Campers learn science of gardening at arboretum
Tuscaloosa News – July 24
…Working in conjunction with Bama Dining and New College, the University of Alabama Arboretum is hosting a free, weeklong community service gardening workshop. Environmentalism and sustainability are the focal points of the camp, which is called Alabama DIRT: Directed Investigations and Research for Teens. “It’s teaching them about sustainability in terms of using our resources in a way that leaves resources for the next generation. They’re getting hands-on experience at a young age and will hopefully continue to grow plants on their own,” said Mary Jo Modica, horticulturalist for the arboretum. A funding grant for the camp was provided by the UA Center for Community Based Partnerships, and organizers hope to offer the camp again next year. The girls are working with students at UA’s New College, who are serving as mentors, and are going on field trips around the community…
Alabama home construction report shows positive signs of life
Birmingham News – July 24
…”We have a long way to go, but it was an encouraging report,” said Grayson Glaze, executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama, which issues the monthly new construction reports. According to the center’s latest report, 938 single-family building permits were issued across the state in June, up 31 percent from May. The rise continues a trend that’s been seen all year. There has been positive month-to-month permit growth in the past five out of six months, Glaze said. On the other hand, the numbers still trail those posted in 2008. Last month’s statewide permit total represented a 16.8 percent decline from those issued in June 2008. Still, the report is the most encouraging since the center started compiling the monthly recap of construction activity in the first quarter of 2008, Glaze said…
Huntsville Times – July 24
Alabama’s lowest paid workers wil receive an increase of 70 cents an hour today
Birmingham News – July 24
…The debate over the effects of minimum wage increases has heated up this year, said Ahmad Ijaz, an economic researcher at the University of Alabama. He said studies have demonstrated higher labor costs associated with a minimum-wage boost can raise unemployment rates and make it harder for teenagers and unskilled workers to find jobs. But other studies have shown that higher minimum pay draws more people into the work force, and states with minimum wage levels higher than the federal floor have faster employment growth, he said. “Basically, it does pull some workers out of poverty and encourage some people to work, but it also does affect low-skill workers by making it harder for them to find work,” Ijaz said. “Overall, the increase will put more money in many people’s pockets, who in turn will spend it and boost the economy, which can use all the help it can get.”…