Latest news with #Governor'sCup
Yahoo
9 hours ago
- Business
- Yahoo
Hope Florida Foundation to amend tax return to show golf tourney made more money
TALLAHASSEE — Gov. Ron DeSantis held a two-day golf tournament at a high-end resort in Panama City Beach last year to raise cash for the Hope Florida Foundation, the nonprofit associated with the First Lady that is under investigation. The May 2024 event at a resort that bills itself as the 'true gem' of Florida's Gulf Coast lost more than $17,000, according to the foundation's delinquent federal tax return filed in April — six months past its due date. But now the foundation said it will amend its tax return by attributing more donations to the golf fundraiser, ones it previously failed to report to IRS. The event, it claims, was an 'extraordinary success,' though by IRS rules it still lost money, even if the foundation's 990 tax form is amended. The problems with Hope Florida's tax return underscores the financial challenges that have plagued the two-year-old foundation and prompted state lawmakers this spring to launch an investigation into the charity, trumpeted by Ron and Casey DeSantis as way to help Floridians get off government assistance. 'The incompetence is astounding,' Rep. Alex Andrade, R-Pensacola, said by email when he was told about how the group's tax return was to be amended. Andrade used his House Health Care Budget Committee this spring to investigate the Hope Florida Foundation, which was used as a pass through for $10 million from the state's Medicaid settlement. That money wound up in the account of a political action committee set up by DeSantis' former chief of staff, James Uthmeier, to defeat a ballot initiative to legalize marijuana. Andrade said it was illegal to shift state money that should have gone to help provide health care for the poor to a political operation. Uthmeier, who DeSantis has since appointed Florida's attorney general, has denied any wrongdoing. The House investigation also showed that the Hope Florida Foundation had not filed its tax return, produced a required audit or kept up with other paperwork. Andrade ended his investigation in April saying he there was evidence that DeSantis administration officials and others tied to Hope Florida had committed 'conspiracy to commit money laundering and wire fraud' in moving the Medicaid money. The DeSantises and others involved also deny any wrongdoing. Andrade handed over information, he said, to the U.S. Department of Justice and the Leon County State Attorney's Office, which confirmed it is investigating the allegations. The golf fundraiser coincided with a press conference where DeSantis and his wife handed out $140,000 in checks to seven local nonprofits and churches. But it was not announced in advance by the governor's office or the Hope Florida Foundation and seemed to have little social media presence. Now the Foundation is spinning the initial loss claimed for the fundraiser into gold. 'The Governor's Cup was an extraordinary success that was not paid for at taxpayer expense and raised a net profit of nearly $700,000 for the Hope Florida Foundation,' the foundation said in a recent statement provided by Jeff Aaron, the outside legal counsel hired in October to help fix the foundation's finances and other problems. Aaron provided a list of donations that were not part of Hope Florida's tax form and said an amended form would be filed soon. Aaron said the tournament raised $785,000 donations and had $95,547 in expenses for a total profit of $689,452. But the foundation's tax return tells a different tale. It shows the Governor's Cup only made $22,000, and with $40,000 in expenses reported a loss of $17,000. The IRS requires the donations to be subtracted from the gross revenues to show how much the revenue the event generated selling event-related goods and services. So while the tax return notes the foundation received about $400,000 in contributions, that money is not counted as revenue for the fundraiser. And because the tournament didn't produce enough revenue to cover the expenses, the expenses come out of the donations, said Laurie Chaney, CEO of Charity Watch, an independent nonprofit watchdog. 'That isn't a good thing,' Chaney said. While the new numbers provided by Aaron show the golf tournament garnered more donations than originally reported, it still wouldn't help the bottom line, according to the IRS. Rather, the additional expenses Aaron flagged would mean the event lost even more than the foundation's 990 tax form shows, a total of $73,000. Chaney said she hasn't seen many successful charity-run golf tournaments. 'For organizations that use golf tournaments as their primary means of raising funds, it sometimes appears that charities are using them more to subsidize their board members' golf hobbies than as an efficient means of raising donations to support their charity's mission,' she said. The foundation's tax return was prepared by Carroll & Company, the same Tallahassee accounting firm that handled the books for the political action committee Keep Florida, the one set up by Uthmeier that got money from Hope Florida. It also did accounting for DeSantis' Florida Freedom Fund, another political committee set up to combat the marijuana legalization initiative as well as a ballot amendment to overturn a six-week abortion ban and expand women's reproductive rights. Kelly Kundinger, currently a senior advisor to Sen. Ashley Moody, was the chief operating officer for the Florida Freedom Fund and responsible for the golf tournament's billing. She did not return an email seeking comment. 'At its most basic, the accounting of the event should match the 990,' said Glen Casel, a former Central Florida nonprofit executive with 30-plus years of experience, who called the addition of hundreds of thousands of dollars 'alarming.' 'It is not normal to have hundreds of thousands of dollars in corrections,' he said. Among the donors to the golf tournament was Centene Corp., the state's largest Medicaid managed care provider, which has played a notable role in the Hope Florida foundation controversy. It was Centene that made the legal settlement with the state, totaling $67 million, that spun off the $10 million the Hope Florida Foundation channeled to two political nonprofits aligned with efforts to defeat the marijuana initiative. Centene gave the golf tournament $100,000 more than was reported to the IRS, according to Aaron's list of donors.
Yahoo
24-05-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
DCED analysis: PA secured $5.2B private sector investments, created 9,500 jobs
May 23—WILKES-BARRE — The Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) this week completed new analysis showing that the Shapiro Administration has secured more than $5.2 billion in private sector investment, creating more than 9,500 new jobs, since taking office. "Since day one, my administration and I have been laser focused on making Pennsylvania a leader in economic development, job creation, and innovation," said Gov. Josh Shapiro. "From historic investments in site development, to cutting red tape, we're showing the world how we get stuff done — and we'll continue to make bold, strategic investments that create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians." As part of the Shapiro Administration's work to implement the 10-year Economic Development Strategy, DCED created the BusinessPA team — an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to Getting It Done for businesses looking to thrive in Pennsylvania. "Economic development is a team sport, and the DCED team is committed to partnering with regions across our Commonwealth to make sure Pennsylvania is open for business," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. Pennsylvania's appeal to businesses has not gone unnoticed. DCED was recently named a top state economic development group by Business Facilities Magazine. The Commonwealth recently ranked 10th overall in Site Selection Magazine's Governor's Cup — and third among Northeast states. Additionally, BusinessPA was honored with a Deal of the Year — Impact Award from Business Facilities Magazine for its role in GSK's expansion in Lancaster County. US House passes bill to simplify veterans forms The U.S. House of Representatives recently passed U.S. Rep. Rob Bresnahan, Jr.'s legislation — H.R. 1286, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act. The bipartisan bill, which passed by a vote of 386-1, would simplify forms required by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) for veterans and survivors. Bresnahan, R-Dallas Township, introduced this bill on Feb. 13, 2025, and it passed unanimously out of the House Committee on Veteran's Affairs on May 6. This is the first piece of legislation Bresnahan introduced and is his first legislation to pass the House. "When our military members return home from serving our country, they are often tasked with filling out dozens of pages of paperwork in order to receive the benefits they've rightfully earned," Bresnahan said. "Veterans and their families should not be subjected to a VA claims process that is more difficult and stressful than necessary, which is why I am incredibly proud to see my legislation, the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act, pass out of the House this evening. "Pennsylvania's Eighth Congressional District is home to nearly 40,000 veterans, and I am proud to spearhead this legislation for each and every one of them and their families." The Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA) requires veterans and survivors to complete standard forms to initiate and pursue claims for VA benefits, including disability compensation, pension and survivors' benefits. These forms can often be arduous and difficult to understand for veterans or their survivors, and failure to do correctly fill them out can result in delays in processing their claim, delays in receiving a decision on their claim, or even a denial of their claim. Bresnahan said he introduced the Simplifying Forms for Veterans Claims Act to simplify the forms process to make VA standard forms more user-friendly. The legislation would require VA to contract with a nonpartisan, federally funded research entity to conduct a study on, and provide recommendations for, revising VA forms to be more understandable for veterans and their survivors. Following this study, the VA Secretary would be required to report findings to Congress and implement recommendations. AG: Congress needs to fund PSAs Attorney General Dave Sunday this week joined a bipartisan coalition of 38 Attorneys General calling on Congress to pass the Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act — a federal bill that aims to reduce youth drug use through research-based public education and community outreach. The bill would employ prevention methods proven to be effective in forming public service announcements and initiatives — produced by student peers — aimed at young people when they have first exposure to dangerous substances. "Protecting children is a core function of the Office of Attorney General, and it is crucial that young people receive this positive messaging at a time when they are most impressionable," Sunday said. "Without a doubt, the best way to solve a problem or crisis is to prevent it from happening. As a father, I am well aware of the challenges and influences facing our children. We must do all we can to equip them with the tools they need to make healthy choices." The legislation, introduced by U.S. Senators Mark Kelly (D-AZ) and Thom Tillis (R-NC), would amend the Omnibus Crime Control and Safe Streets Act of 1968 to provide targeted federal funding for public service announcements (PSAs), youth-led campaigns, and other outreach tools that help prevent early substance use. All campaigns funded under the bill must be grounded in evidence, designed for cultural relevance, and adapted to meet the specific needs of local communities. "This thoughtful and timely legislation represents a critical, evidence-based step toward reducing youth substance use through strategic public education and engagement," write the attorneys general in a letter to Senate leadership. The Youth Substance Use Prevention and Awareness Act would fund a range of efforts to better reach youth with timely, credible and accessible information, including: —Culturally relevant PSAs tailored specifically to youth. —Youth-led PSA contests to drive peer-to-peer engagement and creativity. —Federal grants for outreach across TV, radio, social media, streaming platforms and other media. —Annual reporting requirements to measure reach and effectiveness, ensuring transparency and accountability. PUC: Add energy efficiency to 'summer utility checklist' With summer fast approaching and new default electric generation prices taking effect on June 1, the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) this week is urging residents and businesses across the Commonwealth to #SaveInPA by taking proactive steps now to manage their utility bills — with a strong focus on energy efficiency, conservation and understanding supply options. "As temperatures rise, so do energy costs — especially when demand for air conditioning peaks," said PUC Chairman Steve DeFrank. "Now is the time to review your past energy usage, make smart adjustments at home or work, and explore tools that can help you take control of your summer electricity bills." —Why now? Understanding June 1 price changes Every June 1 and Dec. 1, electric distribution companies (EDCs) in Pennsylvania adjust their "Price to Compare" (PTC) — the cost per kilowatt-hour (kWh) charged to customers who have not selected a competitive supplier. These prices are based on wholesale market rates and can significantly impact monthly bills. Note: These changes only affect customers receiving "default service" from their electric utility — that is, those who have not selected a competitive supplier. Customers already shopping with a supplier will continue paying the generation price set by their contract, but they should also be aware of these broader market trends to prepare for potential impacts when their current contract ends. Reach Bill O'Boyle at 570-991-6118 or on Twitter @TLBillOBoyle.
Yahoo
26-04-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Mississippi State faces Ole Miss in Governor's Cup rivalry
Rivalries don't care about records. And when Mississippi State and Ole Miss meet Tuesday night in the annual Governor's Cup at Trustmark Park, it won't just be about bragging rights — it'll be about postseason survival. Mississippi State enters the game at 24-16 (6-12 SEC) and clinging to the edge of the NCAA Tournament picture. After a rough weekend in Gainesville where the Bulldogs dropped two of three to fellow bubble team Florida, every game now carries extra weight. Sunday's 14-8 win gave the Bulldogs a much-needed spark, powered by Dakota Jordan's two home runs and a 5-RBI day. But if MSU wants to secure a spot in June baseball, beating their biggest rival on neutral turf could be a defining moment. Advertisement Ole Miss, once a Top 15 team nationally, is now 28-12 (10-8 SEC) and trending downward. They lost their weekend series to South Carolina — a team that entered the matchup with just two SEC wins. Tuesday's Governor's Cup is less about redemption and more about halting a slide that could cost them a home regional. Even with a 12-2 mercy-rule win on Sunday, the Rebels need a consistent showing against quality competition — and Mississippi State fits the bill. Mississippi State leads the all-time series 266-211-5, including a 5-1 win in last season's Governor's Cup. Mississippi State has won 11 of the last 16 Governor's Cup meetings, but history won't help Tuesday. With both teams fighting for better seeding in the SEC Tournament and postseason clarity, this game is about momentum, perception, and positioning. Expect pressure, intensity, and emotion — the Magnolia State wouldn't want it any other way. Related: Mississippi State eyeing All-American offensive lineman in transfer portal, per sources This isn't your average midweek matchup. It's State. It's Ole Miss. And it might just decide who's still playing come June. First pitch is at 6 p.m. Tuesday on SECN+. Tune in — and expect fireworks in Pearl. Related: Mississippi State basketball snags international transfer from Kansas State Related: Former Mississippi State football player pleads not guilty to 2024 assault
Yahoo
23-04-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Tickets on sale for student food truck event in East Providence
EAST PROVIDENCE, R.I. (WPRI) — Local high school students will be showing off their culinary skills at the second annual 'Menu for Success' Student Food Truck Roundup. The Rhode Island Department of Education (RIDE) announced that the event will be held from 12 p.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturday, May 3, at Crescent Park in Riverside. Tickets cost $20 and will get you up to five samples from a variety of student-operated food trucks, plus a bottle of water. East Providence seeking bids to build new clam shack Previously, the food truck roundup was held at Lincoln High School. East Providence Mayor Bob DaSilva said he reached out to RIDE about moving the event to Crescent Park after attending it last year. 'I saw the pride that the students took in the food they were creating for the visitors of the community,' DaSilva explained. 'I immediately approached members of RIDE … and suggested that East Providence and Crescent Park would be the ideal location for another one of these events.' According to RIDE, the goal of the program is to use food trucks as mobile classrooms and incorporate them into culinary arts and the Minority Business Incubator programs. Some of the first participants include Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Lincoln, Newport, Pawtucket, Providence, Warwick, Westerly and Woonsocket. RIDE noted that Exeter-West Greenwich has also received grants to begin their food truck operations. 'Townie Tailgate' to give East Providence students real-world experience At the upcoming event, students will be competing for the Governor's Cup and the Commissioner's Belt awards. 'From entrepreneurial to culinary skills, we are once again excited to be giving Rhode Island students the real-world opportunities they need for success with the 'Menu for Success' Student Food Truck Initiative,' Gov. Dan McKee said in a press release. 'We know that high-demand jobs include the food and business industries, and this initiative equips students with foundational knowledge needed to thrive in their academic and career journeys.' You can buy tickets to the event here. Download the and apps to get breaking news and weather alerts. Watch or with the new . Follow us on social media: Close Thanks for signing up! Watch for us in your inbox. Subscribe Now Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Associated Press
18-04-2025
- Business
- Associated Press
Nascent Sweet Briar College Farm Winery strikes gold (and silver) in Virginia Governor's Cup
Historic successes for college's first three entries in nationally renowned wine competition SWEET BRIAR, Va., April 18, 2025 /PRNewswire/ -- Sweet Briar College Farm Winery has rapidly become a rising star in the Virginia wine industry. After bottling its first independent vintage from the 2023 harvest, the Farm entered its first-ever wine competition, achieving a remarkable three medals – one gold and two silvers – in Virginia's prestigious Governor's Cup. The gold medal entry, Earned the Rosé, is named for the institution's motto honoring all Sweet Briar graduates, 'She who earns the rose may bear it.' The new variety delighted the senses of six judges who conducted single-blind tastings over three days. They knew the grape or category of each wine, but not its vintage, winery or name. A 12-judge panel subsequently assessed the highest-ranking wines, sampled all and assigned final marks. Those scoring 90 to 100 were accorded gold medals and are included in the Virginia Gold Medal Wine Trail, where wine enthusiasts flock each year to discover the Commonwealth's finest offerings. Silver medal winners were Leading the Way Chardonnay and Meadow Merlot. 'Our wines are named to honor and celebrate Sweet Briar College's traditions, academic excellence and core curriculum dedicated to women's leadership, and to highlight our sustainability initiatives,' noted Professor Lisa Powell, Ph.D., who heads the school's agriculture and sustainability programs. Grapes for the award winners were grown on the College's campus, overlooking a wildflower field that provides superb forage for both native pollinators and honeybees from Sweet Briar's apiary. The wines are made in collaboration with Michael Shaps Wineworks and are bottled in Charlottesville, Va. 'Students learn about viticulture and the wine industry both through courses and a variety of experiential opportunities. Several honors students have conducted research inspired by our vineyards, including work on marketing and designing traps for invasive pests. Since we planted the vines, groups of students have learned how to prune, how to estimate yields, how to sample to assess readiness for harvest, and bottled some of our wines,' said Powell. Information on visiting campus for tastings and purchases is available at ABOUT SWEET BRIAR COLLEGE Sweet Briar College is an institution for women's education in Sweet Briar, Virginia. For more information, visit View original content to download multimedia: SOURCE Sweet Briar College
