State film industry sees little impact following abortion ban
Earlier this year, Alabama lawmakers passed what’s been called the most restrictive abortion ban in the country. The backlash was immediate. Ordinary people, political pundits and public figures were quick to condemn not just the law, but the state of Alabama as a whole. After a cool-down period, however, state film officials say there’s been little to no impact. Several media companies have said they will wait for these laws to play out in the courts and not put the livelihoods of hundreds of production staff in jeopardy. – WAAY
Alabama coal company makes play for idle Wyoming mines
Another buyer has entered a potential bankruptcy deal that could allow two idle Wyoming mines to reopen but would in effect pay the coal company to do so. Bristol, Tennessee-based Contura Energy said Wednesday it reached a tentative deal to pay Jasper, Alabama-based FM Coal $90 million to take the Eagle Butte and Belle Ayr mines. Contura also would pay Campbell County $13.5 million for unpaid local taxes. – AP
Canfield to chair panel on artificial intelligence impacts
Greg Canfield, secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce, will serve as chairman of the new Alabama Commission on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Associated Technologies, a panel that will explore how the state should prepare for the impact of future technologies. Secretary Canfield was elected to chair the panel at the group’s inaugural meeting. State Sen. Jabo Waggoner (R-Vestavia Hills) was elected vice chairman. – Made in Alabama
3M says it will change its chemical production mix in Decatur
The 3M plant in Decatur said Thursday it is halting some manufacturing processes. This announcement comes months after the company said it would stop the manufacturing of some perfluorinated chemicals amid a federal investigation. 3M said it told employees, state and federal regulators about the recent manufacturing change this week. However, it’s not clear what manufacturing processes are being put on hold. – WHNT
Daimler ending gas engine development, will focus on electric
The future is electric and Daimler is ready to make the transition. Daimler has just announced that it is halting all future development of gasoline engines. The automaker will solely focus on electric cars from here on out. This implies that Mercedes-Benz is taking the same approach. Daimler is currently bringing the latest generation of internal combustion engines to market in various models, such as the new inline six-cylinder engine for the E- and S-Class as well as the SUVs – this generation could also be the last. – INSIDE EVs
