With Dick Scruggs and Sid Backstrom both sentenced to prison on Friday, Zach Scruggs is next to learn his fate. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports from Oxford.

House Tries to Bar Cuts

It’s only one day until the start of the new fiscal year, a fiscal year where Medicaid in Mississippi will face a 90 million dollar deficit. Lawmakers still haven’t come to a solution to fund the shortfall, which means Governor Haley Barbour may make cuts to the program. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, the House of Representatives has passed a bill to try and stop any cuts to Medicaid.

Higher Electric Bills Start July 1 for Entergy Customers

Starting tomorrow many residential power customers around the state can expect to see  an increase in their electric bills. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Senate Ruling on Tobacco Tax

A ruling by Lt. Governor Phil Bryant may make it impossible for the Senate to consider a cigarette tax increase during the special session. Some lawmakers have wanted to increase tobacco taxes to pay for a 90 million dollar deficit facing Medicaid. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Domestic Violence Study Commission

Mississippi reports the 2nd highest number of domestic violence incidents in the nation. A statewide commission has now been formed at the request of the Attorney General, to study the laws and procedures related to domestic abuse. MPB's Patty Davis reports.

Auto Shopping Shaped By Fuel Costs

With fuel budgets bursting at the seams, car dealers and manufactures are looking for ways to keep up with the changing market. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Puppetry is Alive and Well

For thousands of years there has been a sure fire way to entertain kids, with no strings attached. MPB’s Ron Brown tells us why children’s puppet shows have survived.

Special Session Resumes

Lawmakers return to the capital today, after a three week break. It was hoped legislators could come to a compromise on funding a 90-million dollar deficit facing the Medicaid program next fiscal year. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Mortgage Climate in State

Like much of the country. Mississippi is experiencing an economic and housing downturn. MPB's Lawayne Childrey examines what it means for the state.

Sleep Disorders

Insomnia, snoring, sleep apnea.  What's keeping you up nights?  In today's Health News, MPB’s Karen Brown talks with Pulmonologist, Dr. Maria Rappai, about what can be done to get a good night's rest.

Mississippi Municipal League

More than thirteen hundred Mississippi elected officials, and municipal employees, from around the state are meeting on the Gulf Coast with a goal of helping Mississippi cities and towns excel. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports on the issues facing the members of the Mississippi Municipal League.

Oil Prices Impact Road Projects

Rising gas and oil prices are putting the brakes on some state and county road projects. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Tens of thousands of Mississippians over the age of 65 rely on Medicaid for some or all of their healthcare services. With the possibility of more than 375 million dollars in cuts to the program, many of them are worried about the effects. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Toyota Sticking to SUV in Mississippi

A consultant for Toyota says the automaker won't retool its plans to build Highlander sport utility vehicles at a plant under construction in north Mississippi, despite the trend of people seeking more fuel-efficient cars. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Ocean Springs Readies Seniors for Possible Busy Hurricane Season

Hurricanes that affect Mississippi most often occur in July, August and September. One Gulf Coast city is using the month of June to intensify its preparedness training programs. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports.

Sleep Patterns

How many hours of sleep do we really need?  What is our body doing during each stage of sleep? In today's Health News, MPB’s Karen Brown gets the answer to those questions from pulmonologist, Dr. Maria Rappai. 

*In Thursday’s health segment Dr. Rappai will address such sleep disorders as insomnia, sleep apnea and snoring.

One of the most contentious issues during the regular and special sessions of the legislature has been funding the Division of Medicaid. With cutbacks in services looming, Legislators remain deadlocked on a long-term solution. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Sand Beach Boardwalk Changes

One of the biggest attractions on the Gulf Coast is the focus of a makeover. Public officials are removing splintered and broken sections of the boardwalk, and as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports, rebuilding plans include concrete and steel.

Neshoba Memorial

Dozens of Mississippians lost their lives during the civil rights movement. This weekend more than 75 people gathered at a memorial in Neshoba County to honor those who died. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Following Scruggs

This Friday, Dick Scruggs and his former law partner are scheduled to be sentenced for their role in conspiring to bribe a judge. From the moment the story broke in late November to their guilty pleas in March, both online blogs and the mainstream media have been tracing the story. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports.

Offshore Drilling

Talk in Washington about expanding oil & gas exploration off the shores of coastal states is getting the attention of political leaders and environmentalists in Mississippi. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports.

Disabled Dancers

It's dance recital time this weekend for a group of kids in Bay St. Louis. And as MPB's Ron Brown tells us, these dancers are learning more than just fancy footwork.

Train and Plane Program to Add MS Volunteers in Midwest Disaster Response

Disaster Volunteers from Iowa and Indiana began arriving on the Gulf Coast in the first few days after Hurricane Katrina’s winds subsided. Red Cross volunteers from South Mississippi are preparing to return the favor.  MPB’s Gary Michiels reports.

Women’s Health - Menopause

It was once only referred to in whispers as "The Change", but today women are more vocal about this transitional period of their lives. In today's health news, MPB’s Karen Brown puts Menopause into perspective with Dr. Rodney Meeks, Director of Gynecology at the University of Mississippi Medical Center. 

The cost of going to college in Mississippi will cost more this year. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports on the state’s tenth tuition increase over the last eleven years that could cost students as much as two hundred dollars a year.

Walk Against Obesity

Mississippi leads the nation in obesity, with almost one in three adults overweight. Yesterday several health groups rallied and walked around the capital to raise awareness of the problem. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

State insurance officials from the southeast came together yesterday to discuss the insurance problems faced by coastal states. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Civil Courts Can’t Reach All That Need Help

We have all heard the phrase “you have the right to an attorney,” and in criminal court the government is required to provide representation, but that’s not the case in civil court. Add in the high cost of legal services and this leaves many Mississippians trying to represent themselves in divorces, child custody battles and lawsuits. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, the Mississippi Access to Justice Commission is working to improve the system.

Free Gas Incentives

With prices at the gas pump soaring, the Mississippi Gulf Coast is doing its part to make it easier for visitors to continue coming to the area. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports on the new travelers’ gas rebate card.

Mental Health Recovery Still Ongoing on Coast

It’s been almost three years since Hurricane Katrina devastated parts of the Mississippi Gulf Coast. While residents are slowly putting their physical lives back together, and as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports - healing Katrina’s emotional and mental wounds is taking longer.

Shrimp season is normally a time when the fishing fleets across the Coast head out for their first catch. But the cost of fuel may keep many of the boats tied up at the port on tomorrow’s official opening. MPB’S Gary Michiels reports.

Sewage to Fuel

With high energy prices, there is a growing interest in alternative sources of fuel. One of these is bio diesel, a fuel that can be used in any diesel car or truck. At Mississippi State University, researchers are working on a process to make bio diesel from sewage. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Arts and Letters Awards Lifetime Achievement

The Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters rarely hands out a lifetime achievement award. But as MPB’s Ron Brown reports, artist Ellen Douglas inspired one of those rare moments.

The announcement by State Farm Insurance that wind coverage would be dropped for thousands of customers came as a shock to residents of the Gulf Coast. MPB’s Gary Michiels reports some policy holders feel the company’s decision is unfair.

Scouts Safe at Hood

Summer Camp took on a serious tone at the Hood Scout Reservation in Copiah County, Thursday. MPB's Patty Davis reports. 

Conga Players Meld Old with New

Sometimes in order to get a clear vision of the future it helps to look at the past. As MPB’s Ron Brown reports, one Mississippi band is going way back to the basics for their material, all the way to Africa.

Graduation and dropout rates are improving in Mississippi. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, one segment of the population is still having problems staying on the bus.

MEMA Reviews Tornado Response

Emergency response officials hope focusing on a few examples from this spring’s tornado season can help responders throughout the state better prepare for the future. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

MEMA Conference Adds Focus on Response to Explosions

The Mississippi Emergency Management Agency wrapped up its annual conference yesterday in Jackson, by looking at the response to gas explosions in the state. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Officials in Mississippi are hoping to keep the state from experiencing the explosion of foreclosures that some states have seen. Yesterday Governor Haley Barbour held a summit to explore the cause and effects of foreclosure. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Foreclosure Can be Avoided

According to recent reports, Mississippi has one of the highest sub prime lending rates in the country. But, as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, some Mississippians are finding help, and avoiding foreclosure.

Emergency Response Conference Day Two

Day two of the annual emergency management conference focused on response at a University or private business. MPB's Patty Davis reports.

Officials in the state are working to prepare for a disaster many Mississippians are not aware of-earthquakes. Yesterday emergency responders from across the state met in Jackson to work on a possible response. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

High Fuel Cost Hit Mississippi Hard

From trucking to construction to your pocket book, high fuel prices are taking a toll on Mississippians. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Democrats in the state have big expectations for November. At the state convention Saturday, democrats heard from party leaders and elected officials about where the party is heading and what they hope to do before the presidential election. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Black Farmers File New Suits

More than 800 black farmers have filed new lawsuits against the Agriculture Department; just two weeks after congress reopened an historic 1999 settlement over past discrimination. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Boating Classes

With more than one hundred forty thousand recreational water craft registered in Mississippi, accidents will happen. But as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports, the Department of Marine Resources is now educating boaters on how to be safe.

PTSD

Experts estimate that up to 20 percent of soldiers returning from Iraq, develop post traumatic stress disorder, PTSD for short. As MPB's Sandra Knispel reports, it leaves many, not just disabled but destitute as well.

Civil rights era foot soldiers are discussing the significance of Barack Obama's likely democratic nomination for President. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Pending Medicaid Cuts

Governor Haley Barbour says 360 million dollars could be cut from The Division of Medicaid in Mississippi, if legislators don’t come to an agreement on how to fund the program. Lawmakers are now in recess until June 26th, after spending 8 days at the capital in a special session. MPB’s Stephen Koranda has details on what the cuts could mean for the 600,000 Mississippians covered by Medicaid.

Avoiding Foreclosure

The cost of food and gasoline is not the only thing that is going up in the country’s troubled economy. As MPB’s Gary Michiels reports, foreclosures on residential home loans are also increasing.

Medal of Honor Winner, Jack Lucas Dies

The youngest Marine to receive the Medal of Honor died this week in a Hattiesburg hospital. MPB's Patty Davis has his story.

Remembering Medgar Evers

This weekend marks the 45th annual Medgar Evers homecoming in Jackson.

Organizers say it's a weekend long opportunity to assess race relations.

And as MPB's Ron Brown reports, prior to a Thursday night benefit concert, it was also a chance to get "up close and personal" with Mississippi blues royalty.

With Senator Barack Obama's likely nomination as the 2008 Democratic presidential candidate , Mississippi political leaders are weighing in on what it could mean for other key  races. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Legislators Take a Break

The Mississippi House and Senate are in recess until June 26th. Legislators hope this will bring them closer to a solution to fund a 90 million dollar deficit in the Medicaid program. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Capitol Hill Looks at Post Katrina Housing

Nearly three years after hurricane Katrina and Rita more than twenty thousand families are still in temporary trailers. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill blame the Bush Administration and Governor Haley Barbour. Matt Laslo reports from Washington.

Teachers Survey Shows Lack of Leadership

The results are in on how Mississippi teachers feel about the State’s educational system. And as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports the teachers are looking for leadership.

Ole Miss Ready for Presidential Debate

Preparations for the first presidential debate, which will be hosted by the University of Mississippi on September 26, are well under way. Yesterday, members of the Washington, D.C.-based Commission on Presidential Debates traveled to Oxford to meet with media representatives. MPB’s Sandra Knispel was there.

The Mississippi House of Representatives and Senate may pass legislation today on two contentious issues in the special session. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Summer Education Summit

More than three thousand Mississippi teachers and administrators are on the Gulf Coast today. And as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports they are looking for ways to improve the State’s educational system.

Mississippi Soldiers to Guard the Skies Over Washington D.C.

Almost 200 soldiers from a Mississippi Army National Guard unit said good by to family and friends Tuesday at a ceremony in Newton. MPB's Patty Davis reports, these specially trained men and women will not be headed to Iraq or Afghanistan.

Homeless in Jackson

On any given day more than 750 people can be found living under bridges or in abandoned homes in the capital city. Jackson Mayor Frank Melton spent a night on the streets and MPB's Lawayne Childrey was there.

Women In Construction

More women are doing construction work on the Gulf Coast. And as MPB’s Gary Michiels reports, a free seven week program is providing their training.

The Headache That Tops the Rest

If your head hurts, you're not alone.  During this National Headache Awareness Week and in today's Health News, Dr. James Corbett, speaks to MPB’s Karen Brown, about the one headache that trumps the rest.

The special session of the legislature won’t meet today, so conference committees can try to work out differences between the chambers on some key issues, including Medicaid and raising unemployment payments. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Musgrove, Wicker Campaigning

The candidates for former Senator Trent Lott’s Senatorial seat in congress were on the campaign trail this weekend. Depending on which poll you believe, either candidate could be the front runner. MPB’s Gary Michiels Reports.

UM Going Green

With gas prices continuing to climb, the idea of energy conservation is making a comeback. While the state lags far behind on this front, the University of Mississippi is the first school here to sign on to the American College and University Presidents’ Climate Commitment. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports from Oxford.