Abortion Bill Sparks Protest; Parkside Projects: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL - All eyes were on Alabama this past week as the legislature passed one of the most restrictive abortion bills in the country, a bill signed into law by Gov. Kay Ivey Wednesday. The bill is expected to be challenged in court by the American Civil Liberties Union.

In the Birmingham metro, an explosion caused a home in Mountain Brook to become engulfed in flames, and some major development projects were announced near Birmingham's Railroad Park.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines on Patch during the past week:

Alabama Abortion Bill Passes Senate With No Exceptions

The Alabama Senate debated for more than four hours over a bill that would make abortion a felony in Alabama, even in the case of rape or incest.

New Developments Slated For Birmingham's Parkside District

Two major projects were announced during the week for Birmingham's Parkside district, continuing a trend of growth for the area surrounding Railroad Park. The district has become a hotbed since the park's opening in 2010.

Explosion Causes Massive Fire At Mountain Brook Home

The Mountain Brook Fire Department responded to a fire at 3241 East Briarcliff Road Thursday afternoon, where a reported explosion in the home caused the house to become engulfed in flames.

Video Of Jefferson County 'Porch Pirate' Leads To Arrest

After a series of thefts from the yards and porches of Jefferson County residents, a suspect known as the "Porch Pirate" has been arrested by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office. Video footage of one of the thefts helped law enforcement capture 34-year-old Amanda Nicole Ramos.

5 Alabama Colleges Will Not Raise Tuition This Year

An announcement by Jacksonville State University that the school will not raise tuition costs for the coming school year added JSU to the list of state schools that have opted for a tuition freeze for the 2019-2020 school year.