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Gigi Douban

Latest Stories (225)

Betting money on a dead horse: Seriously

Mar 11, 2013
Some in Nebraska are pushing for betting machines of 'historical horse races' at thoroughbred race tracks. The machines allow wagering on the outcomes of past races. Critics say they’re basically slot machines and would constitute expanded gambling.

When it comes to personal trainers, buyer beware

Jan 1, 2013
Plenty of Americans will resolve to get in shape with the help of a personal trainer in 2013. But the personal training field is unregulated, and clients may not always know what they're getting.

Alabama on the fence about taking money for Medicaid

Sep 18, 2012
Alabama joins a slew of lawmakers who are ambivalent about taking funds from the Fed to cover the millions more people who will become eligible for Medicaid under Obamacare.

Scaled-back newspapers leave older readers behind

Aug 20, 2012
As more newspapers scale back production to just three or four days a week, what will come of subscribers who prefer paper to pixels?

Retailers want online Memorial Day shoppers

May 28, 2012
You've heard of Cyber Monday in November. Well, retailers now want an online holiday for Memorial Day.

Even in Alabama, it's hard to get a home loan

May 14, 2012
Alabama wasn't hit hard by the housing collapse, and prices are now rising. But it's still difficult to get a home loan there.

Postal Service layoffs will hit minorities

Feb 24, 2012
Working at the post office has long been a way for African-Americans and others to rise up to the middle class. But at least 35,000 USPS jobs will soon be lost.

Alabama's immigration law could slow foreign business

Jan 5, 2012
Alabama has attracted top car manufacturers, but some of their foreign workers have been arrested by police. It worries business leaders trying to attract new companies.

The birth of a new career

Dec 23, 2011
New programs help low-income women train to become doulas and birthing assistants.

Jefferson County, Ala., files for bankruptcy

Nov 10, 2011
The largest municipal bankruptcy filing in U.S. history happened in Jefferson County, Ala., yesterday.