Alabama holiday sales projected to meet last year’s
Analysts and economists say that holiday retail sales in Alabama will meet last year’s or slightly exceed them. Sales in November and December of 2019 were $13.25 billion, a record number. Through September of this year, Alabamians had spent more than 8% than they did in 2019. – Alabama Retail Association
Redstone Arsenal may reach 50,000 employees by 2025
Army Lt. Gen. Donnie Walker, senior commander of Redstone Arsenal, said its 44,000 employees will likely grow to 50,000 by 2025. The arsenal, which covers nearly 8 square miles, has an almost $30 billion annual encomic impact on the Huntsville-Decatur area, Walker said. – AL.com
Athens veterans museum undergoing renovation
Athens’ new Alabama Veterans Museum and Archives may be completed by January 2021. The $750,000 renovation will involve 20,000 square feet in the Limestone County Event Center. The museum is the top tourist attraction in Limestone County. – U.S. News & World Report
Birmingham City Schools students return with dashboard
Birmingham City Schools students return to the classroom today, and a district-wide dashboard will track COVID-19 cases by school. About 60% of students will return for in-person or blended classes, with kindergarten through 8th grade starting this week and high schoolers starting next week. – WBRC-6
