Featured Stories
Wyo. State Parks & Cultural Resources Dept.: Call for Proposals Open for Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, May 6--7, 2027
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 5 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release:
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Call for Proposals Open for Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, May 6--7, 2027
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Nov. 4, 2026 - Mark your calendars for the 2027 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit (WORS), taking place May 6--7, 2027, at the Marion H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Outdoor industry leaders, stakeholders, agency personnel, and community members from across the state will come together to share stories, ideas, and challenges they are currently experiencing in outdoor recreation.
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 5 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release:
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Call for Proposals Open for Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit, May 6--7, 2027
LARAMIE, Wyo. - Nov. 4, 2026 - Mark your calendars for the 2027 Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit (WORS), taking place May 6--7, 2027, at the Marion H. Rochelle Gateway Center. Outdoor industry leaders, stakeholders, agency personnel, and community members from across the state will come together to share stories, ideas, and challenges they are currently experiencing in outdoor recreation.Co-hosted by the Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation and the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute, the Summit is the state's premier annual convening for Wyoming's outdoor recreation community. The 2027 theme, "Wyoming's Outdoor Legacy," will pull threads from the past and present to highlight the momentous steps that have brought this event to its fourth year. Sponsorship opportunities will be available soon!
Keynote Speaker
Jeannette Stawski will be the keynote speaker for the 2027 WORS. Jeannette Stawski is the author of "The Outdoor Leader," released by Mountaineers Books in 2024, and owner of the leadership development company Leading Valiantly. She currently serves as the Senior Assistant Director of Adventure Leadership and Sustainability at the University of Michigan. Jeannette served for 14 years as executive director of the Association of Outdoor Recreation and Education (AORE), and will bring her outdoor expertise to WORS with passion and energy.
Call for Proposals
Event organizers encourage Wyoming's outdoor recreation community to submit session ideas through the Call for Proposals form (link available here). All presentation formats are welcome--panels, workshops, slideshows--but hands-on options are particularly encouraged. The Call for Proposals form will be open until Jan. 15, 2027.
Questions & Contact
For additional information, sponsorship inquiries, or general questions, contact Taylor Kruger at TKruger@uwyo.edu or Jamie Hansen at Jamie.Hansen@wyo.gov.
The Wyoming Office of Outdoor Recreation champions responsible outdoor recreation to improve communities and diversify Wyoming's economy. The mission of the Jay Kemmerer WORTH Institute is to expand and diversify Wyoming's economy by supporting the outdoor recreation, tourism, and hospitality industries.
Learn more about the Wyoming Outdoor Recreation Summit by visiting www.uwyo.edu/worth/events/wors.html.
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Original text here: https://wyospcr.wyo.gov/index.php/press-releases/1541-call-for-proposals-open-for-wyoming-outdoor-recreation-summit-may-6-7-2027
Pa. Health Dept. Confirms Sixth Measles-Associated Death, Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,467 in 45 Counties
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news:
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Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Sixth Measles-Associated Death, Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,467 in 45 Counties
The Department of Health confirmed an additional measles-associated death in Jefferson County, bringing the total to six Pennsylvania deaths in 2026.
Statewide, Department nurses and health care providers administered more than 61,000 MMR vaccines in October, more than double a typical month.
November 04, 2026
Harrisburg, PA - The
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 5 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news:
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Pennsylvania Department of Health Confirms Sixth Measles-Associated Death, Provides Statewide Update on Measles Outbreak as Cases Reach 1,467 in 45 Counties
The Department of Health confirmed an additional measles-associated death in Jefferson County, bringing the total to six Pennsylvania deaths in 2026.
Statewide, Department nurses and health care providers administered more than 61,000 MMR vaccines in October, more than double a typical month.
November 04, 2026
Harrisburg, PA - ThePennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) today confirmed that an unvaccinated resident of Jefferson County tested positive for measles and has died.
This is the sixth confirmed measles-associated death in Pennsylvania. The death was reported to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and added to Pennsylvania's measles dashboard. The number of confirmed measles cases stands at 1,467 across 45 counties so far in 2026.
To protect the privacy of the individual and their family, DOH will not release any additional details that could personally identify them. DOH is bound by laws that limit what can be shared publicly, and families deserve the dignity to mourn in private. DOH continues to lead Pennsylvania's robust response to the ongoing measles outbreak and is making the most up-to-date information on cases, hospitalizations, and deaths available on its measles dashboard.
While daily numbers fluctuate, tracking these trends provides Pennsylvanians and health care providers with visibility into community transmission across the Commonwealth and helps inform DOH's ongoing robust response.
Key updates include:
* Newly Confirmed Cases (since November 2, 2026): 34
* Total Counties: 45
* Total Cumulative Cases: 1,467
* Total Hospitalizations: 283
* Total Confirmed Measles-Associated Deaths: 6
* Measles cases among vaccinated individuals: 5 (less than 1% of cases)
Measles-associated deaths
As of November 4, DOH has confirmed six measles-associated deaths in Pennsylvania this year. The deceased were residents from Jefferson (2), Lancaster (3) and Mifflin (1) counties.
DOH is aware of a reported death of a Franklin County resident in October. However, as of November 4, DOH's thorough investigation has not yet found any Franklin County cases meeting the required criteria to be confirmed as a measles-associated death.
To be considered measles-associated per DOH's epidemiological definition, a death must meet all of the following criteria:
* Death must occur within 30 days of symptom onset in an individual with clinical evidence of a measles infection and a positive laboratory test
* Death must not be due to unrelated causes (e.g., motor vehicle accident)
* Additional information, such as whether an individual was exposed to a confirmed measles case prior to death or supporting medical records, are also considered.
DOH appreciates that the Franklin County coroner made DOH and the public aware of this case. DOH continues to work with coroners throughout the state to improve communications and refine death reporting standards during the ongoing measles outbreak.
Outreach and Response
State health center staff have administered more than 6,800 MMR vaccinations at 241 pop-up vaccination clinics in the affected communities since the outbreak began in late April. Dozens of additional vaccine clinics are scheduled for the upcoming weeks and months, based on community interest and need. In pop-up clinics and at state health centers combined, DOH nurses have administered more than 10,900 MMR vaccine doses to residents across the Commonwealth in 2026.
Statewide, health care providers have also seen a surge of interest from residents seeking MMR vaccinations. In a typical month, Pennsylvania health care providers administer approximately 25,000 doses of the MMR vaccine. In September and October more than 56,000 and 61,000 doses were administered, respectively.
Getting Vaccinated
The best protection against measles remains getting fully vaccinated. The MMR vaccine, administered over two doses, boosts a person's immune system and provides 97% lifetime protection.
Because measles continues to spread, DOH recommends an additional early zero dose for infants aged 6 through 11 months who live in or travel to counties flagged on the measles dashboard for sustained community transmission; the early dose does not replace the two routine doses. Children 12 months and older who have not received any dose should get one now and a second dose at least 28 days later.
People who have two documented doses of MMR do not need another. Adults who have only one dose, or who cannot find their vaccination records, should talk with a health care provider or pharmacist about getting vaccinated.
Residents interested in getting vaccinated should contact their trusted health care provider.
MMR vaccine is available across the state by contacting a health care provider, a pharmacy, county or municipal health department, DOH State Health Center, Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs), or a Vaccines for Children (VFC) program.
Measles Symptoms and Transmission
Measles is a highly contagious respiratory virus that can cause serious short- and long-term health problems including pneumonia and brain swelling, with nearly 20 percent of people identified by DOH with measles being hospitalized. Death from measles, though rare, occurs in one to three patients per 1,000 cases.
Measles spreads when a person who is infected breathes, coughs, or sneezes. The virus remains infectious in the air and on surfaces for up to two hours after the person with the infection leaves the area.
Symptoms begin with fever, cough, runny nose, and red, watery eyes (conjunctivitis), followed a few days later by a rash that starts on the head and spreads downward. Without proper protection or supportive care, measles can be deadly. Symptoms can start 7 to 21 days after exposure. People are typically contagious 4 days before and 4 days after rash onset.
People who believe they were exposed to measles, and are experiencing symptoms, should contact their health care provider or call DOH's toll-free hotline at 877-PA-HEALTH (877-724-3258).
More information about measles is available online at: www.pa.gov/measles.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/health/newsroom/pa-department-of-health-confirms-sixth-measles-associated-death
Minn. Agriculture Dept.: Minnesota Organic Conference Returns to St. Cloud in 2027
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Nov. 5 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Minnesota Organic Conference Returns to St. Cloud in 2027
Registration now open for MDA's annual event featuring more than 30 educational sessions, a tradeshow, and a farmer-led panel
November 4, 2026
Registration is now open for the Minnesota Organic Conference, taking place Jan. 7-8, 2027, at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Hosted annually by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the conference features more than 30 educational breakout sessions and an 80-booth
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Nov. 5 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Minnesota Organic Conference Returns to St. Cloud in 2027
Registration now open for MDA's annual event featuring more than 30 educational sessions, a tradeshow, and a farmer-led panel
November 4, 2026
Registration is now open for the Minnesota Organic Conference, taking place Jan. 7-8, 2027, at the River's Edge Convention Center in St. Cloud. Hosted annually by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), the conference features more than 30 educational breakout sessions and an 80-boothtrade show highlighting the latest in organic production, marketing, and research.
The first day of the Minnesota Organic Conference will feature a keynote address by Brion Hybertson, general counsel and a member of the executive leadership team at CROPP Cooperative, the farmer-owned cooperative that owns the Organic Valley brand. Hybertson will share insights on the vital role cooperatives play in strengthening family farms and building resilient rural communities. He will also discuss how Organic Valley supports its members in adopting climate-smart practices that enhance environmental stewardship while sustaining profitable family farm businesses.
The second day of the conference will feature a keynote panel discussion moderated by Meg Moynihan, senior advisor on strategy and partnerships for the MDA and an organic dairy farmer in Le Sueur County. The panel will feature Michelle Benrud, a grass-fed organic dairy farmer in Goodhue, Abby Benson, production coordinator at Featherstone Farm in Rushford, and Robin Brekken, an organic crop producer in Crookston. These experienced organic farmers will share their perspectives on the challenges and opportunities facing Minnesota's organic sector today.
"This panel promises a grounded, farmer-led conversation that reflects the diversity, innovation, and resilience of Minnesota's organic community," said Cassie Dahl, organic specialist for the MDA. "Organic agriculture has evolved over the conference's 24 years, but the value of sharing practical ideas and learning from one another remains. This year's speakers will offer fresh perspectives and ideas attendees can take with them as they plan for the next growing season."
The Minnesota Organic Conference offers a wide range of educational opportunities covering organic crop production, dairy, livestock, fruits and vegetables, marketing, and business management. The trade show will be open both days, giving attendees a chance to connect with agricultural service providers and learn about MDA programs from agency staff at a dedicated pavilion. Attendees can also connect during the Thursday evening reception and social hour, sponsored by the Minnesota Farmers Union.
Early-bird rates start at $135 for both days, with discounted student rates. The early-bird registration period ends Nov. 30. The MDA thanks conference sponsors Grain Millers and the Minnesota Soybean Research & Promotion Council for helping keep registration affordable for attendees.
For more information, visit the Minnesota Organic Conference (https://www.mda.state.mn.us/environment-sustainability/minnesota-organic-conference) website or call Cassie Dahl at 651-201-6134. To register directly, visit the conference registration webpage (https://mnitservices.my.site.com/license/EventOverview?id=a5Gcr000000IC17&AgencyVar=Agriculture).
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-organic-conference-returns-st-cloud-2027
Maine Secretary of State: Uniformed Service and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA) Results for November 3, 2026 Federal and Governor Races
AUGUSTA, Maine, Nov. 5 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Uniformed Service and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA) results for November 3, 2026 federal and governor races
11/04/2026
AUGUSTA, MAINE - Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the Uniformed Service and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA) unofficial Election Night results for the November 3, 2026 General Election:
Governor
Bennett, Rick (I) 208
Charles, Robert (R) 373
Pingree, Hannah (D) 4237
Declared write-ins 0
Blank 55
U.S. Senate
Collins, Susan (R) 473
Jackson, Troy (D) 4350
Declared write-ins 0
Blank
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Nov. 5 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Uniformed Service and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA) results for November 3, 2026 federal and governor races
11/04/2026
AUGUSTA, MAINE - Secretary of State Shenna Bellows announced the Uniformed Service and Overseas Voters (UOCAVA) unofficial Election Night results for the November 3, 2026 General Election:
Governor
Bennett, Rick (I) 208
Charles, Robert (R) 373
Pingree, Hannah (D) 4237
Declared write-ins 0
Blank 55
U.S. Senate
Collins, Susan (R) 473
Jackson, Troy (D) 4350
Declared write-ins 0
Blank53
Congressional District 1
Pingree, Chellie (D) 2721
Russell, Ronald (R) 176
Blank 31
Congressional District 2
Dunlap, Matthew (D) 1731
LePage, Paul (R) 211
Declared write-ins 0
Blank 8
Uniformed Service Voter:
* Active duty military and their dependents (U.S. Army, Navy, Air Force and Marine Corps)
* Coast Guard
* Commissioned corps of the U.S. public Health Service and National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration
* The Merchant Marine
Overseas Voter:
* U.S. citizen living outside of the United States who was qualified or would be qualified to vote in their place of residence in Maine prior to leaving the U.S.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/uniformed-service-and-overseas-voters-uocava-results-november-3-2026-federal-and-governor
Iowa Finance Authority Awards Housing Tax Credits to Advance 595 Affordable Rental Homes in Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Des Moines
DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 5 -- The Iowa Finance Authority issued the following news:
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Iowa Finance Authority Awards Housing Tax Credits to Advance 595 Affordable Rental Homes in Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Des Moines
November 4, 2026
DES MOINES - The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today awarded nearly $9 million in federal housing tax credits to help create 595 affordable rental homes in Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Des Moines. The four developments will provide affordable rental homes for income-qualified individuals and families through both
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Nov. 5 -- The Iowa Finance Authority issued the following news:
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Iowa Finance Authority Awards Housing Tax Credits to Advance 595 Affordable Rental Homes in Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Des Moines
November 4, 2026
DES MOINES - The Iowa Finance Authority (IFA) Board of Directors today awarded nearly $9 million in federal housing tax credits to help create 595 affordable rental homes in Council Bluffs, Dubuque, Waterloo and West Des Moines. The four developments will provide affordable rental homes for income-qualified individuals and families through bothnew construction and the conversion of existing buildings into apartments.
"Housing needs look different across Iowa and the federal Housing Tax Credit program helps communities expand affordable rental options to meet those needs," said IFA Director Debi Durham. "These 595 homes add to our development pipeline and bring us closer to ensuring Iowans can afford to live where they work in every corner of the state."
The federal Low-Income Housing Credit program marked its 40th anniversary last month. It is one of the nation's most effective tools for financing affordable rental housing and has supported the development of more than 36,000 rental homes in Iowa.
The program attracts private investment by offering federal tax credits claimed over 10 years. That upfront investment reduces the amount developers must borrow, helping them offer lower rents. Participating properties must meet income limits and rent restrictions.
The program offers 9% and 4% credits. Today's awards are through the 4% program, which pairs tax credits with tax-exempt bonds. The selected developments will receive nearly $66 million in bond financing.
IFA received six applications requesting more than $14 million in annual tax credits and nearly $104 million in tax-exempt bonds, exceeding the $90 million in bond capacity available for the round. The four developments were selected through a competitive scoring process.
View Awarded Developments (https://opportunityiowa.gov/2026-4-federal-housing-tax-credit-awards)
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Original text here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-11-04/iowa-finance-authority-awards-housing-tax-credits-advance-595-affordable-rental-homes-council-bluffs
Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Fall 2026 Arizona Innovation Challenge Awardees
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 5 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news:
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Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Fall 2026 Arizona Innovation Challenge Awardees
PHOENIX, AZ (November 4, 2026) - Today, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), announced five awardees have been selected for the Fall 2026 Arizona Innovation Challenge, one of the nation's largest business plan competitions.
The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups were selected from an initial pool of 131 applicants. From this pool, judges selected 25 semifinalists to advance to the next round. Following the semifinalist
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 5 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news:
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Arizona Commerce Authority Announces Fall 2026 Arizona Innovation Challenge Awardees
PHOENIX, AZ (November 4, 2026) - Today, the Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA), announced five awardees have been selected for the Fall 2026 Arizona Innovation Challenge, one of the nation's largest business plan competitions.
The Software-as-a-Service (SaaS) startups were selected from an initial pool of 131 applicants. From this pool, judges selected 25 semifinalists to advance to the next round. Following the semifinalistpitches, 15 startups were selected to participate in finalist interviews. After a rigorous evaluation process, judges selected five startups as this year's Arizona Innovation Challenge awardees.
The judging panel was comprised of prominent venture capitalists (VCs) and partners including PHX FWD, PHX Angels, PHX Ventures, AZ Venture Capital Inc., Copper Sky Capital, Plug and Play, The Camelback and DCA Asset Management.
The AIC awardees will be paired with program partners, PHX FWD and PHX Angels, to accelerate their growth and scale. Awardees will receive guidance on sales strategy, capital readiness, and access to resources, mentorship, and industry connections.
"For the past 15 years, the Arizona Innovation Challenge has been dedicated to empowering Arizona's most promising startups to reach the next stage of growth," said Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "We are proud to continue the program's legacy with this year's awardees and look forward to supporting their success as they scale and contribute to Arizona's innovation ecosystem."
The Fall 2026 Awardees are:
* Analytical Mineset, an Oro Valley-based startup utilizing advanced analytics to improve mining industry operations.
* Gentle Weapons, a Mesa-based startup driving mission critical outcomes for defense autonomy companies through control plane software for edge AI.
* Pretorin, a Tempe-based startup building AI agents that automate government cybersecurity compliance.
* RealTalk, a Gilbert-based startup that created an app for real estate agents featuring an AI chat bot that connects to agents' MLS data, CRM, and other tools.
* ReceiptsHQ, a Phoenix-based startup delivering AI-powered marketing intelligence that builds and deploys marketing campaigns for Shopify e-commerce brands.
Background
The ACA launched the Arizona Innovation Challenge in 2011 as a way to identify and accelerate support for Arizona's most promising startups. Since then,165 AIC awardees have been selected from over 3,000 applicants, representing a combined portfolio value of more than $6 billion.
AIC awardees include sectors such as SaaS, IT and software, bio and life sciences, cleantech and renewable energy, and advanced manufacturing. Previous awardees include notable Arizona startups such as Botco.ai, CampusLogic, Paradox, GT Medical Technologies, Air2O, Ampcera, Navi Nurses, MiiHealth, Bluetail, Trainual, Qwick, Life365, eVisit, NeoLight, Rivia Health, EduFi, Reglagene, Virtuous, and more.
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About the Arizona Commerce Authority
The Arizona Commerce Authority (ACA) is the state's leading economic development organization with a streamlined mission to grow and strengthen Arizona's economy. The ACA uses a three-pronged approach to advance the overall economy: attract, expand, create - attract out-of-state companies to establish operations in Arizona; work with existing companies to expand their business in Arizona and beyond; and help entrepreneurs create new Arizona businesses in targeted industries. For more information, please visit azcommerce.com and follow the ACA on X @azcommerce.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/11/fall-2026-arizona-innovation-challenge-awardees/
ACC Orders Mesa Solar Company Founder to Pay Restitution for Misappropriating Nearly $1 Million in Investor Funds
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 5 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Orders Mesa Solar Company Founder to Pay Restitution for Misappropriating Nearly $1 Million in Investor Funds
Nov 4, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona - The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) orders Tyler Brent Lyman to pay restitution of $2,433,000, an administrative penalty of $50,000, and to permanently cease and desist from violating the Securities Act.
Between at least January 2020 and January 2023, Lyman held himself out as the founder, CEO, president, and director of a startup solar company
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 5 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release:
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ACC Orders Mesa Solar Company Founder to Pay Restitution for Misappropriating Nearly $1 Million in Investor Funds
Nov 4, 2026
Phoenix, Arizona - The Arizona Corporation Commission (ACC) orders Tyler Brent Lyman to pay restitution of $2,433,000, an administrative penalty of $50,000, and to permanently cease and desist from violating the Securities Act.
Between at least January 2020 and January 2023, Lyman held himself out as the founder, CEO, president, and director of a startup solar companyand raised at least $2,433,000 from at least 27 investors through various securities instruments, including convertible notes, Simple Agreements for Future Equity (SAFE) contracts, and loan agreements. Although Lyman represented that investor funds would be used solely for company operations, he misappropriated at least $984,696 for personal expenses including luxury travel, fine dining, luxury clothing, and family medical costs.
This was all concealed from investors. Lyman also opened a secret bank account in the company's name, undisclosed to other officers, to facilitate his misappropriation. Additionally, Lyman failed to disclose that he was a defendant in at least three civil lawsuits that resulted in default judgments totaling at least $343,177. Lyman was not registered with the Commission as a securities salesman at the time of the offerings and sales.
All documents relating to this matter may be found on the Arizona Corporation Commission's online docket at https://edocket.azcc.gov and entering docket number S-21386A-26-0029. For further questions regarding this matter, contact the Investigator on Duty at the Arizona Corporation Commission's Securities Division at 602-542-0662 or email SecuritiesDiv@azcc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2026/11/04/acc-orders-mesa-solar-company-founder-to-pay-restitution-for-misappropriating-nearly--1-million-in-investor-funds
