Not expanding Medicaid has now officially bitten state’s hospitals
New health data shows disparities between how federal money was distributed to hospitals as part of the CARES Act and Alabama appears to have gotten less aid. “It didn’t surprise me because it was distributed on net patient revenue and that sounds like a fair way to do it until you realize all hospitals in all states aren’t situated the same,” said Dr. Don Williamson, CEO of Alabama Hospital Association. – WBRC
A look into where Alabama’s $3.7 billion coronavirus relief money went
About $1.9 billion in federal coronavirus relief money for Alabama received a lot of attention in May as lawmakers and Gov. Kay Ivey grappled for control of it. But that was only about half the total federal COVID-19 money flowing into the state under the federal CARES Act. The rest of the funds were mostly made available directly to state agencies through existing programs in order to address pressing needs at the beginning of the pandemic. – AL Daily News
Four of Alabama’s 10 fastest-growing cities in Baldwin County
People are flocking to the beaches. Not just for a summer vacation, but to live. Four of Alabama’s 10 fastest-growing cities over the last decade – and three of the top five – are at or near the coast. Baldwin County – home to Alabama’s beaches – was the fastest growing county in the state over that time period. Its growth has been led by the rapidly expanding small cities of Fairhope, Foley, Gulf Shores and Daphne, each of which has grown by at least 25 percent over the last 10 years. – AL.com
Jones says latest National Defense Authorization Act brings home bacon
Sen. Doug Jones, D-Alabama, on Thursday highlighted how the latest National Defense Authorization Act could positively impact Alabama service members, state universities and businesses that work with the U.S. military. The fiscal year 2021 National Defense Authorization Act (NDAA), approved on Thursday by the Senate Armed Services Committee, now goes before the full Senate for a vote. – AL Political Reporter
Pandemic shifts wedding season to football season for 2020
Heather Perkinson’s friends always said that if one of the group were to elope, it would be her. Heather understood why they said that, but she was looking forward to the simple, rustic wedding she, her fiance and her mother planned. On May 15, Heather was going to marry Preston Lamb in a barn setting surrounded by family and friends. Yet on April 4, Heather and Preston found themselves driving four hours to make it to Madison in time to say their vows before Governor Kay Ivey’s “Stay at Home” order went into effect at 5 p.m. – AL.com
