Governor says social distancing measures are working
Gov. Kay Ivey on Tuesday said Alabama’s social distancing measures appear to be slowing the spread of the coronavirus, but it is too soon say when shuttered businesses could reopen. Ivey expects to have recommendations by Friday from a small business task force chaired by Lt. Gov. Will Ainsworth about how and when to allow different types of companies to resume operations. “And, as everybody knows, this is not a simple process like flipping on a light switch,” Ivey said. – AL Daily News
Alabama small businesses get $3.8 billion in loans so far
More than 19,000 small businesses in Alabama have received $3.8 billion in Small Business Administration loans to blunt the economic effects of the coronavirus pandemic measures. The Alabama Bankers Association said Tuesday the state ranks 21st in the number of Paycheck Protection Program loans provided, and 22nd in the total value of loans issued. – AL.com
Hyundai to provide COVID-19 testing resources in Montgomery region
Hyundai Motor Manufacturing Alabama today announced its support to increase COVID-19 testing in Montgomery and surrounding counties through a collaborative effort with Mayor Steven Reed. Hyundai’s Alabama operation is coordinating an in-kind donation of 10,000 COVID-19 RT-PCR tests developed by Seegene, a South Korean molecular diagnostics firm. Seegene’s test can simultaneously detect three genes of SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19. – AL NewsCenter
Alabama Retail Association head pushes for reopening of small stores
Small retailers should be allowed to reopen with the same restrictions as big box stores in a move that would also cut down on large gatherings, the head of the Alabama Retail Association said. “The Alabama Retail Association and many of its members don’t understand a public policy that sends the same number of consumers to a smaller group of retailers creating denser crowds,” association President Rick Brown said of the state’s health order, which allows for essential large retailers to remain open amid the coronavirus pandemic. – AL.com
Judge rules Alabama to be owner of last known slave ship
The last slave ship known to have landed in the United States more than 150 years ago has a new owner: The state of Alabama. A federal judge granted ownership of the Clotilda shipwreck to the Alabama Historical Commission in a one-page order released Monday. The decision by U.S. District Judge Kristi DuBose means the state will have final say over remnants of the ship, found on a muddy river bottom north of Mobile and publicly identified last year. – AP
Fear not. A new chicken chain is making its way to Alabama
Slim Chickens announced that its first location in Alabama will open in the fourth quarter of 2020. The forthcoming restaurant comes out of the brand’s recent multi-unit franchise agreement in the Birmingham market. The brand prides itself on its cooked-to-order fresh food and strong devoted fanbase. Slim Chickens has distinguished itself in the “better chicken” segment by offering high-quality food and 17 house-made dipping sauces. – QSR
That’s so Florida: Wrestling determined to be ‘essential business’
World Wrestling Entertainment resumed its live televised shows Monday at its facility in Orlando without fans present. After weeks of airing taped pro wrestling matches, WWE received permission last week with a signed order from Florida’s Emergency Management Director. The order says “employees at a professional sports and media production with a national audience” are exempt from a stay-at-home order as long as “the location is closed to the general public.” – APR
