Government
Pandemic Complicates Preparations for Hurricane Season
Hurricane season in the Deep South is nothing new. But hurricane season with a pandemic? That is different.
Alabama Utility Commission To Consider Ban on Recording Meetings
Alabama’s Public Service Commission is considering new rules that restrict recording formal hearings. Critics say the “Media Coverage Plan” goes too far and limits transparency of the agency.
Face Covering Law in Birmingham Extended Through Next Week; Curfew Lifted
Birmingham’s public safety curfew is no longer in effect, but the ordinance requiring masks or face coverings to be worn in public has been extended for another week.
Alabama Reopening Restaurants, Bars With Limits On Monday
Alabama’s dine-in restaurants, bars, salons and gyms will be allowed to reopen next week.
Alabama General Fund Budget Heads To Governor
Alabama lawmakers passed the General Fund budget Thursday. It now heads to Gov. Kay Ivey.
Jeffco Commission Goes Behind Closed Doors Over Stimulus Money
The Jefferson County Commission received guidance this week on their legal use of federal stimulus money because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Some Sheriffs Say They Won’t Enforce Alabama’s Coronavirus Order
Alabama has allowed many retailers to reopen at limited capacity, but businesses such as gyms, nail salons and barbershops remain closed to slow the spread of the coronavirus. Some sheriffs said they won’t enforce the statewide order.
City Council Places May 15 Deadline On Birmingham’s Mask, Public Safety Ordinances
Birmingham has placed a May 15 deadline on its mask and public safety ordinances, bringing them in line with Gov. Kay Ivey’s safer-at-home order.
Birmingham Mayor Announces Nightly Curfew, Defends Mask Ordinance
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin is defending two new city ordinances tightening restrictions around COVID-19. Beginning Friday, residents will be under a nightly curfew from 10 p.m. to 5 a.m. and they must wear face coverings in public.
Alabama Lawmakers Return To Pass Budgets After Extended Coronavirus Break
Alabama lawmakers return to Montgomery Monday after an extended break because of the coronavirus pandemic. Republicans want to pass the budgets quickly. Democrats want to wait.
Jefferson County Reopening Courthouses Friday, With Some Restrictions
Jefferson County will reopen its courthouses and county facilities on Friday.
Retailers And Beaches Allowed Conditional Reopening As Ivey Eases Stay-At-Home Order
Gov. Kay Ivey says retailers and public beaches can reopen under certain conditions as she relaxes a stay-at-home order issued to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Birmingham Requires Face Masks in Public Starting Friday
Birmingham residents will be legally required to wear face masks in public starting May 1.
Ivey: Alabama Needs More Testing Before Reopening
Gov. Kay Ivey says the state needs an increase in COVID-19 testing before she reopens the state's economy.
Birmingham Mayor Undecided On When To Reopen City Economy
Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin updated residents on the city's fight against COVID-19.
Frustration And Anxiety While Waiting for Unemployment Benefits To Arrive
More than 285,000 Alabamians have filed for unemployment benefits in the last month as the coronavirus outbreak has forced layoffs and furloughs. Many applicants have yet to receive any money.
Birmingham Commits Another $1 Million To Temporary Worker Program
In an abnormally short, 13-minute meeting on Tuesday, the Birmingham City Council voted to allocate more funds to the city’s fight against COVID-19.
Parole Hearings Will Resume With “Reduced Person-To-Person Interaction”
The Alabama Bureau of Pardons and Paroles will resume parole hearings May 18 after stopping them last month in response to COVID-19. Advocates say the state should expedite the parole process to protect inmates and alleviate prison overcrowding.
Alabama Labor Department Urges Patience For Unemployment Claims
Alabama has seen a record number of unemployment claims because of the coronavirus. The state Department of Labor is trying to keep up.
Getting Government Services During Pandemic Requires Patience, Persistence
Alabama residents who need to renew their driver’s license during the coronavirus shutdown will have to do it online.
Gov. Ivey Issues Statewide Stay-At-Home Order Effective April 4
Gov. Kay Ivey issued a statewide stay-at-home order Friday after mounting pressure by state and local leaders.
Birmingham Extends Shelter-In-Place Order Through April
“People need to remember that people are dying, that this has the potential to continue to spread,” Birmingham Mayor Randall Woodfin says. “If you can’t take this serious[ly] and police yourself, then we will gladly assist and help you.”
Doug Jones: Alabama ‘Critically Unprepared’ For COVID-19
Democratic U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says Alabama is an "unhealthy" state with a high-risk population. He says officials should implement strict measures to fight the spread of COVID-19.
Jefferson County Commission Sets Up $1 Million Virus Fund, Extends County Closings Through April
The Jefferson County Commission used its second emergency meeting of the COVID-19 pandemic to extend the closure of county facilities until April 30 and set up a $1 million COVID-19 fund to handle needs as they arise.
Advocates Call For COVID-19 Resources In Spanish, Other Languages
Local advocacy groups say non-English speaking immigrants are an especially vulnerable group during this crisis, and not enough is being done to help them.
Lawyers: Set Parole Hearings, Prevent Virus Spread In Alabama’s Crowded Prisons
A group of law school faculty members and former prosecutors has written Gov. Kay Ivey urging her to have the state Board of Pardons and Paroles hold expedited hearings to reduce the risk of COVID-19 to Alabama’s prison population.
Making Sense Of Alabama’s Coronavirus Numbers
Alabama's coronavirus numbers don't always seem to line up. What's going on?
Alabama Orders Nonessential Businesses Closed Due To Coronavirus
The Alabama Department of Public Health has ordered nonessential businesses closed in an effort to slow the spread of the coronavirus.
Birmingham Under Shelter-In-Place Order
A new shelter-in-place order puts restrictions on where you can go outside your home.
COVID-19 Repercussions Will Strain Next Fiscal Year’s State Budget
The state budget is sure to take a hit next year. Lawmakers say it's too early to tell how big it will be.
Doug Jones: ‘We Don’t Want To Overrun This System.’
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones says everyone has to do their part to fight the spread of the coronavirus. Congress is working on relief packages to support the medical community and address the economic fallout.
Alabama Lawmakers Approve $5 Million For Coronavirus Response
Coronavirus grabbed the attention of state lawmakers this week. And bills related to the prison system and medical marijuana advanced.
