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Family, friend vie for Shelby area Katrina survivor's estate
Family, friend vie for late Katrina survivor's $6 million estate.
In this September 2005 photo, Helen and Ed Gruber stand behind Mildred K. Harrison at the Grubers' son's home in Alabaster. Days earlier, after Hurricane Katrina struck, the three had been rescued from flooded New Orleans and relocated to Shelby County. The two women have since died, and Gruber is embroiled in a lawsuit over Harrison's $6 million estate. (File)
Five
Birmingham News at Saturday, September 04, 2010 9:00:00 AM
Birmingham metro forecast: Sunny and clear through Labor Day
High today near 84.
Labor Day weekend will be sunny and clear, according to forecasts from the National Weather Service . Here's the forecast: Today: Sunny, with a high near 84. Tonight: Clear, with a low around 56. Sunday: Sunny, with a high near 84. Sunday night: Clear, with a low around 54. Labor Day: Sunny, with a high near 90. Monday night: Clear, with a low around 62. Follow developments in the al.com Weather Center .
Birmingham News at Saturday, September 04, 2010 8:09:56 AM
Birmingham-area surgeon accused in kidnapping case
Jeffrey Todd Smith of Vestavia Hills is charged with first-degree kidnapping.
A Birmingham orthopedic surgeon is charged with first-degree kidnapping after an altercation with the mother of his toddler child.
Jeffrey Todd Smith, 43, of Vestavia Hills, turned himself in to Jefferson County sheriff's deputies Tuesday. He was released from the jail the same day after posting his $60,000 bond.
Deputies were called to the woman's home in the 2000 block
Birmingham News at Saturday, September 04, 2010 8:00:00 AM
Birmingham News offers readers PDFs of missing Aug. 28 comics pages
Pages available in printable format
Last Saturday, Aug. 28, 2010, The Birmingham News by mistake printed the comics pages scheduled for Sept. 4.
For you comics fans still wondering what Dilbert was up to, The News offers a link to the Aug. 28 pages in a printable PDF.
Comics page 1
Comics page 2
Birmingham News at Saturday, September 04, 2010 6:00:17 AM
National Guard is Back
A few good men and women return home after being deployed a year. Friends and family greeted them at an informal welcome home ceremony.
CBS42 - TV at Saturday, September 04, 2010 12:21:00 AM
King wants Alabama justices to recuse themselves in pharmaceutical case
Sandoz Inc.is asking the high court to throw out a $78.4 million judgment won by the state.
Alabama Attorney General Troy King
Attorneys for the state contend all members of the Alabama Supreme Court have a conflict of interest and should disqualify themselves from ruling in two Medicaid drug fraud cases, including an appeal of a $78.4 million judgment won by the state.
The recusal motion filed by Attorney General Troy King and o
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 11:26:32 PM
VIDEO: Alabama Troops return home from Afghanistan
More than 60 Alabama National Guard members are home from Afghanistan.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 11:16:55 PM
The Lass Word: Nick Saban Movie
CBS 42 news anchor Ken Lass shares some thoughts about the Nick Saban Gamechanger movie.
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:30:35 PM
The Lass Word: Labor Day
CBS 42 News Anchor Ken Lass shares some thoughts about the true meaning of Labor Day.
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:25:41 PM
'Gone with the Wind' child actress dies at 76
Cammie King Conlon, the former child actress who portrayed the doomed daughter of Rhett Butler and Scarlett O'Hara in "Gone With the Wind," has died at the age of 76.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:10:53 PM
Powerful 7.1 quake hits New Zealand's South Island
A powerful 7.1-magnitude earthquake damaged buildings, cut power and knocked fleeing residents off their feet on New Zealand's South Island early Saturday, but there were so far no deaths and only two injuries reported.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:05:34 PM
Despite hiring, US unemployment rate seems frozen
Unemployment is stuck at high levels even though some companies are hiring. The problem, government data show, is that too few jobs are being created for the growing number of people looking for work.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:02:47 PM
Friday Night At The Movies
If traveling isn't in your holiday plans, a day with a good movie is always an option. So, let's go to the movies and see what the buzz is all about. Ah, the smell of fresh popcorn. the excitement of new releases. It's Friday night at the movies. And for many, going to the theater is a relaxing form of entertainment. Redboxes are popping up all over the area, and with a cheap rental fee...its no wonder why lines form quickly for a weekend movie. So whether its the theater yo
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 10:01:45 PM
Earl threatens Mass. with wind, rain, surf
A weakening but still dangerous Hurricane Earl steamed toward the gray-shingled cottages and fishing villages of Cape Cod on Friday night, disrupting people's vacations on the unofficial final weekend of the short New England summer.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 9:58:03 PM
Forecast: Highs will be in mid-80s in the Birmingham area Saturday, Sunday
The high on Monday will be near 90.
Labor Day weekend will bring a welcome respite from months of searing, record-breaking heat in the Birmingham area, according to National Weather Service forecasts.
The Saturday college football forecast looks cool and comfortable, too. The low Saturday night in Tuscaloosa under fair skies is predicted to be around 53. In Auburn, the forecast low is 55 degrees.
Here's a look at the weekend forecast for the Birming
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 8:50:10 PM
Birmingham police seek family of woman left at hospital
Birmingham police are looking for relatives of an elderly woman who was left in a hospital parking lot.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 8:20:09 PM
Local College Debuts First-Ever Marching Band
BIRMINGHAM, AL (WIAT)---Saturday marks the start of a brand new tradition at one area school . For the first time in its century-old existence, B irmingham Southern College will take the field with a marching band. Click on the video to the right to see who's funding the program... and how they're still able to perform despite the school's current financial crisis.
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 6:55:00 PM
Hostage Situation Ends Peacefully
Some serious firepower made an appearance at an Anniston K-mart Friday morning, but it wasn't needed. Capt. Shane Denham says it all started with a poor decision by a man seeking pain medication. "We believe his intention upon entering there was to take some narcotics... a robbery type situation... is what it appears." Officers say it was just after 9AM when their suspect actually entered the pharmacy, The pharmacist and a technician were both present, the suspect was armed with a knife.
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 6:26:00 PM
Million dollar grant funds arts education in Birmingham
The Birmingham City School District will put a million dollar grant to good use in nine of it’s elementary schools.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 6:24:34 PM
Unknown Woman Left at Hospital
Birmingham, Al (WIAT) Birmingham Police need your help identifying an unknown woman. Sgt. Johnny Williams tells CBS 42 that the woman was dropped off in the parking lot of St. Vincent's Hospital Tuesday. Whoever dropped her off never entered the hospital. The woman is unable to communicate verbally or through writing. Police and doctors are hoping someone can identify her or give information about family members. Anyone with information is encouraged to call Birmingham Police Detectives
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 6:18:00 PM
Alabama AG, governor at odds again over oill spil
The tense relationship between Alabama's governor and attorney general has taken another stinging twist.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:59:02 PM
Birmingham police seek identify of elderly woman left at St. Vincent's East
The woman, who cannot communicate, was left in the hospital parking lot.
View full size Special to The News
The Birmingham Police Department is looking for anyone who can help them find the family of an elderly woman who was left in the parking lot St. Vincent's East Hospital on Tuesday.
Sgt. Johnny Williams Jr. said the person who dropped her off did not enter the hospital. The woman is unable to communicate, according to a po
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:50:58 PM
Anniston man faces 3 charges after standoff at Kmart
Gary Johnson, 48, is being charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of robbery.
A man who authorities say took two people hostage at an Anniston Kmart Friday after demanding painkillers is being charged with two counts of kidnapping and one count of robbery. Gary Johnson, 48, was being evaluated at an Anniston-area hospital Friday afternoon and would later be transferred to a jail, said Anniston police Sgt. Fred Forsythe
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:45:34 PM
VIDEO: John Tyson says 'we are clear to go'
The commander of the state's Illegal Gambling Task Force said Friday's Alabama Supreme Court puts them closer to taking action against Victoryland.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:22:25 PM
Protective Life leads local stocks Protective Life Corp. led Birmingham stocks Friday in Wall Street trading. (PL) (RF) (HLS) (EGN)
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:16:03 PM
Trinity Medical Center to put red lights atop U.S. 280 hospital shell to emphasize need for hospital
Lights will be changed to green if state gives Trinity final approval to complete project
The exterior of the site of the proposed Trinity Medical Center on U.S. 280 in Birmingham, Ala., Friday, Sept. 25, 2009. Trinity officials say that starting Friday, Sept. 3, 2010, the top floor will have red lighting to demonstrate the need for the hospital to be finished and opened. When and if final approval is given by the state, the lighting will be sw
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 5:15:06 PM
BP: Failed blowout preventer removed from well
BP says the blowout preventer that failed to stop oil from spewing into the Gulf of Mexico has been removed from the company's well.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:37:14 PM
Alabama Guard unit welcomed back to Birmingham from year in Afghanistan (with slideshow and video)
Company B, First of the 169th Aviation Regimen received boisterious greeting
Soldiers of Company B, First of the 169th Aviation Regimen, an Alabama National Guard unit, were welcomed home to Birmingham by family and friends today after duty in Afghanistan. The welcoming ceremony was at the Alabama Army National Guard Aviation Support Facility at the Birmingham-Shuttlesworth International Airport.
The unit's 60 soldiers -- eight from Jefferson C
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:35:30 PM
Alabama justices asked to step down in drug fraud case
Attorneys for the state say all members of the Alabama Supreme Court should disqualify themselves from ruling in two Medicaid drug fraud cases because of a conflict of interest.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:34:45 PM
Joran van der Sloot interviewed on Dutch TV
Birmingham, Al (WIAT) Joran van der Sloot is still waiting to find out if a three judge panel will throw out his murder confession, but he's been using some of that time to be interviewed by Dutch TV. According to Radio Netherlands Worldwide, van der Sloot has been interviewed by a Dutch crime reporter, John van den Heuvel, at the infamous high security Miguel Castro Castro prison in the Peruvian capital Lima. Van der Sloot has confessed to killing 21 year old Peruvian student Stephany Flo
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:15:11 PM
Ala. Supreme Court explains bingo case change
The Alabama Supreme Court is responding to public allegations by saying it reassigned an electronic bingo case from one justice to another in the interest of judicial economy.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:06:52 PM
Ala. Supreme Court opens door for VictoryLand raid
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) — The Alabama Supreme Court has refused to reconsider its decision that cleared the way for the Governor's Task Force on Illegal Gambling to raid VictoryLand's electronic bingo casino in Macon County. The court issued an unanimous order Friday rejecting a request by Macon County officials to reconsider its July 30 decision that allowed the governor's task force to operate in Macon County. Any action by the task force had been on hold pending the Supreme Court's decisio
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 4:05:48 PM
Alabama Power launches Heat Relief initiative Alabama Power Co. has launched a new initiative to assist customers struggling with high electricity bills due to the summer's heat wave. (SO)
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 3:57:30 PM
Alabama news links: Walker County slaying suspect caught in Georgia; many voice opposition to expand
Anniston mayor wants council probe over and attention back on budget; Northport police arrest one in robbery, hunt 3 more; Dothan police investigate morning shooting
View full size
Links to news from and about Alabama: Walker County slaying suspect arrested in Georgia -- (Jasper Daily Mountain Eagle)
Anniston mayor calls for council to end its long-running corruption probe and focus on budget -- (Anniston Star)
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 3:50:07 PM
Digital Hospital on 280 to glow red Motorists on the busy U.S. 280 may notice a large red hue beaming from the top of the former HealthSouth Corp. Digital Hospital.
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 3:47:53 PM
Suspect in Anniston Kmart standoff demanded painkillers
Authorities took 48-year-old Gary Johnson into custody. He is currently being evaluated at a local hospital.
A man who went to the pharmacy at an Anniston Kmart to get painkillers , pulled out a weapon and held a pharmacist hostage for about three hours today, authorities said. Shortly after noon, authorities took 48-year-old Gary Johnson into custody. He is currently being evaluated at an Anniston hospital, said Anniston police C
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 3:10:33 PM
Tuskegee hosting economic development summit Tuskegee University's Cooperative Extension Program is preparing to host the Booker T. Washington Economic Development Summit.
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 2:43:26 PM
Delta traffic up again in July August marked the third month in a row Delta Air Lines Inc. posted higher traffic. (DAL)
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 1:40:51 PM
Anniston Kmart hostage safe, armed man in police custody
Incident last more than 3 hours at a Kmart store
An Anniston hostage incident is ending with the hostage safe and a suspect in custody, the Anniston Star reports.
The incident at a Kmart store lasted more than three hours. It apparently began with a failed robbery in the story by an armed man who took at least one hostage about 9:30 a.m. The store was evacuated and talks began with the gunman, according to the newspaper.
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 1:36:51 PM
Birmingham firefighters respond to fire at Boutwell Auditorium parking deck
Firefighters report smoke and fire showing. Authorities are diverting traffic off 8th Avenue North.
Birmingham firefighters are responding to a fire in the parking deck at Boutwell Auditorium.
Firefighters report smoke and fire showing.
Authorities are diverting traffic off 8th Avenue North.
No other information was immediately available.
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 1:35:33 PM
Police activity at Anniston K-Mart
Police have surrounded a K-Mart in Anniston.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:51:29 PM
Anniston hostage situation over
Anniston, Al (WIAT) A standoff at an Anniston K-Mart is over after police negotiated the release of a store employee being held hostage at knifepoint. CBS42's Phillip Ohnemus was on scene during the three hour standoff and will have more details at 5 and 6 as well as updates here on CBS42.com The suspect, now in custody, was reportedly trying to get prescription drugs. Investigators say the man held a pharmacist and a technician hostage with a butcher knife. However, both managed to esc
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:49:49 PM
Hostage situation reported at Anniston, Ala. store
ANNISTON, Ala. (AP) — Police in Anniston say they're negotiating with an armed man they say has taken a hostage inside a Kmart store. The Anniston Star says the store was evacuated Friday morning and a police special response team went in shortly after 9:30 a.m. An Anniston EMS crew brought one woman out of the store on a stretcher. Anniston police Sgt. Fred Forsythe says the woman was not injured. The newspaper says a second stretcher was taken into the building just before 10 a.m. Polic
CBS42 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:49:49 PM
Anniston police negotiating with armed man holding hostage in Kmart store
Store evacuated; police report situation under control
Anniston police are negotiating with an armed man holding a hostage at a Kmart store in Anniston, the Anniston Star reports.
The incident appears to have started with a failed robbery at the store about 9:30 a.m. Police have evacuated the store and say they have the situation under control, according to the newspaper .
FBI agents from Birmingham have been sent to the scene
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:49:14 PM
Homebuyer tax credits totaled $256M in Alabama Alabama benefited from $256 million in homebuyer tax credits, a Government Accountability Office report said.
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:36:15 PM
Crews prepare to raise failed blowout preventer
The blowout preventer is a key piece of evidence in the Gulf oil spill investigation.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:20:34 PM
OSHA cites Phenix Lumber Proposed penalties totaling $439,400 have been levied against MDLG Inc., which does business as Phenix Lumber Co., by the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Safety and Health Administration following the death of one worker and the critical injury of a second at its Phenix City facility.
Birmingham Business Journal at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:15:59 PM
Kmart store evacuated in Anniston after possible failed robbery and hostage taking
FBI agents headed for scene
Customers have been evacuated from a Kmart store in Anniston after a possible failed armed robbery leading to a hostage incident, the Anniston Star reports.
One person has been taken from the store on a stretcher but apparently was uninjured. An armed man is in the store with a hostage. Police currently are in the store negotiating with the man, according to the newspaper .
FBI agents from Birmingham
Birmingham News at Friday, September 03, 2010 12:02:29 PM
Alabama troops to return from Afghanistan Friday
About 70 members of the Alabama Army National Guard scheduled to be back in Birmingham Friday.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 11:46:48 AM
Helicopter crashes on busy CA highway
A helicopter has crashed on a busy California highway in Salinas, sending its pilot to the hospital and snarling traffic.
NBC 13 - TV at Friday, September 03, 2010 11:27:31 AM
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