MFP Impact, Awards and Media Coverage – 2025

(See 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 and 2024 Impact)

Since the Mississippi Free Press launched on March 15, 2020, just as COVID-19 was hitting the state, the team’s journalism has had a significant impact, as well as drawn consistent attention from other media. Following is a reverse timeline of impact, media collaborations, and international, national, and state media mentions and pickups.

Nov. 23, 2025

Spot On Mississippi referenced MFP reporters Torsheta Jackson and Roger D. Amos’s story about a groundbreaking Mississippi Choctaw dictionary project aimed at preserving and revitalizing the Choctaw language and cultural heritage through community-led efforts.

Nov. 7, 2025

The Columbia Journalism Review mentioned MFP reporter Nick Judin in its coverage of a bizarre Mississippi story involving a truckload of research monkeys, disease concerns, and media accountability—highlighting Judin’s role in pursuing facts amid widespread misinformation.

Oct. 22, 2025

The Commercial Dispatch, WHAS11 and KENS 5 reprinted MFP reporter Torsheta Jackson’s story about new mobile college and career planning services being offered to students in the Mississippi Delta, aiming to expand access to higher education and workforce opportunities in underserved communities.

Oct. 22, 2025

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Torsheta Jackson’s story about Mississippi’s special education system falling short of federal standards, according to a U.S. Department of Education review that raises concerns about equity and accountability for students with disabilities.

Sept. 24, 2025

The Daily Journal referenced MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s story about Mississippians gathering to honor lost loved ones at the annual Suicide Prevention Symposium, an event focused on healing, awareness, and expanding mental health resources across the state.

Sept. 21, 2025

We Got This Covered, NewsBreak, Baptist News Global and Yahoo News Canada referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting by Nick Judin about the death of a 21-year-old Black student found hanging near Delta State University. The coverage raised critical questions about initial police statements, delays in disclosing the body’s true location, and the family’s pursuit of answers—drawing national attention to issues of transparency, accountability, and racial justice in Mississippi.

Sept. 18, 2025

The Daily Journal republished a story co-written by MFP reporters Nick Judin about the death of a man found hanging near Delta State University, as the family and law enforcement await autopsy results amid community concerns and calls for transparency.

Sept. 9, 2025

PBS NewsHour, Mississippi Today, Action News Jax, The Daily Herald, Stillwater News Press and the Chattanooga Times Free Press published an Associated Press analysis co-reported by Mississippi Free Press journalist Illan Ireland, examining how major disaster declarations are taking significantly longer under recent administrations. The delays—sometimes stretching weeks—leave storm survivors and local leaders in limbo, highlighting the life-altering impact of bureaucratic bottlenecks in states like Mississippi.

Sept. 5, 2025

The American Press Institute published a piece by MFP’s Donna Ladd and Hart Jefferson about overcoming assumptions in the newsroom and facilitating successful multigenerational collaboration, offering practical strategies drawn from the Mississippi Free Press team’s lived experience.

Aug. 28, 2025

The Daily Journal referenced MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s story about the resignation of Jackson Police Chief Joseph Wade, who cited job-related stress as the reason for stepping down amid ongoing public safety and leadership challenges in the capital city.

Aug. 25, 2025

Nieman Lab and The Desk mentioned the Mississippi Free Press in their reporting on how Mississippi’s new social media platform law has led Bluesky to block users in the state, raising concerns about digital access, journalism, and the unintended consequences of broad legislation.

Aug. 24, 2025

The Facts republished reporter Illan Ireland’s story about Mississippi leaders remaining hopeful that former President Donald Trump will approve long-awaited FEMA aid for storm-impacted communities across the state.

Aug. 24, 2025

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s story about the family of Kadarius Smith, a Black teenager from Leland, Mississippi, calling for criminal charges against the officer involved in his death, as they seek justice and transparency in the investigation.

Aug. 11, 2025

The Daily Journal republished Shaunicy Muhammad’s story about a new housing task force in Jackson, created to increase oversight of landlords and address longstanding issues with housing quality and tenant rights.

Aug. 8, 2025

The Reflector reprinted MFP reporters Nick Judin and Heather Harrison’s story about key issues Mississippi lawmakers aim to address in 2025, including education reform, infrastructure investment, and public health initiatives.

Aug. 7, 2025

The Daily Journal republished Heather Harrison and Ashton Pittman’s story about the outcome of Mississippi’s special election, where nearly all statewide incumbents retained their seats, highlighting trends in voter behavior and political continuity.

Aug. 5, 2025

Voice of Alexandria, The Register-Herald, The Eagle-Tribune, and the Galveston County Daily News republished MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s story about Mississippi leaders’ continued efforts to secure FEMA aid for communities affected by devastating storms and flooding, amid delays from the Trump administration.

Aug. 4, 2025

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about a disbarred Mississippi attorney launching a congressional campaign in Georgia, drawing attention to legal loopholes and interstate political dynamics.

July 21, 2025

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Mississippi’s new restrictions on kratom sales, following urgent pleas from health officials concerned about the substance’s impact on public health and youth access.

July 14, 2025

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporters Ashton Pittman and Heather Harrison’s story about a new Mississippi law designed to restrict sudden changes to polling places, aiming to safeguard voter accessibility and prevent election day disruptions.

July 6, 2025

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s story about Gov. Tate Reeves’ pledge to support Jackson during John Horhn’s swearing-in ceremony, signaling a potential shift in state-capital relations amid ongoing infrastructure and governance challenges.

June 30, 2025

The Daily Journal and the Morning Sun reprinted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Farmacy Marketplace, a traveling grocery store working to combat food insecurity by delivering fresh, affordable food to Delta communities classified as food deserts.

June 30, 2025

The Associated Press reprinted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Delta Air Lines partnering with Mississippi small businesses, highlighting efforts to support local economies through retail and wholesale opportunities.

June 25, 2025

LION Publishers announced that the MFP’s collection of Trusted Elections coverage is a finalist for the Public Service Award in its large newsroom division (final order to be announced in September 2025) due to strong impact of this ongoing investigation. After five years of the MFP factchecking and publishing corrected precinct links for every state election, the Mississippi Legislature passed a law prohibiting precinct changes within 60 days of an election in spring 2025. Supporters of the project since Ashton Pittman and Liam Pittman launched it in 2020 have included the American Press Institute, the Black Voters Matter Fund and the Pulitzer Center. The 2025 Public Service nomination also includes journalism by Heather Harrison.

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Mississippi lawmakers’ 2026 priorities, including proposed teacher pay raises and broader education reform efforts aimed at improving outcomes across the state.

June 29, 2025

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporters Illan Ireland and Nick Judin’s story about how Trump-era tariffs are impacting local farmers in Mississippi—causing economic strain for many, even as some continue to support the trade policies in hopes of long-term benefits.

June 24, 2025

Investigate Midwest and KWQC published MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s story about President Trump’s second wave of tariffs and how they’re affecting U.S. agriculture—some farmers in the Mississippi River Basin brace for short-term pain while others remain hopeful the levies will yield long-term gains.

June 20, 2025

District Administration referenced MFP reporter Torsheta Jackson’s story about Mississippi students no longer being required to pass a U.S. History assessment to graduate, a decision that has sparked debate over educational standards and accountability.

June 12, 2025

The Facts reprinted MFP reporter Torsheta Jackson’s story about the USDA’s disruption of a Jackson, Mississippi, food program, which resulted in the unexpected termination of a Farm to School grant and raised concerns about food access and bureaucratic accountability.

June 18, 2025

Wisconsin Watch published MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s coverage of farmers across the Mississippi River Basin grappling with President Trump’s expanded tariff policies—highlighting how some see long-term gains while many face short-term financial stress and market uncertainty.

June 11, 2025

Marijuana Moment referenced MFP reporter Roger Amos’s story about a Mississippi tribal nation approving a marijuana referendum, positioning it to become the first jurisdiction in the state to move toward legalization.

June 8, 2025

The Eagle-Tribune reprinted MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s story about former President Donald Trump’s alignment with the Project 2025 blueprint, particularly its implications for environmental and climate policies.

May 28, 2025

NJ.com referenced MFP reporter Ashton Pittman’s story about Brett Favre’s claims that criticism tied to the Mississippi welfare scandal stems from his support of Donald Trump, as public scrutiny over his involvement in the case continues.

May 24, 2025

Havana Times, WFLA News Channel 8, HuffPost, The Bulwark, Public Notice, Patheos’ Slacktivist blog, and Wonkette all reprinted or referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s story about Kasper Eriksen, a Mississippi father and legal immigrant of 12 years, who was arrested by ICE at his citizenship hearing—sparking national outrage and shedding light on immigration enforcement practices in the U.S. South.

June 10, 2025

The Messenger-Inquirer reprinted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about a federal court approving Mississippi lawmakers’ redrawn Senate district map following legal scrutiny and efforts to address racial gerrymandering concerns.

May 21, 2025

The Daily Journal published MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about a federal court’s approval of Mississippi lawmakers’ redrawn state Senate district map, a move that follows legal challenges and debates over fair representation.

May 12, 2025

HBO’s Last Week Tonight with John Oliver featured MFP reporters Ashton Pittman and William Pittman’s stories about former Gov. Phil Bryant’s defamation lawsuits against Mississippi Today and Sports Illustrated, both tied to ongoing reporting on Mississippi’s sprawling welfare scandal.

May 12, 2025

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Aliyah Veal’s story about Mississippi’s first official cornhole league, which invites players from across the state to participate in tournaments and grow the sport’s popularity.

May 8, 2025

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about ongoing budget disagreements among Mississippi lawmakers that could lead to a government shutdown, reflecting broader concerns about the state’s economic future.

May 7, 2025

MarketBeat, a national news site for business investors, announced that Mississippi Free Press editor, CEO and co-founder Donna Ladd was named Mississippi’s Most Inspirational Woman in a 50-state survey, and in the top 50 of inspirational women nationally. “Women are leading in male-dominated industries—but they’re still the exception, not the rule.
… But their presence highlights the broader issue: progress is real, but the pipeline still has serious gaps,” Market Beat wrote in its announcement.

April 28, 2025

Yahoo News UK mentioned MFP reporter Aliyah Veal’s story about about a Chinese American family uncovering how racist U.S. immigration policies and Jim Crow laws affected one of their relatives, who was forcibly separated from his father in the early 20th century.

June 24, 2025

Investigate Midwest reprinted MFP Environmental Reporter Illan Ireland and Investigative Reporter Nick Judin’s story looking at the reasons some farmers support President Donald Trump’s tariffs in spite of backlash from much of the agricultural sector.

April 14, 2025

The Star Tribune and The Lens republished MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s in-depth piece on a controversial Mississippi flood-relief project that could damage 90,000 acres of wetlands. The article examines the environmental trade-offs, the communities affected, and the longstanding debate over balancing infrastructure needs with ecological preservation.

The Star Tribune published a co-reported story on which MFP reporter Illan Ireland was a collaborator. The story examines the case of an Iowa landowner fighting to farm on a designated wetland, exploring the legal and environmental implications of the dispute and highlighting how local land-use battles can have far-reaching consequences for downstream communities and conservation efforts.

April 10, 2025

The Register-Herald and Mid-Florida Newspapers republished MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s coverage of the Mississippi governor’s plan to call a special session to resolve a state budget impasse. The article details the political gridlock, key budgetary disputes, and the urgency to fund essential services before the legislative deadline.

April 8, 2025

The Associated Press announced the launch of the AP Fund for Journalism and its inaugural program supporting nearly 50 local newsrooms across the country—including Mississippi Free Press. The initiative aims to strengthen local journalism by funding impactful reporting projects and fostering newsroom sustainability.

April 7, 2025

Mid-Florida Newspapers republished MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s article covering a Mississippi Democratic candidate’s decision to center abortion rights in a U.S. Senate campaign. The story explores the candidate’s platform shift, voter reactions, and how the issue is shaping political discourse in a deeply conservative state.

April 4, 2025

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s story on the Tylertown community’s response to recent tornado devastation. The article highlights local relief efforts, personal stories from residents affected by the storm, and the ongoing need for federal assistance, underscoring both the resilience of the community and the gaps in disaster response support.

Media Nation journalist Dan Kennedy referenced MFP editor Ashton Pittman’s coverage in his analysis of a judge’s decision to dismiss former Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant’s libel suit against Mississippi Today. Ashton’s reporting provided essential context on the lawsuit and its implications for press freedom and investigative journalism in the state

April 3, 2025

The Cadillac News and The Register-Herald republished MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s in-depth article examining how President Donald Trump’s recent policy positions align with Project 2025’s blueprint on environmental and climate regulations. 

March 28, 2025

The Blaze referenced reporting by MFP state reporter Heather Harrison in its coverage of Mississippi’s plan to phase out the state income tax while reducing the tax on grocery sales. Heather’s original story provided critical context on the proposed legislation, its potential economic impact, and the political debate surrounding the state’s shifting tax policy.

March 21, 2025

Mississippi Free Press CEO and Editor Donna Ladd participated in a panel discussion titled “Press(ing) Issues” at the annual Northeastern Women’s, Gender, and Sexuality Studies (WGSS) Women’s History Month Symposium. The discussion addressed how the larger news (and disinformation) landscape affects pressing contemporary issues. In addition, Donna was a participant in a roundtable discussion addressing ways news creation, trolling, and misinformation interact in the current media ecosystem.

February 21, 2025

Multiple news outlets, including The Tribune-Democrat, Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal, Greenwood Commonwealth, The Register-Herald, the Galveston County Daily News, U.S. News & World Report, and The Associated Press, republished MFP reporter Nick Judin’s coverage of a Hinds County Chancery Court judge’s ruling that the state legislature is not considered a public body under the state’s Open Meetings Act, allowing private meetings among lawmakers to continue. MFP brought the legal challenge against the Mississippi House of Representatives in hopes of ensuring transparency in state legislative processes. 

February 12, 2025

Court TV referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting in their coverage of the case involving the discovery of the remains of murdered University of Mississippi student Jay Lee.

February 5, 2025

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal republished MFP education-equity reporter Torsheta Jackson’s article, highlighting the progress made in educational outcomes for Black and Latino students across the state, as well as examining factors contributing to these improvements and challenges that still remain.

February 4, 2025

The Jackson/Hinds Library System highlighted MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s person of the day feature on Bridgeet Olugbala, a librarian at the Margaret Walker Alexander Library and a trained cellist, on their website.

January 29, 2025

The Pivot Blog published a feature on the MFP’s newest reporter, Roger Amos. A member of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, Roger is currently the state’s only indigenous reporter, the significance of which is highlighted in the article, along with the value that his work will bring to an under-represented community. Roger joins the MFP thanks to a grant from The Pivot Fund, and will focus his reporting on Mississippi’s tribal communities and east central Mississippi.

January 25, 2025

Snopes referenced MFP reporters Illan Ireland and Nick Judin’s reporting on Mississippi House Bill 1484, known as the “Mississippi Illegal Alien Certified Bounty Hunter Program.” The bill, which later died in committee, proposed a $1,000 reward for tips leading to the capture of undocumented immigrants.

January 23, 2025

The International Women’s Media Foundation (IWMF) has announced that MFP Capital City Reporter Shaunicy Muhammad is one of ten women journalists from around the United States selected to be a 2025 Fellow of their Gwen Ifill Mentorship Program. The fellowship aims to support the next generation of women journalists from underrepresented backgrounds, providing mentorship and professional development opportunities to foster leadership in the news industry. Congratulations, Shaunicy!

January 22, 2025

The Galveston County Daily News featured MFP reporters Nick Judin and Heather Harrison’s overview of the key issues Mississippi lawmakers aim to address in 2025. The piece highlights legislative priorities such as education reform, healthcare expansion, and infrastructure development, reflecting the state’s commitment to progress in these critical areas.

January 21, 2025

Soap Central referenced MFP Reporter Torsheta Jackson’s article covering the Mississippi Valley State University (MVSU) HBCU band’s performance at the inauguration of President Donald Trump. The trip to Washington, DC, largely funded by a GoFundMe campaign which raised over $300,000, sparked considerable dissent between friends and alumni of the HBCU who support the band’s decision to perform and those who think the decision is in conflict with the values of the university.

January 20, 2025

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal republished MFP Reporter Illan Ireland’s story warning readers of a winter storm forecast for the state and providing advice from experts about the dangers of such storms and the importance of preparedness in the face of extreme weather conditions.

January 19, 2025

Daily Kos opened their Abbreviated Pundit Roundup with MFP Editorial Assistant Kiden-Aloyse Smith’s editorial addressing the implications of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the U. S. Presidential Inauguration falling on the same day.

January 16, 2025

The Northside Sun, Citrus County Chronicle, Caledonian Record, The Clarksdale Press Register, and The Dispatch republished MFP reporter Shaunicy Muhammad’s story covering the rejection by Jackson’s City Council of a resolution proposing that Mayor Chokwe A. Lumumba take a leave of absence from his position following his indictment on federal bribery charges.

January 13, 2025

The Northeast Mississippi Daily Journal republished MFP Reporter Heather Harrison’s article detailing Governor Tate Reeves’ executive order mandating the creation of policies for the use of artificial intelligence (AI) by state agencies. Harrison’s reporting explores the governor’s push for state agencies to establish AI guidelines, focusing on transparency, security, and ethical considerations. This development positions Mississippi as a leader in addressing the integration of AI in public governance.

January 9, 2025

WCNC Charlotte News , Red Hills News, SCT Online, and WTVA  republished MFP Reporter Heather Harrison‘s article covering the dismissal of charges against two men accused of shooting at a black FedEx driver. The article discusses the legal proceedings and a judge’s decision to drop the charges, despite the serious nature of the incident. 

January 8, 2025

The Facts, Galveston News and Messenger-Inquirer have reprinted MFP Reporter Heather Harrison‘s story shedding light on the stark contrasts between Mississippi Supreme Court candidates. Harrison’s reporting looks at the contrasting judicial philosophies and political backgrounds of the contenders, offering a comprehensive analysis of how these differences could shape the future of the state’s highest court.

January 2, 2025

The Galveston News and the Messenger-Inquirer featured one of MFP Environmental Reporter Illan Ireland’s recent pieces highlighting how immigrant advocates are bracing for potential setbacks with the return of President-Elect Trump to the political scene. Advocates are preparing for what they anticipate could be a challenging time for immigrant communities, especially with the potential for stricter enforcement and new legal hurdles. Ireland’s insightful coverage provides an in-depth look at the advocacy efforts and the uncertain future facing immigrants.