BEST BETS
ECONOMIC OUTLOOK IMPROVING AMONG STATE BUSINESS LEADERS — Alabama business leaders expect the economy to chug along this quarter at the same rate as the last quarter, but uncertainty about the national economy is keeping full-on optimism in check, according to the latest quarterly survey by The University of Alabama. The UA Center for Business and Economic Research’s latest Alabama Business Confidence Index, taken in early June, was nearly neutral, indicating expectations for an overall continuation of last quarter’s economic performance. For the first time since the second quarter of 2022, five of the six component indexes that go into the overall ABCI reflect business leaders are neutral or mildly positive. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
NATURAL HAZARD VULNERABILITY SHOWS DISPROPORTIONATE RISK — A fifth of neighborhood blocks in the continental United States most vulnerable to natural disaster account for a quarter of the lower 48 states’ risk, according to a detailed assessment of vulnerability. Leaders in data-driven risk modeling, researchers at UA used advanced data analysis and machine learning of more than 100 factors that influence vulnerability to natural hazards for about 11 million United States Census Bureau blocks, finding significant differences can exist between neighboring blocks. The result published in the journal Nature Communications is the first mapping of the continental U.S.’s exposure to impacts from natural hazards at the block level, overcoming the limitations of previous efforts to define and assess vulnerability at larger scales that can hide local variability. For more information, contact Adam Jones, UA Strategic Communications, at adam.jones@ua.edu.
UA AUTISM CLINIC HOSTS BACK TO SCHOOL BASH — The UA Autism Spectrum Disorders Clinic will provide a fun-filled afternoon for families at the third annual Back to School Bash July 29. The Back to School Bash will take place from 5 to 7 p.m. behind the UA Autism Clinic, located at 904 Anna Avenue, on Butler Field where the Million Dollar Band practices. Funded through a grant provided by the Children’s Trust Fund of Alabama, the Back to School Bash will offer free activities, face painting and school supplies while they last for students from pre-K through 12th grade. The event will also include food trucks and a raffle for participants. For more information, contact Bryant Welbourne, UA Strategic Communications, at bryant.welbourne@ua.edu.
UA COLLEGE OF EDUCATION HOSTS EMPOWERING EDUCATORS CONFERENCE — The UA College of Education is hosting the Empowering Educators Conference Aug. 5 in Autherine Lucy Hall on the UA campus. The conference aims to give educational leaders the skills to manage equitable multicultural environments, access inclusive spaces and lead with integrity by navigating the terrains of academia. Online registration is currently open. Lunch is included.
UA EXPANDS EFFORT RESPONDING TO RURAL HEALTH INEQUITIES — A project led by The University of Alabama to equip communities in the state to be more resilient to health disparities is expanding its reach. The Equitable Neighborhoods Initiative is adding five communities after a 1-year, $3.7 million extension of the original grant. The support from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the Alabama Department of Public Health means the initiative will work with 20 communities in the state over three years with a total of $7.8 million. Led by the UA Center for Economic Development, ENI aims to address issues related to the COVID-19 pandemic in communities while helping build capacity to meet future challenges to health and quality of life. For more information, contact Deidre Stalnaker, UA Strategic Communications, at deidre.stalnaker@ua.edu.
EVENTS
ALABAMA FOOTBALL FAN FAVORITES SIGNING — Several Alabama football legends will be signing autographs at the Paul W. Bryant Museum July 29 from 10 a.m. until noon. Former Crimson Tide stars Trent Richardson, Tyrone Prothro, Prince Wimbley, Joe LaBue and Bucky Berrey will meet fans and sign autographs. Autographs are $50 and include one autographed item from each player. Admission to the Bryant Museum is included with autograph purchase.
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The University of Alabama strives to remain neutral on public policy issues. Strategic Communications may facilitate interviews or share opinions expressed by faculty, staff, students, or other individuals regarding policy matters. However, those opinions do not necessarily reflect the views of the University or its leadership, and do not constitute a statement on behalf of the University unless explicitly designated.