Coronavirus Deaths In JeffCo; Big Banking Deal: The Week In News

BIRMINGHAM, AL — Coronavirus cases and fatalities dominated the news this past week on Patch, with record numbers of new cases of the virus in Jefferson County.

In fact, Jefferson County has confirmed more than 100 deaths from COVID-19 in November, three times as many deaths than were reported in the county in October.

Despite the spread of the virus in Alabama, Gov. Kay Ivey made an announcement this week that she does not plan to close businesses statewide.

Speaking of business in Alabama, one of the state's major players in the long banking history of the state, BBVA, was purchased by PNC Bank in a multi-billion deal.

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

Coronavirus In Alabama: Gov. Ivey 'Will Not Shut Down Businesses'

The "Revive Plus" grant totals $200 million for local businesses, which is good news, while Ivey also announced Wednesday that she has no plans to close Alabama businesses amid the rise in COVID-19 cases.

Jefferson County Passes 100 Coronavirus Deaths In November

After confirming nine COVID-19 deaths Thursday, Jefferson County has now reported more than 100 deaths from the virus in November, with 106 reported fatalities as of Nov. 20.

Vestavia Hills Psychology Clinic Employee Sentenced In Fraud Case

A former employee of a Birmingham area psychology clinic who pleaded guilty to fraud charges was sentenced in federal court Tuesday.

18 Pounds Of Marijuana Seized In Jefferson County Traffic Stop

A routine traffic stop Monday in Adamsville resulted in the seizure of 18 pounds of marijuana by the Jefferson County Sheriff's Office.

PNC To Purchase BBVA USA In $11.6 Billion Deal

BBVA, formerly Compass bank based in Birmingham, has entered into an agreement with PNC Bank to be purchased for $11.6 billion, according to a release from PNC.