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As COVID-19 Cases Increase, Medical Staffing Shortages a Concern

As Dr. Don Williamson saw the coronavirus approach Alabama, he said he worried about three areas of potential shortages in the state. First was the number of hospital beds, ventilators and other equipment that would be needed. Second was personal protection equipment for medical professionals to shield them, and then others, from the virus. Third was the medical staff itself. “I have real concerns about COVID-19 on health care workers,” Williamson, the executive director of the Alabama Hospital Association and former state public health officer, said. Read more.

by Mary Sell, Alabama Daily News

Websites Offer Details on COVID-19 Cases, Testing

Public health agencies in Alabama are offering websites to provide a wide range of information about COVID-19 cases, where they are occurring and how to get tested. The sites are updated twice daily as the number of cases increase. The Jefferson County Health Department's coronavirus site offers information ranging from a breakdown of cases by ZIP code to tips on coping with the disease, sources of various types of information and listings of business closings. Read more.

by Glenn Stephens

Bill Weld

President

by Glenn Stephens

Amy Klobuchar

President

by Glenn Stephens

Read More Legislative Coverage

Read more legislative coverage.

by BirminghamWatch

Birmingham City Council Delays Vote on Five Points West/CrossPlex Grant

The Birmingham City Council on Monday delayed voting on an item granting funding to the Five Points West/CrossPlex Business Alliance under the city’s Building Opportunities for Lasting Development (BOLD) initiative. The grant, proposed by Mayor Randall Woodfin’s office, would give the Five Points West/CrossPlex Business Alliance $26,500 to use for a variety of initiatives, including the creation of five new murals, the development of a training and resource program for the area’s business community, the establishment of a business office for the alliance, and the collection of data regarding businesses and commercial properties in the Five Points West commercial corridor. Read more.

by Sam Prickett

Birmingham Spreading Word Against Human Trafficking Ahead of World Games

When the World Games comes to Birmingham in 2021, it’s projected to bring with it $256 million in economic impact, thanks to an estimated influx of 100,000 athletes and sports fans. But at Tuesday’s meeting of the Birmingham City Council, officials said they were working to prevent a potential unintended consequence of that influx: an uptick in human trafficking. The council voted Tuesday to pass a resolution calling for a communitywide awareness campaign against human trafficking. The measure, spearheaded by District 6 Councilor Crystal Smitherman and Mayor Randall Woodfin, calls for “comprehensive education of (city) staff and the implementation and enforcement of a zero-tolerance policy of any act that may support human trafficking.” Read more.

by Sam Prickett

Ray Brooks

Birmingham City Council, District 7 Age: 74 Residence: Birmingham Political Experience: Applicant, Birmingham City Council District 7 seat, 2018; applicant, Birmingham City Council District 7 seat, 2009; candidate, Birmingham mayor, 2007. Professional Experience: Fire Chief, Compton, California, 2002-04; Assistant City Manager, Compton, 2002-04; Chief, Birmingham Fire and Rescue Service, 1997-2002; Deputy Chief, Birmingham Fire and

by Sam Prickett

Cedar waxwing

Cedar waxwing populations are generally stable, according to one study. Another said the waxwing family have increased somewhat. Read more.

by Tom Gordon

Red-winged blackbird

The red-winged blackbird population has declined by 92 million birds, according to the Cornell Lab of Ornithology. Read more.

by Tom Gordon