La. rep-elect dies from virus

Congressman-elect Luke Letlow, who won a runoff earlier this month to represent Louisiana's northeastern 5th District, died Dec. 29 from complications of COVID-19. Letlow was set to be sworn in as a U.S. representative on Jan. 3. (Source: The AP 12/30/20)

BR firm's $9M Guam contract

APTIM Federal Services LLC, Baton Rouge, La., was awarded a $9,026,910 firm-fixed-price contract for maintenance and minor repair of petroleum systems at Pacific Ocean Division-Honolulu District-Guam. Bids were solicited via the internet with two received. Work will be performed in Tamuning, Guam, with an estimated completion date of Dec. 31, 2021. FY 2021 revolving funds in the amount of $9,026,910 were obligated at the time of the award. U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, Huntsville, Ala., is the contracting activity. (Source: DoD 12/28/20)  

Solon's ideas for legislature, budget

TUPELO, Miss. - State Sen. Chad McMahan of Guntown, 15 miles north of Tupelo, has some potential ideas for the upcoming legislative session that may include teacher pay raises, reforming (or eliminating) the state’s (income) tax structure and pushing for passage of several bond bills. McMahan told the Daily Journal he wants to review the state’s budget to see if there’s monies available for teacher pay raises. The senator, who represents Lee and Itawamba counties, said if there is he’d “certainly entertain” a raise. Last session, lawmakers walked back the salary increase plan after financial concerns from the COVID-19 pandemic. Gov. Tate Reeves has recommended a proposal to eliminate the state’s income tax. McMahan and some other lawmakers have said they are at least committed to studying the issue’s feasibility. McMahan says he’d like to see the income tax shift toward a sales tax that would be equally shared by shoppers. Opponents believe it’s harsh to tax citizens and shift more that burden to lower income individuals. (Source: Daily Journal 12/28/20) In Mississippi, teachers make about 15.2 percent less per week than their peers in other job areas. Throughout the southeast, teachers make 20.7 percent less than other professionals in the region. Tax reform, teacher pay raise top Sen. McMahan’s legislative priorities | State Government | djournal.com

COVID-19 rising in Golden Triangle

COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the Golden Triangle. Lowndes County is leading the way with there have been 4,128 total cases since the start of the pandemic. The state health department reported 621 new cases between Dec. 16-26. Oktibbeha County saw 257 new cases (total 3,242); Clay County reported 123 new cases (total 1,268). Noxubee County reported 57 new cases (total 900). The Mississippi State Department of Health reported 1,701 new COVID-19 statewide cases (total 206,388) and 28 additional deaths as of Dec. 28 (total 4,606). As of Saturday, there have been 85 deaths in Lowndes, 70 in Oktibbeha, 30 in Clay, and 20 in Noxubee since the pandemic began. Statewide, there have been 4,606 deaths. (Source: The Dispatch 12/28/20)  WEST ALABAMA NUMBERS: The Alabama Department of Public Health’s Dec. 27 data shows coronavirus cases grew by 2,170 overnight to 345,628. The death toll rose by six to 4,691. Mobile County led the state with the most new cases (265). Some of the counties adjacent to East Mississippi include Colbert 4,430 (+29), Lauderdale 6,117 (+78), Pickens 1,675 (+19), and Sumter 818 (+2).

FBI: Bombing may be suicide

NASHILLE – A day after an RV exploded and rocked downtown Nashville on Christmas morning, the FBI says 500 leads and tips are being investigated, and a person of interest identified, according to The Tennessean on Dec. 26. Douglas Korneski, FBI special agent in charge of the Memphis Field Office, would not identify the person of interest at a Saturday media availability. (Source: The Tennessean 12/26/20) 500 tips come in as FBI investigates Christmas Day explosion in Nashville (yahoo.com) UPDATE: The camper van blast in Nashville on Christmas Day was probably a suicide bombing, law enforcement officials are quoted by U.S. media. Investigators are conducting DNA tests after human remains found near the site. The home of a possible person of interest was searched on Saturday in Nashville's suburb of Antioch. (The Independent 12/26/20) UPDATE2: 

Delta non-profit, CCs team for free

Non-profit, CCs team for free MARKS, Miss. - Dennis Washington, an 11-year custodian and bus driver for the Tunica County (Miss.) School District, has aspired to become an electrician. For a few months now, the 50-year-old Tunica native has searched for online certification classes. His wife learned of an opportunity: a 6-to-8-week residential electrical wiring class in Marks, and it was free. He would have had to pay for online class. “I found this, and by the grace God, I got in it,” he told Mississippi Today. The “hands-on experience” is a part of the Career Empowerment Center, a job training program for people 18 and older in Quitman and neighboring counties. The program is run by the non-profit Marks Project in partnership with Coahoma and Northwest Mississippi community colleges. The project’s goal is to eradicate poverty through education, recreation, quality of life employment and job training. In Quitman County. where its located, the median household income is $25,283, according to Census data. The program offers training in residential electrical wiring, welding, forklift operating, screen printing, report writing, basic computer skills, and GED prep. Both community colleges offer classes for the project and each class is required to have at least five students. (Source: Mississippi Today 12/26/20) How a Delta nonprofit and local community colleges are teaming up to provide free job training | State Government | djournal.com 

AF small biz innovation event

WRIGHT-PATTERSON AFB, Ohio - The Air Force Research Laboratory’s Materials and Manufacturing Directorate is holding a special Collider Event on Jan. 12, in response to the latest Air Force Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) open topic solicitations 21.1 and 21.A. The event focuses specifically on two topics under solicitations:  AF211-DCSO2, Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment Pitch Day (Direct to Phase II under 21.1), and AF21A-TCSO2, Advanced Manufacturing and Sustainment Technologies and Processes, (Phase I under 21.A). Under these topics, the AF is seeking innovative advanced manufacturing and sustainment technologies and processes to rapidly develop, produce and sustain weapon systems as well as significantly reduce overall costs and/or increase availability while ensuring system safety. Innovations include, but not limited to, advanced robotics, controls, and process automation; nondestructive evaluation; computational modeling; digital representations of human-machine interactions; artificial intelligence and machine learning-based algorithms for assisted data analysis and diagnostics; digital thread and digital twin process integration and development; and 3D printing/additive manufacturing. Companies planning to submit proposals can receive answers to questions by technical experts in Q&A sessions following each discussion panel. This provides opportunity for small companies, academia and others to gain further insight to the government’s current requirements. For information on the 21.1/A open topic solicitations and specific topics of interest for this collider event, visit the Defense SBIR/STTR Portal at:  https://www.dodsbirsttr.mil/submissions/login. (Source: AFRL 12/16/20) Air Force to host advanced manufacturing and sustainment technologies Virtual Collider Event > Air Education and Training Command > Article Display (af.mil)

Ethics probe 'should be dismissed'

The U.S. House Ethics Committee is looking into the alleged misspending of more than $200,000 in campaign funds by Mississippi Rep. Steven Palazzo. In response, Palazzo’s office believes the matter “should be dismissed” in early 2021. “Congressman Palazzo looks forward to fully cooperating with the Ethics Committee during its review and plans to show that he has followed the Ethics Rules of the House of Representatives and that this matter should be dismissed,” spokesperson Colleen Kennedy said. Former Mississippi congressman Greg Harper will be representing Palazzo when he goes before the ethics panel. In September, the Ethics Committee received notice that Palazzo may be misusing campaign funds. On Dec. 17, the panel released a statement saying Chairman Ted Deutsch of Florida and ranking Republican member Kenny Merchant of Texas have “decided to extend the matter” regarding Palazzo. The committee won’t take action until the 117th Congress takes office on Jan. 3. In the meantime, some politicians, including Joey Fillingane and Dane Maxwell, have begun considering the idea of running for Palazzo’s seat, if it opens up after the committee's review. (Source: News Mississippi 12/23/20)

Halter Marine teams on LUSV

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - VT Halter Marine is teaming with Gibbs & Cox Inc. on the Navy’s contract to perform design studies for the development of the Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (LUSV). The LUSV studies contract has an anticipated completion date of August 2021 with an option for additional studies, which would extend the forecasted completion date to May 2022. Halter Marine will provide shipbuilding expertise to complement the naval architecture and marine engineering of Gibbs & Cox. Halter Marine is also partnered with G&C on the Navy’s contract for industrial studies for the auxiliary general ocean surveillance ship (T-AGOS(X)) program, and Phase 1 preliminary/contract design for the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s AGOR Variant (NAV). The LUSV will be a high-endurance ship able to accommodate various payloads for unmanned missions to augment the Navy’s manned surface force, according to the Navy’s program summary. +(Source: Halter Marine 12/22/20) News - Halter Marine Teaming with Gibbs & Cox on U.S. Navy’s Large Unmanned Surface Vessel (stengg.com)

Port-direct Asia container service

NEW ORLEANS - The Alliance announced a new direct-Asia container service that will call the Port of New Orleans (Port NOLA), the East Coast Loop 6 (EC6) service via the Panama Canal. Members of The Alliance Ocean Network Express (ONE), Hapag-Lloyd, Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) and Yang Ming Line stated Dec. 23 that they are launching the EC6, calling it “the first service within The Alliance network to directly and seamlessly connect the U.S. Gulf (Coast) with important ports in Asia.” This new service will launch in April 2021. The direct ports of call will be Kaohsiung, Hong Kong, Yantian, Ningbo, Shanghai, Pusan, Houston, Mobile, Ala., New Orleans. Kaohsiung offers the best transit times for exporters out of New Orleans. The new service will be handled by terminal operator Ports America at the Napoleon Avenue Container Terminal. (Source: Port NOLA 12/23/20) Port NOLA | THE Alliance Adds New Weekly Direct-Asia Container…

Neshoba class out of this world

Teaching Philadelphia (Miss.) Elementary School fifth graders during the COVID-19 pandemic has changed the way Sonya Smith looks at school days. “We went home in March and didn’t come back,” she said. “This year, we don’t take a day for granted. … (W)e work from bell to bell because we don’t know what the future holds. She teaches science and social studies. The students - both in school and on Zoom - “have adapted so well, virtual or traditional. They came to school and jumped into it,” she told The Neshoba Democrat. She’s always looking for way to keep her students interested in their science lessons. Earlier this year, her classes were studying the Earth and outer space. Through a Virtual Cultural Celebration program in Arizona, six of her students were selected to talk with astronaut Cmdr. John Herrington on the International Space Station. Only 20 students were selected from across the country. “Earth and space are one of our power st0andards” in the fifth-grade curriculum, Smith said. (Source: The Neshoba Democrat 12/23/20) Philadelphia Elementary class heads to outer space (neshobademocrat.com)0

Helmet art new fad for AF pilots

Air Force pilots are creating exciting personalized artwork to adorn their helmets after the AF relaxed restrictions in an effort to improve esprit de corps, morale and empower the junior ranks. The result: Helmet decals that are designed to represent squadrons or airframes that wear them. The helmet phenomenon is gathering steam, and the feeling among AF pilots is that it's going to become a big deal. The initial one-year waiver expired in October, but has become an indefinite waiver. F-15, F-16, F-22, and A-10 squadrons, and a growing number of other air forces, are going all-out. The craze has already expanded into bomber squadrons and other communities within the AF that are following suit. (Source: The War Zone 12/23/20) Navy aircrews have customized helmets for years. Fighter Pilots Are Taking Full Advantage Of The Air Force's Lifted Ban On Custom Helmet Art (thedrive.com)

Biomed research internship

Postdoctoral Biomedical Research Opportunity - Navy Experimental Diving Unit, Panama City, Fla. (Source: Chegg Internships.com 12/23/20) ORISE - Postdoctoral Biomedical Research Opportunity - Navy Experimental Diving Unit - Panama City, FL | Chegg Internships

Mil.kids get 'Battalion Buddies'

GULFPORT, Miss. - Naval Mobile Construction Battalion (NMBC) 133’s Family Readiness Group (FRG) spent Dec. 20 passing out "battalion buddies" during a COVID-friendly drive through event. The FRG board teamed with the non-profit organization Operation Gratitude’s military families program that donated hand-stuffed bears called "Battalion Buddies" along with notes of encouragement to 83 children of deployed NMCB 133 service members. "This is a wonderful organization and we are incredibly grateful for their continued support of our military families," said FRG coordinator Danielle Bryant. (Source: NCBC Gulfport Facebook 12/22/20)

Nonprofit grant apps from UWEM

The United Way of East Mississippi (UWEM) is opening the application process for non-profits providing services in Lauderdale, Clarke, Kemper, or Neshoba counties to apply for funding in 2021. Non-profit organizations that provide programs for East Mississippi residents within UW’s three impact areas (health, education, financial stability). Apply no later than Jan. 12. Applicants will be required to meet certain guidelines - a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit and in existence for at least two years. A complete list of requirements is available online at www.uwem.org. Interested agencies can apply online and for either the Community Impact Grant or Community Investment Mini-Grant. For more information contact, the United Way of East Mississippi at 601.693.2732 or dradcliff@uwem.org. (Source: Meridian Star 12/23/20)

AL likely to retain 7 House seats

Based on population apportionment estimates from the University of Michigan released Dec. 22, the 2020 U.S. Census is likely to see Alabama narrowly avoid losing a seat in the U.S. House of Representatives. Alabama is likely to retain its seven House seats by about 6,000 people, according to an UM calculator. The estimates are not the official results of the 2020 Census, which will determine how House seats will be apportioned. States that could potentially lose seats, based on the calculator, includes California, Illinois, Michigan, Minnesota, New York (2), Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island and West Virginia. States that may gain are Arizona, Colorado, Florida (2), Montana, North Carolina, Oregon and Texas (3). (Source: AL.com 12/23/20) Louisiana and Mississippi are likely to retain its current number of House members. The final Census will be delivered to Congress in January. Alabama may avoid losing seat in Congress, Census estimates suggest - al.com

Chouest OSV fleet most valuable

US-based offshore support vessel (OSV) owners dominate the global rankings, with three of the top five most valuable fleets, according VesselsValue, a UK ship valuation firm. Louisiana-based Edison Chouest Offshore (ECO) has the most valuable OSV fleet at $1.17B, according to VesselsValue. Currently, ECO has 211 vessels, which are mostly built at its own shipbuilding facilities on the Gulf Coast. ECO also owns offshore construction vessels, icebreakers, research vessels and specialty vessels. France’s Bourbon is No. 2, with 194 vessels, and with a fleet valued at $508M. It recently finalized a restructuring agreement with creditors. NYSE-listed Tidewater is third by value with a fleet of 187 vessels and valued at $958M. (Source: Rivierann.com 12/23/20) Riviera - News Content Hub - Top 5 offshore support vessel owners (rivieramm.com) 

HII-built NSC sails to new homeport

PASCAGOULA, Miss. - The Coast Guard’s newest Legend-class national security cutter (NSC), Stone (WMSL 758), departed from Huntington Ingalls Industries’ (HII) Ingalls Shipbuilding division here Dec. 22, and set sail to its homeport in Charleston, S.C. “I cannot think of a better ending to 2020 than seeing the look of pride on the faces of our shipbuilders as Stone sails away from our shipyard to join the Coast Guard’s cutter fleet,” Ingalls Shipbuilding President Brian Cuccias said. Stone will be commissioned in early 2021 in Charleston. Ingalls is the builder-of-record for the Legend-class NSC program and has delivered nine cutters with one more under construction and one additional under contract. (Source: HII 12/22/20)

Design review of Michoud-built EUS

Boeing has completed a design review of its exploration upper stage (EUS) of a rocket built in support of NASA's Artemis I mission to the moon and beyond. Boeing will begin its transition to the hardware-build phase. On Dec. 21, Boeing indicated that the milestone marks the development of the Space Launch System's EUS, with Boeing having started fabrication efforts in support of the initial EUS production at the Michoud Assembly Facility in East New Orleans, La. The EUS is designed to work with the SLS Block 1B variant. The EUS will house four RL-10 engines and large fuel tanks to ferry the Orion spacecraft, crew and more than 10 metric tons of cargo to the moon or other space destinations. EUS will provide additional lift capability that will require “fewer flights to enable a sustained human presence in deep space sooner and more safely," said Steve Snell, EUS program manager. The SLS system's Block 1 variant will launch an unmanned Orion craft with the use of an interim cryogenic propulsion stage manufactured by United Launch Alliance and Boeing for a test flight to the moon. (Source: Executive Biz 12/22/20)

Bollinger delivers FRC to CG

LOCKPORT, La. - Bollinger Shipyards ('Bollinger') delivered the USCGC ROBERT GOLDMAN to the Coast Guard in Key West, Fla., on Dec. 21. It was the 165th vessel Bollinger has delivered to the CG over a 35-year period, and the 42nd Fast Response Cutter (FRC) delivered under the current program. “It is our top priority to ensure that the brave men and women of the Coast Guard stationed in PATFORSWA have the most state-of-the-art, advanced vessels as they work to build and maintain the necessary regional alliances to ensure maritime security in the region," said Bollinger President & C.E.O. Ben Bordelon. The FRC is the second of six to be homeported in Manama, Bahrain. They will be replacing the 110-foot Island Class Patrol Boats built by Bollinger 30 years ago. (Source: Bollinger Shipyards 12/21/20)