Lockheed Martin to base hypersonics programs in Alabama
Lockheed Martin on Monday announced plans to make North Alabama its flagship location for work on hypersonics programs, with plans to open a new production facility and hire nearly 275 people, including engineers. At a groundbreaking ceremony, Lockheed Martin said it will add two new buildings at its Courtland, Alabama facility for the assembly, integration and testing of hypersonics programs. The move means 72 new jobs in Courtland and 200 new positions in Huntsville over the next three years. – Made In Alabama
Brasfield & Gorrie moving ahead with Georgia Aquarium expansion
The expansion of Atlanta’s Georgia Aquarium, underway from Birmingham general contractor Brasfield & Gorrie, is moving forward toward completion in the fall of 2020. The framework for the four-level, 104,100-square-foot expansion is complete, which will include a new entrance and exit, as well as office and retail space and a loading dock. The centerpiece is a 1 million gallon shark exhibit with acrylic viewing areas. – AL.com
Will SpaceX help bring high-speed internet to Alabama?
Elon Musk’s rocket company SpaceX wants federal approval to change its small satellite launch strategy to help it bring broadband internet from space to Southern states like Alabama late next year. That could be a breakthrough for thousands of rural Alabamians with no high-speed internet now. The state is trying to help as well with a new push backed by grant money. – Government Technology
Washington Post takes note of unusual restaurant in Brewton
Every day, hungry people form a line outside Drexell & Honeybee’s restaurant in Alabama before it opens for lunch. There are no prices on the menu. That’s because diners can pay whatever they want. Some people slip $3 or $5 into the donation box, some pay nothing, and some serve food in exchange for their fresh meals. And sometimes, the owners are surprised with checks worth $500 – or one time, even $1,000. People often drop homegrown produce, unsolicited, at the door. – SFGate
Old Navy to open 800 new stores
Bucking the wave of retail closures, Old Navy plans to open 800 new stores in the coming years. The announcement marks the first major move since Gap, Old Navy’s parent company, announced it was spinning off the brand. The chain plans to open about 75 stores a year, mostly away from traditional malls. – AL.com
Elaine Chao getting more questions about her Vulcan stock
The chairman of the House Committee on Oversight and Reform on Monday said the committee was launching an investigation into whether Secretary of Transportation Elaine Chao used her office to help the shipping company owned by her father and sisters. And it requested information on why she failed to divest her stock in Vulcan Materials Co., a Birmingham-based construction company. – Roll Call
