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Gov. Kay Ivey hospitalized after medical procedure

By Mike Cason | mcason@al.com

Gov. Kay Ivey is recovering in a Montgomery hospital after a procedure to remove fluid pressing against her lung, the governor’s press office said Tuesday afternoon.
“For the last three weeks, Governor Kay Ivey has experienced some discomfort in her left side,” the news release said.

“After monitoring the pain and recently feeling slightly short-of-breath, she made the decision to be seen again by her primary care physician earlier today.

“After he recommended she be evaluated by a surgeon at Baptist Medical Center South, it was determined there was some fluid pushing against her lung.”
The governor’s office said the situation was not an emergency but that the governor wanted to get it resolved as soon as possible so she could quickly recover for the end of the legislative session, which is down to its last six days.

“This afternoon, the governor successfully underwent a minor procedure at Baptist South to remove that fluid,” the press office said.

“Out of an abundance of caution, she will be monitored at Baptist South in the coming days.

“We are in touch with Governor Ivey, and she says she is determined to make a very speedy and full recovery.”

Ivey, 81, has had some previous health issues during her nine years as governor.

In September 2019, the governor said she had lung cancer after doctors found what she described as a “tiny, isolated malignancy.”

Three weeks later, Ivey said she had completed radiation treatment on the cancerous spot.

In January 2020, her doctor said surveillance imaging showed an excellent response to the treatment for the Stage 1 cancer.

“She will continue on routine surveillance imaging, but I consider Governor Ivey to be cured.” Dr. Alex Whitley of Central Alabama Radiation Oncology, said in a statement.

In November 2024, Ivey received emergency medical care at a campaign event for congressional candidate Caroleene Dobson in Montgomery.
Gina Maiola, the governor’s communications director, said at that time the governor was dehydrated.

“She received fluids and was evaluated on site out of precaution,” Maiola said. “She immediately felt better and is at home doing well this evening."

READ MORE: Gov. Kay Ivey hospitalized after medical procedure - al.com
New PSC bill cuts rate hearings

Alabama lawmakers conglomerated legislation to make utility companies open their books every year and add new positions to the state’s Public Service Commission into a new, last-minute proposal described by citizens as compromised, senseless and “too much.”

Earlier this month, the House of Representatives approved a bill by Rep. Mack Butler, R-Rainbow City, to require the three-member body responsible for regulating Alabama’s energy rates to hold rate case hearings for every utility in the state at least once every three years.

The Senate approved the “Power to the People Act” by Sen. Clyde Chambliss, R-Prattville, a few days earlier. That bill aims to grow the PSC from three members to seven and create a secretary of energy to oversee the commission’s operations. However, Chambliss’ bill does not require the PSC to hold rate case hearings.

Read More : New PSC bill cuts rate hearings | Alabama | lagniappemobile.com
Mobile City Council approves arena basketball floor, hemp retail ordinance

MOBILE, Ala. (WALA) - The Mobile City Council approved a purchase agreement with Robbins Sports Surfaces for a new basketball floor, storage carts, and transition ramps for the new Mobile Arena.

The $238,000 purchase order will cover all the items and has already been budgeted for.

Arena construction continues

The new arena reached the halfway point of completion earlier this month.

Mobile Mayor Spiro Cheriogotis said the city is working to find a way to install murals removed from the old Civic Center in the new arena.

“When you have a work of art like we have, it deserves preservation, and the city has already invested a good bit of money in removing it properly and storing it properly,” Cheriogotis said. “We don’t want to waste that money. We’re going to make sure we do what it takes to get this mural back in place and be in a place where people can enjoy it. Anybody coming into the arena can see it and enjoy it.”

The arena is on track to be completed and opened by Mardi Gras.

Hemp retail ordinance approved

The Mobile City Council also voted to approve an ordinance requiring hemp retailers to go through a process similar to liquor license approvals. It requires city council approval before getting approval from the Alabama Alcoholic Beverage Control Board.
Mayor Cheriogotis said the city looked at similar ordinances in Dothan and Auburn.

“These products have expiration dates. These business owners bought them legally, were operating legally, and selling them legally,” Cheriogotis said. “And we just want to get that back in action as soon as possible. Out of respect for our business owners and for the customers who desire these products.”

Business owners may be able to start the process of getting their license as soon as next week.

Mobile City Council approves arena basketball floor, hemp retail ordinance