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Tenn. Economic Dept.: Siemens Healthineers Announces Tennessee Manufacturing, R&D Expansion
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 10 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Siemens Healthineers Announces Tennessee Manufacturing, R&D Expansion
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging officials announced today the company is expanding its manufacturing operation in Blount County.
Siemens Healthineers has invested $43.6 million and will create more than 90 new jobs in the next five years at the
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 10 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Siemens Healthineers Announces Tennessee Manufacturing, R&D Expansion
NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee, Deputy Gov. and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter and Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging officials announced today the company is expanding its manufacturing operation in Blount County.
Siemens Healthineers has invested $43.6 million and will create more than 90 new jobs in the next five years at thecompany's Dunavant Drive facility in Rockford. The location houses Siemens Healthineers Molecular Imaging's (MI) PET Detector Center for research and development (R&D) and material production.
The project will enable Siemens Healthineers to boost production capacity for its PET detector technology to accommodate increasing customer demand and the launch of new PET/CT product lines. The PET detectors manufactured on the Dunavant Drive campus capture gamma rays that are emitted when a patient is injected with a radiopharmaceutical. PET/CT scanners translate these captured gamma ray signals into images that help clinicians measure metabolic activity and visualize various forms of disease, including cardiac disease, Alzheimer's disease and many forms of cancer.
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QUOTES
"Tennessee stands out nationwide as one of the best places to do business because of the global brands like Siemens Healthineers that have shaped our state's economy and business climate over the years. I am proud to take part in announcing nearly 100 new jobs that will create greater opportunity for the families across East Tennessee and look forward to seeing this company's success in the region."
- Gov. Bill Lee
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"We are making significant investments in our research and development sector now to ensure Tennessee is positioned to attract the jobs of the future. Siemens Healthineers' investment to expand its manufacturing and build out R&D across the company's Rockford facility strengthens the state's growing innovation ecosystem, and we are grateful for their continued partnership and commitment to Blount County."
- Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
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"Siemens Healthineers is grateful to the state of Tennessee for supporting the construction and renovation of our Rockford PET Detector Center. This project will increase our production capacity and customer access to our PET/CT scanners to meet the rapidly growing clinical demand for PET/CT imaging in the U.S. and internationally."
- James Williams, PhD, head of molecular imaging, Siemens Healthineers
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"Congratulations to Siemens Healthineers on its decision to expand operations and create new job opportunities in the Valley. TVA is proud to work alongside Maryville Electric Department and our many economic development partners to support companies like Siemens as they commit to continued investment in the region. We celebrate this announcement together and look forward to Siemens' continued business success."
- Heidi Smith, vice president of economic development, TVA
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"Siemens Healthineers has been an outstanding corporate partner and employer in Blount County for many years. Their expansion reflects both the success of their operation and the advantages of doing business in our community. We appreciate their investment in our workforce, their commitment to innovation and the economic opportunities this project will bring to our county."
- Blount County Mayor Jared Anderson and former Blount County Mayor Ed Mitchell
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"The completion of these significant expansions demonstrates why Blount County continues to attract and retain world-class manufacturers. Siemens Healthineers' growth reinforces the importance of strategic economic development investments that support job creation, advanced technology and long-term economic prosperity. We are proud to see these projects come to fruition and look forward to the company's continued success."
- Greg Wilson, chair, Blount County Industrial Development Board
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"Siemens Healthineers' $43.6 million investment is a significant commitment to Blount County that will create more than 90 new jobs and strengthen our region's growing economy. I'm proud to welcome this project to Rockford and appreciate Siemens Healthineers for choosing to expand its presence and invest in our talented workforce."
- Sen. Tom Hatcher (R-Maryville)
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"It's always encouraging to see an established company in our community continue to invest and grow here in Blount County. Siemens Healthineers' investment is a great reflection of the strong workforce and business environment here. I'm grateful for their continued partnership and excited to see this investment create new opportunities for local families."
- Rep. Jerome Moon (R-Maryville)
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About Siemens Healthineers
Siemens Healthineers pioneers breakthroughs in healthcare. For everyone. Everywhere. Sustainably. The company is a global provider of healthcare equipment, solutions and services, with activities in more than 180 countries and direct representation in more than 70. The group comprises Siemens Healthineers AG, listed as SHL in Frankfurt, Germany, and its subsidiaries.
As a leading medical technology company, Siemens Healthineers is committed to improving access to healthcare for underserved communities worldwide and is striving to overcome the most threatening diseases. The company is principally active in the areas of imaging, diagnostics, cancer care and minimally invasive therapies, augmented by digital technology and artificial intelligence. In fiscal 2025, which ended on September 30, 2025, Siemens Healthineers had approximately 74,000 employees worldwide and generated revenue of around Euros23.4 billion. Further information is available at siemens-healthineers.com.
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About the Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development (TNECD)
TNECD is the state's primary agency committed to fostering economic growth through job creation and community development. By attracting new corporate investment and facilitating the growth of existing businesses, the department works to strengthen Tennessee's competitive landscape. Additionally, TNECD strives to increase the economic prosperity for all Tennesseans by providing grants to communities statewide, helping them to become vibrant, business-friendly environments where companies can flourish. For more information, visit us at tnecd.com. Join the conversation on X, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and YouTube.
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Original text here: https://tnecd.com/news/siemens-healthineers-announces-tennessee-manufacturing-rd-expansion/
TEDCO Announces Total of $125,000 to Latest SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Awardees
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO Announces Total of $125,000 to Latest SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Awardees
Latest round awards a total of $125,000 across three organizations
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COLUMBIA, Md. -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced the latest round of awardees for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Matching Funds (Matching Funds) program.
"We are excited to have the means to support entrepreneurs across their journey,
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO Announces Total of $125,000 to Latest SBIR/STTR Matching Funds Awardees
Latest round awards a total of $125,000 across three organizations
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COLUMBIA, Md. -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced the latest round of awardees for the Small Business Innovation Research and Small Business Technology Transfer (SBIR/STTR) Matching Funds (Matching Funds) program.
"We are excited to have the means to support entrepreneurs across their journey,providing additional funds through the Matching Funds program to help them advance research and development efforts," said Julia Deng, director, SBIR Programs. "The three awardees were chosen from another competitive grouping of applicants. We are grateful for all applications and wish everyone luck on their entrepreneurial journey."
Created to strengthen the power of the SBIR/STTR awards, the Matching Funds program fosters job creation and economic development in Maryland by promoting the commercialization of research, facilitating technology transfer and encouraging SBIR/STTR program applications.
The $125,000 will be divided across three awardees for this round, including:
1. Stemora Inc, located in Frederick, Md. - $25,000
2. Microcom Design, located in Cockeysville, Md. - $25,000
3. Redhelm Labs, located in College Park, Md. - $75,000
The quarterly cycle offers two funding levels - Phase I awardees can receive up to 25% of their award, capped at $25,000. Phase II awardees can receive up to 25% of the award, capped at $75,000. The next application deadline is September 30, 2026, at 5:00 p.m. Apply for this funding round by visiting tedcomd.com/funding/federal-programs/sbirsttr-matching-funds.
"Asthe top-ranking State for federal technology transfer facilities, we are excited to be able to provide additional support to those who have received SBIR/STTR funding," said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. "With programs like this, we are confident TEDCO is making a difference across the innovation ecosystem, and we are excited to see the journey these awardees take as they continue creating unique solutions."
For more information about TEDCO's Federal Engagements programs, visit our page at tedcomd.com/funding/federal-programs.
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/press-release/tedco-announces-total-125000-latest-sbirsttr-matching-funds-awardees
Md. Natural Resources Dept.: State Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses Expanded Nearly 13% in 2025
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news:
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Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses Expanded Nearly 13% in 2025
Gains add more than 4,600 acres of critical Chesapeake Bay habitat
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Underwater grass abundance increased in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries last year. In Maryland's portion of the Bay, underwater grass coverage expanded from 36,799 acres in 2024 to 41,419 acres in 2025, an increase of nearly 13% in a single year. Bay-wide, SAV acreage reached an estimated 89,385 acres - up 7% from 83,252 acres in
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 10 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news:
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Maryland's Chesapeake Bay Underwater Grasses Expanded Nearly 13% in 2025
Gains add more than 4,600 acres of critical Chesapeake Bay habitat
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Underwater grass abundance increased in the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries last year. In Maryland's portion of the Bay, underwater grass coverage expanded from 36,799 acres in 2024 to 41,419 acres in 2025, an increase of nearly 13% in a single year. Bay-wide, SAV acreage reached an estimated 89,385 acres - up 7% from 83,252 acres in2024.
The 2025 acreage represents about 36% of Maryland's 114,065-acre restoration target, demonstrating meaningful progress while underscoring the opportunity for continued recovery.
The annual underwater grass survey is conducted by the Virginia Institute of Marine Science (VIMS), which maps submerged aquatic vegetation, or SAV, throughout the Chesapeake Bay and its tidal tributaries annually. VIMS also produces a report for Virginia's portion of the Bay.
"More underwater grass means more habitat for blue crabs and fish, cleaner water, and a more resilient Chesapeake Bay," said Maryland Department of Natural Resources Secretary Josh Kurtz. "This year's increase is welcome progress, but it also reinforces the work ahead. We need to keep reducing pollution, protecting existing underwater grass beds, and restoring the shallow-water habitats that allow these plants and the Bay life that depends on them to thrive."
Submerged aquatic vegetation beds are among the Chesapeake Bay's most valuable shallow-water habitats, providing food, shelter, and nursery grounds for fish, blue crabs, waterfowl, and other wildlife. They improve water quality by absorbing nutrients and trapping suspended sediment, add oxygen to the water through photosynthesis, help stabilize bottom sediments, and reduce shoreline erosion.
The underwater grass beds also store carbon and can help buffer the effects of coastal acidification, an important benefit to Maryland's shellfish industry. Because these underwater grasses require clear water to survive, their abundance and distribution are closely tied to water quality. Their ability to respond relatively quickly to both improving and deteriorating conditions makes SAV one of the Bay's most important indicators of ecosystem health.
"What is especially encouraging about 2025 is that the gains were not confined to one place," said Brooke Landry, SAV program chief for Maryland DNR and chair of the Chesapeake Bay Program SAV Workgroup. "We saw expansion in both freshwater and moderately salty parts of Maryland's Bay waters."
Tidal Fresh and Oligohaline: Freshwater grasses continue recovery
Maryland's tidal fresh and low-salinity waters gained a combined 1,059 acres of SAV in 2025.
Seven Maryland river or Bay segments met or exceeded their SAV restoration goals last year. These included:
* Northern Chesapeake Bay segment 1 at 102% of its 754-acre goal;
* North East River - 179% of its 89-acre goal
* Upper Chester River - 531% of its 1-acre goal
* Upper Sassafras River - 275% of its 95-acre goal
* Bush River - 158% of its 350-acre goal
* Upper Gunpowder River - 107% of its 572-acre goal
* Back River - 712% of its 30-acre goal
Two additional freshwater segments were close to their restoration goals:
* Northern Chesapeake Bay segment 2, which includes the expansive Susquehanna Flats SAV bed, reached 91% of its 12,149-acre SAV goal.
* Mattawoman Creek, a Potomac River tributary, maintained 85% of its 792-acre goal, despite a 200-acre loss of SAV in the creek.
Freshwater areas of the Chesapeake Bay support a particularly diverse SAV community. Species including wild celery (Vallisneria americana), water stargrass (Heteranthera dubia), several naiads (Najas spp.), pondweeds (Potamogeton spp.), and others contribute to this diversity. Having multiple species with different water-quality tolerances helps make these communities more resilient to changing conditions and better able to recover following disturbance.
Mesohaline: Mid-Bay grasses rebound from previous years' loss
Some of Maryland's largest gains occurred in the moderately salty waters of the mid-Bay, where SAV increased from 20,729 acres in 2024 to 24,289 acres in 2025--a gain of 3,560 acres, or about 17%.
Although no individual mid-Bay river segment reached its SAV restoration goal, Bay grasses expanded across much of the region. Along Maryland's Eastern Shore, eight rivers or river segments increased in SAV acreage by 50% or more.
* On the upper Eastern Shore, the lower Chester River increased in SAV acreage 55%, growing from 321 acres in 2024 to 496 acres in 2025.
* The Middle Central Chesapeake Bay increased 67%, from 14 to 24 acres.
* The mouth of the Choptank as well as the Lower Choptank river segments increased 54% and 157% respectively, as did the Little Choptank River (337% increase).
* At the mouth of the Choptank, SAV expanded from 3,214 acres to 4,951 acres.
* The Lower Choptank expanded from a more modest 10 acres to 25 acres.
* In the Little Choptank, SAV expanded from 157 acres to 684 acres.
* At the mouth of the Manokin River, SAV expanded 125%, increasing from 161 to 361 acres.
* In Tangier Sound segment 2, SAV increased 63%, increasing from 2 to 3 acres.
* The lower Pocomoke River SAV expanded 53% from 148 acres to 227 acres.
On Maryland's western shore, SAV expanded by 50% or more in the South River and in the Lower Patuxent River. In the South River, SAV expanded by over 1000% from 0.3 acres to 3.4 acres. In the Lower Patuxent, SAV expanded from 17 to 52 acres, a 201% increase.
One of Maryland's largest gains occurred in Tangier Sound segment 1, which includes the waters surrounding Smith and Bloodsworth islands. SAV in that area expanded from 6,837 acres in 2024 to 8,241 acres in 2025 -- an increase of more than 1,400 acres.
Despite large regional gains in lower Eastern Shore tributaries and mainstem segments, the Honga River, along with the Lower Central Chesapeake Bay segment, lost a combined 1,277 acres of SAV.
Continued recovery requires vigilance
The widespread expansion observed in 2025 represents continued recovery of Maryland's freshwater SAV following losses in 2023 and a rebound of the moderately salt-tolerant mid-Bay community following declines in 2024.
In Maryland's mid-Bay, widgeon grass (Ruppia maritima) and sago pondweed (Stuckenia pectinata) account for much of the SAV community. Widgeon grass is especially widespread because it can tolerate a broad range of salinities and has the ability to reproduce and expand quickly when conditions are favorable. Widgeon grass also experiences rapid declines when environmental conditions become unfavorable, contributing to substantial year-to-year variability in SAV abundance.
"These communities are dynamic: when light, salinity and other growing conditions align, species such as widgeon grass can spread quickly," Landry said. "The flip side is that the same beds can decline just as quickly when conditions deteriorate, which is why long-term monitoring, sustained water-quality improvements, and protection of existing habitat remain so important."
Those fluctuations are an important reminder that a single year of growth does not guarantee continued recovery. SAV depends on sunlight reaching the Bay bottom, making water clarity fundamental to its survival. Nutrient and sediment runoff, algal blooms, storms, temperature, and changing salinity can all influence whether grass beds expand or contract from one year to the next.
Protecting and restoring SAV is therefore essential to the long-term health and resilience of the Chesapeake Bay. Maryland DNR and its partners work to protect existing SAV beds, improve water quality and clarity, restore underwater grass where appropriate, and maintain long-term monitoring needed to understand how these habitats are changing.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/09/08/marylands-chesapeake-bay-underwater-grasses-expanded-nearly-13-in-2025/
Idaho DEQ Releases 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards
BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 10 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ releases 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards
BOISE - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released the 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards. The review will guide water quality standards rulemaking and subprogram development for the next three years.
The Clean Water Act Sec. 303(c) requires states to modify and improve their water quality standards at least once every three years. Under this triennial review process, states
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BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 10 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ releases 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards
BOISE - The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) released the 2026 Triennial Review of Idaho Water Quality Standards. The review will guide water quality standards rulemaking and subprogram development for the next three years.
The Clean Water Act Sec. 303(c) requires states to modify and improve their water quality standards at least once every three years. Under this triennial review process, statesmust review, modify, and adopt applicable water quality standards, taking into consideration public concerns, US Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) guidance, and new scientific and technical information.
DEQ provided opportunities for public participation by publishing three water quality standards issue papers for public review and hosting two in-person meetings in Lewiston and Idaho Falls, and one hybrid meeting in Boise. The public meetings communicated triennial review requirements, proposed issues for prioritization, and solicited feedback from stakeholders.
Materials related to the 2026 Triennial Review are available on DEQ's Water Quality Standards web page under the Triennial Review drop-down.
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Original text here: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/deq-releases-2026-triennial-review-of-idaho-water-quality-standards/
Government, Made Easier. Gov. Newsom Introduces AskCA, a New AI-powered Tool for Californians
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Government, made easier. Governor Newsom introduces AskCA, a new AI-powered tool for Californians
What you need to know: Delivering on the Governor's March 2026 Executive Order on artificial intelligence, California has developed AskCA, a new AI-powered tool to help Californians better connect with state services through a streamlined model designed around life events like finding a job, starting a business, or recovering from a disaster. The state is now seeking volunteers
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SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Government, made easier. Governor Newsom introduces AskCA, a new AI-powered tool for Californians
What you need to know: Delivering on the Governor's March 2026 Executive Order on artificial intelligence, California has developed AskCA, a new AI-powered tool to help Californians better connect with state services through a streamlined model designed around life events like finding a job, starting a business, or recovering from a disaster. The state is now seeking volunteersto help test and refine this new tool.
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SACRAMENTO - Governor Newsom today introduced AskCA, a new AI-powered digital assistant to help Californians better navigate state and local services. AskCA is designed to be a single entry point, guided by what Californians need, to make navigating state and local government programs easier than ever before. Starting today, Californians can sign up to be part of the pilot. The new prototype came from California's response to the devastating January 2025 Los Angeles wildfires.
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When a Californian needs help, they shouldn't have to become an expert in government to find it. We're using the best technology California has to offer to make government more efficient, effective, and more engaged -- meeting people where they are, making it easier to navigate services, and ultimately delivering stronger results worthy of their tax dollars.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The prototype was built by the Office of Data and Innovation to navigate people through life events including, for example:
* Finding a job
* Starting a business
* Family services
* Disaster recovery
"With AskCA, the state is utilizing AI to deliver services faster, reduce administrative complexity, and connect people to the right resources without unnecessary barriers," said Nick Maduros Secretary of the Government Operations Agency. "By creating a single entry point for government services, we are removing steps in the process and improving efficiency for Californians."
"For too many Californians, accessing government services seems like a maze. With AskCA, California is harnessing a culture of innovation to respond to the needs of the state's 39 million residents to connect with services," said Daniel E. Ho, Stanford University, Director of Stanford RegLab, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI (HAI). "Stanford RegLab is proud to partner with the state to pioneer a framework to rigorously learn, evaluate, and improve such a system through rapid technological change."
"The real test of an effective government chatbot is launching one that serves the needs of its communities and earns their trust. We're proud to be a part of that work in California," said Phillip Hunter, Lead Volunteer at U.S. Digital Response. "Our U.S. Digital Response team developed the evaluation and testing methodology for AskCA that helps the state confirm the chatbot is pulling from legitimate government sources and giving residents accurate answers. Trust in a tool like this comes from testing it that rigorously, not from hoping it works."
Help us create AskCA
Californians are being invited to help refine AskCA's responses. Starting today, the Office of Data and Innovation is looking for beta testers for the next phase of the project. Testers must be 18 years or older and a California resident. Learn more about the sign up process at ask.ca.gov.
Subject matter experts from across state government are continually helping to inform the responses to improve AskCA's accuracy. This ensures that answers provided are backed by verified sources, providing clear and actionable guidance rather than simple chat functionality.
Reimagining the journey of Californians in need
The prototype was researched and tested early with:
* 140+ fire recovery leaders and Altadena wildfire survivors
* A dozen job seekers at a recent CalHR job fair
* More than 100 general user testers
"Californians should not have to understand how government is organized just to get basic help," said Director Jeffery Marino of the Office of Data and Innovation. "This digital assistant moves from traditional web search to a vision of a service-integrated tool, explaining services, streamlining logins, and unifying department services into a single experience."
Key partners supported AskCA in this bold effort. The California Office of Data and Innovation built AskCA's knowledge base in collaboration with Anthropic's Claude model, with security support from the California Department of Technology. Through its partnership with the state, announced in July, Anthropic also provides strategic guidance and technical assistance. Through the California Innovation Council and Emerging Technology Accelerator, U.S. Digital Response and Stanford's RegLab help measure performance and improve the tool's effectiveness, and a partnership with 211 further strengthens AskCA's impact.
Use AskCA to help match skills to state jobs
CalHR is the first department to deploy the AskCA prototype in a live public service, powering a new AI driven job skills matching feature launching September 30 on CalCareers.ca.gov. Using the same engine behind California's digital assistant, the tool helps job seekers understand how their experience aligns with state job classifications by allowing them to upload a resume and receive matching state roles -- an approach early testers called especially helpful for those new to public service.
"CalHR is proud to be the first department to put the AskCA prototype into action to improve services for Californians," said CalHR Director Monica Erickson. "By powering our new job skills matching feature, job seekers can better understand how their experience aligns with opportunities in state service. This pilot reflects our commitment to responsible innovation and to making CalCareers more accessible and supportive for everyone looking to serve California."
CalHR will launch the feature as a pilot with full public access, allowing ongoing refinement while ensuring privacy; the tool does not store personal information or require a CalCareers account.
Leading in government efficiency
Governor Newsom has made efficiency and innovation -- with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties -- a top priority since the start of his administration. Governor Newsom has:
* Established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians.
* Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
* Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to improve incident reporting and to predict where wildfires might occur and where drones should be deployed.
* Issued executive orders in 2023 and 2026 directing state agencies to responsibly implement Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees, with the appropriate privacy, security, and civil liberties guardrails.
* Developed a new AI tool, "Poppy," specifically tailored for government use.
* Launched the Emerging Technology Accelerator, leveraging pro bono technical expertise from UC Berkeley, Stanford Institute for Human-Centered AI, Mozilla Foundation, Nava Labs, Tech Talent Project, and US Digital Response to modernize government service delivery.
* Launched the Breakthrough Project with industry executives to support efficiency initiatives. The Breakthrough Project has helped save $12 million through pooled IT contracts, digitized 40,000 water rights records, expanded access to the Golden Bear Pass Program, and saved hundreds of thousands of dollars by digitizing outdated printing processes.
* Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments.
Improving government services through engagement
Last year, Governor Newsom launched Engaged California, the first-of-its-kind digital platform that offers a virtual town hall setting to empower Californians to engage and share insights about a particular topic. The pilot project involved people impacted by the Los Angeles wildfires. They aligned on a rebuilding and recovery process through a six-month conversation with 2,500 comments from Californians. The tool also solicited input on efficiency ideas from state government employees. Currently, the platform seeks to give Californians a stronger voice in AI policy and assess its impact on the state's economy and workers. This is the first statewide use of the tool, open to every resident.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/09/government-made-easier-governor-newsom-introduces-askca-a-new-ai-powered-tool-for-californians/
Arizona State Senate Republicans Help Prepare State for the Future of Advanced Air Mobility
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Arizona Senate Republicans Help Prepare State for the Future of Advanced Air Mobility
PHOENIX, ARIZONA--The future of flight is taking off in Arizona, and Senate Republicans are working to ensure the Grand Canyon State is leading the way. Senators Frank Carroll and David Farnsworth joined Joby Aviation at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport this week for a firsthand look at the latest advancements in autonomous air travel as they work with industry leaders to shape legislation for the upcoming
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 10 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Arizona Senate Republicans Help Prepare State for the Future of Advanced Air Mobility
PHOENIX, ARIZONA--The future of flight is taking off in Arizona, and Senate Republicans are working to ensure the Grand Canyon State is leading the way. Senators Frank Carroll and David Farnsworth joined Joby Aviation at Phoenix Deer Valley Airport this week for a firsthand look at the latest advancements in autonomous air travel as they work with industry leaders to shape legislation for the upcomingsession and position Arizona as the nation's premier destination for the next generation of aviation.
The event featured Joby's autonomous J208 aircraft and kicked off its Electric Skies tour, with Arizona serving as the starting point for a nationwide journey showcasing the possibilities of autonomous flight. As innovation reaches new heights, so does the work at the Arizona Senate. Senators Carroll and Farnsworth have spent years developing legislation in this area and continue working with industry leaders and stakeholders ahead of the 2027 legislative session. With Majority Whip Carroll's SB 1307 laying the groundwork for advanced air mobility infrastructure and Senator Farnsworth securing a $2 million budget investment for the Advanced Air Mobility Fund in 2025, the mission remains the same today: keep Arizona ahead of the curve. The goal is to ensure Arizona has the policies and infrastructure needed to attract aviation investment, support high-paying jobs, and safely bring new transportation options to communities across the state.
"Arizona has the opportunity to lead the next revolution in transportation," said Majority Whip Carroll. "We've been laying the groundwork at the legislature so companies developing the future of aviation know Arizona is open for innovation and ready for investment. Advanced Air Mobility can improve connectivity between our communities, strengthen emergency response and public safety, support our defense industry, connect communities, and create tremendous economic opportunities. We want the aircraft of tomorrow to be developed, tested, manufactured, and deployed right here in Arizona."
"The technology is here, the momentum is building, and Arizona has every ingredient necessary to become the national leader in Advanced Air Mobility," said Senator Farnsworth. "I've been meeting with companies at the forefront of this industry and seeing firsthand how rapidly these aircraft are advancing. Our responsibility as lawmakers is to remove unnecessary barriers and ensure that the infrastructure and policies are in place to translate innovation into real-world transportation. This is about more than new aircraft. It's about jobs, economic growth, stronger communities, and giving Arizonans entirely new ways to move around our state. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us, and Arizona is leading the way."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/arizona-senate-republicans-help-prepare-state-for-the-future-of-advanced-air-mobility
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Investigation Into Anticompetitive Practices in Firetruck Manufacturing Industry Endangering Arizona Communities
PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into Anticompetitive Practices in Firetruck Manufacturing Industry Endangering Arizona Communities
PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced an investigation into potential anticompetitive conduct in the firetruck manufacturing industry, responding to mounting concerns from Arizona fire departments and local governments about skyrocketing costs and unreasonable delivery timelines for critical firefighting apparatus.
"Arizona's
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Sept. 10 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Sept. 9, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Investigation into Anticompetitive Practices in Firetruck Manufacturing Industry Endangering Arizona Communities
PHOENIX -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced an investigation into potential anticompetitive conduct in the firetruck manufacturing industry, responding to mounting concerns from Arizona fire departments and local governments about skyrocketing costs and unreasonable delivery timelines for critical firefighting apparatus.
"Arizona'sfirefighters run toward danger to protect the rest of us, and they shouldn't have to do it with equipment that's falling apart because corporate greed has priced them out of the repairs and replacements they need," said Attorney General Mayes. "My office will hold accountable any company that puts profits ahead of the safety of our first responders and the communities they serve."
Fire departments across Arizona have reported steep and sudden increases in the cost of essential equipment--including aerial ladder trucks, pumper engines, water tankers, and rescue vehicles--coupled with extended wait times that have left some departments waiting years for new equipment.
These challenges have put pressure on municipal and fire district budgets statewide and left firefighters operating equipment well past its intended service life, raising serious concerns about their ability to respond effectively to emergencies. The price surges have tracked closely with the consolidation in the industry and unexplained manufacturing shutdowns and slowdowns occurring even as demand for new vehicles remained high.
Protecting Arizona's first responders and every Arizonan they serve is a top priority for Attorney General Mayes. The Attorney General remains committed to pursuing any illegal conduct that may violate antitrust laws, jeopardizes public safety or drives up costs for local governments and taxpayers.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-investigation-anticompetitive-practices-firetruck
