Posts by Dylan Smith — Page 50

The opioid epidemic has left a trail of death and destruction as it has metastasized throughout virtually every corner of the United States, discriminating against no one in its quest for absolute devastation of families and communities nationwide. While Alabama is certainly not alone in its battle against the deadly catastrophe, it has emerged as […]

The Economic Development Partnership of Alabama (EDPA) earlier this week held its virtual Alabama Launchpad Cycle 3 Finale, where it awarded two startups a combined $75,000. Alabama Launchpad, founded in 2006, directs funding to startups through competitions in an effort to drive innovation and job creation. In receiving investment from Alabama Launchpad, startup founders cede […]

Netflix’s “Tiger King” enthralled American audiences last year as the documentary series gave a glimpse into the life of former big cat zookeeper and convicted felon Joe Maldonado-Passage, better known as “Joe Exotic.” The streaming platform earlier this week unveiled “Tiger King 2,” offering an update on the events that occurred following the series’ first […]

The U.S. House of Representatives on Friday passed the Democrat-sponsored “Build Back Better Act” by a vote of 220-213. Alabama’s GOP congressional delegation voted against the $1.75 trllion social and climate spending package by a margin of 6-1, with the lone vote in favor of the bill coming from U.S. Rep. Terri Sewell (D-Birmingham). According […]

Gov. Kay Ivey has solidified her standing as being one of the nation’s most popular governors, according to recent polling. Polling conducted by Morning Consult showed that 62% of registered Alabama voters approve of Ivey’s job performance, placing her as the nation’s eighth most popular governor. The poll began July 21 and ran through October […]

Gov. Kay Ivey on Thursday announced that The J.M. Smucker Co. plans to construct a new manufacturing facility and distribution center in Jefferson County. The three-phase $1.1 billion project, which will support production of Smucker’s Uncrustables frozen sandwiches, is projected to create up to 750 jobs in the Birmingham area community of McCalla. The new […]

Wednesday kicked off the Alabama Black Belt Adventures Association’s (ALBBAA) 10th annual Big Buck Photo Contest. The online contest, sponsored by Jonathan Goode and Southeastern Land Group, will run through February 10, 2022. “Over the past decade, we’ve held this friendly contest to highlight the long seasons, healthy populations and big bucks that the bountiful […]

AT&T earlier this week announced that it had named Birmingham native Cara Fields as the telecommunications company’s vice president and general manager for the Gulf States market. In her new role, Fields will manage over 2,100 employees at over 100 AT&T retail locations. Additionally, she will support more than 200 national retail partners in the […]

Every Republican member of Alabama’s congressional delegation voted against the Democrats’ $1.2 trillion infrastructure bill, which passed the U.S. House of Representatives last week on a largely partisan basis by a 228-206 margin. The bill, which had previously passed the U.S. Senate, was signed into law by President Joe Biden earlier this week. According to […]

Huntsville’s The Orion Amphitheater earlier this week announced that it will hold its opening celebration on the weekend of May 13, 2022, during which the venue will play host to landmark music event, The First Waltz. The three-day event will feature many well-known music artists who hold strong ties to North Alabama, including Brittany Howard, […]

Businessman Todd Mitchem on Wednesday announced the launch of his campaign for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 26. The seat Mitchem is seeking is currently held by State Rep. Kerry Rich (R-Albertville), who has opted to retire from his service in the legislature. Mitchem, a Marshall County native, owns and operates multiple properties in […]

Retired U.S. Army Colonel Dr. David Cole on Tuesday announced that he would seek the Republican Party nomination for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 10. The highly-decorated veteran, whose military background includes service in both Iraq and Afghanistan, is seeking a seat currently occupied by State Rep. Mike Ball (R-Madison), who has decided to […]

Centerstone’s Military Services on Wednesday announced that it had been awarded a $75,000 grant from Boeing to support free mental health care services provided to past and present Alabama servicemembers. Boeing’s financial contribution will allow Centerstone’s Military Services to provide free counseling and related mental health services to veterans, active duty military personnel and military […]

Gov. Kay Ivey, in collaboration with the Alabama State Department of Education (ALSDE), earlier this week issued a formal proclamation launching the second annual “Thank Alabama Teachers Week.” The recognition was created in 2020 in an effort to express gratitude to Alabama educators for their vast contributions to the state. ALSDE Superintendent Dr. Eric Mackey […]

U.S. Rep. Jerry Carl (R-Mobile) on Tuesday announced that he had introduced legislation to expand veterans’ health care flexibility. Carl’s bill, the “Veterans Health Care Flexibility Act,” would allow all veterans to receive care through the Veterans Community Care Program regardless of arbitrary standards. According to a release, the outside care veterans are currently allowed […]

A series of bills passed by the Alabama Legislature and signed into law earlier this year is already having a substantial impact on the state’s wine industry. When assessing the appropriate actions that would serve to benefit the state’s wineries and vineyards, leaders identified existing barriers to expanding the industry’s growth potential. States across the […]

U.S. Rep. Mo Brooks (R-AL) on Tuesday announced that he had cosponsored a number of bills in the lower chamber of Congress which aim to solidify protections for the unborn. In announcing Brooks’ legislative action on the issue, his congressional office noted that the North Alabama congressman had signed his name to 10 separate pro-life […]

Dr. Mark Shirey of Southern Vision Care on Tuesday announced his candidacy for the Alabama House of Representatives, District 100. The seat Shirey is seeking is currently occupied by State Rep. Victor Gaston (R-Mobile), who recently announced that he would forgo reelection to the legislature. Shirey holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Alabama […]

U.S. Sen. Richard Shelby (R-AL) on Tuesday announced the awarding of two U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) grants which will be allocated toward funding two Alabama infrastructure projects. The awards, which were funded through the Rebuilding American Infrastructure with Sustainability and Equity (RAISE) grant program, will be appropriated toward infrastructure improvements for the city of […]

U.S. Rep. Robert Aderholt (R-Haleyville) on Tuesday announced that he had sent a letter to FBI Director Christopher Wray regarding last month’s U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) memorandum concerning parent-led protests at school board meetings. In his October 4 memo, U.S. Attorney General Merrick Garland advised that the DOJ would partake in measures aimed at […]

Former Business Council of Alabama head Katie Britt on Tuesday announced that her candidacy for the U.S. Senate had been endorsed by the Alabama Retail Association. The Alabama Retail Association, formed in 1943, holds 4,200 members with around 6,000 locations statewide. The association’s representation ranges from small, family-owned retailers to large national chains. It utilizes […]

Now Hiring! You've seen the signs, here's why

As Alabama heads into the post-pandemic economy, roadblocks exist that stand in the way of returning to pre-COVID activity. As part of the Yellowhammer News Connect to your Future series, the following serves as an informational piece outlining the state’s shortage of skilled labor. “Now Hiring” signs can be seen displayed at nearly every community […]

The Alabama Farmers Federation (ALFA) on Tuesday announced an additional round of endorsements for incumbents seeking reelection to the state legislature. ALFA announced the endorsements through its political arm, FarmPAC. The federation is the largest agricultural advocacy organization in the state as it holds more than 350,000 members. ALFA advised that it employs a grassroots […]

U.S. Sen. Tommy Tuberville (R-AL), as part of a congressional delegation to Southeast Asia, recently met with American allies in the Indo-Pacific region to strengthen bilateral ties and strategic alliances. Alabama’s junior senator was accompanied by U.S. Sens. John Cornyn (R-TX), Mike Crapo (R-ID), Mike Lee (R-UT), and U.S. Reps. Tony Gonzales (R-TX) and Jake […]