Jackson Free Press

Confronting the Realities of Autism

For Angela Douglas, the realities of autism are all around her at work and at home. As an advocate at Disability Rights Mississippi in Gulfport, Douglas works with parents whose …

I’m a Patriot, Not a ‘Libtard’

A Republican friend from Mississippi State, whom I haven't seen in decades, wrote on my Facebook page recently that he reads my work, and he actually finds me quite conservative …

Controversial Resort Plan Unifies Competing Downtown Bars

After being open for six months, John Tierre says his Johnny T's Bistro & Blues and the adjoining lounge called 540 are holding their own in spite of, literally, being …

1 Percent Tax: A Test for Contractor Reform

Almost two years after voters in Jackson decided to tax themselves an extra 1-percent worth of sales tax on certain goods, heavy machinery will soon be turning dirt and the …

Local Wine Sellers Push Back on Chain Effort

Victor Pittman is not pleased with a lobbying effort to lift the restriction on wine and liquor sales in grocery stores in Mississippi's wet counties.

Youth Judge Now Adhering to Fed Regs

For the last two years, the Hinds County Youth Court handcuffed children while they waited their turn to appear before Judge William Skinner II in direct violation of a federal …

JPD Escorts 'Champion,' Crime Up and Down, Depraved Heart' Killer Sentenced

Despite ongoing controversy over his role in Hinds County criminal case, Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood is bragging this week after several local court wins, including sending a Jackson man …

Where Did the City Tax Revenue Go?

Deborah Williams, a 911 dispatcher with the City of Jackson, spoke before the Jackson City Council on Sept. 2, admonishing the administration for freezing 11 vacant positions in her department.

Long Live Hal

Malcolm White decided that because he sees his annual parade as a gift to the city, it could also be a way to continue to honor the gift of his …

‘Hot’ Madison Police Pursuit Under Investigation

The Mississippi Bureau of Investigations is reviewing policies of the Madison Police Department after its officers engaged in a high-speed pursuit through the streets of Jackson on Sunday, Feb. 23.

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Person of the Day: Wilma Mankiller

"The Cherokee Word for Water" tells the true story of Charlie Soap and his late wife, Wilma Mankiller—who was the first woman chief of the Cherokee Nation—and their efforts to …

Discrimination Isn’t ‘Religious Freedom’

You do not have religious freedom if every single American doesn't have it, too, including those you believe are heathens and sinners.

Engage to Change

Given what most black youth face—from lack of opportunity to lack of self-esteem—they have an uphill climb with little mainstream support.

Jackson: Rankin Wastewater Plan ‘Disingenuous’

With Jackson and its citizens burdened with a $400 million consent decree to fix its sewer system, it was already going to be a tough hill to climb.

USDA Promotes Gender-Inclusivity in Jackson

Ashlee Davis wants members of the LGBT community to know that the U.S. Department of Agriculture will not discriminate against them.

Mary Coleman: Bringing ‘New Energy’ to MDOT

Coleman's primary election went to a run-off that she won by a large margin to Robert Amos. She now faces Dick Hall, the incumbent who has served in that role …

Hello Fondren Fro-Yo, Tom Ramsey's Next Move and School of Music

La Finestra's lease recently ran out, and owner Tom Ramsey has chosen not to renew it. The restaurant will serve its final meal on Sunday, Oct. 18.

Downtown Y Dropping Basketball, Raising Funds to Stay Alive

Jackson's downtown YMCA is undertaking a life-saving effort involving major renovations, reinvestment, and downsizing of the facility's financially draining programs and activities.

Drew Mellon

For Clinton native Drew Mellon, the U.S. director for international nonprofit The Hard Places Community, his connection to Cambodia isn't a question of geography, but of compassion and calling.

The 1-Percent Tax Spending Snag

Jackson City Council members and citizens are growing impatient with the slow rate of progress and administrative morass as the capital city continues to collect funds for infrastructure improvements.