Jackson Free Press

Report: U.S. Abortion Rate at Lowest Since 1973

The U.S. abortion rate declined to its lowest level since 1973, and the number of abortions fell by 13 percent between 2008 and 2011, according to the latest national survey …

Hydeia Broadbent

Born with HIV and abandoned at a Las Vegas hospital in 1984, Hydeia Broadbent was diagnosed with full-blown AIDS by age 3.

Republicans Blame Obama for Stalling Immigration

Republicans are starting to lay the blame on President Barack Obama if an overhaul of the nation's broken immigration system fails to become law.

Al-Qaida Breaks Ties With Group in Syria

Al-Qaida's central leadership broke off ties with one of the most powerful militant groups in Syria, known as the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant, and distanced itself from …

Philip Seymour Hoffman Fans Mourn, Tout His Talent

There were no dissenters about the gifts and achievements of Philip Seymour Hoffman, whose death Sunday in New York brought a stunning halt to his extraordinary and unpredictable career.

10 Local Stories of the Week

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.

Senate Sends Teacher Paycheck Measure to Governor

The Mississippi Senate voted 48-0 Friday for a bill meant to ensure teachers get a full August paycheck, though local school board representatives question its legality.

Miss. Senate OKs Adding 'In God We Trust' to Seal

The Mississippi Senate voted Friday to add "In God We Trust" to the state seal, as requested by Republican Gov. Phil Bryant.

Are Violent-Crime 'Strike Forces' Worth It?

One of the keystones of Gov. Phil Bryant's legislative agenda passed a hurdle as Judiciary B Committee of the Mississippi State Senate approved a bill to create a system of …

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U.S. Seeks Death Penalty for Marathon Suspect

The announcement by federal prosecutors that they will seek the death penalty against the man accused in the Boston Marathon bombing came as no surprise to people who lost limbs …

Play of the Week: "New Beginnings"

Mark Henderson, chairman of the Speech and Theater Department at Jackson State University and artistic director of MADDRAMA, focused his play, "New Beginnings," on eight stereotypes society tends to hold …

Olympic Host Russia Coming Out of Doping Doghouse

When the world last came together for the Winter Olympics, Russia was in the doghouse because of doping.

Air Force: 92 Implicated in Nuke Cheating Scandal

Top Air Force officials described a persistent culture of "undue stress and fear" that led 92 out of 550 members of the military's nuclear missile corps to be involved in …

Obama Asks CEOs for Help Hiring Long-Term Jobless

President Barack Obama is asking major corporations for their help in putting the long-term unemployed back to work.

Bill Would Ban Destruction of Guns in Buy-Back

Mississippi cities and counties would be banned from buying and destroying guns, under a proposal lawmakers are considering.

DIY Oyster Shell Necklace

Oyster shells, with their natural shimmer, strung on a simple chain can add a touch of new life with an everyday outfit.

New BCBS Policy Raises Alarm

Physicians are alarmed about a new Blue Cross & Blue Shield of Mississippi policy that could take effect as early as Feb. 1. The insurance giant proposes to end prescription …

Wash., Colo., Have Few Ways to Stop Carry-On Weed

Among the many oddities that have arisen from marijuana legalization in Washington and Colorado is this: It can be easier to get through airport security with a bag of weed …

Bill of the Day: Mississippi Youth Concussion Law

During the Super Bowl this Sunday, the topic of concussions is bound to come up at some point. Contact sports have come under fire in the last few years over …

House Leaders to Outline Immigration Principles

House Republican leaders plan to outline broad immigration principles, including legalization for the 11 million immigrants living here illegally, to the GOP rank and file as they look to revive …