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Mississippi Free Press

@mississippifreepress.org

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Women-run nonprofit/nonpartisan newsroom reporting causes, solutions, context since 3/20. Mantra: "Do the right thing and wait." Give: mfp.ms/donate Props: mfp.ms/impact

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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · Jun 8

Behind every article is a reporter asking the hard questions. Help us keep asking. buff.ly/qRkRdvN

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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22m

Under the latest plans, a contractor would use sites such as Facebook, Instagram and X—and could, in addition, use powerful online commercial, law enforcement and federal government databases—to generate leads about "individuals who pose a danger to national security."

ICE Plans to Boost Social Media Surveillance Using Contractors

ICE plans to use a hub in Vermont to bolster its digital surveillance capabilities as the agency ramps up operations across the country.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1h

“There are a lot of problems that are occurring in Greenwood, such as drop-out rates, gun violence and teen pregnancy. I have a lot of objectives in my program that are solutions to at least one, if not all of the needs that kids are faced with,” CURRage 2 Change Director Dazondria Curry said.

Greenwood Dinner Urges Local Action, Honors Civil Rights Roots

Jackson Mayor John Horhn emphasized local activism at the 23rd Annual Beans and Greens Dinner in Greenwood, Mississippi, on Oct. 2, 2025.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 2h

“The festival’s crowd gave me a sense of enthusiasm about being around others who appreciate what joy birds bring and the songs they sing,” bird enthusiast Elaine Drummell said.

North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival Touts ‘Magical Creatures’

Wildlife experts taught attendees of the inaugural North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival on Sept. 13 about birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 16h

The office of civil rights attorney Ben Crump, who is representing Trey Reed's family, “told the Clarion Ledger that the conclusive autopsy hasn't been finalized and no details would be released until it was,” the Jackson newspaper reported.

The Facts: Trey Reed’s 2nd Autopsy Has Not Been Released, Despite Rumors

The second autopsy on the body of Delta State University student Trey Reed has not been released, despite uncorroborated social media rumors.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 18h

OPINION: "The deeper concern is that too many of our residents, especially our most educated, are still leaving for better jobs or underemployed. This is a crisis remote work can help solve," Letitia Johnson writes.

Opinion | Remote Work: Mississippi’s Path to Economic Recovery

Letitia Johnson writes about how remote work may be Mississippi’s key to continued stability and competitiveness in a changing economic environment

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 20h

People before power. Always. Support truth-telling journalism: givebutter.com/mfpdonate

People are our center.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 20h

“If you never composed music or orchestrated music, you really do not understand what goes into it," Bennie Foster Jr. said. "… You're literally putting the pieces of a puzzle together. I think that's one of (Boyd's) strong suits … That's just his sweet spot."

Marcus Boyd: Thriving on the Spectrum, Finding Solace in Sound

Vicksburg resident Marcus Boyd was diagnosed with autism at 10. He is now a successful music composer, producer and autism activist.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 20h

The WIC program will only accept applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 21h

OPINION: "Instead of stocking chips or soda, this vending machine has drug-testing strips, hygiene kits, socks, soap, wound care supplies and naloxone, a medication also known by its brand name Narcan that is used to reverse opioid overdoses—all completely free," Alice Zhang & Jennifer Murphy write.

Opinion | Vending Machines Give Pregnancy Tests, Hygiene Kits

Alice Zhang and Jennifer Murphy write that vending machines that provide easy access to harm-reduction resources helps to normalize their usage.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 21h

The WIC government-assistance program will only accept applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown, the Mississippi State Department of Health announced.
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WIC Stops Accepting Some Applicants Amid Government Shutdown

The WIC program will only accept applications from pregnant women, breastfeeding women and high-risk infants during the federal government shutdown.

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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

OPINION: "The economic consequences of the current federal government shutdown hinge critically on how long it lasts. If it is resolved quickly, the costs will be small, but if it drags on, it could send the U.S. economy into a tailspin," John W. Diamond writes.

Opinion | Prolonged Shutdown Could Send Economy Tumbling

John W. Diamond writes that the U.S. economy may worsen the longer the government shutdown lasts.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

“What you’re seeing in this room, it ain’t court ordered. A court couldn’t order my heart to change. A gavel didn’t do that,” RECH Foundation CEO Pauline Rogers said.

Once Prisoners, Jackson Couple Expands Mission for 2nd Chances

RECH Foundation, which supports Mississippi’s incarcerated individuals and their families, held an open house at their new offices in downtown Jackson.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

“We’re taught to promote justice, but we lock up more of our people than any nation, disproportionately the poor and people of color and refuse to fund reentry and substance abuse programs," said Democratic candidate Cliff Johnson, who is running for Mississippi's 1st Congressional District.

Johnson Vows to Fight for Vulnerable Mississippians in Run for Congress

Civil-rights attorney Cliff Johnson is running as a Democrat against incumbent Republican U.S. House Rep. Treny Kelly in Mississippi.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

“We lost everything in a matter of 45 seconds,” said Bird Martin, who spent 30 years raising pullets and cows on the same land where he had grown up. “I had three vehicles and a county vehicle—it totaled all of them."
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Walthall County Softball Coach Supports Disaster Recovery

Byran “Bird” Martin, known around Walthall County as a successful softball coach, oversaw recovery efforts after tornadoes walloped the area in March.

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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

The meals at the Beans and Greens Dinner have evolved, but the traditional beans and greens are still served today. While members of the Democratic Party enjoyed their hallmark meal, Jackson Mayor John Horhn delivered a keynote address about localizing activism.

Greenwood Dinner Urges Local Action, Honors Civil Rights Roots

Jackson Mayor John Horhn emphasized local activism at the 23rd Annual Beans and Greens Dinner in Greenwood, Mississippi, on Oct. 2, 2025.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

OPINION: "These are not isolated tragedies. They are too regular. And with each, just after, the same promises, the same tears and the same pause before the next one," Duvalier Malone writes.

Opinion | As Kids Die at School, We Need an Emmett Till Moment

Dr. Duvalier Malone writes about the normalization of school shootings and how immediate action must be taken to stop them.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 22h

According to federal contracting records, which were first reported by the technology magazine Wired, ICE plans to hire at least a dozen contracted workers for the effort at its National Criminal Analysis & Targeting Center in Williston, Vermont, in addition to contractors in Santa Ana, California.

ICE Plans to Boost Social Media Surveillance Using Contractors

ICE plans to use a hub in Vermont to bolster its digital surveillance capabilities as the agency ramps up operations across the country.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 23h

Republicans, including Vice President JD Vance and House Speaker Mike Johnson, have all claimed Democrats are trying to give health care to undocumented immigrants.

The Senate's Democratic leader, Sen. Chuck Schumer, rebutted these allegations, calling them “a lie, plain and simple.”

Fact Check: No, the Shutdown Isn't About Immigrant Health Care

President Donald Trump and other Republicans claim Democrats forced the government shutdown over giving free health care to immigrants in the U.S. illegally.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 23h

OPINION: “Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves, who annually declares April as Confederate Heritage Month, has criticized those who continue to question the ruling that Trey Reed's hanging was a suicide, saying in a Facebook post that it ‘doesn’t represent today’s Mississippi,’” Ashton Pittman writes.

Editor’s Note | Mississippi’s Evil Past Still Haunts Us

News Editor Ashton Pittman writes about how the response to college student Trey Reed’s death illustrates how Mississippi’s past haunts its present.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

The FDA approved the original version of mifepristone in 2000 and gradually eased access over time.

In 2021, the FDA under Democratic President Joe Biden permitted online prescribing and mail-order delivery of the drug. Abortion opponents have been fighting the change ever since.

FDA Approves Another Generic Abortion Pill

The FDA has approved a generic version of the abortion pill mifepristone, a move that triggered pushback from anti-abortion groups and politicians.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

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Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

"Butterflies are key contributors to agriculture, and reminding or teaching kids this for their future is vital," Cheryl Eubanks said.

North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival Touts ‘Magical Creatures’

Wildlife experts taught attendees of the inaugural North Mississippi Hummingbird Festival on Sept. 13 about birds, butterflies and other pollinators.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

OPINION: "No two people experience exposure to public violence in the same way. The extent of the trauma, stress and fear can vary, depending on variables ranging from someone’s genetic makeup to where they were during the incident, and what they saw and heard," Arash Javanbakht writes.

Opinion | Exposure to Shootings Changes Us All

Arash Javanbakht writes about the direct and indirect effects of gun violence and how those effects touch not just the victims but all of society.

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement plans to use a hub in Vermont to bolster its digital surveillance capabilities as the agency ramps up operations across the country at the direction of leaders in President Donald Trump's administration.
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ICE Plans to Boost Social Media Surveillance Using Contractors

ICE plans to use a hub in Vermont to bolster its digital surveillance capabilities as the agency ramps up operations across the country.

www.mississippifreepress.org

Mississippi Free Press @mississippifreepress.org · 1d

“We simply want justice for Jaylen,” the DiCello Levitt law firm said. “We feel the pain of his loss every day, and we are calling for accountability and change, so that what happened to Jaylen never happens again,” the DiCello Levitt law firm said.

Family of Jackson Man Killed in 2022 Traffic Stop Sues Police

Arkela Lewis, mother of Jaylen Lewis, filed a wrongful death lawsuit three years after police officers shot him during a traffic stop, killing him.