PASCAGOULA — A Jackson County jury deliberated about two hours this afternoon before finding Frank D. Patton guilty of murder by deliberate design.

An Amber Alert sent via text message has been found to be a hoax.

Scott Yancey of Long Beach pleaded guilty this afternoon in federal court to receiving and possessing child pornography.

Gautier Elementary will be featured on Thursday's edition of NBC's 'Today' show, school officials learned today.

HARRISON COUNTY Traffic on County Farm Road and north to Interstate 10 is likely to remain congested today until 10 a.m. for cleanup from a fatal crash and a diesel spill.

JACKSON COUNTY — A woman was shot this morning north of the Hurley community in a confrontation with a deputy sheriff.

Harrison County volunteer firefighters have responded to a Freon leak at West Harrison High School.

PASCAGOULA Darwin M. Wells, 16, was found guilty of murder today in the death of Michael David Porter, who stopped at a gas station on Oct. 23, 2008, to ask directions to his grandson's football game.

A Jackson County woman has been charged with embezzling $3,000 from the East Central Parent Teacher Organization, the Jackson County Sheriff's office has said.

Darwin M. Wells, 16, was found guilty of murder today in the death of Michael David Porter, who stopped at a gas station on Oct. 23, 2008, to ask directions to his grandson's football game.

PASCAGOULA The state has rested its case in the capital murder trial of Darwin M. Wells.

Edna Mae Sanders of Diamondhead has been denied a new trial in the murder of her husband, who died after he was doused with hot cooking oil.

Rev. Msgr. Andrew L. Murray, vicar general for the Catholic Diocese of Biloxi, died Monday evening in Ireland.

FORT COLLINS, Colorado (AP) — A 6-year-old Colorado boy feared to have floated off in a helium balloon was found safe at his home Thursday, hiding in a cardboard box in the garage attic.

KILN Jeremy Yarborough Rando, 18, has been charged with the murder of a 22-year-old Diamondhead man.

Hancock County officials plan to hold a press conference at 10:30 a.m. today in connection with the death of Nicholas Clay Patterson, 22, who was found dead in his car Friday.

HANCOCK COUNTY - Authorities in Hancock County said a body was found in a vehicle today on Third Marsh Road.

Sen. David Vitter's office Friday released a copy of a letter to the president thanking him for the planned Oct. 15 visit, but expressing concern that it will be too brief.

GULFPORT - An eastbound section of Dedeaux Road has reopened after about an hour of efforts to cleanup a sludge spill.

GULFPORT - Police Chief Alan Weatherford said a section of Dedeaux Rd. is closed for cleanup of a sludge spill.