What passed, what didn’t in Alabama legislative session
Alabama lawmakers began the 2020 legislative session with several big-ticket items before them, including a prison overhaul, a possible state lottery and medical marijuana legislation. Those issues fell by the wayside as the coronavirus outbreak interrupted the legislative session. House Speaker Mac McCutcheon said it is “very possible” that the governor will call them into special session at some point to deal with prisons or other issues. – AP
Some businesses planning to reopen Monday, others waiting it out
For the first time in about six weeks business owners are reopening their doors. Governor Kay Ivey’s amended safer at home order allows for restaurants, nail & hair salons and gyms to reopen under strict guidelines Monday. After putting several safety precautions in place like table shields, Anh Phan at Nail Boutique in Hoover is ready to open her doors. Calls for appointments are also piling up for hair stylists. But LaToya Jones said, who owns L Jones salon in Pelham, says she’s waiting until June 1. – WBHM
Lawmakers, of course, want to spend Covid cash on new Statehouse
Alabama lawmakers said Saturday that they expect a special session later this year on how to use the state’s coronavirus relief funds, and the Republican leader of the Alabama Senate said an idea to build a new Statehouse should be “part of the discussion.” Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh said legislative leaders gave Gov. Kay Ivey a preliminary list of ideas that included $800 million for broadband access across the state and $200 million for a new Statehouse. – AP
Auburn University’s LAUNCH competition goes virtual
COVID-19 and its associated shutdowns have not stopped Auburn University’s LAUNCH competition from going forward. This year’s annual pitch competition will be held virtually through Zoom, the online meeting platform. On Wednesday, May 13, some of Auburn University’s top entrepreneurial faculty will put forward ideas for research projects with the potential to affect the economy of the state and region. – AL NewsCenter
Father and son saving Dothan small businesses, one at a time
Not even a pandemic would stop Kirk Crosby from taking his dad out to eat. The Dothan father-and-son duo just had to revamp their approach. No longer able to dine in restaurants, they decided to start visiting local establishments for takeout lunches. With a degree in marketing, Kirk turned the outings into a way to support local businesses. – AP
State may give chiropractor an adjustment after he refused to close
A small-town Alabama chiropractor and gym owner was arrested on a charge of violating the statewide coronavirus health order. Dr. Aric Butler, owner of Doc’s Gym and Family Chiropractic in Rogersville, is accused of opening his gym to the public in violation of Alabama’s Safer-At-Home order, according to court records. Butler has pleaded not guilty. – AL.com
