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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.
WBHM Wins Five Regional Edward R. Murrow Awards
Public Radio WBHM 90.3 FM has won five regional Edward R. Murrow awards, including the award for Overall Excellence. WBHM also won awards in these categories: Feature Reporting, for “Drawing a More Diverse Crowd to the Outdoors” by Gigi Douban Hard News, for “Remembering Slain Alabama Sheriff ‘Big John’ Williams” by Janae Pierre Newscast, by Andrew Yeager […]
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.
It’s a WBHM BOGO!
BUY ONE, GIVE ONE! Local nonprofits need our help. COVID-19 has been especially disruptive to charities and nonprofit organizations in the heart of Alabama that depend on donations to provide critical services to our community. You can demonstrate your community support by partnering with WBHM to support local nonprofits. 1. Choose a nonprofit organization as […]
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.
Shoppers Emerge From Quarantine As State Eases COVID-19 Emergency Order
Alabama's retail industry opened its' doors once again after being closed for at least a month because of COVID-19.
UAB Furloughs Staffers And Cuts Pay Amid Pandemic
UAB announced Monday that more than 300 university staff members will be temporarily furloughed in an effort to offset significant financial losses due to COVID-19.
In Rural Alabama, Pandemic Highlights Need For Broadband Access
The internet is helping a lot of people get through the COVID-19 crisis. But many people in rural areas like the Black Belt have no internet access at all.
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.
UAB Drug Remdesivir Is First to Block the COVID-19 Virus, May Become Standard of Care. Fauci “Optimistic.”
Remdesivir, a drug developed through a federal grant to UAB, may be the first effective therapy for treating severely ill COVID-19 patients, early analysis of a large federally sponsored study found this week.
Small Business Loans Site Crashes Amid Flood of New PPP Applications
Alabama bankers couldn’t access the federal Paycheck Protection Program application site on Monday so that small businesses hurt by the coronavirus could apply for the loans.
