Jackson Free Press

Obama Deepens U.S. Involvement in Syria

'Conclusive evidence' that Syrian President Bashar Assad's regime used chemical weapons is prompting President Barack Obama to authorize lethal aid to Syrian rebels.

Protesters Out Again in Brazil's Biggest City

Tens of thousands of Brazilians again flooded the streets of the country's biggest city to raise a collective cry against a longstanding lament—people are weighed down by high taxes and …

Texas Abortion Bill Blocked by Last-Minute 'People's Filibuster'

Initially, Republicans insisted the vote started before the midnight deadline and passed the bill that Democrats spent the day trying to kill. But after official computer records and printouts of …

Putting a Toe in the Water of the Race Conversation

Racism is really hard to talk about, especially in bi- and multi-racial groups. So how do you start? How do you engage without offending? Here are a few tips.

Saturday Update: Newtown Mourns Deaths, Celebrates Heroism as Police Look for Answers

NEWTOWN, Conn. (AP) — Investigators tried to figure out what led a bright but painfully awkward 20-year-old to slaughter 26 children and adults at a Connecticut elementary school, while townspeople …

AP Interview: Reeves Pushing for Charter Schools

With the 2013 Mississippi legislative session starting next week, Lt. Gov. Tate Reeves says he believes there's bipartisan support for charter schools and for efforts to improve children's reading skills …

New Sanctions Likely Despite Thaw in U.S.-Iran Ties

A war-weary Congress generally backs President Barack Obama's outreach to Iran, but with tougher U.S. economic measures against Tehran on the way, the president's diplomatic task could get harder if …

From Nothing to Something

When I moved back to Mississippi 12 years ago, it felt as if the majority of people I met, especially younger ones, constantly had one foot out the door in …

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U.S. Adults Score Below Average on Worldwide Test

It's long been known that America's school kids haven't measured well compared with international peers. Now, there's a new twist: Adults don't either.

My Opening Farewell

After my many years with the JFP in numerous roles, the names and faces of all the dedicated souls who passed through the doors are too many to count or …

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Federal Shutdown Affected U.S. in Ways Unseen

How did the shutdown alter our daily routines? Here's a look at a day in the life of the 2013 government shutdown.

Sacrificing the Turkey

If I’m ever going to win the battle for my health, I have to make a drastic change.

Soldier Sentenced to Death for Fort Hood Shooting

A military jury on Wednesday sentenced Maj. Nidal Hasan to death for the 2009 shooting rampage at Fort Hood, handing the Army psychiatrist the ultimate punishment after a trial in …

McCoy: Tearing Down 'Walls'

At age 47, youth pastor and insurance agent Gus McCoy is one of the youngest candidates vying for the Hinds County District 2 supervisor's seat.

Assad: 'Expect Everything' in Response to Attack

Syrian President Bashar Assad is warning the U.S. of repercussions if it launches a military strike against him. "You should expect everything," Assad said in an interview, while denying that …

Talking Diplomacy in Syria, Obama Goes to Congress

President Barack Obama angled to end the impasse over Syria on Tuesday by pressing his case for U.S. airstrikes against Bashar Assad's regime as he held out hope of a …

Syria Accepts Weapons Plan, Strike Momentum Eases

Momentum to avoid Western missile strikes on Syria intensified Tuesday, as President Bashar Assad's government accepted a plan to turn over its chemical weapons stockpile and France pitched a U.N. …

Israeli Leaders Condemn EU Move on Settlements

Israeli leaders on Tuesday condemned a European Union ban on funding to Israeli institutions that operate in occupied territories, but also acknowledged the country's growing isolation over its construction of …

Common Core: Is Raising the Bar Enough?

Young Jackson Public Schools scholars returned to classrooms last week. And whether Aug. 8 marked the first time riding a big, yellow bus or the final year of locker assignments, …

JFK's Last Night Recalled as Key Event for Latinos

President John F. Kennedy was supposed to just stop by and wave hello. Instead a group of eager Latinos persuaded him to come inside and speak to a packed room …