Birmingham Lights: Birmingham Area News Aggregator

Birmingham Area News Aggregator

Storms dump more than 3 inches of rain and counting on Shelby County

Lightning considered possible cause of fire that destroys St. Clair County house

Joe Songer -- The Birmingham NewsOdenville firefighters responded this morning to a fire that dest
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 12:01:33 PM

U.S. Chief Justice: Reports of resignation greatly exaggerated

John Roberts Jr. says rumor started when a professor's lesson went awry

Chief Justice John Roberts speaks in the McMillan Lecture Hall at the University of Alabama Law School in Tuscaloosa, Ala., on Tuesday
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:40:14 AM

Alabama's jobless rate hits 11.1 percent
Alabama’s unemployment rate rose in January to 11.1 percent from December’s revised rate of 10.9 percent, the state Department of Industrial Relations reported Wednesday.

State Rep. John Rogers says he has no idea what the FBI is seeking. (The Birm
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 11:15:33 AM

Water rushing over Shelby County road forces closure

Heavy rains expected to continue in the Birmingham area today

shelby road closed.JPG Frank Couch -- The Birmingham NewsBirmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 10:59:37 AM

Update: Shelby County roads flooded and power out to hundreds around Alabama

Power out to 1,380 Alabama Power customers statewide

Michelle Williams -- The Birmingham NewsRainfall of up to 3 inches could be in store for the Birmingham area today. A flash flood warning is in
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 9:50:17 AM

Tennessee man and sons indicted in wounding of game warden and burglaries in Amish community

Game warden was helping investigate burglaries in Amish community

A Lawrence County, Tenn., man and his two sons, have been indicted in connection with the shooting of a game warden and burglaries that targeting the Amish community, the TimesDaily in Florence reports.

Joe Howard Swafford, 50, of Summertown, Tenn., and two sons were indicted on various charges, the The Birmingham City Council Tuesday unanimously approved the first step toward getting $30.7 million in bond dollars for public and private capital projects.

The council approved designating the city as a "Recovery Zone" which makes Birmingham eligible for reduced rate and tax-free bond dollars under the federal economic stimulus program. The city and private companies would then be
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:55:32 AM

UAB makes room for more on-campus living

Most freshmen on scholarship at UAB this fall will be required to live on campus.

Blazer Hall at UAB is an all freshman dorm. The school is considering switching another one to all freshman. Freshmen Haley McKinl
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:45:20 AM

Florence police officer found not guilty in theft

Officer is on paid administrative leave

A Florence police officer was found not guilty Tuesday of theft charges, the TimesDaily in Florence reports.

Jeff Redcross, who has been on paid administrative leave unrelated to the incident, had been accused of keeping $300 he had found on the floor of a billiards parlor in December, the The Tuscaloosa News reports.

Ekow Hayford is seeking back pay, punitive damages, and his old job, the newspaper r
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:20:54 AM

Hanceville residents vote against legalizing liquor sales

Voters turned out in record numbers in the city to cast ballots

Hanceville voters on Tuesday narrowly rejected a proposal to allow alcohol sales in their city, The Cullman Times reports.

In the special referendum 575 residents voted to keep the city dry and 547 voted in favor of legalizing liquor sales, the newspaper reports<
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 7:10:21 AM

Birmingham metro forecast: Heavy rain and flooding a concern

Birmingham area could get 2 to 3 inches of rain today

It's 54 degrees with thunderstorms and a flash flood watch in effect for the Birmingham area this morning.

With several rounds of thunderstorms expected throughout today and tonight, many locations in the Birmingham area will be getting 2 to 3
Birmingham News at Wednesday, March 10, 2010 6:50:37 AM

Updated: 2 hurt in Birmingham apartment fire on Tuesday night

Sunrise Pointe Apartments fire under control at 9:35 p.m.

Two people were injured in a three-alarm fire at Sunrise Pointe Apartments March 9. (News Staff/Jeremy Gray)Two people were injured in a
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:02:40 PM

Review: Will Kimbrough earns his Wings
As a solo artist, former frontman of Will & The Bushmen and acclaimed co-writer (Jimmy [...]
Birmingham Weekly at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:32:53 PM

Hanceville wet/dry referendum outcome unclear

Authorities say the vote in Cullman County went down to the wire, and provisional ballots will make the difference.

Cullman County residents will have to wait at least seven days before they will know the results of today's alcohol referendum in Hanceville.

The special wet/dry referendum was a first for the city under a new state law that allows smaller cities to hold votes on the issue.

Authorities say the vote went down to the wire, and provi
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:25:51 PM

72 percent vote against Trussville property tax increase

The proposal would have meant a $75 annual increase on a $100,000 home.

Tamika Moore/Birmingham NewsChantelle Grubbs and Zeke Grubbs, 3, of Trussville, enter City Hall for today's property tax referendum. Trussville voters
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 10:01:06 PM

Forecast: Thunderstorms possible in Birmingham area tonight, Wednesday

There is a 90 percent chance of showers and thunderstorms

There is a 90 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms in the Birmingham area tonight and Wednesday, according to the National Weather Service.

Tonight's low will be around 55. Wednesday's high will be near 65 and a low that night around 57.

Thursday's forecast calls for a 40 percent chance of rain and thunderstorms before noon. Skies will be cloudy, then gradually becoming mostly sunny. T
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:56:16 PM

Vincent board postpones rezoning vote for limestone quarry

A standing-room only crowd showed up at Town Hall for the planned vote.

Vincent Planning Commission tonight postponed a vote on White Rock Quarries' request to rezone 886 acres for a limestone quarry.

The commission delayed the vote after Robert Malone, who has been on the commission since January, asked for more time to review the matter. The vote has been rescheduled for March 23.

A standing-room only crowd showed up at Town Hall for the plann
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:46:29 PM

Trussville voters reject property tax increase

It would have increased the city's tax by 7.5 mills, or $75 a year on a $100,000 home.

Trussville voters turned out today to overwhelmingly defeat a ballot initiative that would have raised the city's property taxes to benefit its school system and government.

Unofficial numbers from the city's two polling places show the measure failed, with 3,459 voting against to 1,370 voting for. The measure would have raised the city's property taxes from
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 8:45:32 PM

Relatives say man linked to deadly Hoover Days Inn fire left the country

Dhirajlal Bhagat told authorities he left his room at the Days Inn with incense burning for about 30 minutes and returned to find the room on fire.

Dhirajlal Bhagat was the maintenance man at the Hoover Days Inn. A fire that kil
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 7:53:31 PM

Florida Gov. Jeb Bush endorses Bradley Byrne for Alabama governor

Bush calls Byrne 'conservative reformer'

(The Huntsville Times/Robin Conn)Alabama GOP gubernatorial candidate Bradley Byrne has received an endorsement from Florida Gov. Jeb Bus
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 6:14:48 PM

Birmingham Mayor William Bell whittles away at city budget deficit

Announces $20 million in funding cuts.

Birmingham Mayor William Bell this afternoon said he has cut $20 million from a projected $77 million shortfall by delaying funding and contracts in the current fiscal year.

Cut or delayed projects are: $6 million for plans for a domed stadium, $4.7 million for street improvements, $4.2 million for housing initiatives, and $4 million from other completed or inactive projects.

The mayor said his finance te
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 5:25:11 PM

Bessemer Cutoff bingo halls will reopen Friday

President of the Bessemer Cutoff Bingo Association Alliance said today the 14 bingo halls will open Friday at 6 p.m.

Police watch Fairfield bingo hall close.jpg

Faifield police watch as customers a
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 5:06:10 PM

Alabama House will begin budget work after spring break

Session almost two-thirds gone

MONTGOMERY -- After waiting until the 2010 session of the Legislature is almost two-thirds completed, the Alabama House is ready to begin work on General Fund and education budgets.

House Speaker Seth Hammett said Tuesday the House education budget committee would begin work following next week's spring break on the education budget.

Hammett of Andalusia said lawmakers had been waiting to see if additional fede
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 4:54:29 PM

Alabama House votes more money for prisons, Medicaid

Senate affirmation still neeed

MONTGOMERY -- The Alabama House has passed a bill to appropriate more than $52 million to the Alabama Department of Corrections and more that $41 million to Medicaid for use in the current fiscal year.

The bill was changed in a House committee and must go back to the Senate because of changes made in the House.

The sponsor, Democratic Rep. John Knight of Montgomery, says the additional money would help the cash
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 4:52:07 PM

Nebraska teen dies following SUV wreck in Auburn

The teens attended Chadron State College in Nebraska and were on their way to Spanish Fort, after stopping to visit a friend in Auburn.

A Spring Break trip for three Nebraska student athletes turned deadly early Monday in Auburn when their SUV flipped, ejecting all of them from the vehicle.

One teen died, and another was critically injured in the accident. A third was not injured, authorities said.

The teens were in a Range Rover Discovery that was
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 4:47:35 PM

U.S. Chief Justice John Roberts Jr. addresses University of Alabama law students

Roberts avoids discussing specific Supreme Court cases

Justice John Roberts.jpg U.S. Supreme Court Chief Justice John Roberts speaks in the McMillan Lecture Hall at the University of Alabama Law School in Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 4:45:32 PM

Alabama lawmaker to delay push for new state song

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow will use online poll to seek favored song

Rep. Johnny Mack Morrow, D-Red Bay, left, shares a laugh with Sue Bass Wilson of Andalusia after she appeared before the Alabama House of R
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 3:50:13 PM

General Growth adds $3.9B to Brookfield plan
General Growth Properties Inc., owner of Birmingham's Century Plaza, said its biggest debt and equity holders offered to jointly invest $3.93 billion in the company, bolstering a plan with Brookfield Asset Management Inc. to bring the mall owner out of bankruptcy. (SPG)

Birmingham Business Journal at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 3:31:47 PM

What you're saying: Artur Davis calls for bingo vote; City Stages brings a lawsuit

Join the conversation

Reaction and comment to news stories from the Birmingham News:

Artur Davis wants "up or down" vote on bingo

"I do not care one way or the other about bingo. I just would like to know why Republicans will not allow a up or down vote! The real reason!!!" -- Posted by Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 3:30:12 PM
Morgan Keegan pays out $3.6 million in February
Two former investors in bond funds once managed by Regions Financial Corp.'s Morgan Keegan & Co. Inc. have won arbitration hearings and been awarded more than $3.6 million. (RF)
Birmingham Business Journal at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 3:23:08 PM
Birmingham man charged in robbery of BB&T branch bank in Roebuck

Second robber remains at large

Aaron Earl Thomas charged in January bank robbery in Birmingham Roebuck neighborhood. (Special)A Birmingham man is charged with first-degree robbery in
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 2:35:27 PM
Stream of Trussville voters heads to polls on property tax referendum

Issue is increase for tax from 7 mills to 12.5 mills

Some streetside signs sprouted in Trussville before the election to voice opposition to a tax increase. (William Thornton/Birmingham News)Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 1:35:45 PM
Center Point-area store clerks charged with selling alcohol to a minor

Using a 15-year-old sheriff's Explorer as a decoy, deputies checked four convenience stores in the Center Point area , said Chief Deputy Randy Christian.
Ahmad MasoodThree convenience store w
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 1:32:48 PM
Birmingham to seek bonds through federal economic stimulus program

The council this afternoon approved designating the city as a "Recovery Zone" which makes Birmingham eligible for reduced rate and tax free bond dollars.
The Birmingham City Council approved the first step toward getting $30.7 million in bond dollars for both public and private capital projects.

The council this afternoon approved designating the city as a "Recovery Zone" which makes Birmingham eligible for reduced rate and tax free bond dollars under the
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 1:20:30 PM
BBA supports Riley's 280 toll road plan
The Birmingham Business Alliance has thrown its support behind Gov. Bob Riley’s three-month old plan for an elevated toll road to ease traffic congestion on U.S. 280.
Larry Langford speaks to the media outside the Federal Building in Tuscaloosa, Ala.,
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 12:40:30 PM
Country Crossing, White Hall bingo halls staying closed, waiting on Alabama Legislature

Won't act despite ruling by Jefferson County judge

(The Birmingham News/Joe Songer)The Country Crossing Bingo facility south of Dothan, Ala., on US 231 si
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 12:25:54 PM
Birmingham man charged with slaying his cousin and wounding a toddler

Michael Ward is being held in the county jail on $100,000 bond.
Michael WardA Birmingham man is charged in the weekend slaying of his cousin, police said today.

Michael Ward, 30, is charg
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 12:02:52 PM
Artur Davis wants "up or down" vote on bingo

The Democratic candidate for Alabama governor said the question should simply be whether electronic bingo is legal or not.
MONTGOMERY -- Democratic candidate for governor Artur Davis said this morning that the way to settle Alabama's ongoing debate about gambling is to have a straight "up or down" vote on the matter.

"We ought to have an up or down vote on the question of whether electronic bingo and electronic gaming should be allowed in the state of
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:58:29 AM
Birmingham council approves contract to bring indoor high track competition to Fair Park

The Birmingham track will become the new permanent home for state indoor track meets
The Birmingham City Council has approved a five-year $1 million agreement to bring state indoor track competitions to Fair Park.

T
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:55:44 AM
Jos. A. Bank brings back suit promotion for laid-off customers
Jos. A. Bank Clothiers Inc., which has three Birmingham stores, is bringing back a “risk free” promotion piggybacking off the nation’s tough job market.
Jefferson County Commission voted 3-0 this morning to declare a "Recovery Zone" to become eligible to raise $26.8 million in federal stimulus money through the Alabama Department of Finance.

Commissioners Bettye Fine Collins, Bobby Humphreyes and Jim Carns voted for the "Recovery Zone" that will allow
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:42:59 AM
Date set for Alabama high court to consider Jefferson County jobs tax refund

The hearing has been set for April 7.
The Alabama Supreme Court has agreed to hear oral arguments in Jefferson County's attempt to eliminate or reduce a court-ordered refund of occupational taxes and business license fees collected last year. The hearing has been set for April 7, according to the state Supreme Court's clerk's office.

The county is appealing a decision by Circuit Judge David
Birmingham News at Tuesday, March 09, 2010 11:31:25 AM

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