Ivey's Juneteenth Proclamation; Pastor Dies: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Gov. Kay Ivey this past week made a proclamation designating June 19 as Juneteenth Day in Alabama, a step toward promoting healing and unity in the state.

Ivey also announced Alabama will receive grants to help bring the state's drivers into the electric vehicle age this past week, helping finance the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at many fueling stations near interstates and other major highways.

Here are those and other stories that made headlines this past week on Patch:

$4.1 Million Grants To Help Bring AL Drivers Into Electric Age

Gov. Ivey has awarded 18 grants to help finance the installation of electric vehicle charging stations at many fueling stations near interstates and other major highways and corridors in central and north Alabama.

Gov. Kay Ivey Issues Juneteenth Day Proclamation

Gov. Kay Ivey has proclaimed June 19, 2021 as Juneteenth Day in Alabama. The governor signed the proclamation Thursday to recognize the date's significance in history as well as to promote healing and unity in the state.

Vaccination Rates In Alabama Among The Lowest In The Nation

Alabama ranks nearly dead last when it comes to getting people vaccinated against COVID-19. Only one state's vaccination record is worse. That honor goes to Mississippi.

Former AL Pastor Who Wrote About Mental Health Issues Dead At 38

Hoover police confirmed that the body of 38-year-old Glenn Stephen "Steve" Austin was found in the city Monday.

Landing To Partner With Alabama, Jefferson County, And Birmingham To Establish New HQ

Landing, the company behind the first membership for flexible apartment living, announced a new partnership with the State of Alabama, Jefferson County and the City of Birmingham to relocate its headquarters from San Francisco to Birmingham.