Schools To Reopen This Fall; Church Bomber Dies: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — A much-anticipated message from the state school superintendent was delivered this past week, saying that schools will reopen as planned this fall in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Also this past week, convicted 16th Street Baptist Church bomber Thomas Blanton died in his prison cell at the age of 83.

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

Avondale Approved As Entertainment District

The Birmingham City Council approved a resolution Tuesday granting entertainment district status for the Avondale business area.

State Superintendent Says Schools Will Be Open This Fall

State superintendent of education Dr. Eric Mackey announced Friday that schools in Alabama will open as planned for the coming school year.

New Face Covering Ordinance In Place For Jefferson County

A new ordinance requiring face coverings in Jefferson County begins Monday.

Convicted 16th Street Baptist Church Bomber Dies In Prison

Thomas Blanton, one of the men convicted of killing four Black girls in the 16th Street Baptist Church bombing in Birmingham in 1963, died in in his prison cell at William E. Donaldson Correctional Facility.

'Noose' Found In Bubba Wallace's Garage Not Hate Crime: FBI

An investigation into a noose found in the garage of NASCAR driver Bubba Wallace's garage at Talladega Superspeedway has revealed that the noose was not meant for Wallace.