Officials say nine people, including at least six children, are dead in an apartment fire in Mississippi, according to AP. State fire marshal Mike Chaney says the pre-dawn fire happened at an apartment complex in Starkville. Oktibbeha County Coroner Michael Hunt also confirmed the deaths. He says the fire was reported before dawn. Starkville, with about 24,000 full-time residents, is home to Mississippi State University. The school"s winter break began Dec. 19 and ends Jan. 4. The city is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) from Jackson, Mississippi.
