Flu Epidemic a Possibility for 2005
Every year brings the possibility of the next flu epidemic, or even pandemic, regardless of whether or not a flu vaccine is available, according to a University of Alabama epidemiologist.
Faculty & Staff
Convenience is Key for Food in 2005
The most popular food trends for the upcoming year will be convenience (heat-and-eat) meals, fresh and healthy foods, and larger nutrition bars that serve as meal replacement items, predicts Dr. Ralph Lane, University of Alabama professor of human nutrition.
Bush May Propose Flat Tax in ’05; Republicans to Face Clashes Between Religious Right and Fiscal Conservatives
Proponents of tax cuts should be pleased as additional tax reductions, possibly including a radical shift toward a flat-tax-style income tax, will be proposed in coming months, predicts a University of Alabama professor of political science.
National Iraqi Elections to be Postponed as U.S. Shifts Goals, UA International Expert Predicts
An election will be held in Iraq in late January, but continued violence in that country will prevent a broad-based national election in 2005, predicts a University of Alabama foreign policy expert.
School Choice and Teacher Shortages Impact Education in 2005
In the coming year, K-12 education will see more parents able to choose the schools their children attend and increases in teacher and administrator shortages, a University of Alabama education expert predicts.
Bush to Nominate First Supreme Court Justice in 2005; Court to Address Ten Commandments Issues
President George W. Bush will have his first opportunity to nominate a Supreme Court justice in the coming year, and that nominee will be an individual who “lives conservative values,” a University of Alabama law professor says.
Alabama Voters to Remove Racist Language from Constitution; Legislature to Propose Gay Marriage Ban
Alabama voters will get a second chance to remove racist language from the state’s constitution in 2005, and the revised version will be “overwhelmingly approved” during a special referendum, predicts Dr. William Stewart, professor emeritus of political science at The University of Alabama.
Resurgence of the American-Made Car Expected, Hybrid Sales to Go Up and SUV Sales to Go Down in ’05
Sales of “American-made” cars, many of which are manufactured in the United States by foreign car companies, will be strong in 2005, as will demand for hybrid vehicles, but SUV sales may decline, according to a University of Alabama expert on the automotive industry.
Cable Companies to More Aggressively Pursue On-line Gaming, Digital Video Recording
Access, convenience, and demand for quality will impact Americans’ entertainment choices in 2005. Dr. Loy Singleton, professor and chair in The University of Alabama’s Telecommunication and Film Department, predicts an increase in services offered by cable companies and further weakening of the reality-TV show craze.
Alabama Economy Expected to Grow by 3.3 Percent in 2005, Matching Projected U.S. Growth Rate
More jobs will be created in Alabama in 2005 in non-agricultural employment, but the textile and apparel industries will once again take it on the chin, University of Alabama economic experts predict.