"Now can you explain the MS/Memphis thing to me? (o: I am sure there is an explanation but I can't grasp it right now."
Just in case no one explained this yet, the best route to Birmingham from Arkansas would be through Memphis. Coming out of Memphis you would take Highway 78 which will take you Southeast for a while into Mississippi and then due east to Alabama. Given what BHT said on Greta last night she would have received the call somewhere around Olive Branch, MS headed toward Tupelo.
Hope that helps.
Thanks to all for the route info. I must have been temporarily stupid last night. I live in KY and and was looking at a map and trying to get to KY from Arkansas, not Al. So I had Beth in TN. when she stopped for the state trooper. Sorry. I am all better today!