February 2009
State prepares to take over Tate County and three other school districts
Monday, February 23, 2009
The new federal stimulus package will go a long way towards restoring the school budget cuts made earlier this year. But four school districts, including Tate County in northwest Mississippi, have such severe deficits that they are about to be taken over by the state Department of Education. MPB’s Cari Gervin reports.
Deadline Facing Revenue, Appropriations Bills
Sunday, February 22, 2009
It's expected to be a busy week for Mississippi lawmakers. Wednesday is the deadline for floor action on bills affecting how the state collects and spends tax dollars. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
The Jury takes the Spotlight in Melton case
Saturday, February 21, 2009
Attorneys on both sides of the federal civil rights trial of Jackson mayor Frank Melton and former bodyguard Michael Recio have until today to file motions, related to a jury issue. MPB's Lawayne Childrey explains.
Celebrating Eudora
Friday, February 20, 2009
In two more months the world will celebrate the 100th anniversary of the birth of a major literary figure.
Mississippi isn’t waiting that long. As MPB’s Ron Brown reports, the Eudora Welty celebration is underway in Natchez this weekend.New Plan Provides Millions for Coastal Improvement
Friday, February 20, 2009
New Greenways, flyways, boat launches and wetlands protection are on their way to the Gulf Coast. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on the multi-million dollar program.
No Verdict Yet in Jackson Mayor Trial
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Nine women and three men return to deliberations today in the federal civil rights trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and officer Michael Recio. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Federal Dollars to Help Heal Medicaid Program
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The stimulus package could have a big impact on the Medicaid Program in Mississippi, which makes up around 30 percent of the state's total budget. MPB's Stephen Koranda reports.
February is American Heart Month
Thursday, February 19, 2009
February is Heart Month. Dr. Daniel Jones, immediate past President of the American Heart Association and Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs at the University of Mississippi talked to MPB’s Karen Brown about general heart health for men and women.
Karen: Are heart attacks and strokes related to one another?
Reading Program Gives Students Bump in Test Scores
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Mississippi is near the bottom of many education rankings. A program incorporation reading education in pre-kindergarten students could help change that. MPB’s Stephen Koranda reports.
The interactive preschool reading program uses special television segments from the PBS children’s show Between the Lions, and integrates them with lessons in places like daycares, to get children ready to read and learn.
Turning to Antiques to Seek Relief From the Recession
Thursday, February 19, 2009
In these tough economic times some Mississippi residents are cashing in family heirlooms and jewelry to make ends meet. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports.
Lower milk prices cause tough times for state's dairy farmers
Thursday, February 19, 2009
The economic downtown has Mississippi’s small dairy industry struggling to keep pace as milk prices fall. MPB’s Cari Gervin reports.
Melton Trial Goes to the Jury
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Jurors in the federal trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton will continue deliberating today. MPB's Lawayne Childrey is following the case.
Statewide Transportation Coordination Summit
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Federal, State and local transportation officials are gathered in Jackson, this week for the "Changing the face of Transit" summit. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Surviving With No Roof Over Your Head
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
Today’s recession feels almost like the great depression in some communities. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports on those living along the railroad tracks in Pascagoula.
Search for Khayat's replacement underway
Wednesday, February 18, 2009
The search for a replacement for Ole Miss Chancellor Robert Khayat is officially underway. The state’s College Board met in Oxford on Tuesday for a listening session with faculty, staff and students. MPB’s Cari Gervin has this report.
Defense Testimony Begins in the Melton Trial
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
Testimony in the federal trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton and codefendant, police officer Michael Recio could possibly wrap up today. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
New Report Finds Gulf Coast Weathering Economic Crisis
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
A new report finds that even in the middle of national recession Gulf Coast residents have reason to be cautiously optimistic. MPB’s Phoebe Judge reports.
Mississippi State gets Grant's presidential library
Tuesday, February 17, 2009
The first president of Mississippi State University – back when it was known as Mississippi A & M – was Stephen D. Lee, a famous Confederate general. Now the university is home to the papers of the most famous general on the other side of the Civil War – Ulysses S. Grant. MPB’s Cari Gervin visited Starkville to get the story.
Jackson Mayor's Defense Begins
Monday, February 16, 2009
Defense attorneys will begin calling witnesses today in the federal trial of Jackson Mayor Frank Melton. MPB's Lawayne Childrey reports.
Two Former Congressmen React to the Obama Stimulus Package
Monday, February 16, 2009
President Barack Obama is expected to sign a $787 billion economic stimulus bill today aimed at fighting the worst economic crisis since the great depression. But as MPB's Lawayne Childrey, reports two former U.S. congressmen visiting the state are less than enthusiastic.