Stephen Koranda
USDA Lawsuit
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Lawyers and Members of the National Black Farmers Association are touring the country, trying to get African-American farmers involved in a lawsuit that alleges discrimination by the USDA. Yesterday they held a meeting in Jackson. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Simple Steps Can Stop Fraud
Monday, August 11, 2008
There are some simple steps Mississippians can take to try and protect themselves from the number one crime in America ...fraud. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Privatizing Social Security
Friday, August 08, 2008
More than 550,000 Mississippians receive monthly payments through Socials Security. With serious funding issues facing the program it's uncertain whether future generations will get the same benefits. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports on how local officials view one proposal to, privatize some, or all, of the program.
Voting Changes Could Help Get Mississippians to Polls
Thursday, August 07, 2008
With only three months until the presidential election, civil rights groups throughout the state are registering and educating new voters. 43 years ago this week the Voting Rights Act helped eliminate many barriers keeping African-Americans from going to the polls. But as MPB's Stephen Koranda reports, civil rights groups would like to see more changes.
Agri-Bio Lab
Wednesday, August 06, 2008
Officials in Mississippi are hoping to convince the federal government to locate a 500-million dollar animal disease lab in the city of Flora. Yesterday Governor Haley Barbour and others talked with officials from the Department of Homeland Security and the USDA. MBP's Stephen Koranda reports.
Special Session Ends
Tuesday, August 05, 2008
Hospitals throughout the state are preparing for a new Medicaid funding plan proposed by governor Haley Barbour, that could take effect as soon as September 1st. This follows the special session ending yesterday without an agreement on funding a 90 million dollar deficit in the Medicaid program. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
New Plan to Cover Medicaid Deficit
Monday, August 04, 2008
Today legislators will be back at the capital to continue efforts to fund a 90 million dollar deficit facing the Medicaid program. Friday Governor Haley Barbour unveiled a proposal approved by the Center for Medicare and Medicaid services that would increase hospital taxes to cover the shortfall. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Senate Candidates at Neshoba County Fair
Thursday, July 31, 2008
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.
Emmett Till Bill Stalls in Senate
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
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.
Mississippi Among Several States Facing Medicaid Cutbacks
Monday, July 28, 2008
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.
Bishop Execution
Thursday, July 24, 2008
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.
Bishop Execution Concerns
Wednesday, July 23, 2008
Without clemency from Governor Haley Barbour, or court intervention, Dale Leo Bishop will be executed tonight at Parchman Penitentiary. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
Operation Understanding DC
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
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.
50-State Strategy
Monday, July 21, 2008
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.
Fuel Prices and College Sports
Friday, July 18, 2008
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.
IHL Funding Requests
Thursday, July 17, 2008
Over the last decade, legislative funding for higher education in Mississippi has varied widely. As MPB's Stephen Koranda reports, officials are trying to streamline the system.
Cotton Industry Shrinks
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
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.
Medicaid Cuts May Face Legal Action
Tuesday, July 15, 2008
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.
Green House Living for Veterans
Friday, July 04, 2008
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.
Special Session Continues
Thursday, July 03, 2008
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.