Jackson Free Press

Talking Thalia Mara Upgrades

A program management firm has studied Thalia Mara Hall and is recommending the city make some major upgrades to the theater and hire an events manager.

7 Innings to Extraordinary Kids

Rafe Esquith, who has taught at Hobart Boulevard Elementary School in Los Angeles since 1984, inspires young students—all from a poor, immigrant community—to become extraordinary students and citizens.

Inside The Abortion Clinic Battle

Emily Lyons arrived at work early the morning of Jan. 30, 1998.

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Port of Gulfport Doing Enough With Federal Dollars?

Mississippi leaders are questioning whether the Port of Gulfport is doing enough to capitalize on the $570 million in federal money being spent there in the aftermath of 2005's Hurricane …

12 Local Stories of the Week

There are no slow news weeks in Jackson, especially at the Jackson Free Press. Here are 12 vital stories from the last week.

Be Transparent, Mitt (and Haley)

Amid all the clamor recently over Gov. Mitt Romney's financials—shell companies in Bermuda, Swiss bank accounts, apparent control of Bain Capital well after he says he left the company—one critic's …

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Medicaid: A Job Creator?

Mississippi hospitals worry about the rising cost of uncompensated care if the state declines to expand Medicaid to individuals who currently lack insurance.

Our Itty-Bitty 'Green' Car

Former Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour and former President Bill Clinton helped roll out an energy-efficient vehicle in Horn Lake on July 6.

Eight Years in, State Still Neglecting Kids

The foster home was not a haven for the little girl no one cared about. One of the people living in the home was a convicted rapist.

Just In: State Not Responding Well to Child Abuse, Neglect

A children's advocacy organization says state officials are not responding to reports of child abuse and neglect in a timely or effective fashion.

Turning Back the Clock

J. K. Morrison will turn over in his grave on July 1.

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JFP Wins Multiple Awards for 2011 Work

The Jackson Free Press got amazing news from Detroit Friday afternoon when we learned the Association of Alternative Newsmedia was presenting us a coveted first-place public-service award for our team …

Private Prison, Public Problems

Gail Tyree exited U.S. Highway 84 onto Hobo Fork Road and drove through the rose-adorned entrance of the sprawling Adams County Correctional Center. A female correctional officer leaving the prison's …

Melton Mentees Get Second Chance

The late Mayor Frank Melton may well be smiling from his grave over the good fortune bestowed by Gov. Haley Barbour and the city of Jackson to two of the …

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Stolen Lives: Remembering the Tragedy of Slavery

An Instrument of Change

A half moon disappeared as the sun rose out of the Atlantic Ocean on Sept. 1, 1832. The humid coastal winds filled the sails and carried the ship through the …

Dr. Carl Reddix Talks About Political Realities

Dr. Carl Reddix wasn't looking for national media attention when he agreed to serve on the Mississippi Board of Health, but if it has people talking about public-health policy in …

The Pursuit of Excellence

Every now and then, I have to lighten up in this space. Rather than taking on the troubles of the world or trying to pull at your heart strings with …

Ronnie Agnew

Ronnie Agnew graduated from Ole Miss with a degree in radio/television journalism, then spent the next 27 years working in newspapers, including a nine-year stint as the first black executive …