Mississippi
Microsoft’s TechSpark project to expand tech in Mississippi
![Microsoft’s TechSpark project to expand tech in Mississippi Microsoft’s TechSpark project to expand tech in Mississippi](https://www.thetelegraph.com/img/pages/article/opengraph_default.jpg)
JACKSON, Miss. (AP) — Lengthy Seashore native and Jackson resident JJ Townsend will spearhead a brand new effort in Mississippi by Microsoft known as TechSpark.
This system is a part of an effort to broaden know-how schooling and enterprise growth in areas like Mississippi which might be brief on such alternatives.
TechSpark was established in October 2017 when Microsoft selected six areas of the U.S. the place it will make investments workers, cash and sources to assist practice right this moment’s employees and put together tomorrow’s leaders.
“Our president, 5 years in the past, noticed a necessity that we are able to do extra round laptop science schooling, broadband and workforce growth in a few of our extra rural, center America areas,” Townsend mentioned. “Since that point we’ve got expanded and have had a whole lot of success and a whole lot of nice issues occur. Increasing to the Jackson space can be a celebration of our 5-year anniversary. So, we get to have a look at the place will we go from right here.”
The last word aim is to not flip Mississippi into Silicon Valley, relatively to guarantee that the area meets its long-term want for a technologically expert workforce.
TechSpark does this by creating applications for residents at each stage of their schooling and profession, Townsend mentioned. Youthful generations may begin studying the right way to program grid coordinates right into a robotic in elementary faculty, take a pc science course in highschool after which full certificates applications at a neighborhood school or college.
An individual who’s already working may discover there may be free coaching out there that can assist them get a better-paying job.
“We’re excited Microsoft selected Jackson to launch a brand new TechSpark initiative,” mentioned Janet Parker, director of enterprise growth and advertising and marketing for Innovate Mississippi in an electronic mail response. “It’s a cool program as a result of it isn’t cookie cutter. They acknowledge that each group has their very own distinctive challenges.
“J.J. Townsend has labored intently with group and financial builders to find out what the wants are particular to our area, and has coalesced all of the sources that exist already to assist us work higher collectively,” she mentioned. “Then, Microsoft is fueling all of that with sources they’ll provide to assist us speed up progress, financial alternative and create new jobs for Mississippians. Finally, we hope this results in attracting individuals to stay and work in Mississippi, resulting in mind acquire as a substitute of mind drain.”
Townsend is a Train for America alum who has classroom expertise and a data of enterprise and nonprofits, reminiscent of when he helped launch the Know-how, Schooling and Literacy in Faculties program in Jackson to assist excessive colleges in constructing laptop science schooling entry. Previous to that, he based Citizenventures, a startup that helps new tech be extra environment friendly.
“We’re going to take a whole lot of the work that has occurred in these different areas and see the place we wish to apply it in Mississippi,” mentioned Townsend, who graduated from Ole Miss with a level in enterprise and a grasp’s diploma in schooling management. “After school, I actually noticed there’s extra I might have performed to introduce myself to laptop science. I believe that’s the place lots of people are.
“At the moment, I actually noticed that want after which I noticed the governor signed the laws making laptop science required in public colleges by 2025. We’ve performed a whole lot of work round laptop science lately that’s thrilling.”
Kate Behncken, Vice President and Lead of Microsoft Philanthropies mentioned TechSpark has seen progress and helped important initiatives come to life in Central Washington; Southern Virginia; Cheyenne, Wyoming; Fargo, North Dakota; Northeastern Wisconsin; and the cross-border area of El Paso, Texas, and Ciudad Juarez, Mexico.
“We’re excited to be taught extra about this area and associate with new and present organizations throughout Mississippi to speed up digital fairness and assist inclusive financial alternatives,” Behncken mentioned. “And we’ll do that with a deal with digital expertise coaching and connections to jobs, laptop science schooling broadband connectivity and digital transformation of the nonprofit and startup ecosystem.”
On the similar time, Mississippi employers need to rent extra individuals with sturdy digital expertise as a possible driver of financial restoration and progress. Current evaluation from the Mississippi Financial Council recognized the dearth of certified employees because the No. 1 situation impacting the enterprise local weather within the state.
“We see these challenges throughout the U.S., however we’re satisfied that launching a one-size-fits-all resolution with out regional enter is the incorrect response,” Behncken mentioned. “That’s why we’re fostering tailor-made options that emphasize and construct on the distinctive strengths of every group.”
As an preliminary step, TechSpark has introduced assist for 4 applications:
Jackson State College’s Cybersecurity Readiness program which can assist construct workforce growth alternatives for JSU college students. This system will recruit and practice at the least 100 college students and expose college students to internship alternatives that can present them with sensible real-world cybersecurity expertise.
gener8tor Abilities Accelerator Mississippi: Earlier this month, startup accelerator gener8tor launched a five-week digital and workforce expertise coaching program in collaboration with Innovate Mississippi. This short-term pilot program for unemployed individuals consists of one-on-one profession teaching, technical and office expertise coaching, and entry to native hiring companions with the aim of getting 80% of scholars in new or higher roles inside six months of commencement.
Innovate Mississippi’s CoBuilders Accelerator, which contains a 12-week intensive and structured program designed to speed up the expansion of qualifying startup corporations. Twenty-one founders of home-grown startups are presently present process rigorous coaching on the right way to rework their imaginative and prescient into actuality — and safe funding from traders. Greater than 300 startups utilized to this statewide accelerator program, which culminates in a cohort-wide “pitch day” that takes place on the finish of July.
Jackson Tech District Makerspace: Bean Path, an incubator and know-how consulting nonprofit, helps construct out the primary operational constructing in Jackson’s rising Tech District: a makerspace constructing that can function a group hub for innovation and can host a STEM program for learners and inventors this summer time.
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Mississippi
Mississippi St. demolishes E. Kentucky starting Lebby era with a 56-7 win
![Mississippi St. demolishes E. Kentucky starting Lebby era with a 56-7 win Mississippi St. demolishes E. Kentucky starting Lebby era with a 56-7 win](https://gray-wtok-prod.cdn.arcpublishing.com/resizer/v2/VYCPKDPAFNCQ7MPKI6MN6UNQPQ.jpg?auth=a9e701ad9d9fa6c59471fe95f662d6ce2c957c85d07602764abf0256bf71c407&width=1200&height=600&smart=true)
STARKVILLE, Miss. (AP) — From the moment Jeff Lebby arrived in Starkville, the first-time head coach has preached that a show is coming to Mississippi State.
The Bulldogs certainly put on a show for game one of his tenure, as MSU had 450 yards of total offense and ran away with a 56-7 victory on Saturday against Eastern Kentucky. It gave the coach his first career win and kicked off a new era of football.
“One of the coolest things for myself and my family, the fans showed out. Over 10,000 students showed up and hung with us through the rain. They did an unbelievable job creating the energy,” he said.
All three phases scored for the Bulldogs with touchdowns on offense, defense and special teams.
On offense, quarterback Blake Shapen debuted the new scheme with a 15 of 20 showing as the Baylor transfer found the end zone three times through the air and had 247 yards. On the ground, Shapen led the team with seven carries for 44 yards and a rushing score.
“I felt like it was a good day for us,” Shapen said. “There are obviously some things we can clean up and get better at, but overall it was a great start to the season. I’m just thankful for this opportunity at a new place and I know a lot of guys feel that way.”
The Bulldogs (1-0) had four wide receivers score touchdowns as Jordan Mosely had five catches for 104 yards and a touchdown and Kevin Coleman had five catches for 88 yards and a score. Coleman also had five punt returns for 117 yards.
MSU scored touchdowns on its first two possessions before a rain storm dampened the progress. The Bulldogs were back in the end zone in the second quarter on a Creed Whittemore 41-yard end around and then back-to-back touchdown passes to Coleman from 23 yards away and freshman Mario Craver for 54 yards.
Special teams got in on the mix with a blocked punt from JP Purvis — recovered by Craver — and another true freshman in defensive back Elijah Cannon who had a 51-yard pick-6.
“It’s fun to see those guys go out there and make some plays. It’s a players’ game, players have got to make the plays,” Lebby said. “Fun for our sideline, fun for our guys to be able to see them make plays late in the game like this.”
EKU (0-1) scored a touchdown in the final seconds of the first half but was held scoreless in the final two frames. The Bulldogs allowed 130 second half yards. Despite running 19 more plays than State (76-57) the Colonels were outgained 450-285 with the Bulldogs averaging 7.9 yards per play.
“There are plenty of things that we have to clean up. We’ve got to play better, we’ve got to play cleaner,” Lebby said. “So much good, but so much to clean up. That was the message in the locker room.”
BIG PICTURE
EKU: The Colonels were simply overmatched, but the Colonels have a manageable schedule coming down the line.
Mississippi State: The Bulldogs have been searching for excitement and the team has it – at least for game one. State picked up nearly 500 yards of offense and showed explosiveness on that side of the ball as Lebby’s offense did its thing. There is a rough schedule on the horizon, but it appeared fun again for the Bulldogs.
UP NEXT
Eastern Kentucky travels to Western Kentucky on Sept. 7.
Mississippi State travels to Arizona State on Sept. 7.
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Mississippi
Seven Killed, Dozens Injured When Bus Flips in Mississippi
![Seven Killed, Dozens Injured When Bus Flips in Mississippi Seven Killed, Dozens Injured When Bus Flips in Mississippi](https://img2-azrcdn.newser.com/image/1556537-12-20240831141902.jpeg)
A commercial passenger bus driving through Mississippi on its way to Mexico ran off a highway and overturned early Saturday, killing seven people and injuring dozens. The accident occurred on Interstate 20 east of Vicksburg, CNN reports. A total of 37 people were taken to hospitals in Vicksburg and Jackson, the Mississippi Highway Patrol said. A 6-year-old boy and his 16-year-old sister were among those killed, per the AP. “Anytime you have people injured or killed, it’s tragic, but when you have a situation like this where you have multiple fatalities and multiple injuries, it makes it even worse,” said Warren County Sheriff Martin Pace.
The bus, a 2018 Volvo, is owned by Autobuses Regiomontanos, which transports passengers between Mexico and the US, a company spokesperson said. The company is based in Monterrey, Mexico, Miranda Fernandez said. Its website lists several US locations; it’s not clear where the trip had originated. “All of the passengers go through proper immigration checkpoints and must show their passports or visas to enter either Mexico or the United States,” Fernandez told CNN. (More bus accident stories.)
Mississippi
What channel is Mississippi State football vs EKU on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game
![What channel is Mississippi State football vs EKU on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game What channel is Mississippi State football vs EKU on today? Time, TV schedule for Week 1 game](https://www.gannett-cdn.com/authoring/authoring-images/2024/04/20/PNAS/73399215007-1350-acs-fbc-cl-msu-spring-game.jpg?auto=webp&crop=1151,649,x0,y107&format=pjpg&width=1200)
Mississippi State football opens the 2024 season with FCS opponent Eastern Kentucky on Saturday at Davis Wade Stadium.
The Bulldogs open Year 1 of the Jeff Lebby era with a lot of unknowns. Saturday’s game will be a good chance to find some answers.
Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen will make his first start in maroon and may have a big season in Lebby’s offense.
Here’s how to watch the Mississippi State football vs. Eastern Kentucky game today, including time, TV schedule and streaming information:
Mississippi State vs. EKU will broadcast nationally via streaming on SEC Network+ and ESPN+ in Week 1 of the 2024 college football season. Kevin Fitzgerald and Charlie Strong will call the game from the booth at Davis Wade Stadium. Streaming options for the game include ESPN+, ESPN’s subscription streaming service.
- Date: Saturday, Aug. 31
- Start time: 5 p.m. CT
The Mississippi State football vs. Eastern Kentucky game starts at 5 p.m. CT Saturday from Davis Wade Stadium in Starkville, Mississippi.
Clarion Ledger reporter Sam Sklar’s prediction: Mississippi State 50, Eastern Kentucky 10
Saturday will be a celebration of sorts for Lebby’s first game. The Bulldogs will come out hungry with something to prove on offense after last season. MSU will grab a big lead early and Blake Shapen won’t need to play a single snap in the fourth quarter.
Odds courtesy of BetMGM as of Thursday, Aug. 29
- Odds: N/A
- O/U: N/A
- Money line: N/A
- Aug. 31: EKU, 5 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
- Sept. 7: at Arizona State, 9:30 p.m. on ESPN
- Sept. 14: Toledo, 6:30 p.m. on ESPN2 or ESPNU
- Sept. 21: Florida, 11 a.m. on ABC or ESPN
- Sept. 28: at Texas, TBD
- Oct. 5: OPEN DATE
- Oct. 12: at Georgia, TBD
- Oct. 19: Texas A&M, TBD
- Oct. 26: Arkansas, TBD
- Nov. 2: UMass, 3:15 p.m. on SEC Network
- Nov. 9: at Tennessee, TBD
- Nov. 16: OPEN DATE
- Nov. 23: Missouri
- Nov. 29: at Ole Miss, 2:30 p.m. on ABC and ESPN+
- Dec. 7: SEC Championship Game in Atlanta, 4 p.m. on ABC
- Record: 0-0
- Aug. 31: Mississippi State, 5 p.m. on ESPN+ and SEC Network+
- Sept. 7: at Western Kentucky, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
- Sept. 14: West Georgia, 5 p.m. on ESPN+
- Sept. 21: Morehead State, 5 p.m. on ESPN+
- Sept. 28: Robert Morris, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 5: OPEN DATE
- Oct. 12: at Southern Utah, 3 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 19: at Abilene Christian, 3 p.m. on ESPN+
- Oct. 26: Utah Tech, 2 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 2: at Tarleton State, 6 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 9: Central Arkansas, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 16: at Austin Peay, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
- Nov. 23: North Alabama, 1 p.m. on ESPN+
- Record: 0-0
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