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Family believes victim found in burning car was their loved one

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- A emotional gathering for one family after a man's body was found afire in a burning car in Ensley about a week ago.

Jefferson County Coroner's office has not confirmed the identity, but the family of 28-year-old Titus Johnson knows it's him.

Johnson's mother fell to tears, standing on the exact spot where she believes her son was brutally murdered.

Renita Johnson, Titus' sister said, "I loved him we were close. I feel like he didn't deserve this."

Renita Johnson and her family say they know the body found in a burning car on Avenue N was their loved one, although the coroner has not positively identified the victim. The family says the car belongs to Titus' girlfriend. And his sisters say they haven't heard from him since May 7th, the day of the murder.

They've been calling him but his cell phone goes straight to voicemail.

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Bo Bikes Bama holds online silent auction

Bo Bikes Bama holds online silent auction

Bo Jackson's fundraising efforts for tornado relief didn't end when he crossed the finish line of a 300 mile charity ride in Tuscaloosa. An online silent auction that continues through 9 p.m. is raising more money for the Alabama Governor's Emergency Relief Fund.

Bo Jackson's five-day charity ride took him from north Alabama at Lake Guntersville State Park through other tornado-ravaged areas of the state, including Cullman, Jasper and Bessemer before ending in Tuscaloosa.

The Bo Bikes Bama campaign had a goal of raising $1 million and is currently more than halfway to that mark with $503,813. The online silent auction offers all five of Bo's custom-made TREK bikes, signed sports memorabilia, vacation packages, artwork and more. So far, the highest bid is around $800 for a Bo Bikes Bama jersey signed and worn by Lance Armstrong.

Jeffco hoping for relief on last day of session

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- Expect lots of news today from Montgomery. It is the final day of the regular legislative session and lawmakers must decide on the general budget and education budget.

Jefferson County has a lot riding on decisions lawmakers make or don't make today. With the last day of the session comes the final chance for Jefferson County commissioners to get a funding fix out of the state legislature.

The distressed counties bill will be in the Alabama House. It will allow the county to levy a new occupational tax or a sales tax to fill a $40-million hole. Many in the delegation oppose the plan without using some of the funds for Cooper Green Mercy Hospital from the indigent care fund. Some newly revealed financial problems may make lawmaker's approval of any additional funds for the county more uncertain.

Vanilla Fudge guitarist to headline benefit concert for homeless veterans group

Vanilla Fudge guitarist to headline benefit concert for homeless veterans group

Vinny Martell, guitarist for the 60s rock band Vanilla Fudge, will headline a concert to benefit the Birmingham homeless vets group Three Hots and a Cot.

The concert is Friday, May 18 at WorkPlay. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the concert starts at 8 p.m. Tickets are $20 and attendees can also purchase "sponsor tables" which includes a table for four and a meet and greet with Martell.

For more information about the concert, visit workplay.com or call JD Simpson with Three Hots and a Cot at 205-202-5124.

Three Hots and a Cot not only provides shelter and meals to the estimated 800 homeless vets in Birmingham, but also works with other local organizations to identify and help vets in danger of becoming homeless. Visit cotsforvets.org to learn more about the group and how you can help.

 

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Birmingham mayor releases proposed budget for 2012-2013

BIRMINGHAM, AL (WBRC)- Birmingham will have its first budget, without any debt in it since the recession began, if Mayor Bell's recommendations are put into action for the next fiscal year.

Bell's budget blueprint released today calls for spending $365 million and using no money from loans or the city's reserve funds.

There are four focus areas in the budget: jobs, building neighborhoods, public safety and efficient government.

The mayor says part of the more than $300 million dollars should be used to open four new recreation facilities in the Oxmoor area, eastern area, Fountain Heights and Brownsville Heights.

The mayor also proposes reinstating the five percent merit raises for city employees. He says it's time to reward employees who have gone without.

Jeffco to hold April 27th recovery meetings

JEFFERSON COUNTY, AL (WBRC)- Jefferson County will hold the first in a series of community meetings related to the April 27th tornadoes. They will focus on disaster relief funds and who is eligible for that funding.

The county has nearly $8-million in disaster relief money and is in the process of making sure the money gets in the right places.

Tonight's meetings begin at 6 p.m. One is at Concord Elementary School; the other is at Warrior City Hall.

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