Ground broken for Grand River Technology Park
With the flick of the wrist, the dirt flew off the shovels at the groundbreaking of the latest project in eastern Jefferson County. Thursday morning, officials gathered for the groundbreaking of the Grand River Technology Park. This project is expected to bring more than 1,200 jobs to the area and have an estimated $85 million impact on the area. – ABC3340
State ranks low for support of higher education
Alabama ranks among the worst states in terms of higher education funding and ensuring a path toward a degree is accessible for residents, according to new study. Using a decade’s worth of tuition and state funding data, the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities found Alabama saw the third-largest drop in per-student funding between 2008 and 2018. Nationally, state spending on higher ed dropped by 13% during that time while Alabama’s dropped by 36%. – Montgomery Advertiser
Riverchase Galleria announces Thanksgiving, Black Friday hours
The Riverchase Galleria is changing its hours for Thanksgiving and Black Friday this year. Galleria General Manager Mike White said the mall will be open on Thanksgiving Day from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m., then reopen on Black Friday from 6 a.m. to 10 p.m. Individual department stores may have different hours on Black Friday, he said. Saturday will be regular hours – 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. – AL.com
Jones introduces bill to invest in workforce development, training
U.S. Sen. Doug Jones (D-Alabama) this week introduced legislation to increase federal investments in workforce development and training to help prepare workers for employment. Sponsors say that the Investing in Tomorrow’s Workforce Act would ensure that American workers have the skills they need to navigate the transition that will result from an increase in automation. – AL Political Reporter
UM ranked among 10 best affordable schools in Alabama
The University of Montevallo has been ranked among the 10 best affordable schools in Alabama for a bachelor’s degree by Affordable Schools. The ranking was published on the organization’s website in August. This ranking was created using the National Center for Education Statistics’ College Navigator database and each school’s website. The schools were selected and ranked based on average cost of attendance, student-to-faculty ratio, and graduation rate. – News release
