Mississippi News

From Pennsylvania Avenue in Washington to State Street in Jackson, Americans are talking about President Obama's State of the Union Address. MPB's Lawayne Childrey has reaction from Mississippi's capitol city.

Leaders of towns and cities across Mississippi are urging state lawmakers to avoid putting new financial burdens on local government. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports that includes the costs of what they call unfunded mandates.

President Obama reached out to Republicans in his second State of the Union address. That approach seemed to work for some Mississippi lawmakers. Manuel Quinones (kin-YON-es) reports.

Education advocates and students rallied at the capitol to call on the state legislature to increase education spending. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that they are unlikely to get all the money they want.

The hard work of implementing Federal health care reform in Mississippi is already underway at the Capital. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that the legislature is working on one of the biggest provisions in the law.

A four month study of Mississippi's Casino industry reveals a very mixed picture. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports how complicated it is to figure out gambling's true economic impact.

Immigrants living in Mississippi are closely watching a debate in the Mississippi legislature that could lead to laws cracking down on illegal immigration. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports on Migration Festival intended to spread cultural understanding.

New pay day lending regulations could soon become law in Mississippi. Legislators from the House and Senate have to work out minor differences between the Senate bill that passed on Friday. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports.

Thousands of migrating waterfowl and shorebirds now have additional refuge in Mississippi. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how the state is taking part in one of the first restoration projects following the Gulf oil spill.

Mississippi school teachers could soon face tougher penalties for improper conduct with students. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the State Board of Education is expected to vote today on an Educator Code of Ethics.

Leaders from Mississippi's colleges and universities are lobbying to avoid state budget cuts....but they are also preparing in case the budget axe falls again. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports.

Local communities around the state are eligible for funds that could make their neighborhoods safer and their bodies healthier at the same time. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports on the Safe Routes to School Program.

After two years of planning, Nissan has finally begun production of its NV commercial van at its plant in Canton. AS MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports this means Mississippi is becoming an even bigger player in the automotive industry.

Health advocates are once again pushing for an indoor smoking ban across the state of Mississippi. The legislature has addressed this issue before. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that this time there might be room for compromise.

The US House is expected to vote today on the repeal of the national Affordable Care Act. MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines what a repeal could mean for Mississippians.