Virginia Martin, Author at BirminghamWatch - Page 198 of 480
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Virginia Martin

‘John-Shaming’ Bill Advances to Senate With Change

The Senate Judiciary Committee on Wednesday approved a bill allowing the public release of photos of those who solicit prostitutes, but members requested a significant change. As written and passed by the House, House Bill 271 by Rep. Merika Coleman, D-Birmingham, would allow the release of law enforcements' mugshots of those arrested for hiring or seeking to hire prostitutes. The Senate committee wants it changed on the Senate floor to allow for the release of photos only upon convictions. “It’s as simple as this: you’re innocent until proven guilty,” Sen. Rodger Smitherman, D-Birmingham said. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Safer Apart Order Extended to May 31

Gov. Kay Ivey today extended the current coronavirus public health order, which now will be in effect until May 31. However, the current order, called “Safer Apart,” includes no restrictions on activities of businesses or consumers. Rather, it encourages individuals, employers, and businesses and institutions to follow CDC-recommended public safety practices, such as social distancing and wearing of masks. The only regulations still in place apply to institutions such as senior citizen centers, nursing homes and hospitals, along with an order that infected people must self-quarantine. Read more.

by BirminghamWatch

A Lack of Hate or Lack of Reporting?: Alabama Has Reported Zero Hate Crimes in the Past Two Years

On April 9, 2020, the Etz Chayim Synagogue in Huntsville was defaced with antisemitic graffiti. The following day, the Chabad of Huntsville was vandalized with similar hate speech. Security footage taken from both scenes indicates the same perpetrator committed both crimes. Given that they took place on the first night of the Jewish holiday Passover, the crimes are thought to be meticulously planned and executed with one purpose: to send a message of hate to the Jewish community. Mayor Tommy Battle released a statement to the public saying “the city of Huntsville condemns antisemitism in the strongest possible terms” and emphasized Huntsville as a city of inclusivity and acceptance. “Any offense against one is an offense against all,” Battle said. The case has since been handed over to the FBI, and no perpetrator has been caught. Despite these attacks against the Jewish community the state of Alabama has reported zero hate crimes to the FBI’s annual Unified Crime Report for the past two years in a row. It is the only state in the country that has reported zero hate crimes.  “It is highly implausible that in 2019 or 2018, no hate crimes were committed in Alabama. Of the over 417 law enforcement agencies in the state, only two actually participated in the 2019 reporting process to the FBI, which is deeply troubling and undoubtedly means that many hate crimes have gone unreported,” said Dr. Allison Padilla-Goodman, vice president of the Anti-Defamation League’s Southern Division. Read more.

by Michelle Love

Legislature Takes Up Wine Delivery, Budgets, Bonds for Parks and More Bills as Session Winds Down

MONTGOMERY — The Alabama Legislature met for the 27th legislative day of its 30-day regular session Thursday. Here's what happened at the State House. Home Delivery of Wine  Alabamians could start ordering wine shipped directly to their homes starting Aug. 1 if Gov. Kay Ivey signs a bill sent to her Thursday. Read more. More from the Legislature this week: Literacy Act Delay Bill Running Out of Time Bill to Limit State Emergency Declarations Moving in the House Bill Requiring Accommodations for Pregnant Workers, Other Bills Won't Get Vote Bill Puts Into Law Unemployment Benefit Fraud Protections Bill Would Ban All Chemical Abortions in Alabama

by Caroline Beck and Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

COVID Is Killing More Seniors, but It Is Infecting More Young People

Older people account for the vast majority of COVID-19 deaths in Alabama, although they represent fewer than one in five cases of the disease, according to reports this week by the state Department of Public Health. Individuals who are 65 and older represented 16.8% of the coronavirus cases in the state but 78.4% of the deaths since the pandemic began in March 2020, ADPH said in a report Wednesday. Those from 25 to 49 years old accounted for 37.6% of the cases but only 4.4% of the deaths, while individuals from 50 to 64 years old made up 21.5% of the cases and 17% of the deaths. Read more.

by Glenn Stephens

Help Wanted: Restaurant Industry Struggles to Find Workers

MONTGOMERY — After taking an initial hit at the beginning of the coronavirus pandemic last year, Alabama's economy has largely bounced back. Still, some businesses are having trouble finding enough workers, particularly in the restaurant and hospitality industry. A drive down Zelda Road in Montgomery, the Capital City's midtown eatery hub, shows "help wanted" signs in almost every store. Information from the Alabama Department of Labor shows a 52% increase in advertised food prep and serving jobs in the first quarter of this year compared to the same period in 2020. Advertised waitress and waiter positions have increased about 44%. Hotel desk clerk postings have more than doubled. Mindy Hanan, president of the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association, said the state's restaurants and hotels can’t get enough workers. “We’re wide open and we need as many employees as we can have,” Hanan said. Read more.

by Mary Sell and Todd Stacy, Alabama Daily News
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