News

Vouchers May be Ticket Out of Public Schools for Kids with Disabilities—But is that a Good Thing?

Some students with disabilities may get a chance to leave the public school system here—but advocates and parents aren't sure it will improve their education.

Andrea Patterson

Andrea Patterson, marketing director of the Mississippi Sports Hall of Fame and Museum, knew she wanted to work in sports after she graduated from the University of Mississippi with a bachelor's degree in marketing in 2012. Fortunately, she also knew just where to start.

McDaniel's New PAC: The Next Generation

With hopes of bringing together multiple factions throughout the state in the wake of a divisive Senate race, state Sen. Chris McDaniel, R-Ellisville, recently announced his new political action committee, the United Conservatives Fund.

Why Few Mississippi Mothers Nurse Their Babies

As she stared through the nursery window at her four-day-old twins, 22-year-old Francesca Maxwell ticked off her reasons for wanting to breast-feed: Her obstetrician advised it. Her mother thought it a good idea. Even the babies’ father was all for it. Plus, she had recently read a brochure about the benefits of breast-feeding and one fact had stuck with her. “I was like, wow, they do have smarter babies with breast milk,” says Maxwell, who goes by Frankie. “That caught my attention—about the smarter babies.”

Target: Abortion Rights, Public Ed, LGBT Custody

Women's rights and public education topped the Mississippi legislative agenda as it rolled past the Jan. 19 deadline for filing bills and into the fourth week of the session, while a move by a Democratic lawmaker to limit LGBT custody of children roiled many members of his own party.

Ain’t Grand Juries Grand? Not Always.

Every person who is acquitted by a jury was indicted by a grand jury. Let that sink in, Dennis Sweet III, a prominent Jackson attorney, told an audience recently when talking about the effectiveness of the grand-jury process in Mississippi.

Straight, LGBT Teens Fight to Support Each Other

Presley McCord, who is a board member of the Gay-Straight Alliance at Brandon High School, said she hopes the group helps to make a difference and improve the high school experience for LGBT students.

Battlefield Park Fights for Its Reputation

Willa Womack, the Battlefield Park president, told the Jackson Free Press that she believes it's unfair that their neighborhood is painted negatively when violence occurs anywhere in west Jackson, particularly given that Battlefield Field park residents are particularly active in crime prevention.

Tray Hairston

Attorney Tray Hairston, 35, bubbles with enthusiasm and positivity about Jackson and its residents.

Next Steps for Ward 3, Stokes and Hinds Board

As far as Jackson elections go, it's unusual for one candidate to walk away with a landslide victory in an eight-way race.

Special Ed Bills Duke It Out

Two bills aimed at improving the educational experience for students with special needs—from opposite ends of the political spectrum—are making the rounds this Legislative session.

Najee Dorsey

Artist Najee Dorsey uses collage to tell his story of growing up in the South and especially in Arkansas' Mississippi County.

Filter Coffee House, Greater Jackson Chamber Partnership and Metro Jackson College Fair

Raymond native Julie Durr gets to fulfill a life-long dream as the owner of Filter Coffee House (128 Port Gibson St., Raymond, 601-857-8102), which opened Dec. 19.

Rep. Bob Evans

A bill from Democratic lawmaker State Rep. Bob Evans from Monticello is raising eyebrows because it contains what appears to be discriminatory language regarding parental custody rights and sexual orientation.

Big Ideas from Ward 3 Hopefuls

Eight people are vying for the vacant seat of Ward 3 representative on the Jackson City Council. The election takes place tomorrow, Jan. 27.

'Dirty Rotten Scoundrels' Bill Passes House, Affirms Existing Education Law

The House Speaker's education bill would stop the “dirty rotten scoundrels in Washington from imposing their communist agenda on our school curricula?” Rep. David Baria asked.

McDaniel Titillates with PAC Formation

Although it doesn't exactly come as a shock that state Sen. Chris McDaniel has formed a new political-action committee, McDaniel is leaving everyone in suspense about what his next moves are.

Michael Beattie

When the Jackson Choral Society began seeking an interim director last year, it couldn't have found a more experienced leader than Michael Beattie.

What Gov. Bryant Left Out of His SOTS

In his fourth State of the State address, Gov. Phil Bryant reiterated much of the agenda he already laid out in his budget recommendation, but the subjects the first-term governor failed to discuss in detail provide a window into Bryant's strategy for winning a second term in November.

Preston Smith

Defensive lineman Preston Smith, who might have made the biggest leap this season, was a major reason the Bulldogs rose to the top ranking in the nation.

Gov. Phil Bryant's 2015 State of the State Speech

This is the prepared text of Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant's 2015 State of the State speech, which he gave Wednesday at the state Capitol:

Divorcing the State's Same-Sex Marriage Ban

Same-sex marriage cases have been in abundance as of late. But today, the justices at the Mississippi Supreme Court heard oral arguments for a different kind of LGBT equality issue: same-sex divorce.

Albert Wilson

Why does Ward 3 need you on the Jackson City Council right now?

Pam Greer