Featured Stories
Tenn. Economic Dept.: Ultium Cells to Invest Additional $1 Billion in Spring Hill
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 30 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Ultium Cells to Invest Additional $1 Billion in Spring Hill
Middle Tennessee
September 29, 2026
Highlights
* Joint venture has pioneered breakthrough battery technology
* Announcement follows multi-billion-dollar investment across 2021, 2022
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter today announced Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture of LG Energy Solution
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 30 -- The Tennessee Department of Economic and Community Development issued the following news:
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Ultium Cells to Invest Additional $1 Billion in Spring Hill
Middle Tennessee
September 29, 2026
Highlights
* Joint venture has pioneered breakthrough battery technology
* Announcement follows multi-billion-dollar investment across 2021, 2022
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NASHVILLE, Tenn. - Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Deputy Governor and Department of Economic and Community Development Commissioner Stuart McWhorter today announced Ultium Cells LLC, a joint venture of LG Energy Solutionand General Motors (GM), will retool and diversify its Spring Hill, Tennessee, battery cell manufacturing operations.
Ultium Cells will invest $1 billion in its Spring Hill facility, which is expected to be the first in the world to produce prismatic lithium manganese-rich (LMR) battery cells in mass production, a technology that offers energy density 33% greater than lithium iron phosphate (LFP) -- today's leading affordable battery chemistry -- but at a comparable cost.
Facility modifications will begin later this year and are expected to be completed in 2028. Today's announcement builds on a partnership between the two companies to develop prismatic battery cell technology and related chemistries and on GM's long legacy of American ingenuity that's produced innovations like the small-block V8 engine, OnStar connected vehicle services and hands-free Super Cruise.
GM and LG Energy Solution originally announced their joint venture in 2021, pledging to create 1,300 jobs and with an investment of more than $2.3 billion. In 2022, the two companies announced an expansion at the facility, creating another 400 new jobs and investing a further $275 million.
QUOTES
"When GM and LG Energy Solution announced their joint venture in 2021, we knew it would create new opportunities for more than 1,000 Tennessee families. I'm grateful for Ultium Cells' continued investment in our state and the confidence they've placed in Tennessee's highly skilled workforce and look forward to building on our partnership in the years ahead." - Gov. Bill Lee
"Tennessee remains well-positioned in the automotive industry to build upon the decades of success we have experienced. A further billion-dollar investment from Ultium Cells signals confidence in our efforts to make Tennessee the best place to live, work and raise a family, and I'm grateful to their leadership for recognizing the opportunity that exists in our state." - Deputy Gov. and TNECD Commissioner Stuart C. McWhorter
"Establishing LMR prismatic cell production at Ultium Cells in Spring Hill is a key step in GM's strategy to match the right battery technology to customer needs and strengthen our leadership in domestic battery manufacturing and innovation. High-nickel batteries will continue to give customers the highest range in our portfolio, while adding LMR positions us to leapfrog today's more affordable chemistries and deliver lower costs with better performance. This flexibility allows us to scale efficiently, reach more customers, and support GM's long-term EV strategy and profitability journey." - Kurt Kelty, vice president of battery and sustainability, GM
"This marks Ultium Cells' second major investment in Spring Hill and reflects the company's continued growth as a diversified battery cell manufacturer. By evolving production to meet changing market demands, Ultium Cells is reinforcing its long-term position as a key employer and technology leader in the U.S. battery cell sector." - Injae Pahk, president, Ultium Cells
"Ultium Cells' $1 billion expansion is a tremendous investment in Spring Hill and a vote of confidence in the skilled Tennesseans who work there. Producing this new battery technology here will strengthen our community's role in automotive manufacturing and help drive Tennessee's economy forward." - Sen. Joey Hensley (R-Hohenwald)
"Ultium Cells has been a valued community partner in Maury County for many years, and I'm excited they have decided to continue investing here. Our skilled workforce, strong infrastructure and business-friendly policies are driving Tennessee's growing automotive industry. I congratulate the company's dedicated employees and look forward to their continued success." - Rep. Kip Capley (R-Summertown)
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About Ultium Cells
Ultium Cells is a joint venture between General Motors and LG Energy Solution that will mass-produce Ultium battery cells to advance the push for a zero-emissions, all-electric future.
Ultium Cells provides battery cell capacity to support GM's North American electric vehicle assembly, while supporting other mobile and stationary energy storage opportunities. For more information about Ultium Cells, please visit www.ultiumcell.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/ultium-cells-to-invest-additional-1-billion-in-spring-hill/
TENN. COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 30 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
September 29, 2026
NASHVILLE--Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 11.00 percent per annum.
The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 7.00 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on September 28, 2026.
Commissioner Gonzales said the rate remains in effect until
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 30 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE SEPTEMBER 29, 2026
September 29, 2026
NASHVILLE--Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 11.00 percent per annum.
The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 7.00 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on September 28, 2026.
Commissioner Gonzales said the rate remains in effect untilthe average prime loan rate as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank changes.
Chapter 464, Public Acts of 1983, the legislation regulating interest rates in Tennessee, requires that the commissioner of Financial Institutions make an announcement weekly of the formula rate of interest.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/tdfi/news/2026/9/29/commissioner-gonzales-announces-weekly-formula-rate-september-29--2026.html
Shapiro Administration Celebrates Progress of DrinkPAK's Flagship East Coast Manufacturing Facility in Philadelphia
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 30 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Celebrates Progress of DrinkPAK's Flagship East Coast Manufacturing Facility in Philadelphia
September 29, 2026
DrinkPAK's expansion will be an anchor for the Bellwether District, a state-of-the-art commercial redevelopment project in South and Southwest Philadelphia that is part of the Shapiro Administration's PA Fast Track initiative.
The canned beverage manufacturer's $195 million project, announced by Governor Shapiro in December
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 30 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Celebrates Progress of DrinkPAK's Flagship East Coast Manufacturing Facility in Philadelphia
September 29, 2026
DrinkPAK's expansion will be an anchor for the Bellwether District, a state-of-the-art commercial redevelopment project in South and Southwest Philadelphia that is part of the Shapiro Administration's PA Fast Track initiative.
The canned beverage manufacturer's $195 million project, announced by Governor Shapiro in December2025, will create at least 174 new jobs and further boost Pennsylvania's manufacturing industry.
Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has competed for and won over $43 billion in private-sector investments that are creating nearly 29,000 new jobs and driving economic growth across Pennsylvania.
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Philadelphia, PA - Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger highlighted the construction progress of leading canned beverage manufacturer DrinkPAK's $195 million expansion project into Philadelphia's Bellwether District. Last December, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Commonwealth's $2 million investment to support the company's first Pennsylvania manufacturing facility, which will create at least 174 new jobs in the Commonwealth.
DrinkPAK is leasing a 1.4 million-square-foot, build-to-suit facility on 74.8 acres in the Bellwether District to serve as its flagship manufacturing facility on the East Coast. Today's ceremony celebrated the construction progress of the facility, which currently has four walls in place.
"DrinkPAK's $195 million investment is a big win for Philadelphia and for Pennsylvania, bringing new jobs, new economic activity, and a major new manufacturing operation to the Commonwealth," said Secretary Siger. "This new facility will strengthen our manufacturing industry and help the Bellwether District become a major center for business and innovation. The Shapiro Administration is proud to support this project and the opportunity it creates for Pennsylvanians, and we look forward to seeing this investment become part of Philadelphia's next chapter of economic growth."
The DrinkPAK facility will also serve as an anchor for the Bellwether District, a 1,300-acre state-of-the-art commercial redevelopment project underway in South and Southwest Philadelphia that is reimagining the former Philadelphia Energy Solutions refinery into a hub for economic development, advanced manufacturing, and innovation.
Coordinated by Governor Shapiro's BusinessPA team, DrinkPAK received a funding proposal from DCED for a $2 million Pennsylvania First grant and is also eligible to apply for the Manufacturing Tax Credit program. Because the Bellwether District is located in a Keystone Opportunity Zone with a term that runs through 2043, the company may also receive additional tax benefits.
"Philadelphia was a strategic choice for DrinkPAK as we expand our manufacturing network to the East Coast," said Nate Patena, CEO, DrinkPAK. "It positions us to better serve our customers and continue growing our business while becoming part of a city with an incredible community and strong business ecosystem. We look forward to building lasting partnerships, being a great neighbor and growing alongside Philadelphia for years to come."
The Bellwether District is a project of HRP Group, a vertically integrated real estate investment company focused on the transformation of complex industrial sites. The Bellwether District is one of the most exciting industrial properties in the eastern United States and is being transformed into a modern hub for life sciences, advanced manufacturing, and economic opportunity.
"When we welcomed DrinkPAK to The Bellwether District last year, we called their decision a powerful validation of what we believe is possible here in Philadelphia," said Roberto E. Perez, CEO, HRP Group. "Today, that vision is becoming reality. This extraordinary facility represents exactly the kind of investment The Bellwether District was built to attract: innovative companies making long-term commitments to growth, creating quality jobs and building the industries of tomorrow. We're proud to partner with DrinkPAK, the City of Philadelphia and the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania to bring that vision to life."
The Bellwether District is also part of Governor Shapiro's Pennsylvania (PA) Permit Fast Track Program, which was designed to streamline the Commonwealth's permitting process for key economic development and infrastructure projects, increase transparency, and accelerate timelines to ensure state government delivers results quickly and efficiently. Created under Executive Order 2024-04, the Fast Track Program -- administered through the Office of Transformation and Opportunity (OTO)-- helps develop, manage, and coordinate permitting for complex, high-impact projects across government agencies and private partners, ensuring project sponsors get answers in a timely manner.
"DrinkPAK's strong vote of confidence in our city's future affirms that we are a clear destination of choice for business and positioned to keep driving the growth of our advanced manufacturing industry. We are proud to support this transformative project expected to bring nearly 175 jobs to our city. Philadelphia is open for business," said Mayor Cherelle L. Parker. "DrinkPAK is supported through our PHL PRIME initiative - Project Review and Infrastructure Made Easy - that is helping advance high-impact projects at the speed of business. DrinkPAK's progress is a reflection that our strategic and coordinated approach is working."
From day one, Governor Shapiro has been laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania -- and it's working.
In every corner of the Commonwealth, businesses are expanding and creating real opportunities for Pennsylvanians -- from Tandem Foods in Allegheny County, Philips in Mifflin County, Burlington Stores Inc. in Philadelphia, Chobani in Lehigh County, Gerard Daniel in York County, Brunk Industries in Armstrong County, GE Vernova in Allegheny and Westmoreland Counties, The Wenger Group in Adams County, CCL Container in Mercer County, Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials in Berks County, Ezeflow in Lawrence County, Nokia in Lehigh County, Kurt J. Lesker in Allegheny and Centre Counties, Vylor in Delaware County, Bonduelle in Philadelphia, Mondi Bagsin Allegheny County, WebFX in Harrisburg, Premier Brands of America in Lackawanna County, John Brothers Holdings in Union County, and TerraPower Isotopes in Philadelphia, also in the Bellwether District.
Pennsylvania's Business Climate and Growing Economy Is Earning National Recognition
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- securing over $43 billion in private-sector investment while creating nearly 29,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi.
* The Commonwealth was recently ranked the top state for business in the Northeast by CNBC in its Top States for Business in America rankings - the highest Pennsylvania has been ranked in 15 years.
* Last year, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commonwealth ranked third in the nation for job growth.
* Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation.
* Data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in the nation for five-year new business survival.
The Governor's 2026-27 budget builds on this momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win. Secured in the new budget, Pennsylvania's Innovate in PA 2.0 program will disperse $125 million for promising startups, fund clinical trials for the life sciences, and enhance the Commonwealth's innovation network to help these companies succeed.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
For more information about the Department of Community and Economic Development, visit the agency's website (), Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-celebrates-progress-of-drinkpaks-flagship-east-coast-manufacturing-facility-in-philadelphia/
Ohio State Auditor: Former Belpre Township Trustee Pleads No Contest in Washington County to Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract Award
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 30 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release:
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Former Belpre Township Trustee Pleads No Contest in Washington County to Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract Award
September 29, 2026
COLUMBUS -- A former Belpre Township trustee pleaded no contest Tuesday to having an unlawful interest in a public contract award after he voted to award a road repair contract to a company owned by his mother.
Curt Welch was ordered to pay $1,290.50 in special audit costs and a $250 fine and court costs during a hearing in Washington County Common
... Show Full Article
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Sept. 30 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release:
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Former Belpre Township Trustee Pleads No Contest in Washington County to Having an Unlawful Interest in a Public Contract Award
September 29, 2026
COLUMBUS -- A former Belpre Township trustee pleaded no contest Tuesday to having an unlawful interest in a public contract award after he voted to award a road repair contract to a company owned by his mother.
Curt Welch was ordered to pay $1,290.50 in special audit costs and a $250 fine and court costs during a hearing in Washington County CommonPleas Court, where he submitted his plea to the misdemeanor count.
The Auditor of State's Special Investigations Unit (SIU) and the Ohio Ethics Commission jointly investigated the case.
They confirmed that Welch participated in a vote during an emergency township trustee meeting in October 2023 to approve payment of $33,816 for a culvert replacement and slip repair project that was completed a few months earlier without prior approval or required competitive bidding for the work.
The contract for the project was awarded to a company where Welch was an employee and that was owned and operated by his mother.
Since 2019, the Special Investigations Unit has assisted in 171 convictions resulting in more than $17.9 million in restitution (see Map of SIU Convictions since January 2019). The team receives hundreds of tips of suspected fraud annually. Tips can be submitted anonymously online or via SIU's fraud hotline at 866-FRAUD-OH (866-372-8364).
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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: https://www.auditor.state.oh.us/news/pressreleases/Details/7948
N.Y. Mayor Mamdani Unveils $128 Million Brownsville Multi-Service Center, Delivered Two Years Early and $10 Million Under Budget
LONG ISLAND CITY, New York, Sept. 30 -- The New York State Department of Design and Construction issued the following news release:
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Mayor Mamdani Unveils $128 Million Brownsville Multi-Service Center, Delivered Two Years Early and $10 Million Under Budget
September 28, 2026
What you should know
* 60,000-square-foot, all-electric center will provide space for community-based organizations and Brooklyn Community Board 16
* State-of-the-art facility features commercial kitchen, gardens, offices, community rooms and public artwork by Brooklyn artist Jazmine Hayes
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NEW YORK - Mayor
... Show Full Article
LONG ISLAND CITY, New York, Sept. 30 -- The New York State Department of Design and Construction issued the following news release:
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Mayor Mamdani Unveils $128 Million Brownsville Multi-Service Center, Delivered Two Years Early and $10 Million Under Budget
September 28, 2026
What you should know
* 60,000-square-foot, all-electric center will provide space for community-based organizations and Brooklyn Community Board 16
* State-of-the-art facility features commercial kitchen, gardens, offices, community rooms and public artwork by Brooklyn artist Jazmine Hayes
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NEW YORK - MayorZohran Kwame Mamdani, Department of Design and Construction (DDC) Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa, Department of Social Services (DSS) Commissioner Erin Dalton and Department of Cultural Affairs (DCLA) Commissioner Diya Vij today unveiled the new $128 million Brownsville Multi-Service Center, a four-story, state-of-the-art facility that will provide space for community-based organizations serving residents across Brooklyn.
The 60,000-square-foot center features 10 office spaces, three flexible conference rooms that can be combined into a large meeting center, a commercial kitchen, a 1,600-square-foot outdoor community garden, green roofs and public artwork. The all-electric building was designed to meet the City's climate resilience standards and includes solar panels across three floors and large windows that maximize natural light. The project is expected to meet or exceed LEED Gold certification.
"City government should deliver beautiful, sustainable public buildings that serve working people and the communities they call home," said Mayor Mamdani. "And we delivered this one two years ahead of schedule and $10 million under budget. Brownsville deserves investment that is built with care, and that's exactly what this center represents."
The center will be operated by the Neighborhood Association for Inter-Cultural Affairs (NAICA) and will house a range of organizations serving Brownsville, including the offices of Brooklyn Community Board 16.
DDC managed the project for DSS using the design-build method of project delivery, reducing construction time by at least two years and saving the City $10 million. The design-build team was led by Gilbane Building Company and Marvel. Approximately 11,000 tons of material were removed during demolition, with 85% diverted to recycling facilities.
"It's hard to build a community without building enough community space, and DDC is proud to deliver this amazing $128 million center for the residents of Brownsville," said DDC Commissioner Paul A. Ochoa. "This four-story center will soon be home to community-based organizations that will offer programming and services to thousands of neighbors. We built a kitchen, community garden, meeting spaces and other areas that will allow residents of all ages to participate in classes, workshops, cultural activities and more. By bringing organizations, services and residents under one roof, the center will create so many new opportunities for connection, learning and community engagement, while also giving local organizations a dedicated place to serve Brownsville."
"We're proud to unveil the brand-new Brownsville Multi-Service Center which creates a state-of-the-art home for local organizations to provide services and resources that engage and support the community," said DSS Commissioner Erin Dalton. "We are grateful to our agency partners at DDC for developing this sustainable, high-quality building with great efficiency and DCLA for working with an artist that has roots in the community to give this space more meaning. We are excited to open the doors of this resource to the community in the coming months."
"Public art not only has the power to transform the appearance of a space, but the ways we experience it," said Cultural Affairs Commissioner Diya Vij. "Commissioned by our Percent for Art program, the powerful three-dimensional mural 'I Am Protected' by artist Jazmine Hayes is both an amulet and a vision for a just future, infused with input from Brownsville youth, where the surrounding community is honored and held high from now on. This is the promise of public art -- to be both a marker of time and a map for times ahead."
The center also features a series of installations commissioned through the Department of Cultural Affairs' (DCLA) Percent for Art program by Brooklyn-based artist Jazmine Hayes, who was born and raised in East New York. Titled "I Am Protected," the project includes four works placed throughout the building and community garden.
Many of Hayes' works incorporate images of braids, cowry shells and repeating patterns that reflect the cultures and histories of Brownsville while exploring themes of protection, reclamation and healing. In 2025, the project received the NYC Public Design Commission's 43rd Annual Award for Excellence in Design.
The four works featured in "I Am Protected" include:
* "In my mothers' garden," which depicts a person planting a seed while a deity pours water back into the land. Behind the figures, a map of patterned designs replicates an aerial view of architectural structures of NYCHA's Brownsville Houses.
* "I am divinely guided," which features a suspended spiral installation from 444 cowry shells. Once used as currency across Black and Brown diasporas, the shells are rendered in resin, with 111 incorporating upcycled plastics, evoking connections through water and environmental justice.
* "Like the seeds in my cornrows," which draws on histories of storytelling and braid maps. It includes braid pattern motifs designed by Brownsville youth, layered over panels replicating the mapping used in the community garden.
* "I shall grow tall to the skies," which features a massive mural of a Moko Jumbie, a stilt walker rooted in West African and Caribbean traditions regarded as a protector.
Since 1982, New York City's Percent for Art law has required that one percent of the budget for eligible City-funded construction projects be dedicated to public artwork. Managed by DCLA, the program has commissioned hundreds of site-specific works integrated into public spaces across the five boroughs.
"There are many themes in each work that honors the history, the now and the tomorrow of Brownsville, Brooklyn and communities alike. With each design at an entry point across the Multi-Service Center, my intent is that every visitor and youth of the Brownsville community is met with an affirmation of curiosity, care and imagination," said artist Jazmine Hayes. "May this space be a resourceful and united place of activity and programming for the children, families and people to come. I am truly grateful to have been a part of this phenomenal accomplishment and team."
"As the doors of the Community Board 16 Brooklyn office at 444 Thomas S. Boyland Street are slated to reopen, we honor the enduring legacy of the man whose name marks this place and renew our charge to serve Brownsville and Ocean Hill with the same valor and dedication," said Sydone Thompson, District Manager for Brooklyn Community Board 16.
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Original text here: https://www.nyc.gov/mayors-office/news/2026/09/mayor-mamdani-unveils--128-million-brownsville-multi-service-cen
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: Brothers Plead Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid Out of $1.6 Million
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 30 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release:
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DiNapoli: Brothers Plead Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid Out of $1.6 Million
September 28, 2026
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh, Jr. today announced that two brothers pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree for using three Medicaid transportation companies to systematically defraud the program out
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 30 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release:
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DiNapoli: Brothers Plead Guilty to Defrauding Medicaid Out of $1.6 Million
September 28, 2026
New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli, Albany County District Attorney Lee C. Kindlon, New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James, and Acting Medicaid Inspector General Frank T. Walsh, Jr. today announced that two brothers pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree for using three Medicaid transportation companies to systematically defraud the program outof more than $1.6 million. Jawad Choudhary, 44, and Junaid Choudhary, 45, both of Clifton Park, will pay full restitution.
"Jawad and Junaid Choudhary sought to defraud New York's Medicaid system out of over $1.6 million by billing for non-existent services, inflating charges, and paying kickbacks," DiNapoli said. "They have now been held accountable for their crimes. Medicaid is a vital program that millions of New Yorkers rely on to get the health care they need. My office will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to protect New York's program from those who try to abuse the system. I thank District Attorney Kindlon, the State Police and the Office of the Medicaid Inspector General for their continued partnership in fighting Medicaid fraud."
"The defendants in this case were bilking the state and lying about services provided to those who truly rely on Medicaid funding to live a healthy life," Kindlon said. "I applaud the work of the Office of the New York State Comptroller, the Medicaid Inspector General, New York State Police and our Financial Crimes Bureau, who will always work together tirelessly to detect, investigate, and dismantle these health care fraud schemes that drain critical resources from programs intended for those who need medical care the most."
"These two individuals perpetuated a dishonest scheme to financially take advantage of medical transportation people rely on. Financial fraud of any kind is a serious crime that causes all those victimized far-reaching and devastating hardship. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to end these illegal acts and hold accountable those who think they can get away with them. I thank the Comptroller's Office, Albany County District Attorney's Office, and Office of the Medicaid Inspector General for their continued partnerships," James said.
"This joint effort sends an unmistakable message to those who seek to line their pockets by defrauding the Medicaid program: You will be held accountable," Walsh said. "Medicaid fraud threatens the health and safety of beneficiaries, wastes taxpayer dollars, and drains essential resources from the health care delivery system. My office is committed to working closely with our state and law enforcement partners to protect the integrity of the Medicaid program, hold wrong doers fully accountable, and preserve precious health care resources."
In October 2024, the New York State Police contacted DiNapoli's office regarding several related Medicaid providers who were allegedly submitting fake bills to the program. The joint investigation and forensic audit that followed determined that three Medicaid transportation companies, A1 Rides Inc., NY Jet Transport Inc. and Ride to Recovery Corp., allegedly stole more than $1.6 million in total from Medicaid.
Under Medicaid regulations, patients may use transportation services for legitimate appointments, which are billed to the Medicaid program by the provider. Group rides are not allowed without prior authorization and approved providers can only bill for mileage once for the group.
Junaid Choudhary, the owner of A1 Rides, submitted over $1 million in false claims to the Medicaid program. Jawad Choudhary, owner of NY Jet Transport, submitted over $400,000 in false claims. These claims were submitted from 2021 through 2025.
The investigation revealed the Choudhary brothers fraudulently billed the Medicaid program by claiming payment for individual rides which were actually unauthorized group rides, and fraudulently boosted the amount the companies were paid. The defendants also billed for rides that never occurred. The investigation also determined that the defendants allegedly paid kickbacks to the patients.
The defendants used the money for mortgage and credit card payments, cash withdrawals, and other personal and business bank accounts.
Both defendants pleaded guilty to grand larceny in the second degree before Judge William T. Little in Albany County Court. They are due back in court for sentencing on Dec. 14.
Since taking office in 2007, DiNapoli has committed to fighting public corruption and encourages the public to help fight fraud and abuse. New Yorkers can report allegations of fraud involving taxpayer money by calling the toll-free Fraud Hotline at 1-888-672-4555, by filing a complaint online at https://www.osc.ny.gov/investigations, or by mailing a complaint to: Office of the State Comptroller, Division of Investigations, 8th Floor, 110 State St., Albany, NY 12236.
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/09/dinapoli-brothers-plead-guilty-defrauding-medicaid-out-16-million
Mich. Education Dept.: Lake Orion's Scripps Middle School Media Center Named Model School Library
LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 30 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Lake Orion's Scripps Middle School Media Center Named Model School Library
September 28, 2026
LANSING - The Scripps Middle School Media Center in Oakland County's Lake Orion Community Schools has earned the state's Model School Library award for the 2026-27 school year, the Library of Michigan announced today.
The Model School Library program recognizes high-quality school libraries and school librarians and promotes the development of similar initiatives in other schools.
"School
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Sept. 30 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Lake Orion's Scripps Middle School Media Center Named Model School Library
September 28, 2026
LANSING - The Scripps Middle School Media Center in Oakland County's Lake Orion Community Schools has earned the state's Model School Library award for the 2026-27 school year, the Library of Michigan announced today.
The Model School Library program recognizes high-quality school libraries and school librarians and promotes the development of similar initiatives in other schools.
"Schoollibraries play an important role in advancing the Michigan Department of Education's top priority of improving student literacy," said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "Outstanding school libraries such as the Scripps Middle School Media Center foster a love of reading, strengthen student learning and serve as models for schools across Michigan."
Maleyko is visiting the Scripps Middle School this week to recognize the media center's accomplishment.
The Scripps Middle School Media Center, with media specialist Rebecca Lowe, is a hub for collaborative work in the school. Lowe's work managing students' Career Development Portfolios and her library research orientations provide support to every student.
Her collaborations with teaching colleagues range across the curriculum, including Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) Days, Book Tastings that involve student readers sampling multiple books, Blackout Poetry, Hour of Code lessons that introduce students to computer science and programming, and more. She works in the community to get students materials from the public library, bring in speakers to discuss career topics and have volunteers work with students on STEM projects.
"The effort required to develop these successful partnerships for Scripps Middle School students shows Ms. Lowe and Principal David McKay's focus on high-quality educational supports for students," said Interim State Librarian David Votta.
The Model School Library program is based on the state library's Michigan School Library Evaluation Program benchmarks. The Scripps Middle School Media Center holds Exemplary status in the program through February 2027.
Scripps Middle School Media Center staff are available to consult with school district leaders, school librarians and educators who want to develop or expand their vision for their school library programs. Interested persons may contact Rebecca Lowe at rebecca.lowe@lok12.org or Karren Reish at the Library of Michigan at reishk@michigan.gov.
The Library of Michigan is an agency within MDE that is dedicated to providing the people of this state and their government with one perpetual institution to collect, preserve and provide access to the story of the state, and to support libraries in their role as essential community anchors. To learn more, visit www.Michigan.gov/LibraryofMichigan.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/09/28/scripps-ms-media-center-named-model-school-library
