Hyundai Makes Major Sales Comeback in May
After two months of plunging sales brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, Hyundai made a significant comeback in May. The automaker’s overall U.S. sales were still down 13 percent compared to May 2019, but retail sales were up 5 percent — and up 80 percent compared to April of this year. — The News Wheel
Court rules Alabama can’t prohibit curbside voting
An appellate court on Thursday refused to stay a judge’s order that allows local officials to offer curbside voting in the July runoff and loosens absentee ballot requirements in three of the state’s large counties. — AP
Alabama software engineer sentenced, stole trade secrets on Gulf fishing
An Alabama software engineer was sentenced to federal prison Wednesday afternoon for stealing trade secrets from a Pensacola-based company and extorting the local company’s owners. Timothy J. Smith, 43, of Mobile, obtained private information valued at hundreds of thousands of dollars from StrikeLines, a Pensacola-based company that uses sonar to locate fishing reefs in the Gulf of Mexico. — Pensacola News Journal
Governor Announces Broadband Working Group for CARES Act Funding
Governor Kay Ivey on Thursday announced a Broadband Working Group to gather input and guidance on allocation of CARES Act monies. The group will be facilitated by the Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs (ADECA). — Press Release
More than 18,000 file jobless claims last week
More than 18,000 Alabamians filed initial jobless claims last week, slightly more than had filed claims the week prior and a signal that the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact the state’s workforce. — AL Political Reporter
Shelby County foundry to close, lay off nearly 100 workers
A foundry in Columbiana has filed notice with the state that it is closing operations. Grede, which produces castings for the commercial vehicle market, is closing its facility in Columbiana as a result of market conditions and the Covid-19 pandemic. — Birmingham Business Journal
Anytime Fitness franchisees sue insurer over Covid business interruption claim
Franchisees in Mississippi and Alabama bring action on behalf of 4,500 Anytime Fitness outlets nationwide, suing Markel Insurance Co. for failing to accept claims from franchisees of national fitness chain Anytime Fitness that were shuttered and lost business due to state-imposed COVID-19 restrictions. — PRNewswire
