Increasing Exports
Last year, Alabama companies exported more than 12 billion dollars of goods and services to other countries. While that number might sound impressive, it’s actually a 20 percent DECREASE from 2008. The global economic downturn is mostly to blame for the slump. President Obama wants to boost American exports, particularly to developing nations like Vietnam, India, and South Africa. The administration’s goal is to double American exports in five years. Last week, Francisco Sanchez came to Birmingham to talk about the export initiative. He’s the Under Secretary of Commerce for International Trade. Sanchez tells WBHM’s Bradley George that the President’s export plan is supposed to help businesses of all sizes.
Australia’s Prime Minister Anthony Albanese heads to a second 3-year term
Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will become the first Australian prime minister to win a second consecutive three-year term in 21 years. Opposition leader Peter Dutton conceded defeat.
After paying people to leave, one federal agency is scrambling to fill positions
USDA's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service has opened up 73 jobs to internal candidates. They include roles just vacated by people who are receiving full pay and benefits through September.
The most exciting two minutes in sports is a show of ‘Latino excellence’
Latinos, many from outside the U.S. mainland, have risen in prominence in horseracing, from the grooms to some of the winningest jockeys.
For Homewood’s spotted salamanders, a win and a warning
A grassroots effort successfully pushed back on a development in that would have destroyed a critical salamander habitat. Still, amphibians face constant risks.
Can’t-miss interviews: Mohsen Mahdawi, Steve Bannon and Maura Healey on Harvard cuts
A lot happened this week, and NPR has you covered. Catch up on the big news and culture moments you might have missed.
Federal judge strikes down Trump order targeting the law firm Perkins Coie
The ruling from U.S. District Judge Beryl Howell is the first to permanently block an executive order issued by President Trump punishing a law firm for representing clients or causes he dislikes.
