Mississippi News

DeSoto County in north Mississippi is closely watching the fallout from the back-and-forth over whether to consolidate the Memphis City and Shelby County school districts in Tennessee. As MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports, for DeSoto being the nearest school district across the state line means a direct knock-on effect from the ongoing quarrel.

No fewer than seven candidates are currently trying to persuade voters that each of them is the right man for the job. A special election next Tuesday may decide who will replace the late Northern District Transportation Commissioner Bill Minor. But, as MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports, that may not be the end of the story.

The Mississippi House fails to override the Governor's veto on a bill that would have added money to the state's high risk insurance pool. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that the so-called wind pool provides insurance for Mississippi homeowners who cannot find it in the private market.

The 2011 legislature is underway and it started with a bang. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports the economic impact can already be felt in and out of the Capitol.

Law makers will return to Jackson to start the 20-11 legislative session today. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that it takes more than senators and representatives to handle the state's business.

The new year is barely a few days old and already the race for governor has begun in earnest. Yesterday, Republican Lieutenant Governor Phil Bryant officially declared his candidacy, hoping to inherit the state’s top job when Governor Haley Barbour’s second term ends in January of 2012. MPB's Sandra Knispel reports from Tupelo.

Mississippi's economy is showing signs of improvement for the new year but economist expect growth to remain slow. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports Mississippi is still years from a full recovery.

Mississippi faced many challenges in 2010, from unemployment to the oil spill. M-P-B's Jeffrey Hess takes a look back.

The new session of the Mississippi legislature begins tomorrow. MPB's Jeffrey Hess has a preview about what you will be talking about this year.

Sisters Jamie and Gladys Scott will be leaving prison any day now with suspended life sentences. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports what lies ahead for the two Scott County Women who served 16 years for their part in an 11 dollar armed robbery.

New Years Eve Party goers who have a little too much to drink can get a safe, free ride home tonight. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports on the efforts of SafeKids Mississippi and American Medical Response.

The 112th congress will start work shortly after the New Year. Two brand new representatives will join several veteran Mississippi law makers. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that the new representatives change Mississippi's influence in the congress.

Mother nature took the lead role across many Mississippi counties this year leaving paths of destruction from tornadoes and floods. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how Yazoo City continues to rise from the debris from the storms of 2010.

Three more elected Mississippi Democrats have decided to switch parties and become Republicans. In all, 17 democrats have made the switch in the last two years. MPB's Jeffrey Hess reports that the changes won't really alter the direction of the state legislature.

The Influenza virus is starting to make its presence felt around Mississippi. MPB's Lawayne Childrey has more on flu vaccines that are now available before the flu bug peaks.