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George McGovern, Arlen Specter, Warren Rudman, Dan Inouye ... just some of the political giants who died in 2012. This week's super-sized Political Junkie column is dedicated to their memory.

Since last week's shootings in Newtown, Conn., many people are wondering what could have been done to stop them. Connecticut already has some of the toughest gun laws in the country, including a gun seizure statute that was crafted with the goal of preventing this kind of tragedy.

The boom in fossil fuels hasn't undermined the growth of renewable energy sources. Tax incentives boosted the wind and solar industries this year, but 2013 might blow for wind.

If John Kerry leaves the Senate to become secretary of state another Kennedy could fill his Senate seat — at least on an interim basis. And ousted Republican Scott Brown could have fighting chance of returning to the Capitol.

Jazz lost many great saxophonists in 2012, including David S. Ware, John Tchicai, Byard Lancaster, Faruq Z. Bey, Hal McKusick and Red Holloway. Critic Kevin Whitehead pays tribute to three more of his favorites.

In the wake of the tragedy in Newtown, Conn., mayors are a key part of the debate over the country's gun laws. Host Michel Martin speaks with two leaders who frequently encounter issues of gun violence and gun ownership; Kansas City, Mo. Mayor Sylvester James and former Cincinnati Mayor Kenneth Blackwell.

The image of the rural bed and breakfast with claustrophobic rooms, spartan amenities and prying innkeepers has long been a source of laughs for comedians and sitcoms. But B&Bs are fighting back. Now, many country inns are trying to dispel old stereotypes to appeal to new travelers.

The mayor of Newark, N.J., ended whatever suspense existed by saying he will "explore" a run for the U.S. Senate, not governor. He thereby averts a clash with the very popular Gov. Chris Christie.

Known as a charming and witty man in private, Bork, who died Wednesday, was dour and humorless in his Senate confirmation hearings, and his answers seemed to play into the stereotype liberals painted of a man who cared little for the public. His Senate rejection changed the way future nominees have testified.

The tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. prompted new conversations about gun regulation in America. President Barack Obama has vowed to take "meaningful action," but the current political landscape poses challenges for the administration and members of Congress who want stricter gun legislation.