Birmingham home sales fall in October as economic fears rise
Birmingham News – Nov. 25
Birmingham-area home sales fell 30 percent in October compared to the same month in 2007, a drop that real estate experts said reflects turmoil on Wall Street and concerns about a faltering economy. . . . “The September and October global financial meltdown has immediately impacted home sales in Alabama,” Grayson Glaze, director of the University of Alabama’s Center for Real Estate, noted in a Monday report. “This is anticipated to continue in the near-term until consumer uncertainty is gradually substituted with greater levels of consumer confidence.”
Even Ivy League schools feel pinch: Colleges nationwide face shrinking budgets
The State (Columbia, SC) – Nov. 24
Shrinking endowments, state funding reductions and families struggling to pay tuition are forcing many colleges and universities to cut staff and spending or to delay construction and development plans. From well-heeled Ivy League schools such as Harvard and Dartmouth to large public institutions such as the California State University system, many schools are facing difficult financial decisions stemming from the nation’s economic standstill. . . . “Unfortunately, the most expensive programs that correlate to the highest-wage jobs are the ones that are most at risk,” said Stephen Katsinas, the director of the Education Policy Center at the University of Alabama. In a recent survey of community college officials in 49 states, Katsinas found that nearly half expect their states to impose midyear cuts in higher education appropriations, which are typically the largest discretionary items in most state budgets.
At home with the Sabans
Times-Daily (Florence) – Nov. 25
Terry Saban appeared at the door of the ivy-covered, French chateau-esque home with a warm smile and gracious welcome. The first family of University of Alabama football was packing for their annual trek to Lake Burton in northern Georgia, but there was no sign of chaos or clutter. In fact, Terry curled up in the cozy backyard porch couch and chatted as if she didn’t have mounds of errands left to do before the whole family left town. (Reprint of a Tuscaloosa Magazine article.)
Miami lawyer receives award for immigration work
Miami Herald – Nov. 24
A prominent Miami immigration advocate has received the 2008 Morris Dees Justice Award. Cheryl Little, executive director of the Florida Immigrant Advocacy Center, accepted the award Thursday in New York. The award is given yearly to a lawyer ”who has devoted his or her career to serving the public interest and pursuing justice,” according to a news release about the award. . . . The University of Alabama School of Law gives out the award along with the law firm of Skadden, Arps.
Bama fans get ready for Iron Bowl
WBRC-Fox-Birmingham – Nov. 24
It’s Iron Bowl Week, with this year’s game in Tuscaloosa. The University of Alabama has spent nearly a year preparing for this matchup with auburn. Fox6 news reporter Kelvin Reynolds joins us live from campus
Profile of Terry Saban
WVTM-NBC Birmingham – Nov. 24
You can call her the first lady of the University of Alabama football. We’re talking about Terry Saban. Tonight we get a personal glimpse into what inspires the Sabans.
Tide’s success means economic impact in the Tennessee Valley
WHNT-CBS Huntsville – Nov. 24
You’re a University of Alabama football fan, you know the crimson tide is currently undefeated and ranked number one in the nation. Turns out Alabama’s winning ways are translating into bigger sales at area stores. Looking at now compared with this time last year, University Collectibles in Decatur has noticed a big increase in Bama sales.
Leigh Tiffin gives fans pointers on how to kick a field goal
WVUA – Tuscaloosa – Nov. 24
Many of you have probably never kicked a field goal before. To give you an edge in the competition, I spoke with someone who knows a little bit about kicking field goals. You see University of Alabama students every home game, trying to kick a field goal to win a free semester of tuition. Some make it; others are a little off. So where should you kick the ball if you’re trying to get it through the uprights? Leigh Tiffin says about a third of the way up the ball is probably where you want to hit it.
City to hold rededication ceremony of Bryant Drive
WVUA – Tuscaloosa – Nov. 24
To celebrate the completion of construction on Bryant Drive, a dedication ceremony will be held on the south side of Bryant-Denny Stadium along Bryant Drive at 10 a.m. tomorrow. The drive is now a more attractive gateway to the University of Alabama…