Jackson Free Press

10 Local Stories of the Week

There's never a slow news week in Jackson, Miss., and last week was no exception. Here are the local stories JFP reporters brought you in case you missed them.

Legislators Across the Country Wading into Gun Control Debate, NRA Leader Calls for a Cop in Every School

ATLANTA (AP) — As President Barack Obama urges tighter federal gun laws, state legislators around the country have responded to the Connecticut school shooting with a flurry of their own …

Live Video: Obama Makes Statement on the Fiscal Cliff

Hattiesburg Teen Challenges PepsiCo

Sarah Kavanagh is behind an online petition to remove a potentially toxic chemical from sodas and sports drinks that are popular with her friends and family.

Gun Control Debate Heating Up in Statehouses

As President Barack Obama urges tighter federal gun laws, state legislators around the country have responded to the Connecticut school shooting with a flurry of their own ideas that are …

House Approves $633 Billion Defense Bill

The House on Thursday overwhelmingly passed a $633 billion defense bill for next year despite Pentagon complaints that it spares outdated but politically popular weapons at the expense of the …

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— The House pushed to complete a $633 billion defense bill for next year despite Pentagon complaints that it spares outdated but politically popular weapons at the expense …

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 …

NCAA Helping Athletes Earn Degrees

Jackson State University and the NCAA are trying to help student-athletes earn their degrees, even if that means sticking around a little longer than four years.

Giving 'For Good, Forever'

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

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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