Heads and tales: City of angels
By Wade KwonStillborn: The state closed a Southside abortion clinic today because of allegations that a staffer administered RU-486 to a patient without a doctor present. A Summit Medical Center staffer allegedly told the unidentified patient, who sought treatment Feb. 20, that she was six weeks pregnant after an ultrasound. She received abortion-inducing RU-486 and other medications, but delivered a 6-pound “nearly full-term” stilborn infant in an emergency room six days later. The clinic’s license has been suspended and may be revoked; a hearing is set for June 20. Summit is one of seven clinics in the national chain based in Bridgeport, Conn.
• State closes Birmingham abortion clinic after investigation [Associated Press]
Soul survivor: Birmingham has landed its fourth homegrown singer in the “American Idol” finals. Hoover’s Taylor Hicks and Los Angeles native Katharine McPhee advanced Wednesday night, after Elliott Yamin was sent home in a statistical dead heat among the three. Hicks, 29, follows in the footsteps of Ruben Studdard, Diana DeGarmo and Bo Bice in the reality TV competition. At 7 p.m. Tuesday, Hicks and McPhee will each sing three songs live on Fox; the results will be announced live during the two-hour season finale at 7 p.m. Wednesday. Hicks has won viewers’ votes during the season with his soulful renditions of pop and R&B hits, his attempts at dancing onstage and his trademark gray hair. Look for more coverage leading up to the season finale on Wade on Birmingham.
Big difference: More than 40 Jess Lanier High students have completed training to become Big Brothers and Sisters for Bessemer elementary students starting this fall. The program pairs volunteers to serve as mentors and role models to children in the Birmingham area. I know, because I serve on the organization’s Young Advisory Board. If you want to make a difference, contact Big Brothers Big Sisters today or give something to aid this worthy group.
• ‘Bigs’ return for ‘Littles’ to look up to [Birmingham News]
Get downtown: Two cultural events debut tonight in downtown Birmingham. The City Equity Theatre Company presents “American Buffalo” at the new Playhouse at 1818 Third Ave. N. The David Mamet play features three petty criminals planning to steal supposedly priceless coins. It starts at 8, and runs Thursdays through Sundays until June 4. Suggested donation is $15. Also kicking off tonight is Movies by Moonlight Downtown, a monthly free movie in Linn Park. The event starts at 5:30 p.m., with music by the Spots at 6 and the feature "Ferris Bueller’s Day Off" starting at sunset (appoximately 7:43). Food and drink available on site. The series runs through October.
• City Equity Theatre
Also:
- Fraud trial swears to tell the truth, the whole truth, nothing but the truth
- Super sewer actually has no remarkable powers
- Undocumented dogs, cats prepare daylong rally for Saturday
• • •
Send us your news tips.
