Lawayne Childrey
A Military Style Program is Helping Dropouts Get Their GED
Tuesday, April 28, 2009
Mississippi has one of the highest school dropout rates in the country. Each year more than 14 thousand students quit school before receiving their high school diploma. In Part three of our dropout awareness series MPB's Lawayne Childrey takes us to the Mississippi Youth Challenge Academy ----a military style program where students who have already dropped out get a second chance to graduate.
Melton, Ex-Bodyguard May be Tried Separately
Friday, April 24, 2009
Jackson Mayor Frank Melton will soon be back in federal court trying to sever his case from his former bodyguard. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
A Tight Economy Brings New Value to the Environment
Wednesday, April 22, 2009
Saving energy, and protecting the environment go hand in hand, especially during these tough economic times. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how some are achieving both.
High Cost of Dropping Out of School
Tuesday, April 21, 2009
Students who dropout of school in Mississippi cost the state about $458 million dollars annually, according to the State Department of Education. That includes healthcare costs, lost taxes and lost wages. In part two of our dropout awareness series, MPB's Lawayne Childrey reveals a few of the economic challenges facing the town of Belzoni in Humphreys County.
Mandatory Suicide Prevention Awareness
Friday, April 17, 2009
Suicide is the third leading killer of Americans ages 10 to 24. Those are the latest statistics by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports the numbers in Mississippi are even more shocking.
Protecting Mississippi's Defense Industry
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Defense is one of Mississippi's strongest industries. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports even it could see an economic downturn.
Balancing The Budget on A Budget
Thursday, April 16, 2009
Lawmakers are looking for ways to balance the state’s budget during an almost impossible economic year. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Dropout Crisis in Mississippi
Tuesday, April 14, 2009
By the time the last school bell rings today, a bus load of students from Gautier to Corinth will have dropped out of school, putting Mississippi’s dropout rate among the highest in the nation. Officials say the end result could mean social and economic disaster. Over the next few weeks, MPB News will examine why so many students are dropping out and what is being done to stop it. MPB's Lawayne Childrey begins our series this morning with a report on the impact the dropout problem has on Mississippi.
Guns and Ammo Flying Off Store Shelves
Sunday, April 12, 2009
Gun buyers across the country are flocking to stores to stock up on assault rifles, handguns and ammunition. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports what's happening in Mississippi.
Stimulating Pre-K Funding in Mississippi
Thursday, April 09, 2009
Spending for preschool programs nationwide is up and so is enrollment. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports Mississippi is one of the few states that hasn't funded schools for kids four and under.
Children First Act of 2009 is Signed into Law
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
Senate Bill 2628, known as the Children's first Act of 2009 is designed to strengthen accountability measures and academic standards for public schools. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Defense Budget Changes Affect Mississippi Shipbuilding Industry
Wednesday, April 08, 2009
The U.S. Department of Defense recently announced budget cuts that could impact shipbuilding in the state. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Monitoring Federal Stimulus Funds
Monday, April 06, 2009
Mississippi is set to get billions of dollars from the American Recovery and Reinvestment Act of 2009. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how the state intends to keep fraud to a minimum.
Improving High School Graduation Rates Start with Youngest Students
Friday, April 03, 2009
Educators and Business leaders are trying new ideas to help improve the state’s High School graduation rates and as MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports they're starting with the youngest students.
Raising the Tax on Cigarettes
Wednesday, April 01, 2009
Mississippian's are paying more for cigarette's than at any time before. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how the increase may impact teen smoking.
Recovery Efforts in Simpson County
Monday, March 30, 2009
Residents and officials continue recovery efforts after an early Thursday twister wreaked havoc on Simpson and nearly a dozen other Counties . MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Netherland Official Discusses the US and EU Economy
Friday, March 27, 2009
The economy takes center stage in Europe this week as global leaders consider ways to recover from the worst economic crisis since the great depression. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports how Mississippi can be a part of the overall plan.
EF 3 Tornado Devastates Simpson County and Others
Thursday, March 26, 2009
Residents in Magee are still cleaning up this morning after an EF 3 tornado touched down leaving a trail of destruction. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports on recovery efforts.
Jackson Mayor Fights to Get on Democratic Ticket
Wednesday, March 25, 2009
Circuit Court Judge Billy Joe Landrum will decide today whether Jackson Mayor Frank Melton's name should be placed back on the May 5th primary ballot for re-election. MPB's Lawayne Childrey was at yesterday's hearing and has this report.
Second Round of E-Verify Mandates to Kick in for Medium Sized Companies
Tuesday, March 24, 2009
E-Verify is a free, Internet-based system which gives employers the ability to confirm the legal working status of a new hire in a matter of seconds. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports in today's tough economic climate the E-Verification system may be more important than ever.