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.

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.