FBI partners with Auburn as it creates new Alabama work base
The FBI is partnering with Auburn University as it expands its mission. FBI Deputy Director David Bowdich visited Auburn recently to discuss the new relationship. The new agreement describes Auburn as a partner with the Federal Bureau of Investigation as the agency expands its workforce and operations at Redstone Arsenal in Huntsville, said Amy Weaver, a university spokeswoman. – AP/NBC15
A big tract of Huntsville’s Monte Sano is for sale
In a rare Huntsville property listing, a big piece of Monte Sano is for sale. “Possibly the last large parcel available for development on Huntsville’s iconic Monte Sano” is the description for land just listed by Keller Williams Realty. The asking price for 49 acres on the northern end of the mountain along Bankhead Parkway: $995,000. – AL.com
Scary thought: Legislature has more money to work with this year
Prior to the Session convening last week, the Fiscal Office Director of the Legislative Services Agency presented budget projections to Legislators. He indicated that there will be approximately $400 million more than last year in the General Fund for the 2021 Budget for a total of approximately $2.6 billion. The Education Fund has seen an increase as well and should be at approximately $7.5 billion. – AL Political Reporter
Baldwin County sees record-breaking land sale
Local investors paid $13.017 million for 4,339 acres of timber and recreational land in central Baldwin County, according to Tim Herrington of Herrington Realty, who represented the sellers and Stacey Ryals of Ryals Realty, who worked for the investment group. This is one of the largest private land sales in Baldwin County. Most of the acreage is around Baldwin County 87 and Interstate 10 in Robertsdale and nearby areas. – AL.com
A deal with gaming interests may be developing behind the scenes
Despite Gov. Kay Ivey’s call for the Legislature to give her “time to get the facts,” on a lottery and gaming before proceeding with legislation, Senate President Pro Tem Del Marsh summoned representatives of the Poarch Creek Band of Indians and two of the state’s dog tracks to sit down and discuss moving ahead on a proposed lottery and gaming bill. – AL Political Reporter
New bill seeks to regulate smoking in your favorite place to smoke
A proposal before Alabama lawmakers would fine people who smoke in a vehicle when a child is present. The bill by Rep. Rolanda Hollis would make it illegal to smoke tobacco in a car when a child aged 14 or younger is present. Violators would be fined $100. Hollis said an adult has a choice whether to smoke or get out of a car when someone is smoking. She said a child does not have a choice. – AP
Pondering what AI could do for car sales
Today’s discussions about technology and business often go back to the same buzzword: artificial intelligence. With nearly three-quarters of dealers expressing interest in adopting AI at some point, it’s clear most have accepted its forthcoming promise to change business as we know it. As consumers themselves, dealers know AI’s customer-facing benefits, such as Netflix’s show recommendations or even Gmail’s spam filters. However, the benefits for some businesses, especially one as specialized as a car dealership, can seem less clear. – WardsAuto
