Thursday, Dec. 1 World AIDS Day

The Southeastern United States is experiencing the highest rate of new HIV/AIDS infections, says new research released by The Southern HIV/AIDS Strategy Initiative.  The report takes a close look at nine southern states that have been particularly hard hit by the epidemic in recent years, including Mississippi.  Joining us to talk about where Mississippi stands is Marni von Wilpert, a staff attorney for the Mississippi Center for Justice.

Then, how often does a Mississippi football team play for a National Championship? Well, that's exactly what the Lions of East Mississippi Community College will do this Saturday in Yuma, Arizona. MPB's Jay White caught up with their head coach, Buddy Stephens, who talks about what is making his team, which is currently 11-and-Oh, so good this year.

Plus, the Business Break reminds us about shopping local this holiday season.

Also, when Jesmyn Ward found out in November that she had won the National Book Award, she says she was as surprised as everyone else. The "Salvage the Bones" writer tells us what was going through her mind as a finalist for the prestigious honor.