Governor Kay Ivey’s mask mandate ends today. Local school districts now have the choice on whether to make face coverings mandatory. Other guidelines have also been relaxed. The CDC has moved its social distancing guidelines from six feet to three feet in the classroom. More students will attend in-person instruction in closer proximity as a result.  Michael Sibley is the Director of Communications at the Alabama Department of Education. He said school district mask wearing policies will probably reflect the views of their community. 

A Northern Alabama county ranks last in the state for having fully vaccinated residents. 

New statistics show Winston County ranks last in terms of people who have been fully vaccinated for COVID-19 in Alabama. The state as a whole has the country’s lowest inoculation rate.

Businesses are open in the county and few people wear masks even prior to the official mask mandate for the state that ends this evening. 

First lady Dr. Jill Biden will be visiting Alabama to promote the president's COVID-19 recovery plan.

She will arrive to Birmingham on Friday and visit an early learning center. She will also speak at a YMCA.

Actor Jennifer Garner was supposed to join the first lady, but isn't making the trip because of the possibility of severe weather.

Biden is promoting the $1.9 trillion package, which was signed by President Joe Biden last month, as a way to address childhood poverty.

Gov. Kay Ivey’s “Safer at Home” order will expire on Friday, but a new mandate is taking its place.

Ivey and State Health Officer Scott Harris have outlined a new “Safer Apart” order. The new mandate will strongly encourage people to maintain social distance and wear a mask in public, although doing so will no longer be required. It will remain in effect until 5 p.m. May 5.

The current “Safer at Home” mandate orders the wearing of masks in public buildings.

The Alabama House Judiciary Committee approved a medical marijuana bill on Wednesday after lengthy debate and multiple amendment attempts.

The bill now moves to the Health Committee after House leaders ruled it must pass through two committees.

Republican Sen. Tim Melson sponsored the bill that would allow people with qualifying medical conditions to purchase marijuana after getting a recommendation from a doctor.

The Alabama Senate has already passed a version of the bill.

Alabama Secretary of State John H. Merrill will not run for office next year after saying he made poor choices that have impacted his family.

He told the Associated Press that his choices were not in the best interest of his family. In an interview with AL.com, he said that he had an inappropriate relationship with a woman outside his marriage.

Merrill served in the Alabama House of Representatives before being elected as secretary of state in 2014. 

Rep. Mo Brooks has gained an endorsement from former President Donald Trump for Alabama's 2022 Senate race.

Brooks spoke at a rally for Trump before the Capitol riot in January.

The endorsement was announced by the Brooks campaign on Wednesday.

Brooks is running to replace six-term Sen. Richard Shelby against former Trump ambassador Lynda Blanchard.

A bill that would fine drivers for using smart phones has been struck down in the Alabama House of Representatives.

Republican Rep. K.L. Brown of Jacksonville sponsored the bill that would have fined drivers for holding, watching or recording with a smart phone while driving. It failed on a vote of 47-48.

During debate, some lawmakers questioned if the proposal would have been enforceable, while others were concerned that it would be used to target minorities for traffic stops. 

A bill that would allow alcohol delivery in Alabama has made its way to Gov. Kay Ivey's desk.

The Alabama Senate approved changes from the House that were made to the bill sponsored by Sen. Jabo Waggoner of Vestavie Hills.

It would allow beverages to be delivered to people 21 years and older by companies licensed to deliver. Limits would also be places on how much could be delivered in a 24-hour period.