ICU Bed Shortage; Guilty Plea In Kidnapping: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — This past week saw some significant developments on the pandemic front, and unfortunately for Alabamians, one of those developments was an announcement that the state's hospitals now have no ICU beds available.

The announcement came from the Alabama Hospitals Association, and reflects the rapid spread of COVID-19 cases in Alabama, and the low rate of vaccinations in the state.

Also in the news, a man pleaded guilty to the September 2020 kidnapping of Birmingham businessman Elton B. Stephens III.

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

Man Pleads Guilty In Kidnapping Of Birmingham Businessman

The accused kidnapper of prominent Birmingham Businessman Elton B. Stephens, Jr. has pleaded guilty in federal court to multiple charges.

Alabama Hospitals Have No Available ICU Beds

Dr. Don Williamson of the AHA said that as of Tuesday, 1,568 patients in Alabama needed ICU beds, and the state's hospitals have only 1,557 ICU beds.

Competition Venues Announced For The World Games 2022

The World Games 2022 has now announced all 14 of the Birmingham community venues that will host competitions when the historic event takes place next July.

Miles College Gets Grant To Preserve, Restore Williams Hall

The oldest building on the Miles College campus is getting a good makeover, thanks to a nearly $500,000 grant.

City of Bessemer To Require Masks In Municipal Facilities

The Bessemer City Council voted to require the wearing of face coverings inside all city buildings, following the City of Birmingham's lead.