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.
U.S.-Israeli strikes in Iran continue into 2nd day, as the region faces turmoil
Israel said on Sunday it had launched more attacks on Iran, while the Iranian government continued strikes on Israel and on U.S. targets in Gulf states, Iraq and Jordan.
Trump warns Iran not to retaliate after Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed
The Iranian government has announced 40 days of mourning. The country's supreme leader was killed following an attack launched by the U.S. and Israel on Saturday against Iran.
Iran fires missiles at Israel and Gulf states after U.S.-Israeli strike kills Khamenei
Iran fired missiles at targets in Israel and Gulf Arab states Sunday after vowing massive retaliation for the killing of Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei by the United States and Israel.
House Dem. Leader Jeffries responds to air strikes on Iran by U.S. and Israel
NPR's Emily Kwong speaks to House Minority Leader Hakeem Jeffries (D-NY), who is still calling for a vote on a war powers resolution following a wave of U.S.- and Israel-led airstrikes on Iran.
Iran’s Ayatollah Ali Khamenei is killed in Israeli strike, ending 36-year iron rule
Khamenei, the Islamic Republic's second supreme leader, has been killed. He had held power since 1989, guiding Iran through difficult times — and overseeing the violent suppression of dissent.
Found: The 19th century silent film that first captured a robot attack
A newly rediscovered 1897 short by famed French filmmaker Georges Méliès is being hailed as the first-ever depiction of a robot in cinema.
