Water Rate Increase, New Phone Scam: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Most of the stories that made headlines on Patch this past week were of local significance, but there were a couple of stories that made national news as well.

A Hoover woman who left the U.S. to join ISIS in Syria was denied re-entry to the country by a federal judge who dismissed her family's lawsuit requesting her return to Alabama.

As well, an accused drug kingpin and his crew were indicted this past week, which included charges against more than a dozen suspects.

Here are some of the stories that made headlines on Patch during the week of Nov. 10-16:

New Phone Scam Reported In Alabama

The Better Business Bureau of Alabama is warning people about a growing phone scam that targets victims' bank accounts via a fraudulent text message.

Ice Rink At Railroad Park Adds 100-Foot Ice Slide This Year

For the fourth winter now, Railroad Park will be home to Birmingham's only outdoor ice skating rink as the Brrrmingham Winter Adventure in Railroad Park returns Nov. 22. This year, a new element has been added to the attraction.

Alabama Woman Who Joined ISIS Not U.S. Citizen: Judge

An Alabama native who joined ISIS will not be granted a return to her home state. A federal judge dismissed a lawsuit brought by the family of Hoda Muthana, filed in an effort to get Muthana admitted back into the U.S.

Water Works May Raise Rates Again

The Birmingham Water Works Board is proposing a 3.9 percent rate increase, but Birmingham residents are not happy with the increase in light of mismanagement of funds by the BWWB.

Accused Jefferson County Drug Kingpin And Crew Indicted

Federal and local law enforcement arrested 14 defendants indicted in November as part of a multi-million dollar continuing criminal enterprise and conspiracy to distribute heroin, fentanyl, cocaine, methamphetamine, and marijuana, mainly within western Jefferson County.