Jackson Free Press

Poll: Obesity's a Crisis but We Want Our Junk Food

We know obesity is a health crisis, or every new year wouldn't start with resolutions to eat better and get off the couch. But don't try taking away our junk …

Farm Bill Extension Evidence of Lost Clout

A patchwork extension of federal farm programs passed as part of a larger "fiscal cliff" bill keeps the price of milk from rising but doesn't include many of the goodies …

Miss. Health Insurance Exchange Proposal in Limbo

Mississippi's proposed health insurance exchange is in limbo because of a dispute between the governor and the insurance commissioner.

Sixth Man Guilty in 'Night Rides'

A sixth man is guilty in a hate-crime conspiracy that played out in spring 2011 in Jackson.

Pan-Arab Al-Jazeera Buys Current TV from Al Gore

With its purchase of left-leaning Current TV, the Pan-Arab news channel Al-Jazeera has fulfilled a long-held quest to reach tens of millions of U.S. homes. But its new audience immediately …

Fiscal-Cliff Deal No Recipe for a Robust Economy

Housing is rebounding. Families are shrinking debts. Europe has avoided a financial crackup. And the fiscal cliff deal has removed the most urgent threat to the U.S. economy.

Stranger Things

Not expanding Medicaid could have disastrous results for the rural hospitals that serve many of the state's most vulnerable residents.

Music Resolutions

Happy New Year to everyone! I am super excited that 2013 is finally here. I look forward to seeing what all this new year will bring us musically in the …

Put a Cork in It

I’ve already professed my habit of pairing crafting with wine. This leaves me with plenty of wine corks, but luckily, that just means a new material to make something cool …

The Battle Over Schooling

Public-school K-12 education is slated to take a top spot on Mississippi lawmakers’ agendas again this year. Heat notwithstanding, Republicans will probably get their way on both issues.

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Jackson’s Legislative Agenda

What Jackson Mayor Harvey Johnson Jr. wants to see from the state Legislature hasn’t changed much in the past year.

Home Brews

Mississippi home brewers may not have the law fully on their side, but they now have a place to buy all the hops, barley, yeast and equipment they need to …

AP Interview: Bryant Says Education Is Top Issue

Mississippi Gov. Phil Bryant said education dominates his 2013 legislative agenda, from merit pay for teachers to charter schools that will receive public funding but be free of some state …

Crisis Postponed: House Passes Senate 'Fiscal Cliff' Bill and Sends to Obama for Signature

WASHINGTON (AP) — Past its own New Year's deadline, a weary Congress sent President Barack Obama legislation to avoid a national "fiscal cliff" of middle class tax increases and spending …

All Politics is Local

THE MAYOR'S TELEPHONE TOWN HALL: A DIFFERENT KIND OF REALITY SHOW?

Farish: No Foundation, No Funding

The Farish Street entertainment district has been on metaphorical shaky ground for nearly three decades. In 2012, its developer says it was a literal lack of foundation that stopped the …

GOP Governors Walk Balance Beam on Health Law

Florida Gov. Rick Scott, who made a fortune as a health care executive, long opposed President Barack Obama's remake of the health insurance market.

Deal Reached for Stopping Spike in Milk Prices

The top leaders in both parties on the House and Senate Agriculture committees have agreed to a one-year extension of the 2008 farm bill that expired in October, a move …

Tribune Leaves Bankruptcy After 4 Years

Tribune Co. emerged from a Chapter 11 restructuring Monday, more than four years after the media company sought bankruptcy protection.

Progress Seen in Last-Minute 'Fiscal Cliff' Talks

Working against a midnight deadline, negotiators for the White House and congressional Republicans narrowed their differences Monday on legislation to avert across-the-board tax increases.