Jackson Free Press

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.

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.

Coroner: Soft Drinks May Need Health Warnings

A New Zealand food industry association on Wednesday rejected a coroner's call to add health warnings to soft-drink labels following the 2010 death of a woman who drank about 2 …

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 Dems, GOP Clash Over Need for New Gun Curbs

The toll of gun violence and the widespread disgust it has generated makes it time for new federal gun curbs that balance public safety with gun rights, Democrats said Tuesday …

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 …

North Korea Conducts Third Controversial Nuke Test

Defying U.N. warnings, North Korea on Tuesday conducted its third nuclear test in the remote, snowy northeast, taking a crucial step toward its goal of building a bomb small enough …

Obama to Announce 34K Troops to be Home in a Year

President Barack Obama will announce in his State of the Union address that 34,000 U.S. troops will be home from Afghanistan within a year.

Contest Seeks Underworldly Names for 2 Pluto Moons

Astronomers announced a contest Monday to name the two itty-bitty moons of Pluto discovered over the past two years.

GOP Spat Blamed for Exchange Failure

A day after informally notifying Mississippi Insurance Commissioner Mike Chaney of the federal government's rejection of the state's proposal to run a health-insurance exchange, the U.S. Department of Health and …

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Health Law Bars Opting Out Of Maternity Coverage; Long Term Care Insurance Is Guaranteed If Company Goes Out Of Business

This week, I am answering readers' questions about maternity coverage requirements in the new health insurance exchanges, long-term-care insurance and switching employer health plans.

Community Events and Public Meetings

The Royal Bleau Semi-Annual Fashion Show is Feb. 15, 7 p.m. at Rose E. McCoy Auditorium.

What Heals Traumatized Kids? Answers Are Lacking

Shootings and other traumatic events involving children are not rare events, but there's a startling lack of scientific evidence on the best ways to help young survivors and witnesses heal, …

Senators Seek Pact on Gun-Buy Background Checks

A cornerstone of President Barack Obama's drive to check gun violence is gathering bipartisan steam as four senators, including two of the National Rifle Association's congressional champions, privately seek compromise …

Syrian Rebels Preparing for Advance on Capital

Syrian rebels brought their fight within a mile of the heart of Damascus on Friday, seizing army checkpoints and cutting a key highway with a row of burning tires as …

Hacker Gains Access to Bush Family Emails, Photos

A mysterious email hacker apparently accessed private photos and messages sent between members of the Bush family, including both retired commanders in chief.

Chemicals Linked to Obesity in Black Children

Black children with high levels of hormone-altering chemicals used in some shampoos and lotions are more likely to be obese, according to research published today.

House Bill Would Move Revenue Dept. to Clinton

House members want to move the Department of Revenue to a new home in Speaker Philip Gunn's district.

Digital Displays of Affection

In fall 2010, a New Jersey-based pastor by the name of Cedric Miller made national headlines after demanding that married church leaders in his congregation give up their Facebook accounts …

Abortion-Inducing Drugs Could Face Restrictions

Mississippi could restrict the use of abortion-inducing drugs and make women visit a physician an additional time after using them.