Jackson Free Press

Report: Close 1 Ag School, Convert 1 and Keep 1

One of Mississippi's independent agricultural high schools would be closed under a recommendation by the state Board of Education, while another could see its mission reworked or be given to …

Maya Greet Dawn of a New Era

The hundreds gathered in Chichen Itza said they believed it marked the birth of a new and better age.

Holiday Shipping Headaches: Will a Midwest Storm Make Santa Late This Year?

A record number of Americans took to the Web to order holiday gifts after retailers flooded their inboxes with offers of extra discounts, free shipping and easy returns. But a …

House GOP Pushing Through $633 Billion Defense Bill... Including Spending the Pentagon Doesn't Want

WASHINGTON (AP) — The House pushed to complete a $633 billion defense bill for next year despite Pentagon complaints that it spares outdated but politically popular weapons at the expense …

U.S. Mint Testing New Metals for Cheaper Coins

A penny costs more than two cents and a nickel costs more than 11 cents to make and distribute.

Holiday To-Do List

So, this is Christmas. The week before the biggest holiday of the year, and I’m in exactly the same place as I was at the beginning of the month—no presents …

The Skinny on Seeds

If you are already thinking about what you want to grow in your garden next year, start out right with organic seeds. They can make a much better garden.

Attention Walmart Shoppers

Walmart's "chintzy" attitude toward the wages and benefits of its workers isn't news. What may be news to many, however, is just how bad it is for workers at Walmart …

In Wake of Tragedy, Parents Buy Armored Backpacks, Gun Enthusiasts Buy More Guns

SALT LAKE CITY (AP) — The reaction to the Connecticut school shooting can be seen in gun stores and self-defense retailers across the nation: Anxious parents are fueling sales of …

Giving 'For Good, Forever'

When the Jackson Free Clinic wanted to expand its facilities, the Community Fund of Greater Jackson helped make it happen.

How We Measure Poverty

Although lots of folks have tinkered with the formula and the numbers have been updated in line with the Consumer Price Index, the baseline assumption has not changed since the …

Will Last-Minute Shoppers See Massive Discounts In Final Holiday Shopping Week?

This holiday shopping season, many stores haven't been offering the same blockbuster deals as they have in years past. Instead, they've dangled offers of free shipping and no-fee layaways to …

U.S. Army Will Seek Death Penalty Against Solider Accused of Killing Afghan Villagers

SEATTLE (AP) — The U.S. Army said Wednesday it will seek the death penalty against the soldier accused of killing 16 Afghan villagers in a predawn rampage in March, a …

Searching Out Solutions to Poverty

Approaching solutions to poverty may seem like a daunting task. With so much to overcome, some folks are paralyzed into doing nothing at all. But making a difference doesn’t have …

Obama Announces V.P. Biden to Head Taskforce to Propose Gun, Mental Health Laws in January

WASHINGTON (AP) — Spurred by a horrific elementary school shooting, President Barack Obama vowed to send Congress new policy proposals for reducing gun violence by January.

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Building Assets: A Path Out Of Poverty

Having a job that pays a living wage is only one aspect of lifting one’s self out of poverty.

Heavy Price: Medicare Overpaying for Back Braces

You can find it on the Internet for $250 or less. But if Medicare is paying, a standard-issue brace for back patients costs more than $900.

Obama Social Security Offer at Odds with Top Dems

President Barack Obama's offer to slow the growth of Social Security benefits would force fellow Democrats in Congress to abandon promises to shield the massive retirement and disability program from …

GM to Buy Back 200M Shares as Part of Gov't Exit

The Treasury plans to sell its remaining stake in General Motors over the next 15 months.

Judge Upholds Power Plant Certificate

Mississippi Power Co.'s $2.8 billion Kemper County coal-fired plant is one step closer to legal clearance after a judge denied a Sierra Club challenge to the plant's license.