MFP Weekly Roundup: December 29, 2025-January 2, 2026 🗣 Catch up on all the latest stories from the Mississippi Free Press. Read: www.mississippifreepress.org Give: givebutter.com/mfpdonate

OPINION: "I was extremely ill, exhausted, and emotionally devastated because I had to retire from a profession that I loved. I knew that I needed to finally slow down and take care of my own body," Erica Archie writes. buff.ly/Q8ZYbie

OPINION: "Rising energy costs consume a bigger and bigger chunk of family budgets in the United States. Our research has found that for many African American families, those costs take an extra big bite out of their incomes," George C. Homsy and Ki Eun Kang write. buff.ly/pe6xZlv

Mississippi Democrats broke a long-standing Republican Senate Supermajority, and the Mississippi Free Press coverage examined what it meant for legislative power in the state. buff.ly/RxTWnwe

Until now, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has declined to hold an election until a ceasefire is declared, in line with Ukrainian law that prevents a poll from being held when martial law is in effect. Ukrainians largely support that decision. buff.ly/ee2JIHi

OPINION: "In my view, when a society forces people to choose between paying for housing and staying safe, that society has failed. Housing should be a right, not a risk calculation," Ivis Garcia writes.

It's been called an “epidemic” of loneliness and isolation. The “bowling alone” phenomenon. By any name, it refers to Americans' growing social disconnection by many measures. buff.ly/bcH9m9n

OPINION: "[I]f there’s ever a fitting metaphor for Trump 2.0 it is this: taking a wrecking ball to the East Wing of the White House," Kevin Howley writes. buff.ly/6yJY4zd

Andre Davis, owner of The Dinner Bell in McComb, Mississippi, has watched people go from perfect strangers to lifelong friends at his restaurant. Customers eat together at one of four round tables featuring a lazy Susan that holds all the food they need. buff.ly/ANJy5Kq

The float featured Grenada, Mississippi, native and 2024 Country Music Association Musician of the Year Charlie Worsham, who performed live on the float’s stage, which was wrapped in colorful artwork inspired by Ocean Springs’ artist Walter Anderson. buff.ly/Fu4NNdK

Despite strong local support, the number of commercial blueberry farmers in Mississippi has fallen over the past two decades. Donald Van de Werken estimates commercial farms decreased from about 85 growers in 2004 to roughly 15 today. buff.ly/mjYPdzP

As Southern Turning continues to grow, it offers new opportunities to connect with the community—including weekly hands-on woodworking classes. buff.ly/V6isPrg

The federal government will cover 65% of the $30 million shoreline renovation cost, while Hancock County, Mississippi, is responsible for the remaining 35%—about $9.1 million. buff.ly/8mbGVeC

“You look across the state, and there really is a lot of disparity in terms of options for kids,” David Herndon said. “... I’m a firm believer in public schools. Charters are public schools.” buff.ly/ZC8Ygz2

EDITOR'S NOTE: "I took his No. 2 on the sales side of the JFP, Kimberly Griffin, to Basil’s and popped the question," CEO Donna Ladd writes. buff.ly/VKlPit0

“People are struggling with high bills that are getting higher. And not only that, our region is short on power,” Groundswell CEO Michelle Moore said. “So whether the federal government, you know, stands behind its contract or not, the facts don't change, and neither does our commitment.”

On Oct. 3, the Southern Poverty Law Center organized a panel discussion and water distribution event at the Drew’s National Guard Armory to talk about possible solutions to the food insecurity that Drew, Mississippi, has experienced since losing its grocery store 11 years ago. buff.ly/g1gSdiz

“Art is a necessary part of who we are as human beings,” Pearl River Glass Studio owner Andrew Young said. “I started this studio as a place for artists to come together and grow while honing part of us, which is something I want to keep making happen every day.” buff.ly/5RloZaI

OPINION: "Reducing energy burdens for Black families will take more than technical fixes; it will take policies based in community engagement to build a deeper understanding of place," George C. Homsy and Ki Eun Kang write. buff.ly/pe6xZlv

OPINION: "True to form, Vice President JD Vance—whose disdain for his Appalachian roots is hard to miss—described a court ruling ordering the Trump administration to restore SNAP funding 'absurd,'" Kevin Howley writes. buff.ly/6yJY4zd

When reporting on the bounty hunter bill, the MFP shared insights from immigration attorneys who explained the legal and constitutional issues and reported that bounty hunters, more commonly known as bail-enforcement agents, had not been consulted in the creation of the bill. buff.ly/RxTWnwe

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy has rejected suggestions that he is using the war as an excuse to cling to power, saying he is ready to hold elections if security of the poll can be ensured and if the country's electoral law can be altered. buff.ly/ee2JIHi

“We’re thrilled to showcase Mississippi’s creative heartbeat on a global stage,” Visit Mississippi Executive Director Rochelle Hicks said. “This float is more than a celebration—it’s a tribute to the artists, musicians and storytellers who continue to inspire generations.” buff.ly/Fu4NNdK

“We’re trying to build a brand more than we’re trying to sell,” Donald Van de Werken said. “It makes great sense to sell, to make money because that’s what keeps you in business, but if you build a brand, people tend to recognize you.” buff.ly/mjYPdzP

OPINION: "In essence, the U.S. is creating a system where your income determines your exposure to climate disasters," Ivis Garcia writes.

OPINION: "I was extremely ill, exhausted, and emotionally devastated because I had to retire from a profession that I loved. I knew that I needed to finally slow down and take care of my own body," Erica Archie writes. buff.ly/Q8ZYbie

The Hancock County shoreline renovation project includes widening the beach, building new berms—earthen walls that operate as speed bumps for water—planting dunes and strengthening natural defenses designed to absorb wave energy and reduce storm-related flooding. buff.ly/8mbGVeC

Scott Maddox said there’s no secret to success—much of the credit goes to their employees and patrons. “I don’t think I’ve done anything different than anybody else could have done, but I am told that people hope we never leave,” he said. buff.ly/V6isPrg

Happy New Year! We’re thankful for readers and supporters who believe journalism should serve people over power. Your support makes truth-seeking journalism possible. Help us keep this work going in 2026: givebutter.com/mfpdonate

"We're going to just completely rethink the way that we view traditional education," Archway Founder David Herndon said. buff.ly/ZC8Ygz2

“I’m diabetic, so I need leafy green vegetables. I take care of my mother and she’s elderly, so she needs it too. It’s worrisome having to drive so far just to get stuff like that,” Melinda Davis said. The Mississippi Delta town of Drew has not had a grocery store since 2014. buff.ly/g1gSdiz

“It was truly devastating” to lose funding for the Solar for All program when the Trump administration clawed back clean energy investments, Clementine Howard said. “We saw this as a way to make a life-changing difference to folks in the Mississippi Delta.” buff.ly/oxsdbMP

“Local media” has become a buzzword for national newsrooms chasing awards. We’re not here for that. We’re here for Mississippians. Your TRIPLED support helps us build a newsroom that listens first, reports deeply and centers the people who need it most. buff.ly/CbJHjq1

🚨 BIG NEWS 🚨 Your donation today to close #NewsMatch goes 3X farther thanks to generous supporters and JFP founders. Fuel independent reporting that refuses to ignore the people most affected by policy and power. Stand with Mississippi journalism that’s defiantly different. buff.ly/CbJHjq1

Mississippi has been misrepresented and overlooked for generations. While national outlets parachute in for PR moments, we’re here doing the daily, community‑rooted reporting that actually moves needles. Your QUADRUPLED gift today keeps this work growing. buff.ly/rpcDGr4

JXN Water says it's necessary to increase the capital city’s water utility rate next year, despite objections from Jackson officials who say the agency has not done enough to explore other sources of revenue that might avert a rate increase. The City laid out its proposals in a court filing Monday.

In his story on Confederate Memorial Day, News Editor Ashton Pittman situates the holiday in its historical, political and racial context, explicitly identifying who and what the observance honors and highlighting legislators' failed efforts to halt the commemoration. buff.ly/RxTWnwe

🚨 BIG NEWS 🚨 Your donation today to close #NewsMatch goes 4X farther thanks to generous supporters and JFP founders. Fuel community‑centered reporting that refuses to ignore the people most affected by policy and power. Stand with Mississippi journalism that’s defiantly different. buff.ly/CbJHjq1

OPINION: "[President Donald] Trump’s golden age begins and ends with a gaudy Oval Office and a newly refurbished Lincoln bathroom. And despite the president’s claims to the contrary, Americans are struggling in the Trump economy," Kevin Howley writes. buff.ly/6yJY4zd

Mississippi has been misrepresented and overlooked for generations. While national outlets parachute in for PR moments, we’re here doing the daily, community‑rooted reporting that actually moves needles. Your QUADRUPLED gift today keeps this work growing. buff.ly/CbJHjq1

As Mississippi’s blueberry industry faces a steep decline, one Poplarville farm is finding new ways to keep the state fruit growing—from fresh berries to teas, baked goods and even dog treats. buff.ly/mjYPdzP

OPINION: "AmeriCorps work is service work. It gets young people who could do any number of things into neighborhoods and communities that could use a bit of help," Kevin Edwards writes. buff.ly/N5M6RLH

“(The beach) is not just a recreational thing,” said Hancock County Tax Assessor and Administrator Jimmie Ladner Jr. “The main function of it is to protect Beach Boulevard and to protect the properties behind Beach Boulevard. It’s the first layer of defense when there’s inclement weather.”

OPINION: "As a professor of urban planning, I know this isn’t just a hypothetical scenario. It’s the impossible choice millions of Americans face every day as the U.S. housing crisis collides with climate change. And we’re not handling it well," Ivis Garcia writes. buff.ly/EhiV2g4

Southern Turnings, a woodturning studio, now also hosts community events, weekly classes and has expanded to additional locations, playing a significant role in efforts to bring activity back to Pine Avenue. buff.ly/V6isPrg

OPINION: "[W]e found that Black families are more likely to live in rental properties, where they cannot easily make energy-efficiency upgrades—such as installing new windows, insulation or appliances," George C. Homsy and Ki Eun Kang write.

“President Trump said in his campaign that he’d cut energy bills in half by the end of his first year in office, and we've already seen bills are up 10% nationwide. He's actively raising energy costs by taking away programs like Solar for All," said Emily Samsel, a spokesperson at Climate Power.

There has not been a grocery store in the small Mississippi Delta town of Drew in 11 years. The nearest grocery store is a 20-minute drive to Cleveland, forcing residents like Melinda Davis to make a 40-minute commute to access fresh food. buff.ly/g1gSdiz

Right now, your support for Mississippi Free Press goes three times as far, helping us deliver the independent, fact based journalism our state needs. If you have been waiting to give, this is the moment. buff.ly/CbJHjq1