Sentencing delayed for Round House scam figure
A federal judge has delayed sentencing for a con man who bilked investors in Alabama of nearly $2 million. U.S. District Judge W. Keith Watkins says he needs to see what federal law says about Kyle Sandler’s request to do his time in home confinement, where he can use a computer to make more money and provide restitution to his victims. The judge said the fraud charges Sandler pleaded guilty to call for up to six and a half years in prison. – AP
Critics of gas tax hike emerge, worrying about misuse of funds
No one who rides on Alabama’s roads and bridges can deny serious repairs are needed. The governor and legislative republican leaders say that’s why they want to pass a 10-cent gas tax this legislative session. However, members of the Alabama GOP executive committee say not so fast. They oppose the tax increase, mainly because of where the gas tax money is going right now. – ABC 3340
Port of Mobile stands to benefit from gas tax hike passage
One day after Gov. Kay Ivey unveiled her 10-cent gas tax plan to improve infrastructure, the Coastal Alabama Partnership hosted about 65 members of the Legislature in Mobile to promote what may be one of the plan’s most controversial selling points. If passed, the new tax is expected to generate around $300 million for transportation improvement projects statewide, but Ivey is calling for a separate portion to be diverted for a $100 million bond issue to finance improvements to the ship channel serving the Alabama State Docks. – Lagniappe
Auto supplier Guyoung Tech USA plans major expansion
Hyundai and Kia supplier Guyoung Tech USA is planning a multimillion-dollar expansion of its production line, including a new welding line facility in Evergreen, near its facility in Castleberry. The expansion, in the former Gerber Distribution building, should be operational by the end of the year and will include electrical updates and installation of robotic welding machines, officials said. – AL.com
Regions Financial outlines three-year growth plan
Regions Financial Corp. on Wednesday presented the company’s three-year strategic growth plan at an Investor Day in New York. Among its priorities, the company plans to spend about $625 million this year on technology investments, and over the next three years, Regions will expand its use of artificial intelligence systems for both customer-facing and back-office applications. – AL.com
