New COVID-19 Cases Spike; BCS Names Interim Leader: Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Four of the five largest daily totals of new COVID-19 cases in Alabama have come in the last 10 days, with this past week including the highest daily total since the pandemic began. Alabama surpassed 11,000 total cases of the virus this past week, and approached 500 fatalities.

Also in the news this past week, Birmingham City Schools announced that Dr. Mark Sullivan will be the interim superintendent of the school system after the departure of Dr. Lisa Herring.

In addition to those stories, here are a few of the stories that made headlines on Patch this past week:

Birmingham Extends Mandatory Face Mask Order

The City of Birmingham's mandatory face covering was set to expire May 15, but the city council has extended the order through May 22.

Hoover Schools Amend Guidelines For Graduation Ceremonies

After some push back from students and parents regarding Spain Park and Hoover high schools moving forward with graduation ceremonies amid the coronavirus pandemic, the school system put in additional guidelines for participants.

Interim Superintendent Named For Birmingham Schools

Dr. Mark Sullivan, who has been with the system for more than 25 years, will take over after the departure of Dr. Lisa Herring.

More Than 400 New COVID-19 Cases In One Day Brings Alabama Past 11,000

The highest daily total of new COVID-19 cases brought the state past 11,000 total cases of the virus, with the death total passing 450.

Anti-Semitic Video Surfaces Featuring Mountain Brook Student

A video on social media shows a Mountain Brook student with swastikas and other anti-Semitic symbols being drawn on his back.