Mississippi’s Giant House Party is in full swing. A tradition continues, with political speeches under the pavilion at the Neshoba County Fair. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, candidates for the Senate seat vacated by Trent Lott traded barbs yesterday.

Victim Notification System

Crime victims can now keep tabs on the offender in their case through a program called, Statewide Automated Victim Information and Notification, known as SAVIN. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Teen Drivers

It’s summer and with school out of session more teenagers are on the road. According to research from AAA, the American Automobile Association, crash deaths for teen drivers increase by twenty percent during the months of July and August. MPB’s Jordan Witt has this story on what parents and community organizations are doing to keep teens safe behind the wheel.

Juvenile Arthritis

We commonly associate arthritis with older people but that doesn't tell the story for some 50,000 children in this country.  In today's Health News, MPB’s Karen Brown talks with pediatric Rheumatologist, Dr. Linda Ray about Juvenile Arthritis.

A bill aimed at helping investigate and prosecute civil-rights era murders has hit a stumbling block in the US Senate. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Ole Miss Named to Princeton Party School List

Universities like to be at or near the top of certain lists, but what about the top party school list? For the second year in a row the University of Mississippi has garnered a number two ranking on the Princeton Review’s list of 368 best party schools. MPB’s Jordan Witt talks with students and administrators about what they think of this distinction.

Major housing assistance legislation could help homeowners avoid foreclosure and stabilize the market. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Fuel Costs Keep Some Law Enforcement Sitting Still

Law enforcement agencies around the state are taking measures to cut down on high fuels costs, but some are taking larger steps then others. MPB’s Jordan Witt has this story on what police and highway patrolmen are doing to conserve and to protect.

HIV Cases Increasing in South

At the end of 2006, more than 7,400 people in Mississippi were infected with the HIV/AIDS virus. While medications are helping them live longer and lead more productive lives, new cases of HIV are being diagnosed nationwide at an annual rate of over 40,000. The southern states are disproportionately affected. In today's Health News, MPB’s Sandra Knispel takes a closer look the Magnolia state.

Mississippi is one of only ten states in the country that does not have an early childhood education program. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how some business leaders, parents and educators are discussing the need to change that.

Mississippi Among Several States Facing Medicaid Cutbacks

Medicaid in Mississippi is facing more than 350 million dollars in cuts next week. Governor Haley Barbour proposed the cuts after no agreement was reached to fill a 90-million dollar deficit in the program. Mississippi’s problem is not unique. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, other states are also trying to save money on Medicaid.

Hot Days on the Practice Field

The Mississippi High School Activities Association is alerting school districts to the dangers of high heat and outdoor activities. MPB's Patty Davis reports.

Some Mississippians will see a seventy-cent increase in their hourly wage. While this increase might seem small, the new $6.55 minimum wage could have a big impact on workers and businesses around the state. MPB’s Jordan Witt files this report.

Weak Economy and Tight School Budgets

A sluggish economy teamed with high fuel costs could leave some state school employees tightening their belts or in jeopardy of losing their job.  MPB's Lawayne Childrey has more.

ADA Turns 18

There is a long list of organizations in Mississippi, dedicated to helping the disabled gain independence. MPB's Patty Davis reports, there are also many obstacles to their success.

Beauvoir Artists Revive the Past

Renovations continue at the historic home of Confederate President Jefferson Davis. Hurricane Katrina damaged but did not destroy the 150-year-old building. And as MPB's Ron Brown tells us, in restoring the landmark, no detail is too small.

Convicted murderer Dale Leo Bishop was executed last night at the state penitentiary in Parchman. Bishop was convicted of capital murder in connection to the 1998 hammer-beating death of 22-year-old Marcus Gentry outside Saltillo. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

MDOT to Enforce Bridges Weight Limits

While the Mississippi Department of Transportation inspects and maintains about 5, 600 bridges, the rest belong to counties and municipalities, and as a result inspectors and employees on the local level often go the extra mile to make sure their bridges are also safe. MPB's Jordan Witt has more.

Heat and Asthma

The summer heat can take its toll on all of us in a variety of ways. For a person with asthma, just breathing can be a task when the temperatures rise.  In today's Health News, MPB’s Karen Brown discusses the impact of heat on those with respiratory problems, with Dr. Marti Jordan, a nurse practitioner, and an assistant professor for the School of Nursing at the University of Southern Mississippi.

Without clemency from Governor Haley Barbour, or court intervention, Dale Leo Bishop will be executed tonight at Parchman Penitentiary. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Task Force on Under performing Schools

Another legislative task force has been formed. MPB's Patty Davis reports, this one has been charged with studying Mississippi's under performing schools.

College Costs Rise, Inside and Outside the Classroom

The cost of a college education is increasing. Beginning this fall students at State institutions in Mississippi will see a hike in their tuition, with a 3.5 percent increase for residents, and a nine-percent increase for non-residents.  Tuition is not the only factor students take into consideration when picking a school, as MPB’s Jordan Witt reports, the challenge for students is to weigh all their options.

Operation Understanding DC

A group of students from the Washington D.C. area is traveling through Mississippi this week, as part of a trip to help them learn about race relations and the civil rights era. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Whole Schools Initiative Teaches Educators Importance of Arts in Classroom

School is in session in Oxford for more than 350 educators from across the country.  They're learning to incorporate arts and more hands on learning in the classroom. MPB’s Jordan Witt has this story on how educating the whole child sometimes entails cooking and acting.

Beat The Heat Part Two

As record temperatures blanket the state, MPB’s Karen Brown and Dr. Kevin Young discuss heat related illnesses and what should be done when someone becomes overheated.

*Dr. Kevin Young is Board certified in Family Medicine and practices in Flowood.

Fuel and feed are taking the bite out of the Multi Billion Dollar Catfish Industry. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports on what has been a lifeline for Mississippi since the 1960's.

50-State Strategy

Officials in the Democratic Party are hoping a new strategy can help Democratic candidates make headway in Mississippi in the November election. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Mississippian’s Struggle with Obesity Begins During Childhood

Mississippi’s weight problem has become an issue most people in the state can no longer ignore. With 32 percent of the adult population classified as obese the state tops the entire country. How did we get so out of shape? MPB’s Jordan Witt reports.

Experts on terrorism are calling for Mississippian's to show greater vigilance. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Fuel Prices and College Sports

Thousands of Mississippi State University and University of Southern Mississippi fans gathered last night in Jackson to get ready for the upcoming athletic season. As the fans prepare to cheer their teams this year, the athletics departments of Mississippi’s schools are trying to find ways to save money. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.

Voluntary Uniforms Topic of Debate in Calhoun County

Calhoun County schools have recently become a bit stricter in their dress code policies. And the adjustment has restarted a familiar debate in the county. MPB’s Jordan Witt spoke to teachers and parents about the pros and cons of voluntary uniforms.

Elvis Alive Museum

Elvis fans are planning trips to Memphis next month for the anniversary of his death. But as MPB's Ron Brown reports, a new Elvis museum in Hattiesburg is offering fans a much different story.

Oxford Whirlpool Plant to Close

The announced closing of a Whirlpool Plant represents the loss of one of Oxford’s oldest manufacturing facilities. MPB’s Jordan Witt files this report on the expected impact on workers and community members.

Bad Check Blues

Paying by check for goods and services may soon be a convenience of the past. As MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, an increase in worthless checks is costing small businesses millions of dollars each year.

Beating the Heat

It's just a given that summers in Mississippi are hot.  very hot. In today’s Health Report, MPB’s Karen Brown asks Dr. Kevin Young of Flowood, How hot is too hot? 

*On Tuesday, Dr. Young talks specifically about who's most vulnerable to heat issues and how to treat someone who's exhibiting the symptoms of heat stroke.

There are more than 130 known cases of Tuberculosis in Mississippi, and the numbers are rising. Health officials say only increasing the number of nurses and disease investigators can turn things around. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Cotton Industry Shrinks

High prices for commodities like corn and soybeans have dethroned the former king of Mississippi crops. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports how this is affecting a cotton business in the delta town of Leland.

Town and Gown Prepare for Presidential Debate in Oxford

Oxford isgetting ready to host the first presidential debate on September 26th. But the economic downturn is casting its shadow, as MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports.

Hospitals stand to lose the most in a statewide reduction of Medicaid payments to healthcare providers. This means at least one provider group may seek legal action to try and stop the cuts. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac Important to Mississippi

The federal government has initiated a plan to aid struggling mortgage lenders, Fannie Mae and Freddie Mac. MPB's Lawayne Childrey looks at the potential impact it could have on our state.

Judge Lackey Discusses Scruggs, Balducci and Bribery

He wore a wire for the FBI and had his phone calls monitored. Now the judge who was to be bribed, is being showered with professional awards. MPB’s Sandra Knispel spoke yesterday with Circuit Judge Henry Lackey in Calhoun City.

Sun Exposure

Sun exposure is certainly more common during these summer days.  And, sun exposure is a direct link to skin cancer.  MPB’s Karen Brown talks with Dr. Joseph Terracina of Greenville's Skin Institute.  Starting with the most common types of skin cancer.

Four Day Work Week

Governor Haley Barbour is looking at the possibility of a four-day work week for state employees.  MPB's Patty Davis has more.

Reaction to Toyota’s Changed Plans

While suppliers and Toyota are still working out the details, area residents and business leaders seem excited about the Japanese carmaker's change of plans. MPB’s Sandra Knispel has more from Blue Springs.

With gas prices rising and SUV and truck sales slumping, Toyota announced it will change gears at its Mississippi automotive plant, currently under construction near Tupelo. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports from Oxford.

Court Rules in Favor of Hospitals on Medicaid Tax Plan

Governor Barbour is expected to announce major cuts to the Medicaid budget today. MPB's Patty Davis reports, the cuts come after a chancery judge sided with hospitals in a 2006 lawsuit that challenged a Medicaid tax plan.

Federal Indictment for Jackson Mayor

Jackson Mayor Frank Melton will make his initial appearance in federal court next week. The Mayor and two of his bodyguards are charged with civil rights violations and use of a gun during a violent crime. This morning MPB's Lawayne Childrey has reaction to the mayor's indictment.

Canton Art School

Something truly amazing takes place this time each year in Canton. There is a summer school that kids don’t mind attending. In fact, as MPB’s Ron Brown reports, they return year after year.

The State Department of Health will appeal a federal decision to revoke its laboratory's license for a year. At issue is an interpretation of instructions for proficiency testing. MPB's Patty Davis reports.

Congressional Investigation of Formaldehyde in FEMA Trailers

Congress members grilled manufacturers of trailers built for hurricane victims yesterday. But does the blame for the formaldehyde-laden trailers rest with the manufacturers or with Federal Emergency Management Agency? Capitol News Connection's Tanya Snyder has the story.

Kids Fire Academy

Every year a small number of children through out Mississippi get to spend at least one week of their summer vacation learning all about fire safety. MPB's Lawayne Childrey visited the Kids Fire Safety Academy in Ridgeland yesterday and has this report.

A hearing by the Public Service Commission over a 28% residential rate increase by Entergy Mississippi will continue this morning in Jackson. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Tattoo Art

West Point Mississippi may not be known by many who live outside the state, but a man in that community is doing his best to make sure it leave a mark on the world.  Erika Celeste reports on tattoo artist Robbie Koch. 

The Lowdown on Entergy Rate Hike

The Public Service Commission is holding hearings this week on Entergy's 28% rate increase. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Ethanol Blended Fuels

Most cars on the road today can run normally with fuel that's mixed with 10% Ethanol. But as MPB's Patty Davis reports, the more environmentally friendly, E-85 blend is not widely available in Mississippi.

Military Relief Fund

Thousands of Mississippi families are faced with added stress and economic pressures while a loved one is deployed with the Guard or Reserves. As MPB's Patty Davis reports, there's a growing effort to fund a program created to help those families. 

How To Vacation On A Budget

Summer travelers are using creative planning to help off set the high cost of gasoline and a weakened economy. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

It took two tries for the Mississippi Senate to pass a bill designed to speed up development in the Farish Street district in downtown Jackson. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.

Green House Living for Veterans

A new style of nursing home for America’s veterans was the focus of a Senate Committee field hearing yesterday in Tupelo. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

SeaBees Turn 65

As our nation celebrates Independence Day, a very special, very patriotic group based in Gulfport, Mississippi is also celebrating it’s 65th anniversary.  Erika Celeste reports on the US Navy Seabees.

To the surprise of his lawyers, Zach Scruggs was sentenced to 14 months in prison and a 250,000 dollar fine for his role in a judicial bribery scheme. On Friday his father Dick, and law partner Sid Backstrom also received prison sentences for their involvement. MPB’s Sandra Knispel reports from Oxford.

Special Session Continues

House and Senate leaders continue to try and compromise on how to fill a 90 million dollar deficit in the Medicaid program. As MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports, in recent days the negotiations have included some new proposals.

The Meaning of Independence

As Fourth of July celebrations begin to kick into gear, Mississippians are reflecting on what the day really means. MPB's Lawayne Childrey has this report.

Men’s Health

Today's Health News is all about men ... MPB's Karen Brown and Dr. Ken Harvey, Medical Director of North Mississippi Medical Clinics talk about the health issues that most affect our male population and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

President Bush visited Jackson yesterday. It was part of a two-state trip through the south to help raise cash for Republican candidates. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.

Zach Scruggs Urges Court to Sentence Him to Probation

Zach Scruggs is due in court at 10 o'clock this morning to be sentenced for his role in the judicial bribery scandal. Yesterday afternoon he filed an eleventh-hour sentencing memorandum.  MPB's Sandra Knispel reports from Oxford.

Play It Safe This Fourth

July 4th is filled with bangs, whistles, food and fun. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports, without health and safety precautions, the Fourth can be a bomb.

Starting today Mississippians will be paying more for some things, like traffic tickets and license plates, to try and help bolster the state’s ailing trauma care system. Trauma injuries are the leading causes of death for Mississippians under the age of 45. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.

Booster Seat Law

Motor vehicle crashes are the leading cause of death for children in Mississippi. But, as MPB's Patty Davis reports, state law now requires an extra boost of protection.

Flying For the Fourth

Holiday flyers could be in for some major delays at the states busiest airport this Fourth of July week. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.