Eddie Burkhalter

Eddie Burkhalter is a reporter at the Alabama Political Reporter. You can email him at [email protected] or reach him via Twitter.

Health

Alabama’s COVID deaths surpass 18,000

While the latest surge caused by the omicron variant is receding, public health officials are closely watching the more contagious omicron BA.2 variant.

February 24, 2022

Senate committee approves bill to allow drive-through, walk-up alcohol sales

Committee members added an amendment to the bill that includes alcohol to the bill's language allowing beer and wine to be sold in drive-throughs and walk-up windows.

February 24, 2022

Alabama House approves two education bills

One bill addresses reading proficiency in public schools and the other would require a child complete kindergarten or demonstrate readiness to attend first grade.

February 24, 2022

Greater Birmingham Ministries sues Alabama Secretary of State over records request

The group says John Merrill refuses to hand over purged voter roll records without a charge even though the records are kept electronically.

February 23, 2022

More contagious omicron BA.2 variant found in Alabama

The Alabama Department of Public Health confirmed to APR on Tuesday that the first case of the BA.2 variant of COVID-19 has been identified in Alabama.

February 23, 2022

Groups call on Alabama lawmakers to vote no on riot bill

The bill would expand the definition of rioting and add more criminal penalties. Opponents say it is designed to stifle First Amendment speech.

February 22, 2022

Coalition of churches condemns SCOTUS decision on Alabama’s new congressional maps

Faith in Action Alabama on March 25 is to unveil the group's plan to address voting rights.

February 21, 2022

Gov. Kay Ivey applauds schools for dropping face mask orders

Alabama has the lowest percentage of residents vaccinated against COVID in the nation, and the fourth-highest number of COVID deaths per capita.

February 18, 2022

Alabama Farmers Federation endorses eight in statewide races

Endorsements from the state's largest farm group are sought after. ALFA has more than 340,000 members.

February 18, 2022

Federal grant awarded to increase safety in Black Belt homes

ADPH and the University of Alabama receive the $2 million grant to remove safety and environmental issues in Black Belt homes.

February 17, 2022