mississippi

Track Hurricane Isaac in a Google map

The Google Crisis Response team has built a Hurricane Isaac Google map that provides a great deal of information and help for those experiencing Isaac's moderately powerful Category 1 intensity, capable of 95 mph wind speeds, heavy rain, and flooding from dangerous storm surge.

Compatible with nearly all modern Web browsers (including Android and iOS), the interactive map provides a clear look at the path of the storm, as well as the latest warnings for residents of impacted cities and counties. The dynamic map offers many helpful options, including the ability to display current radar and cloud imagery, evacuation routes, and active shelter/recovery center locations. … Read more

New breed of plastic bleeds, heals itself

Researchers at the University of Southern Mississippi have developed a new kind of self-repairing plastic that could lead to impenetrable cell phones, laptops, and cars -- or the next Terminator.

Team lead professor Marek W. Urban presented the results of the research at the National Meeting & Exposition of the American Chemical Society in San Diego this week, revealing a type of plastic that mimics human skin.

Though self-healing plastic isn't a new concept, Urban says the benefit of his team's plastic is its warning system and ability to repair itself over and over again. … Read more

Solar panel maker Stion to create 1,000 Miss. jobs

Thin-film solar manufacturer Stion announced today that it plans to build a factory in Hattiesburg, Miss., as part of a long-term $500 million investment in the state.

As part of the deal, in addition to tax incentives, the San Jose, Calif.-based start-up received a $75 million loan.

The first phase of the project, a 100-megawatt solar panel production line for making copper, indium, gallium, and sulfur-selenide (CIGSS) solar cells, will create 200 direct jobs and include $100 million in investment in the state, according to Stion.

"Today's announcement that Stion is locating a thin-film solar panel manufacturing … Read more

Mississippi takes top prize in EcoCar challenge

Students from Mississippi State University placed first in the 2010 EcoCAR: The NeXt Challenge finals in San Diego Friday after designing and building a biodiesel extended-range electric vehicle (EREV).

Teams from 16 universities competed in the Year Two Finals of the three-year competition sponsored by the U.S. Department of Energy and General Motors. The competition challenges engineering students to re-engineer a GM-donated vehicle to minimize the vehicle's fuel consumption and emissions, while maintaining its utility, safety, and performance. The teams have been preparing for the final testing and inspection of the competition for the past week.

"This … Read more

Microsoft, Mississippi settle Windows suit

Microsoft and the state of Mississippi said Thursday that they have reached a settlement in a class-action suit over the pricing of Windows and Office. Under the terms of the deal, Microsoft will pay $40 million to the state and up to $60 million in vouchers to consumers, businesses, schools, and local governments.

The deal is similar to the many settlements that Microsoft struck with states in years past.

Those in Mississippi who purchased Microsoft products or computers containing Microsoft products between January 1, 1996, and Thursday will be eligible to receive a voucher of $12 or $5, depending on … Read more

Touched down in the land of the Delta Blues

CLARKSDALE, Miss.--When in Rome, as they say.

As part of Road Trip 2008, my journey through the South in search of several weeks' worth of stories, I had accepted an invitation to come to this tiny town in northwest Mississippi for the opportunity to visit one of the most important Blues clubs in the country.

It turns out that the club, the Ground Zero Blues Club, is co-owned by actor Morgan Freeman and the father of a friend of mine. Lured by the opportunity to talk with the two of them about airplanes--since I'd heard that Freeman and … Read more