Updated: 9:10 PM The Mississippi Senate passed a new business tort reform bill, but first made changes to the original House version.

Updated: 10:21 AM The governor of Alabama celebrated a workforce training program, but also found time to campaign in Sumter County.

Updated: 6:32 PM Two candidates have taken on Supreme Court Justice Chuck McRae, to represent 27 counties in southern Mississippi.

Updated: 6:29 PM Help is on the way for county roads badly in need of repair.

Updated: 6:18 PM The Shows-Pickering race in Mississippi's Third Congressional District forced two incumbents to run against each other. Each candidate has garnered support from organizations and groups.

Updated: 6:17 PM Dr. William J. Anderson, III, died Thursday at the age of 71.

Updated: 5:55 PM Ballistic tests have matched the rifle used in the Washington-area sniper killings with a fatal shooting in Baton Rouge, Louisiana.

Updated: 3:22 PM As young trick-or-treaters prepare to hit the streets, they are being advised to take safety precautions.

Updated: 6:36 PM The Lauderdale County School Board has approved disciplinary measures for students tied to vandalism earlier this month.

Updated: 7:42 PM The last of four inmates who escaped the Scott County Jail in late September is now back in custody.

Updated: 7:40 PM Barbara Jones is Humanities Professor of the Year for Meridian Community College.

Updated: 7:32 PM Mississippi's state superintendent of education makes good on his promise to visit every school district.

Updated: 7:27 PM A new way of reporting traffic accidents could be a key to making roads safer.

Updated: 5:32 PM Angela Ingram Pope entered a guilty plea in the Oct. 2000 death of her husband, Shelton Pope.

Updated: 5:30 PM Southern Company, parent of Mississippi Power and Alabama Power, reported above-expected earnings for the third quarter of 2002.

Updated: 7:28 PM The Asbury Foundation of Hattiesburg has pledged $1 million to the University of Mississippi.

Updated: 5:12 PM Suspected Washington-area sniper John Allen Muhammad was apparently in Gulfport less than a week before the first deadly sniper shooting in Maryland.

Updated: 6:57 PM The newest crime statistics are out for Lauderdale County and compared to national trends, crime is down here at home.

Updated: 10:38 AM Residents, and especially the elderly, are being warned about scam artists.

Updated: 5:43 PM A mock election by Mississippi students is aimed at educating voters. But the young apparently reflect the attitudes of adults.

Updated: 5:35 PM A call from a citizen brought deputies to a local home, where underage drinking charges were filed.

Updated: 10:52 AM Mission Mississippi was founded a decade ago to destroy racial and denominational barriers in the church.

Updated: 2:30 PM A plane carrying Sen. Trent Lott to a campaign event in Missouri landed in Alabama after pilots reported problems with the landing gear.

Updated: 10:52 AM In a race against a fellow incumbent for Mississippi's Third District, Rep. Ronnie Shows strikes out against campaign ads.

Updated: 10:35 AM Voters who will be working out-of-town or who have a physical difficulty getting to the polls Nov. 5 may vote by absentee ballot until Nov. 2.