Jackson Free Press

10 Local Stories This Week

Things seemed to return to normal after Hurricane Isaac and the three-day Labor Day weekend slowed down the capital city last week.

Barbour Folds After 'Poker' Remark

This week, former governor Haley Barbour touched off more tumult, providing one more distraction for his party, by running his mouth.

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Chef Buys Into Downtown's Promise

For the sixth year in a row, Mississippi has earned the title of the most obese state in the nation, according to The Trust for America's Health's annual study.

Flipping the 'Race Card'

I almost spewed coffee all over my screen. I had just opened a "Haley Barbour" news alert and read that our esteemed former governor had accused Democrats of playing the …

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Robert R. Latham Jr.

Robert R. Latham Jr. is the man in the middle of the storm.

East Coast Earthquake Created a 'New Normal'

Earthquake drills are now as ubiquitous as fire drills at Louisa County schools in central Virginia.

'Parent-Trigger Law' Important

In their push for a more expansive charter-school law in Mississippi, charter proponents have attempted to repeal our existing charter-school law.

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 …

Opponents: Missisippi Officials Wrote Rules Favoring Drilling

Opponents say Mississippi officials stacked the deck in favor of offshore natural gas drilling when they wrote rules to allow it.

Some Things Aren't Funny

Imagine a picture of 25 bodies of African descent sprawled lifeless across the ground with their faces hidden.

Republicans Endorse 3 for Miss. Supreme Court

The Mississippi Republican Party has endorsed Mississippi Supreme Court Chief Justice Bill Waller, Justice Mike Randolph and Josiah Coleman for seats on the state's highest court.

Report: Mississippi Port Faces Challenges

A report says the Port of Gulfport faces numerous challenges as it tries to capitalize on $570 million in federal money it was given after Hurricane Katrina.

Inside The Abortion Clinic Battle

Emily Lyons arrived at work early the morning of Jan. 30, 1998.

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Port of Gulfport Doing Enough With Federal Dollars?

Mississippi leaders are questioning whether the Port of Gulfport is doing enough to capitalize on the $570 million in federal money being spent there in the aftermath of 2005's Hurricane …

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.

Be Transparent, Mitt (and Haley)

Amid all the clamor recently over Gov. Mitt Romney's financials—shell companies in Bermuda, Swiss bank accounts, apparent control of Bain Capital well after he says he left the company—one critic's …

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Medicaid: A Job Creator?

Mississippi hospitals worry about the rising cost of uncompensated care if the state declines to expand Medicaid to individuals who currently lack insurance.

Our Itty-Bitty 'Green' Car

Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and former President Bill Clinton helped roll out an energy-efficient vehicle in Horn Lake on July 6.

Eight Years in, State Still Neglecting Kids

The foster home was not a haven for the little girl no one cared about. One of the people living in the home was a convicted rapist.

Just In: State Not Responding Well to Child Abuse, Neglect

A children's advocacy organization says state officials are not responding to reports of child abuse and neglect in a timely or effective fashion.