Roll Tide: United flying non-stop to selected college football games
United Airlines today released its 2019 college football flying schedule, with a slate of nine non-stop flights for different games, including two for fans of the Crimson Tide. In all, the carrier is offering around 10,000 seats between its hubs, with tickets now available. – AL.com
Chrismas in June for Doug Jones: Roy Moore running again
Former Alabama Chief Justice Roy Moore Thursday announced he would seek the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate next year, bringing a new level of uncertainty and attention to the GOP fight for Democratic Sen. Doug Jones’ seat. The announcement forces existing GOP campaigns to account for Moore’s base-driven politics and high name recognition, which usually spot him a significant portion of the GOP electorate. – Montgomery Advertiser
Bibb County gets $1.2 million grant for Mercedes improvements
The ghost of John B. McLemore can rest a little easier – “S-Town” is getting improvements to its sewage collection system. The project is being funded by $1.2 million in funds Bibb County will receive for sewage and wastewater treatment improvements related to Mercedes-Benz’s electric battery plant. Gov. Kay Ivey announced the grant, with money coming from the Appalachian Regional Commission. – AL.com
Ever-helpful lawmakers complicate Navy frigate program
The U.S. Navy’s program to buy a new frigate, known as FFG(X), has been smooth sailing since it was announced in 2017, but congressional protectionism could torpedo it. The House Appropriations Committee’s defense bill, adopted and passed by the House on Wednesday as part of a larger spending package, funds from the Navy’s frigate program if the service tries to contract for any auxiliary equipment, such as pumps, or propulsion equipment or shipboard cranes not manufactured in the United States. In other words, those components must be manufactured in the United States, or Congress won’t fund them. – Defense News
Alabama’s aerospace exports surge to $2.4 billion
Exports of Alabama-made aerospace products and parts increased in markets around the world last year, as the industry continued to invest in the state. The growth comes amid strategic efforts to expand Alabama’s aerospace presence. The total value of the shipments, which went to 97 countries, rose to $2.4 billion, a 28 percent increase from the previous year. It’s also nearly $1 billion higher than 2016’s total. – Made In Alabama
Capstone to break ground on $38.2M Madison luxury apartments
Birmingham’s Capstone Building Corp. will break ground next month on a new luxury apartment development in Madison. Alexandria Apartments will be a $38.2 million, 258-unit complex to be located on Balch Road across from the Huntsville Hospital Heart Center in Madison. Bobo Development is the developer, while Capstone Building will be the lead contractor. – AL.com
