Source: Tokyo 2020 Olympics TOKYO (AP) – The Tokyo Olympics are getting a kickstart. Local organizers have announced a series of 18 test events set to start in March. The Tokyo Olympics are to open on July 23, 2021, after being postponed eight months ago by the COVID-19 pandemic. At least four of the test events will involve athletes from…
Scientists at the University of Alabama at Birmingham say they aim to begin enrolling patients soon for a clinical trial of a COVID-19 vaccine. Dr. Paul Goepfert, director of UAB’s Alabama Vaccine Research Clinic, says the clinic hopes to get approval this week to start enrolling patients in a study to test the effectiveness of a COVID vaccine being manufactured…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama’s state education superintendent says preliminary reports indicate that more than 5,000 students haven’t shown up for any sort of classes, virtual or in-person. Eric Mackey says they’re likely to have a hard time catching up – and the enrollment drop could mean the loss of hundreds of teachers. That’s because the state funding formula is…
MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – Alabama hospitals are bracing for a post-holiday surge in COVID-19 cases. Infections were already rising before Thanksgiving gatherings. Health officials fear there will be a new wave of cases after the holiday. Dr. Don Williamson, the former state health officer who now heads the Alabama Hospital Association, said most hospitals are expressing concern about staffing. The…
From the West Alabama Newsroom– Dallas County officials hand out thousands of face masks — to help keep people safe during the Thanksgiving holidays. The Dallas County Commission and the Dallas County Sheriff’s Office held a face mask giveaway at the Wal-Mart store in Selma. James Packer is the store manager. “It is perfect spot and a perfect opportunity to…
A Thanksgiving tradition of giving back is still happening Thursday in Montgomery despite the pandemic. The Salvation Army’s annual Thanksgiving lunch will look a little different this year, though. Montgomery’s Salvation Army is still serving roughly 350 meals, but they have changed the way they’re doing to make sure people stay safe. Lt. Bryan Farrington said community members can pick…
WASHINGTON (AP) – President Donald Trump has pardoned former national security adviser Michael Flynn, taking direct aim in the final days of his administration at a Russia investigation that he has long insisted was motivated by political bias. Trump announced the pardon on Wednesday, calling it his “Great Honor.” Flynn is the second Trump associate convicted in the Russia probe…
Senator Greg Reed/Source: Alabama Legislature MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) – The Alabama Senate in February will have a new leader for the first time in a decade. Republican Sen. Greg Reed of Jasper will take the helm as president pro tempore. Reed said in a telephone interview Tuesday that rebuilding the state’s economy and alleviating the impact coronavirus pandemic will be…
Alabama head football coach Nick Saban has tested positive for COVID-19 and will not coach in Saturday’s Iron Bowl game when the Crimson Tide hosts Auburn in Tuscaloosa. The positive test happened this morning. Here is a statement from team physician Dr. Jimmy Robinson and head trainer Jeff Allen: “This morning we received notification that Coach Saban tested positive for…
State Health officials are concerned that lack of personal responsibility will increase COVID-19 cases in Alabama. The state is already seeing a surge in cases much like the rest of the country. Alabama has reported the most new cases and most current cases in the state since the pandemic began in March. Hospitalizations due to coronavirus are also at an…
