Evonik commissions new biomaterials plant in Birmingham
German specialty chemicals firm Evonik commissioned its new biomaterials plant in Birmingham this week, expanding its capacity for bioresorbable polymers. The company said the opening of the facility is in response to an uptick in global demand for bioresorbable polymers used in drug products and implantable medical devices. The 2,800-square-meter plant includes several cleanrooms, a number of reactors, purification and micronization systems. Once open, it will work with Evonik’s CDMO facility in Birmingham. – Powder & Bulk Solids
Alabama hospitals get limited amount of drug to help treat COVID-19
More Alabama patients are gaining access to the drug Remdesivir to treat COVID-19, but the new supply is not enough for all the patients who could benefit from it. Early clinical trials have shown the drug helped shorten hospital stays for patients with severe symptoms. Alabama got a supply of Remdesivir, thanks to a donation from the drug’s manufacturer. It was distributed to hospitals over the last 24 hours. – ABC3340
$1.5 billion paid to Alabama small businesses through loan program
Alabama businesses have gobbled up more than $1.5 billion in small business loans in the second round of the Paycheck Protection Program. The $349 billion loan program, authorized through the CARES Act to help small businesses hemorrhaging jobs and money because of the coronavirus pandemic lockdown, ran out of money in less than two weeks. It then got a $310 billion infusion of money late last month. – AL.com
New case of COVID-19 at Alabama Honda plant
On Wednesday, May 13, Honda Manufacturing of Alabama has confirmed an employed contractor self-reported a potential case of COVID-19. Representatives for the plant said that associates who worked directly with the impacted individual were immediately informed about the status of the contracted employee. Honda representatives also reported that the Talladega County Health Department was also informed. – ABC3340
Suspension of jury trials in Alabama Supreme Court goes to September
The Alabama Supreme Court on Wednesday issued a new administrative order extending the state of emergency for the Judicial Branch of the State of Alabama. Clerk of Court Julia Weller said they will not resume jury trials within the court until Sept. 14 but they will allow in-person hearings to resume on May 15. In person hearings include all hearings in the circuit courts, district courts, juvenile courts, municipal courts, and probate courts. – ABC3340
Mobile ponders how to improve Ladd-Peebles Stadium
Ladd-Peebles Stadium and Entertainment Complex has a nice ring to it. The name change is just one part of a recent proposal being discussed for Ladd-Peebles Stadium, the 70-year-old Mobile landmark located on Virginia Street. The proposal – which is still in the fact-gathering and information-collecting stage – includes renovating the stadium seating in the north end zone to include a “built-in” stage in hopes of acquiring entertainment acts to the facility, according Ladd-Peebles Stadium board member Reggie Copeland. – AL.com
