Ivey Extends Face Mask Order Through Oct. 2
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey has extended her public health order, including a statewide requirement for most residents to wear face masks in public to help prevent the spread of COVID-19, through October 2. The order was scheduled to expire Monday.
“We all want to get back to normal and the way to do that means wearing a mask,” Ivey said.
The mask mandate went into effect in mid-July and has been extended once. The number of new coronavirus cases in Alabama and hospitalizations have been on a downward track in recent weeks with public health officials saying the mask order likely contributed to that drop. They’re still concerned progress may be reversed as many schools have reopened with at least some in-person instruction and college students returned to campuses sparking a rise in COVID-19 cases. There’s also concern about the upcoming Labor Day holiday as some people may socialize in close quarters, potentially spreading the virus. Cases spiked in Alabama following the Memorial Day and Independence Day holidays.
“Labor Day has the opportunity to cause a lot of spread if people aren’t careful,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. “We want people to pay attention and do the right thing.”
The mask order requires most adults and children second grade and above who are within six feet of others outside their households to wear masks. The measure applies to universities and schools. The public health order maintains restrictions on retailers to 50% capacity. Restaurants and bars can open with limited seating.
The United Auto Workers faces a key test in the South with upcoming vote at Alabama Mercedes plant
The United Auto Workers is aiming for a key victory at Mercedes-Benz in Alabama. More than 5,000 workers at the facility in Vance and nearby battery plant will vote this week on whether to join the UAW.
Gambling, ethics bills fall short as legislative session ends
Alabama lawmakers closed the books on this year’s regular legislative session Thursday. While Republican leaders passed many of their priority bills, perhaps the most talked about issue – gambling – died.
A look at what passed and failed in the 2024 legislative session
Alabama lawmakers have ended a 2024 legislative session that saw the Republican majority win approval for a number of their top priorities.
Q&A: Bobby Carter on leading Tiny Desk, his time at Jackson State, early career advice
Carter, a Jackson State alumnus, took over as the new series host and producer for NPR’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” series in April.
Alabama to begin working with a consulting company that’s under criminal investigation
McKinsey & Company, an international consulting business, will help the state of Alabama develop a new strategic economic growth plan. The company is undertaking that project, while also dealing with a probe into whether it engaged in a criminal conspiracy.
‘Stupidity of politics’: Medicaid expansion effort dies in Mississippi
Mississippi lawmakers couldn’t come together to pass a bill that could have expanded Medicaid for thousands of residents.
