Jackson Free Press

The Vernon Brothers, Hood Baby and the Barnacles, Arkansauce and Fruition

Ardenland holds its annual BankPlus International Gumbo Festival on Saturday, Nov. 9, at Smith Park. This year, proceeds benefit the Harold T. and Hal White Memorial Scholarship. At the event, …

DOSSIER: GOP's Red-baiting Mailer Template, Campaign Lies, Bryant Miffed

Republicans are already sending out glossy mailers warming up the crowd in Mississippi and other southern states to the necessity of electing Trump apologists and enablers—that is pretty much what …

Nominees Share History of Slavery, Plantations, Seg Academies in Natchez Senate Race

Republican Melanie Sojourner told the Jackson Free Press on Oct. 24 that she did not know as a young girl that the school she attended had been organized as a …

Q&A: Brittney Morris on 'Slay' and Celebrating Blackness

Brittney Morris, a Corvallis, Ore., native, visited Jackson on Sept. 24 as part of a book tour celebrating her first published book, "Slay," which released the same day.

Governor’s Race: Hood Fixates on Corruption As Reeves Avoids Interviews

Mississippi Attorney General Jim Hood, the Democratic nominee for governor, claims wealthy corporate donors control his opponent and much of the Legislature.

Left Behind: Public Defenders Underpaid, Have Little Oversight

When Michele Purvis Harris was city attorney of Jackson, she heard troubling remarks from the people her office was supposed to prosecute. "I don't want the public defender, I want …

Groovin’ and Chewin’ with Gumbo Fest

Each year, the BankPlus International Gumbo Festival allows attendees to sample a number of gumbo dishes and vote for their favorites. Additionally, though, the annual event also features musical acts.

Ballpark Boos a Rarity for Shielded President

Trump was showered with jeers, boos and chants (as well as some cheers) when he attended a World Series game at Nationals Park in Washington on Sunday.

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.

Under current Mississippi law, absentee voting is limited to people who have a temporary or …

• October 22, 2019

Secretary of State Nominees Differ on Expanding Early Voting

Two candidates for secretary of state said Monday that they have different ideas about whether Mississippi should change its laws to expand early voting.

National Chemistry Week, First-Generation College Celebration Day and M Partner Community Day

The Student Members of the American Chemical Society at Mississippi State University is planning a series of activities in honor of National Chemistry Week, which begins on Saturday, Oct. 19. …

Mississippi state Rep. Jay Hughes, D-Oxford, 2019 Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor, spoke and listened …

• October 16, 2019

‘It All Starts With Education’: The JFP Interview With Jay Hughes

Education is the No. 1 issue for Mississippi House Rep. Jay Hughes, the Democratic nominee for lieutenant governor this year, who has taught in public schools himself.

OPINION: Do Jacksonians Know Our Greatness?

"My hope is that everyday citizens and local and state government work harder together to make sure our capital city excels in the Southeast and beyond."

The Street That Jim Crow Paved

Mobile Street in Hattiesburg served as one of Mississippi's most important hubs of black entrepreneurship, professional life, commerce and, later, a crucible of civil-rights activism that would have ramifications across …

EDITOR'S NOTE: Recovering Out Loud from Loss and Breast Cancer

"We must breathe through it all—the physical pain, anguish, stress, disappointment. We must just be present in our lives and accept and release whatever happens. Honestly, I can't imagine a …

Halloween Event Roundup

"Spooky season" is around the corner. Check out our listings for great things to do and eat around Jackson this Halloween.

Sameer Khan: Catalyst for Climate Change

Sameer Khan, a senior at St. Andrew's Episcopal School, led the Mississippi Youth Climate Strike Movement at the branch's first-ever youth rally.

Scandals Dog Tate Reeves, Donald Trump as They Endorse Each Other

Tate Reeves gladly accepted Donald Trump's endorsement in the race for Mississippi governor. Both men are at the center of separate allegations of scandal and misuse of taxpayer funds.