Mississippi Free Press
@mississippifreepress.org
Women-run nonprofit/nonpartisan newsroom reporting causes, solutions, context since 3/20. Mantra: "Do the right thing and wait."
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Update: This position is now full-time with a higher salary than earlier advertised.The Mississippi Free Press is hiring a full-time Executive Assistant for CEO Donna Ladd. Immediate hire.
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For more information visit buff.ly/GnGlFWw.
A prayer vigil for the Palestinian victims of the Gaza War in Jackson, Mississippi, lasted two days. Here is a collection of photos from the vigil.
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Photos: Gaza Vigil in Jackson, Mississippi
A prayer vigil for the Palestinian victims of the Gaza War in Jackson, Mississippi, lasted two days. Here is a collection of photos from the vigil.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 10, 2025 at 6:03 PM
A prayer vigil for the Palestinian victims of the Gaza War in Jackson, Mississippi, lasted two days. Here is a collection of photos from the vigil.
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The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether states can continue to count late-arriving mail ballots, which have been a target of President Donald Trump.
Supreme Court to Decide if States Can Count Late-Arriving Mail Ballots
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether states can continue to count late-arriving mail ballots, a target of President Donald Trump.
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November 10, 2025 at 6:02 PM
The Supreme Court on Monday agreed to decide whether states can continue to count late-arriving mail ballots, which have been a target of President Donald Trump.
Mississippi Democrats made significant gains in the legislative special elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, flipping two Mississippi Senate seats, one Mississippi House seat and breaking the Republican super majority in the Mississippi Senate.
Here's a look at the results in each district.
Here's a look at the results in each district.
Mississippi Special Election Results: Democrats Flip 3 Seats
Mississippi Democrats made significant gains in the legislative special elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, flipping two Senate seats and one House seat.
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November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
Mississippi Democrats made significant gains in the legislative special elections on Tuesday, Nov. 4, 2025, flipping two Mississippi Senate seats, one Mississippi House seat and breaking the Republican super majority in the Mississippi Senate.
Here's a look at the results in each district.
Here's a look at the results in each district.
OPINION: "Social housing may be a confusing term and an aspirational concept. But it is here to stay: It has galvanized organizers and policymakers around a new approach to the design, development and maintenance of housing," Susanne Schindler writes.
Opinion | Social Housing May Make Homes Permanently Affordable
Susanne Schindler writes that social housing programs may be the key to developing affordable housing for people of all incomes.
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November 10, 2025 at 5:07 PM
OPINION: "Social housing may be a confusing term and an aspirational concept. But it is here to stay: It has galvanized organizers and policymakers around a new approach to the design, development and maintenance of housing," Susanne Schindler writes.
In Mississippi, about 13% of the population, or about 400,000 people, rely on SNAP benefits.
Mississippi Communities Provide Food Aid Amid SNAP Uncertainty
Across Mississippi, businesses, churches and other organizations are helping provide food aid to residents in need amid SNAP delays.
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November 10, 2025 at 4:45 PM
In Mississippi, about 13% of the population, or about 400,000 people, rely on SNAP benefits.
The Mississippi Free Press is looking for new Voices writers. Submit opinion columns to the MFP at [email protected].
November 10, 2025 at 4:32 PM
The Mississippi Free Press is looking for new Voices writers. Submit opinion columns to the MFP at [email protected].
The monkeys had been housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, which routinely provides primates to scientific research organizations, according to the university.
Last Monkey on the Loose After Mississippi Crash Is Captured
The last monkey on the loose among several that escaped after a Mississippi highway crash has been found and captured, authorities said Thursday.
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November 10, 2025 at 4:31 PM
The monkeys had been housed at the Tulane University National Biomedical Research Center in Louisiana, which routinely provides primates to scientific research organizations, according to the university.
The effort to lower costs barriers to popular GLP-1 drugs comes as the White House is looking to demonstrate that President Donald Trump is in touch with Americans' frustrations with rising costs for food, housing, health care and other necessities.
Trump Unveils Deal to Cover and Lower Costs on Obesity Drugs
President Donald Trump unveiled a deal Thursday to expand coverage and reduce prices for popular obesity treatments Zepbound and Wegovy.
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November 10, 2025 at 3:15 PM
The effort to lower costs barriers to popular GLP-1 drugs comes as the White House is looking to demonstrate that President Donald Trump is in touch with Americans' frustrations with rising costs for food, housing, health care and other necessities.
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Kim Davis' call to overturn its 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
US Supreme Court Rejects Kim Davis' Call to Overturn Same-Sex Marriage Rights
The Supreme Court has rejected a call to overturn its landmark decision that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 10, 2025 at 2:56 PM
The U.S. Supreme Court has rejected Kim Davis' call to overturn its 2015 ruling that legalized same-sex marriage nationwide.
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
www.mississippifreepress.org/us-supreme-c...
The Lamar County School District is seeking approval for three new schools—a high school in Purvis, a high school Sumrall and a middle school in Oak Grove—to relieve crowding and keep pace with rising enrollment.
Lamar County Plans New Schools, Road Upgrades as Population Surges
Rapid population growth in Lamar County is driving major changes as officials prepare for the county’s population to surpass 71,000 by 2030.
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November 10, 2025 at 2:45 PM
The Lamar County School District is seeking approval for three new schools—a high school in Purvis, a high school Sumrall and a middle school in Oak Grove—to relieve crowding and keep pace with rising enrollment.
Behind every headline, there’s a heartbeat. Our stories rise from Mississippi’s people—their challenges, courage and hope. We’re not here for power; we’re here for the people. Donate today to keep People Over Power journalism alive: buff.ly/JNN7y2V
November 10, 2025 at 2:15 PM
Behind every headline, there’s a heartbeat. Our stories rise from Mississippi’s people—their challenges, courage and hope. We’re not here for power; we’re here for the people. Donate today to keep People Over Power journalism alive: buff.ly/JNN7y2V
JUST IN: A group of moderate Democrats has a tentative deal to reopen the government if Republicans promise to hold a vote on expiring health care subsidies—but with no guarantee of passage.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to vote no on the deal.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to vote no on the deal.
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Moderate Democrats Reach Deal With GOP to Reopen Government With Promise for Later Vote on ACA Tax Credits
Democrats are considering a Republican offer to reopen the government with a promise of a later vote on extending ACA health-care tax credits.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 10, 2025 at 1:35 AM
JUST IN: A group of moderate Democrats has a tentative deal to reopen the government if Republicans promise to hold a vote on expiring health care subsidies—but with no guarantee of passage.
Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to vote no on the deal.
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Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer plans to vote no on the deal.
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Give Now to Grow MFP Journalism in 2025!
Help us grow our newsroom in Mississippi and our systemic reporting to make a difference for our home state and beyond.
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November 10, 2025 at 1:15 AM
Every dollar = two reasons to believe in Mississippi journalism that tells the whole story.
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“Right now, our downtown district is only two streets, and my vision is to expand that to a couple of other streets at least—make it bigger,” Wiggins Mayor Darrell Berry said. “We want more businesses downtown.”
Wiggins Businesses Tap Grants to Refresh Downtown District
Downtown Wiggins is getting a new look, thanks to $50,000 in grants helping local businesses repair, repaint and revive storefronts.
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November 10, 2025 at 12:45 AM
“Right now, our downtown district is only two streets, and my vision is to expand that to a couple of other streets at least—make it bigger,” Wiggins Mayor Darrell Berry said. “We want more businesses downtown.”
OPINION: "Students are not being told what to think; they are being taught how to think. They are presented with the best available knowledge and asked to judge for themselves what they find convincing," Raymond Barranco writes.
Opinion | The Difference Between Teaching and Endorsing
Raymond Barranco writes that teaching is about exposing new ideas to students and that introducing an idea is not an endorsement of that idea.
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November 9, 2025 at 11:45 PM
OPINION: "Students are not being told what to think; they are being taught how to think. They are presented with the best available knowledge and asked to judge for themselves what they find convincing," Raymond Barranco writes.
The proposal is “not a deal," says Democratic U.S. House Rep. Ritchie Torres.
"It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.”
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"It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.”
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Democrats Consider GOP Deal to Reopen Government, With Promise of Later Vote on ACA Subsidies
Democrats are considering a Republican offer to reopen the government with a promise of a later vote on extending ACA health-care tax credits.
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November 9, 2025 at 11:45 PM
The proposal is “not a deal," says Democratic U.S. House Rep. Ritchie Torres.
"It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.”
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"It’s an unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double.”
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Democrats are considering a Republican deal to reopen government with a promise of a later vote on extending health-care tax credits—but no guarantee.
One Democrat says it'd amount to "unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double."
One Democrat says it'd amount to "unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double."
Democrats Consider GOP Deal to Reopen Government, With Promise of Later Vote on ACA Subsidies
Democrats are considering a Republican offer to reopen the government with a promise of a later vote on extending ACA health-care tax credits.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 9, 2025 at 10:46 PM
Democrats are considering a Republican deal to reopen government with a promise of a later vote on extending health-care tax credits—but no guarantee.
One Democrat says it'd amount to "unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double."
One Democrat says it'd amount to "unconditional surrender that abandons the 24 million Americans whose health care premiums are about to double."
Mississippi Head Start centers are among the many federal programs awaiting word on whether they will be affected by the government shutdown.
Many of the children who attend Head Start have parents who work in hourly jobs and risk losing their jobs if they do not have child care.
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Many of the children who attend Head Start have parents who work in hourly jobs and risk losing their jobs if they do not have child care.
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Mississippi Head Start Programs Weigh How Long They Can Run Without Federal Funds
Mississippi Head Start centers are among the many federal programs awaiting word on whether they will be affected by the government shutdown.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 9, 2025 at 10:21 PM
Mississippi Head Start centers are among the many federal programs awaiting word on whether they will be affected by the government shutdown.
Many of the children who attend Head Start have parents who work in hourly jobs and risk losing their jobs if they do not have child care.
buff.ly/2ets0NC
Many of the children who attend Head Start have parents who work in hourly jobs and risk losing their jobs if they do not have child care.
buff.ly/2ets0NC
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November 9, 2025 at 10:15 PM
We ARE Mississippi Free Press — and so are you. Support journalism that uplifts every voice: buff.ly/JNN7y2V
Diane Ladd, a three-time Academy Award nominee and actor of rare timing and intensity whose roles ranged from the brash waitress in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” to the scheming parent in “Wild at Heart,” has died at 89.
Person of the Day | Diane Ladd, Oscar Nominee, Dies at 89
Diane Ladd, a Mississippi native and three-time Academy Award nominee and actor of rare timing and intensity has died at 89.
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November 9, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Diane Ladd, a three-time Academy Award nominee and actor of rare timing and intensity whose roles ranged from the brash waitress in “Alice Doesn’t Live Here Anymore” to the scheming parent in “Wild at Heart,” has died at 89.
Jaylen Burns' father, Jason Burns, said Jaylen died after being shot while trying to break up a fight at an apartment complex during the university’s homecoming weekend in 2023.
Four Arrested in Murder of Jackson State Student Jaylen Burns
Authorities arrested four people in relation to the 2023 murder of Jackson State University student Jaylen Burns.
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November 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
Jaylen Burns' father, Jason Burns, said Jaylen died after being shot while trying to break up a fight at an apartment complex during the university’s homecoming weekend in 2023.
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November 9, 2025 at 8:15 PM
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President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding that states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings.
The administration is threatening to punish states that don't rescind the payouts.
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The administration is threatening to punish states that don't rescind the payouts.
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Trump Administration Demands States 'Undo' Full SNAP Payouts
President Donald Trump's administration is demanding that states reverse full SNAP benefits issued under recent court orders.
www.mississippifreepress.org
November 9, 2025 at 7:35 PM
President Donald Trump’s administration is demanding that states “undo” full SNAP benefits paid out under judges’ orders last week, now that the U.S. Supreme Court has stayed those rulings.
The administration is threatening to punish states that don't rescind the payouts.
buff.ly/RYfxOI7
The administration is threatening to punish states that don't rescind the payouts.
buff.ly/RYfxOI7
OPINION: "I’ve thought about telling (my dad) about the numerous occasions and occasional setbacks. We weren’t the type to talk on the phone for hours at a time. Sometimes our calls would last a couple of minutes at most. But I found comfort in them," Assistant Editor Kevin Edwards writes.
Editor’s Note | My Dad, a Regular Person With a Big Impact
Assistant Editor Kevin Edwards writes about the impact his father, Willie Edwards Jr., has left on him five years after his death.
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November 9, 2025 at 7:00 PM
OPINION: "I’ve thought about telling (my dad) about the numerous occasions and occasional setbacks. We weren’t the type to talk on the phone for hours at a time. Sometimes our calls would last a couple of minutes at most. But I found comfort in them," Assistant Editor Kevin Edwards writes.
“Breaking the supermajority means restoring checks and balances—and ensuring that every Mississippian’s voice counts in their state government,” Mississippi Democratic Party Vice Chair Jodie Brown said in a party press release Wednesday morning.
Mississippi Democrats Break Republican Senate Supermajority, Flipping 3 Legislative Seats
After six years, Mississippi Democrats broke the Republican Party's supermajority in the Mississippi Senate, flipping 3 legislative seats.
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November 9, 2025 at 6:45 PM
“Breaking the supermajority means restoring checks and balances—and ensuring that every Mississippian’s voice counts in their state government,” Mississippi Democratic Party Vice Chair Jodie Brown said in a party press release Wednesday morning.