Mississippi
Someone tried to sneak $300K into state education budget for company involved in welfare scandal
The Senate, minutes earlier than a closing vote on a $3 billion Okay-12 schooling price range Friday, realized it included paying $300,000 to an organization the state has filed fees towards and is suing to recoup $795,000 within the long-running Mississippi welfare scandal.
The price range proposal would have ordered the state schooling division to pay $300,000 to Lobaki Inc. for a pilot digital actuality program for colleges. Senate leaders stated Home negotiators put the measure in. A Home chief stated that’s not true, however he’s not sure who put it within the proposed price range.
The Mississippi Division of Human Companies in December added the Jackson-based firm to its lawsuit aiming to claw again $77 million in misspent or stolen federal welfare {dollars} despatched to Mississippi. The civil lawsuit is ancillary to state and federal prison prosecution and persevering with investigations into misuse of cash meant to assist the poor.
The state welfare company accuses Lobaki of accepting $795,000 in federal Non permanent Help for Needy Households funds from two personal nonprofits to deploy and function a digital actuality academy in Jackson.
Senate leaders on Friday stated the road merchandise was put in by Home price range negotiators — they wouldn’t say whom — and so they didn’t know something about it. Home leaders didn’t instantly reply to questions concerning the line merchandise, aside from a spokeswoman for Speaker Philip Gunn stated she didn’t assume it was within the price range proposal.
Later, Home Schooling Chairman Richard Bennett, R-Lengthy Seashore, stated he doesn’t consider the Home put it within the price range, however he’s not sure the place it got here from. He stated he believes not one of the negotiators knew concerning the state suing Lobaki over the welfare spending.
“I’m glad (the Senate) introduced it to our consideration,” Bennett stated. “I don’t know something about them, aside from they’re a digital actuality firm … I do assume digital actuality is the factor of the longer term in schooling … However I’m glad it received taken out. I don’t assume anybody was making an attempt to sneak something in wherever.”
Sen. Barbara Blackmon, D-Canton, first observed the Lobaki line merchandise within the price range, which rank and file lawmakers have been ready for days to see as a handful of legislative leaders haggled it out.
“Mr. Chairman, this Lobaki, isn’t that the group within the TANF scandal with all of the unlawful cash?” Blackmon requested on the ground. Sen. Derrick Simmons, D-Greenville, then adopted up, mentioning that Lobaki was topic of the civil grievance and asking, “Is that this one thing we would wish to change?”
After transient session, the Senate recommitted the invoice for extra haggling to take away the fee. The difficulty quickly put a halt to Legislature’s price range work as lawmakers labored into Friday night time making an attempt to finish the 2023 legislative session. Disagreements between the Home and Senate over schooling spending have held up different price range work within the Legislature within the final couple of weeks of the session.
READ MORE: Mississippi lawmakers resolve deadlock over Okay-12 spending
Lobaki is a politically linked tech outfit launched in Mississippi by Vince Jordan in 2017. Former Gov. Phil Bryant, who oversaw the welfare company through the scandal, beforehand promoted the corporate.
“This week I examined the newest digital actuality know-how with Lobaki Labs in Jackson, MS, who has partnerships all through the state with varied industries to indicate all of the makes use of it has in right now’s industries. It’s superb,” Bryant wrote in a Fb put up in early 2019, shortly after Lobaki secured its welfare grants.
One other defendant in MDHS’s civil swimsuit, Austin Smith, has subpoenaed Bryant for any of his communication associated to Lobaki.
READ MORE: Former Gov. Phil Bryant subpoenaed once more
Simply after the preliminary 2020 arrests within the welfare scandal, Lobaki added Glenn McCullough, former director of the Mississippi Growth Authority beneath Bryant, to its board of administrators.
Lobaki has filed a movement to dismiss the costs towards the group, arguing that it fulfilled the phrases of its contract with the nonprofits.
Lobaki accused MDHS of “stretch(ing) and contort(ing) varied authorized theories in makes an attempt to carry third events chargeable for the wrongdoing of its personal workers.”
MDHS doesn’t declare that Lobaki didn’t full the work. Nevertheless it argues that the corporate’s settlement with the nonprofits required it to observe MDHS grant insurance policies and relevant state and federal legislation — which is why Lobaki is allegedly on the hook for these misspent funds.
The grievance additionally says that Lobaki requested the nonprofits concerning the supply of the funds, however regardless of by no means receiving a response, accepted the funding anyway.
One of many key defendants within the welfare scandal, nonprofit founder Nancy New, pleaded responsible final April of state fees of fraud towards the federal government associated to a $365,000 fee to Lobaki for a digital actuality program. She admitted to creating the fee “regardless of figuring out that the expenditure was an ineligible use of grant funds.”
Her son, Zack New, additionally pleaded responsible to wire fraud associated to the switch of $500,000 in welfare funds for the development of a digital actuality heart at Metropolis Centre, the downtown Jackson constructing that homes MDHS workplaces. Just like the volleyball stadium scheme involving former NFL quarterback Brett Favre, Zach New admitted that he disguised the fee as a lease settlement so as to circumvent the federal prohibition on utilizing welfare funds for brick-and-mortar building.
READ MORE: State recordsdata lawsuit to recoup welfare funds from Brett Favre, WWE wrestlers and 34 different folks or firms
Mississippi
Possible overdose at the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility, according to officials
RANKIN Co., Miss. (WLBT) – The Rankin County Sheriff’s Department reports that they have been called to the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility for an alleged overdose.
The Rankin County Coronor, David Ruth, confirmed to WLBT staff that he was called to the scene to recover a body. He said he was unable to comment on the cause or manner of death until he performs an autopsy.
The Department of Health also says they have been called by the facility for a hazmat situation.
More law enforcement vehicles were seen by WLBT crews entering the Central Mississippi Correctional Facility as authorities continue to investigate a death at the prison.
Details are currently limited. WLBT has reached out to the Mississippi Department of Corrections for a statement on the situation but have yet to hear back.
WLBT 3 on your side will update with information as it is made available.
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STARKVILLE – Mississippi State debuted 41 new players against Eastern Kentucky, including 23 transfers. But one of the biggest transfer portal additions wasn’t on the field and may not be again this week.
Senior receiver Kelly Akharaiyi was left off Mississippi State’s depth chart that was released and coach Jeff Lebby didn’t provide much clarity on the situation either.
“He’s getting closer and closer,” Lebby said at Tuesday morning press conference. “We need to be patient with him. We hope he has a good week and can create some confidence for himself more than anything. But I’m not ready to say he’s going to be available.”
Akharaiyi was one of the transfers most were looking forward to seeing in Lebby’s fast-paced, passing offense. But he was held out of season-opener for what was thought to be a minor injury. However, his uncertain status might be a sign of a more serious injury?
Or is Lebby playing a game of cat-and-mouse with Arizona State coach Kenny Dillingham? We’ll found out soon enough.
QB1 – 2 Blake Shapen, 6-1, 210 lbs., Sr.
QB2 – 16 Chris Parson, 6-1, 215 lbs., Rs Fr.
or – 0 Michael Van Buren Jr., 6-1, 200 lbs., Fr.
RB1 – 24 Keyvone Lee, 6-0, 225 lbs., Sr.
-or- 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
RB2 – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
SLWR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
SLWR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
SLWR 3 – 80 Kade Kolka, 5-11, 190 lbs., Sr.
WR1 – 6 Jordan Mosley, 6-0, 195 lbs., Jr.
WR2 – 5 Stonka Burnside, 6-0, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR3 – 13 Sanfrisco Magee, 6-2, 200 lbs., Fr.
WR1 – 14 Trent Hudson 6-3 180 Jr.
WR2 – 7 Mario Craver 5-10 170 Fr.
WR3 – 11 Jaden Walley 6-0 190 Sr.
TE1 – 18 Seydou Traore, 6-4, 235 lbs., R-Jr.
– or – 84 Justin Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., Sr.
TE2 – 86 Nick Lauderdale, 6-3, 225 lbs., Sr.
or – 10 Cameron Ball, 6-6, 250 lbs., So.
LT1 – 66 Makylan Pounders, 6-5, 310 lbs., Jr.
LT2 – 51 Luke Work, 6-6, 305 lbs., Fr.
– or – 74 Jimothy Lewis Jr., 6-6, 310 lbs., Fr.
LG1 – 75 Jacoby Jackson, 6-6, 320 lbs., Jr.
LG2 – 53 Malik Ellis, 6-5, 285 lbs., So.
C1 – 67 Ethan Miner, 6-2, 305 lbs., Sr.
C2 – 72 Canon Boone, 6-4, 315 lbs., Jr.
RG1 – 77 Marlon Martinez, 6-5, 320 lbs., Sr.
RG2 – 52 Grant Jackson, 6-6, 325 lbs., Sr.
RT1 – 76 Albert Reese IV, 6-7, 330 lbs., Jr.
RT2 – 55 Leon Bell, 6-8, 325 lbs., R-Jr.
RT3 – 78 Amari Smith, 6-7, 325 lbs., R-Fr.
DT1 – 22 Kedrick Bingley-Jones, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 23 Trevion Williams, 6-4, 295 lbs., R-Fr.
DT2 – 98 Ashun Shepphard, 6-3, 280 lbs., Jr.
DT1 – 35 Kalvin Dinkins, 6-2, 315 lbs., So.
– or – 8 Sulaiman Kpaka, 6-3, 300 lbs., Sr.
DT2 – 92 Eric Taylor, 6-4, 310 lbs., Jr.
– or – 90 Kai McClendon, 6-2, 305 lbs., Fr.
DE1 – 9 De’Monte Russell, 6-4, 285 lbs., Sr.
DE2 – 91 Deonte Anderson, 6-3, 270 lbs., Jr.
– or – 46 Joseph Head Jr., 6-4, 240 lbs., R-Fr.
JLB1 – 11 Ty Cooper, 6-4, 245 lbs., Jr.
– or – 44 Branden Jennings, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
JLB2 – 36 Donterry Russell, 6-4, 225 lbs., So.
MLB1 – 7 Stone Blanton, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
MLB2 – 26 JP Purvis, 6-1, 245 lbs., Sr.
DLB1 – 40 Nic Mitchell, 6-2, 230 lbs., Jr.
– or – 5 John Lewis, 6-3, 240 lbs., Jr.
DLB2 – 16 Zakari Tillman, 6-2, 225 lbs., So.
FS1 – 2 Isaac Smith, 6-0, 205 lbs., So.
FS2 – 12 Tyler Woodard, 6-2, 200 lbs., Jr.
SS1 – 21 Hunter Washington, 5-11, 190 lbs., Jr.
SS2 – 27 Chris Keys Jr., 6-0, 190 lbs., Jr.
– or – 17 Jordan Morant, 6-0, 210 lbs., Sr.
CB1 – 1 Kelley Jones, 6-4, 195 lbs., R-Fr.
– or – 6 Traveon Wright, 6-0, 180 lbs., R-Fr.
CB2 – 13 Raydarious Jones, 6-2, 180 lbs., Sr.
– or – 18 Khamauri Rogers, 6-0, 180 lbs., So.
CB1 – 14 Brice Pollock, 6-1, 190 lbs., So.
CB2 – 4 DeAgo Brumfield, 6-0, 190 lbs., Sr.
K1 – 80 Kyle Ferrie, 6-1, 205 lbs., So.
K2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
K3 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
P1 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
P2 – 83 Zach Haynes, 6-1, 195 lbs., Sr.
P3 – 88 Ethan Pulliam, 6-1, 190 lbs., R-Fr.
KO1 – 49 Marlon Hauck, 6-3, 195 lbs., So.
KO2 – 82 Nick Barr-Mira, 6-0, 185 lbs., Sr.
PR1 – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
PR2 – 8 Creed Whittemore, 5-11, 185 lbs., So.
KR1 – 21 Davon Booth, 5-10, 205 lbs., Sr.
– or – 20 Johnnie Daniels, 5-10, 200 lbs., Jr.
– or – 3 Kevin Coleman, 5-11, 180 lbs., Jr.
Mississippi State at Arizona State: How to Watch Bulldogs Football vs the Sun Devils
Mississippi State vs Ole Miss: 2025 Recruiting Battle Heats Up
Mississippi State vs. Arizona State: Top 5 Sun Devils to Watch
Mississippi State at Arizona State, Saturday, 10:30 p.m. ET (ESPN)
BetMGM College Football Odds: Arizona State by 6 1/2.
Series record: First meeting.
WHAT’S AT STAKE?
Arizona State and Mississippi State both had dominant wins in the season-opening weekend and now have a tougher challenge when they face each other on Saturday night. The Sun Devils are trying to build off an impressive 48-7 win over Wyoming and prove they might be a factor in the Big 12 race. Arizona State has never beaten an SEC opponent. Mississippi State plays its second game under new coach Jeff Lebby. The Bulldogs beat Eastern Kentucky 56-7 in their season opener..
KEY MATCHUP
Mississippi State QB Blake Shapen vs. the Arizona State defense. The Sun Devils scored a touchdown on the second play of their opener when Zyrus Fiaseu picked off a pass and returned it to the end zone. It was one of two interceptions on the day for Arizona State. Shapen had a great debut against Eastern Kentucky but will face a much tougher defense on Saturday.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
Mississippi State: Shapen had a terrific first game with the Bulldogs, throwing for 247 yards and three touchdowns while also running for 44 yards and a TD against Eastern Kentucky. The 6-foot-1 senior played the previous three college seasons at Baylor with mixed success. Shapen has thrown a TD pass in 12 consecutive games dating to this time at Baylor in 2022.
Arizona State: RB Cam Skattebo led a balanced rushing attack against Wyoming, gaining 49 yards and scoring a touchdown. Skattebo was a do-it-all player for Arizona State last year, spending time at quarterback, running back and receiver. The Sun Devils might not need him to be as versatile this season, but he’s still a threat from just about anywhere on the field.
FACTS & FIGURES
Mississippi State had six different players score touchdowns against Eastern Kentucky. … The Bulldogs’ 93.7 passing grade in the opener was the second-best mark in all of the FBS, trailing only Purdue, according to Pro Football Focus. … Mississippi State’s Kevin Coleman Jr. returned five punts for 117 yards last week. … Arizona State was credited with just two missed tackles on defense in the opener, tied for the third-lowest tally among FBS schools. … Skattebo is 270 rushing yards away from reaching 3,000 in his career. He is 342 all-purpose yards away from reaching 4,000 and 202 receiving yards away from reaching 1,000.
___
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