National

Secretary of state reminds Alabamians they can vote absentee

Alabama Secretary of State John Merrill on Monday reminded Alabamians they can vote by absentee ballot following the postponement of the March 31 primary runoff election to July 14 amid the COVID-19 outbreak.  “Amid coronavirus concerns, it is important to remember that Alabamians who are concerned about contracting or spreading an illness have the opportunity … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

/

March 23, 2020

Alabama state health officer: “Some hospitals are already nearing capacity”

Alabama Department of Public Health officer Dr. Scott Harris, at a press conference Monday, again urged Alabamians to take the COVID-19 pandemic seriously and abide by social-distancing restrictions the state has ordered. A number of hospitals in the state are already “nearing capacity,” as the number of cases in Alabama continues to rise. As of … Continued

Chip Brownlee

/

March 23, 2020

Gov. Kay Ivey extends tax filing deadline until July 15

Gov. Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Revenue announced Monday an extension of the state income tax filing due date until July 15.  “Taxpayers can also defer state income tax payments due on April 15, 2020, to July 15, 2020, without penalties and interest, regardless of the amount owed,” Ivey’s office said in a … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

/

March 23, 2020

As hospitals take drastic action to conserve masks, staff worry they’re putting themselves and patients at risk

Some health care workers at DCH Health System’s facilities in Tuscaloosa County are being told not to wear personal protective equipment like masks as the number of COVID-19 cases in the state continues to rise and hospitals rush to prepare for what’s ahead. Now a clinician in one of these units is showing symptoms of … Continued

Chip Brownlee

/

March 23, 2020

Department of Conservation says most state parks will stay open

The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources said last week that most of their outdoor facilities remain open for recreation. In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, ADCNR has made a number of temporary changes to its business operations for the safety of its employees and the general public. The changes will be in effect … Continued

Brandon Moseley

/

March 23, 2020

Jones proposes “small business lifeline fund” to continue payroll for workers

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, spoke in the Senate chamber this weekend to propose a new model to direct money to small businesses by funding payroll service companies. His proposal, the “Small Business Lifeline Fund,” would establish a new fund that would offer short-term, no-interest “bridge” loans to employers that would be directed through their … Continued

March 23, 2020

Jerry Carl “upset” that Hightower is still running ads

Jerry Carl, a Republican candidate for U.S. Congress in Alabama’s 1st Congressional District, has said he is suspending advertising due to the COVID-19 crisis. COVID-19 is an often fatal illness caused by a novel coronavirus first identified in Wuhan City China late in 2019. Carl called on his Republican primary opponent former State Senator Bill … Continued

Brandon Moseley

/

March 23, 2020

Famed singer Kenny Rogers has died

Famed singer, songwriter, actor, and businessman Kenneth Ray Rogers died Friday. He was 81. Rogers was elected to the County Music Hall of Fame in 2013. Rogers is best known as a country music star; but his career ran the gamut from country to pop to an early career that included jazz, folk, and rock … Continued

Brandon Moseley

/

March 23, 2020

Democrats reject coronovirus bill, saying more is needed for working people

U.S. Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, said he voted Sunday evening against moving forward a $1.6 trillion emergency rescue package during a procedural vote because it doesn’t go far enough to help working people who need relief the most. “We need a strong, bipartisan package that directly assists our workers, our health care providers, and vulnerable … Continued

Eddie Burkhalter

/

March 22, 2020