News

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 Brewery Bounces Back After Coronavirus Slows Sales

We checked back in with a Birmingham brewery owner who wasn’t sure in mid-March whether his business would survive the pandemic.

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.

Jefferson County Encourages More Coronavirus Testing As Cases Jump Statewide

The number of new coronavirus cases is rising in Alabama. Meanwhile, Jefferson County’s Health Department says some asymptomatic people should get checked.

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.

Amid Statewide Reopening, Jefferson County Keeps Entertainment Venues Closed

Entertainment venues across Alabama reopened Friday, but not in the state’s most populous county.

How To Handle A Summer With COVID-19

The Memorial Day weekend is here, but the coronavirus hasn't gone away. What to consider when thinking about the summer ahead.

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.

Beef, Poultry Farm Operations Hit By Coronavirus, But Peaches Are On Their Way

Pricing and processing delays caused by the coronavirus pandemic have made a direct hit on the Alabama cattle and poultry industries.

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.

Birmingham Health Care Worker Who Caught Virus ‘Had A Feeling That Things Weren’t Normal’

One healthcare worker in Birmingham talks about her experience battling COVID-19.

Legislature Approves Ivey Plan For COVID Relief Cash

Alabama lawmakers have agreed to give Gov. Kay Ivey a large amount of control over the state’s $1.8 billion in coronavirus relief funds.

Traditional Graduation Ceremonies Back On At Some High Schools

Hoover City Schools announced it will move forward with in-person graduation ceremonies this week, and they’re not alone. Parents are divided on the issue.

Pandemic Complicates Preparations for Hurricane Season

Hurricane season in the Deep South is nothing new. But hurricane season with a pandemic? That is different.

Pepper Place Farmers Market Becomes A Drive-thru For The Pandemic

The crowds of the Market at Pepper Place have given way to a line of cars for safety's sake during the pandemic.

Local Group Effort Seeks to Overcome Barriers of Legal Status, Language to Offer COVID-19 Testing

Several organizations have come together to devise a unified strategy to reach Latino and other non-English-speaking residents of Jefferson County with COVID-19 information and support.

Some Restaurants Continue Curbside Service Despite Relaxed Restrictions

Gov. Kay Ivey’s updated “safer-at-home” order puts most of the hospitality industry back to work. Some business owners were quick to open their doors, but others are sticking with curbside service only.

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.

Businesses Eagerly Reopen As Others Take A Phased Approach

On the first day many businesses were allowed to reopen since the pandemic, not all opted to jump back in.

As State Loosens Restrictions, Health Experts Worry About COVID-19 Spread

As Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey allows more businesses to reopen next week, UAB infectious disease expert Dr. Jeanne Marrazzo is worried about the state's recent increase in average cases and deaths related to COVID-19.

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.

Amid COVID-19 Pressures, Lucy’s Coffee & Tea Closes For Good

Lucy’s Coffee & Tea has been a Birmingham staple for more than 25 years. Earlier this week, owner Lucy Bonds announced she’s closing her cafe for good.

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.

As Medical Procedures Resume, Patients Weigh Whether It’s Safe

Gov. Kay Ivey’s “safer-at-home” order allows doctors to resume elective medical and dental procedures. For some patients, that’s good news.

Players & Coaches Prepare For Uncertain Future In College Athletics

The cancellation and delay of sporting events due to the coronavirus is creating uncertainty for student athletes. College coaches have fewer opportunities to scout new players and they face mounting financial pressure that's led some schools to cut athletic programs.

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.