Heads and tales: Death be not loud

Criminally hip: Birmingham is often accused of being behind other cities in trends. Take heart, citizens: The latest FBI stats show the crime rate in 2005 increased significantly in Birmingham and other major cities. Murder here jumped 79 percent, while only increasing 44 percent in Charlotte, N.C., 42 percent in Kansas City, Mo., and 38 percent in Cleveland. The rate dropped in Detroit, Los Angeles and New York.
• Violent Crime on Rise in Big U.S. Cities [Associated Press]

Singles out: American Idol and Birmingham native Taylor Hicks has his debut single out, “Do I Make You Proud,” with “Takin’ It to the Streets” included. A portion of the proceeds benefits the American Red Cross. If coronation pop songs aren’t your thing, may we recommend a ballad for Katrina relief?
• American Red Cross to Benefit From Sale of New American Idol Taylor Hicks’ Single ‘Do I Make You Proud’ [press release]

Stages unplugged: Birmingham Weekly has its official guide to City Stages 2006 out on newsstands today. You’ll have to run out and pick up a copy, because it ain’t available online yet.
• City Stages 2006 issue [Birmingham Weekly]

Also:

• Allergies arrive late to area, fail to show remorse
• Courts clogged with indicted officials awaiting or attending trials
• Baptists battle for who will lead them back into wilderness

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Posted: Tuesday, June 13, 2006, 7:23 pm, in Headlines.
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