Roundup: Building healthcare talent / SpaceX contract questions / Inflation’s workforce grip

Degrees of care: Baton Rouge Community College has introduced a new associate of science in health studies degree program launching in Spring 2027 to prepare students for healthcare careers and competitive nursing, sonography and surgical technology programs. The curriculum allows students to continue earning credits while awaiting admission to selective-entry programs. Graduates can also pursue entry-level healthcare jobs or transfer to four-year institutions, including LSU and Southeastern Louisiana University. 

Political connections: A New Orleans engineering firm selected for work tied to SpaceX’s proposed Vermilion Parish project has contributed $115,000 to a political action committee affiliated with Gov. Jeff Landry and at least $27,000 to his campaigns. The contract, active through 2031, has an undisclosed value, and officials have not said whether it was competitively bid. The firm, Royal Engineers & Consultants, has more than $44 million in active state contracts as questions remain over how SpaceX-related infrastructure costs will be shared with taxpayers. The Center Square has the full story.

Wages under pressure: U.S. labor costs grew 3.4% year over year through September, but inflation-adjusted compensation fell 0.4% for a second consecutive quarter, highlighting the growing strain on workers’ purchasing power. Wage growth slowed to 3.1% annually, its weakest pace since 2021, while inflation-adjusted wages declined 0.6% and employer health benefit costs climbed 6.4%, matching their highest level since 2005. The labor market remains relatively stable, with limited layoffs but subdued hiring. Bloomberg has the full story.