Birmingham makes it law: Masks required in public
Masks or face coverings are required in all public places in Birmingham effective May 1. The Birmingham City Council on Tuesday morning approved the ordinance requiring face coverings for all 2 and older. In the initial vote, the ordinance was unanimously approved. However, later in the meeting, District 2 councilor Hunter Williams changed his vote to “no.” – AL.com
Trump invokes Defense Production Act to keep meat processing plants open
President Trump signed an executive order on Tuesday invoking the Defense Production Act to keep meat processing plants open, a senior White House official told CBS News. Plants owned by some of the country’s largest food companies have struggled with outbreaks of the coronavirus among workers and a growing death toll. – CBS
Mayors react to Ivey’s plan, with one saying ‘It’s a start’
Gov. Kay Ivey’s plan for easing the state’s stay at home order received some mixed reviews from mayors in the area who thought it may not be enough reopening of retail and business. Retail stores will be allowed to reopen but must operate at 50 percent fire code capacity and maintain social distancing requirements. Hospitals will be allowed to do elective procedures and the state’s beaches will re-open. – Montgomery Advertiser
State’s banks still struggling to file payment protection loan paperwork
Banks faced a second day of problems after applications for a new round of payment protection program started. The constant website problems are frustrating businesses in North Alabama and across the country. CEO Of North Alabama Bank Michael Dempsey said he spent more than 12 hours applying for the PPP loan Monday, and his struggles continued Tuesday. “During the first 6 hours on the site, I was able to get in four applications,” Dempsey said. – WAAY
Toyota Alabama implements new safety rules, targets May 4 reopening
After roughly six weeks off, workers at Toyota’s engine plant in Huntsville are tentatively expected to return to work on May 4th. Toyota says they’ve examined every single process inside the plant and have made adjustments to best protect their employees. Madison County Commission Chairman Dale Strong joined by Chamber of Commerce President Chip Cherry toured the plant to see the upgrades for themselves. – WHNT
