No argument: Efforts earn aid for debaters
Birmingham News – Oct. 25
…The University of Alabama and UAB pledged Wednesday to provide full scholarships to all students who complete three years with SpeakFirst, a nonprofit program that targets minority teens. Stephen Black, who founded SpeakFirst four years ago as part of the IMPACT Alabama organization, said the goal of the program was ultimately to get the students higher education. But it was also designed to help urban students develop their communication skills, break down stereotypes, and boost their self-esteem. Black said there are no immediate plans to expand the program in Birmingham, although he has discussed founding a SpeakFirst arm in Montgomery.
ABC 33/40 (Birmingham) -- Oct. 24

Alabama business leaders' confidence just above neutral
Mobile Register – Oct. 25
…The Business Leaders Confidence Index asks hundreds of business leaders in Alabama what they expect in terms of economic growth for the state and nation, plus their own profits and hiring projections. The quarterly survey is compiled by the Center for Business and Economic Research at the University of Alabama in conjunction with Compass Bank…
Birmingham News – Oct. 25

Home sales in U.S. fall 8% for September
Birmingham News – Oct. 25
…Statewide, existing home sales fell 11.5 percent in September, according to Grayson Glaze, executive director of the Alabama Center for Real Estate at the University of Alabama…
Tuscaloosa News – Oct. 25

SGA promotes transit changes
Crimson White – Oct. 25
The SGA hosted two forums focusing on proposed changes to the CrimsonRide system Wednesday. The forums gave students, faculty members and staff an opportunity to voice their concerns and ideas about the transit system…

Refugees to speak to UA students
Crimson White – Oct. 25
Students will have the opportunity to listen to the stories of three Darfuri refugees and ask them questions tonight at 7 in the Ferguson Center Theater, said Barrett Sullivan, University Programs director of issues and ideas. The event, which is sponsored by UP, along with the Community Service Center, College of Arts and Sciences, Capstone International, Apwonjo and New College, is a part of the national tour by the Save Darfur Coalition…