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Alabama’s unemployment rate increased to 7.9 percent in July

The state’s unemployment rate increased from 7.6 percent in June to 7.9 percent in July, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. That’s down from 9.6 percent in May. July’s rate represents 176,637 unemployed people, compared to 166,668 in June. That compares to a July 2019 rate of 2.8 percent, or 63,414 unemployed people. “Following … Continued
August 21, 2020

New unemployment claims increased slightly last week

There were 11,048 unemployment claims filed in Alabama last week, up from 9,468 the previous week, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. Of the claims filed between Aug. 9 and Aug. 15, 6,145, or 56 percent, were related to COVID-19. That compares to 65 percent the previous week and 76 percent the week before … Continued
August 21, 2020

Alabama State Port Authority’s Short-Line Railroad recognized for achievements in safety

The American Short Line and Regional Railroad Association (ASLRRA) has awarded two of its prestigious President’s Awards to the Alabama State Port Authority’s Terminal Railway – Alabama State Docks (TASD). The association annual releases those short line railroads that achieve rail safety standards. John C. Driscoll, director and chief executive officer of the Port Authority, … Continued
August 21, 2020

Alabama credit unions provide financial aid for members during COVID-19 pandemic

The Alabama Credit Union Association announced that credit unions in Alabama have continued to work to help members through the financial realities of the COVID-19 pandemic. ACUA is the division of the League of Southeastern Credit Unions & Affiliates representing Alabama credit unions. ACUA has surveyed credit unions in the state three times since the … Continued
August 18, 2020

ArcelorMittal announces expansion of Mobile County steel plant

ArcelorMittal announced its intention to build an Electric Arc Furnace steelmaking facility at AM/NS Calvert. Once the new furnace is completed, the planned facility will be capable of producing 1.5 million metric tonnes of steel slabs for the Hot Strip Mill and producing a broad spectrum of steel grades required for Calvert’s end-user markets. Construction … Continued
August 14, 2020
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Business Facilities Magazine ranks Alabama No. 4 for business climate

Alabama received high rankings for its workforce development programs and auto manufacturing strength in a new report from Business Facilities magazine, which also picked Birmingham and Huntsville as top cities for business climate. This is the 16th installment of Business Facilities’ Annual State and Metro Rankings Report. The magazine ranked Birmingham/Hoover as the No. 1 … Continued
August 14, 2020

USDA announces more eligible commodities for CFAP

The U.S. secretary of agriculture, Sonny Perdue, announced that additional commodities are covered by the Coronavirus Food Assistance Program. This decision was made in response to public comments and data, and the USDA is extending the deadline to apply for the program to Sept. 11, and producers with approved applications will receive their final payment. … Continued
August 13, 2020

Alabama Arise calls Trump unemployment order “Band-Aid over a gaping economic wound”

An Alabama nonprofit that advocates for low-income residents says that President Donald Trump’s executive actions to extend federal aid to Americans affected by the pandemic falls far short of what is needed. “These executive actions put a Band-Aid over a gaping economic wound,” Chris Sanders, communications director for Alabama Arise, said in a statement on … Continued
August 11, 2020