February 2013 Archive

This season's vaccine is doing little to protect elderly residents from the worst and most dominate strains of the flu virus. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, Mississippi has been one of the hardest hit states for the flu this year.

Mississippi lawmakers are exploring their options for keeping the state's Medicaid program running. The program provides health care to more than 600 thousand low-income and elderly Mississippians. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, unless the legislature passes a reauthorization bill, the program will expire June 30th.

Mayors from across Mississippi are asking the legislature to take action on a long-awaited local option sales tax bill. MPB’s Daniel Cherry reports, the measure has more traction than it’s seen in decades but it's stalled in the House.

With a Monday trial date looming, time is running out for BP and the U.S. Department of Justice to reach a settlement.

"And it is that section of the act that has allowed Mississippi to be a more inclusive democracy."

Catholic Charities in Mississippi are calling on lawmakers to make Mississippi the next state to go through with expanding Medicaid. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, even though some say it's the right move, not all of those who are in charge agree.  

Two state law makers say now is the time to increase Mississippi's gas tax.

Spending on Medicaid becomes caught up in the Medicaid expansion fight.

"But they did jobs without the safety precautions that American workers would have insisted upon."

Seventy percent of Mississippi taxpayers are eligible to file their state and federal income taxes at no cost. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, state officials are pushing free filing services so residents can get the most out of their return.

"Took out students, injured students. Shot several students in the hallways in the school."

With a deadline looming for Congress to avoid massive, across the board spending cuts, Mississippi's Junior Senator isn't optimistic about a deal. MPB's Daniel Cherry reports, the state's economy could take a big hit if defense budget cuts go into effect.

Lawmakers says a second degree murder charge could give more flexibilty to judges and juries.

Residents in Southeast Mississippi are still recovering from tornadoes that raked the area last week.

"They're a lot of employers in the state who would like to hire veterans. So we hook the employer and the veteran up together.'