News Archive

Mississippi’s fishing and coastal tourist industries aren’t the only ones feeling the economic pinch of last year’s Oil Disaster. As money stops flowing into the businesses most directly impacted by the spill, economic hardship filters into some unexpected places. Eve Abrams reports. 

Studies show that only 22% of Mississippi 4th graders are reading at grade level or above. In response, the State Department of Education has set a goal to have all 3rd graders reading at grade level by 2012. MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines how one Jackson school is meeting the challenge and what it could mean for the future of our state 

Mississippi's economic and legislative leaders are expressing growing optimism about the future of the state's economy. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports the addition of new, high tech industries are driving the positive trend... 

Governor Haley Barbour was in Washington calling on the federal government to rethink its plans for Medicaid. Elizabeth Wynne Johnson explains. 

Oil from last year’s BP spill didn't actually stain Mississippi's mainland shores, but nearly a year later, the perception of it covering the state's beaches and animals is still impacting businesses along the Mississippi coast. Following a season of cancelled vacations and diminishing reservations, coastal businesses are still fighting a battle to change would-be tourists' perceptions. Eve Abrams reports. 

Political unrest in the Middle East continues to escalate as people in the area seek their own freedoms and democracy, but for some here in Mississippi it's a topic of conversation and concern. MPB's Daniel Cherry tells us more about what the revolutions overseas could mean for us at home 

We all need air, water, and food to survive, but for Mississippians food is also the cause for many of the state's biggest health concerns. The state is the worst in the nation in obesity rates, but Mississippi also has more hunger than any other state. MPB's Daniel Cherry talks to some experts about the future of the state's food related problems. 

A group of Mississippi Christian leaders is asking the legislature not to approve and Arizona-style immigration law. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that Mississippi law makers could see an updated bill as soon as this week. 

Mississippi union workers are showing solidarity with the protesters in Wisconsin. About 60 union workers rallied at the capitol in Jackson yesterday. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that public workers in Mississippi already have fewer protections than workers in Wisconsin.

During severe weather events in Mississippi flooding is often one of the most dangerous threats. In fact the state has more than 30 million acres classified as flood plain. MPB's Daniel Cherry takes a look at one of the most prevalent natural disasters in the state and what you can do to protect yourself.

Mississippi has the lowest literacy rate in the nation...roughly 20-percent of Mississippi adults cannot read. An early start for Mississippi kids can help improve the literacy rate. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports on new ways of learning to read that are more than just the ABC's.

Unrest across the Middle East has pushed oil prices over 100-dollars a barrel, which leads to higher gas prices. Mississippi drivers are watching the price of gas rise and are asking 'how high can it go?'. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that some are preparing for gasoline that costs more than 5-dollars a gallon.

As Americas energy needs continue to grow researchers are looking for cleaner, cheaper ways to keep up with the demand. To conclude our series highlighting Engineering Week, MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines how experts are assessing the countries energy needs and coming up with possible solutions.

Immigration Activists in Mississippi are considering filing lawsuits against the federal government following a weekend immigration sweep. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that nearly 60 illegal immigrants have been arrested in the four day sweep in Central Mississippi.

Americans rely heavily on highways for commerce, to commute to work, even vacation. But as the demand on the system increases, performance, reliability and safety are key concerns for transportation agencies. As part of our engineering week coverage MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines research being done in Mississippi to recycle used asphalt and make roads safer and cheaper.