Jackson Free Press

How State Agencies Dance with Privatization

Mississippi children living in poverty may be among the neediest in America, but last year the State of Mississippi did not allocate $35 million earmarked to help poor families in …

Uber May Leave Under New Regs

Uber has been operating in Jackson for a just under a year, but the company said the prospects of continuing to do business in the capital city are bleak if …

Negotiations Over in Troupe v. Barbour

Mississippi's short-term inpatient care and special-treatment facilities served about 542 adolescents in fiscal-year 2015, Mississippi Department of Mental Health data show.

GOP, Dems Marking Territory

Even before adopting temporary rules, Democrats in the Mississippi House of Representatives tried to flex their muscle to show the party is an underdog not to be messed with, even …

A GOP Supermajority, Slavery and an Embattled Flag

Ray Shores, who lives in Yazoo County and is a member of the Dixie Alliance, said he and flag supporters have challenged House Speaker Philip Gunn, R-Clinton, to a debate …

JPS Superintendent Defends District, Award

Serving nearly 4,000 employees and more than 28,000 students, 78 percent of whom receive free or reduced lunch in the state's largest city, Jackson Public Schools often faces loud internal …

Parents’ Conundrum: Mississippi Charter Schools

Jackson mom and business owner Tracie James was dissatisfied with the lack of one-on-one opportunities at school for her youngest son, formerly a North Jackson Elementary School student in Jackson …

Threat of Lead Paint Grows Over Time

While Jacksonians worry about whether their pipes are leaching lead into their water, those who live in the oldest, poorest sections of the city have been living with the threat …

Costco Moving Ahead, Despite Pushback

Despite some community concern, Mayor Tony Yarber is moving forward in pursuit of a Costco on Lakeland Drive where Smith-Wills Stadium and the Michael D. Johnson Memorial Ballpark currently sit.

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Zack Wallace: Ready to Fly

Zack Wallace has never held elected political office, but he has the power of incumbency on his side.

Jelani Barr: Unconventional Thinking

In a political environment filled with law-school grads and long-in-the-tooth politicians, Jelani Barr's bid for the Capitol might seem like a long shot, but the underdog has been driving across …

Kemper Rate Hike Illegal, Yoga and Craft Beer Event Ahead

Regulators are ordering Mississippi Power Co. to lower its rates later this month and plan for refunds by November for customers who want them.

Fuller: ‘Progressive, Sustainable Change’

Henry Fuller recently talked to the Jackson Free Press about stepping out from the behind the scenes to serve on the Hinds County Board of Supervisors.

‘A Violent Takedown’ in Stonewall

One week after the death of Jonathan Sanders, a black man killed after a white police officer stopped him in the east Mississippi town of Stonewall, a clearer picture of …

Threatened Budget Cuts Could Hurt State

Higher education, mental health and human services would suffer large reductions in staff and funding with the 7.8 percent cut Mississippi state agencies are proposing should voters choose to force …

McQuirter: Stop Hinds County’s Bleeding

Darrel McQuirter met the Jackson Free Press for an early breakfast at a Clinton restaurant to dish on running for reelection while shaping the county's budget.

Begley: An ‘Activist Legislator’?

Sam Begley, 55, a well-known player in Democratic Party and political circles who is usually trying to help someone get elected, said he wants to be an "activist legislator," fighting …

Veterans Fight Homelessness

Soldier On is a program to help veterans re-establish their lives through housing and other services.

Bailey: Energy Security and Diversity Vital

When listening to Brent Bailey extol the virtues of alternative energy, biofuels and improved efficiency standards, it's easy to forget that he's a Republican running for the Mississippi Public Service …

Bus Union Decries ‘Outsourcing’ of JATRAN

With the City of Jackson in the middle of a marketing blitz for recent and proposed changes to the capital city's mass-transit service, JATRAN, a chorus of discontent is growing …