Stephen Koranda

With the economy continuing to falter, officials in Washington are considering a second stimulus package. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports on how some state officials are reacting to the possibility, and what it could mean for Mississippi.

Almost 150,000 families in Mississippi are headed by a single parent, often leaving children missing an important role model. I spoke with some educators and experts, about how a lack of role models can affect children, and what some people are trying to do about it.

Some court officials are concerned the process of appointing special judges in the state may not be in line with Mississippi's election laws. This has legislators considering tightening the laws for appointment service of special judges. MBP's Stephen Koranda reports.

The Senate Ethics Committee may try to toughen the requirements for state agencies to hire contract lobbyists. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.

Because of the slow economy Governor Haley Barbour is recommending a tight budget for next fiscal year. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports on what the governor's plans include, and how legislators are reacting.

The number of young people being exposed to the outside on a daily basis has dropped by more than half in recent decades. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports on an effort to change that.

Almost one in three Mississippi adults are obese, giving Mississippi the distinction as the fattest state. The numbers for Mississippi's children are not much better, in some groups more than 40 percent of children are overweight or at risk of becoming overweight. In today's health News, MPB's Stephen Koranda tells us about the problems obesity is causing Mississippi's children, and how some groups are trying to fight it.

Some phone scams are on the rise in the state, and could cost unsuspecting Mississippians thousands of dollars. As MPB's Stephen Koranda reports, officials are working to repel some phone scammers.

In the recent presidential election 2 million more young people voted than in 2004. MPB's Stephen Koranda spoke with some young people at the state Capital about their perspectives on getting involved in the political process.