Friday, May 17 2013 11:17 PM EDT2013-05-18 03:17:33 GMT
An inmate is on the loose in Etowah County. The Sheriff's department says an inmate kitchen worker escaped the Etowah County Detention Center (ECDC) Friday morning. Justin Wade Hopkins, 30, escaped fromMore >>
The Etowah County Sheriff's Office says an inmate kitchen worker escaped the Etowah County Detention Center Friday morning. More >>
Don't want to spend time choosing the perfect gift this year? Giving a gift card is a convenient option. But it's always important to remember that not all gift cards are created equal.
The good news is there are more consumer protections in place for gift cards. But there are still some pitfalls to watch out for. Thanks to the new Credit Card Act:
Gift cards can't expire for at least five years from the date of purchase.
If there are any fees, they have to be printed on the card or its packaging.
So read the fine print for details about how and where the cards can be redeemed, any fees, and the retailer's policy on replacing lost or stolen cards.
While the new rules add to gift cards' appeal, a Consumer Reports survey found that many people still never get around to spending their gift cards. Their advice? If you can't decide what to buy, give cash or a check rather than a gift card. Cash never expires or loses it value and it's good anywhere. And if your check is never cashed, the money stays in your bank account.
ScripSmart has a list of which gift cards to avoid. Check it out here.
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:33 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:33:39 GMT
The Pisgah softball team rolled to its eighth state championship after taking down Winfield in Class 3A and Hayden grabbed its first Class 5A title in the AHSAA Tournament Saturday at Montgomery's LagoonMore >>
The Pisgah softball team rolled to its eighth state championship after taking down Winfield in Class 3A and Hayden grabbed its first Class 5A title in the AHSAA Tournament Saturday.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 11:14 PM EDT2013-05-19 03:14:17 GMT
The Pelham High School baseball team swept Hewitt-Trussville 2-0 to win the AHSAA Class 6A state championship Saturday in Montgomery.The Panthers (28-13) claimed the school's first state baseball titleMore >>
The Pelham High School baseball team swept Hewitt-Trussville 2-0 to win the AHSAA Class 6A state championship Saturday in Montgomery.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:53 PM EDT2013-05-19 00:53:15 GMT
One person is dead Saturday after a police chase ended with a head-on collision in Tuscaloosa.According to the Tuscaloosa Police Department, the male suspect fleeing from officers died in the two-vehicleMore >>
One person is dead Saturday after a police chase ended with a head-on collision in Tuscaloosa.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 8:33 PM EDT2013-05-19 00:33:05 GMT
By JOHN ZENORAP Sports Writer BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (AP) - Nick Saban's scowling face now greets fans coming into the state of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and a box of his cherished oatmeal cream pies restsMore >>
Nick Saban's scowling face now greets fans coming into the state of Alabama Sports Hall of Fame and a box of his cherished oatmeal cream pies rests at his feet.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 7:25 PM EDT2013-05-18 23:25:44 GMT
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.The upper Cahaba River drainage basinMore >>
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.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:43 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:43:37 GMT
Escambia County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a missing 7-year-old autistic boy who was last seen Friday afternoon on Perdido Key Drive in the vicinity of the Needle Rush condos. Owen Black wasMore >>
Escambia County Sheriff's deputies are searching for a missing 7-year-old autistic boy who was last seen Friday afternoon on Perdido Key Drive in the vicinity of the Needle Rush condos.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:33 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:33:41 GMT
The Hatton High School softball team won its fourth straight Class 2A state title Friday while Haleyville captured its second straight title in Class 4A. The Sparkman girls capped off an undefeated seasonMore >>
Haleyville captured its second straight title in Class 4A while the Sparkman girls capped off an undefeated season by winning the Class 6A crown in the AHSAA state softball championships at Lagoon Park in Montgomery.More >>
Saturday, May 18 2013 6:17 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:17:05 GMT
The Hartselle High School baseball team staged an exciting comeback in the final two innings to overcome Spanish Fort and win the Class 5A state baseball championship Saturday at Montgomery's RiverwalkMore >>
Hartselle staged an exciting comeback in the final two innings to overcome Spanish Fort and win the Class 5A state baseball championship Saturday in Montgomery. More >>