Jackson Free Press

U.S. Unemployment Aid Applications Fall to 341,000

The number of people seeking unemployment benefits fell by 27,000 last week, an indication that hiring could improve.

Olympian Pistorius Charged with Murder

Paralympic superstar Oscar Pistorius was charged Thursday with the murder of his girlfriend.

Lifelong Learning

My friend Brooks and I have a bit of a running joke involving our alma mater, Millsaps College. I love Millsaps dearly and am grateful every day for the education …

A King Cake Quiz

It's time to say farewell to fresh king cakes once again.

Great Gardens Start with a Plan

Organic gardeners may be eager to get out and garden, but it's still too early to plant summer crops. We can start planning, though, savoring the bounteous crop of garden …

The Session: Mad Skills, Chill Jazz

Percussionist and Jackson native Darrian Douglas is a brilliant example of arts education in action.

From Punishment to Healing: Moving Mental-Health Care Home

Jennifer Michaels traces her mental-health problems back to Hurricane Katrina in August 2005, when she was 12 years old.

If He Can't Serve, Anderson Should Go

On Monday, Pope Benedict XVI shocked Roman Catholics around the world by announcing his retirement at the end of February.

The Wrong Roads

Contrary to the popular belief held in some corners of Mississippi, kids who say a prayer before class won't become the targets of Obama administration drone attacks.

Women Still Under Assault

With Mississippi's only abortion facility facing permanent closure due to a law passed during the 2012 legislative session, other women's reproductive rights may be fairly safe during this year's session.

Home Brewing Comes to a Head

If Kevin Kowalewski knew what he knows now about Mississippi's home-brewing laws, he might not have moved here from the St. Louis area in August 2012.

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A Political Family: Melvin Priester Jr.

Attorney Melvin Priester Jr. first dove into politics when he helped manage his father's campaign for Hinds County Court Judge in 2010.

A. Shae Williams

At the restless age of 19, Adrenace "Shae" Williams enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps, beginning a journey of service that led her across the country until family and career …

Between Man and His God

Consider this: Why should a free government that we all pay into support the beliefs of some over others?

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Taking the State by Storm

Aspiring to make real music and a lasting impact in Jackson, indie-meets-alternative-rock band The Weekend Kids dares to be creative rather than conforming to mainstream standards.

Dow Closes at Highest Level of Year, Nears Record

The Dow rose to its highest close of the year, putting it within 1 percent of its record. Stocks gained after impressive results from two big consumer brands.

Signs of Unity in a Divided Congress

President Barack Obama's State of the Union address on Tuesday night produced fleeting moments of bipartisanship in a divided Congress.

Comcast Doubles Down on TV in $16.7B Deal for NBCU

Comcast's $16.7 billion deal to buy the remaining half of NBCUniversal ahead of schedule represents a resounding vote of confidence in the future of TV, even as the growth of …

Senate Panel Approves Hagel for Pentagon Chief

A bitterly divided Senate panel on Tuesday voted to approve President Barack Obama's nomination of Chuck Hagel to be the nation's defense secretary at a time of turmoil for the …

Senate Approves Anti-Violence Against Women Act

By a robust bipartisan majority, the Senate voted Tuesday to renew the Violence Against Women Act with new assurances that gays and lesbians, immigrants and Native American women will have …