Jackson Free Press

Voters Reject Constitutional Amendment Over School Funding

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Mississippi voters rejected any change to the state constitution to bolster public school funding, defeating Initiative 42 on Tuesday.

Ann Turner Williams

Drake’s Designs Florist & Gifts owner Ann Turner Williams and her business-neighbor, Chris McCoy of The Book Rack, are teaming up for Books & Boos, Wednesday, Oct. 29.

Timothy Kendricks

Timothy Kendricks, 27, isn't your average college student. He battled a life-threatening disease and came out on top, and then he wrote a book about his struggles.

Janis Jordan

Creativity flows through Janis Jordan, the founder of Bk2natur, a company that makes natural handmade soaps.

Neil Carter

Neil Carter has the distinction of writing about secular humanism while living in the reddest of Deep South states. Being a former evangelical makes him even more of a novelty.

More Fallout Over MAEP Funding Court Battle

Ironically, the same cadre of Republican leaders who unilaterally pushed through 42A are lambasting Hinds County Circuit Court Judge Winston Kidd for what they say is usurping the Legislature's authority …

JPD Remembers Fallen Police, Stresses Trust Building

After hoisting a crisp new American flag above Jackson police headquarters, Jackson's top law-enforcement officials remembered officers who've fallen in the line of duty.

Jerrell Jones

Hip-hop has been part of Jackson native and rapper Jerrell Jones' culture since he was born.

Judge's Rewrite of Ballot Title is Final, Attorneys Argue

The Mississippi attorney general's office and attorneys for an Oxford parent say there's no legal right for anyone—including legislators—to appeal a circuit judge's rewriting of a short description for one …

Lauren Smith

As a personal trainer at the Deville Plaza YMCA, Lauren Smith's job is to encourage her clients during their workouts and hold them accountable for achieving results.

Republicans Hold on to North Mississippi US House Seat

Republican Trent Kelly says that as Mississippi's newest member of the U.S. House, he will work to strengthen national defense, protect veterans' benefits and reduce federal regulations.

Mississippi Power Credit Rating Falls Over Kemper

JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Fitch Ratings lowered its credit rating for Mississippi Power by one notch from A- to BBB+ Friday, saying there remain "elevated risks" of financial, regulatory and …

Yolanda Foster

As a child, Yolanda Foster knew she wanted to do something creative when she grew up.

Justice System Should Help, Not Just Punish

Last summer, a SWAT team descended on the home of a man named Cornealious "Mike" Anderson in a quiet suburb of St. Louis, Mo., and took him to jail. The …

Derrick Johnson

When two Tougaloo College alumni convinced Derrick Johnson, a Detroit, Mich., native, that he belonged at the college, Johnson ended up discovering a passion for civil-rights work.

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Hagel Says Rush to Judgement Against Bergdahl is 'Unfair'

BRUSSELS (AP) — U.S. Defense Secretary Chuck Hagel said Wednesday it is unfair to the family of released captive Sgt. Bowe Bergdahl to leap to conclusions about his behavior in …

Sombra's Young Talent

Though a mere 25 years old, Chef John Michael Smith of Sombra Mexican Kitchen in Ridgeland is a seasoned veteran of restaurants.

Soul Winters

Stacey "Soul" Winters says her life changed when she first unlocked the doors of what was to be Soul Wired Cafe in 2010.

Lawsuit Challenges State's Failure to Fund MAEP

Angered by the state's failure to fully fund the Mississippi Adequate Education Program, 14 Mississippi school districts filed legal claims in Hinds County on Aug. 28.

Jeremy Gordon

When Jeremy Gordon, now 35, moved to Jackson to attend college at Jackson State University, he brought martial arts with him.