Releford, Mitchell lead Alabama past Georgia Tech

ATLANTA — JaMychal Green appears recovered from a right shoulder injury, and the University of Alabama men’s basketball team got another big boost with the return of Andrew Steele for the first time this season.

So with the Southeastern Conference schedule beginning in four days, the Crimson Tide look ready to roll.

Lohman reports to federal prison in Mississippi

NEW ORLEANS — A former New Orleans police lieutenant who pleaded guilty to helping cover up deadly shootings of unarmed people on a bridge after Hurricane Katrina has started serving a four-year prison sentence.

BP says it is entitled to payment from Halliburton

NEW ORLEANS — BP is reiterating claims first made last April that it is entitled to payment from contractor Halliburton Energy Services for expenses and lost profits resulting from the 2010 Deepwater Horizon offshore oil well disaster.

Cold weather prompts shelter openings in Mississippi

JACKSON — A hard freeze warning has been issued for parts south Mississippi and shelters have been opened to keep residents warm and safe.

Brown chosen as No. 2 in Senate

JACKSON — Mississippi lawmakers convened their 2012 session Tuesday with a history-making Republican majority, as the House elected Philip Gunn of Clinton as its new presiding officer.

Starkville girl dies in go-kart accident in Alabama

Tragedy struck New Year’s Day in East Limestone when a 10-year-old girl from Starkville, Miss., died while driving a go-kart.

Top stories of the year 2011

Mississippi is ranked 29th in use of alternative energy, according to a study by the Information Technology and Innovation Foundation and the Kauffman Foundation of Entrepreneurship. Soon, two manufacturers of alternative energy will be located in Lowndes County.

Most-viewed online news stories of 2011

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MSU women rally to beat Nevada

RENO, Nev. — The Mississippi State women’s basketball team erased a 16-point second-half deficit Friday night and rallied for a 67-63 victory against Nevada in the consolation game of the Peppermill Classic at the Lawlor Events Center.

MSU bounced back from a 78-71 loss to Oklahoma State in the tournament’s opening round on Thursday night. With the victory, MSU completes the non-conference portion of its 2011-12 schedule with a 10-3 overall record.

Contract signed: WCBI remains on DirecTV

Columbus’ local CBS affiliate will remain on the air with DirecTV satellite broadcasting service. “There will be no interruption,” said Dean Hinson, president of Morris Network. Morris Multimedia Inc. in Savannah, Ga. owns WCBI.

Charter school advocates look to change Mississippi law

JACKSON — Republican control of Mississippi government could bring a new charter school law, and supporters are working on proposals.

McCoy ready to enjoy retirement

TUPELO — State Rep. Steve Holland, D-Plantersvlle, says once Billy McCoy, his legislative deskmate for the past 28 years, went weeks without speaking to him because, “I made a bad vote. Everybody is entitled to one mistake.”

Familiar budget shortfall faces new Mississippi leaders

JACKSON — Mississippi lawmakers and Gov.-elect Phil Bryant will face a difficult task in crafting a state budget for the fiscal year that starts on July 1.

State timber business slowly rebounding

STARKVILLE — Timber industry observers say low national home construction levels and relatively dry weather resulted in a slightly lower year-end value for Mississippi forest products.

Scruggs gets hearing in appeal of conviction

JACKSON — Imprisoned former attorney Richard “Dickie” Scruggs has earned a March 26 hearing in his effort to overturn his 2009 conviction in a corruption case involving former Hinds County Circuit Judge Bobby DeLaughter.

Ripley Mayor Kerry Hill dies

RIPLEY — The body of Ripley Mayor Kerry W. Hill was found Tuesday at his residence. He was 75.

Barbour reflects as term ends

JACKSON — Mississippi Gov. Haley Barbour says the response to Hurricane Katrina shaped his legacy, and the 2005 storm boosted the state’s image because outsiders saw Mississippians’ willingness to work hard and help their neighbors.

Suspect arrested in Marshall County slaying

HOLLY SPRINGS — One suspect has been arrested in a Christmas Day drive-by shooting that left a 16-year-old Memphis girl dead.

Sears announces store closures

Sears Holdings Corp. announced Tuesday plans to close 100 to 120 stores after 2011 losses. However, the status of individual stores is still unknown. Sears includes Kmart stores and the Lands’ End brand.

Immanuel opens tournament with multiple victories

STEENS — Immanuel Christian posted all victories on the boys side of the opening round of the ICCE Christmas Tournament Tuesday. The Rams raced past Tupelo Christian Academy and Kosciusko, while the junior high Rams beat the Scott Flames.