroll Talks Back

Very compelling column by E. J. Dionne Jr. in the Washington Post: "Republicans won in 2002, but Bush lost most Democrats forever. Conservative critics of "Bush hatred" like to argue …

Disaster Remarks by Barbour, McCoy, Tuck, Others

Transcribed Remarks by the Governor and other state officials/MEMA Press Conference/Jackson, MS

Governor Haley Barbour: "Before I start trying to share some briefing with you… First, I'm pleased that the Lieutenant Governor and the Speaker accompanied me to the coast today to …

Political Ad Stirs Controversy

Many residents of both Hinds and Madison counties spoke out this week against a controversial political ad that played on fears of Jackson's "violent crime" showing prior to feature movies …

Teen Births Have High Cost

Instead of focusing on emotions, the Women's Fund of Mississippi is highlighting the cost of teen births to advocate for comprehensive sex-education in the state's public schools. Last week, the …

Power to the People

When someone offered Melissa Cooper $700 for some of her prescription pain medication in 2010, she jumped at the opportunity.

Blacks Lose Under Redistricting Scenarios

Redistricting could cost blacks some political clout as the most of the state's white population continues to embrace the Republican Party.

Key AG Bills Headed to Barbour

<i>Verbatim Statement</i>
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Five of the Attorney General Jim Hood's key legislative bills are now headed to the Governor for his signature.

MPB Eyes Self Sufficiency

The Mississippi Public Broadcasting board voted this morning to start considering where to make budget cuts in response to threats to end its state funding.

Melton's Legal Bills and his Blind Trust

Mayor Frank Melton told the Jackson Free Press in February that he was concerned enough about the costs of lawsuits to him personally that he had set up a blind …