covid-19

Big 10 Decides to Play Fall Sports After All

The Big Ten Conference is going to give fall football a shot after all. Less than five weeks after the conference announced it would push football and other fall sports to spring because of the pandemic, the conference changed course. The Big Ten plans to begin its season the weekend of Oct. 24 with an eight-game schedule for each team….

Advocates Concerned That COVID-19 Obstructing Fight Against HIV

Studies say that the coronavirus pandemic may have disrupted the fight against HIV. Due to the overwhelming demand for coronavirus testing, health officials have shifted away from tracking HIV patients. The fight against HIV had already stalled in recent years. Now, health experts and advocates of HIV are concerned that the country is backsliding with a spike in HIV infections….

Montgomery Restaurant Expands on how the Pandemic is Affecting Business

The Cork and Cleaver restaurant continues to recover from lost income and customer support after being closed down for two months due to the pandemic. After Governor Ivey issued her first stay at home order, the restaurant provided takeout service for a short time, but said it was not financially substantial. The restaurant fully closed down in March and did…

Governor Ivey Issues Statement Ahead of Tropical Storm Sally

  As Tropical Storm Sally approaches, Governor Kay Ivey issued the following statement Sunday: From Governor Kay Ivey: “As we head in to a new week, we are keeping a close eye on Tropical Storm Sally. It is likely that this storm system will be impacting Alabama’s Gulf Coast. While it is currently not being predicted as a direct hit…

State Health Officer Weighs in on Alabama National Fair

The Alabama National Fair is back next month, but things will look pretty different. Alabama News Network talked with Randy Stephenson, the director of the fair, who said they’re limiting the capacity to 30%, that’s about 7,000 patrons. And when it comes to rides, there will be about half the amount you would normally see… 32 this year– all to…

Small Businesses in Selma Struggle to Hang On Amid COVID-19

From the West Alabama Newsroom– As communities start to reopen from the pandemic — people are being urged to get out and support small businesses in their communities. The COVID-19 pandemic has hit small businesses have been hit especially hard and many have been unable to hang on. Hunter Butts runs the Downtowner Restaurant in downtown Selma. “The service industry…

Commission Unanimously Passes Hazard Pay for Certain Essential County Employees

The Montgomery County Commission unanimously voted to increase hourly wages for certain essential county employees. Sheriff Derrick Cunningham asked the commission in April for an extra $2.50 per hour to be added to the pay for those that qualify for hazardous duty pay. Sheriff Cunningham said the pay was needed to address the effects of COVID-19, such as compensating the…

Tuscaloosa Mayor’s New Executive Order to Reopen Bars and Restaurants

TUSCALOOSA, Ala. (WBMA) — A new executive order will go into effect at 6:01 p.m. on Tuesday, September 8 permitting Tuscaloosa bars and restaurants to begin reopening with limited capacity. Mayor Walt Maddox issued an executive order to shut such establishments down after a rise in COVID-19 cases in the city. Mayor Maddox along with the City of Tuscaloosa said the…

Officials Warn Stay Vigilant This Holiday Weekend to Avoid COVID Spike

Labor Day weekend is upon us, and the Alabama Department of Public Health is concerned about another spike in COVID cases. Dr. Karen Landers with the Alabama Department of Public Health said this concern comes from the spike in virus cases associated with holidays… Memorial Day weekend, and most recently July 4th celebrations. That is the main factor Governor Ivey…

Safety Shields Installed in Circuit Courtrooms in Dallas Co.

From the West Alabama Newsroom– The Fourth Judicial Circuit is installing safety shields in courtrooms throughout the five county circuit. Judge Collins Pettaway says the project is an effort to protect against the spread of COVID-19 — during in-person court proceedings. Sneeze guards will be put up around the judge’s bench — the jury box — the court reporter —…