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Neb. Economic Development Dept.: Capital Commitments to Childcare and Housing Create Opportunities for Growth in Deshler
LINCOLN, Nebraska, Oct. 10 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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Capital Commitments to Childcare and Housing Create Opportunities for Growth in Deshler
Oct 9, 2026
City of Deshler earns recertification in State of Nebraska's Leadership Certified Community program.
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The Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced recertification for the City of Deshler (pop. 747) in the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program this week. Local business and community investments in a childcare facility and a county-wide workforce housing initiative
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LINCOLN, Nebraska, Oct. 10 -- The Nebraska Department of Economic Development issued the following news:
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Capital Commitments to Childcare and Housing Create Opportunities for Growth in Deshler
Oct 9, 2026
City of Deshler earns recertification in State of Nebraska's Leadership Certified Community program.
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The Nebraska Department of Economic Development announced recertification for the City of Deshler (pop. 747) in the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) program this week. Local business and community investments in a childcare facility and a county-wide workforce housing initiativehave earned statewide recognition for Deshler.
LCC Program Director and Central Business Development Consultant, Kelly Gewecke, presented the award to village and county officials on Tuesday, October 6th. The City of Deshler earned LCC status in 2021 and recertification in 2026.
Deshler is one of 29 Nebraska communities in Nebraska's LCC program, which was established by DED in 2011. The program encourages local leaders to adapt to changes in economic development; provide support for new and expanding businesses; and prioritize childcare, housing, and workforce development projects. LCCs must demonstrate preparedness in strategic planning and display readiness in technological development by marketing their communities online. Qualifying LCCs gain status in the program for five years and are required to maintain community websites to highlight local opportunities for growth.
"Thank you for recertifying Deshler as a Leadership Certified Community for another five years," said Mayor Julie A. Deepe. "We are truly honored by this recognition."
Efforts to create opportunities for new childcare options started four years ago through extensive fundraising efforts from local businesses and supporters. Following a community-wide capital campaign that raised $100,000, Midwest Bank and Reinke Manufacturing committed $50,000 per business to refurbish a once-vacant downtown building into a non-profit childcare center.
In just two years, Deshler residents raised $470,000 for the project, which also received assistance from the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA). The Thayer County Economic Development Alliance (TCEDA) helped secure ARPA funding, which was distributed to states and local governments for coronavirus economic recovery efforts. Spring Creek Kids, Inc., a 5,000-square-foot facility, opened in October 2024 and is licensed to care for up to 60 children. The childcare facility currently serves 40 kids and has assisted the community's six in-home childcare providers with additional capacity.
Thayer County joined the Nebraska Children and Families Foundation's Communities for Kids (C4K) program as part of a statewide effort to expand childcare capacity. The C4K program provided $30,000 to Thayer County for childcare expansion opportunities.
"Thayer County's C4K partnership is a great example of combining creative local fundraising with regional and state resources," said LCC Program Director Kelly Gewecke. "These efforts established overall funding opportunities for childcare and even created a scholarship program to increase affordability for local families. Leaders in Deshler established these opportunities by building relationships both inside and outside of their community, which is often a top priority among successful members of Nebraska's LCC program."
TCEDA unveiled a workforce housing initiative encompassing Bruning, Davenport, and Deshler in 2023 to develop a new home in each community. The Deshler community celebrated the completion of Deshler's new home in 2024, which has since been sold. In addition, TCEDA's Home Ownership Program offers down payment assistance to homebuyers in Thayer County. Reinke Manufacturing privately funded an eight-plex apartment building which has provided essential workforce housing opportunities in the community.
Recent business additions include Deshler Family Medicine, which is now one of two healthcare facilities in the community. Brick Street Chophouse opened on Main Street in Deshler in 2025.
Deshler was one of nine communities to receive funding from the Revitalize Rural Nebraska grant in 2024 to assist in demolishing abandoned commercial properties. The city received $200,000 to assist in the teardown of a commercial property on 4th Street. The property was sold and renovated into an outdoor space for the adjoining Longshots Lounge business, offering a much-improved Main Street facade.
For additional information about the Leadership Certified Community (LCC) Program, contact Kelly Gewecke at kelly.gewecke@nebraska.gov, 308-627-3151, or visit https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/programs/community/lcc/.
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Original text here: https://opportunity.nebraska.gov/capital-commitments-to-childcare-and-housing-create-opportunities-for-growth-in-deshler/
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES RECOGNITION OF THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH'S CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 10 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release:
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October 7, 2026
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES RECOGNITION OF THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH'S CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER
Alliance for Rights and Recovery Selects Office of Mental Health's Chief Advocacy Officer to Receive 'Brendan Nugent Empowerment Award'
Honor Spotlights Programs Centering Individuals with Lived Experience in All Aspects of New York State's Mental Health System
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The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced that Chief Advocacy Officer Liz Breier has received
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ALBANY, New York, Oct. 10 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release:
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October 7, 2026
NEW YORK STATE ANNOUNCES RECOGNITION OF THE OFFICE OF MENTAL HEALTH'S CHIEF ADVOCACY OFFICER
Alliance for Rights and Recovery Selects Office of Mental Health's Chief Advocacy Officer to Receive 'Brendan Nugent Empowerment Award'
Honor Spotlights Programs Centering Individuals with Lived Experience in All Aspects of New York State's Mental Health System
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The New York State Office of Mental Health today announced that Chief Advocacy Officer Liz Breier has receivedan award from the Alliance for Rights and Recovery for her efforts to empower peers and advance their work statewide. Breier was recently presented with the 'Brendan Nugent Empowerment Award' at a ceremony during the state and national advocacy organization's annual conference in Albany, reflecting her work to continue integrating peer support and individuals with lived experience into shaping the public mental health system.
"Peer support helps to build trusted relationships with individuals connected to the mental health system, improving outcomes by promoting hope, choice, self-determination, and mutuality," OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "This award recognizes Liz's tireless advocacy and her dedication to ensuring people with lived experience have a major voice in our system of care."
In recognizing Breier, the Alliance cited her strong belief that peers are essential partners in designing, delivering, and improving behavioral health services. The organization also cited her tireless advocacy to expand opportunities for the peer workforce, create pathways for them to develop professionally, and for them to take leadership roles and influence the future of behavioral health services statewide.
"Liz Breier is one of those rare leaders who has the skill and strength to translate the principles of recovery, human rights, and peer support into pragmatic public policy advances," Alliance for Rights and Recovery CEO Harvey Rosenthal said. "She has worked tirelessly to promote a broad array of peer-led innovations, including outreach and engagement, crisis diversion, hospital-to-community transitional support, and advocacy and support services. We are pleased to honor her with this award, recognizing her dignified work and her continued partnership with the Alliance."
As OMH's chief advocacy officer, Breier oversees the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services, is a certified psychiatric rehabilitation practitioner, and has been dedicated to empowering individuals in creating and sustaining their personal visions of healing and wellness. Watch video of the award presentation.
Breier has played a pivotal role in shaping a service system in New York that is person-centered, collaborative, wellness-focused, and trauma-responsive. Drawing from her personal lived experience, she brings valuable expertise to her work, supporting others in their journeys toward self-determination and healing from trauma.
"I'm very honored and grateful to receive the Brendan Nugent Empowerment Award," Breier said. "I'm humbled and I don't take this lightly."
Peer specialists connect with individuals living with mental health challenges in a variety of settings, helping them set and reach goals as they recover. Overseeing OMH's Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services, Breier plays a critical role in the recognition of peer specialists as a distinct discipline and profession.
The award is named for the late longtime advocate Brendan Nugent, an early rights and recovery movement leader. During the 1990s, he organized the first public march and demonstration led by members of the recovery community calling on policymakers to prioritize the voice of the people, in keeping with the Alliance's core principles of "Nothing About Us Without Us."
The Alliance also posthumously honored Regina Shoen with the Frances Olivero Advocacy Award for inspiring community leadership and advocacy on behalf of New Yorkers with psychiatric disabilities. Shoen, who died in March, was a dedicated peer advocate at OMH and later became the director of the Upstate Bureau of Regional Advocacy and Peer Support Services for Adults and Youth in the Office of Advocacy and Peer Support Services.
Shoen's efforts helped implement the New York Peer Advancement Network and Peer Expansion Grant and the Benefits Workforce Incentive Navigators, which have created systemic impacts throughout the state's mental health care system. In recognizing her, the Alliance noted that she "spent her life working to dismantle the stigmas that keep so many suffering in silence."
Peer specialists are playing an increasingly important role at OMH-operated facilities, with agency licensed providers, and with funded programs. The state now supports a professional certification pathway, including certified peer specialists, family peer advocates, and youth peer advocates, with these workers being a key component of OMH's workforce development efforts for Medicaid billable and non-billable services and support.
In addition to supporting peer workers at state-operated psychiatric centers, OMH is funding Peer Bridgers and providing technical assistance for this initiative at three Article 28 facilities. Peer Bridgers engage patients before they are discharged and maintain trusting relationships with them afterward, providing ongoing support within the community for up to a year following their discharge.
OMH is also funding Intensive and Sustained Engagement Team programs, a peer-led engagement approach to support people who haven't had success in the traditional mental health system and may be at risk of involuntary treatment. These teams are providing support for at least 60 individuals monthly who might not have otherwise engaged in treatment.
Also in the community, OMH now funds eight Clubhouses, peer-driven programs fostering improved community integration for volunteer members that help to reduce social isolation and promote recovery. These are non-hierarchical environments where members and staff -- who often have lived experience -- work side by side, helping to avoid hospitalizations and readmissions.
OMH's successful 'Safe Option Supports' program relies heavily on peer specialists to conduct outreach and successfully house individuals experiencing chronic homelessness. Peer workers also serve in crucial roles in their direct communities, operating recovery centers, warmlines, drop-ins, and other peer-led and peer-run programming.
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Original text here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYOMH/bulletins/42e510f
N.J. A.G. Davenport Sues to Regain Funding for Unemployment System Improvements
TRENTON, New Jersey, Oct. 10 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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AG Davenport Sues to Regain Funding for Unemployment System Improvements
Trump Administration Unlawfully Terminated Funding for Improving Unemployment Insurance
October 9, 2026
TRENTON -- Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a coalition of 13 other states filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) unlawful decision to terminate millions of dollars in funding for preventing fraud and implementing improvements in New Jersey and other states' unemployment
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Oct. 10 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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AG Davenport Sues to Regain Funding for Unemployment System Improvements
Trump Administration Unlawfully Terminated Funding for Improving Unemployment Insurance
October 9, 2026
TRENTON -- Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a coalition of 13 other states filed a lawsuit challenging the U.S. Department of Labor's (DOL) unlawful decision to terminate millions of dollars in funding for preventing fraud and implementing improvements in New Jersey and other states' unemploymentinsurance systems.
"Accessing government services shouldn't be a chore, and here in New Jersey we're working hard to make government services simpler, faster, and more reliable. But not the federal government. It is cutting off mid-stream important funding for unemployment system improvements," said Attorney General Davenport. "The people of New Jersey deserve services that work when they are needed most, not pointless disruption by the federal government."
The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. Court of Federal Claims, challenges the DOL's unlawful decision in May 2025 to terminate more than $45 million in plaintiff states' remaining grant funding that was intended to assist states in modernizing unemployment insurance system technology and implementing measures to prevent fraud.
Congress created six different interrelated grant programs as part of the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021, amid the pandemic-related surge in unemployment claims. The goal of the program is to improve the technology used to administer states' unemployment insurance programs to better detect and prevent fraud, promote equitable access, and pay benefits in a timely fashion.
In total, the DOL awarded more than $780 million to states to modernize their unemployment insurance systems.
DOL reviewed and approved project plans under these grant programs and set multi-year agreed-upon performance periods in which the projects were to be completed. Plaintiff states directed hundreds of millions of dollars in grant funding to projects that, once completed, would increase efficiency, help prevent and detect fraud and the improper use of federal unemployment insurance funds, improve resilience when the system experiences surges in claims, and improve the customer experience.
The NJ Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) had three ARPA UI grants terminated in May 2025:
* An ARPA Unemployment Insurance Integrity Grant for $2,609,000 beginning in Fiscal Year 2023
* An ARPA IT Modernization Grant for $11,250,000 beginning in Fiscal Year 2023
* An ARPA Unemployment Insurance Equity Grant for $6,840,000 beginning in Fiscal Year 2023
The ARPA grants were intended to improve the technical system used to make unemployment insurance claims, move it to a cloud-based system, and hire investigatory staff to identify fraud in the unemployment insurance program. With the termination of these grants, NJDOL will be unable to make critical security updates, system improvements, and program expansions.
On May 22, 2025, the Trump Administration's DOL sent letters to the affected states abruptly and unlawfully terminating each grant agreement. The termination letters stated the agreements "no longer effectuate .... priorities for its grant funding." The grant terminations rescinded unexpended funds under the grant agreements, interrupting the unemployment insurance modernization work that the DOL had approved and agreed to fund.
Consequently, approved projects were halted in the middle of the performance periods. States have had to reallocate funding from other sources, scale back project scopes or cancel projects altogether. The terminations have wasted funds and squandered opportunities to increase efficiencies for unemployment insurance system workers, employers, and administrative staff.
In its lawsuit, the coalition argues that the DOL's grant terminations breached the express terms of each of the plaintiffs' grant agreements. The terms of the grant agreements do not allow the DOL to unilaterally terminate the grant projects prior to the end of the performance period simply because the administration has changed its priorities. The coalition also argues the DOL breached the implied duty of good faith and fair dealing by wrongfully imposing new terms and conditions, relying on an erroneous and bad faith interpretation of relevant regulations, relying on an erroneous and bad faith interpretation of authorizing statutes, and by failing to provide plaintiffs with formal notice and an opportunity to object to their grant terminations.
The states are seeking money damages as part of the lawsuit.
This lawsuit was co-led by Wisconsin Attorney General Josh Kaul and Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown. In addition to Attorney General Davenport, the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Michigan, New Mexico, New York, and Oregon, as well as the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania, joined the lawsuit.
View Complaint (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/2026-1009_Complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-sues-to-regain-funding-for-unemployment-system-improvements/
N.H. A.G. Formella: Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Bath, N.H.
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 10 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 09, 2026
Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Bath, New Hampshire
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information regarding the response by members of the Attorney General's Office and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit to an officer-involved shooting on October 8, 2026, in Bath, New Hampshire.
On Thursday evening New Hampshire State Police and local police departments responded to a report
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 10 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 09, 2026
Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Bath, New Hampshire
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information regarding the response by members of the Attorney General's Office and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit to an officer-involved shooting on October 8, 2026, in Bath, New Hampshire.
On Thursday evening New Hampshire State Police and local police departments responded to a reportthat Jeanne A. Seto (age 36), was armed and driving to confront a family member with whom she had a dispute. Law enforcement located Ms. Seto's vehicle around 7:04 P.M. on Route 112 heading towards Bath. Despite commands to stop her vehicle, Ms. Seto did not comply. The resulting pursuit concluded after police deployed a spike strip, stopping Ms. Seto's vehicle just south of the intersection of Route 112 and Route 302. When troopers and an officer approached the vehicle, they found Ms. Seto armed with a handgun. During the interaction Ms. Seto suffered gunshot wounds and was then transported to an area hospital where she was later pronounced deceased. The circumstances of who fired and when are still under active investigation.
An autopsy performed by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner concluded Ms. Seto's cause of death was multiple gunshot wounds, and her manner of death was homicide. As used by the Office of the Chief Medical Examiner, homicide is defined as the killing of one person by another.
No law enforcement officers were physically injured during this incident. Officers were wearing body worn cameras at the time of the event, and that footage is being reviewed by investigators. No further information is expected to be provided until the identity of the law enforcement officers using deadly force is/are disclosed following formal interviews, which are expected to occur sometime in the next few weeks. The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/additional-information-officer-involved-shooting-investigation-bath-new-hampshire
Maine A.G. Office: Additional Statement on Inadvertent Document Release
AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 10 -- The Maine Attorney General Office issued the following news release:
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Additional Statement on Inadvertent Document Release
10/09/2026
This was a serious but entirely human error. Immediately upon discovery of the mistake, the office began working to limit any impacts of potential dissemination.
Many of the contents of the document are already public information, contained in public court filings.
Most immediate was to notify families of victims to prepare them for the possibility that some of the inadvertent recipients might choose to publish this information.
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 10 -- The Maine Attorney General Office issued the following news release:
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Additional Statement on Inadvertent Document Release
10/09/2026
This was a serious but entirely human error. Immediately upon discovery of the mistake, the office began working to limit any impacts of potential dissemination.
Many of the contents of the document are already public information, contained in public court filings.
Most immediate was to notify families of victims to prepare them for the possibility that some of the inadvertent recipients might choose to publish this information.
Several news outlets have committed not to further release this confidential information. We take seriously the integrity of confidential information and the impact of this error.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/ag/news-and-library/press-releases/additional-statement-inadvertent-document-release-fri-10092026-1436
Ill. Commerce Dept.: Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Oct. 10 -- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity issued the following news release:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
October 9, 2026
$17 million investment will expand biomanufacturing research capabilities, strengthen workforce training, and support agricultural and economic development in Southwestern Illinois
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EDWARDSVILLE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $17 million
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Oct. 10 -- The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity issued the following news release:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville
October 9, 2026
$17 million investment will expand biomanufacturing research capabilities, strengthen workforce training, and support agricultural and economic development in Southwestern Illinois
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EDWARDSVILLE - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced $17 millionin funding to Southern Illinois University Edwardsville (SIUE) to expand the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center (NCERC), which includes $15 million from the State of Illinois and $2 million from the Illinois Corn Growers Association.
The investment will allow NCERC to build capacity and support companies that are developing and commercializing new bioproducts, while creating additional opportunities for research partnerships, agricultural innovation, and workforce development in downstate Illinois. The project will also strengthen the regional economy through new jobs and construction activity, while supporting the continued growth of University Park at SIUE.
"Illinois is home to cutting-edge institutions, and we're building our state's reputation as a world-class leader in research by expanding the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center at SIUE," said Governor JB Pritzker. "As federal policies drive up costs for farmers and consumers, we're working to provide relief while providing new investments for Illinois farmers to grow. This expansion will help turn Illinois crops into new products and create more opportunities and good-paying jobs in Southwestern Illinois."
"The strength of Illinois' agricultural economy comes from our dedication to innovation and best practices," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "Investing in Corn-to-Ethanol Research means we'll remain at the forefront of both agricultural and environmental protections--supporting Illinoisans now and in the future."
"Investments in agricultural innovation are investments in Illinois' farmers, workers and communities," said Senator Tammy Duckworth. "This funding will help Southern Illinois University Edwardsville advance cutting-edge research, support the development of new bioproducts and create more opportunities for good-paying jobs across Southern Illinois. By expanding the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center, we are strengthening our state's leadership in agriculture, biofuels and manufacturing while building the next generation of Illinois innovation."
"This announcement will usher in a new era for SIUE, for student researchers, for our corn growers, and for the future of the bioeconomy here in Illinois. With this $17 million investment, they will be able to expand research and training capacity and give businesses the skilled talent they need to grow," said Congresswoman Budzinski. "I'm proud to continue supporting NCERC back in Washington, as Co-Chair of the Biofuels Congress. This year, I submitted an additional federal funding request that will hopefully boost this already robust investment. Ultimately, this funding will help propel NCERC forward and allow them to expand on the groundbreaking work they are doing right in our district."
The NCERC expansion builds on Governor Pritzker's long-standing efforts to strengthen research and development, advanced manufacturing, agricultural innovation, energy independence, and workforce training. By investing in new infrastructure and workforce development, the project will help position downstate Illinois to compete for research activity, private investment, and high-quality jobs in the growing bioeconomy. This investment also comes at a time when Illinoisans are looking for more affordable fuel options given the rising cost of gasoline due to the Trump Administration's war in Iran and harmful economic policies. Earlier this week, Gov. Pritzker took decisive action to address this crisis, issuing a state disaster proclamation and signing Executive Order 2026-08 to provide relief on diesel costs. Previously, the Governor called upon Congressional leaders to pass legislation permanently allowing year-round sales of E15 gasoline to address rising gas costs and support stronger, more stable agricultural markets in Illinois.
"Governor Pritzker has demonstrated a continuing commitment to strengthen higher education across Illinois, and we are grateful for his support. On behalf of the SIU System and our Board of Trustees, I want to thank the Governor for this $15 million investment in NCERC and for recognizing the important role our research, innovation and workforce development plays in Illinois' future," said SIU President Dan Mahony.
"For the two decades that NCERC has called SIUE home, it has been a leader in research, testing and validating new and emerging biomanufacturing technologies together with industry partners across the nation. As NCERC established itself as a leading proof-of-concert partner, we knew that it could do much more. This expansion creates an opportunity for innovation beyond traditional ethanol, unlocking the potential of renewable feedstocks, the acceleration of industry research, and the ability to develop technologies that tomorrow's bioeconomy will require like sustainable aviation fuel, biodiesel, or cellulosic ethanol products. We are excited to be an important part of the innovation taking place in Illinois," said SIUE Chancellor James T. Minor.
"The NCERC expansion represents a strategic investment in Illinois' long-term competitiveness and the nation's bioeconomy," said Praveen Vadlani, Executive Director of NCERC. "By integrating advanced capabilities in agricultural feedstock utilization, AI, automation, and digital bioprocessing with hands-on workforce development, NCERC will accelerate the commercialization of innovative technologies, attract private-sector investment, and prepare the skilled talent needed to advance the next generation of biomanufacturing," said National Corn to Ethanol Research Center Executive Director Praveen V. Vadlani, PhD, MBA.
NCERC is a nationally recognized research center dedicated to advancing biotechnology, from research and development to commercial application. For more than two decades, the center has partnered with startups, technology developers, and other industry partners to bring ideas to market, including contributing to the advancement of more than 100 innovative technologies toward commercial readiness, largely in the corn-to-ethanol industry.
"This project demonstrates how strategic investments in research and innovation can drive economic development across downstate Illinois," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "By expanding NCERC's capacity to help companies develop and commercialize new technologies, we are strengthening Southwestern Illinois' position as a hub for biomanufacturing and creating new opportunities for private investment, good-paying jobs, and workforce growth."
"Investment in the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center is crucial in order for Illinois to remain at the forefront of both the production of corn and the innovations that drive demand," said Illinois Department of Agriculture Director Jerry Costello II. "These advances help create new and stronger markets, which in turn, provide Illinois farmers with the stability they deserve. We are grateful to Governor Pritzker for his continued investments in agriculture, our state's number one industry."
The expansion will increase the amount of research space and capabilities available at NCERC, allowing the center to serve a larger number of companies. By increasing its capacity, the center will help attract additional private-sector investment to downstate Illinois while bringing new research dollars, expertise, and commercialization opportunities to the region.
"We thank Governor Pritzker for recognizing the importance of this investment and for his support. NCERC has helped scale countless technologies, making ethanol production more efficient and lowering costs to the consumer over the last 23 years. With this investment in added scale-up capacity, we can continue improving ethanol efficiency while creating new bio-based products and building markets for the next generation of farmers. This investment at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville in 'Sili-Corn Valley' as Congresswoman Budzinski would say, is a commitment to building the technologies and opportunities that will shape the future of Illinois agriculture and the bioeconomy. This is a significant investment in the future of Illinois agriculture, made possible through Governor Pritzker's support," said Mark Bunselmeyer, Illinois Corn Growers Association President and farmer from Maroa, IL.
"An investment of this magnitude in the National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center is an investment in the future economic competitiveness of Southwestern Illinois. NCERC has a unique industry profile that few places in the country can match. Its ability to take emerging technologies from research and development through scale-up and toward commercialization gives companies a reason to look at our region when deciding where to innovate, invest and grow," said Kyle Anderson, Executive Director, Leadership Council Southwestern Illinois. "This expansion will strengthen NCERC's position as a national and international destination for companies working in biofuels and other areas of the growing bioeconomy. Just as importantly, it creates an opportunity for Southwestern Illinois to attract the companies, entrepreneurs, researchers and investment that follow world-class research capabilities. We should view NCERC not only as a tremendous asset for SIUE, but as an economic-development engine capable of helping us bring new businesses and high-quality jobs to our region."
The expanded center will also support Illinois' agriculture industry by advancing technologies that create new markets and opportunities for agricultural producers. With ongoing uncertainty facing producers and agricultural markets nationally, investments that strengthen Illinois' bioeconomy and expand opportunities to utilize these products are increasingly important to the state's agricultural and manufacturing sectors.
Designated as a Biorefining Center of Excellence by the Illinois General Assembly, NCERC has the capacity to scale fermentation processes to 22,000 liters - the largest process development capacity provided by an academic institution in the United States. The expansion will maximize that existing expertise and infrastructure while positioning NCERC to support the next generation of sustainable fuels, chemicals, and materials.
"This is a significant public-private investment that is not only great for our region, but for entire industries across Illinois," said State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Swansea). "For more than two decades, the NCERC has been at the forefront of innovation. I'm excited to see what they can accomplish with expanded capabilities."
"NCERC contributes greatly to our local, state, and nation's economy and innovative efforts. This investment and expansion will continue to build the high-quality workforce training and access to state-of-the-art technology that our students deserve," said State Rep. Katie Stuart (D-Edwardsville).
"Today we further our commitment to the state's agriculture industry," said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). "The expansion will connect Illinois' agriculture with the next generation of energy, manufacturing and technology, keeping the state as a national leader in agricultural innovation. More uses for corn can mean more opportunities for Illinois' farmers, strengthening our agriculture economy."
The project will also support increased workforce development efforts through partnerships with SIUE and Lewis and Clark Community College. Expanded facilities and programming are expected to add capacity to train an additional 200 workers each year through a range of workforce development programs, helping build a pipeline of skilled workers for Illinois' growing biomanufacturing and advanced manufacturing sectors. In addition to workforce training opportunities, the project is expected to create approximately 25 new full-time positions at NCERC and support more than 100 construction jobs for local trades during the expansion.
"This is exciting and welcome news for SIUE, Edwardsville and the entire area," Edwardsville Mayor Art Risavy said. "The National Corn-to-Ethanol Research Center is an asset for SIUE and Edwardsville and this investment will multiply the opportunities and potential for growth."
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=33027
Governor Abbott Dedicates The Dr. Ron A. McMurry MediPlex
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Dedicates The Dr. Ron A. McMurry MediPlex
October 7, 2026 | Jasper, Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks and participated in the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Dr. Ron A. McMurry, MD Mediplex. He was joined by Congressman Brian Babin, Representative Hillary Hickland, Jasper Mayor Clark McClane, Jasper Hospital District President Rodney Norsworthy, past president of the Texas Medical Association Ray Callas, and other state and local officials.
"Ron McMurry devoted
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 10 -- Gov. Greg Abbott, R-Texas, issued the following news release:
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Governor Abbott Dedicates The Dr. Ron A. McMurry MediPlex
October 7, 2026 | Jasper, Texas
Governor Greg Abbott today delivered remarks and participated in the ribbon cutting and dedication of the Dr. Ron A. McMurry, MD Mediplex. He was joined by Congressman Brian Babin, Representative Hillary Hickland, Jasper Mayor Clark McClane, Jasper Hospital District President Rodney Norsworthy, past president of the Texas Medical Association Ray Callas, and other state and local officials.
"Ron McMurry devotedhis life to making sure that where a Texan lives does not determine the quality of care they receive," said Governor Abbott. "Today, we are not only dedicating a building. We are honoring his legacy by making a promise that rural Texas will never be left behind."
The MediPlex is a major investment in rural health care for the region. It includes dermatology, interventional pain management, and pediatric facilities, and an air rescue base for Air Evac Lifeteam, known locally as Air Rescue 3.
During his remarks, Governor Abbott honored Dr. McMurry, an eighth-generation Texan, United States Army combat veteran, and family physician who cared for Jasper for 40 forty years. He noted Dr. McMurry's service as director of the Jasper-Newton County Public Health District, where he expanded care for low-income Texans and pregnant women, and as president of the Jasper Hospital District.
The dedication builds on steps already taken for rural Texas. In December, Governor Abbott secured more than $1.4 billion in federal Rural Health Transformation Program funds for the Texas Health and Human Services Commission, $281 million a year for five years and the largest award of any state. HHSC is allocating those funds to strengthen rural hospitals and clinics and support care close to home.
Additional photos will be provided here (https://links-1.govdelivery.com/CL0/https:%2F%2Fwww.dropbox.com%2Fscl%2Ffo%2Fujnsdi7v047q9c84kwqo3%2FAGMK9nboSnPAJCmSpdIxmYk%3Frlkey=wacjcdl4gao3zrwrsi66dx9tl%26st=jjwciyze%26e=1%26dl=0/1/010001a1184b270a-efa833c5-3817-44d0-8751-f6aa50611fe4-000000/kAV-p_8JeCV-G2b_EekrjYnE5z2YBITCoZcsO5ly3mE=452) when available.
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Original text here: https://gov.texas.gov/news/post/governor-abbott-dedicates-the-dr-ron-a-mcmurry-mediplex
