Governor Ivey Awards $10 million for volunteer fire department COVID recovery grants
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday awarded $10 million of the State Fiscal Recovery Fund from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) to establish COVID recovery grants for volunteer fire departments.
This program is an initiative of Governor Ivey and the Alabama Legislature...
CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels help determine prevention steps
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the most recent data available. The CDC has released its new community level graphics...
CDC’s COVID-19 Community Levels help determine prevention steps
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) COVID-19 Community Levels (www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/your-health/covid-by-county.html) is a new tool to help communities decide what prevention steps to take based on the most recent data available. The CDC has released its new community level graphics...
Governor Ivey signs House Bill 82, supporting Alabama small businesses
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed House Bill 82, the Small Business Relief and Revitalization Act of 2022 sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett (R – HD44), into law providing immediate tax relief for Alabama small businesses.
“Small businesses are the pillars of our...
ALGOP takes on education issues at its winter meeting
BIRMINGHAM Ala.- Members of the Alabama Republican Party Executive Committee (ALGOP SEC) approved a trio of resolutions pertaining to education during the Party's winter meeting in Birmingham this past weekend.
"Education has always been a priority for the Republican Party. We must protect our children...
Financial relief will soon be available to assist Alabama landowners adversely affected by the non-native, invasive noxious weed, cogongrass
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Administered by the Alabama Forestry Commission, the Cogongrass Mitigation Program is made possible through a grant from the USDA Animal & Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS), Plant Protection & Quarantine (PPQ). The goals of this program are to reduce the number...
Musical legend Lionel Richie participates in photo voter ID efforts
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— We are excited to announce that multi-platinum singer and songwriter Mr. Lionel Richie, a native of Tuskegee, Alabama, has agreed to participate in our 2022 photo voter ID and voter registration initiative. Mr. Richie will be, in addition to the 45th President...
Governor Ivey announces Alabama’s 2021 exports surpassed pre-pandemic levels, showed robust gains as state’s economic momentum accelerates
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Wednesday announced that Alabama’s exports in 2021 surged more than 20% in value compared to the previous year, surpassing pre-pandemic levels and indicating the underlying resilience of the state’s economy.
New federal government figures show that Alabama’s exports of...
Governor Ivey encourages veteran hiring through HIRE VETS Medallion Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington are encouraging Alabama employers to hire veterans by applying to and participating in the Hire Vets Medallion Award Program, an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor.
The application period...
Alabama Senate sends Governor bill to invest $772 million across Alabama communities
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate on Thursday gave final passage to legislation that will make a generational investment of $772 million in communities across the state.
HB1, the companion bill to Senate General Fund Chairman Greg Albritton (R-Range)’s SB 1, was sponsored by House...
Get to know Alabama Extension: Fish and Water
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. - The Alabama Cooperative Extension System has the privilege of assisting Alabamians through a range of topics from agriculture to home life. The eight topics highlighted on the Extension website provide readily available, research-based information to farmers, families, businesspeople and gardeners...
Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries announces special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Day
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (WFF) has designated Saturday, February 5, 2022, as the second of the 2021-2022 hunting season’s Special Youth, Veteran and Active Military Personnel Waterfowl Hunting Days. The first of the two special waterfowl hunting...
Alabama’s unemployment rate remains steady at 3.1%
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced today that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate is 3.1%, unchanged from November’s rate, and below December 2020’s rate of 4.7%. December’s rate represents 69,854 unemployed persons, compared to 68,710 in November...
Rep. Harbison discusses support of constitutional carry bill HB44
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - In the new legislative session for the Alabama House of Representatives, many leaders across the state have been divided over a proposed constitutional carry bill. HB44 was introduced to eliminate the need for permits to carry concealed firearms in Alabama, and...
Pediatric COVID-19 hospitalizations are at record high in Alabama, immediate measures necessary
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Hospitalizations of children in Alabama due to COVID-19 are at a record high, and immediate measures should be taken to reduce COVID-19 in the pediatric population. The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Chapter, American Academy of Pediatrics...
COVID-19 boosters now authorized for ages 12-15, dosing interval lowered, additional primary dose recommended for certain immunocompromised children
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has notified Alabama healthcare providers that the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and its Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) have endorsed new recommendations for COVID-19 vaccinations.
The updates came about after a...
ADECA releases state’s official Alabama Broadband Map, Connectivity Plan
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs today released the Alabama Broadband Map, the official broadband map for the state of Alabama. The interactive map is available at https://broadband.alabama.gov.
ADECA also released the Alabama Connectivity Plan which uses mapping data to...
Congressman Robert Aderholt files paperwork to seek re-election
HALEYVILLE, Ala. –Congressman Robert Aderholt, Republican from Haleyville, on Tuesday filed paperwork with the Alabama Republican Party to seek re-election to Alabama’s 4th Congressional District.
Congressman Aderholt spoke on the prospect of reelection, especially amidst a global pandemic, saying, “I was honored to turn in...
Governor Kay Ivey qualifies for Gubernatorial race to seek reelection
Birmingham, Ala.– The reelection campaign for Governor Kay Ivey released the following statement on Tuesday, after Ivey qualified for the 2022 Republican Primary for Governor.
Ivey Campaign Manager William Califf said that due to the tremendous success of Governor Ivey’s first term, she has strong...
Paused monoclonal antibodies for treatment of COVID-19 disease available again
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – As of December 23, the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services had announced the temporary pause in allocations of some monoclonal antibodies and on Monday, Jan. 3, The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has received an advisory from the...
COVID in Alabama: precautions, information to help stay up to date from the desk of Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – For over a year now, Alabamians, like people around the globe, have made sacrifices and adjusted to a temporary “new normal.” Alabamians have consistently stepped up to the plate over the course of this pandemic.
As our state moves forward, Gov. Ivey...
Gov. Ivey awards $3.8 million in grants to assist crime victims
MONTGOMERY, Ala.— Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $3.8 million to support organizations that assist victims of crime across Alabama.
The grants will enable the nonprofit agencies to provide a variety of services to those who have been victims of sexual assault, elder abuse,...
Attorney General Steve Marshall files lawsuit to block Biden vaccine and mask mandates for Head Start employees and students
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a lawsuit Tuesday to block the Biden administration’s Head Start mandate for program employees to vaccinate against COVID, and for pre-school pupils to wear face masks, or risk all federal funding.
Two of Alabama’s state agencies—the Alabama Department of...
Gov. Ivey awards more than $9.5 million to assist victims of crime in Alabama; more than $313,166 to Cullman
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded 25 grants totaling more than $9.5 million to help victims of crime across Alabama.
The organizations receiving funding offer a variety of services that support victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, child abuse, elder abuse and other...
Attorney General Steve Marshall wins nationwide injunction against Biden’s healthcare-worker vaccine mandate
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall announced a court victory against President Biden’s healthcare-worker vaccine mandate as a federal court granted his motion to block the sweeping and illegal healthcare-worker vaccine mandate.
Tuesday, the United States District Court for the Western District of Louisiana granted a...
AMEA honors Governor Ivey with Excellence in Leadership Award
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Municipal Electric Authority (AMEA) has awarded Governor Kay Ivey with the Excellence in Leadership Award for her unwavering commitment and dedication to the state of Alabama.
“Governor Ivey has served and continues to serve our state with honor and integrity,”...
Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony set for Dec. 18
MONTEVALLO, Ala. - The Support Committee for the Alabama National Cemetery is holding their 13th Annual Wreaths Across America Wreath Laying Ceremony at Alabama National Cemetery (ALNC) on Saturday, December 18 from 11:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. For the last 12 years, live Maine...
Alabama DHR announces grants for stabilizing childcare workforce
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama’s childcare workers may be eligible for quarterly bonus payments of up to $1,500 through grants announced today by the Alabama Department of Human Resources (DHR).
The Child Care Workforce Stabilization grants supply funding to help childcare providers recruit and retain qualified...
Miss Alabama to compete in Miss USA pageant Nov. 29
TULSA, OK - Miss Alabama, Alexandria Flanigan of Cullman, will be competing in the 70th annual Miss USA pageant to be held on Nov. 29 at the Paradise Cove Theatre of River Spirit Casino Resort in Tulsa, Oklahoma. The event will be broadcast at...
Governor Ivey Taps Liz Filmore to be New Chief of Staff
MONTGOMERY – Governor Kay Ivey has named Liz Dowe Filmore, currently her top deputy, to replace former Congressman Jo Bonner as the governor’s next chief of staff, effective on December 1, 2021. Bonner has served in the Governor’s Office for the past three years....
Children 5-11 now eligible for reduced dose Pfizer COVID-19 vaccine
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has recommended pediatric Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for children 5-11 years of age in the U.S. The COVID-19 Pfizer vaccine for this age group is a reduced dose (10 microgram), two-dose series.The Alabama Department...
Attorney General Steve Marshall challenges Biden’s private-employer vaccine mandate
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Attorney General Steve Marshall filed a legal challenge Friday to block President Biden’s private-employer vaccine mandate. The petition for review was filed in the Eleventh Circuit immediately after the rule was formally published Friday morning.
First announced on September 9 by Biden,...
Greater Amberjack, Gray Triggerfish and Flounder season reminders
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Conservation and Natural Resources’ (ADCNR) Marine Resources Division (MRD) reminds anglers that the recreational harvest of greater amberjack in federal and Alabama state waters closes November 1, 2021. The season will remain closed through April 30, 2022...
Governor Ivey issues Executive Order to fight overreaching Covid-19 vaccine mandates
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday signed Executive Order 724 to fight the overreaching covid-19 vaccine mandates from the federal government. In doing so, Governor Ivey released the following statement:
“The federal government’s outrageous overreach has simply given us no other option but...
COVID-19 booster shot eligibility expands to additional individuals and vaccines
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) continues to follow the guidance of the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) concerning administration of COVID-19 vaccine, including boosters. Guidance is being given to...
The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and Alabama National Fair Goat Shows see winners from Cullman County
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 Alabama National Fair Youth Beef Cattle Show and the 2021 Alabama National Fair Goat Show took place in Montgomery’s Teague Arena on Saturday, October 9. This year’s youth livestock events were sponsored by the Alabama Farmers Federation and Alfa...
Reporting of COVID-19 deaths in Alabama appears to differ from other reporting
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Death counts from COVID-19 appear to vary widely based on their reporting sources—the news media, hospitals and county health departments—and there are reasons these apparent discrepancies in the number of deaths occur. “The Alabama Department of Public Health considers any deaths to...
Don’t let your guard down, COVID-19 continues circulating in Alabama communities
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - COVID-19 continues to infect persons in Alabama, with the Delta variant the predominant strain. Given that recent numbers of cases, percent positive tests and hospitalizations are decreasing, Alabamians may feel that the worst is behind us. However, the potential for this...
Pregnant women and other eligible Alabamians ages 12 and older are urged to be vaccinated for COVID-19
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - As dozens of pregnant women and pediatric patients with COVID-19 in Alabama are hospitalized each day, the Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) urges all pregnant women and all eligible adolescents ages 12 - 17 to be vaccinated against COVID-19. In...
Attorney General Steve Marshall warns healthcare providers to cease unlawful use of state immunization registry
MONTGOMERY, Ala.—Attorney General Steve Marshall today warned Alabama’s healthcare providers to cease any unlawful use of the state immunization registry, known as ImmPRINT.
The State of Alabama has long maintained an immunization registry for healthcare providers known as ImmPRINT to avoid unnecessary vaccinations for patients...
Governor Ivey Announces reallocation of $12.3 million in CARES Act funds for COVID-19 nursing shortage
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday reallocated $12.3 million of the Coronavirus Relief Fund to secure qualified, out-of-state, travel nurses to work in Alabama hospitals in a temporary capacity.
“I’m pleased to see more folks getting vaccinated, but we are still in the...
Gov. Ivey declares State of Emergency ahead of Hurricane Ida Alabama landfall
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - — Governor Kay Ivey has issued a State of Emergency Proclamation pertaining to Hurricane Ida.
“Ahead of Hurricane Ida’s anticipated landfall, I’m issuing a state of emergency for Alabama's coastal and western counties effective at 2 p.m.,” stated Gov. Kay Ivey.
The proclamation...
Ivey announces Alabama’s July unemployment rate is 3.2%; Cullman 2.3%
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey and Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted July 2021 unemployment rate is 3.2%, down from June’s rate of 3.3%, and well below July 2020’s rate of 7.4%. July’s rate represents...
COVID-19 surges in Alabama children, vaccination and other measures needed to prevent further spread
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health reports a significant increase in pediatric cases of COVID-19 at this time of year, compared to the same time in 2020. Coupled with this increase in cases, ADPH notes that Alabama has at least 50...
Governor declares new state of emergency
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Gov. Kay Ivey on Friday declared a new state of emergency as COVID-related hospitalizations approached the peaks of the first wave of the pandemic. She noted the end of the previous emergency declaration just a few weeks ago, but said that...
Attorney General Steve Marshall announces $3 million settlement with Tyson over Mulberry Fork spill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. —Attorney General Steve Marshall announced Wednesday a $3 million State settlement with Tyson Farms Inc. over the 2019 wastewater spill in Mulberry Fork of the Black Warrior River.
The settlement agreement, filed in the Circuit Court of Walker County, brings an end to...
CDC issues guidance as transmission of contagious Delta COVID-19 variant surges, prevention measures outlined
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - More than 900 COVID-19 patients are hospitalized in Alabama, the largest number since February, and too few Alabama residents are vaccinated. High vaccination coverage will reduce the spread of the virus and help prevent new variants from emerging.
State Health Officer Dr....
In Alabama, conservation Is for the birds
WASHINGTON D.C. - Whether called the Yellowhammer State or the Cotton State, an abundance of birds call the state of Alabama home. “Yellowhammer” in fact refers to the common name for the northern flicker woodpecker — which just happens to be the official state...
Starting July 28, severe thunderstorms deemed ‘destructive’ will activate a Wireless Emergency Alert on smartphones
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. - Severe thunderstorms can be life-threatening, but not all severe storms are the same. Hazardous conditions range from tornadoes, large hailstorms and widespread straight-line winds called derechoes, to cloud-to-ground lightning and flash flooding.
Starting July 28, the National Weather Service will better convey the...
Vote ALEA for “America’s Best-Looking Cruiser” Contest
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The race is on for the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency to win this year’s American Association of State Troopers’ annual “America’s Best-Looking Cruiser Contest,” a national contest among state law enforcement agencies.
This year’s photo submission features a 2020 Dodge Charger on...
Alabama commended for progress in fight against human trafficking
TAMPA, Fla. - The U.S. Institute Against Human Trafficking in its July 2021 newsletter proclaimed, “Alabama Officials Leading The Way In Combatting Sex Trafficking,” and commended the state’s Child Trafficking Solutions Project and its “TraffickingFree Zone” program.
The article read, in part, “USIAHT has made...
Cullman area restaurant vies for title of Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders among Flavorful Four finalists
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The 2021 Bama’s Best Chicken Tenders Contest has been narrowed down to a flock of four, with one of Cullman County’s very own making the cut!
Online voting determined the Flavorful Four finalists which are, in alphabetical order:
Bobby’s Restaurant in EvaThe Chicken...
Local agencies receive $3.1 million in grants to weatherize homes for elderly, low-income residents
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $3.1 million to assist low-income and elderly Alabama residents with weatherizing their homes to lower energy costs.
According to a release issued by the governor’s office Friday afternoon, the grants support Alabama’s Weatherization Assistance Program which provides...
Alabama DHR reminds public to watch for signs of elder abuse
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Human Resources is encouraging the public to help protect older family members, friends, neighbors and others from elder abuse by learning to recognize the warning signs of mistreatment.
Thousands of elderly and disabled adults are abused, neglected and...
ADEM and State Department of Education renew efforts to test drinking water in public schools
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - In an effort to ensure the safety of drinking water in public schools, the Alabama Department of Environmental Management (ADEM) will be collaborating with the Alabama State Department of Education to resume sampling of drinking water in public schools. This partnership...
CodeRED: Alabama unveils new emergency alert system
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA) has launched a new high-speed notification system known as CodeRED, designed to notify residents of missing person alerts throughout the state. ALEA unveiled the new system on Tuesday, May 25, to highlight National Missing Children’s...
Governor Ivey Announces COVID-19 Vaccination Eligibility to be Expanded in Alabama to Include Individuals Age 12 and Older, Effective Immediately
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced Alabama is expanding COVID-19 vaccination eligibility to include individuals ages 12 and older, effective immediately. On Monday, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) authorized the Pfizer-BioNTech COVID-19 vaccine for emergency use in adolescents with the...
Breaking News: Governor Kay Ivey announces end of participation in all federal pandemic unemployment compensation programs
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Governor Kay Ivey announced today that Alabama will end its participation in all federally funded pandemic unemployment compensation programs effective June 19, 2021 including:
Federal Pandemic Unemployment Compensation (FPUC), which provides for an additional $300 weekly payment to recipients of unemployment...
Alabama faith leaders call on Gov. Ivey to expand Medicaid
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Nearly 300 Alabama faith leaders released a joint letter Thursday calling on Gov. Kay Ivey to expand Medicaid coverage immediately for adults with low incomes. The letter – signed by 278 pastors, imams, sisters and other faith leaders – asks for...
Alabama House approves medical marijuana bill
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — The Alabama House of Representatives on Thursday approved a medical marijuana bill that would allow registered patients with qualifying conditions to safely access and use medical cannabis.
The Senate is expected to give its final approval and send it to Governor Kay...
Senate passes largest General Fund Budget in Alabama history
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Senate today passed the largest General Fund Budget in the state’s history. Chairman Greg Albritton (R-Atmore), Senators Greg Reed (R-Jasper) and Clay Scofield (R-Guntersville) released the below statements on the passing of this $2,482,799,471 billion budget proposal.
Senator Albritton, chairman of the Senate...
Ivey proclaims April 27 Day of Remembrance
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - On April 27, 2011, a series of long-track tornadoes ripped through the state of Alabama in three waves across 35 of our 67 counties. Tomorrow, Tuesday, April 27, 2021 marks the 10th anniversary of this unprecedented natural disaster that took the...
Governor awards grants to aid victims in north Alabama
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded a total of $214,500 to four agencies in north Alabama to continue providing services to domestic violence and sexual assault victims.
The grants will support the agencies as they serve victims in 11 counties.
“Domestic violence and sexual...
Alabama providers asked to pause administering Johnson & Johnson COVID-19 vaccine
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Out of an abundance of caution, the Alabama Department of Public Health has asked all health care providers in the state to pause administering the Johnson & Johnson (J&J) COVID-19 vaccine due to an investigation of reports of potentially dangerous blood...
Order of the state health officer suspending certain public gatherings due to risk of infection by COVID-19
WHEREAS Coronavirus Disease 2019 (COVID-19) has been detected in Alabama;
WHEREAS the appearance of COVID-19 in the State poses the potential of widespread exposure to an infectious agent that poses significant risk of substantial harm to a large number of people;
WHEREAS the State Board of...
Initial unemployment claims for week of March 21 – 27
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Labor released the official count for initial claims filed during the week of March 21-27, 2021.
In all, 18,710 initial claims were filed either online or by telephone during this period. 14,285 of those claims are estimated to...
Alabama PALS kicks off 2021 “Don’t Drop It on Alabama” Spring Cleanup
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The 2021 statewide “Don’t Drop It On Alabama” Spring Cleanup will be held during the entire month of April. The cleanup is held annually and coordinated by Alabama PALS (People Against a Littered State), which also coordinates and implements the Alabama...
ADMH’s Hamerdinger recipient of Boyce Williams Award
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Stephen (Steve) Hamerdinger, director, Office of Deaf Services (ODS), Division of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services of the Alabama Department of Mental Health (ADMH) was announced recently as the recipient of the Boyce R. Williams Award, the highest award presented...
State’s January unemployment rate is 4.3%, Cullman rate of 2.5% 3rd lowest
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Monday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted January 2021 unemployment rate is 4.3%, down from December 2020’s revised rate of 4.7%* and above January 2020’s rate of 2.7%. January’s rate represents 97,726 unemployed persons,...
Grants from Governor to assist domestic violence victims in north Alabama
MONTGOMERY – Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants totaling $228,289 to assist the efforts of six specialized units and organizations that help victims of domestic violence and sexual assault in north Alabama.
“Domestic violence harms families and leaves lasting scars on victims and those close...
Undetectable = Untransmittable: An effort to end the HIV epidemic
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has adopted the Prevention Access Campaign‘s Undetectable = Untransmittable(U=U), a national movement to dismantle HIV stigma, improve the lives of people with HIV and bring us closer to ending the HIV epidemic. Scientific findings...
ALEA: Project Lifesaver bracelet assists in rescue of 77-year-old man
BIRMINGHAM, Ala. – At approximately 7:15 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 20, the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA’s) Aviation Unit received a request to assist the Jefferson County Sheriff’s Office with a search and rescue mission. The sheriff’s office was in the process of searching for...
Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday Feb. 26-28
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - From Friday, Feb. 26, to Sunday, Feb. 28 Alabama will observe the state’s 10th annual Severe Weather Preparedness Sales Tax Holiday. The Alabama Retail Association encourages Alabamians to restock emergency supplies in homes, workplaces and vehicles during this three-day tax holiday. Certain emergency preparedness items...
Ivey awards funds to 17 agencies that assist domestic violence victims
MONTGOMERY, Ala. — Seventeen nonprofit agencies across Alabama whose primary focus is to assist domestic violence victims will receive additional financial assistance through the state’s Domestic Violence Trust Fund, Gov. Kay Ivey announced Friday.
Among the nonprofits receiving assistance is Victim Services of Cullman, Inc.
"Victim...
Ivey signs 3 priority bills into law
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed House Bill 170, sponsored by Rep. Danny Garrett, R-Trussville; House Bill 192, sponsored by Rep. Bill Poole, R-Tuscaloosa; and Senate Bill 30, sponsored by Sen. Arthur Orr, R-Decatur, into law. During the governor’s state of...
Ivey delivers State of the State address
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday evening delivered her annual State of the State address. Below is the full transcript of her remarks.
My Fellow Alabamians:
I am speaking to you tonight just outside the old House Chamber in the Alabama State Capitol. Previously,...
Registered Alabama voters to begin receiving voter update cards at home
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Registered Alabama voters recently started receiving postcards notifying them of the State’s efforts to update voter records.
Voter file maintenance, which is required by the National Voter Registration Act of 1993, is a four-year process which uses a two-step mailing program to...
Ivey signs 30-year lease agreements for 2 new men’s mega prisons
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey and the Alabama Department of Corrections (ADOC) on Monday signed 30-year lease agreements for two of three of the State’s planned new men’s mega prisons. One will be in Tallassee in Elmore County. The other will be near...
Cullman Co. unemployment rate lowest in state at 2.1%; AL rate drops to 3.9%
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington on Friday announced that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted December unemployment rate is 3.9%, down from November’s rate of 4.4%, and above December 2019’s rate of 2.7%. December’s rate represents 87,534 unemployed persons, compared to...
Ivey extends mask mandate to March 5; Harris gives vaccine rollout update
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday extended the state’s Safer at Home Order, including the statewide mask mandate, through March 5 at 5 p.m. It had been set to expire Jan. 22. Ivey was joined by State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris,...
ADPH responds to 4 senators’ letter about COVID-19 vaccine distribution concerns
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Four Alabama senators on Tuesday released a letter about the Alabama Department of Public Health’s (ADPH’s) handling of COVID-19 vaccine distribution in Alabama. The letter was signed by Republican Senators Jim McClendon (Springville), Greg Albritton (Range), Tom Whatley (Auburn) and Randy...
Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal to be permanent HQ of United States Space Command
HUNTSVILLE, Ala. – Huntsville’s Redstone Arsenal has been named the preferred location of the permanent headquarters for the United States Space Command. The Secretary of the Air Force, on behalf of the Office of Secretary of Defense, on Wednesday made the announcement.
The Department of...
Registration opens for 2021 HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The HIRE Vets Medallion Award Program is an official program of the U.S. Department of Labor and launches Jan. 31. Employers interested in applying for the 2021 program may now create or update existing accounts in preparation of the program’s launch.
These...
AG Marshall, Montgomery Family Sunshine Center announce Alabama Anti Human Trafficking Alliance
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Attorney General Steve Marshall and the Montgomery Family Sunshine Center on Monday announced they will lead a multi-agency alliance of state, federal and nongovernmental partners to combat human trafficking in Alabama. Funded by a grant from the U.S. Department of Justice,...
ADPH: COVID-19 vaccine available to those 75+, first responders Jan. 18
Updated 1-8-21 4:21 p.m.
The ADPH said late Friday afternoon: “Please do not call your local hospital directly to set up appointments to be scheduled to receive your COVID-19 vaccine. We have learned that hospital switchboards are being overwhelmed with phone calls, which is creating...
Lawmakers, political leaders respond to U.S. Capitol chaos
Protesters entered the U.S. Capitol building Wednesday while the U.S. Congress was in the process of certifying the results of the 2020 presidential election. Below are responses from Alabama lawmakers and political leaders.
Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill
“Today, members of Congress gathered in...
ADPH: Test your home for radon during the winter months
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Many Alabama residents are spending more time inside their homes because of the COVID-19 pandemic. This means children and adults are exposed to indoor air quality problems that include radon.
January has been designated Radon Action Month. Radon is a naturally occurring...
ALDOI: What to look for in your Summary of Benefits and Coverage
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - Health insurance plans can be complicated, but the right tools can help you understand what they cover and how much you’ll pay when you need health care services. The Summary and Benefits and Coverage (SBC) is one of those tools. It...
Shedd, Gudger talk upcoming session
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Legislature will convene for the 2021 Legislative Session one month from today on Feb. 2. To get an idea of what topics will be discussed and what the public should know about the issues its legislators will be working...
ADPH launches new COVID-19 vaccine dashboard; Moderna vaccine arrives
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) has launched a new COVID-19 Vaccine Distribution Dashboard to make it easier for the public to navigate vaccine information. The dashboard, which details the number of vaccines shipped to Alabama and dispensed, can be...
Alabama Broadband Connectivity for Students program extended into 2021
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Monday announced the extension of the Alabama Broadband Connectivity (ABC) for Students program through the spring semester of 2021, thanks to a provision in the latest COVID-19 relief package passed by Congress last week and signed by...
ADOL announces new phone appointment system, discontinuing in-person assistance
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – The Alabama Department of Labor this week announced a new phone appointment system for unemployment compensation claimants who need assistance with their claims.
The new phone system will debut Jan. 4, 2021. Beginning Jan. 3, 2021, claimants can call 1-800-361-4524 after 5...
Ivey’s study group says gambling could mean $700M, 19K new jobs for state
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Gov. Kay Ivey’s Study Group on Gambling Policy on Friday issued its report. In it, the group estimated the state could see as much as $700 million and create 19,000 new jobs if a constitutional amendment expanding legalized gambling in Alabama...
State’s Nov. unemployment rate drops to 4.4%; Cullman County’s tied for lowest at 2.4%
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Alabama Department of Labor Secretary Fitzgerald Washington announced Friday that Alabama’s preliminary, seasonally adjusted November unemployment rate is 4.4%, down from October’s revised rate of 5.7%, and above November 2019’s rate of 2.7%. November’s rate represents 100,537 unemployed persons, compared to...
4 Alabama properties added to National Register of Historic Places
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Historical Commission, the State Historic Preservation Office, is pleased to announce that four Alabama properties have been added to the National Register of Historic Places: Macon County High School in Notasulga; Mobile Seamen’s Club Building in Mobile; South Central...
State ABC Board reinstitutes ‘to-go’ alcohol sales until Jan. 4
MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board (ABC Board) on Monday unanimously authorized its on-premise licensees to sell alcohol “to-go” until Jan. 4, 2021. In an emergency meeting, the Board voted 3-0 to allow the sales.
The recent surge in COVID-19 cases statewide...
Alabama will not tax individuals’, businesses’ CARES Act benefits
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Governor Kay Ivey on Friday signed a supplemental emergency proclamation to address tax and economic development issues that were delayed in the Alabama Legislature’s 2020 Regular Session due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
This proclamation will allow Alabama citizens and businesses to avoid...
‘We’re looking at some pretty dark days for the foreseeable future’
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – “Because the pandemic has stretched must longer than we ever imagined, we’re all just downright exhausted by the disruptions to our daily lives,” said Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey in a press conference Wednesday, “and even though the vaccine’s delivery is right...
Merrill honors AL EMA, Office of Information Technology, Power cooperatives with NASS Medallions
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Secretary of State John H. Merrill on Wednesday awarded the Alabama Emergency Management Agency, the Alabama Office of Information Technology, Alabama Power, the Alabama Rural Electric Association, Electric Cities of Alabama and PowerSouth with NASS Medallions.
These medallions recognize individuals, groups and...
ALEA: Increase in Troopers equals decrease in Thanksgiving holiday traffic fatalities
MONTGOMERY, Ala. – Troopers within the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency’s (ALEA) Highway Patrol Division saw nearly a 30% decrease in overall traffic fatalities during the extended 2020 Thanksgiving travel period. ALEA Troopers investigated only eight traffic-related deaths as compared to 11 during the same...
