Birmingham Local News - ABC News Radio

Birmingham Named Tenth Laziest City in America

James Grebey — Mon, 20 May 2013 16:21:16 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Birmingham placed 91 out of 100 on Men’s Health’s list of the most and least active cities in America. In other words, Birmingham is one of the laziest cities in the nation.

The magazine looked at where and how often people exercise, the percentage of households that watch more than 15 hour of cable television a week and buy more than 11 video games a year, and the rate of deaths from congestion linked to lots of sitting and little activity.

Seattle, Wash. took the top spot. Lexington Ky., placed last on the list.

The magazine notes that it doesn’t doubt the work ethic of the lower-ranking cities like Birmingham, “it’s the workout ethic we question.”

Inmate Fatally Stabbed at State Prison in Bessemer

Anselm Gibbs — Mon, 20 May 2013 15:39:33 +0000

(BESSEMER, Ala.) -- The Alabama Department of Corrections is investigating the stabbing death of an inmate on Sunday.

The department said in published reports that inmate Anthony Jones was fatally stabbed during a fight with another inmate at the Donaldson Correctional Facility in Bessemer.

Authorities said inmate Albert James Evans has been held as a suspect in connection with the killing.

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Ensley Shooting Leaves One Hospitalized

Anselm Gibbs — Mon, 20 May 2013 13:31:17 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Police are investigating a shooting in Ensley on Sunday morning.

The shooting was reported shortly after 11 a.m. on the 6100 block of Court O. Police said in published reports that a man was shot and taken to UAB hospital with life-threatening injuries.

There were no immediate arrests.

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Man Arrested for Possession of Sawed-Off Shotgun

Louis Milman — Fri, 17 May 2013 15:45:27 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Police responding to a report of gunshots arrested a man who was found in possession of a sawed-off shotgun.

According to the Birmingham News, when sheriff's deputies arrived at the scene near the 100 block of Candy Mountain Road, a deputy saw a man place a suspicious object on the ground and run into an apartment.

After the deputy determined that the object was a gun, he placed the weapon in his patrol car. According to the News, when Evenuel Magwood, 35, exited the apartment, the deputy called for backup and detained Magwood and another man. Deputies then searched the apartment.

No additional suspects or weapons were located. The man was charged with possession of a short-barreled shotgun. The other man was not charged.

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Inmate Escapes from Etowah County Detention Center

Anselm Gibbs — Fri, 17 May 2013 14:02:31 +0000

(ETOWAH COUNTY, Ala.) -- The Etowah County Sheriff's Office is searching for an inmate who escaped from a detention center on Friday morning.

The sheriff's office said Justin Wade Hopkins, 30, escaped from the Etowah County Detention Center shortly after 4 a.m. and was last seen running toward Tuscaloosa Avenue. Hopkins is an inmate kitchen worker, who was being held on theft and burglary charges.

He's described as a Caucasian male, about six feet tall, weighing approximately 220 pounds, with brown hair and brown eyes.

Anyone with information on Hopkins' whereabouts is asked to contact the Etowah County Sheriff's Office at (256) 546-2825.

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Man Found Shot Dead in Car

Anselm Gibbs — Fri, 17 May 2013 10:52:35 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- Birmingham Police are investigating the murder of a man who was found dead early Friday morning.

Police say around 2:45 a.m. they responded to the 1200 block of Rayfield Drive on a report of a man found dead. At the scene, officers found a man sitting in his vehicle suffering from an apparent gunshot wound.

The victim, identified as 22-year-old Arthur Green, was pronounced dead at the scene.

There were no arrests.

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Elementary School Closed Due to Power Outage

Louis Milman — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:54:51 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- A Birmingham elementary school will close early on Thursday due to a power outage.

According to the Birmingham News, a traffic accident knocked down a power pole Thursday morning, causing Avondale Elementary School to lose electricity.

Parents who typically pick up their children are asked to do so as soon as possible. Buses will be running.

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Off-Duty Officer Suffers Minor Injuries in Motorcycle Crash

Anselm Gibbs — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:42:31 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- An off-duty Birmingham Police officer was injured in a motorcycle crash in Center Point on Thursday morning.

The crash was reported around 7:30 a.m. on the 5500 block of Tyler Loop Road. Authorities said in published reports that it appears that the officer was riding the motorcycle and lost control when the crash occurred.

The officer was taken to an area hospital for treatment to minor injuries.

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Birmingham Zoo Offers Military Families Free Admission Over Holiday

Anselm Gibbs — Thu, 16 May 2013 15:01:53 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- The Birmingham Zoo is offering free admission for military service members in honor of Memorial Day.

The zoo has announced that as it celebrates the Memorial Day weekend, all active, disabled and retired military personnel and their dependents, can enjoy free admission from May 24 through May 27.

Military personnel will be required to show their military identification to be eligible for the offer.

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City Council Approves Tougher Regulations for Nightclubs

Anselm Gibbs — Wed, 15 May 2013 15:55:08 +0000

(BIRMINGHAM, Ala.) -- The Birmingham City Council has voted in favor of tougher regulations for local nightclubs.

During a meeting on Tuesday, the city council approved an ordinance regulating nightclubs and other liquor-licensed establishments, in an effort to address safety issues, eliminate underage drinking and reduce noise disturbances and violence, a city council news release stated.

Businesses are now required to provide security plans, address underage drinking, and to maintain order in the establishment and on accessory premises where patrons park or congregate.

The ordinance was sponsored by Councilman Johnathan Austin, chairman of the Public Safety Committee. Austin first proposed the ordinance after a fatal dance floor stabbing at a night club on Morris Avenue in 2010.

"If you can't afford to have security officers, I can't afford to lose another life because of the lack of enforcement," Austin told The Birmingham News.