June 2009
Medicaid Makes it Into Special Session
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Day three of the legislative special session has produced a new legislative bill that requires hospitals to pay 60 million dollars in annual taxes. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
2009 Blueberry Season Proves Fruitful for Mississippi Growers
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
The 2009 blueberry season in Mississippi has just about come to a close and all reports indicate it’s been a good year for the berries. MPB’s Phoebe Judge has more.
Oxford and Ole Miss Now "StormReady"
Tuesday, June 30, 2009
Oxford and the University of Mississippi have been certified “StormReady.” MPB’s Cari Gervin explains.
Indiana Jones Mississippi Style
Monday, June 29, 2009
The hottest movie ticket in Mississippi this weekend wasn't for a new film. As MPB’s arts reporter Ron Brown tells us, the exclusive showing in Ocean Springs was an adventure story with an ending yet to be written.
Unemployment Jumps Again, But Towns Try to Stay Positive
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Mississippi’s unemployment rate jumped again in May. But there are still pockets of good news. MPB’s Cari Gervin reports.
Early Childhood Education Reduces Criminal Activity in Later Years
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Law enforcement entities are promoting early childhood education as a way to reduce crime. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Ole Miss Chancellor Khayat’s Farewell Interview
Friday, June 26, 2009
The walls have a new lick of paint, and his office is already cleared out. Retiring Chancellor Robert Khayat will officially leave the helm at the University of Mississippi on Tuesday, after 14 years on the job. MPB’s Sandra Knispel sat down with him for a final interview in Oxford.
Thompson Under Investigation by House Ethics Committee
Friday, June 26, 2009
The House ethics committee is investigating U.S. Congressman Bennie Thompson. MPB’s Cari Gervin has more.
Recycling Katrina
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A retired construction worker on the Mississippi Gulf Coast is turning recycling into an artform. MPB Arts Reporter Ron Brown has the story.
Small Chickens Are Big Business in Mississippi - and the Eggs Are Too
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mississippi’s known for its crops like cotton and sweet potatoes. But new census data shows that the Third Congressional District leads the nation in poultry production. MPB’s Cari Gervin has more.
Habitat Rental Program Gives Potential Homeowners More Time to Qualify
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A new Habitat for Humanity pilot program is helping residents address the affordable housing crisis in South Mississippi. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports.
Gun deaths in Mississippi rank third in Nation Per Capita
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Mississippi has the third highest number of gun deaths per capita in the nation. That's according to a recent study by the Violence Policy Center in Washington. MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines the impact guns have on the state’s largest city.
New Law Lets Parents of Twins Decide: Together or Apart in the Classroom?
Thursday, June 25, 2009
A new Mississippi law -- that takes effect July first -- allows parents to decide whether or not to separate their twins in the classroom. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports.
The Effects of Heat
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Staying cool is a challenge during Mississippi summers but paying attention to your body's signals that it's becoming overheated is important. In this Health news segment, MPB’s Karen Brown spoke with Dr. Robert Allen Sheely, Jr. Baptist Health Systems in Flowood, about the dangers of heat related illnesses starting with the differences between them.
MSU's Iranian Community Watches and Worries Half a World Away From Home
Thursday, June 25, 2009
Iran’s contested presidential election has Mississippi State’s Iranian community on edge. MPB’s Cari Gervin reports.
Economy Take Its Toll On Gulf Coast Volunteers
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
Volunteers from across the country have been an integral part in the Gulf Coast’s recovery after Katrina. But as MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports, those volunteers are getting harder to come by.
State of State Gov’t on July 1, If No Budget is Approved
Wednesday, June 24, 2009
If the legislature fails to reach a budget agreement by Tuesday, Governor Haley Barbour says his executive authority allows him to keep essential state agencies like hospitals, law enforcement and Medicaid operational. But MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the state’s top law enforcement officer may also play a role.
Drownings Spike Across The State
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Mississippi has one of the highest drowning rates in the country and this year those numbers are spiking even higher. MPB’s Phoebe Judge has more.
Why Governor Says No to Current Budget Plan
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
With less than a week before the new fiscal year begins, Governor Haley Barbour and state lawmakers have reached a stalemate in budget negotiations. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Overcoming Mississippi's Chronic Teacher Shortage
Tuesday, June 23, 2009
Over the last few weeks our in-depth series “Mississippi’s critical teacher shortage” looked at why Mississippi has too few qualified teachers. In our final installment, MPB's Sandra Knispel examines possible solutions.