Top Headlines: Unemployment claims see decline, Austal USA delivers USNS Newport

Alabama will pay additional $300 in unemployment benefits
The state this week will begin paying an additional $300 per week in unemployment benefits, if the unemployment is COVID-19 related. The additional benefits, for those who qualify, will also be paid retroactively to Aug. 1. — Alabama Political Reporter 

Unemployment claims see decline
Unemployment claims in Alabama dropped almost 10 percent from two weeks ago, according to data from the Department of Labor. More than 55% of those claims were attributed to COVID-19. — AL.com 

Austal USA delivers USNS Newport to U.S. Navy
The U.S. Navy accepted delivery of the USNS Newport this week, the 12th Spearhead-class expeditionary fast transport ship from Austal USA’s Mobile shipyard. The ship will be part of Military Sealift Command, which provides transport and sealift to all U.S. military branches. — Stars and Stripes

Pinnacle Research Group helps test COVID-19 antibody therapy
Anniston’s Pinnacle Research Group is working with San Francisco-based Vir Biotechnology to find participants for a clinical trial of a potential COVID-19 antibody therapy. The firm is looking for people in the early stages of infection to participate in the trial. — Anniston Star 

Alabama ONE Credit Union proposes purchase of First Bank of Linden
Tuscaloosa-based Alabama ONE Credit Union has signed a purchase and assumption agreement to buy First Bank of Linden, the credit union said Thursday. The purchase, expected to be finalized in 2021, is Alabama ONE’s first bank acquisition. — Credit Union Times

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Alabama Power buys Billingsley generating station
Alabama Power has bought the Central Alabama Generating Station in Billingsley from Tenaska Alabama II Partners L.P. Billingsley is in Autauga County. — The Clanton Advertiser

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