UA students develop flexible solar cell
Tuscaloosa News – June 10
A start-up technology company run by University of Alabama students and an associate professor is developing a thin, flexible solar cell with the goal of helping the military meet goals for renewable energy. The team pitched their solar cell technology and business plan on Friday to a panel of investors, entrepreneurs and other experts as part of MegaWatt Ventures, an annual business competition funded by the U.S. Department of Energy as part of the Cleantech University Prize. University student teams competed for a $50,000 prize to launch and grow their technology into a successful business.
UA research on snakes could help treat diabetes
Tuscaloosa News – June 11
Could the answer to treating digestive ailments like diabetes and Crohn’s disease be slithering around in a laboratory at the University of Alabama? Stephen Secor, a professor of biological sciences at UA, hopes so. “This all kind of started as, ‘Hey let’s do something crazy,’ and come to find out, we found these amazing results,” Secor said.
WN.com – June 11
AL.com – June 12
Wills for Heroes, Day of Action starts June 16
Gadsden Times – June 11
United Way of Etowah County holds “Wills for Heroes” during Day of Action on June 16. The annual event provides free estate planning and document drafting from area attorneys for local police and fire departments, free of charge, including documents for wills, power of attorney and advanced health care directives. This year Wills for Heroes will be held at University of Alabama Gadsden Center, 121 N. First St. in Gadsden.
Closure of public health department the latest struggle for cash-starved Coosa County
NBC 6 (Pocatello, Idaho) – June 10
If you’re sick in Coosa County and you have health insurance, nurse practitioner Jamie Chappell may be your best bet. One of a handful of health care professionals in the rural county, Chappell sees patients at Rockford Family Practice in Rockford. She can’t accept Medicaid because there’s not a doctor at her office … The University of Alabama began working with the local Chamber of Commerce in September to develop a strategic plan to improve infrastructure and bring more small businesses and jobs to the county.
Miss Alabama 2017: Miss University of Alabama, University of Mobile win Thursday preliminary
Al.com – June 9
Moving vocals, energetic dancing and colorful gowns and costumes highlighted the second night of the 2017 Miss Alabama Pageant, but three special guests stole the show. Ventriloquist Paige Phillips Parnell, Miss Alabama 1980, emceed the competition with her puppets Crazy Pete, Darlene, and Dinkle … Callie Walker, Miss University of Alabama, won the talent competition with her performance of the “Hoe-Down” from the ballet Rodeo. Walker, a University of Alabama student, served as Miss Alabama’s Outstanding Teen 2012.
Shelby County Reporter – June 9
Tuscaloosa native crowned Miss Alabama
Tuscaloosa News – June 9
Tuscaloosa native Jessica Procter was crowned Miss Alabama at the annual pageant in Birmingham Saturday night. Procter will go on to represent the state in the Miss America competition in September. Miss University of Alabama Callie Walker made it to the top five. Procter was representing Miss Leeds Area. She is a UA junior majoring in interdisciplinary studies with a minor in psychology. This is her third year to participate.
CBS 42 (Birmingham) – June 11
Alabama Gov. Kay Ivey continues ‘steady the ship’ message, while others want more
Al.com – June 11
When Kay Ivey was sworn in as Alabama governor two months ago following the resignation of Robert Bentley, she told a crowd in Montgomery, “Together, we steady the ship of state.” … William Stewart, a professor emeritus of political science from the University of Alabama – and longtime watcher of state government – said he hasn’t “seen a governor so inactive” since Gordon Persons in the 1950s … “If I were advising her, whether she plans to run for governor or not, I would tell her she needed to get out among the people,” said Stewart. “I don’t think you can just stay in the Mansion, which she gives the appearance of doing, and then one day announce you’re running for governor. I think she will find that the train has left the station.”
Highway 2 Hale Bike Ride raises money for scholarships for UA students
WVUA (Tuscaloosa) – June 10
Today marks the 3rd annual Highway to Hale century bike ride. And while AC/DC wasn’t in attendance, hundreds of bikers from across West Alabama were. The event is hosted by the American Advertising Federation of Tuscaloosa. The fundraising initiative is to provide scholarships to University of Alabama students that are studying advertising and public relations.
Alabama Girls State, Boys State growing good citizens
Al.com – June 11
In 1962, a young Wilcox County High School student was elected lieutenant governor at Alabama Girls State, the American Legion Auxiliary program designed to teach the state’s brightest about government, patriotism and citizenship … The Girls State delegates, chosen from every corner of Alabama, spent last week at the University of Alabama in Tuscaloosa learning how government works. They divide up into cities and political parties, hold elections and learn how laws are made and cities, counties and states are governed.
THE PORT RAIL: Cellphones are killing off conversation — and civility
Tuscaloosa News – June 11
What has happened to civility? By “civility” I mean several things … There are two issues here. One, why have we become so violent and insulting in our relations with others? And, two, what do we do about it? (Larry Clayton is a retired University of Alabama history professor. Readers can email him at larryclayton7@gmail.com.)