Featured Stories
Wash. State Health Dept.: State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers
OLYMPIA, Washington, July 22 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisory
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OLYMPIA, Washington, July 22 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions and advisorycommittees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., dentists, nursing assistants, counselors).
Information about health care providers is on the agency's website. Click on "Health Care Provider Lookup" under the "Find it Fast" section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider's license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint
Benton County
In May 2026 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Ramon Castaneda (NA60523611) by default order. Castaneda failed to respond to an April 2025 letter of cooperation regarding a complaint alleging inappropriate sexual conduct. He also failed to respond to the department's January 2026 statement of charges.
King County
In May 2026 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the certified medical assistant credential of Larry Vern Smalley (CM60901639) by default order. Smalley was charged in 2024 with misdemeanor stalking and criminal trespass after allegedly entering a person's home without permission and was arrested for allegedly violating a protection order. Smalley failed to respond to the department's March 2026 statement of charges.
Pierce County
In May 2026 the Department of Health summarily suspended the registered nursing assistant credential of Elisapeta Tuavale (NA61513952), pending further disciplinary proceedings. Charges allege that in December 2025, the Department of Social and Health Services (DSHS) determined Tuavale physically and mentally abused, improperly restrained, and neglected a vulnerable adult. The finding became final in February 2026, and Tuavale was placed on the DSHS vulnerable adult abuse registry, prohibiting her from being employed in the care of and having unsupervised access to vulnerable adults.
Out of State
Colorado: In May 2026 the Board of Physical Therapy suspended the physical therapist credential of Jeanna Viramontes (PT61068655) for at least five years by default order. In May 2024, the Minnesota Board of Physical Therapy restricted Viramontes' Minnesota physical therapy license for five years. Viramontes failed to respond to the board's 2026 statement of charges and must pay a $5,000 fine before petitioning for reinstatement.
Oregon: In May 2026 the Department of Health and Hillary Drusilla Gregorich (HM61029086) entered an agreed order suspending Gregorich's home care aide credential for at least three years. Gregorich admitted she had a romantic relationship with a patient while serving as the patient's caregiver. Gregorich must satisfy certain conditions before petitioning for reinstatement.
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Original text here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/state-revokes-suspends-licenses-certifications-registrations-health-care-providers-july-21-2026
WVDEP's REAP Program Awards More Than $56,000 for Litter Control Grants
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 22 -- The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news:
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WVDEP's REAP Program Awards More Than $56,000 for Litter Control Grants
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's (WVDEP) Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) has awarded $56,217.64 in Litter Control Matching Grants to strengthen anti-litter efforts across the state.
Among the 15 recipients for FY2027 are county solid waste authorities, county commissions, and municipalities.
Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority: $4,720.64 for a county-wide
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, July 22 -- The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news:
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WVDEP's REAP Program Awards More Than $56,000 for Litter Control Grants
The West Virginia Department of Environmental Protection's (WVDEP) Rehabilitation Environmental Action Plan (REAP) has awarded $56,217.64 in Litter Control Matching Grants to strengthen anti-litter efforts across the state.
Among the 15 recipients for FY2027 are county solid waste authorities, county commissions, and municipalities.
Berkeley County Solid Waste Authority: $4,720.64 for a county-wideanti-litter advertising campaign.
Jackson County Solid Waste Authority: $3,500 to purchase roll-off bins and cover disposal fees for a county cleanup event.
City of Kingwood: $1,996.50 to purchase a waste receptacle for the city.
Logan County Solid Waste Authority: $5,000 to assist with litter control officer wages and purchase safety signage, gloves and litter grabbers.
Mingo County Commission: $5,000 to assist with wages for law enforcement personnel performing duties related to litter control.
Nicholas County Commission: $2,400 to purchase safety supplies (vests, first aid kits, sharps containers), cleanup tools, supply storage, outreach materials, and vehicle fuel to support a new cleanup program.
Preston County Solid Waste Authority: $2,420 for fuel for the county litter control officer's vehicle.
Putnam County Solid Waste Authority: $5,000 to assist with wages for the county's litter control officer.
Raleigh County Solid Waste Authority: $5,000 to assist with wages and fuel for the county's litter control supervisor.
Roane County Solid Waste Authority: $3,500 for dumpster fees for a county cleanup.
Wayne County Commission: $5,000 to assist with wages for the county's litter control officer.
Webster County Commission: $5,000 to assist with wages for the county's litter control officer.
Town of White Hall: $1,040 for dumpster fees for two cleanup events.
Wood County Solid Waste Authority: $2,140.50 to purchase trash bags, gloves and safety vests for litter pickups.
Wyoming County Solid Waste Authority: $4,500 to purchase uniforms, vehicle fuel, tires and maintenance for the county litter control officer.
Funding for the litter control program is generated by 50% of civil penalties imposed upon persons convicted of unlawful disposal of litter, as well as from state agency facility recycling revenue pursuant to West Virginia Code Sec.22-15A-4 and Sec.22-15A-5.
The REAP initiative harbors all state cleanup programs within the WVDEP and provides citizens, communities, and local governments with technical, financial, and resource assistance in cleanup efforts.
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Original text here: https://dep.wv.gov/news/Pages/WVDEP's-REAP-Program-Awards-More-Than-$56,000-for-Litter-Control-Grants.aspx
PennDOT: Shapiro Administration Invests in Safer, More Reliable School Transportation With More Than $1.1 Million in Grants to Train New School Bus Drivers
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issued the following news on July 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests in Safer, More Reliable School Transportation with More Than $1.1 Million in Grants to Train New School Bus Drivers
More than $1.1 million will help 26 school transportation providers train more than 430 school bus drivers across 19 counties.
This is the administration's second investment in school bus safety this year.
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Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced an investment of more than $1.1 million
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation issued the following news on July 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests in Safer, More Reliable School Transportation with More Than $1.1 Million in Grants to Train New School Bus Drivers
More than $1.1 million will help 26 school transportation providers train more than 430 school bus drivers across 19 counties.
This is the administration's second investment in school bus safety this year.
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Today, the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) announced an investment of more than $1.1 millionin grant funding to help 26 schools and transportation providers across 19 Pennsylvania counties cover the costs to train more than 430 new school bus drivers, including commercial driver's license (CDL) training, trainee wages, and testing and permit fees. This investment is funded through PennDOT's School Bus Safety Grant Program to increase school bus safety for Pennsylvania's students and communities.
"With his latest budget, Governor Shapiro continues to make historic investments in education and our children's future. Making sure we have enough qualified drivers to get students to and from school safely and reliably advances that investment," said PennDOT Secretary Mike Carroll. "This funding gives schools and communities the support they need to ensure students can focus on learning and achieve success."
Pennsylvania law allows school districts to install and operate automated camera systems to enforce Pennsylvania's School Bus Stopping Law and keep children safe when they ride the school bus. Of the $300 fine assessed for these automated violations, the law requires $25 be paid to PennDOT for the School Bus Safety Grant Program.
Grants from the program can be used to pay for education, training, and other costs related to an individual earning their commercial learner's permit, commercial driver's license, or school bus endorsement for the purpose of driving a school bus in Pennsylvania. They can also promote and increase school bus safety, education, and training.
Below is a list of grant awards:
Allegheny County:
* ABC Transit Inc., $75,000.
* Deer Lakes School District $17,000.
* Sun Coach Lines LLC, $27,100.
Beaver County:
* Hopewell Area School District: $15,186.
Berks County:
* Quigley Bus Service Inc., $7,816.
Bucks County:
* Bristol Township School District, $8,100.
* Levy School Bus Company, $18,888.
* Neshaminy School District, $38,498.
Butler County:
* ABC Transit Inc., $57,000.
Columbia County:
* Bloomsburg Area School District, $44,000.
Delaware County:
* Wallingford-Swarthmore School District, $47,084.
Franklin County:
* Friese Bus Transportation LLC, $5,587.
Indiana County:
* Woodridge Transit LLC, $50,000.
Lackawanna County:
* P & D Leasing Transportation, $99,000.
* Pocono Transportation Inc., $90,000.
Lehigh County:
* Allentown School District, $81,633.
Luzerne County:
* Wyoming Area School District, $24,064.
Mercer County:
* AC-School Services Inc., $30,000.
* Watsons Inc., $14,700.
Monroe County:
* East Stroudsburg Area School District, $38,750.
Montgomery County:
* Upper Dublin School District, $6,395.
Montour County:
* Danville Area School District, $30,000.
Perry County:
* HE Rohrer LLC, $81,250.
Somerset County:
* Mlaker LLC, $100,000.
* Windber Area School District: $34,500.
York County:
* Reliance Student Transportation LLC, $75,015.
Information on the School Bus Grant Program can be found online at pa.gov/schoolbus. Independent school bus contractors, school entities, and municipalities are eligible to apply for grants from the program. Questions about the program should be emailed to RA-PDASBEGP@pa.gov.
The School Bus Stopping Law requires drivers approaching a school bus with its red lights flashing and stop arm activated to stop at least 10 feet from the bus. Drivers approaching from all directions are required to stop, unless they encounter a school bus stopping on the opposite side of a divided highway clearly separated by a physical barrier, such as a grassy median, guide rail, or concrete barrier. School buses activate flashing yellow lights to indicate they will be coming to a stop. When drivers approach a school bus with flashing yellow lights, they should slow down and be prepared to stop.
According to data from Operation Safe Stop 2025, participating school districts and law enforcement agencies reported witnessing 188 violations of the law on one day alone - up from 176 the previous year. Operation Safe Stop, held annually in October during School Bus Safety Week, is a school bus enforcement and education initiative aimed at enhancing school bus safety for students across Pennsylvania.
According to Automated School Bus Enforcement program data for 2024(, there were 76,413 violations recorded.
PennDOT's media resources web page offers social media-sized graphics for numerous transportation-related campaigns, including safety topics such as aggressive driving, speeding, distracted driving, and seat belts for organizations, community groups, or others who share safety information with their stakeholders. Visit our website for an animated graphic on the School Bus Stopping Law.
For more information on school bus safety, visit pa.gov/dotsafety.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/penndot/news-and-media/newsroom/statewide/2026/shapiro-admin-invests-in-safer--more-reliable-school-transportat
Ill. Supreme Court Appoints Associate Judge Mark Gilles as Circuit Judge in Tenth Circuit
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 22 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT APPOINTS ASSOCIATE JUDGE MARK GILLES AS CIRCUIT JUDGE IN TENTH CIRCUIT
Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Mark E. Gilles as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Peoria County.
Judge Gilles is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Judge Stephen A. Kouri on July 31, 2026. The appointment is effective October 1, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.
"Judge
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 22 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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ILLINOIS SUPREME COURT APPOINTS ASSOCIATE JUDGE MARK GILLES AS CIRCUIT JUDGE IN TENTH CIRCUIT
Justice Lisa Holder White and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Associate Judge Mark E. Gilles as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit in Peoria County.
Judge Gilles is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the impending retirement of Judge Stephen A. Kouri on July 31, 2026. The appointment is effective October 1, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028.
"JudgeGilles is a highly respected jurist who will bring his strong work ethic and legal talent to this new position," Justice Holder White said.
Judge Gilles has served as an Associate Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit since 2009. During his 17 years on the bench Judge Gilles has heard cases in courts in both Peoria and Tazewell counties with his most recent assignment being Peoria County Family Court. Prior to joining the bench Judge Gilles worked as an attorney in general practice for 18 years in Peoria County and was a Partner at Cordis & Gilles.
"I am extremely grateful to have been selected by Justice Holder White and her fellow Illinois Supreme Court Justices to serve as a Circuit Judge in the Tenth Judicial Circuit," Judge Gilles said. "I am very happy to continue serving as a Tenth Circuit judge in this new capacity."
Judge Gilles earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Illinois College of Law at UrbanaChampaign and earned his bachelor's degree from Illinois State University. He was a member of the Illinois Judicial Education Conference Weighted Case Load Task Force from 2021 to 2023 and has served as a Judicial Performance Evaluation facilitator since 2016.
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/17dcbb97-698f-4e88-b0ab-42f0f4fe366a/Supreme%20Court%20Appoints%20Associate%20Judge%20Mark%20Gilles%20as%20Circuit%20Judge%20in%20Tenth%20Circuit.pdf
Ill. Gov. Pritzker Announces $30 Million EDA Grant for Advancing Quantum
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 22 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on July 20, 2026:
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Governor Pritzker Announces $30 Million EDA Grant for Advancing Quantum
The Bloch's Selection Advances Illinois' Competitiveness as a Global Leader in Quantum Technology
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CHICAGO - Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Illinois has secured approximately $30 million in federal funding for The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub. The Bloch will advance quantum technologies by growing the domestic base of quantum components manufacturers and strengthening
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, July 22 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on July 20, 2026:
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Governor Pritzker Announces $30 Million EDA Grant for Advancing Quantum
The Bloch's Selection Advances Illinois' Competitiveness as a Global Leader in Quantum Technology
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CHICAGO - Today, the U.S. Economic Development Administration (EDA) announced that Illinois has secured approximately $30 million in federal funding for The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub. The Bloch will advance quantum technologies by growing the domestic base of quantum components manufacturers and strengtheningdomestic supply chains. This funding from EDA marks a significant milestone in advancing Illinois' technological innovation, creating equitable employment opportunities and establishing Illinois and the U.S. as global leaders in quantum technology and semiconductor innovation.
"This award is a powerful validation of Illinois' vision to become the global capital of quantum - helping us accelerate innovation, strengthen supply chains, and create good-paying jobs," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Together with our historic investments in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, our state is building an innovation ecosystem to drive economic growth and shape the future of quantum for decades to come - with Illinois and the United States in a leadership role."
The Bloch, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), is a part of Illinois' strategic vision to establish itself as a global leader in critical technology sectors. This vision is supported by Governor Pritzker's historic $500 million investment in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), the first-of-its-kind campus built for quantum technology and microelectronics innovation and scale up.
"The Bloch will drive US quantum leadership, strengthen national security, and create jobs by eliminating barriers to domestic quantum manufacturing, a challenge that the Midwest is uniquely equipped to address," said David Awschalom, the Liew Family Professor of Quantum Engineering and Physics at the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Molecular Engineering, director of the CQE, principal investigator of The Bloch, and a senior scientist at Argonne National Laboratory. "Illinois, Wisconsin, and Indiana are all top 10 manufacturing states, and the Midwest is home to a diverse industry base, world-leading research institutions, and a large talent pool."
This announcement comes as Illinois welcomes global leaders to Chicago for the second annual Global Quantum Forum, which brings together experts from government, industry, and academia to advance collaboration in the quantum industry. Illinois' growing innovation ecosystem, including the EDA's investment in The Bloch, highlights the state's role as a leading destination for quantum research, commercialization, and manufacturing.
"The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub is strengthening Illinois' standing as a global leader in quantum technology," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "With grant funding from the EDA, The Bloch will be a catalyst for economic opportunity as it creates new jobs, trains Illinois' world-class workforce and supports our growing quantum ecosystem."
As a member of The Bloch, the IQMP will build a state-of-the-art facility to house quantum suppliers and components manufacturers, create good-paying jobs from researchers to technicians, and co-locate manufacturers with global leaders in quantum computing to speed up innovation cycles. The facility's construction will be funded by EDA and the State of Illinois, leveraging funding previously committed to the IQMP. The building, called the FaQtory, will support The Bloch's mission to lead the nation to a sustainable and inclusive quantum economy.
"The IQMP is thrilled to celebrate this funding from the US Economic Development Administration that will help bring the FaQtory -- our future supplier building -- to life," said Dr. Harley Johnson, CEO of the IQMP. "This facility is an essential piece of what makes the IQMP's model so unique. We're giving key companies in the quantum and microelectronics supply chain a home right alongside the customers and partners they serve. By offering customized, dedicated space for manufacturing work, we're able to embed essential suppliers into our ecosystem, accelerating innovation cycles for all of our partners and tenants."
"This is Illinois' moment to lead the building of a national quantum manufacturing supply chain. The quantum program enables Illinois' manufacturers of every size to build the capacity to compete, giving our state the ability to lead in a technology that's critical to America's economic strength and national security," said Dan Hofmann, IMEC Interim President.
The EDA grant, combined with nearly $13 million in match funding from the State of Illinois, will support The Bloch's multiple projects. In particular, the State of Illinois is contributing almost $11 million for the construction of the FaQtory supplier building at the IQMP, which will provide quantum components manufacturers with state-of-the-art space next door to world-leading quantum computing companies. Additionally, the State of Illinois, through DCEO's Federal Grant Support Program, has committed $2 million to help support, scale, and align all of The Bloch's projects and investment opportunities by connecting available joint resources and personnel.
"In Illinois, we know that quantum computing is the future--and quantum computing's future is in Illinois," said Senator Durbin. "This federal funding for The Bloch further secures our state as the foremost leader in this emerging industry, shoring up domestic supply chains and creating good-paying jobs in the process."
"The quantum boom is happening right here in Illinois, helping us create jobs, cure diseases and strenghten our national security," said Senator Duckworth. "After years of advocating alongside Governor Pritzker and local leaders, this investment will go a logn way to help support the Bloch and our Midwest neighbors. The sky is the limit for what quantum can help us achieve, and Illinois is leading the way."
EDA's Tech Hubs program was designed to strengthen America's economic competitiveness and national security by investing in regions with the talent and assets to become global leaders in the critical technologies of the future. The approximately $30 million investment in The Bloch and funds for other Tech Hubs across the country will accelerate technology commercialization, moving breakthroughs out of labs, through manufacturing lines, and into the marketplace faster, and at greater scale.
Governor Pritzker has made investing in quantum computing a major priority during his administration. In addition to the $500 million investment in the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park (IQMP), Illinois previously invested $200 million to support the Chicago Quantum Exchange, the first state to make that large of a commitment to quantum - a move that cemented Illinois' leadership nationally and attracted federal research dollars. Companies committed to the IQMP include IBM, anchor tenant PsiQuantum, Infleqtion, Pasqal, Diraq, and Quantum Machines.
"Backed by elite research and higher education institutions, a growing workforce, and innovative public-private partnerships, Illinois' quantum ecosystem is among the most formidable in the world," said Illinois EDC President and CEO Christy George. "Illinois stands ready to turn ideas into breakthroughs and breakthroughs into new jobs and investments."
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About The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub
The Bloch Quantum Tech Hub, led by the Chicago Quantum Exchange (CQE), is transitioning the nation's quantum sector to advanced manufacturing. The multisector project leverages the Midwest's existing manufacturing capacity, talent, and industry base to overcome a major hurdle to US quantum growth -- a reliance on foreign imports that slows innovation, creates security risks, and raises production costs. The recipient of a multimillion-dollar US Economic Development Administration award, The Bloch will transition Midwest quantum companies to scaled manufacturing, help existing manufacturers become part of the quantum supply chain, build a supplier facility at the Illinois Quantum and Microelectronics Park, and strengthen security for US quantum technologies.
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32731
Gov. Newsom Announces Continued Growth in California ZEV Sales as Trump's Reckless Iran War Raises Prices on Americans Nationwide
SACRAMENTO, California, July 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces continued growth in California ZEV sales as Trump's reckless Iran war raises prices on Americans nationwide
California is building a market that creates good-paying jobs and lowers costs for families
What you need to know: As gasoline prices skyrocketed in the wake of Trump's war in Iran, California's demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) grew. ZEV sales increased in the second quarter of 2026, representing 19.1% of new vehicle sales in
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, July 22 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 20, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces continued growth in California ZEV sales as Trump's reckless Iran war raises prices on Americans nationwide
California is building a market that creates good-paying jobs and lowers costs for families
What you need to know: As gasoline prices skyrocketed in the wake of Trump's war in Iran, California's demand for zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) grew. ZEV sales increased in the second quarter of 2026, representing 19.1% of new vehicle sales inCalifornia, a 3.3-percentage-point increase from the first quarter of the year. California remains the nation's ZEV leader, and next month, the state's new ZEV instant rebate program will make going electric easier and more affordable.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced that Californians purchased 86,857 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs) in the second quarter of 2026, representing 19.1% of new car sales, the highest quarterly sales share reported for this year. California is proving that a state can lead on affordability and clean air while building a future that is not held hostage by fossil fuels and the price spikes that come with them.
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While Donald Trump makes Americans pay the bill for his Iran war at the pump, California is giving families the freedom to choose a cheaper way forward by going electric. California's MyFirstEV instant rebate program is going to put thousands more Californians behind the wheel of a car that can't be held hostage by greedy oil companies or foreign wars. We built the largest electric car market in America, and we're not stopping now.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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As gas prices soar across the country because of Trump's reckless war in Iran, California remains the nation's leader in ZEV purchases and infrastructure. No matter what's happening in Washington, D.C., California remains open for business: a safe, stable, and strong market partner.
And that momentum is about to get a boost. MyFirstEV, the instant rebate program established by the legislature and signed by Governor Newsom, takes effect next month, with 13 automakers offering instant rebates to first-time ZEV buyers.
"This is an exciting time for prospective EV buyers in California," said California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner. "There are many affordable new and used EV models available, and the MyFirstEV program will give thousands of Californians the chance to ditch their increasingly expensive gas vehicles. As California continues to rapidly build out a reliable and publicly available fast charging network, there has never been a better time to go electric."
"Nearly 1 in 5 Californians are choosing to go electric because EVs are fun to drive, fast, and cheaper to fuel and maintain," said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. "With the state's new MyFirstEV program, we're making it easier for first-time buyers to make the switch. As federal actions threaten decades of progress, California is committed to protecting public health and delivering cleaner air across the state."
How California's instant rebate for first-time ZEV buyers will work
For California families who have been waiting for the right moment to go electric, that moment is coming later this summer. The MyFirstEV program will deliver $3,500 off the price of a new electric vehicle right at the dealership. California's $135.5 million state investment is matched dollar-for-dollar by participating automakers, delivering a combined $271 million in total savings to California families at the point of sale.
Here's what buyers need to know:
* $3,500 off new electric vehicles with an MSRP up to $50,000
* $1,750 off used electric vehicles sold for up to $25,000 through manufacturers' pre-owned vehicle programs
* The rebate is open to any Californian buying their first ZEV
The California Air Resources Board (CARB) is overseeing the program. Details on when the funding will be available and how to access it are expected next month. Californians can explore options, learn about charging, and find a participating dealer at www.electricforall.org.
California doubles down on clean transportation investments
Despite Donald Trump's efforts to cede the clean vehicle economy to China, California is ensuring that American workers and manufacturers can compete and win in the industries that will define this century.
In January, the state surpassed 2.5 million cumulative zero-emission vehicle sales, far exceeding its original goal of 1.5 million ZEVs by 2025. Last September, San Bernardino County made history by welcoming the first hydrogen-powered passenger train into revenue service in North America. In May, Governor Newsom launched a $1 billion rebate program for electric medium- and heavy-duty trucks, and in April 2025, announced $500 million for 1,000 clean school buses statewide. Demand for zero-emission bus and truck incentives has more than doubled year over year.
The Golden State's commitment extends beyond consumer incentives. In the latest Clean Transportation Program Investment Plan Update, the CEC allocated $98.5 million in light-duty ZEV infrastructure funding for fiscal year 2025-2026 to focus on Level 1 and Level 2 charging in locations with longer vehicle dwell times, including at-home charging with a specific focus on multifamily residences.
Governor Newsom's Build More, Faster -- For All infrastructure agenda has driven historic investments in transportation that will benefit all Californians for decades to come. More than 29,000 California infrastructure projects are tracked at build.ca.gov.
The gold standard for American EV infrastructure
California is tearing down barriers to ZEV deployment, speeding up EV charging station installations, and deploying infrastructure in hard-to-reach and low-income areas.
California is one of the top states for EV buyers and drivers. There are now over 200,000 public and shared EV charging plugs statewide. EV chargers can be found at grocery stores, park-and-ride lots, and even gas stations, whereas shared EV chargers can be found at apartment complexes, workplaces, doctors' offices, sports facilities, and other parking areas with some level of restricted access. This statewide network of public and shared private chargers is in addition to the estimated 800,000 EV chargers installed in California homes.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/20/governor-newsom-announces-continued-growth-in-california-zev-sales-as-trumps-reckless-iran-war-raises-prices-on-americans-nationwide/
Fortified Solar Expands Greenville County Operations
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, July 22 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce posted the following news from Fortified Solar:
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Fortified Solar expands Greenville County operations
$22.75 million investment will create over 151 new jobs
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Fortified Solar, a U.S. solar manufacturer of custom steel roofing systems with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, today announced it is expanding its operations in Greenville County. The company's $22.75 million investment will create over 151 new jobs.
Founded in 2020 by Justin Draplin of Travelers Rest, Fortified Solar manufactures
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, July 22 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce posted the following news from Fortified Solar:
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Fortified Solar expands Greenville County operations
$22.75 million investment will create over 151 new jobs
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Fortified Solar, a U.S. solar manufacturer of custom steel roofing systems with building-integrated photovoltaic (BIPV) technology, today announced it is expanding its operations in Greenville County. The company's $22.75 million investment will create over 151 new jobs.
Founded in 2020 by Justin Draplin of Travelers Rest, Fortified Solar manufacturessteel solar roofing systems for commercial and residential roofing projects, as well as solar carports, canopies and storage solutions. The company has an existing manufacturing facility in the Upstate, located in Taylors.
Fortified Solar's new operation, located at 10 A. D. Asbury Road in Greenville, will expand the company's manufacturing, production and operational capabilities, supporting its ongoing growth.
The company's existing and new facilities are operational, with new manufacturing lines expected to reach full production by October 2026. Individuals interested in learning more about Fortified Solar should visit FortifiedSolar.com.
The Coordinating Council for Economic Development approved job development credits related to the project. The council also awarded a $150,000 Set-Aside grant to Greenville County to assist with the costs of building improvements.
"This expansion represents an important milestone for Fortified Solar as we continue to invest in American manufacturing and meet growing demand for integrated solar roofing solutions. Greenville County has been a strong foundation for our growth and this investment allows us to increase production capacity, create new jobs and strengthen our ability to serve individuals across the country."
-Fortified Solar CEO Justin Draplin
"Fortified Solar's expansion is a testament to the growth opportunities available to manufacturers in our state. We are proud to see the company creating over 151 new jobs and continuing to invest in the Upstate."
-Gov. Henry McMaster
"As South Carolina continues to maintain its position as a leader in advanced manufacturing, Fortified Solar's $22.75 million investment supports economic growth in a key industry. We look forward to the company's continued success in the Palmetto State."
-Secretary of Commerce Harry M. Lightsey III
"Greenville County continues to lead South Carolina through innovation, economic growth and strategic investment in the energy sector. Fortified Solar's evolution from a tiny home builder to a leader in solar energy is a testament to the entrepreneurial spirit and exceptional talent found right here in our community. We are proud to see local businesses embrace new opportunities that strengthen our economy and advance sustainable energy solutions. We wish the Fortified Solar team continued success as they embark on this exciting new chapter."
-Greenville County Council Chairman Benton Blount
Fast Facts
* Fortified Solar is expanding its operations in Greenville County.
* The company's $22.75 million investment will create over 151 new jobs.
* Fortified Solar is a manufacturer of custom, building-integrated steel solar roofing systems.
* The company's new operation will be located at 10 A. D. Asbury Road in Greenville, S.C.
* To learn more about opportunities with Fortified Solar, visit FortifiedSolar.com.
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Original text here: https://www.sccommerce.com/news/fortified-solar-expands-greenville-county-operations
