SUMMARY: A Moss Point Barber School and Salon have been ordered to pay over $900,000 for committing fraud. The owner, April Tucker Beard, falsely certified hours of classes to defraud a veterans education assistance program, receiving over $230,000 in tuition payments. Attorneys successfully won a civil lawsuit against Beard, accusing her of defrauding thousands from the program that provides tuition assistance for veterans. Beard's Salon and barber school must now pay the hefty sum as a result of the fraudulent activities.

U.S. Attorneys said they obtained a civil judgment against a barber school and salon who reportedly defrauded a GI Bill education …

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SUMMARY: The Reed Green Coliseum at Southern Miss, standing since 1965, is set for a $35 million renovation project. Planned improvements include a new north entrance and Lobby, a practice facility for basketball teams, premium seating, and other upgrades. Athletic director Jeremy McClain outlined the timeline, with construction expected to start in early 2025, taking about 24 months to complete. The renovations aim to enhance the Coliseum as a welcoming front porch for the university, boosting student enrollment, private giving, and national profile. The seating capacity will remain around 6,800 for athletics and 5,000 for concerts and events.

Over the years Reed Green has gone through some minor renovations but Wednesday the school announced some major ones planned for the next few years.

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SUMMARY: Buxy councilman Robert Demming pleaded guilty to federal drug charges related to his candy shop and catom businesses. After changing his plea to guilty of conspiracy to possess with the intent to distribute controlled substances, he faces a sentencing guideline of 70 to 87 months. Prosecutors revealed details of a 3-year investigation, including Demming adding synthetic cannaboids to CBD vapes sold at his stores. Raids were conducted on seven candy shop locations and Demming's home, where nearly $2 million in cash was seized. While he remains on bond, state law may require his removal from office as a public official pleading guilty to a felony.

So far, Deming has not indicated if or when he will leave office.

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