Jackson Free Press

Dirty Soil and Diabetes: Anniston's Toxic Legacy

For four decades, from 1929 until 1971, a Monsanto plant in West Anniston produced chemicals called PCBs, polychlorinated biphenyls.

Miss. Dems Seek New Approach on Medicaid Expansion

Democrats in the Mississippi Legislature say they're trying a new approach to push for Medicaid expansion—an issue they support and Republican leaders oppose.

FBI Monitoring Investigation of Candidate's Death

The FBI said Wednesday that it has been monitoring the state investigation into the death of an openly gay mayoral candidate in Mississippi, but the agency didn't indicate it had …

Efforts to Avoid Gov't Shutdown Move to Senate

If Congress can avoid another budget crisis, it could clear the way for lawmakers and President Barack Obama to restart talks on a longer-term deficit reduction plan.

Arkansas Lawmakers Override Veto, Make Most Restrictive Abortion Ban Into Law

Arkansas lawmakers overrode a veto Wednesday and gave the state the most restrictive abortion law in the country — a near-ban on the procedure from the 12th week of pregnancy …

Rand Paul Filibusters Obama's CIA Appointment "Mr. Smith"-Style, Citing Drone Policy

A Republican critic of the Obama administration's drone policy succeeded Wednesday in blocking a vote on John Brennan's nomination to be CIA director over questions about the possible use of …

The Relevance of Black History

VIP Jackson magazine recently asked me to write an article on the continued relevancy of Black History Month. After writing what I thought was a candid, non-controversial piece, I received …

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Question o' the Week: What is your favorite locally owned alternative to a big-box chain business?

What is your favorite locally owned alternative to a big-box chain business?

Obama, Republicans Cooperate on Spending, for Now

The Obama administration and congressional Republicans are quietly working in tandem to blunt the impact of short-term spending cuts.

New Personhood Amendment Filed

Backers of 2011's unsuccessful Personhood amendment are back with a retooled effort.

Racial Episodes Shake Ohio's Oberlin College

Scrawls of racially offensive graffiti and, more recently, a report of someone wearing what looked like a Ku Klux Klan-type hooded robe on campus have shaken students at historically liberal …

Ex-DEA Heads: Feds should Nullify State Pot Laws

Government needs to act now or it might lose the chance to nullify Colorado and Washington's laws legalizing recreational marijuana use.

Miss. Regulators to Consider Kemper Rate Increase

Utility regulators will be asked again Tuesday to approve a rate increase to repay money Mississippi Power Co. has borrowed to build a coal-fired power plant in Kemper County.

Why the Supreme Court May Rule Against the Voting Rights Act

On Wednesday, the Supreme Court will hear arguments in Shelby County v. Holder, a case challenging the constitutionality of a key part of the Voting Rights Act of 1965.

Obama Urges Court to Overturn Gay Marriage Ban

In a historic argument for gay rights, President Barack Obama on Thursday urged the Supreme Court to overturn California's same-sex marriage ban and turn a skeptical eye on similar prohibitions …

Growing Push to Halt Workplace Bullying

Margaret Fiester is no shrinking violet, but she says working for her former boss was a nightmare.

Justices Voice Skepticism of Voting Rights Law

The Supreme Court's conservative justices voiced deep skepticism Wednesday about a section of a landmark civil rights law that has helped millions of Americans exercise their right to vote.

Senate Democrats, GOP to Stage Votes on Rival Cuts

Across-the-board spending cuts all but certain, Republicans and Democrats in the Senate are staging a politically charged showdown designed to avoid public blame for any resulting inconvenience or disruption in …

Lone Miss. Abortion Clinic Set for License Hearing

Mississippi's only abortion clinic is scheduled for an April 18 license revocation hearing before the state Department of Health, and officials say a decision could come days or weeks later.

Foster System Remains ‘Unacceptable’

Jamison J. had shuffled through 28 foster homes, mental institutions and temporary shelters, by the time he was 17 years old.