Lack of Funding to Mean Less Access to Long-Term Care for Older Americans

The year 2009 will witness a crisis in funding of long-term care for older adults, predicts Dr. Patricia Parmelee, director of the Center for Mental Health and Aging at The University of Alabama.

Obama’s First Year to Bring Open, Frank Dialogue About Racial and Ethnic Diversity

An increase in open and frank dialogue about racial and ethnic diversity will begin as Barack Obama’s presidential administration gets underway in the coming year, predicts a University of Alabama rhetorical studies expert.

Style Shifts Direction in 2009; First Lady Takes Center Stage

More figure-flattering cuts, belts and dresses that emphasize the waist will replace bulky tops as the hottest styles in 2009 as fashion trends move away from the focus on volume of the last few seasons, a University of Alabama expert predicts.

Multi-Platform Books, Fantasy to Hold Kids’ Attention in 2009

Interactive books that use Web pages and CDs to help tell their stories and keep kids guessing will continue to hold children’s and young adults’ attention in 2009, a University of Alabama children’s literature expert predicts. These new multi-platform books include Richard Riordan’s “The 39 Clues” series, which features extensive new media enhancement.

U.S. to Pull Out of Iraq, Increase Troops in Afghanistan

The incoming Obama administration will make good on pledges regarding the ongoing conflicts in Iraq, Afghanistan and Pakistan in 2009 even as those nations pose huge challenges, says Dr. Douglas Gibler, associate professor of political science at The University of Alabama and an expert in international relations.

100 More Banks Expected to Fail; Impact on Most Individuals Slight

Dr. Benton Gup, author of “Too Big to Fail: Policies and Practices in Government Bailouts,” is often sought by various media for comments on the current economic state of the United States.

Oil Prices Will Stay Low for 2009

After a year in which oil prices fluctuated from record highs to the lowest prices in the last five years, a University of Alabama engineering professor predicts that oil prices will remain low during 2009, thanks of the struggling national economy.

Bailout or Not, U.S. Auto Industry Will Change in 2009

Whether or not Congress decides to bail out the ailing auto industry, Dr. James E. Cashman, John R. Miller Professor of Management at The University of Alabama, expects substantial changes in the nation’s auto industry next year.

Prisoners May be Released as Federal and State Governments Face Critical Funding Decisions in 2009

The economic downturn in 2009 will force the federal government and some state governments to face critical funding decisions when it comes to prisons, says Dr. David Forde, professor of criminal justice at The University of Alabama. In fact, states like Alabama may be forced to choose between funding the prison system or schools.

First 100 Days Will be Key to Obama Presidency

Look for President Obama to pursue his electoral mandate to fix the economy and health care in 2009 in a historic moment nearly comparable to the beginning of the Roosevelt administration in 1933, says Dr. David Lanoue, chair of the political science department at The University of Alabama. Jumping into these issues during the first 100 days in office will be a key to Obama’s presidency.