MONTGOMERY — Yellowhammer News on Wednesday afternoon spoke exclusively with Governor Kay Ivey. In a phone interview lasting over 20 minutes, Ivey discussed Alabama’s response to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, how economic considerations factor in, the possibility of Medicaid expansion, why gun stores are still open and much more.

Ivey also was asked about criticism from multiple state legislators about her latest State Health Order potentially favoring “big-box” stores over locally-owned, small businesses. The governor concluded with a message directly to the people of Alabama.

Yellowhammer News will post a write-up of the interview on Friday, but you can listen to the full interview below now:

This interview came before Ivey on Thursday held a question-and-answer session on Twitter. You can follow that session here.

RELATED: Keep up with Alabama’s confirmed coronavirus cases, locations here

Sean Ross is the editor of Yellowhammer News. You can follow him on Twitter @sean_yhn