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Alabama Power warns customers of bill scam

Alabama Power warns customers of bill scam

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Alabama Power is warning customers about a phone scam.

Officials say someone is calling customers, telling them their power will be shut off at a certain time if they don't pay. The customers are told to go an buy a reloadable debit card and are given a deadline to pay. When the customer buys the card and calls back with the information, the card is quickly emptied.

Alabama Power officials say, unfortunately, some people have already been duped.

"The thing we want to remind our customers is: that's not the way we do business. If you have every have any question...hang up the phone and call [the utility company]," Ike Pigott said.

If you have questions about your power bill or you've received a scam call like this you are encouraged to call Alabama Power at 1-800-245-2244. Read more about avoiding scams on the Alabama Power news page.

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JeffCo hopes new bill will cut wait in car tag line

Source: WBRC

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- Jefferson County did not get a lot of help from the recently completed legislative session. But, one bill may help shorten some of the long lines for those trying to renew car tags or to do other county business.

Alabama Revenue officials believe House Bill 215 by Homewood Rep. Paul DeMarco will cut the tag lines. In the past, if there is joint ownership of a vehicle, two identifications had to be presented to register that vehicle. DeMarco said that will change immediately under the bill to help cut down on waiting time. Another provision will allow for people to purchase specialty tags online. This change will start the first of next year.

"This is something they said would have an impact on the lines by streamlining some of the process. Reducing some of the paper work. So this will hopefully bring some relief," DeMarco said.

Taxpayers waiting in line are hoping for any relief.

Authorities charge 9 in Birmingham narcotics trafficking ring

Abe "Cuz" Johnson is wanted on drug trafficking charges. Source: FBI

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- The FBI confirms eight arrests in a large-scale narcotics trafficking investigation.

Agents allege that the men involved in the trafficking ring brought about $5 million worth of heroin and cocaine to the Birmingham area within the last year.

By December 2012, Jefferson County authorities told FOX6 News Anchor Beth Shelburne that at least 44 deaths were the cause of a heroin overdose.

The eight men arrested have been charged with conspiracy to distribute or drug distribution-related charges. They are:

Fire chief: Trinity's move means a shorter transport for many

After Friday's ruling, Trinity can move forward with construction at the 280 digital hospital location. Source: WBRC video

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Folks are still talking about Trinity Hospital finally getting the "all clear" to move to Highway 280.

Birmingham's fire chief Ivor Brooks said he's excited that Trinity is making this move because it will mean a shorter distance to transport some patients, and that could save lives.

Birmingham's fire department already has a fire station almost directly across 280 from the hospital site and transports patients who live along the U.S. 280 corridor.

Chief Brooks said Monday afternoon that his department will still be able to get patients in Trinity's current neighborhood to care at other hospitals just as fast. He added that when this move to 280 is complete, it will shorten the time it takes to get a whole new area of patients into critical care.

Wells Fargo announces heavy support in Civil Rights anniversary

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Wells Fargo announces plans to support a wide variety of programs and events as part of Birmingham's 50th Anniversary of the Civil Rights Movement. They plan to help seven specific groups this year as part of the city's "50 Years Forward" effort.

Representatives from the different organizations were at the press conference this morning. Some of their plans this year include providing college scholarships through the 16th Street Baptist Church Foundation, sponsoring the re-print of the A.G. Gaston book "Green Power," supporting educational programs at the Birmingham Civil Rights Institute and sponsoring Juneteenth Culture Fest at the BCRI on June 1st.

Hwy 280 improvement project begins May 19

Traffic stopped on Highway 280. Source: WBRC video

The time has come for work to begin on the Highway 280 improvement project.

ALDOT
will begin work on the $15.6 million project Sunday, May 19 at 7 p.m.
The project covers the highway from the Hollywood Boulevard Overpass in
Mountain Brook to Hugh Daniel Drive in Shelby County.

ALDOT says
that various lanes on both sides of the highway will be closed between 7
p.m. and 6 a.m. each day. Contractors will be milling and temporarily
re-striping for lane shifts, excavating, relocating drainage and
resurfacing the roadway.

ALDOT has made several changes to the original plans after receiving feedback from the community. The eastbound turn signal will stay at the Cherokee Road intersection, for example.

Trinity Hospital wins battle in move to Highway 280

After Friday's ruling, Trinity can move forward with construction at the 280 location. Source: WBRC video

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- The long fight over Trinity Hospital moving to Highway 280 is settled.

Friday, the Alabama Supreme Court ruled in favor of Trinity after a four-year legal battle. Justices denied requests by Brookwood Medical Center and St. Vincent's Hospital to consider further arguments against Trinity's relocation.

This "unappealable" ruling affirms a November 2012 ruling by the Alabama Court of Civil Appeals. Brookwood and St. Vincent's have long contested the Certificate of Need required by Trinity to move. They have also argued that the relocation will hurt them financially.

Trinity Medical Center President and Chief Executive Officer Keith Granger released this statement: