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W.Va. Secretary of State Kris Warner Issues a Statement Regarding Delegate David Elliott Pritt's Candidacy Status for the General Election
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 25 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news:
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WV Secretary of State Kris Warner issues a statement regarding Delegate David Elliott Pritt's candidacy status for the General Election
WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, along with his legal team, is aware of and has thoroughly researched the serious allegations raised against Delegate David Elliott Pritt.
Secretary Warner released the following statement:
"Our Office has received numerous calls from West Virginia citizens regarding Delegate Pritt's status on the general election
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 25 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news:
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WV Secretary of State Kris Warner issues a statement regarding Delegate David Elliott Pritt's candidacy status for the General Election
WV Secretary of State Kris Warner, along with his legal team, is aware of and has thoroughly researched the serious allegations raised against Delegate David Elliott Pritt.
Secretary Warner released the following statement:
"Our Office has received numerous calls from West Virginia citizens regarding Delegate Pritt's status on the general electionballot in light of the reprehensible allegations raised against him. As we all are aware, these serious allegations have received significant public attention.
A felony conviction is a disqualifying factor for candidates seeking elected office. However, candidates awaiting trial who have not been convicted of a disqualifying offense remain eligible to seek elected office, assuming no other disqualifier exists, such as no longer residing in the district they seek to represent. Under our system of justice, every person charged with a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
If a candidate voluntarily withdraws from the ballot, that creates a vacancy that cannot be filled by the candidate's political party. This is a new provision of West Virginia election law enacted through House Bill 4350 (2024), which became effective January 1, 2025. In that circumstance, the candidate's political party would not have a nominee for that office on the general election ballot.
Accordingly, if Delegate Pritt withdraws from the ballot, the Republican Party cannot appoint a replacement candidate.
A political party may appoint a replacement nominee only if a vacancy results from a candidate's disqualification, such as ineligibility to hold office, before the 84th day prior to the General Election--which is August 11, 2026--or if the vacancy results from the candidate's death.
A candidate's disqualification must be determined either by a court of competent jurisdiction, such as through a qualifying conviction, or by the State Election Commission upon a written request establishing that the candidate is ineligible to hold office. To allow a political party to fill the vacancy for the 2026 General Election, that disqualification must occur no later than August 11, 2026.
We share the deep concerns of West Virginia citizens regarding the nature of the allegations against Delegate Pritt. My legal team will continue to monitor the situation closely and will respond as appropriate under West Virginia law."
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Original text here: https://sos.wv.gov/article/wv-secretary-state-kris-warner-issues-statement-regarding-delegate-david-elliott-pritts
S.C. Commerce Dept.: State Advances Energy Innovation Through NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, July 25 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news on July 24, 2026:
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South Carolina advances energy innovation through NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
SC NEXUS supports regional collaboration with federal investment to modernize the electric grid and drive economic growth across South Carolina and North Carolina
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today shared continued progress in advancing South Carolina's leadership in energy innovation through SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS)
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COLUMBIA, South Carolina, July 25 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news on July 24, 2026:
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South Carolina advances energy innovation through NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas
SC NEXUS supports regional collaboration with federal investment to modernize the electric grid and drive economic growth across South Carolina and North Carolina
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The South Carolina Department of Commerce (S.C. Commerce) today shared continued progress in advancing South Carolina's leadership in energy innovation through SC Nexus for Advanced Resilient Energy (SC NEXUS)and its partnership in the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas (Carolinas Grid Engine). Recognizing the strength of the region's innovation ecosystem, the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) has awarded the Carolinas Grid Engine up to $15 million over its first two years, with the potential for as much as $160 million over the next decade based on performance milestones.
Designed to build and scale regional innovation ecosystems across the nation, the NSF Regional Innovation Engines (NSF Engines) program aligns with the mission of South Carolina's statewide Tech Hub, SC NEXUS. A division of S.C. Commerce, SC NEXUS accelerates the ability to develop, test and deploy new technologies that lower industry barriers through research, workforce development and public-private collaboration.
The Carolinas Grid Engine, spanning 36 counties and led by the University of North Carolina at Charlotte with support from more than 100 partners, was selected as one of only 12 new NSF Engines following the competitive national process that attracted nearly 300 letters of intent. The South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA), serving as a core partner, will lead the translation of innovation through cross-sector partnerships, engaging stakeholders to ensure alignment across the energy ecosystem. The award recognizes the complementary assets of South Carolina and North Carolina in advanced energy, research manufacturing and workforce development.
South Carolina plays a foundational role with SC NEXUS' Economic Development through Grid Emulation (EDGE) testbed, led by Clemson University, a founding partner of the Carolinas Grid Engine. Based at Clemson University's Charleston Innovation Campus, the EDGE testbed enables validation and testing of advanced grid technologies at the Dominion Energy Innovation Center (DEIC) using the Duke Energy eGrid - creating a unique environment for industry partners to evaluate next-generation energy solutions.
With support from SC NEXUS, Clemson University has expanded the EDGE testbed's functionality with a mobile grid emulator that will double DEIC's power rating and expand real-world, on-site testing capabilities across the Southeast. The enhanced infrastructure further increases Duke Energy eGrid's ability to emulate any electrical grid from around the world - accelerating technology validation and commercialization.
The NSF award builds on South Carolina's continued investment in its advanced energy ecosystem. In 2024, SC NEXUS was designated one of 12 Regional Technology and Innovation Hubs to receive implementation funding from the U.S. Department of Commerce's Economic Development Administration, positioning the state as a national leader in resilient energy technologies.
SC NEXUS and the Carolinas Grid Engine will build on this momentum and expand regional collaboration among industry, research institutions and workforce partners. Together, these organizations are accelerating innovation, strengthening domestic energy capabilities and helping move next-generation technologies from research to commercialization - creating new opportunities for investment, business growth and high-quality jobs across the Carolinas.
To learn more about SC NEXUS and connect with Tech Hub resources, email SCNexus@sccommerce.com or visit sccommerce.com/scnexus. To learn more about the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas, visit CarolinasGridEngine.com.
QUOTES
"A reliable and resilient energy supply is critical to South Carolina's continued success. This award will help strengthen our ability to meet future demand, support economic opportunity, and ensure the Carolinas remain leaders in innovation and job creation. We are proud to celebrate the partners who helped secure this award and grateful for the strong collaboration across the Carolinas that made it possible."
-Gov. Henry McMaster
"The announcement of the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas as one of the elite NSF Regional Innovation Engines is more than a recognition of technical excellence. It is a validation of the strategic investments made by the federal government, the state of South Carolina and industry partners to strengthen our energy future. Building on the foundation established through SC NEXUS and our state's world-class energy assets, this effort positions the Carolinas as a national leader in grid modernization, energy resilience, workforce development and innovation."
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
"This award reflects what is possible when the public and private sectors and communities come together around a shared challenge and shared opportunity. The Carolinas have built the partnerships, research capability and infrastructure needed to move grid technologies from concept to deployment, and few regions are better positioned to lead that work than Charlotte, where connections across North and South Carolina create a natural gateway for collaboration and innovation. UNC Charlotte is proud to help bring those efforts together."
-UNC Charlotte Chancellor Sharon L. Gaber
"Meeting the rising demand for reliable energy is a critical need across the country. Clemson is uniquely equipped to design and test the emerging technologies that will secure our energy future and has a long history of industry collaboration to deploy meaningful innovation."
-Clemson University Senior Vice President for Research, Scholarship and Creative Endeavors Tanju Karanfil
"The award of the NSF Grid Modernization Engine in the Carolinas to our region will accelerate energy innovation across South Carolina, bringing together research institutions, entrepreneurs, industry leaders, economic development organizations and government partners to turn emerging technologies into economic opportunity. Working alongside the South Carolina Department of Commerce and our core partners, we will build on the state's investments in energy infrastructure, develop the workforce needed to meet growing energy demands and help create a more resilient energy future for our country."
-SCRA President and CEO Bill Kirkland
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Original text here: https://www.sccommerce.com/news/south-carolina-advances-energy-innovation-through-nsf-grid-modernization-engine-carolinas
N.Y. DEC and New York Sea Grant Announce Nearly $200,000 in Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Project Awards
ALBANY, New York, July 25 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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DEC and New York Sea Grant Announce Nearly $200,000 in Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Project Awards
Funding Will Support Ecosystem-based Management Implementation Throughout New York's Great Lakes Basin
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) today announced $191,960 in grants for five Great Lakes basin projects. The initiatives support local community plans to restore water quality, protect
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ALBANY, New York, July 25 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release on July 24, 2026:
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DEC and New York Sea Grant Announce Nearly $200,000 in Great Lakes Basin Small Grants Project Awards
Funding Will Support Ecosystem-based Management Implementation Throughout New York's Great Lakes Basin
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The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and New York Sea Grant (NYSG) today announced $191,960 in grants for five Great Lakes basin projects. The initiatives support local community plans to restore water quality, protectecosystems, and strengthen community resilience and stewardship. These selected projects support measurable progress toward the priority goals of the Great Lakes Action Agenda for New York's Great Lakes watershed.
DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton said, "Through our partnership with New York Sea Grant, New York is helping communities across the State take meaningful action to protect our Great Lakes and their watersheds. This funding supports innovative, community-led initiatives that will advance the goals of the Great Lakes Action Agenda and DEC's ongoing efforts to safeguard water quality, improve fish and wildlife habitat, and enhance sustainability and resiliency in the region."
New York Sea Grant Associate Director and Cornell Cooperative Extension Assistant Director Katherine Bunting-Howarth said, "Through this small grants partnership, communities in New York's Great Lakes watershed are addressing critical, locally-identified needs by applying science, building partnerships, and engaging residents to improve the health of ecological systems."
New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants program has awarded more than $2 million in small grants to date for a combined total of 66 projects since the program's inception in 2015. The projects selected for this round of New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants funding include:
Erie County
University at Buffalo, Hydrology Academy Workforce Training: $32,017. This project will address critical hydrologic data gaps identified in the Great Lakes Action Agenda (GLAA) by expanding regional capacity for collecting hydrologic data. The Academy will provide targeted workforce training for environmental scientists, local municipal planners, watershed groups, and university students through a four-day workshop and a series of instructional videos. Curriculum will provide hands-on experience and train regional practitioners to support watershed management plans.
Onondaga County
Institute for Sustainability Engagement (ISE) at Syracuse University, Sewer-Ready Sodus Bay: Centering Community Voices to Advance Clean Water Solutions in Huron, NY: $40,000. The ISE, through the Syracuse University Environmental Finance Center (SU-EFC), will support community-led engagement and education to support the Town of Huron and neighboring communities in advancing long-term solutions to inadequate septic systems. By engaging residents in exploring a range of options including public sewer expansion, septic maintenance and replacement programs, and no-action alternatives, the project will determine community priorities and implementation steps to reduce nutrient and pathogen loading to Sodus Bay.
Central New York Land Trust, Rivers Unite: Community Driven Restoration and Education in the Limestone Creek Sub-Basin: $40,000. This project will support an 18-month community engagement and restoration project at the 159-acre Polly Monz Preserve to improve water quality and ecological function along the floodplain of Limestone Creek. The Land Trust will partner with municipalities, schools, libraries, and community organizations across Onondaga County to host stewardship workdays and deliver training in invasive species management and watershed ecology.
St. Lawrence County
Clarkson University, Community Monitoring of Emerging Water Pollutants in the Raquette River Watershed: $40,000. This project spans the headwaters at Raquette Lake to the St. Lawrence River and will engage community volunteers near Massena, Potsdam, Colton, Tupper Lake, and Raquette Lake in standardized, quality assured water sample collection and watershed stewardship. Clarkson University will analyze samples and translate results into plain-language fact sheets, a community video, and a Municipal Action Guide.
Wayne County
National Audubon Society, Inc., Hemlock Wooly Adelgid Management at Northern Montezuma Wildlife Management Area: $39,943. Montezuma Audubon Center (MAC) will protect and manage a rare 40-acre hemlock stand by eradicating invasive Hemlock Wooly Adelgid (HWA) at the ecologically important and globally significant birdarea, Turtle Pond. Through the Montezuma Alliance for Restoration of Species and Habitats Program and the Next Generation of Conservationists Program, this project will train and coordinate 70 volunteers to monitor HWA and priority bird species in the hemlock stand before and after treatment. MAC will also lead workshops on forest restoration and management for 100 foresters and landowners.
New York Sea Grant, a cooperative program of Cornell University and the State University of New York, administers the New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants program in partnership with DEC's Great Lakes Program. The program is funded through the New York State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF) under the authority of the New York Ocean and Great Lakes Ecosystem Conservation Act. The EPF is a critical resource for environmental programs such as environmental justice, land acquisition, farmland protection, invasive species prevention and eradication, recreation access, and water quality improvement projects. Governor Hochul's FY27 Budget reaffirms New York's commitment to environmental leadership by appropriating $425 million to the EPF, using $25 million from the Sustainable Future Program to provide a record $450 million for important environmental programs.
More information on the New York's Great Lakes Basin Small Grants program with past project profiles is online at Great Lakes Small Grants Program webpage (https://small-grants-program-ccegeomaps.hub.arcgis.com/). Learn more about the New York's Great Lakes Action Agenda that applies ecosystem-based management to conserve, protect, and enhance New York State's Great Lakes natural resources at DEC's Great Lakes webpage (https://dec.ny.gov/nature/waterbodies/watersheds/management/great-lakes).
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Original text here: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/7/dec-and-new-york-sea-grant-announce-nearly-200000-in-great-lakes-basin-small-grants-project-awards
Mo. Natural Resources Dept.: State Geological Survey Awarded USGS Grant to Study Landslides
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 25 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Missouri Geological Survey awarded USGS grant to study landslides
The Missouri Geological Survey, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will identify and map the location of historic landslides in southeastern Missouri through a grant recently awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study area will be along the Interstate 55 corridor through the Benton Hills area of Scott and Cape Girardeau counties. MoDNR's Missouri Geological Survey will release
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 25 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Missouri Geological Survey awarded USGS grant to study landslides
The Missouri Geological Survey, a division of the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, will identify and map the location of historic landslides in southeastern Missouri through a grant recently awarded by the U.S. Geological Survey. The study area will be along the Interstate 55 corridor through the Benton Hills area of Scott and Cape Girardeau counties. MoDNR's Missouri Geological Survey will releasemaps and other data generated through the study to the public in the fall of 2027.
"In this region, we know landslides have been caused by seismic activity, such as along the Chickasaw Bluffs area of Tennessee after the New Madrid Earthquakes of 1811-1812," said Fletcher Bone, the geohazards geologist with the Missouri Geological Survey. "To better understand this potential threat, our first step is to know where landslides have occurred in the past. This study will be the first in the state to map historic landslides in this area of southeastern Missouri using modern mapping methods, including 1-meter, LiDAR-derived digital elevation models."
Bone said future goals of the effort include building on this project with available funding to conduct additional landslide studies in other areas of Missouri.
"By documenting and investigating historical or existing landslides, the Missouri Geological Survey will provide emergency managers, planners and citizens with a better understanding of potential landslide locations and occurrences," Bone said. "This information will give local community planners and first responders the tools they need to make informed and timely decisions in the face of adverse conditions, especially if a substantial earthquake were to occur in the New Madrid Seismic Zone. Ultimately, these maps will increase awareness of landslide risks and improve community preparedness through better risk assessment and mapping."
The study's funding, in the amount of $39,106, comes from the U.S. Geological Survey Cooperative Landslide Hazard Mapping and Assessment Program. MoDNR's Missouri Geological Survey proposal was titled, "Mapping Landslides Along the Interstate 55 (I-55) Corridor in Scott City and Morley 7.5' Quadrangles of the Benton Hills, Scott and Cape Girardeau Counties, Missouri."
Visit MoDNR's Geologic Hazards webpage (https://dnr.mo.gov/land-geology/hazards) to learn more information about landslides and other geohazards in Missouri.
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/missouri-geological-survey-awarded-usgs-grant-study-landslides
Hawaii Health Dept. Confirms Two Additional Travel-Related Cases of Cyclosporiasis in State Residents
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 25 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH CONFIRMS TWO ADDITIONAL TRAVEL-RELATED CASES OF CYCLOSPORIASIS IN HAWAII RESIDENTS
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed two additional cases of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii residents who traveled together internationally and to a U.S. state that has reported a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
The two individuals are members of the same household. Based on their travel history, symptom onset and the known incubation period following exposure to the parasite, the investigation determined
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 25 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH CONFIRMS TWO ADDITIONAL TRAVEL-RELATED CASES OF CYCLOSPORIASIS IN HAWAII RESIDENTS
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) has confirmed two additional cases of cyclosporiasis in Hawaii residents who traveled together internationally and to a U.S. state that has reported a cyclosporiasis outbreak.
The two individuals are members of the same household. Based on their travel history, symptom onset and the known incubation period following exposure to the parasite, the investigation determinedtheir infections were acquired while traveling outside of Hawaii.
These cases bring the total number of confirmed cyclosporiasis cases reported in Hawaii in 2026 to three. The first case involved a nonresident visitor whose infection also was acquired outside of Hawaii. At this time, there is no evidence of locally acquired infection or ongoing community transmission in the state.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. Eggs of the parasite shed in the feces of infected persons must mature outside the host, in the environment, before they become infectious to another person. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. In the United States, outbreaks have most often been linked to certain fresh produce items. The illness is not typically spread directly from person to person.
Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, increased gas, fatigue and, less commonly, vomiting or low-grade fever. Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer and can come and go.
"Although these two cases involve Hawaii residents, they were exposed while traveling outside the state," said State Epidemiologist Dr. Sarah Kemble. "There is no evidence of local transmission in Hawaii and the risk to the general public remains low. We encourage anyone experiencing persistent diarrhea after recent travel to seek medical care."
DOH routinely investigates reportable diseases to identify potential sources of infection and monitors for any signs of local transmission. At this time, there are no indications that these travel-related cases pose a broader public health risk in Hawaii.
People can help reduce their risk of cyclosporiasis by:
* Washing hands thoroughly with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom.
* Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
* Following safe food handling practices when preparing meals.
* Seeking medical care if they experience prolonged or severe diarrhea, particularly after recent travel or eating fresh produce from an area associated with an outbreak.
Cyclosporiasis is treatable with prescription antibiotics. Individuals experiencing persistent diarrhea should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who suspect cyclosporiasis are encouraged to report cases to DOH and submit appropriate specimens to commercial laboratories for testing.
DOH will continue to monitor for additional cases and work closely with healthcare providers and public health partners to protect the health of Hawaii residents and visitors.
For more information about cyclosporiasis, the Hawaii Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division website (https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/cyclosporiasis-cyclospora-infection/).
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-confirms-two-additional-travel-related-cases-of-cyclosporiasis-in-hawaii-residents/
Farnborough and Beyond: Ala. Commerce Dept. Works to Broaden State's Reach in Industry Recruitment
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 25 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Farnborough and beyond: Commerce works to broaden state's reach in industry recruitment
The Alabama Department of Commerce's industry recruiting team at the Farnborough International Airshow this week includes its point men in Europe and South Korea.
Christoph Dorr has run Commerce's European office from Germany since 2019. Last year, Commerce announced the creation of business development offices in Seoul and Tokyo to further the state's ability to attract foreign direct investments. Sean Blakeley
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 25 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Farnborough and beyond: Commerce works to broaden state's reach in industry recruitment
The Alabama Department of Commerce's industry recruiting team at the Farnborough International Airshow this week includes its point men in Europe and South Korea.
Christoph Dorr has run Commerce's European office from Germany since 2019. Last year, Commerce announced the creation of business development offices in Seoul and Tokyo to further the state's ability to attract foreign direct investments. Sean Blakeleyleads the Korea office. The Tokyo office will open later this year.
Dorr and Blakeley work across all industries, including aerospace and aviation, promoting Alabama as a premier spot for U.S. operations. As defense and aerospace spending around the world increases and companies respond to capability and production demands, the state is increasing its recruitment efforts in those sectors.
"Alabama has prioritized increasing our foreign direct investments across multiple sectors," said Commerce Secretary Ellen McNair. "But now is a critical time in defense and aerospace growth for the state to expand our reach in these advanced manufacturing fields."
Since 2015, aerospace, defense and aviation companies have announced $4.3 billion in new investments in Alabama, resulting in more than 15,000 new jobs. In 2025 alone, Alabama exported $1.7 billion in aerospace equipment, an increase of more than 12% from 2024.
The Farnborough airshow is a premier week-long showcase of aviation and defense companies' best and newest technologies and manufacturing advancements. Alabama's delegation at the show is co-led by McNair and seven of her top team members.
"We're in Farnborough to show companies, whether they're in the U.S., Europe or Asia, that Alabama knows the formula for success in these sectors," McNair said. "That includes our pro-growth policies, available space and infrastructure and skilled workforce."
Japan and South Korea last year signed memorandums of understanding to spend $550 billion and $350 billion, respectively, on U.S. investments to avoid higher U.S. tariffs on goods. Both MOUs include commitments for expanding shipbuilding and other defense and national security spending.
"These countries have made tremendous commitments to the U.S., and we now have incredible opportunities to partner with foreign companies and bring more quality jobs to Alabamians," McNair said.
Along with Germany, Japan and South Korea are Alabama's top three international investment partners.
Blakeley said Korean companies have the high-tech manufacturing capability and capacity to respond to increased defense production for the U.S. and other NATO countries.
"Koreans are very keen to meet that demand, particularly in the United States, and that's why you're seeing the presence of Korean original equipment manufacturers and their supply chains rise at these international shows."
Besides business-friendly policies, Blakeley said the state's assets for attracting more Korean companies include the existing community in Alabama first built around the automotive industry. There is also a good standard of living and relatively low wage burden for employers.
Dorr can point to Airbus, headquartered in France, as a significant success story for European companies moving into the U.S. Since opening in Mobile in 2015, Airbus has more than doubled its production.
"It's always helpful for companies in Europe to see what's happening in Alabama and what it can mean for them," Dorr said.
He stresses that expansion into U.S. markets does not mean ending their current operations.
"If a company goes to Alabama, it's not just to start a production there and close it in Europe," Dorr said. "Normally, it's very helpful to start in a growing market because Europe is not growing as fast as the U.S."
The U.S. economy has outpaced that of the European Union for nearly 20 years.
"... Alabama and the Southeast is a fast-growing market and that helps European companies who put a foot here," Dorr said.
In 2025, European companies announced projects in Alabama totaling about $2.6 billion in new investments and more than 800 jobs, according to Commerce data.
Dorr also sells Alabama's business-friendly policies and how quickly a company can set up here. Workforce recruitment and training are another huge plus.
Before opening Commerce's European business development office in 2019, Dorr ran a German industrial company in Alabama for seven years. He points to his own experiences, including Alabama Industrial Development Training's workforce recruitment, when talking to prospective companies.
"That was one of my biggest concerns," he said. "We could find customers, we could get a building and buy machines, but what happens if no one is working?
"And that's what AIDT did for us. Not just training people at no cost, but finding the right people."
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/07/farnborough-and-beyond-commerce-works-to-broaden-states-reach-in-industry-recruitment/
Colo. Agriculture Dept.: No State Produce Linked to Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak
DENVER, Colorado, July 25 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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No Colorado Produce Linked to Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to investigate the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, the Colorado Department of Agriculture wants to assure consumers that eating fresh Colorado produce continues to be a safe part of a nutritious and healthy diet.
"So far, no Colorado-grown produce has been linked to the outbreak," said Colorado Department of Agriculture's
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, July 25 -- The Colorado Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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No Colorado Produce Linked to Ongoing Cyclospora Outbreak
As the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) continue to investigate the ongoing Cyclospora outbreak, the Colorado Department of Agriculture wants to assure consumers that eating fresh Colorado produce continues to be a safe part of a nutritious and healthy diet.
"So far, no Colorado-grown produce has been linked to the outbreak," said Colorado Department of Agriculture'sProduce Safety Manager Duane Sinning. "Colorado growers and produce processors should continue normal operations and fresh produce that has not been implicated in the outbreak should continue to be grown, harvested, processed and sold. Consumers can continue purchasing Colorado-grown fruits and vegetables with confidence, knowing they have not been implicated in the outbreak."
Cyclospora is a microscopic parasite that causes intestinal illness called cyclosporiasis. The pathogen is associated with fecal matter and is not carried or transmitted by other animals. Proper handwashing practices are the best means to prevent the spread of the parasite.
Scrubbing firm fruit like melons, washing produce, or removing the outer leaves of fresh greens can reduce the number of parasites, but does not fully eliminate the parasite. Cyclospora withstands freezing as well as temperatures of up to 157 degrees and can only be killed with cooking temperatures of at least 158 degrees. To prevent cross contamination and spread of the parasite, always clean and sanitize hands and food contact surfaces when handling fresh produce.
Symptoms of cyclosporiasis include frequent watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, bloating, nausea, and can result in dehydration and fatigue. Symptoms can develop as soon as 2 days after consuming affected products, but generally occur within 7 to 14 days. If you have symptoms that persist for more than three days you should contact a health care provider.
The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is monitoring the state's cases of cyclosporiasis, which are at less than 200 so far, and CDPHE does not have any indications of an outbreak in our state.
As of now, there is no indication that the produce causing the outbreak is from Colorado growers. Colorado farmers who produce more than $33,000 worth of produce are required to register with the Colorado Department of Agriculture and follow science-based principles of safe food handling practices that reduce the risk of contamination. CDA's Produce Safety Program, which follows the FDA's Produce Safety Rule, requires growers provide employee training, proper handwashing instructions, and follow cleaning and sanitizing practices to prevent the introduction of human illness-causing organisms.
Buying locally grown produce from a farm covered under the rule helps reduce consumer risks of cyclosporiasis and other foodborne illnesses.
For more information about Cyclospora and the recent outbreak visit the CDC website at About Cyclosporiasis (https://www.cdc.gov/cyclosporiasis/about/index.html).
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Original text here: https://ag.colorado.gov/press-release/no-colorado-produce-linked-to-ongoing-cyclospora-outbreak
