Orphan well states to share $1.5B

WASHINGTON - The Department of the Interior announced Jan. 31 that it is providing $1.15B in funding to states for the creation of jobs cleaning up orphaned oil and gas (O&G) wells across the country. This is a key initiative of President Biden’s Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, which allocated a total of $4.7B to create a new program to address orphan wells. The historic investments to clean up the hazardous sites will create good-paying, union jobs, catalyze economic growth and revitalization, and reduce dangerous methane leaks. Plugging orphaned wells will also help advance the goals of the U.S. Methane Emissions Reduction Action Plan, Interagency Working Group on Coal and Power Plant Communities and Economic Revitalization, which focuses on spurring economic revitalization in the energy communities. States with documented orphaned wells were submitted to a Notice of Intent (NOI) indicating interest in applying for clean-up and/or closure grants of those sites. DOI will allocate to Louisiana $47,396,249 in Phase 1 formula funding and initial grants to plug and restore orphaned O&G wells. Louisiana is expected to receive a total of $111,449,520 in funding from the IIJA for orphan wells. (Mississippi Phase 1: $26.77M; Mississippi estimated total: $31.83M; Alabama Phase1: $25.436; Alabama Estimated Total: $25.681M). In coming weeks, the DOI will release detailed guidance for these grants. The law also provides for a separate $250M for remediation of orphan wells on federal land, which will be implemented through the Bureau of Land Management. (Source: Department of Interior 01/31/22) Biden Administration Announces $1.15 Billion for States to Create Jobs Cleaning Up Orphaned Oil and Gas Wells | U.S. Department of the Interior

Ivey named DRA co-chair

MONTGOMERY, Ala. - The Delta Regional Authority (DRA) announced Jan. 31 that Alabama's Gov. Kay Ivey has been elected 2022 DRA States’ co-chair. DRA’s Board of Governors annually elect a states’ co-chair to work with the federal co-chair on economic development and growth in the 8-state region: Alabama, Arkansas, Mississippi, Louisiana, Tennessee, Illinois, Kentucky and Missouri. DRA is a federal-state partnership created by Congress to promote and encourage economic development of the lower Mississippi River Delta and Alabama Black Belt regions. DRA invests in projects supporting transportation infrastructure, basic public infrastructure, workforce training and business development (Source: WTOK 01/31/22)

CG rescues 3 adults, 3 kids in La.

NEW ORLEANS - The Coast Guard rescued six boaters early Jan. 29 after their vessel ran aground in Christmas Camp Lake near Hopedale, La. CG Sector New Orleans received notification just after midnight of a 21-foot flat bottom aluminum boat that ran aground due to sudden changes in water depth with three adults and three children aboard. The CG launched an MH-65 Dolphin aircrew from CG Air Station New Orleans. The crew safely hoisted all six and transported them to the Hopedale Marina, where they were evaluated by local emergency medical services personnel. "Mariners are reminded to practice safe boating by having sufficient means of communication, such as a marine radio, and appropriate clothing in case they become stranded in changing weather conditions," said Lt. Cmdr. Lauren Keefe, search and rescue mission coordinator assigned to  G Sector New Orleans's   command  enter (Source: Coast Guard 8th District 01/20/22) VIDEO AVAILABLE: Coast Guard rescues 6 boaters near Hopedale, Louisiana (govdelivery.com)

Mobile port to build upstate facility

MOBILE, Ala. - The Alabama Port Authority’s board of directors approved a $2.042M purchase of 272 acres in Montgomery, Ala., to construct an inland container intermodal transfer (ICTF) facility. The project will extend intermodal rail service from the Port of Mobile in support of Alabama regional growth in manufacturing, retail, distribution, and agribusiness sectors. When finished, the ICTF will be serviced by CSX Transportation (CSXT) Intermodal. The project re-establishes regularly scheduled CSXT service at Mobile and provides a foundation to expand intermodal services further inland to support CSXT customers. CSXT will contribute up to $12.5M toward infrastructure at the facility Phase I of the facility is estimated at $54M and may take up to two years to construct. (Source: Port of Mobile 01/28/22) Alabama Port Authority to Build an Inland Intermodal Transfer Facility at Montgomery, AL – Port of Mobile (alports.com)

Wicker rebuked by WH, Graham

The first Black woman nominated to the U.S. Supreme Court by President Joe Biden will be a "beneficiary" of affirmative action, Sen. Roger Wicker (R-Miss.).) said Jan. 28 in an interview on radio network SuperTalk Mississippi. "The irony is that the Supreme Court is at the very same time hearing cases about this sort of affirmative racial discrimination while adding someone who is the beneficiary of this sort of quota," he said on air in reference to the court's recent decision to reconsider challenges to race-based affirmative action in college admissions. “The majority of the court may be saying writ large (easy to understand that it’s) unconstitutional. We'll see how that irony works out," he added. Thew senator’s comments come despite not yet knowing who Biden will nominate. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced he has plans to retire at the end of the term, giving Biden his first opportunity to select a justice and make good on his campaign promise to nominate a Black woman to the high court. The senator joined Paul Gallo on SuperTalk Mississippi to also discuss the Ukraine situation and inflation. (Source: SuperTalk Mississippi 01/28/22) Video Center - SuperTalk Mississippi 

UPDATE: WICKER'S REMAKRS DRAW REBUKE

WASHINGTON – Sen. Roger Wicker drew outrage from the White House, Republican Sen. Lindsey Graham of South Carolina and others for a comment that compares President Biden’s pledge to nominate a Black woman to the U.S. Supreme Court to affirmative action. Sen. Graham disagreed with Wicker's viewpoint on CBS's "Face the Nation", saying he's in favor of "making the court more like America."  Affirmative action is "picking somebody not as well qualified for past wrongs," he said. (Source: USA TODAY 01/30/22) Roger Wicker slammed for racist comment on Biden Supreme Court pledge (clarionledger.com)

Contract for excavation work in BR

Young's General Contracting Inc., Poplar Bluff, Mo., was awarded a $17,554,969 firm-fixed-price contract for channel excavation, placing embankment material, design and construction of an unwatering system, traffic control, turf establishment and maintenance, surfacing, stockpiling and other work. Bids were solicited via the internet with eight received. Work will be performed in Baton Rouge, La., with an estimated completion date of Aug. 11, 2023. Fiscal 2022 civil construction funds in the amount of $17,554,969 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, New Orleans, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 01/28/22)

Kastner to take helm at HII

Huntington Ingalls Industries (HII) announced Jan. 27 that its board of directors elected Chief Operating Officer Chris Kastner to become HII president/CEO consistent with the company’s succession plan. The board also elected president/CEO Mike Petters to become executive vice chairman of the board for a transition period. Both changes are effective March 1. Petters and Kastner, who has acted over the past decade as CFO, and head corporate strategy and divisional financial officer, are credited with nurturing the company’s current $48B shipbuilding operations. On March 1, Petters will support the leadership transition as executive vice chairman and remain an HII employee through 2022. Succeeding Petters as CEO, Kastner brings extensive leadership and program management experience. Kastner also has served as vice president and CFO for HII’s Ingalls Shipbuilding division in Pascagoula, Miss. (Source: HII 01/28/22) HII Names Chris Kastner President & CEO; Mike Petters to Become Executive Vice Chairman of the Board | Huntington Ingalls Industries 

Austal keel laying for EPF 14

Austal USA celebrated the keel laying of the future USNS Cody (EPF 14) at its ship manufacturing facility in Mobile, Ala., on Jan. 26. Cody is a Spearhead class Expeditionary Fast Transport (EPF), one of 15 the Navy has contracted Austal to build. The ship is the first Navy ship named for the city of Cody, Wyo. A keel laying ceremony is the formal recognition of the start of a ship's construction. At Austal USA, the keel laying symbolically recognizes module erection in final assembly and the ceremonial beginning of a ship. The ship's sponsor is Avril Spencer, founder and executive director of Launch gURLs, a non-profit that aims to close the gender gap in economic opportunities through entrepreneurship programming for adolescent girls. At the keel laying, Spencer welded her initials onto a metal plate that will be installed in the ship. (Source: Work Boat 01/26/22)

CS-SC exercise at GC Navy bases

Gulf Coast (GC) Navy bases will be participating in an annual force protection exercise from Jan. 31 through Feb 11. Exercise Citadel Shield-Solid Curtain 2022 (CS-SC 22) is conducted on all Navy installations in the U.S. It is designed to enhance the readiness of Navy security forces and ensure seamless interoperability among commands, other services and agency partners. Regional Navy commands participating will include NCBC-Gulfport and NAS Meridian, Miss.; NAS-JRB New Orleans; and NAS Pensacola and Whiting Field, Fla. CS-SC allows teams to refine its response to scenarios and enables the base’s security force to work with local law enforcement. The exercise enhances security forces’ training and proficiency to be ready to respond to any type of contingency. Exercise CS-SC 22 is not in response to any specific threat but is an annual exercise. There will be measures to minimize local disruptions in the community and base operations, but there may be times the exercise causes increased traffic delayed access to bases. Residents may also see or hear security activities associated with the exercise. Advanced coordination has taken place with local law enforcement and first responders. (Source: NAS Whiting Field press advisory 01/27/22; NAS Meridian, NCBC- Gulfport, and NAS-JRB New Orleans Facebook pages)

NCBC GULFPORT NOTE: The SC-CS 22 exercise will not halt the Feb. 1-10 private-public venture (PPV) Navy Housing third-party inspections onboard NCBC. The inspection will be in the Magnolia I neighborhood. (Source: NCBC Facebook 02/27/22).

Commandant lands at NAS-JRB

Gen. David H. Berger, Commandant of the Marine Corps, was onboard NAS-JRB New Orleans on Jan. 25 to conduct a town hall meeting with Marines assigned to Marine Forces Reserve. The general was welcomed upon arrival by base commander Capt. Todd Bruemer. (Source: NAS-JRB 01/25/22)

3G shutoff: Million devices obsolete

Major cell phone carriers are boasting higher speeds with the coming of the 5G network, but they will also phase out 3G by year’s end rendering older cells useless: No data, text or calls, including to 911. It is likely to be have a high negative affect on older people, according to Tom Kamber of AARP. Older cell phones, some car navigation and emergency services, home security systems, and even some medical devices may be deemed useless without taking action. Elders will be out completely and could have tremendous impacts on emergency services. It’s a golden opportunity for some digital hygiene by considering an upgrade, Kamber says. AT&T will shutter 3G in February; T-Mobile by July; and Verizon by year’s end. Some car makers like Honda are offering a free upgrade window on some models. Honda’s shutdown ends in February. (Source: CNN 01/27/2) 3G to 5G will leave millions of devices obsolete (wlox.com)

Judge tosses O&G lease sales

WASHINGTON - A federal court in the District of Columbia rejected a plan to lease millions of acres in the Gulf of Mexico for offshore oil drilling, saying the Biden administration did not adequately take into account the lease sale's effect of greenhouse gas emissions and violation of environmental law. U.S. District Judge Rudolph Contreras ordered the proposed lease sale back to the Interior Department (ID) for a different decision, after a revised review to scrap it or do something else. Environmentalists hailed the decision and hoped the President would follow through on his promise to stop offshore leasing in federal waters. Energy companies offered a combined $192M for those drilling rights on federal O&G reserves in November. ID’s auction came after attorneys general from several states, led by Louisiana, successfully challenged a suspension on sales that Biden imposed. (Source: The AP 01/27/22) Federal judge throws out Gulf of Mexico oil lease sale, says it violates environmental law | Courts | nola.com

Census: Gender pay gap widens

Women are over-represented in lower paying jobs and, as they get older, the gap widens. The U.S. Census Bureau’s Quarterly Workforce Indicators (QWI) shows the pay and age dynamic of women and men in the 35-44 age group. QWI data is based on unemployment insurance wage records for the third quarter of 2020 (most recent available). Women in the U.S. earn 30 percent less than men and gets worse with age. Although the gender pay gap has narrowed since the signing of the Equal Pay Act of 1963, women earned 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. The gender gap narrowed for younger women as they increase education and break into occupations traditionally dominated by men. While women have a growing presence in higher paying industries like Information or Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services, they are still over-represented in lower paying industries. (Source: Census Bureau 01/27/22) Gender Pay Gap Widens as Women Age (census.gov)

NASA 'Spinoff' features Stennis

Spinoff 2022 features more than 45 companies using NASA technology to advance manufacturing techniques, detoxify polluted soil, improve weather forecasting, and clean the air to slow the spread of viruses. Spinoff 2022 also reveals new technologies developed at NASA centers across the U.S. with possible uses beyond their original design applications. Stennis Space Center in Mississippi is featured with two locally developed technologies - lightweight, cost-effective sensors that could provide a foundation to standardize a wide variety of sensor applications and an online toolkit for making NASA's remote sensing data more accessible and applicable. To read or download the digital version of the latest issue of Spinoff, visit here. (Source: NASA/SSC, 01/26/22)

Lowndes ground-breaks FedEx site

LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. - The Golden Triangle celebrated the ground breaking for a new FedEx processing center on Jan. 27, where 150-plus jobs will become available. Jada Leo, president of Westmoreland Development, he has done hundreds of these projects and was excited about creating new jobs and watching the county grow. Work on the building started Jan. 24 and was expected t be completed this summer. (Source: WTVA 01/27/22) The Golden Triangle celebrated the groundbreaking for a new federal express processing center | News | wtva.com

Fort Polk units on heightened alert

The Defense Department revealed a number of American bases where 8,500 troops have been placed on heightened alert for possible deployment as part of the NATO Response Force. Pentagon spokesperson John Kirby reiterated that no deployment orders have been issued, but the alert, which was issued days ago, comes amid increased tensions over Russia’s troop buildup along the Ukrainian border. Kirby said the units include elements of the 82nd Airborne Division at Fort Bragg (NC), elements of units at Fort Carson, Colo., and Fort Campbell, Ky. Additional elements of units on the alert include troops at installations in Texas, (Fort Polk in) Louisiana, Arizona, Washington, Georgia, Ohio and several other states. The units include medical support, aviation support, logistics support and "of course, combat formations,” he said. (Source: The AP 01/27/22)

EMCC's workforce training

COLUMBUS, Miss. – Gov. Tate Reeves, in his State of the State address Jan. 24 emphasized the need to continue investing in workforce development programs. Programs like those at East Mississippi Community College’s Communiversity, which offers workforce training in areas like certified nursing, computer-aided design and maintenance. (Source: WCBI 01/25/222) Also at EMCC, the Mississippi Coding Academies, a non-profit organization, is providing tuition-free classes to students at The Communiversity College. At the end of the 11-month program, students are certified as full-stack junior coders with skills needed to manage websites on both the front and back end, which is the underlying digital structure that keeps websites operating efficiently. The certificate has been accepted by the state of Mississippi in lieu of an associate degree for companies hiring into the Mississippi IT field, says Chairman Mike Forster. Students can go directly into a good paying job or complete requirements at EMCC to earn an associate degree. EMCC offers associate degrees in Computer Networking, Computer Programming, Cybersecurity and Database Administration. Students in technical education programs at EMCC can transfer credits toward a Bachelor of Applied Science degree at Mississippi State University. “We are delighted to host the Mississippi Coding Academies here,” EMCC President Dr. Scott Alsobrooks said. “The Communiversity was funded and designed to host programs that train students for jobs today and the future and it provides a "skilled workforce needed to attract new businesses to Mississippi.” Mississippi Coding Academies also have two locations in Jackon and one in Biloxi. Discussions are underway to open another location at Coahoma Community College. Industry officials help develop curriculum and evaluate students’ coding skills to ensure skillsets taught match workforce demand. More information about the Mississippi Coding Academies is available online here: https://bit.ly/35o4agC. (Source: East Mississippi Community College 01/27/22) 

'Spark Tank' finalist from Maxwell

ARLINGTON, Va. - The Air Force’s Spark Tank program enters its fifth year and poised to highlight creative and innovative ideas among Airmen and Guardians. The Air and Space Force vice chiefs, along with other senior leaders, selected six ideas to advance. The finals will be held at the Air Force Association’s Aerospace Warfare Symposium as senior leaders decide who will be declared winner of Spark Tank ‘22 and take possession of the coveted 3D printed Spark Tank trophy. As the Department’s flagship innovation event, Spark Tank plays a central role in establishing the Department’s strategic mindset for delivering future capabilities. Among the finalists is from Matthew Correia of the Eaker Center at Maxwell AFB, Ala. His idea is entitled "DAGGER: Developing Airmen and Guardians with Games for Enhanced Readiness" (Source: Air Force 01/27/22) DAF announces Spark Tank ‘22 finalists > Air Force > Article Display

Agenda: MSPA meets Jan. 28

The Mississippi State Port Authority public board meeting will be held Jan. 28 ay 1 p.m. in g MSPA’s Admin Offices at 2510 14th St., Suite 1450 in Gulfport, Miss. (Source: MSPA 01/2022) Agenda Mississippi State Port Authority (shipmspa.com) 

Port NOLA ends '21 on high

NEW ORLEANS - The Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA) ended 2021 strengthening its economic benefit across the region with positives over all four of its lines of business: Cargo, rail, industrial real estate and cruise. The CY closed with breakbulk and bulk volumes up 46% from 2020. Port NOLA moved 2.4M short tons last year in comparison to 1.7M in 2020. (Source: Port NOLA 01/20/22) Port NOLA | Port of New Orleans Closes 2021 with Major Milestones in…

Chem plant explosion in west LA

A portion of a chemical plant located west of Lake Charles exploded on the morning of Jan. 26 injuring six and forced school children to temporarily shelter in place from toxic gases. A Westlake Chemical spokesperson said chemical fumes in a storage tank ignited before 11 a.m. Smoke was visible for miles. The tank, which had a capacity of about 1M gallons, held ethylene dichloride, which is harmful to the human nervous system, liver and kidneys. A Department of Environmental Quality spokesperson said the tank was mostly empty. Air monitoring stations near the facility indicated air quality remained at safe levels after the explosion. Five of the injured workers were taken to nearby hospitals. One was treated at the scene. None of the injuries appeared life-threatening, the company spokesperson said. School shelter-in-place advisories were lifted within an hour of the explosion. (Source: NOLA.com 01/26/22) Chemical plant explosion near Lake Charles injures six workers | Environment | nola.com

SECNAV's first-hand view at Ingalls

Secretary of the Navy Carlos Del Toro was at Huntington Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., this week to tour facilities, LPD-29 (the future USS Richard M. McCool) and to get a first-hand taste for the company and Ingalls' role in defense of America and providing economic benefit to the Gulf Coast. SECNAV is not a stranger to Ingalls. He previously served in the Navy and assigned  to Pascagoula during his time in service. Mississippi's two U.S. Senators Roger Wicker and Cindy Hyde-Smith, and U.S. Rep. Steven Palazzo tagged along with SECNAV. (Source: Y'all Politics 01/26/22) U.S. Secretary of the Navy visits Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, says the yard plays a key role in America’s maritime dominance | Mississippi Politics and News - Y'all Politics (yallpolitics.com) (WLOX U.S. Secretary of the Navy ‘inspired’ by Ingalls Shipbuilding (wlox.com)

USS Higbee, then and now

On this day in Navy and Marine Corps History: 1945 - Destroyer USS Higbee (DD-806) is commissioned as the first U.S. Navy combat ship to bear the name of a woman in naval service, and who served as head of the Navy Nurse Corps. (Source: Navy 01/27/22)

Mississippi Note: USS Lenah Sutcliffe Higbee (DDG-123) is an Arleigh Burke-class Flight IIA guided missile destroyer, the 73rd overall in the class. Ingalls Shipbuilding in Pascagoula, Miss., was awarded the contract for the ship in June 2013. The ship's keel was laid in November 2017, and christened on April 24, 2021, in Pascagoula.

AETC's 80th at CAFB in March

JOINT BASE SAN ANTONIO-RANDOLPH, Texas - Air Education and Training Command personnel will be celebrating the command’s 80th anniversary that honors the Air Force’s oldest major command and all the students and trainees who have been recruited, trained and educated at First Command. Throughout 2022, members at AETC have plans to celebrate the 80th milestone for AETC with various events around the command. The first event y was Jan. 22. Other events planned this year during includes the "Wings Over Columbus Air Show” and STEM Expo at Columbus AFB, Missi., on March 26-27. Among some of the AETC units in the Gulf Coast region are located Columbus and Keesler AFBs in Mississippi; Eglin AFB, Fla.; and Maxwell AFB, Ala. (Source: AETC 01/25/22) AETC continues to develop Airmen, celebrates 80th anniversary > Air Force > Article Display (af.mil)

Jackson 7% of Navy contract

General Dynamics, Ordinance & Tactical Systems Inc., Williston, Vermont, is awarded a $27,937,498 firm-fixed-price contract. This contract provides obsolescence management and engineering support, as well as, procures 76 M61A2 20MM gun systems in support of Navy F/A-18 E/F production aircraft. Work will be performed in Saco, Maine (14.7%); Williston, Vermont (12.4%); Westfield, Massachusetts (8.5%); Lyndonville, Vermont (8%); Jackson, Mississippi (7%); Miami, Florida (7.8%); Daytona Beach, Florida (6.7%); Port Hueneme, California (3.9%); Saint Croix Falls, Wisconsin (3.7%); Saint Laurent, Quebec (2.6%); Fort Wayne, Indiana (2.1%); Montreal North, Quebec (1.9%); Muskegon, Michigan (1.5%); Clifton Springs, New York (1.5%); Navasota, Texas (1.4%); South Paris, Maine (1.4%); O'Fallon, Missouri (1.3%); Jackson, Michigan (1.2%); Milton, Vermont (1.2%); Berryville, Arkansas (1.2%); Dayton, Ohio (1.1%); and various locations within the continental U.S. (8.9%), and is expected to be completed in November 2024. Fiscal 2020 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $19,107,889 will be obligated at the time of award, none of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 01/26/22)

LMT 4Q earnings report

BETHESDA, Md. – Lockheed Martin Corp. [LMT] reported 4Q 2021 net sales of $17.7B compared to $17.0B in 2020. Net earnings were $2.0B ($7.47 a share) compared to $1.8B in 200 ($6.38 a share). Cash from operations was $4.3B in the 4Q of 2021, compared to $1.8B of 2020. Cash from operations in the 4Q 2020 was after $1.0B of discretionary pension contributions. (Source: Lockheed Martin 01/25/22) MISSISSIPPI NOTE: LMT has an advanced Propulsion, Thermal, and Metrology Center at the John C. Stennis Space Center; a Mission Support Center in Clinton that support diverse mission and technology services Lockheed Martin provides federal agencies; and a sub-assembly plant in Meridian. (Source: LMT 01/25/22) Ex 99.1 Q4 2021 (lockheedmartin.com)

Eaton's 4Q earnings report Feb. 4

DUBLIN, Ireland - Power management company Eaton (ETN) will announce 4Q 2021 earnings on Feb. 4, before the opening bell of the New York Stock Exchange. The company will host a conference call at 10 a.m. (CT) to discuss earnings results with securities analysts and institutional investors. The conference call will be available through a live webcast that can be accessed via the Eaton Fourth Quarter 2021 Earnings Results link on Eaton’s home page: www.eaton.com. The call replay and news release will also be available at the same link. Eaton’s mission is to improve the quality of life and the environment through the use of power management technologies and services. Eaton provides sustainable solutions to aid customers to manage electrical and mechanical power. Eaton’s 2020 revenues were $17.9B. Eaton sell products to customers in more than 175 countries. (Source: Eaton 01/20/22) MISSISSIPP NOTE: Eaton manufactures its Ephesus line of high-output solid-state sports lighting solutions for a broad range of applications at its facility in Vicksburg, Miss., an aerospace repair facility in Jackson.

Mobile sports betting in LA

NEW ORLEANS - Mobile sports betting will officially go live at 8 a.m. on Jan. 28 in 55 of Louisiana’s 64 parishes, according to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board. In-person betting launched in October. Six sportsbooks have been approved: DraftKings, FanDuel, Caesars, BetMGM, BetFred and BetRiver.  (WWL 01/26/22) Mobile sports betting to go live in Louisiana Friday 9 am | wwltv.com

The AP: SCOTUS lib Breyer to retire

 WASHINGTON - Two unidentified sources have told The Associated Press that liberal  U.S. Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer is retiring, giving President Joe Biden an opening that he has pledged to fill by naming the first Black woman to the high court. (Source: The AP 01/26/22) AP sources: Justice Breyer to retire; Biden to fill vacancy | National | wtva.com

MBA at Ole Miss ranked #12

OXFORD, Miss. – The University of Mississippi’s online Master of Business Administration program has been named as one of the best in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The rankings, released Jan. 25, place Ole Miss in a three-way tie for No. 9 among public universities and No. 12 overall. UM is tied with the University of Maryland at College Park and the University of Massachusetts at Amherst for the No. 9 spot. The University of Florida is the only Southeastern Conference school ranked ahead of Ole Miss (at No. 3), and Auburn University came in at No. 24 in the public rankings. (Source: UM 01/25/22 Online MBA Program Ranks Among Top 10 in Nation - Ole Miss News

EPA cites action vs La., Miss.

WASHINGTON - The Environmental Protection Agency announced a series of enforcement actions Jan. 26 to address air pollution, unsafe drinking water and other problems afflicting minority communities in Louisiana, Mississippi and Houston. EPA will conduct unannounced inspections of chemical plants, refineries and industrial sites suspected of polluting air and water and causing health problems to nearby residents, said EPA Administrator Michael Regan. It will install air monitoring equipment in Louisiana’s “chemical corridor” in St. John the Baptist, St. James and Calcasieu parishes between Baton Rouge and New Orleans. EPA also issued a notice to the Jackson, Miss., that the city’s overwhelmed drinking water system violates the federal Safe Drinking Water Act, and orders the city to outline a plan to identify and correct deficiencies and report back to EPA in 45 days. (Source: The AP 01/25/22) EPA acts on environmental justice in 3 Gulf Coast states (wtok.com)

MSU named to CYBERCOM net

STARKVILLE, Miss. - Mississippi State University is among 84 institutions selected to join a new Academic Engagement Network facilitated by the U.S. Cyber Command (CYBERCOM). As a member of the network, MSU will join other universities in supporting CYBERCOM efforts in areas such as future workforce, applied cyber research, applied analytics and other strategic issues. A joint command center of the Defense Department, CYBERCOM’s mission is to direct, synchronize and coordinate cyberspace planning, working in collaboration with domestic and international partners to defend and advance national interests. CYBERCOM Executive Director David Frederick said the Academic Engagement Network will help the organization shape and enhance cyber-focused innovation through strategic partnerships. Among the new partners are Gulf Coast states’ University of Alabama, UA-Huntsville and University of West Florida in Pensacola. MSU leads the fourth largest National Science Foundation CybeerCorps program in the nation. The Department of Computer Science and Engineering in MSU’s James Worth Bagley College of Engineering houses the university’s academic cybersecurity programs. MSU offers an undergraduate program in cybersecurity, a master’s program in cybersecurity and operations, and two certificate programs. (Source: MSU 01/25/22 MSU selected to join U.S. Cyber Command Academic Engagement Network | Mississippi State University (msstate.edu) & CYBERCOM 01/05/22) Academic Engagement (cybercom.mil)

Guv signs MS redistricting plan

On Jan. 24, Mississippi Gov. Tate Reeves signed a bill that redraws the boundaries of the state's four congressional districts to account for changes in population. The governor said weeks ago he agrees with the plan in House Bill 384, which was passed by the Republican-controlled state House and Senate. Opponents could still ask a federal court to consider whether the new districts dilute the influence of Black voters. (Source: Clarion Ledger 01/25/21) 

A federal court has already blocked Alabama's plan for redistricting. In Texas, Tarrant County Democrat state Sen. Beverly Powell has asked a federal court to temporarily block the Republican-led legislature’s redrawing of her district. It is scheduled to be heard Feb. 1 in federal court in El Paso. It marks the first of redistricting lawsuits in Texas. The state's bid to toss a legal challenge, arguing 2021’s redistricting effort violated the Texas Constitution, is headed to the state Supreme Court, which accepted the case last week. The all-Republican Supreme Court is set oral arguments on March 23.

Re-drawing Oktibbeha plans Feb. 21

STARKVILLE - The Oktibbeha County (Miss.) Board of Supervisors will host a public hearing Feb. 21 to narrow the choice of two proposed plans for redistricting the county. The county’s 2020 Census population is 51,728, up about 4,000 since 2010. Although the population rose, each district did not evenly increase, thus the reason for having to redraw district lines. Golden Triangle Planning and Development District’s Geographic Information Systems director provided the board with multiple scenarios for redrawing the county lines. The board of supervisors chose two plans to present to the public for consideration. The public hearing is at 10 a.m. Feb. 21 in the Oktibbeha County chancery courtroom. (Source: Columbus Dispatch 01/25/21) Oktibbeha County to hold public hearing on redistricting plans - The Dispatch (cdispatch.com)

Future rural econ development

Economic development is often centered on ensuring that people have access to a livelihood and a local system of support that makes economic prosperity possible. As the role of technology in society and the economy expands, strategies around economic development needs to evolve to make this prosperity possible - especially in rural communities. The Center on Rural Innovation and Rural Innovation Strategies will discuss the technology-driven trends that rural economic development leaders need to understand to develop effective strategies, and share case studies illustrating how rural communities are taking advantage of tech-based economic development to drive entrepreneurship and economic prosperity. Date: Feb 17 at 1 p.m. CT. (Source: Center on Rural Innovation 01/25/22) CORI Roundtable: Rural Futures (hs-sites.com) 

MS unemployment hits new low

 Unemployment rates were lower in December in 42 states and the District of Columbia and stable in eight states, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics reported. Forty- eight states and D.C. had jobless rate decreases from 2021 and two states were little changed. The national unemployment rate, 3.9 percent, declined by 0.3 percentage point over the month and was 2.8 points lower than in December 2020. Nebraska had the lowest jobless rate in December at 1.7 percent followed by Utah at 1.9 percent. The rates in numerous states set new lows: Arkansas (3.1%), Georgia (2.6%) and Mississippi at 4.5%. Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics 01/25/22) State Employment and Unemployment Summary - 2021 M12 Results (bls.gov)

DoL webinar: Child labor laws in SE

ATLANTA - Millions of minors under 18 join the workforce annually - many in the food industry. The U.S. Department of Labor is working to ensure employers in the Southeast know their legal obligations regarding the employment of minors. In support of efforts, the department’s Wage and Hour Division invites restaurant employers, minor-aged workers and their parents, school representatives and other interested stakeholders to join its Southeast Region for a Child Labor Lunch and Learn webinar on Feb. 10 from 11 a.m. to 12 p.m. CT. This event provides an opportunity for participants to learn more about federal laws governing youth employment. Participation is free, but registration is required. In the Southeast, the division found child labor violations in more than 190 food service industry employers investigated in FYs 2020-21, resulting in over $1M in penalties assessed to employers. In addition, investigations recovered over $1.5M in back wages and liquidated damages for over 2,000 workers. The division’s southeast regional office has responsibility for Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Mississippi, North Carolina, South Carolina and Tennessee. (Source: Census Bureau 01/25/22) US Department of Labor offers webinar to help Southeast’s restaurant employers avoid common child labor compliance violations | U.S. Department of Labor (dol.gov)

Census: How geography used

The Census Bureau's webinar on "Geography Areas and Concepts for the American Community Survey" will explain how popular geographic types, such as block groups, census tracts, and ZIP Code Tabulation Areas are used to present American Community Survey (ACS) data. Additional information on how geography boundaries are updated and on how Census Geocoder can be used to identify geographies. The webinar is Jan. 26 from 1-2 p.m. (CT). (Source: Census Bureau 01/25/22) Geography Areas and Concepts for the American Community Survey (census.gov)

FTC to file suit vs LM's Aerojet buy

The U.S. Federal Trade Commission will file a preliminary injunction complaint with the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia seeking a Preliminary Injunction to block Lockheed Martin Corporation’s $4.4B proposed acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne, the last independent U.S. supplier of missile propulsion systems. FTC’s complaint alleges if the deal proceeds, Lockheed will use its control of Aerojet to harm rival defense contractors and consolidate multiple markets critical to national security and defense. It’s FTC’s first litigated defense merger challenge in decades. The Defense Department reviewed the acquisition and considered potential impacts on national security, the nation’s industrial and technological base, competition, and innovation. DoD facilitated a series of FTC-led interviews with defense-impacted stakeholders. DoD’s assessment was provided to the FTC for its deliberations and final decision-making. Lockheed is the world’s largest defense contractor and a leading missile supplier in a highly concentrated sector. Among Lockheed’s competitors are Raytheon Technologies, Northrop Grumman, and Boeing. The acquisition would also harm the U.S. government because the cost of missile systems, missile defense kill-vehicles, and hypersonic cruise missiles would likely increase, innovation lessened, and quality reduced, hindering national security and defense interests, the agency indicated. The FTC will file the complaint to stop the pending deal in an administrative trial, which is scheduled to begin June 16. The FTC issues an administrative complaint when it has “reason to believe” that the law has been or is being violated, and it appears to the Commission that a proceeding is in the public interest. (Source: FTC media release 01/25/22) Gulf Coast Note: Lockheed Martin has operation facilities in Mississippi at Stennis, Biloxi and Meridian. Lockheed has six sites in Louisiana: New Orleans (3), Metairie, Houma and Baton Rouge. Aerojet Rocketdyne has Gulf state sites in Stennis, Miss., and Huntsville, Ala. FTC Sues to Block Lockheed Martin Corporation’s $4.4 Billion Vertical Acquisition of Aerojet Rocketdyne Holdings Inc. | Federal Trade Commission

GA-Tupelo 23% of Navy pact

General Atomics, San Diego, California, is awarded a $10,511,534 firm-fixed-price order (N0001922F0894) against a previously issued basic ordering agreement (N0001921G0014). This order provides for the stand-up of an Advanced Arresting Gear system depot facility for depot level repairs, to include shipboard (on-equipment) repairs, and overhaul and turn in depot level repairable units (off-equipment) repairs, and other repairable components over the lifecycle of the system. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (77%); and Tupelo, Mississippi (23%), and is expected to be completed in February 2024. Fiscal 2021 research, development, test and evaluation (Navy) funds in the amount of $10,511,534 will be obligated at the time of award, all of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. The Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Md., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 01/25/22)

AF Heritage Flight @ Super Bowl

Five aircraft representing the Air Force’s 75 years as a service will conduct a first-of-its-kind flyover during the national anthem of Super Bowl LVI, on Feb. 13, above SoFi Stadium in Inglewood, Calif. The Air Force Heritage Flight represents the service’s ability to innovate, accelerate and thrive since its evolution from the U.S. Army Air Corps in 1947. The Heritage Flight flyover will feature: - P-51 Mustang from the Air Force Heritage Flight Foundation, Chino, California; - A-10 Thunderbolt from Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Arizona; - F-16 Fighting Falcon from Shaw AFB, South Carolina; - F-22 Raptor from Joint Base Langley-Eustis, Virginia; and F-35 Lightning from Hill AFB, Utah There will be a live pre-game stream from the formation while they get into position in the sky and will include special interviews and segments. Viewers can tune in to the Air Force Facebook page at 5 p.m. CT for the broadcast. (Source: Air Force 01/25/22)