Northrop Grumman Systems Corp., San Diego, California, is awarded a $542,926,499 cost-plus-fixed-fee, firm-fixed-price, fixed-price incentive (firm-target) modification (P00046) to a previously awarded contract (N0001919C0008). This modification provides for the production and delivery of MQ-4C Triton Unmanned Aircraft System Low-Rate Initial Production Lot Six, to include three unmanned aircraft (UA) for the Navy; one UA for the government of Australia; and one main operating base for the Navy, as well as associated support and related technical and administrative data. Work will be performed in San Diego, California (25.7%); Palmdale, California, (18.4%); Red Oak, Texas (10.1%); Linthicum, Maryland (9.5%); Grand Rapids, Michigan (5.1%); Bridgeport, West Virginia (5.1%); Indianapolis, Indiana (4.3%); Rolling Meadows, Illinois (2.5%); Moss Point, Mississippi (2.5%); Chantilly, Virginia (1.7%); Longueil, Quebec, Canada (1.1%); San Clemente, California (1.1%); various locations within of the continental U.S. (CONUS) (12.1%); and various locations outside of the CONUS (0.5%), and is expected to be completed in January 2028. Fiscal 2023 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $411,380,298; fiscal 2022 aircraft procurement (Navy) funds in the amount of $971,678; and Royal Australian Air Force cooperative funds in the amount of $40,000,000 will be obligated at the time of award, $971,678 of which will expire at the end of the current fiscal year. Naval Air Systems Command, Patuxent River, Maryland, is the contracting activity. (DoD 10/31/23)
Tuesday, October 31, 2023
GEA, Aurora hybrid electric aircraft
GE Aerospace and magniX, an electric motor manufacturer for electric aircraft, revealed the paint scheme for hybrid electric aircraft set to operate within NASA's Electrified Powertrain Flight Demonstration (EPFD) project.
The liveries feature the logos of GE Aerospace and magniX on a predominantly white design, accentuated with red and blue shades toward the aircraft's rear.
GE Aerospace is in the process of designing the megawatt-class hybrid electric powertrain for ground and flight tests that are scheduled to take place by 2030.
Boeing and its Aurora Flight Sciences subsidiary have partnered with GE Aerospace to facilitate the tests utilizing a modified Saab 340B aircraft with GE's CT7 engines.
The magniX demonstration involves a collaboration with Air Tindi and AeroTEC. The test will see magniX's hybrid powertrain integrated into a modified DeHavilland "Dash 7" aircraft. NASA expects the flight demonstrations to take place in the next five years.
According to NASA, electrified aircraft propulsion (EAP) technologies could better fuel efficiency, lower flight emissions, and could reach the U.S. commercial fleet between 2030-35.
Last year, GE Aerospace reported a successful test of a megawatt-class and multi-kilovolt hybrid electric propulsion system under altitude conditions of up to 45,000 feet, mimicking the conditions of a single-aisle commercial flight. (Insights 10/10/23) NASA, GE Aerospace Reveal the Look of Its Hybrid Electric Aircraft (thomasnet.com)
Regional: GE Aerospace has facilities in Batesville and Ellisville, Miss. Aurora Flight Sciences has a facility located in Columbus, Miss.
Eaton scores 3Q record sales
DUBLIN - The international intelligent power management company Eaton Corp. announced that earnings per share were $2.22 for the 3Q of 2023.
Adjusted earnings per share of $2.47 were a quarterly record and up 22% over the last year's 3Q.
Sales in the quarter were $5.9B, a quarterly record and up 11% from 2022. Organic sales were up 9%, and positive currency translation added 2%.
Segment margins were 23.6%, a quarterly record and a 240-basis point improvement over the third quarter of 2022.
Sales for the Electrical Americas segment was a record $2.6B, up 19%, driven entirely by organic sales growth. Operating profits were a record $719M, up 41% from 2022. Operating margins in the quarter were a record 27.7%, up 420 basis points over the third quarter of 2022.
The 12-month rolling average of orders in the third quarter was down 3% organically from high levels in 2022, with continued growth in the data center, industrial facilities and institutional markets. Backlog at the end of September was up 19% organically over September 2022. (Eaton 10/310/23) Eaton Reports Record Quarterly Results With 18% Backlog Growth; Raises Guidance | Business Wire
In Mississippi: The Eaton Electric Generating Plant has a three-unit natural gas-fired power plant located in Petal, Miss. Each unit generats 22.5 Megawatts (MW) of electricity, with a total plant capacity of 67.5 MW. The plant drew cooling water from the Leaf River. Eaton’s aerospace facility in Jackson, Miss., conducts power systems tests for the Learjet 85 aircraft, which features advanced composite design and increased passenger comfort.
Skydweller Aero listings for employment positions in Mississippi. BambooHR
Acadiana fed funds; GoM whales
- A proposal of $36M in federal funding was approved during last week's Joint Legislative Committee Meeting, in Baton Rouge, La.: $16M for a new road project by the Acadiana Regional Airport and $20M for deepening the channel at the Port of Iberia.
- The Port's project is set to be completed by April 2024. (KATC 10/31/23) $36 Million Invested in Iberia Parish Economy (katc.com)
NOAA denies environmentalist push on GoM whales
A push from environmental groups to impose ship speed limits to protect the endangered Rice’s whale in the Gulf of Mexico has been denied, while the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration works on other measures to protect the whales, the agency said Oct. 27. (Work Boat 10/30/23) NOAA denies activists’ call for Rice’s whale speed limits | WorkBoat
Cold coming; wildfire dangers
Lauderdale County, Miss., residents will want to keep their faucets dripping heading into Halloween night as subzero temperatures are possible over the next few days.
The National Weather Service issued a freeze watch for parts of Mississippi and Louisiana as colder weather moves through the area.
The forecast shows a limited threat of freezing weather Wednesday morning, which could cause some damage to unprotected plants and other greenery.
Colder temperatures will arrive Wednesday night and into Thursday morning bringing additional risk to vegetation and the potential for pipes to freeze.
While cold and windy, weather across much of the state is expected to stay dry. With drought conditions impacting much of the state, NWS forecasters said the pending weather creates significant danger for wildfires.
Meridian and the surrounding area are under a significant threat of wildfire, according to the forecast. Lauderdale County continues to have a burn ban in place barring any open flame, ember-producing fire. (Meridian Star 10/31/23) Freezing temps possible beginning Tuesday night | News | meridianstar.com
Tupelo area: Cooler weather today and for trick or treating tonight | Top Stories | wtva.com
Central Louisiana: Bundle Up Trick or Treaters: Your Full Halloween Forecast (katc.com)
La. increasing fines and restrictions
Louisiana has increased fines for inactive oil and gas wells in an effort to reduce the number of polluting and dangerous wells that are eventually abandoned and made the responsibility of the state. (NOLA.com 10/31/23) New fines aim to ease Louisiana's 'orphan' oil wells problem | Business News | nola.com
In St James Parish: New restrictions proposed on future large-scale solar farms in St. James Parish would require land buffers tougher than what's been required for industrial plants and tank farms seeking to move into or expand in the Mississippi River parish.
The minimum 500-foot buffer from homes, which is also tougher than what some other river parishes have adopted for solar farms, would be one piece of St. James' first ever solar farm law.
After public hearings this month and some expected final edits, the proposed law is expected for a vote next month in Convent a little more than a year after a moratorium was adopted amid public opposition to a 3,900-acre solar operation proposed for Vacherie. (NOLA.com 10/30/23) Following trend, St. James nears rules for new solar farms | Business News | nola.com
Avoiding gov't shutdown?; UAW
House Republicans are moving to pass appropriations measures under new Speaker Mike Johnson (R-La.) as they seek to stave off a shutdown and impose deeper cuts on government spending.
Passage of the bills would set up negotiations with the Democratic-held Senate, which faces its own challenges in moving 12 appropriations measures.
The House swiftly approved its first funding bill in weeks just days ago after the chamber reopened under Johnson.
The sprawling partisan energy plan is just one of eight bills that Republicans hope to pass out of the House by Nov. 17, when government funding is set to expire.
A stopgap measure will likely be needed to avoid a shutdown. (The Hill 10/31/23) House deals with shutdown threat under Speaker Johnson: 5 things to watch | The Hill
UAW reaches tentative agreement with GM
DETROIT - The United Auto Workers announced Oct. 30 it reached a tentative deal with General Motors, capping a whirlwind in which GM, Ford and Stellantis agreed to terms that would end the union’s 6-week strikes, pending approval of the rank and file.
The deal UAW President Shawn Fain closed on his 55th birthday is modeled on the ones agreed to with crosstown rivals Ford and Jeep-maker Stellantis, and would give workers higher raises than they’ve received in years.
If approved, it would also claw back some concessions the UAW agreed to almost two decades ago, when the automakers were in desperate financial shape. (The AP 10/30/23) General Motors reaches tentative agreement with UAW | AP News
Oct. 31 history: Earl Lloyd
History Oct. 31
In 1517, Priest and scholar Martin Luther posts on the door of Castle Church in Wittenberg, Germany, 95 revolutionary opinions that would begin the Protestant Reformation. Martin Luther posts 95 theses | October 31, 1517 | HISTORY
In 1864, Congress admits Nevada as the 36th state.
In 1926, celebrated magician Harry Houdini dies.
In 1941, work was completed on the Mount Rushmore National Memorial in South Dakota that was begun in 1927.
In 1950, Earl Lloyd becomes first Black player in the NBA. Earl Lloyd becomes first Black player in the NBA | October 31, 1950 | HISTORY
In 1961, Stalin's body removed from Lenin's tomb. Stalin’s body removed from Lenin’s tomb | October 31, 1961 | HISTORY
In 1963, Ed Sullivan witnesses Beatlemania first hand at Heathrow. Ed Sullivan witnesses Beatlemania firsthand, paving the way for the British Invasion | October 31, 1963 | HISTORY
In 1968, President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered a halt to all U.S. bombing of North Vietnam, saying he hoped for fruitful peace negotiations.
In 1992, Pope John Paul II formally proclaimed that the Roman Catholic Church had erred in condemning the astronomer Galileo for holding that the Earth was not the center of the universe.
In 2005, President George W. Bush nominated Judge Samuel Alito to the Supreme Court.
In 2018, notorious gangster James “Whitey” Bulger was found beaten to death at a federal prison in West Virginia.
In 2020, actor Sean Connery, who rose to international stardom as the suave secret agent James Bond and then carved out an Oscar-winning career in other rugged roles, died at his home in the Bahamas at the age of 90. (History.com 10/31/23)
Consumers confound; NOLA grant
A flow of recent data from the U.S. government has made one thing strikingly clear: A surge in consumer spending is fueling strong growth, demonstrating a resilience that has confounded economists, Federal Reserve officials and even the sour sentiments that Americans themselves have expressed in opinion polls. (The AP 10/31/23) US consumers keep spending despite high prices and their own gloomy outlook. Can it last? | AP News
$3.9M NOLA recycling grant from EPA
DALLAS - The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced $3,982,000 grant-funding to the City of New Orleans to improve material management and to improve existing recycling programs in the city.
The announcement comes from President Biden’s Investing in America agenda to expand recycling infrastructure and waste management systems across the nation.
“By providing nearly $4 million in funding, EPA is fulfilling our promise to identify marginalized communities and fund projects designed to address climate change and improve public health," said Regional Administrator Dr. Earthea Nance.
New Orleans continues "to fight the climate crisis" and is "ensuring overlooked communities" receive the resources they need for a cleaner environment, Nance continued.
New Orleans will expand its current residential curbside recycling program to all eligible households. The expansion is designed to ensure universal and equitable access to curbside recycling, providing new recycling access to about 73,000 households and to replace 10,000 legacy recycling carts.
The city will also develop a 10-year solid waste master plan that evaluates recycling processing infrastructure and capacity.
The grant supports the implementation of EPA’s National Recycling Strategy to build an economy devoted to keeping materials, products, and services in circulation for as long as possible –what’s known as a “circular economy.”
In the coming months, EPA will announce selected recipients of recycling grants for Tribes and intertribal consortia, as well as the recipients of EPA’s new Recycling Education and Outreach grant program. (EPA 10/30/23) EPA Announces Nearly $4 million to the City of New Orleans to expand recycling infrastructure | US EPA
AI exec order impact on DoD industry
WASHINGTON - A new artificial intelligence executive order signed by President Joe Biden today is being hailed by the administration as one of the “most significant actions ever taken by any government to advance the field of AI safety” in order to “ensure that America leads the way” in managing risks posed by the technology.
But new regulations on how the commercial world develops AI could have an impact on how the Defense Department and industry collaborate moving forward, with a lot of unknown effects that will need to be worked out. (Breaking Defense 10/31/23) White House AI exec order raises questions on future of DoD innovation - Breaking Defense
K-12 enrollment down; spending up
Even as enrollment in Mississippi’s public schools has declined by more than 10% in the last decade, K-12 schools have seen sizable increases in spending. (Magnolia Tribune 10/30/23) Education spending on the rise, even as enrollment declines - Magnolia Tribune
PACCAR expanding in Columbus
Global automotive technology company PACCAR is expanding its operations in Columbus, Miss., with two projects totaling a $209.4M investment that will create 100 jobs.
PACCAR is an industry leader in the design, manufacture and customer support of premium trucks, including the Kenworth, Peterbilt and DAF nameplates. The company also designs and manufactures advanced diesel engines and distributes truck parts.
PACCAR is expanding its existing manufacturing facility in Columbus by 50,000 square feet to add remanufacturing operations. The company also is expanding operations to meet future emissions requirements for Diesel engines.
Construction is slated to begin December. PACCAR plans to fill the 100 jobs by 2026. (MDA 10/30/23)
Crude slips in face of war; Xi to SF?
Oil prices fell Oct. 30. Equities were in the red ahead of a Federal Reserve policy meeting this week with traders fearing it will probably keep interest rates elevated for an extended period - possibly into January - as inflation remains high.
Crude pared Friday's almost 3% gains even while Israel's military continued air and ground operations in Gaza that are tempering worries of an all-out war that could drag in Iran and the United States.
The threat of a wider conflict remains, with Iran saying the battle could "force everyone to take action", while US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan said there was an "elevated risk" of a spillover.
Observers said there was a sense of relief among investors for now, easing crude supply worries and taking some pressure off prices.
Still, equity markets struggled to build on Friday's rally in Asia, tracking losses in the S&P 500 and Dow.
There was little relief for investors from data showing the Fed's preferred gauge of inflation remained at 3.4% in September - still above the bank's 2% target.
Analysts said the still-high reading meant officials would likely err on the side of hawkishness with borrowing costs unlikely to fall soon.
"Expectations are for the bank (the Fed) to stand pat" this week, said National Australia Bank's Rodrigo Catril.
"Inflation and labor market data releases between now and then are going to be important, including non-farm payrolls on Friday." (AFP 10/30/23) Crude slips on easing worries of region-wide Middle East war (energy-daily.com)
US still planning for Xi's visit to San Francisco
The United States and China agreed on Oct. 27 to work towards setting up a meeting between the two countries' leaders next month, after President Joe Biden met Beijing's top diplomat at the White House.
Biden has invited Xi Jinping to San Francisco in November for the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) summit at a time of tense relations between the two powers. Xi has not yet confirmed he will come.
After Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Biden and other senior US officials in Washington, the White House said both countries had agreed to keep up "high-level diplomacy" to try to smooth ties.
The two sides "reaffirmed" that they were "working together towards a meeting between President Biden and President Xi Jinping in San Francisco in November," the White House said in a statement.
A senior administration official said the White House was leaving it to Beijing to confirm that Xi would come, but "we are making preparations for just such a meeting."
An official readout of talks between Wang and US National Security Advisor Jake Sullivan released by Beijing confirmed "both sides agreed to make joint efforts to realize a meeting between the two heads of state". (AFP 10/30/23) US, China agree to work towards Biden-Xi meeting next month (energy-daily.com)
Fewer NG vet disability claims OK'd
National Guard and reserve service members are less likely to get veterans' disability claims approved than active-duty counterparts because of incomplete military records and inadequate oversight of their injuries, according to a new analysis from a federal watchdog.
The disparity comes even as guard and reserve members continue to take on traditional active-duty roles across a host of military deployments, bringing with them additional health risks and complications.
It could mean tens of thousands of veterans missing out on benefits even as the department expands its financial support for injured veterans in the coming years.
In a report released Monday, the Government Accountability Office (GAO) found that over a 10-year span, the part-time troops’ approval rate in first-time disability claims ranged from 62% in 2012 to 77% in 2021.
It lagged significantly behind active-duty troops’ approval rates, which grew from 79% in 2021 to 90% in 2021.
Researchers said the problem was not necessarily linked to fewer injuries or illnesses but tied to less documentation of potential problems.
Pentagon and VA officials told GAO they are working on improvements, but acknowledged they were “unaware of this difference” until contacted by the agency.
Guard and reserve personnel make up about 33% of the country’s total military end strength of more than 2M troops.
The full report is available on the Government Accountability Office’s website.
Marine commandant hospitalized
Commandant of the Marine Corps Gen. Eric M. Smith experienced a medical emergency [an apparent heart attack reports USNI] on the evening of Oct. 29 and was hospitalized, according to the headquarters of the Marine Corps statement.
Due to the vacancy, and in accordance with 10 U.S.C. § 8044, the most senior officer of the Marine Corps' HQ, Lt. Gen. Karsten Heckl, is performing the duties of the Commandant. (USNI 10/30/23) UPDATED: Marine Commandant Gen. Eric Smith Hospitalized After Heart Attack - USNI News
Monday, October 30, 2023
Super quiet electric aircraft @ Eglin
EGLIN AFB, Fla. - AFWERX Airmen and local media gathered at Duke Field on Eglin Air Force Base to witness one of the quietest Air Force aircraft flyovers ever.
BETA Technologies, an electric aerospace company and AFWERX Prime partner, made several low passes in its ALIA electric aircraft before official delivery to the AF on Oct. 26.
AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Air Force, located at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, brings cutting-edge American ingenuity from small businesses and start-ups to address the most pressing challenges of the Air Force.
This includes partnering with BETA and other electric aircraft companies to bring zero-emission aviation to the military at a savings to operate and maintain without dependency on traditional fossil fuels.
BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft has a 50-foot wingspan, a range of 250 miles with a top speed of 138 mph and 90% quieter than a helicopter.
The AF's test objective is to demonstrate its potential to support agile combat employment logistics with its payload capacity of 1,000 pounds.
Duke Field, located 10 miles north of Eglin, was selected as the test field for ALIA. The field is home to the Air Force’s rotary wing test squadron, the 413th Flight Test Squadron. (Air Force 10/30/23) BETA’s ALIA electric aircraft arrives at Eglin AFB > Air Force > Article Display
SECDEF to testify on security request before SAC
Secretary of Defense Lloyd J. Austin III and Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken will testify on the National Security Supplemental Request during a Senate Committee on Appropriations hearing at 8 a.m. CT on Oct. 31. (DoD 10/30/23)
History Oct. 30: Rosa Parks
History Oct. 30
In 1912, Vice President James S. Sherman, running for a second term of office with President William Howard Taft, died six days before Election Day.
In 1938, the radio play “The War of the Worlds,” starring Orson Welles, aired on CBS.
In 1961, the Soviet Union tested a hydrogen bomb, the “Tsar Bomba,” with a force estimated at about 50 megatons.
In 1974, Muhammad Ali knocked out George Foreman in the eighth round of a 15-round bout in Kinshasa, Zaire, known as the “Rumble in the Jungle,” to regain his world heavyweight title.
In 2000, comedian, television host, author and composer Steve Allen died in Encino, California, at age 78.
In 2001, Ukraine destroyed its last nuclear missile silo, fulfilling a pledge to give up the vast nuclear arsenal it had inherited after the breakup of the Soviet Union.
In 2005, the body of Rosa Parks arrived at the U.S. Capitol, where the civil rights icon became the first woman to lie in honor in the Rotunda; President George W. Bush and congressional leaders paused to lay wreaths by her casket.
In 2012, the Walt Disney Co. announced that it would buy Lucasfilm Ltd. for $4.05B, paving the way for a new “Star Wars” trilogy.
In 2013, the Boston Red Sox romped to their third World Series championship in 10 seasons, thumping the St. Louis Cardinals 6-1 in Game 6 at Fenway Park.
Space command: $20B contracts
U.S. Space Force's Space Systems Command is planning to award contracts worth approximately $20B in FY 2024 for programs related to satellite communications and positioning, navigation and timing, a significant increase from the $1.6 billion awarded in FY 2023. Cordell DeLaPena, SSC program executive officer for military communications and PNT, said the planned awards will focus on the satcom portfolio as the Space Force seeks to deploy more resilient space and ground-based capabilities. (GovWire 10/30/23) Space Systems Command to Award $20B in Satcom Contracts in FY 2024 - GovCon Wire
Entergy selling off gas business in Louisiana
Entergy Louisiana is selling its gas business for nearly $500 million and use it to pay down debts. The utility services more than 200,000 customers in Baton Rouge and New Orleans. (NOLA.com 10/29/23) Entergy to sell gas business to Bernhard Capital for $484M | Business News | nola.com
3Q Northrop sales climb 9%
The third quarter 2023 financial report of Northrop Grumman is out and in the three months that ended Sept. 30, sales climbed nine percent to $9.8 billion versus Q2 2022, while net earnings increased two percent year-over-year to $937 million. The total backlog of the aerospace and defense company also rose to a record-high $84 billion. c(GovWire 10/30/23) Northrop Posts 9% Sales Growth, $84B Record Backlog in Q3 2023; Kathy Warden Quoted - GovCon Wire
Regional: Mississippi locations for Northrop include Electrical Systems in Ocean Springs, Ship Systems in Gulfport and Moss Point.
V2X to report 3Q financials on Nov. 6
MCLEAN, Va - V2X, Inc., a provider of critical mission solutions and support to defense clients globally, will report third quarter 2023 financial results on Nov. 6 before the market opens. Senior management will conduct a conference call at 7 a.m. CT.
U.S.-based participants may dial in to the conference call at 877-407-3982. A live webcast of the conference call as well as an accompanying slide presentation will be available at https://app.webinar.net/gAed3AVKra2 and on the Investors section of the V2X website at https://gov2x.com/.
Sunday, October 29, 2023
UAW extends strike vs GM
The United Auto Workers on Oct. 28 expanded its strike against General Motors to include its Spring Hill, Tenn., engine plant, a move that could stall GM's large pickup production and increase its financial pain.
The expansion of the 7-week strike leaves GM as the only Detroit automaker without a contract deal with UAW workers.
Chrysler-owner Stellantis reached agreement with the UAW on Saturday and Ford on Wednesday. (The AP 10/28/23) UAW expands GM walkout after deal to end Stellantis strike (msn.com)
History Oct. 29: Black Tuesday
History Oct. 29
UMC prez steps down; post-Katrina
University Medical Center New Orleans President/CEO Dr. Emily Sedgwick left her post on Oct. 27 after 14 months in the position, according to an e-mail sent to employees.
The announcement, authored by the head of LCMC Health Greg Feirn, named John Nickens as interim CEO. Nickens currently serves as the hospital's chief of pediatrics and president of hospital services. (NOLA.com 10/27/23)
Alleged post-Katrina over payments resolved
A Dallas allged payouts architecture and engineering firm has agreed to pay the federal government $11.8 million to resolve allegations that the company systematically arranged inflated storm damage estimates for several New Orleans institutions to collect more federal recovery money in the wake of Hurricane Katrina.
The settlement amount is a fraction of the more than $100 million in overpayments that AECOM was accused of fraudulently securing in a 2016 whistleblower lawsuit brought by a former company manager. The money was used for repairs of facilities at Xavier University, Dillard University, the Archdiocese of New Orleans and several local public schools. (NOLA.com 10/29/23) Texas firm accused of cheating FEMA after Katrina settles | Courts | nola.com
Former VP Pence drops out of prez race
WASHINGTON - Former Vice President Mike Pence dropped out of the 2024 Republican presidential race on Saturday, saying the past six months have shown him that his bid is not likely to succeed. "It’s become clear to me, this is not my time,” Pence said in closing a pro-Israel speech at a Republican Jewish Coalition forum in Las Vegas. Mike Pence drops out of 2024 presidential race: 'This is not my time' (clarionledger.com)
Saturday, October 28, 2023
End to UAW strike? Singing River
The United Auto Workers reached a tentative agreement with Stellantis to end the union’s strike against the automaker, according to a person familiar with the talks.
The tentative agreement moves the industry closer to resolving a historic work stoppage that has shuttered dozens of U.S. factories and warehouses.
The deal and a similar Oct. 25 agreement with Ford give the UAW its biggest gains in years after a hard-fought campaign by the union’s combative new president, Shawn Fain. (Washington Post 10/28/23) UAW reaches tentative agreement with Stellantis to end strike (msn.com)
Singing River Health sale terminated
The Jackson County (Miss.) Board of Supervisors and Franciscan Missionaries of Our Lady Health System (FMOLHS) announced Oct. 25 that they have come to a joint decision to terminate discussions regarding the potential sale of Singing River Health System.
Details of the proposed sale have never been made public.
The two entities said in a statement that the decision follows months of dialogue and negotiations after the La.-based FMOLHS was selected as the preferred buyer through a rigorous Request for Proposal process in March.
Singing River had a partnership with Oschner Health, which led many to believe Oschner would be the leading contender. It didn't happen.
Both parties said extensive negotiations to reach an agreement could not be achieved.
JCBS President Ken Taylor indicated confidence that the board’s commitment to finding a partner to fulfill the health system’s long-term objectives and ensure the continuous delivery of top-quality patient care. (Magnolia Tribune 10/26/23) Jackson County Supervisors terminate negotiations for sale of Singing River Health System - Magnolia Tribune
History Oct. 28: Prohibition
Oct. 28 history
In 1886, the Statue of Liberty is dedicated.
In 1919, Congress enforces Prohibition.
In 1962, Soviet premier orders withdrawal of missiles from Cuba.
In 1965, construction is completed on the Gateway Arch, a spectacular 630-foot-high catenary curve of stainless steel marking the Jefferson National Expansion Memorial on the waterfront of St. Louis, Missouri. (History.com 10/28/23)
Rep. Johnson's friends speak out
Since Louisiana's U.S. Rep. Mike Johnson’s elevation to Speaker of the House, thumbnail descriptions of him have said little more than anti-abortion, anti-gay rights and pro-Donald Trump. For a deeper understanding of Johnson, NOLA.com asked his longtime friends how he came to be the person he is today.
ERDU to MSU students: "We need you"
STARKVILLE, Miss. - U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDU) Director David Pittman had a simple message to Mississippi State University student-scientists and engineers this week: “We need you.”
Pittman was encouraging students to consider careers at the Vicksburg-based research unit that supports the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers.
Dozens of ERDC personnel were on campus as part of ERDC Days at MSU, interacting with more than 1,000 students, faculty and staff researchers working on ERDC-funded projects. In addition to being one of the largest employers of MSU engineering graduates, ERDC and MSU have partnered on several large research efforts over the years. For more on ERDC, visit www.erdc.usace.army.mil.
Cure coming for sickle cell?
The only cure for painful sickle cell disease today is a bone marrow transplant. But soon there may be a new cure that attacks the disorder at its genetic source.
On Tuesday, advisers to the Food and Drug Administration will review a gene therapy for the inherited blood disorder, which in the U.S. mostly affects Black people. Issues they will consider include whether more research is needed into possible unintended consequences of the treatment.
If approved by the FDA, it would be the first gene therapy on the U.S. market based on CRISPR, the gene editing tool that won its inventors the Nobel Prize in 2020.