MFP Impact, Awards and Media Coverage – 2026

(See 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 2024 and 2025 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.

October 27, 2026

CBS News interviewed MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman in its coverage of Mississippi voters’ desire for change ahead of the November elections and President Donald Trump’s visit to the state, highlighting MFP’s reporting on polling-place changes and the importance of accurate election information. The segment was also distributed through Yahoo News and YouTube, bringing MFP’s Trusted Elections work to a national audience.

October 25, 2026

A Medium commentary referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on the police shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in Senatobia, Mississippi, questioning the state attorney general’s determination that the shooting was justified and raising broader concerns about police accountability.

October 25, 2026

ABC News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of Democratic U.S. Senate candidate Scott Colom’s campaign to unseat Republican incumbent Cindy Hyde-Smith, examining the race and Colom’s efforts to appeal to Mississippi voters.

October 25, 2026

The Mississippi Independent referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on 138 polling-place changes ahead of the November 2026 elections, highlighting MFP’s efforts to identify inaccuracies in official election records and help Mississippians verify their voting locations before Election Day.

October 25, 2026

AOL referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of the resignation of the Mississippi police officer who fatally shot 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in a Walmart parking lot, one day after body-camera footage of the shooting was released.

October 24, 2026

Political Wire referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on 138 polling-place changes ahead of Mississippi’s November 2026 elections, highlighting MFP’s work identifying changes and inaccuracies in official election records to help voters find their correct polling locations.

October 22, 2026

The MacArthur Foundation highlighted the Mississippi Free Press as a model of statewide accountability journalism in its discussion of building sustainable local news ecosystems, recognizing MFP among its grantee partners working to strengthen community-centered journalism and access to reliable information.

October 22, 2026

Tallahatchie News referenced MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s reporting in its coverage of a disputed mugshot involving congressional candidate Scott Colom, highlighting conflicting claims from his campaign and law enforcement about the image’s authenticity.

October 22, 2026

WXXV25 referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of the Mississippi Republican Party’s request for an investigation into an AI-generated campaign video depicting U.S. Sen. Cindy Hyde-Smith, which the party alleged was misleading.

October 21, 2026

Straight Arrow News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of video evidence raising questions about the official account of the police shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in Senatobia, Mississippi.

October 19, 2026

Black Information Network News, Common Dreams, the San Antonio Observer, New Pittsburgh Courier, Wide Open Country, Face2Face Africa, Esquire and NewsOne referenced MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman and reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the police shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Wiley in Senatobia, Mississippi, following the Mississippi attorney general’s determination that the shooting was justified.

October 16, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of a community tour in Lumberton, highlighting local growth, economic development and new opportunities for residents and businesses.

October 16, 2026

Magnolia Tribune referenced MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s reporting in its coverage of a disputed mugshot involving congressional candidate Scott Colom, examining conflicting claims from his campaign and law enforcement about the image’s authenticity.

October 15, 2026

Tippah News referenced MFP reporters Illan Ireland and Amy Schafer’s reporting on Hispanic Heritage Month celebrations across Mississippi, highlighting festivals in Jackson and Scott counties that drew thousands of attendees and celebrated the state’s growing Hispanic communities.

October 15, 2026

The College Fix referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the death of Delta State University student Trey Reed, highlighting unanswered questions surrounding the case and the lack of publicly released results from an independent autopsy one year after his death.

October 14, 2026

Mediaite referenced MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman’s reporting on a Republican senator’s suggestion that consumers choose alternative proteins amid rising beef prices, highlighting the political backlash and a viral campaign ad criticizing his remarks.

October 13, 2026

Mississippi Today referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of growing opposition to data center developments in Mississippi and how state politicians are responding to residents’ environmental and community concerns.

October 12, 2026

Total Pro Sports referenced MFP reporter Amy Schafer’s reporting in its coverage of Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver DK Metcalf’s helmet message honoring Nolan Wells, the Mississippi college student whose death sparked widespread attention and calls for answers.

October 10, 2026

Queen City Newsfeed referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of the Mississippi Parole Project’s efforts to provide incarcerated people at Parchman with resources and support to pursue parole and second chances.

October 5, 2026

Queen City Newsfeed referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of Philadelphia leaders considering a ban on kratom and THC hemp products, highlighting concerns about public health, safety and the regulation of these substances.

September 29, 2026

Black Information Network News referenced Amy Schafer and Nick Judin’s reporting in its coverage of the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death, including an expert’s explanation that deleted Snapchat messages were not obtained through direct access to Wells’ phone.

September 28, 2026

The Daily Mississippian referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of a joint campaign rally featuring Scott Colom and Cliff Johnson, highlighting the candidates’ key campaign promises and priorities.

September 28, 2026

The Memphis Flyer referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of SpaceX and xAI’s offer to purchase homes in Southaven as part of efforts to resolve a lawsuit involving concerns about the company’s operations and their impact on nearby residents.

September 26, 2026

MS NOW referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in an opinion piece examining unanswered questions surrounding the death of college student Nolan Wells, despite a grand jury’s finding of no evidence of criminal conduct.

September 25, 2026

Red Hills MS News republished MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Mississippians speaking out against the Legislature’s redistricting efforts, raising concerns that proposed changes could weaken Black voting power and representation.

September 25, 2026

DeSoto County News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of xAI’s home buyout offer to Southaven residents amid growing concerns about the company’s operations and their impact on surrounding neighborhoods.

September 23, 2026

The Emancipator referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging from a tree in Jackson, as police announced a second arrest in the homicide investigation.

September 22, 2026

The Lens, Medical Daily Black Enterprise, and Streamline referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on the investigation into college student Nolan Wells’ death, including a grand jury’s finding of no evidence of criminal conduct and an autopsy that listed his cause of death as undetermined.

September 14, 2026

The Clarion-Ledger referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the death of Delta State University student Trey Reed, examining what is known about the case one year after he was found dead on campus.

September 13, 2026

We Got This Covered quoted the Mississippi Free Press in its coverage of Tasia Fortune’s death, which authorities are investigating as a homicide after she was found hanging from a tree in Jackson.

September 12, 2026

Far Out Magazine referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its story about the musical influences that shaped Joan Jett’s love of rock ’n’ roll and helped inspire her career.

September 11, 2026

Farms.com reposted MFP reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Mississippi Rep. Vince Mangold entering the race for state agriculture and commerce commissioner.

September 10, 2026

People referenced MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman’s reporting on the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging from a tree in Jackson, as authorities investigated her death as a homicide.

September 9, 2026

Capital B referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the death of Delta State University student Trey Reed, including the family’s concerns that they had not heard from attorney Ben Crump for months while awaiting the final results of an independent autopsy.

September 6, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about Sunshine Sips, a Gulfport coffee shop opening Oct. 1 that will provide job training and employment opportunities for adults with disabilities.

September 6, 2026

Tippah News referenced MFP features editor Nate Schumann’s commentary about how a college education can challenge students to encounter different perspectives and expand their worldviews rather than serving as a form of indoctrination.

September 5, 2026

Hoodline referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about author Kathryn Stockett’s return to Mississippi for a Columbus event featuring her new novel and a conversation with readers.

September 4, 2026

Ground News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about Amanda Tollison taking the oath of office as a Mississippi Supreme Court justice, marking the first time three women have served simultaneously on the state’s highest court.

September 3, 2026

The Marshall Project referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about Heriberto “Eddie” Reyes-Ochoa, a Kiln man detained by ICE and transferred to an immigration detention facility while his pregnant wife awaited the birth of their child.

August 30, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about a Kiln man detained by ICE shortly before the birth of his child, highlighting the impact of the detention on his family.

August 30, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on Mississippi Republican leaders’ response to President Donald Trump’s beef-import proposal and their concerns about how the plan could affect the state’s cattle farmers.

August 27, 2026

BIN News referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the ongoing investigation into Nolan Wells’ death as a legal fund for Wells’ friends approached $190,000 amid continued public attention surrounding the case.

August 26, 2026

Darkhorse Press referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about an abuse allegation at The Piney Woods School that was reported to police weeks before the killing of the school’s chief operating officer.

August 26, 2026

Capital B referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about William Earl Whitley, a Black disabled U.S. Army veteran who relied on neighbors to help mail his absentee ballot, while examining how proposed mail-voting restrictions could affect voters who depend on absentee voting.

August 24, 2026

The New Pittsburgh Courier referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the death of Delta State University student Trey Reed, including questions surrounding the independent autopsy and the Reed family’s concerns about communication from attorney Ben Crump.

August 18, 2026

NewsBreak referenced MFP reporter Amy Schafer’s story about the Anderson family’s nearly century-long pottery tradition in Ocean Springs and the family’s artistic legacy on the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

August 16, 2026

Tippah News referenced MFP reporting about a Harrison County nonprofit training interns to protect marine life and strengthen conservation efforts along the Mississippi Gulf Coast.

August 14, 2026

Our Weekly referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of the unexplained death of Tasia Fortune in Jackson, including MFP’s confirmation with Fortune’s aunt that a fundraiser to help cover burial expenses was legitimate.

August 12, 2026

The New York State Bar Association cited reporting by MFP reporter Grace E. Marion in its examination of artificial intelligence in the courts and the emerging challenges AI poses for legal writing, research, accuracy and judicial decision-making.

August 7, 2026

NewsBreak featured MFP reporter Jaylin R. Smith’s story about families returning to Itta Bena to honor the service members killed in the Yanky 72 military plane crash and preserve the memory of those who lost their lives.

August 7, ,2026

Capital B reprinted MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman’s reporting about the death of Tasia Fortune, a Black woman found hanging in Mississippi, as questions surrounding the circumstances of her death drew wider attention.

August 7, 2026

The Toronto Sun referenced MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman in its coverage of country singer Jason Aldean’s comments about firing crew members who criticized him and the controversy surrounding his song “Try That in a Small Town.”

August 3, 2026

The Memphis Flyer featured a photo by MFP reporter Illan Ireland in its coverage of environmental groups raising concerns about xAI and the Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality’s agreed order, highlighting the environmental and regulatory debate surrounding data center development in the region.

July 29, 2026

People and Washington Times referenced MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on Nolan Wells’ death and the misinformation surrounding the investigation, as a former teammate spoke out about being falsely linked to Wells’ death through social-media conspiracy theories.

July 28, 2026

Nieman Journalism Lab highlighted the Mississippi Free Press after its website traffic increased 302% in one month, from 87,000 visits in May to 353,000 in June 2026.

July 26, 2026

Lincoln Square featured MFP CEO and Editor Donna Ladd on its It’s The Democracy, Stupid podcast to discuss Mississippi’s election systems, voter access, trusted elections reporting, American history and the role of local journalism in protecting democracy.

July 26, 2026

Tippah News referenced the MFP story about Mississippi House Speaker Jason White naming members to the Joint Legislative Redistricting Committee as lawmakers prepared to redraw the state’s congressional districts.

July 26, 2026

Tippah News referenced the Mississippi Free Press announcement introducing Amy Schafer as the organization’s Gulf Coast Bureau reporter, highlighting the continued expansion of MFP’s regional reporting across Mississippi.

July 24, 2026

Apple News Today featured MFP reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on the investigation into the death of Nolan Wells, bringing the Mississippi Free Press’ coverage of the case to a national audience.

July 19, 2026

The Daily Journal published MFP Systemic and Education Editor Torsheta Jackson’s reporting on the Mississippi Department of Education’s move to a digital wallet system for teacher Classroom Supply Fund purchases, highlighting concerns raised by some educators about the transition.

July 15, 2026

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Amy Schafer’s story about a district attorney’s decision to present the findings of the Nolan Wells investigation to a grand jury.

July 15, 2026

Capital B published MFP reporter Illan Ireland’s story about Jackson residents’ concerns that the latest Pearl River flood-control plan would not adequately protect their communities and could have harmful downstream impacts.

July 12, 2026

LiveNOW from FOX interviewed MFP News Editor Ashton Pittman about the death of Nolan Wells and the growing calls from his family for transparency as the investigation drew national attention.

July 12, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting about JTRAN drivers preparing to strike if a new labor contract could not be reached, highlighting ongoing negotiations between the transit workers’ union and management.

July 12, 2026

Tippah News referenced MFP CEO and Editor Donna Ladd’s column about how her America 250 journey reinforced the value of freedom, democracy and the importance of preserving the nation’s founding ideals.

July 12, 2026

Tippah News referenced Mississippi Free Press reporting on Nolan Wells’ family’s call for greater transparency and a deeper investigation into the circumstances surrounding the teen’s death.

July 11, 2026

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Jaylin R. Smith’s story about Doe’s Eat Place in Greenville, exploring how the iconic restaurant has remained a community landmark through three generations of family ownership.

July 9, 2026

The Daily Journal republished MFP reporter Nick Judin’s story about officials seeking the public’s help in the investigation into Nolan Wells’ death while urging residents not to spread misinformation about the case.

July 8, 2026

TheGrio cited Mississippi Free Press reporting in its timeline of Nolan Wells’ death on Horn Island, referencing reporting and quotes first published by MFP as the investigation unfolded.

July 7, 2026

REVOLT cited Mississippi Free Press reporting in its coverage of Nolan Wells, referencing a quote first published by MFP about the 23-year-old’s life, legacy and the community’s response following his death.

July 1, 2026

The Daily Journal reprinted MFP reporter Aliyah Veal’s story about the Delta Story Project, where participants are using their lived experiences to reshape the narrative of the Mississippi Delta and highlight the region’s strengths, resilience and future.

June 26, 2026

The Columbia Journalism Review quoted News Editor Ashton Pittman in its analysis of media coverage surrounding the Senatobia police shooting that killed 1-year-old Kohen Kartier Wiley, highlighting the importance of clear, accurate language and accountability in reporting on law enforcement.

June 17, 2026

Capital B News reprinted reporter Nick Judin’s story about the fatal police shooting of 1-year-old Kohen Kartier Wiley, amplifying calls for transparency and accountability as the tragedy sparked outrage and grief across Mississippi and beyond.

June 10, 2026

The Daily Journal referenced reporter Nick Judin’s story about the community rallying to support the family of a Petal woman who drowned after her SUV became submerged, highlighting the outpouring of compassion and assistance following the tragedy.

May 28, 2026

The Daily Journal reprinted Systemic and Education Editor Torsheta Jackson’s story about most Mississippi third graders passing the state’s reading gate assessment on their first attempt, highlighting continued gains in early literacy achievement across the state.

May 13, 2026

The Daily Journal republished reporter Ashton Pittman’s story about Mississippi voters continuing to receive incorrect polling place information, underscoring the importance of accurate election data and the Mississippi Free Press’ ongoing work to protect voter access.

May 3, 2026

The Daily Journal referenced reporter Heather Harrison’s story about State Rep. Nick Bain’s campaign for Mississippi state auditor, where he pledged to investigate fraud and increase accountability among public officials if elected.

April 30, 2026

The Washington Post and WJTV published reporter Nick Judin’s reporting on Israel and Max Makoka, the Hancock County brothers whose ICE detention drew national attention, as the brothers were reunited with their host family and returned home to Mississippi following a wave of community support and advocacy.

April 29, 2026

The Jackson Advocate highlighted Mississippi Free Press Publisher Emeritus Kimberly Griffin receiving an Alumni Achievement Award from Mississippi University for Women in recognition of her leadership and contributions to journalism and community impact across Mississippi.

April 28, 2026

Tippah News and NOLA.com referenced reporter Nick Judin’s story about Israel and Max Makoka, two Hancock County students detained by ICE while waiting for their school bus, bringing regional and statewide attention to the impact of immigration enforcement on Mississippi families and school communities.

April 28, 2026

The Daily Journal republished reporter Heather Harrison’s story about Gov. Tate Reeves ordering Mississippi lawmakers to return for redistricting once the U.S. Supreme Court rules on a major voting rights case that could reshape representation in the state.

April 18, 2026

The Daily Journal reprinted Systemic and Education Editor Torsheta Jackson’s story about a new Mississippi law aimed at improving reading, math, financial literacy, computer science and civics education for students across the state.

April 13, 2026

MSN and MEXC quoted editor Ashton Pittman in their coverage of questions surrounding former President Donald Trump’s mental acuity after a peculiar social media post referencing Davy Crockett.

Mar. 29, 2026

Tippah News referenced an editor’s note by Assistant Editor Kevin Edwards about editor Evan Turnage being commended for challenging U.S. Rep. Bennie Thompson, sparking broader conversations about political accountability and the role of local journalism in Mississippi.

Mar. 26, 2026

Report for America selected Systemic and Solutions Editor Torsheta Jackson to participate in its partnership with the Investigative Editing Corps, a national program designed to help local newsrooms strengthen enterprise and investigative reporting. The opportunity will provide additional editing support and mentorship as Jackson continues producing accountability journalism for Mississippi communities.

Mar. 18, 2026

Tennessee Lookout, Yahoo News and News From The States republished reporter Illan Ireland’s story about growing tensions over data center development along the Mississippi-Tennessee state line, where residents and local leaders are weighing promised economic benefits against environmental and quality-of-life concerns.

Mar. 1, 2026

The Northwest Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reprinted reporter Illan Ireland’s story about a Mississippi subdivision struggling with the impact of a massive data center moving in next door, as residents raise concerns about noise, dust, pollution and long-term quality-of-life issues.

Feb. 25, 2026

Yahoo News referenced reporter Ashton Pittman’s story about a Republican Mississippi senator promoting “alternative proteins,” drawing attention to debates around food policy, agriculture and emerging protein markets.

Feb. 20, 2026

The Daily Journal and Threat Beat republished reporter Nick Judin’s story about a ransomware attack on the University of Mississippi Medical Center that led to canceled surgeries, closed clinics, and widespread disruption of patient care across the state.

Feb. 19, 2026

Arkansas Times, Northern Public Radio and Newsbreak reprinted reporter Illan Ireland’s reporting about residents’ struggles with a massive data center moving next door to their subdivision—highlighting concerns about noise, dust and quality of life near new tech infrastructure.

Feb. 19, 2026

The Coachella Valley Independent mentioned reporter Nick Judin’s story about a ransomware attack on the University of Mississippi Medical Center that forced clinic closures and canceled services, disrupting care for patients across the state.

Feb. 19, 2026

Live Action referenced reporter Heather Harrison’s story about the Mississippi House passing a ban on mail-order abortion pills, including provisions that would impose prison time on providers under drug trafficking laws.

Feb. 13, 2026

Valley News mentioned the Mississippi Free Press in its reporting on plans for a federal ICE detention facility in Merrimack, New Hampshire, noting that a proposed facility in Byhalia, Mississippi, was dropped after local opposition and pressure from U.S. Sen. Roger Wicker, coverage that originally appeared in the Mississippi Free Press.

Feb. 9, 2026

WWNO’s Louisiana Considered mentioned coverage by reporter Illan Ireland about grassroots air-quality monitoring efforts and the legislative threats facing community-led pollution tracking initiatives in Louisiana, bringing the reporting to a broader public radio audience.

Jan. 30, 2026

The Media and Democracy Project awarded the Mississippi Free Press a 2025 Local Journalism Bright Spot honor for its groundbreaking statewide coverage, commitment to systemic journalism, and leadership in newsroom diversity.

Jan. 23, 2026

The Current LA, Northern Public Radio and The Lens NOLA republished, reporting by reporter Illan Ireland about grassroots air monitoring efforts that empower residents to track pollution in their own neighborhoods—and how new legislation in Louisiana threatens those community-driven transparency initiatives.

Jan. 19, 2026

The Daily Journal republished reporter Aliyah Veal’s story about a Newton County artist whose geometric style inspired a trilogy of immersive, multidimensional exhibits that blend visual art, storytelling, and cultural exploration.

Jan. 14, 2026

The Current LA published reporting by reporter Illan Ireland about a Louisiana law critics say stifles grassroots air-pollution monitoring by restricting how community-collected environmental data can be used, raising concerns about transparency, public health and environmental accountability.