Solar Eclipse on April 8

Mississippi is not in the path of the total solar eclipse, but many will be able to see something unusual in the sky on April 8 starting at 12:30 p.m. Please remember that looking directly at the sun without protective eyewear, even during an eclipse, can cause instant and severe damage to eyes. NOVA has some programming and activities to help families experience this amazing event safely, which won't take place again until 2044. Click the button below for details.

Spring 2 Session Deadline is April 1

More than a dozen courses are available to educators, administrators, and parents of students in grades K-12 for the Spring 2 Session that begins April 3. From classroom management and wellness to grade-specific numeracy, these courses align with MDE standards and are worth licensing credits to eligible participants. Click below to see details on courses and register for the online workshops before April 1.

Winners Announced for Promote the Vote

MPB Learning visited the Mississippi State Capitol on March 21 to help congratulate the winners of the 2023-2024 "Promote the Vote" video contest. Secretary of State Michael Watson presented several awards to the students in grades 6 through 12 that submitted videos about the importance of voting in December. The top prize was a Samsung Galaxy tablet and a T-Mobile Hotspot from MPB, which was presented to Elijah Cochran of Brandon Middle School. See more about the "Promote the Vote" program by clicking the button.

Learning is Fun on April 20 in Columbus

Mississippi School for Mathematics and Science (MSMS)and Mississippi University of Women (MUW) join MPB for a “Family Fun Day” on April 20 at the Pohl Gymnasium at MUW. This free event is in partnership with the Preservation Society of Columbus as a part of the Columbus Spring Pilgrimage.

Special activities include:

 • Visits with MPB’s Ed Said

• MPB Student Council workforce development booth

• A percussion petting zoo hosted by MSMS students

• Live music from MSMS students

• Hands-on STEAM activities and logic games from MSMS

 •A health fair by “MUW-Excel by 5”

• Safety gear for daily life from the Mississippi Department of Rehabilitation Services

• STEAM projects focused on the artistic and historic value of Mississippi architecture

• Career-focused resources from Accelerate Mississippi

Make plans for the whole family to experience health, science, technology, engineering, and math concepts framed in the art, history, and the culture of Mississippi in a fun way.

Two New Episodes of MPB Original to Premiere March 28 and April 4 at 7 PM

The final two new episodes of "Mississippi Antique Showcase"will introduce viewers to items that were appraised in Biloxi in October 2023. Featured in these two episodes are a Saltillo serape rug, a painting that may have been created by Mississippi Gulf Coast artist Joe Moran, and a vampire slaying kit. Antique lovers are encouraged to bring their family heirlooms and treasures to the next Showcase event in Natchez on May 3 and 4. Items appraised at the Natchez Convention Center will be filmed for the fourth season of the MPB Original, airing this fall. Click button for more information on the show and how to purchase tickets for the event.

Classic Songwriting Duo Awarded Highest Honor

Sir Elton John and Bernie Taupin were named the recipients of the Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song in 2024. The prize is the nation's highest award for achievement in music, and previous award winners include Lionel Richie, Garth Brooks, and Joni Mitchell. John and Taupin's 50-year partnership produced the hits “Tiny Dancer,” “Rocket Man,” “Crocodile Rock,” and more. Watch the star-studded tribute April 8 at 8 p.m. live, on the web here, or with the MPB Public Media App.

New 6 Part Series Projecting a Positive Future Premieres April 3

In opposition to current dystopian pop culture ideals, "A Brief History of the Future" is a unique six-part series about our futures and how we can positively reimagine them. Hosted by renowned futurist Ari Wallach, the show invites viewers on a journey around the world that is filled with discovery and hope as opposed to the dark world portrayed in most popular culture. Watch the premiere on April 3 at 8 p.m. on broadcast, livestream from the website here, or with the MPB Public Media App.

Quick Death for Mississippi Bill that Sought Casino Site in Jackson

A Mississippi House leader said March 26 that he won't move forward with a bill to allow a casino in the capital city of Jackson, but offered encouragement to people who might invest in a casino in the capital in the future.

'@Issue' Discusses Women's Issues in State Economics 

Cassandra Welchlin, executive director for Mississippi Black Women's Roundtable and co-founder of the Mississippi Women's Economic Security Initiative, joins host Michael Guidry this Friday at 6:30 p.m. Listen live here, download the podcast here after it airs, and view the roundtable discussions on MPB's YouTube channel.

New Podcast For Sports Fans Premieres March 29

MPB Think Radio is proud to present a new, original mini-podcast called the "10 Minute Time Out." Producer Lacey Alexander will provide bi-weekly updates on the sports, games, and athletes that shine in Mississippi. The first episode features James Armstrong, the coach for the Mississippi State Womens' Soccer team. The Bulldogs made history in 2023 by advancing to the NCAA Womens' Championship, or "Sweet 16," in Stanford, Connecticut. "10 Minute Time Out" is available March 29 by clicking the button below, on the MPB Public Media App, or anywhere podcasts are available.

'Deep South Dining' Offers 'Sipp and Savor' Events Tickets April 1

"Deep South Dining" welcomes Chef Tori Loomis from "The Gathering Girl" on April 1. Hosts Carol Palmer and Malcolm White discuss how her love of outdoors and the environment became the basis for her natural and authentic cooking style. Listeners tuning in live at 9 a.m. have a chance to win a pair of tickets to the "Sipp and Savor" event at The MAX Museum in Meridian on April 6.

'Next Stop' and 'Gestalt Gardener' Live in Clarksdale April 12

The 21st Annual "Juke Joint Festival" (photo by Lou Bopp) runs April 11-14, around Delta Avenue Park in Clarksdale. Horticulturist Felder Rushing, will broadcast live at 9 a.m. in addition to his annual presentation for "The Gestalt Gardener." Germaine Flood, Kamel King (Visit Mississippi), and DJ Java Chatman will broadcast "Next Stop, Mississippi" live at 10 a.m. from the festival's center. Click below to listen live or download the podcasts from their pages.

Mississippi Views

Not a joke: Be on the lookout for wildlife this spring, like the eastern cottontail rabbit. Rabbits are not rodents, as previously thought, but members of theLeporidae family. Mississippi State Extension has tips to safely discourage rabbits from destroying gardens while still respecting these wild creatures and their place in the environment. Thanks to photographer Stephanie Latham of Lena for "catching" this adorable bunny on camera. Email your favorite Mississippi Views to photos@mpbonline.org.

Nick Stellino's Classic French Toast

The famed Sicilian chef demonstrates an easy breakfast that is popular with all ages for any occasion. With a couple of "secret" ingredients that add a little extra flavor, Stellino shows you how to make a customizable classic in under a minute. Click button for full recipe.