March 2009
Orientation conference brings 1,500 students to Oxford
Monday, March 16, 2009
While most University of Mississippi students were leaving town for spring break on Friday, 1,500 students from other universities around the South descended on campus. Cari Gervin has more.
2009 Poetry Out Loud
Sunday, March 15, 2009
It’s tournament time in Mississippi, and not just for sports. On Friday the best high school poetry students competed for the state championship. MPB’s arts reporter Ron Brown has the story from the 4th annual Poetry Out Loud competition.
Alternative School Troubles
Friday, March 13, 2009
The ACLU of Mississippi is urging lawmakers to support legislation that holds alternative schools more accountable. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Green Projects Funded for Gulf Coast
Friday, March 13, 2009
The Gulf Coast is preparing to receive over 100 million dollars in funding for green projects. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on what those projects will look like.
Toyota says it is still building Prius
Friday, March 13, 2009
Despite reports to the contrary, it seems like the future north Mississippi Toyota plant is still committed to building the Prius hybrid vehicle. Cari Gervin has more.
Officials Struggling to Investigate Allegations of Discrimination Against State Troopers
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Officials investigating allegations of discrimination in the Mississippi Highway Patrol are running into some roadblocks. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Obesity Surgery Bill Gains Momentum
Thursday, March 12, 2009
A bill authorizing the public employees' health insurance plan to pay for gastric bypass surgery is working its way through the capitol. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
The Poor Economy's Influence on Domestic Violence Rates
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Mississippi holds the second highest domestic violence rate in the country. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on how the poor economy may be exacerbating the situation even more.
Epilepsy: Misunderstood and More Common Than You Think
Thursday, March 12, 2009
Epilepsy might not be associated with demonic possession anymore, but it’s still misunderstood, even though it’s the third most common neurological disorder in the country. Last week, a conference in Oxford worked to change that. Cari Gervin reports.
Tate County and Indianola School Districts Face Likely Takeover
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Tate County and Indianola School Districts are headed toward emergency status. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how they ended up in such dire conditions.
Plan for Hurricane Recovery Housing Rejected
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Residents of Gautier are vehemently opposing a plan which would allow for the creation of a neighborhood composed of hurricane recovery housing. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports.
Mortgage Delinquencies on the Rise
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Unemployment has risen in Mississippi, and so too has the number of people falling behind on mortgage payments. Cari Gervin has the details.
Change in Stem Cell Research Could Affect Mississippi
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
President Barack Obama this week lifted a ban on federal funding for stem cell research. As MPB's Stephen Koranda reports, the change could have an impact on research and patients in MS.
Prescription Drug Help Rolls Into Mississisppi
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
An effort is underway to connect uninsured and financially struggling Mississippians with free or nearly free prescription medicines. MPB's Lawayne Childrey caught up with the PPA bus tour as it travels thru the state this week.
Using Wetlands As a Defense Against Hurricanes
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Wetlands may be the greatest protection that the Mississippi’s Coast has from hurricanes. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on what is being done to preserve them.
Wicker Disappointed with Obama Stem Cell Action
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
Senator Roger Wicker sees further erosion at restrictions for embryonic stem cell research. He says President Barack Obama’s order to open up federal funding for the study is just the beginning. Sara Sciammacco reports.
Morrison addresses judical recusals and the Supreme Court
Tuesday, March 10, 2009
The ethical quandary of when a judge should step aside and recuse himself from a case is a hot topic in the legal world. Monday, a lecture at Ole Miss addressed the issue. Cari Gervin has more.
Senate Democrats Call For Accepting All Federal Stimulus Dollars
Monday, March 09, 2009
Democrats in the Mississippi Senate are urging the chamber’s leadership to allow a vote on a resolution... that would bypass Governor Haley Barbour to accept millions of stimulus dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
Stimulus Could Help Expand Railroads in MS
Monday, March 09, 2009
Billions of stimulus dollars are aimed at improving the nation’s railroad system. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports on how that could benefit Mississippi.
Food Stamp Applications Swell in Tight Economy
Monday, March 09, 2009
Vanishing jobs and rising food prices mean record numbers of Mississippian's are seeking ways to make ends meet at the grocery store. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.