Government
Crews Remove 115-Year-Old Birmingham Confederate Monument
Workers removed most of a Confederate monument that became the center of Birmingham protests over the death of George Floyd at the hands of police.
Birmingham Mayor Issues Citywide Curfew Due To ‘Civil Unrest’
Birmingham city residents are under a new nightly curfew from 7 p.m. to 6 a.m. Mayor Randall Woodfin announced the order and declared a state of emergency Monday morning in response to violence that erupted Sunday evening.
Birmingham’s Civil Rights History Front And Center At Rally For George Floyd
Speakers at a rally in downtown Birmingham referenced the city's history of nonviolent protest as they responded to the death of George Floyd, who died after being arrested by police in Minneapolis Monday.
Two More Weeks Of Face Coverings Required, Birmingham Council Says
The Birmingham City Council has extended the city’s face covering ordinance for two more weeks.
Birmingham City Council To Consider Extending Face Covering Requirement
The Birmingham City Council will vote Friday on whether to extend the city's face covering ordinance.
Alabama’s Absentee Ballot Rules Draw Increased Scrutiny Amid Pandemic
Criticisms of Alabama’s absentee ballot requirements are intensifying. Legal challenges to the law call for greater accessibility, especially to the state's most vulnerable populations -- black residents, the elderly and those with disabilities.
Birmingham Will Allow Mask Rule To Expire Friday
Birmingham will allow its face covering ordinance to expire Friday, May 29.
Jefferson County Commission Considers Higher Rent For Polling Places
Polling places in Jefferson County could be in line to receive more money to host elections, according to a new report.
Alabama Reopening Continues Amid Shaky Coronavirus Progress
Alabama's safer-at-home order was extended Thursday until early July. This comes as the state's coronavirus cases continue to rise.
Families & Advocates Want More Data On COVID19 In Alabama Nursing Homes
More than half of Alabama's nursing homes have reported coronavirus cases. But families and advocates say they don’t have a clear picture of what’s happening inside these places because state health officials don’t disclose information on individual facilities.
Jefferson County Commission Considers More COVID-19 Relief For Businesses
The Jefferson County Commission is considering a resolution that would seek up to $1.15 million in supplemental funds for the county’s revolving loan fund grant from the state’s Economic Development Administration.
Birmingham Extends Face-Covering Requirement Through May 29
The Birmingham City Council issued another extension to its face covering ordinance. It's now set to expire on May 29.
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.
