Airbus plant in Alabama spared fallout from U.S. tariffs
Alabama aerospace workers won an unexpected reprieve from escalating trade tensions on Wednesday when the United States spared an Airbus plant in Mobile from the impact of tariffs against the European planemaker – at least for now. While Airbus aircraft built in Europe will be hit with a tariff of 10% after the World Trade Organization allowed Washington to impose sanctions on EU goods, semi-finished fuselages and wings are exempted, an official list showed. – Reuters
Health officers confirm first vaping death in Alabama
An adult male died of vaping-related illness in east Alabama, marking the first vaping death in the state and the 13th nationwide. The Alabama Department of Public Health did not identify the deceased man in its announcement on Wednesday. “The use of any tobacco product is unsafe. While this current outbreak is being investigated, the safest option is to refrain from using any e-cigarette or vape product,” State Health Officer Dr. Scott Harris said. – Daily Beast
More hospitals in state hit by ransomware attacks
Three hospitals in Alabama were closed to all but critical patients Wednesday after a ransomware attack crippled their computer systems. The form of ransomware used in the attack on the hospitals, all run by nonprofit DCH Health System, is not known. “A criminal is limiting our ability to use our computer systems in exchange for an as-yet unknown payment,” DCH said in a statement. “Our hospitals have implemented our emergency procedures to ensure safe and efficient operations in the event technology dependent on computers is not available.” – Silicon Angle
Morgan County Commission sued for not handing out tax revenue
The Alabama Education Association announced on Wednesday it filed a lawsuit, along with a temporary restraining order, to prevent the Morgan County Commission from withholding portions of online sales tax revenues from local school districts. A new law that would give a majority of online sales tax revenues to schools is being called unconstitutional. Morgan County Commissioners say, for now, they won’t disperse the $1 million as the law requires. – WAAY
Brasfield & Gorrie opens relocated Mississippi office
Birmingham-based Brasfield & Gorrie has relocated its Mississippi office to Ridgeland, north of Jackson. The offices are located in the 600 Concourse building on Highland Colony Parkway in Ridgeland. Brasfield & Gorrie has worked in Mississippi for more than 30 years, with an office in Jackson since 2015. – AL.com
State officials look to help farmers during drought
As a result of the extreme drought conditions in Alabama, state transportation and agriculture officials are working to issue special hay hauler permits. This no-cost process is a combined effort of the Alabama Department of Agriculture & Industries and the Alabama Department of Transportation to provide emergency relief to livestock producers. Drought conditions in Alabama continue to worsen, not only due to the lack of rain, but intensified by triple-digit, record breaking highs during the past month. – News release
