Alabama among states leading nation for income inequality
Last year, income inequality in the United States reached its highest level since the Census Bureau started tracking it in 1967, according to federal data released Thursday. In the midst of the longest economic expansion the U.S. has ever seen, with poverty and unemployment rates at historic lows, the separation between rich and poor from 2017 and 2018 was greater than it has ever been, federal data show. Nine states saw spikes in that divide: Alabama, Arkansas, California, Kansas, Nebraska, New Hampshire, New Mexico, Texas and Virginia. – Washington Post
REI to open first Alabama store in Birmingham next week
REI Co-op will open its first store in Alabama in Birmingham on October 4. Located at The Summit, REI’s new store will measure 20,000 square feet. “We are thrilled to connect our Alabama members to the outdoors in a community as incredible as Birmingham,” says Lilah Williams, REI Birmingham store manager. “Whether it’s hiking, camping or mountain biking, we’ll offer the best gear for the activities our members already love, and expertise for those who want to try something new.” In addition to outdoor gear, REI Birmingham will offer a range of programs to connect people to a life outdoors. – SGB Media
Union seeks to organize workers at ArcelorMittal
Union organizers want a federal judge in Indiana to force local steelmaker ArcelorMittal to recognize them as bargaining agents for employees of the steelmaker’s Calvert, Alabama plant. United Steelworkers, the AFL-CIO and the United Steel, Paper & Forestry, Rubber, Manufacturing, Energy, Allied Industrial & Service Workers International Union filed a lawsuit this week in U.S. District Court. – NWI Times
Regions exec among 25 most powerful women in banking
A Regions executive has been recognized by American Banker magazine as being among the nation’s leaders in her industry. Kate Danella, Regions Bank’s head of strategic planning and consumer bank products and origination partnerships, has been named one of the “25 Most Powerful Women to Watch in Banking and Finance” by American Banker magazine. – AL.com
Trade war impacts now going beyond Airbus
U.S. tariffs on European airplanes and luxury goods are emerging as a new threat not just for Airbus SE but for U.S. airlines. The risk is rising for Boeing Co. as well if the European Union seeks to retaliate. The World Trade Organization will authorize the U.S. to impose tariffs on nearly $8 billion of European goods due to illegal state aid provided to Airbus, Bloomberg News reported Wednesday. – Bloomberg
Alabama Economic Growth Summit features heavy hitters in politics, business
Figures from media, politics, sports and business will converge on Birmingham for the Alabama Economic Growth Summit at Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa Oct. 24 and 25. The event will kick off Thursday evening, October 24, with a reception and celebration in the grand ballroom of the host hotel. The program will commence the following morning. – AL.com
