Posts by Austen Shipley — Page 52

It should come as no surprise the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) is upgrading its Redstone Arsenal facility at the speed of technology itself. Assistant Director of the FBI’s IT Infrastructure Division, Johnnie Sharp Jr., spoke at an annual Redstone Arsenal Update on Wednesday about those future plans — to the extent they can publicly […]

Attorney General Steve Marshall has made faith-based organizations throughout Alabama a priority since entering office in 2017. This time around, Marshall is fighting to protect faith-based adoption and foster care from a rule proposed by the Biden Administration that he has labeled as ‘discriminatory.’ Marshall, joined by nineteen other Republican attorneys general, issued a stark […]

Alabama-based Oakworth Capital Bank is being recognized by the finance-focused outlet, American Banker. The publication recently ranked Oakworth Capital as the “Best Bank to Work For” in the country for the 6th year in a row. “This ranking is a direct reflection of the work of our associates,” said Scott Reed, chairman and CEO of […]

U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville and a coalition of Republican colleagues are calling on the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) to back off from a regulatory push to limit American farmers’ use of an insecticide relied on for crop production. Chlorpyrifos, the insecticide being targeted, has been widely used in […]

The University of West Alabama released its student population census data for the fall 2023 semester, revealing the highest enrollment for a single semester. The new enrollment record of 6,195 students represents close to a 6% increase from last fall’s enrollment numbers. That increase wasn’t just isolated to one class or a particular program — […]

Auburn University’s The Laurel Hotel and Spa, an on-campus luxury hotel that’s being billed as a “once in a lifetime experience” for guests, has been selected to receive the prestigious Five Diamond designation by AAA Travels in its first year of operation. In addition to being a highly-rated destination, the extravagant hotel also helps train […]

The University of Alabama in Birmingham’s Alys Stephens Performing Arts Center announced it will premier several new performances and events this coming year — ranging from plays and concerts all the way to a dog show and Q&A session with renowned actor, John Cusack. The performances and events, as well as their dates, times, and […]

The Alabama Robotics Technology Park in Decatur, Alabama is set to be the home of a new $30 million training center with a focus on electric vehicles and emerging technologies within the auto industry. The Alabama Department of Commerce announced the news Monday. “The auto industry is being confronted by the strong headwinds of disruptive […]

Rickwood Caverns State Park is once again hosting what has become an annual holiday tradition that many throughout the state look forward to. The event, ‘Wonderland Under Warrior’, transforms the dark caverns at Rickwood into a place of celebration complete with festive light’s, decorations, and appearances by Santa Claus and other holiday characters. “It doesn’t […]

Thanks to the rain of the past week, burn restrictions have been lifted in 33 counties in South Alabama, the Alabama Forestry Commission announced. The commission also downgraded the status to a “Fire Alert” in 23 North Alabama counties. However, because the rainfall was unevenly distributed throughout the state, 11 counties did not have the […]

Small businesses are “the engine that drives our economy.” And for no small reason. Alabama’s 422,518 small businesses make up 99.4% of the state and employ 818,234 people – 46% of all Alabama employees. They are our neighbors, friends, relatives and employers and employees. To recognize the importance of small businesses, Gov. Ivey proclaimed Saturday […]

QuantHub, a Birmingham-based startup, is joining forces with Innovate Alabama to launch an internship program that will prepare students for careers in data science and artificial intelligence (AI). The duo will collaborate with the Alabama State Department of Education to introduce approximately 38,000 students to QuantHub’s advanced training software within the next year. Joshua Jones, […]

Keeping with a tradition that goes all the way back to 1971, the Poarch Band of Creek Indians will celebrate their 51st Annual Pow Wow at the tribe’s reservation in Atmore, Alabama on November 23 and 24. Coinciding with Native American Heritage Month, the annual event offers a powerful showcase of the Tribe’s cultural heritage. […]

Hoover will be opening its own Health Care District, the city and its Health Care Authority announced Tuesday. Alan Paquette, chair of the Hoover HCA, said the health care district will meet the right needs at the right time. “Hoover has needed a centralized Health Care District for years, and we are pleased to begin […]

As the flow of illegal immigration at the southern border continues, one group may be paying a higher price than others. In recent years, children have increasingly become the target of transnational trafficking and recycling schemes, many of which are conducted by cartels. Sen. Katie Britt has been a frequent advocate for increased governmental involvement […]

USDA, state offer grants to aid food supply chain

The U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Agricultural Marketing Service and the state of Alabama are partnering to help protect the state’s food supply chain. To accomplish the task, they will award some $5.7 million in grants for supply chain-oriented projects through the federal Resilient Food Systems Infrastructure Program. “This partnership between USDA and Alabama is allowing […]

ALEA offers safety tips for Thanksgiving travel

The Alabama Law Enforcement Agency is serving up several safety tips aimed at keeping travelers on Alabama’s roadways safe during the Thanksgiving holiday. “There is nothing better than making memories with family and friends during this extended holiday weekend, even if it means driving for hours and traveling long distances,” ALEA Secretary Hal Taylor said. […]

Lawmakers propose National Adoption Day and Month

Some of Alabama’s biggest political names are currently promoting adoption by introducing resolutions within the U.S. House and the Senate to officially make November National Adoption Month and to establish Nov. 18 as National Adoption Day. “Adoption is an act of generosity and compassion,” said Sen. Tommy Tuberville. “It gives children a safe, loving, and […]

Governor Kay Ivey is working with the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs to award a total of $2.5 million in grants to several Central Alabama agencies that aid children who have been neglected or abused. “Child abuse and neglect have a significant negative impact upon the wellbeing of both children and families,” Ivey […]

As Thanksgiving Day approaches, many in Alabama might see reduced prices of several holiday staples. After 2022’s record high national costs, families from across the country can now look forward to celebrating the holiday for a smaller price. According to the American Farm Bureau Federation’s 38th annual survey, the average cost of this year’s holiday […]

Alabama’s largest southern city is being recognized as one of the best places to visit in both North America and the Caribbean in 2024. The rankings were put together by Conde Nast, a media company with publications that include Vogue, The New Yorker, and GQ. Mobile, one of only seven destinations in the U.S. to […]

For $2,200 a night you can now stay in what has been dubbed as the ‘most luxurious’ Airbnb location in the entire country. No, the property isn’t located in the foothills of Los Angeles, nor Martha’s Vineyard. As a matter of fact, this Airbnb is located in Alexander City on scenic Lake Martin. “Stunning 8 […]

UAB crowned best hospital in Alabama by Newsweek

The University of Alabama in Birmingham is continuing to receive national praise for its accomplishments in the fields of medicine and patient care. This time, the medical institution was named the best hospital in the entire state by “Newsweek”. “It is an honor to be recognized by Newsweek as the top hospital in Alabama,” said […]

State labor force participation rate remains steady

Alabama’s labor force participation rate reportedly remained steady at 57% throughout October, according to the Alabama Department of Labor. The Department also reported that the total private average weekly wage increased as did the percentage of prime age workers (25-54 years old) participating in the workforce, with a new participation rate of 78.1%. “We are […]