Alabama Unemployment Rate Goes Down
New Unemployment Numbers Released
Alabama’s unemployment rate dropped to 7.5% for November, down from October’s rate of 8.1% and below the November 2011 rate of 8.3%. Alabama’s rate is also below the national average of 7.7% Preliminary numbers indicate that 162,182 Alabamians were unemployed in November 2012. This number does not include those people who have given up looking for work.
“The unemployment rate can fluctuate given the time of year,” Governor Robert Bentley said. “We are encouraged that the overall trend shows a decreasingly unemployment rate, and I will continue my efforts to create more jobs until everyone who wants a job is able to find one.”
Retail employment increased by 3,700 jobs in November, the build of that coming from hiring in general merchandise and department stores. The counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby (4.6%), Lee and Madison (5.6%) and St. Clair, Coffee, Blount and Limestone (5.7%). The counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Wilcox (15.9%), Bullock (14.1%) and Dallas (13.2%). Jefferson County’s unemployment rates was 6.4%.
Crew of fatal US military crash included Alabama father recently deployed
The six U.S. service members who died in the crash of a U.S. military refueling aircraft included an Alabama father who had just been promoted and deployed. The U.S. government released the identities of the deceased service members Saturday.
Alabama poised to drastically overhaul utility regulation. Will it lower electric bills?
The Alabama Senate unanimously voted to expand the public service commission, and create a Secretary of Energy to address rising electricity prices. A bill in the House would go even further, requiring rate case hearings and limiting utility profits.
Musher from Alabama is going for back-to-back Iditarod wins
Riches and paid appearances haven’t followed Jessie Holmes since he won the world’s most famous sled dog race, the Iditarod, last year. He doesn't mind.
Bill would move Alabama to closed primaries
Right now, any Alabama voter can participate in a primary election. Lawmakers in Montgomery took up a bill this week that would change that system.
Auburn football player uses NIL funds to open a community hub in Birmingham
Jourdin Crawford, a freshman defensive lineman at Auburn, used earnings from a Name, Image, and Likeness deal to give back to his hometown.
Ivey commutes death sentence of inmate whose accomplice fired fatal shot
Charles “Sonny” Burton was sentenced to death for the killing of Doug Battle during a 1991 robbery. However, another man shot Battle when Burton had left the building.
