THE BIRMINGHAM NEWS

The latest news, sports, entertainment and more from Birmingham and surrounding areas

The Fairfield City Council approved a 1 percent occupational tax on Thursday night, giving Mayor Kenneth Coachman some breathing room in a financially troubled environment.

The U.S. Justice Department is still not convinced that Calera's new voting districts are fair to minorities.

Another shot of cold air is headed for the Birmingham metro area. Friday is shaping up as the coldest day so far this season as highs are not expected to reach 50 across the area, according to the National Weather Service.

About 200 volunteers combed areas of southwest Birmingham in a search today for missing Homewood resident Nadia Kersh.

Traffic is once again flowing north on Interstate 65 in Shelby County following the spill of 1,000 pounds of chicken parts, State Troopers said.

A Jefferson County jury in the Bessemer courthouse today found a Brighton man guilty of intentional murder in the 2007 fatal shooting of a man outside a Brighton nightclub.

Gov. Bob Riley responded today to a union chief's criticism of Alabama's incentives for automakers, saying "great workers making great products is a proven recipe for success...and it doesn't require a bailout."

Harbert Management Corp.'s Will Brooke was elected second vice chairman of the Business Council of Alabama's board at the group's annual meeting last week.

The Fairfield City Council is expected to pass a city occupation tax at a special called meeting tonight.

T-Mobile said today it has expanded its next-generation wireless network, with the launch of 3G service in Birmingham. The move is a $31 million investment and part of a rollout of the network in targeted major markets.

The 3G network supports voice and data services consistent with available service and handset offerings. The T-Mobile G1 phone will soon be available in Birmingham-area T-Mobile retail stores.

A water main break at Chelsea Park Elementary today has led to an early dismissal of school.