AAHS Birmingham Campus Bid Grounded... Again!

Hold your horses, aviation enthusiasts! The Alabama Public Charter School Commission just clipped the wings of the Alabama Aerospace and Aviation High School (AAHS) again, denying their proposal for a Birmingham campus. This is the second "no fly zone" for the project in less than a year.

Commission Says "Not So Fast!"

Commissioners voted against the application at their recent meeting, citing concerns around enrollment numbers, student retention, and a perceived lack of community buzz for a Birmingham location. Looks like the Birmingham Board of Education's initial rejection stuck.

What's the Deal with AAHS?

AAHS, currently soaring in Bessemer since 2022, is geared towards grades 9-12, focusing on aviation, aerospace, and other super-cool STEM stuff. Their first graduating class boasted 13 students, including future pilots and mechanics! But, enrollment last year was only 146—short of the projected 365.

Birmingham Dreams

School founder Ruben Morris had big plans for a Birmingham campus, potentially at Birmingham-Southern College, with a partnership with Miles College for added academic punch and AI courses. He said over 80 families were interested.

Doubts Take Flight

Some commissioners weren't convinced the interest was high enough. Others worried that splitting resources might hurt the original Bessemer school, already facing retention bumps. Commissioner Sharon Porterfield thought 80 interested students was a far cry from initial goals, and Commissioner Cynthia McCarthy feared the new site might slow down growth.

Retention Turbulence

Morris blamed retention challenges on students not making the flight training program cut or feeling like they didn't quite fit in. He also pointed to facility limitations in Bessemer.

Local Opposition

Birmingham City Schools weren't fans of the plan. A district representative stated the proposal had issues with its educational, operational, and financial blueprints, adding that no parents or community members showed up to public hearings about the project. Ouch!

Room for Hope?

This denial follows a previous rejection. But the commission did encourage AAHS to revamp their proposal and try again. So, even with this latest setback, the dream of a Birmingham aerospace academy might still have a chance to take off!

Moore Throws Hat in the Ring for U.S. Senate!

U.S. Rep. Barry Moore from Enterprise is officially in the race for U.S. Senate! He's banking on his Wiregrass roots, strong faith, business smarts, and unwavering loyalty to President Trump.

Campaign Kickoff in Sylvania

Moore is kicking off his 67-county campaign in Sylvania, his wife Heather's hometown. He promises to focus on his record, not just empty promises.

"An Unmistakably Pro-Trump Vote"

Moore believes Alabama needs a strong, pro-Trump voice in the Senate, especially when it comes to border security, spending, manufacturing, and our freedoms. He emphasizes his long-standing support for Trump, stating, "We're not some weathervane politician. We're doing what we believe we're called to do."

Rooted in Alabama Values

Growing up in Enterprise shaped Moore's view of the world. He served in the Alabama Army National Guard and is dedicated to serving veterans, recalling stories of helping them secure much-needed benefits.

"It's an Assignment"

Moore stresses the importance of having a Senator who will stand with President Trump. "This isn’t ambition – it’s an assignment," he declares.

From Garbage Trucks to the Senate?

Moore built his political brand with a waste hauling business. He and his wife Heather founded Barry Moore Industries, offering dumpster service, demolition, and more. Remember that time he voted in a garbage truck? That was Moore! He even made a "D.C. Garbage" ad that won an award!

A Longtime Trump Supporter

Back in 2015, Moore was the FIRST elected official to endorse Donald Trump at a rally in Mobile. Talk about getting in early!

Overcoming Adversity

Moore faced a legal battle in 2014 that he calls a politically motivated "perjury trap." He refused to take a deal and was eventually acquitted. He sees this experience as a defining moment.

Eyeing Tuberville's Seat

If elected in 2026, Moore would take the seat currently held by U.S. Senator Tommy Tuberville. Moore wants to "build on what [Trump] starts," focusing on border security and a strong economy.

Campaign Strategy

Moore plans to hit all 67 counties with high-density events and plenty of local media coverage. His wife Heather will be a key part of the campaign.

The Most Conservative?

Moore believes he is the most conservative candidate in the race. "I just don’t know any other way than who I am, and so it’s just who we are." He also claims to be the only candidate who is not a Democrat.

Alabama Heat is Back!

Get ready, ChumCity! Summer is making a sizzling comeback in Alabama over the next five days. Expect temps in the low to mid 90s for most of us. Keep an eye out for those classic afternoon/evening pop-up storms (noon to midnight-ish), but they'll be pretty scattered. Today's rain chance is around 30-40%, easing off to 20-25% this weekend.

The good news? Things cool down a bit late next week as the upper ridge weakens. This means more showers and thunderstorms, and highs in the upper 80s for many by Friday and the following weekend (August 22-24).

Tropical Update

Erin is likely to become a hurricane in the Atlantic. Currently, winds are humming along at 70 mph, and the system is about 570 miles north of the northern Leeward Islands, scooting west/northwest at 17 mph.

Don't worry! Erin is predicted to pass north of the Leeward Islands and Puerto Rico, then turn north, east of the Bahamas. Next week, it'll speed off northeast over the open Atlantic – no threat to the U.S. It might get close to Bermuda in 5-6 days.

Gulf Coast Watch

There is another area we are watching. Invest 98L in the western Gulf continues to lack a closed low-level circulation. However, shower activity has increased a bit recently and the system could become a short-lived tropical depression before it moves inland over northeastern Mexico or southern Texas this afternoon or evening. Regardless of development, locally heavy rainfall is possible along portions of northeastern Mexico and southern Texas over the next couple of days, and interests there should monitor the progress of this system. Another Air Force Reserve Hurricane Hunter aircraft is scheduled to investigate the system later this morning.

No tropical storms or hurricanes are expected across the Gulf for at least the next seven days.

Weather History

August 16, 1787

Tornadoes ripped through Connecticut, Rhode Island, Massachusetts, and New Hampshire. Wethersfield, Connecticut, was hit hard. A woman and her son were killed when they were caught in the open. Clothing from their farm was found three miles away. It's considered one of New England's most significant tornado outbreaks.

August 16, 1969

The National Hurricane Center issued a hurricane watch for a 110-mile stretch of Florida, from Apalachicola to Fort Walton Beach, as Hurricane Camille strengthened over the Gulf. Watches later extended westward, and Camille made landfall on the Mississippi coast as a Category 5 on August 17.

Trump's D.C. Cleanup: Alabama's Senator Britt Is On Board!

President Trump is cracking down on crime in Washington, D.C., and Alabama Senator Katie Britt is standing right beside him! GOP lawmakers from the Yellowhammer State are cheering Trump's latest initiative to restore order to the nation's capital after years of what they see as failed local leadership.

Crime Stats Are Alarming

In 2024, D.C. racked up some serious stats, landing among the big cities with the highest robbery and murder rates. Something's gotta give!

Britt Steps Up

Senator Britt, who heads the Homeland Appropriations Subcommittee, believes safety in D.C. isn't just a local issue – it's a "national priority." She's teaming up with Senator Lindsey Graham to push the D.C. Security Fund through Congress.

A Personal Connection

This isn't just politics for Britt. Back in October 2023, one of her staffers was robbed at gunpoint, highlighting the very real dangers facing people in the District. She called out the escalating crime crisis, citing alarming increases in robberies (up 68%) and motor vehicle thefts (up 102%).

Beyond Crime: Ensuring Fair Elections

Britt isn't stopping with crime. She recently introduced legislation to stop illegal immigrants and non-citizens from voting in D.C. elections, pushing back against a 2022 law passed by the D.C. City Council. Senator Tommy Tuberville is also backing this effort.

Numbers Don't Lie

D.C.'s got some serious problems. Its violent crime, murder, and robbery rates are higher than all 50 states, with a homicide rate of 27.54 per 100,000 residents in 2024. The city also leads the nation in vehicle thefts, with a rate over three times the national average.

Alabama Election Integrity Under Scrutiny

Two Democratic women from Phenix City are facing arrest for alleged ballot harvesting. Is this the rare, no-big-deal event national Democrats claim it is, or a serious election integrity issue in Alabama?

Sandwich Thrower Gets Served Justice

Remember that guy who chucked a sandwich at a fed during Trump's D.C. crime crackdown? Turns out, sandwich-throwing at federal officials isn't cool. He's been canned from the DOJ and could be facing some serious jail time. Lesson learned: keep your lunch to yourself.

Agent Billy Clardy III Act Nets Big Drug Bust

The Agent Billy Clardy III Act is already making a difference! Huntsville saw a massive drug trafficking bust thanks to the act. Twenty-three indictments, $4.8 million in drugs, over $223,000 in cash, 10 firearms, and 4 vehicles seized. That's how you honor a hero.

Newsom's Rally Gets Border Patrol Bombed

The Border Patrol brought the heat to California Gov. Gavin Newsom's anti-Trump rally. They made an arrest right outside, sending Newsom into a spiral! "Wake up, America! This is a serious moment!" Newsom exclaimed, lamenting the "militarization" of the streets and the trampling of "due process rights." Sound serious?

Moore Claims Conservative High Ground in Senate Race

Barry Moore is throwing punches in his U.S. Senate bid. He's claiming he's the only real conservative in the race, highlighting that he's never donated to, or been a Democrat. Meanwhile, everyone's still asking Mo Brooks if he's gonna jump in. This race is heating up!

Putin Hints at Peace in Ukraine, Praises Trump's Efforts

Russian President Vladimir Putin praised Donald Trump's "sincere" peace efforts in Ukraine. He hinted at a potential U.S.-Russia nuclear deal. Could this be a sign that Putin is actually open to a peace deal? Stay tuned...

Britt Backs Trump's D.C. Crime Crackdown

U.S. Sen. Katie Britt is all-in on President Trump’s D.C. crime crackdown. She stated that "making Washington, D.C., safe and beautiful again is a national priority." Reports are coming in that homeless encampments are being cleared. Is D.C. on its way to a glow-up?

Macon County's Economic Boom: New Investments Spark Growth!

Macon County is revving up its economic engine, thanks to some awesome support from the state! Two key investments are set to transform the area, prepping it for industrial greatness and attracting some serious job-creating projects.

SEEDS Grant Fuels Industrial Site Development

The Alabama Department of Commerce just dropped a cool $2.7 million SEEDS (Site Evaluation and Economic Development Strategy) grant on the Macon County Economic Development Authority (MCEDA). This cash injection will help MCEDA acquire and develop a massive 360-acre industrial site. Think prime real estate with major rail potential, easy access to I-85, and the Moton Field Airport nearby.

This property has been on MCEDA's wish list for ages, and it's now ready to become a hot spot for industrial investment, adding some serious firepower to Alabama's already impressive portfolio of top-notch sites.

Gateway Funding Opens Doors at REAL Park

But wait, there's more! Macon County is also snagging nearly $1.3 million through the Alabama Industrial Access Road & Bridge Corp. to improve roads and create a fancy new industrial entryway at REAL Park (Regional East Alabama Logistics Park).

REAL Park is a sprawling 700-acre industrial wonderland at Exit 42 on I-85. We're talking capacity for a whopping 6 million square feet of manufacturing, logistics, and warehouse space! Phase 1 already boasts a 168,000-square-foot Class A industrial building, now home to Korean automotive supplier Samkwang (who's investing $35 million and creating 130 jobs!).

This road upgrade will kickstart Phase 2, paving the way for even more growth and job opportunities!

Macon County: The "New Diamond of the I-85 Corridor"

MCEDA Director Joe Turnham is understandably thrilled: "These two milestone investments underscore the incredible momentum building in Macon County! Macon County is now being seen in a new and positive light as the ‘New Diamond of the I-85 Corridor’ – a county with great sites, partners, people and potential."

Special Election Alert for House District 38!

Get ready to head to the polls, folks! Governor Ivey has officially called a special election to fill the House District 38 seat. Mark your calendars: the primary is October 21, 2025, with a potential runoff on November 18, 2025, and the big general election showdown on February 3, 2026.

Why the Special Election?

This all stems from State Rep. Debbie Wood's recent resignation. She's moving out of state with her family for a sweet new job opportunity. We wish her all the best!

What's District 38, Anyway?

House District 38 covers parts of Chambers and Lee counties. That includes Valley, Lanett, Huguley, Cusseta, Beulah, and some areas just outside Opelika and Smiths Station. So, if you live there, this election's for you!

Ivey's Words & Qualifying Deadlines

Governor Ivey gave a shout-out to Debbie Wood's awesome service and encouraged everyone to get out and vote. If you're thinking about running, major-party candidates need to get their paperwork in by Wednesday, August 20, 2025. That's the deadline to qualify!

A Republican Stronghold?

Historically, this seat leans heavily Republican. Wood snagged a whopping 88.8% of the vote in 2022, and around 70% back in 2018.

Who's Running?

Keep an eye on Kristin Nelson, chair of the Chambers County Republican Party. She already jumped into the race back in June. Stay tuned for more candidates to emerge!

2026 Alabama Primary: Senate & AG Races Heating Up!

Hold onto your hats, ChumCity! State Sen. Arthur Orr is predicting some seriously spicy primary races in 2026. According to Orr, we're looking at two contests that are about to get real interesting.

Moore vs. Marshall: A Throwback Thursday?

Orr touched on the U.S. Senate primary, where Rep. Barry Moore is challenging Attorney General Steve Marshall. Moore recently brought up Marshall's past ties to the Democratic party, hinting at potentially questionable donations.

Orr acknowledged these claims but wasn't convinced it would stick. He pointed out Marshall's long tenure as a Republican, both locally and statewide. Will this historical angle gain traction, or will it fizzle?

The AG Race: "A Knife Fight"?

The real fireworks, according to Orr, will be in the race to replace Marshall as Attorney General. With Marshall term-limited, the GOP field is already crowded with strong contenders like Katherine Robertson (endorsed by Marshall) and former Supreme Court Justice Jay Mitchell.

Orr anticipates this race getting downright brutal. He foresees an influx of "outside money" leading to a barrage of negative ads. Mitchell's campaign has already called out Robertson's hefty out-of-state contributions, labeling it "dark money."

Beyond the Mud Slinging

Orr believes the candidate who can convince voters they're the most "reliable, responsible" AG will ultimately prevail. So, it won't just be about attack ads. Voters will be looking for someone they can trust to lead the state.

Mark Your Calendars!

The Alabama Republican Party primary is scheduled for May 19, 2026. Buckle up, folks - it's gonna be a wild ride!

GE Appliances Bets Big on American Manufacturing!

Hold onto your hats, folks! GE Appliances just dropped a bombshell: a whopping $3 billion investment in its U.S. operations. That's right, they're doubling down on American-made goods!

Decatur, Alabama: The Refrigerator Capital

A significant chunk of that cash is headed straight to the GE plant right here in Decatur, Alabama – their premier top-freezer fridge factory. Seems like our River City is about to get even cooler!

A Commitment to the Future

Kevin Nolan, the big cheese at GE Appliances, says they're "defining the future of manufacturing" by investing in plants, people, and communities. He boasts that no other appliance company has poured more money into U.S. manufacturing over the past decade, and this $3 billion plan proves they're not stopping now.

More Than Just Machines

Bill Good, VP of Supply Chain, emphasizes that it's not just about the fancy equipment. It's about the people! They're teaming up with universities, technical schools, and high schools to train the next generation of manufacturing whizzes. They're bringing jobs, purpose, and pride back to American industry!

What This Means for Decatur

The Decatur plant is gearing up to insource six 22 cu. ft. models, ramping up production big time by the end of August 2025. And the numbers are staggering:

• $2.1 billion added to Alabama's GDP annually.
• $114 million spent with 194 Alabama suppliers each year.
• $95 million in state and local taxes generated.
• A $9 million investment in new thermoforming equipment.
• Plus, a brand-new on-site primary care clinic opening in 2025 for employees and their families!

Investing in the Community

GE Appliances is also partnering with the AL FAME program, nurturing local talent and providing opportunities.

Building on Success

Remember that $125 million expansion back in 2020? That created 255 jobs and turned Decatur into GE Appliance’s "refrigerator super site." This new investment just kicks things up another notch.

Spreading the Love

The first phase of this ambitious plan will hit Alabama, Georgia, Tennessee, Kentucky, and South Carolina.

A Legacy of Investment

By the time this plan is complete, GE Appliances will have pumped $6.5 billion into its U.S. manufacturing plants and distribution network since 2016. Talk about putting your money where your mouth is!

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