WBMA - Birmingham Area News

Birmingham Freedom Festival is underway

Chase Moon — Sat, 25 May 2013 14:25:00 EDT

"Three Hots and A Cot" hosts the Birmingham Freedom Festival at the Crestwood Festival Center.

Furry Pet Friends in Oklahoma Drive

Chase Moon — Sat, 25 May 2013 13:14:00 EDT

Volunteers in Hueytown came together on Saturday to help the many pets in Oklahoma that were displaced by the recent devastating tornadoes.

Obama signs Congressional Gold Medal Bill in honor of Birmingham bombing victims

Sarah Snyder — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:32:00 EDT

Four girls killed in an Alabama church bombing during the civil rights movement are receiving the highest honor Congress gives to civilians.

Police arrest 28-year-old man for Thursday's fatal shooting in southwest Birmingham

Ben Culpepper — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:09:00 EDT

Christopher Gunn, 28, of Birmingham, has been charged with murder for the shooting death of 20-year-old Carlos Mims.

Update: Shelby County Teacher Arrested On Sex Charges; School District's Statement

Tachana Johnson — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:25:00 EDT

Deputies with the Shelby County Sheriff's Office have arrested a Chelsea High School teacher.

SEC baseball tournament still a fan favorite

Edward Burch — Fri, 24 May 2013 18:01:00 EDT

Hoover will host the SEC baseball tournament through at least 2016. This year's lower attendance thus far has some asking if the tournament has lost its luster.

Military Families to get free admission at the Regions Tradition

Dave Baird — Fri, 24 May 2013 16:16:00 EDT

Boyd Brothers Transportation will honor the men and women serving the United States Armed Forces by hosting Military Appreciation Days at the Regions Tradition on Thursday, June 6th and Friday, June 7th.

Jefferson Co. Sheriff: May 7 fatal shooting ruled justifiable homicide

Candace White — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:59:00 EDT

An investigation into the woman who fatally shot a man while walking her dog earlier this month has been ruled a justifiable homicide by the district attorney's office.

UAB Medical Students To Host Free Health Screening Saturday

Tachana Johnson — Fri, 24 May 2013 14:11:00 EDT

Equal Access Birmingham will host a health screening Saturday at the Church of the Reconciler.

Bell to attend ceremony honoring Four Little Girls

Dave Baird — Thu, 23 May 2013 21:34:00 EDT

Birmingham Mayor William Bell is headed to the nation's capital tomorrow. He will attend the ceremony where the four girls killed in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing will be honored with a congressional

20-year-old man shot, killed after fight with relative in southwest Birmingham

Ben Culpepper — Thu, 23 May 2013 19:16:00 EDT

Police are investigating a fatal shooting that occurred in southwest Birmingham Thursday.

Ministry leaves for Oklahoma; Birmingham residents donate goods

Bryant Somerville — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:49:00 EDT

Volunteers are headed to Oklahoma to help those in need, while the city of Birmingham collects donations for victims.

Lifesaver helicopter called to scene of motorcycle accident in Gardendale

Ben Culpepper — Thu, 23 May 2013 18:13:00 EDT

A Lifesaver Helicopter was called to the scene of an accident involving a motorcycle and a vehicle in Gardendale Thursday.

Elementary school teacher among eight arrested in heroin and cocaine trafficking ring

Haley Westbrook — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:57:00 EDT

A Bessemer elementary school physical education teacher is among those accused of being involved with a drug trafficking conspiracy that brought approximately $5 million worth of heroin and cocaine to the Birmingham area in less than a year.

Veteran Marine Corps K9's join Jefferson County Sheriff's Office

Tachana Johnson — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:33:00 EDT

The Jefferson County Sheriff's Office has expanded its force by two.

Popular radio host Paul Finebaum joining SEC Network, ESPN in Charlotte, N.C.

Ben Culpepper — Thu, 23 May 2013 17:13:00 EDT

Paul Finebaum, a longtime staple on the radio airwaves in Birmingham, is making a move to Charlotte, North Carolina to host a new show with the SEC Network and ESPN.

Update: Worker killed in accidental electrocution in Birmingham identified

Ben Culpepper — Thu, 23 May 2013 14:34:00 EDT

A construction worker died Wednesday after being accidentally electrocuted in Birmingham.

Alabama Power Warns of Scam

Tachana Johnson — Thu, 23 May 2013 13:39:00 EDT

Alabama Power is warning customers to beware of a scam using its name.

New towing and parking regulations in Birmingham catching some backlash

Larry Miller — Thu, 23 May 2013 00:01:00 EDT

Beginning in June, changes to regulations of parking and towing in the City of Birmingham will take affect.

Shelby Co. Sheriff's Office seeking information regarding missing 17-year-old girl

Ben Culpepper — Wed, 22 May 2013 23:58:00 EDT

Carrie Elizabeth Masters, 17, of Columbiana, was last seen Saturday, May 18 at approximately 1 a.m. when she left her home in a silver SUV with an unknown male.

Possible cuts for National Weather Service meteorologists

Sarah Snyder — Wed, 22 May 2013 22:06:00 EDT

Big cuts could hit agencies that issue storm warnings.

Shooting at Norwood Plaza apartments concerning residents

Sherrie Evans — Wed, 22 May 2013 21:43:00 EDT

Birmingham police are looking for a suspect who opened fire on a man sitting on his front porch. It happened across the street from Norwood Elementary.

Local firefighters undergo lifesaving training

Honora Gathings — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:24:00 EDT

Central Alabama firefighters were called to action Wednesday. Several departments worked together to help rescue people from collapsing buildings and holes. It was just a training exercise, but the obstacles weren't new.

Police: 2 Birmingham homicide victims linked to family drug distribution ring

Haley Westbrook — Wed, 22 May 2013 19:24:00 EDT

Hueytown police announced Wednesday the result of an investigation into a Jefferson County drug distribution ring connected to a single family.

Bulldogs outlast Missouri 2-1 in 17 innings

Jeff Wyatt — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:57:00 EDT

Mitch Slauter's two-out single scored Kyle Hann in the 17th inning, giving Mississippi State a 2-1 victory over Missouri Tuesday night in the opening round of the SEC baseball tournament.

Hope for shorter car tag lines?

Honora Gathings — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:25:00 EDT

One state representative says a bill awaiting the governor's signature could "significantly" reduce the line and wait time at revenue offices.

Heroin bust only the beginning

Edward Burch — Wed, 22 May 2013 18:10:00 EDT

Law enforcement leaders assure that they would bust the supply chain wide open. On Tuesday, they did just that.

Attorney General Luther Strange aims to protect Alabama seniors

Candace Sweat — Wed, 22 May 2013 17:59:00 EDT

As the weather warms so do the chances of your neighborhood being targeted by unscrupulous solicitors; people who pull out all the stops to make a quick sale. Sometimes they use scare tactics.

Refuel Ministries headed to Oklahoma

Bryant Somerville — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:52:00 EDT

Refuel Ministries is headed to Oklahoma, hoping to deliver meals and encouragement to tornado survivors.

Tax credit could benefit downtown Birmingham

Dave Baird — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:38:00 EDT

Economic development in downtown Birmingham is expected to get a boost from a new Historic Tax Credit that was passed by the Alabama legislature and signed by Governor Robert Bentley. The law will allow

Schools add storm shelters, OK tornadoes serve as reminder to Alabamians

Sarah Snyder — Wed, 22 May 2013 16:08:00 EDT

Oklahoma's devastating tornados brought back memories to the people who survived Alabama's 2011 storms.

29-year-old cystic fibrosis patient gets life-saving lung transplant thanks to $80 plastic helmet

Wed, 22 May 2013 15:37:00 EDT

Medical professionals at the University of Alabama at Birmingham took a new technology, added some ingenuity, inventiveness and a plastic helmet, and enabled a 29-year-old cystic fibrosis patient to get a life-saving lung transplant.

71 year old Sex Offender arrested on Outstanding Rape Warrant

Jeff Wyatt — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:29:00 EDT

A 71-year-old convicted sex offender was arrested Wednesday morning for violating the Sex Offender Notification and Registration Act, the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office reports.

Tim Tebow to speak at men's conference at BJCC in June

Tachana Johnson — Wed, 22 May 2013 15:12:00 EDT

The Gridiron Men's Conference is bringing thousands of men to Birmingham including former Heisman Trophy winner Tim Tebow.

Community forum focuses on Cooper Green concerns

Sherrie Evans — Wed, 22 May 2013 14:45:00 EDT

People continue to raise concerns over the changes at Cooper Green. Some say the new Cooper Green Indigent Health Care system isn't working. Ronnie Williams, Public Health Network President says "The

BSA voting on change to openly gay Scouts policy

Todd Dewey — Wed, 22 May 2013 09:05:00 EDT

At the conclusion of a two meeting in Texas, Boy Scouts of America leaders will vote on whether or not change will be made to the long standing ban on openly gay boys in the Scouts.

Salvation Army asking for help for Oklahoma

Pam Huff — Tue, 21 May 2013 11:26:00 EDT

Salvation Army gears up to help Oklahoma

Community Forum to Discuss the New Cooper Green Indigent Healthcare System

Michelle Howard — Tue, 21 May 2013 03:09:00 EDT

A community forum will be held Tuesday night to discuss the new Cooper Green Indigent Healthcare System.

Several drop spots set up for Oklahoma tornado survivors

Stephanie Irwin — Mon, 20 May 2013 23:55:00 EDT

Several drop spots set up to help Oklahoma tornado survivors.

Museum guard sentenced to prison for child pornography

Stephanie Wilson — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:19:00 EDT

A federal judge Monday sentenced a former museum security guard to more than eight years in prison for receiving and possessing child pornography.

Flood warning issued for Cahaba Heights area near Cahaba River

Ben Culpepper — Sat, 18 May 2013 19:25:00 EDT

The National Weather Service in Birmingham has issued a flood warning in Jefferson and Shelby Counties until late Sunday night due to rising waters in the Cahaba River.

68-year-old woman dies after car crashes into Star Lake in Hoover

Ben Culpepper — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:33:00 EDT

A 68-year-old woman has died after the vehicle she was driving Friday night crashed into Star Lake in Hoover.

Flash flood watch in effect for east Alabama until Sunday afternoon (Flooding photos, video)

Ben Culpepper — Sat, 18 May 2013 14:11:00 EDT

Heavy rains overnight an continued rainfall Saturday morning resulted in serious flash flooding across the eastern half of central Alabama. See photos and video of the flooding.

"Prom they never had"

Cory McGinnis — Sat, 18 May 2013 10:28:00 EDT

The Alumni of 10 former black high schools in Birmingham are making a journey back in time to prom.

Hoover Police Investigating Car Submerged in Lake

Laura Seel — Fri, 17 May 2013 23:58:00 EDT

Hoover Police are investigating a car that is submerged in Star Lake off of Deo Dara Drive.

Birmingham police investigating shooting death of 22-year-old man

Tachana Johnson — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:44:00 EDT

Birmingham police want to know who shot and killed 22-year-old man early Friday morning.

Dead body found in Bessemer

Stephanie Wilson — Fri, 17 May 2013 12:37:00 EDT

Bessemer Police are investigating the discovery of a dead body.

Vigil scheduled for teen killed in car accident

Ebony Hall — Fri, 17 May 2013 09:40:00 EDT

Today, Friday, May 17, 2013, at 5PM a candlelight vigil will be held in memory of 14-year-old Tytiwaan Vontrell Ard.

Birmingham Zoo Offers Military Free Days

Tachana Johnson — Thu, 16 May 2013 10:45:00 EDT

In honor of Memorial Day, all active and retired military and their dependents can receive free admission to the Zoo on Friday, May 24th through May 27th.

Tuscaloosa homes hit by tornado being demolished

Sat, 25 May 2013 13:45:00 EDT

Demolition has begun on some of the last buildings in Tuscaloosa slated to be torn down after being damaged by a massive tornado in April 2011.

Police: Ala. man shot dead after traffic collision

Sat, 25 May 2013 13:29:00 EDT

Police in Montgomery say they suspect car crash played a role in a fatal shooting that is the city's 26th homicide of the year.

Ohatchee man charged in 2009 Christmas slaying

Sat, 25 May 2013 12:29:00 EDT

Prosecutors have charged an Ohatchee man with capital murder in the 2009 slaying of a man whose body was found the day after Christmas.

Ala. man OK after train pushes his truck 500 feet

Sat, 25 May 2013 11:57:00 EDT

Police say an Alabama man suffered only scratches and bruises after a train crashed into his pickup truck and pushed it more than 500 feet along the tracks.

3 Fantasy 5 players win $76,438.04 top prize

Sat, 25 May 2013 09:57:00 EDT

Three winners of the "Fantasy 5" game will collect $76,438.04 each, the Florida Lottery said Saturday.

No ticket wins Mega Money game; next jackpot $1M

Sat, 25 May 2013 09:57:00 EDT

No tickets matched all four numbers plus the Mega Ball in the Mega Money game so the jackpot rolled over to $1 million, the Florida Lottery said Saturday.

Vicksburg-Warren school system seeks new leader

Sat, 25 May 2013 09:33:00 EDT

Members of the Vicksburg Warren School Board say it may be September before a new superintendent is hired.

Ala Gov. Bentley looks at options for state boards

Sat, 25 May 2013 09:25:00 EDT

An aide to Gov. Robert Bentley says the administration will continue to explore its options after lawmakers adjourned Monday without acting on 70 nominees to various state boards.

News Minute: Here is the latest Alabama news from The Associated Press

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:05:00 EDT

Authorities have charged a teen in the death of a man who was reported missing earlier this week in Selma. The Selma Times Journal reports 19-year-old Ronald Mitchell is charged with murder in the death of 22-year-old Micah...

This Hour: Latest Alabama news, sports, business and entertainment

Sat, 25 May 2013 05:05:00 EDT

A teen has been charged in the death of a man who was reported missing earlier this week in Selma.

Auburn leads SEC at NCAA Women's Golf Championships, finishes 6th

Sat, 25 May 2013 02:23:00 EDT

The Auburn women's golf team concluded its improbable run through the NCAA Championship Friday, carding a final-round 301 to finish the day in sixth place at 31-over 1183.

Crimson Tide softball falls to Vols in NCAA Super Regional series opener

Sat, 25 May 2013 02:09:00 EDT

Much like the regular season series against Tennessee, the Alabama softball team had its chances but fell by a single run, this time 3-2, in the first game of the Knoxville Super Regional.

New prostate cancer testing prevents unnecessary treatment

Candace Sweat — Sat, 25 May 2013 00:40:00 EDT

This month, The American Urological Association took a new position on prostate cancer screenings. Now the AUA wants men between 55 and 69 to be tested.

Alabama women's golf finishes 7th at NCAA Championships; USC cruises to title

Sat, 25 May 2013 00:30:00 EDT

The No. 2 Alabama women's golf team struggled to the finish in the final round of the NCAA Championships Friday in Athens, Ga.

Alabama joining investigation of recalled drug

Thomas Lower — Fri, 24 May 2013 22:18:00 EDT

Alabama joins investigation of recalled drug

SEC Baseball Tournament: Alabama blows late lead, eliminated by LSU

Fri, 24 May 2013 21:53:00 EDT

LSU rallied from a one-run deficit with two outs in the top of the ninth inning Friday to defeat Alabama, 3-2.