States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Traffic Stop on State Route 95 Results in Arrest of Suspect Linked to Multiple Shootings
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 13 -- The Arizona Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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Traffic Stop on State Route 95 Results in Arrest of Suspect Linked to Multiple Shootings
On the morning of Thursday, March 5, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state trooper conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a pickup truck for speeding on State Route 95 north of Lake Havasu City. This enforcement action quickly escalated into a significant arrest that removed a wanted violent offender from the community.
During the stop, the front-seat passenger provided
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 13 -- The Arizona Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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Traffic Stop on State Route 95 Results in Arrest of Suspect Linked to Multiple Shootings
On the morning of Thursday, March 5, 2026, an Arizona Department of Public Safety (AZDPS) state trooper conducted a traffic stop on the driver of a pickup truck for speeding on State Route 95 north of Lake Havasu City. This enforcement action quickly escalated into a significant arrest that removed a wanted violent offender from the community.
During the stop, the front-seat passenger providedthe trooper with a false name. When asked for additional identification, the individual became evasive and refused to provide his true identity. The trooper instructed the passenger to step out of the vehicle for further investigation, at which point the suspect began physically resisting. A struggle ensued, and the trooper deployed his Taser, safely subduing and detaining the suspect.
A fingerprint scan identified the suspect as 23-year-old Gilberto Mendez III, the subject of active parole warrants, including one for second-degree murder. Mendez was also wanted by the Bullhead City Police Department in connection with multiple shootings in Bullhead City.
"We thank the Arizona Department of Public Safety for their assistance in apprehending this violent suspect, who is believed to be connected to multiple shootings in Bullhead City over the past several months," said Bullhead City Police Corporal Walter Morales. "This arrest is an important step in holding those responsible accountable and keeping our community safe."
Mendez was ultimately booked into the Mohave County Jail on his warrants. He faces additional charges, including resisting arrest, aggravated assault on a first responder, and identity theft.
This incident highlights the critical role traffic enforcement plays in protecting Arizona's communities. Thanks to the trooper's vigilance and professionalism, a wanted violent offender is no longer in the community.
AZDPS remains committed to providing public safety through proactive enforcement and strong partnerships across the state.
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Original text here: https://www.azdps.gov/news/releases/1104
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Multi-County Grand Jury Indicts Two in Nationwide Walmart Theft Scheme
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts two in nationwide Walmart theft scheme
The Multi-County Grand Jury indicted two individuals in connection with a retail theft scheme targeting Walmart stores across multiple states.
According to the indictment, Angel Jones and Christopher Loepke are accused of carrying out a coordinated scheme over the past six months that resulted in more than $55,000 in losses from Walmart Supercenter stores across 15 states. The pair allegedly
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts two in nationwide Walmart theft scheme
The Multi-County Grand Jury indicted two individuals in connection with a retail theft scheme targeting Walmart stores across multiple states.
According to the indictment, Angel Jones and Christopher Loepke are accused of carrying out a coordinated scheme over the past six months that resulted in more than $55,000 in losses from Walmart Supercenter stores across 15 states. The pair allegedlyused Walmart's Scan & Go mobile checkout system to fraudulently obtain merchandise, including calculators and sports trading cards, by scanning lower-priced items or concealing higher-priced merchandise inside other products.
"These types of organized retail theft schemes harm businesses and ultimately drive up costs for hardworking Oklahoma consumers," said Attorney General Gentner Drummond. "My office will continue working with law enforcement and retailers to identify offenders and hold them accountable under the law."
Charges filed in the indictment stem from activity that occurred at numerous Walmart locations across Oklahoma, with thefts in at least 13 counties. Jones and Loepke were each charged with three felony counts.
Every person arrested or charged is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Read the Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/march/CF-2026-1059%20Jones%20and%20Loepke_Redacted.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/march/multi-county-grand-jury-indicts-two-in-nationwide-walmart-theft-scheme.html
N.Y. State Board of Regents Actions in 27 Professional Discipline Cases
ALBANY, New York, March 13 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Regents Actions in 27 Professional Discipline Cases
The Board of Regents announced disciplinary actions resulting in the revocation of 2 licenses, surrender of 6 licenses and 1 registration, and 18 other disciplinary actions. The penalty indicated for each case relates solely to the misconduct outlined in that particular case. In addition, the Board acted upon 3 restoration petitions.
I. REVOCATIONS & SURRENDERS
Dentistry
Jason Robert DiBlasi; Dentist; Massapequa,
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, March 13 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Regents Actions in 27 Professional Discipline Cases
The Board of Regents announced disciplinary actions resulting in the revocation of 2 licenses, surrender of 6 licenses and 1 registration, and 18 other disciplinary actions. The penalty indicated for each case relates solely to the misconduct outlined in that particular case. In addition, the Board acted upon 3 restoration petitions.
I. REVOCATIONS & SURRENDERS
Dentistry
Jason Robert DiBlasi; Dentist; Massapequa,NY 11758; Lic. No. 053299; Cal. No. 35023; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee admitted to the charge of having been convicted of 11 counts of Criminal Sale of a Prescription for a Controlled Substance by a Practitioner, class C felonies.
Mental Health Practitioners
Jonathan Kerz; Licensed Mental Health Counselor; New Rochelle, NY 10801; Lic. No. 013156; Cal. No. 34970; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee did not contest the charge of having an inappropriate relationship with a patient.
Nursing
Lindsay Taylor Almeida; Licensed Practical Nurse; Nassau, NY 12123-2702; Lic. No. 308254; Cal. No. 32941; Found guilty of professional misconduct; Penalty: Revocation.
Harold Martin Cole; Licensed Practical Nurse; Alden, NY 14004-1187; Lic. No. 289357; Cal. No. 33504; Found guilty of professional misconduct; Penalty: Revocation.
Physical Therapy
Richard J. Foley; Physical Therapist; Mahopac, NY 10541; Lic. No. 005663; Cal. No. 34017; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee did not contest the charge of failing to maintain professional boundaries with two patients.
Public Accountancy
Ralph J. Anderson, Jr. a/k/a Ralph B. Anderson; Certified Public Accountant; Lewisburg, PA 17837; Lic. No. 048896; Cal. No. 34962; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee did not contest the charge of having been convicted of Conspiracy to Defraud the United States, a class D felony.
Scott Vincent Becker; Certified Public Accountant; Goshen, NY 10924; Lic. No. 097799; Cal. No. 35030; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee did not contest the charge of having been convicted of Racketeering Conspiracy, a class C felony, Securities Fraud, a class C felony, and Wire Fraud, a class C felony.
Friedman LLP; Certified Public Accountancy Partnership; New York, NY 10017; Reg. No. 055050; Cal. No. 35042; Application to surrender registration granted. Summary: Registrant did not contest charges of failure to comply with generally accepted auditing standards in connection with a 2017 and 2018 audit of the financial statements of Company A and failure to comply with generally accepted auditing standards in connection with a 2020 audit of the financial statements of Company A.
Social Work
Jay David Marson; Licensed Master Social Worker; Larchmont, NY 10538; Lic. No. 035162; Cal. No. 34232; Application to surrender license granted. Summary: Licensee did not contest the charge of engaging in consensual romantic relationship with a former patient.
II. OTHER REGENTS DISCIPLINARY ACTIONS
Mental Health Practitioners
Robert Ian Beverley; Licensed Mental Health Counselor; Poughkeepsie, NY 12601-6209; Lic. No. 001455; Cal. No. 34754; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 3 months actual suspension, upon return to practice, 2 years probation, $2,000 fine.
Nursing
Elizabeth R. Cooney a/k/a Elizabeth R. Ojo; Licensed Practical Nurse; North Tonawanda, NY 14120; Lic. No. 287499; Cal. No. 34075; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $250 fine.
Charles A. Frank a/k/a Charles Frank; Registered Professional Nurse; East Orange, NJ 07017-2031, Brooklyn, NY 11210-1937; Lic. No. 650883; Cal. No. 34463; Found guilty of professional misconduct; Penalty: Indefinite actual suspension until alcohol abuse free and fit to practice, upon return to practice, 2 years probation.
Todd Thomas Felong; Licensed Practical Nurse; Alden, NY 14004; Lic. No. 310062; Cal. No. 34729; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $250 fine.
Pharmacy
Elena M. Luna; Pharmacist; Jackson Heights, NY 11372; Lic. No. 036940; Cal. No. 34966; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $5,000 fine.
AL KOSTO INC.; Pharmacy; Jackson Heights, NY 11372; Reg. No. 025465; Cal. No. 34967; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: $5,000 fine.
Devaughn Christopher Williams; Registered Pharmacy Technician; DeWitt, NY 13214; Lic. No. 001257; Cal. No. 35002; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $500 fine.
Public Accountancy
Jeffrey T. Smith; Certified Public Accountant; Webster, NY 14580; Lic. No. 067654; Cal. No. 34449; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $2,500 fine.
William F. Burke; Certified Public Accountant; New York, NY 10017; Lic. No. 127134; Cal. No. 34934; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 2 years stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $1,500 fine.
Kristin Ford Clauss; Certified Public Accountant; Bloomfield, NY 14469; Lic. No. 069130; Cal. No. 34965; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $1,500 fine.
Mike Aversano CPA PC; Professional Service Corporation; Wilmington, NC 28411; Reg. No. 111706; Cal. No. 34972; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $5,000 fine.
Janice Ann Gilliam; Certified Public Accountant; Old Tappan, NJ 07675; Lic. No. 062457; Cal. No. 35028; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $1,500 fine.
William D. Hitter; Certified Public Accountant; West Islip, NY 11795; Lic. No. 062032; Cal. No. 35033; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $1,000 fine.
Louis Kurpis; Certified Public Accountant; Flemington, NJ 08822; Lic. No. 032118; Cal. No. 35037; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $500 fine.
Jeffrey Eng; Certified Public Accountant; Flushing, NY 11354; Lic. No. 065480; Cal. No. 35040; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation, $1,500 fine.
Social Work
Kenneth George Lent; Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776; Lic. No. 048202; Cal. No. 34979; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 month actual suspension, 23 months stayed suspension, 2 years probation, $5,000 fine.
Lisa Simpson Castetter; Licensed Master Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Social Worker; Binghamton, NY 13905; Lic. Nos. 059490, 074248; Cal. Nos. 34996, 34997; Application for consent order granted; Penalty agreed upon: 1 year stayed suspension, 1 year probation.
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Original text here: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/regents-actions-27-professional-discipline-cases
N.J. Education Dept.: Sherrill Administration's Budget Plan Includes Record $12.4 Billion Investment in K-12 Education
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 13 -- The New Jersey Department of Education issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Sherrill Administration's Budget Plan Includes Record $12.4 Billion Investment in K-12 Education
Governor's Spending Plan Aims to Uplift Student Mental Health, Improve the State's School Funding Formula, & Reduce Costs for School Districts
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State school aid allocations were announced today, reflecting a record investment of $12.4 billion in state aid for K-12 education under Governor Sherrill's Fiscal Year 2027 budget plan. The $12.4 billion that goes directly
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, March 13 -- The New Jersey Department of Education issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Sherrill Administration's Budget Plan Includes Record $12.4 Billion Investment in K-12 Education
Governor's Spending Plan Aims to Uplift Student Mental Health, Improve the State's School Funding Formula, & Reduce Costs for School Districts
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State school aid allocations were announced today, reflecting a record investment of $12.4 billion in state aid for K-12 education under Governor Sherrill's Fiscal Year 2027 budget plan. The $12.4 billion that goes directlyto New Jersey's school districts includes an increase of $372 million from the prior year and is in addition to funding increases to statewide programs designed to support preschool students, protect students' mental health, and improve student outcomes in math and literacy.
This budget stabilizes historically volatile funding levels, paving the way for the New Jersey Department of Education (NJDOE) to work with State leaders and stakeholders to modernize the State's school funding formula. The Governor and the NJDOE also seek to help districts rein in out-of-control costs in areas such as special education and healthcare.
"My budget is focused on ensuring kids in New Jersey have access to the best education and brightest possible future," said Governor Mikie Sherrill. "The budget includes a record level of K-12 school funding, while acknowledging that much more work is needed to make sure students and taxpayers get the best return on our investment. It lays the foundation for future improvements - like stronger academic and mental health outcomes, shared services, and more efficient spending - to better support children from birth through graduation and strengthen schools statewide."
"Governor Sherrill's proposed budget focuses our state resources to ensure each and every New Jersey student has equitable opportunities for academic growth, while supporting their health and wellness," said Dr. Lily Laux, Commissioner of Education. "I look forward to continued conversations with stakeholders from across the state as we work to modernize and stabilize the school funding formula. Our core commitment remains: Funding will continue to follow students and their needs, a principle central to New Jersey's education system."
While the Governor's budget plan provides a record amount of funding, the Sherrill Administration understands that more money alone cannot solve long-term fiscal challenges facing school districts. To that end, the Administration will pursue strategies to help control higher costs facing school districts, particularly in employee benefits and healthcare costs, special education services, contracted services, and student transportation.
Every county will see a net increase in direct K-12 state aid to its school districts and no individual district will see a reduction of more than 3 percent in state aid, under the Governor's Fiscal Year 2027 spending plan. In addition to direct aid to districts, the Administration is also increasing funding for programs with strong evidence of yielding positive results for students:
Record Preschool Education Aid: The Governor's proposal increases Preschool Education Aid by 9.3 percent, to a record level of $1.4 billion, including $4.5 million to expand preschool programs into new school districts.
Expand High Impact Tutoring: The Governor's budget doubles the amount available, providing a total of $15 million to continue investing in High Impact Tutoring to improve student performance in math and literacy.
Supporting Student Mental Health: The budget allocates $33 million to NJDOE for SPARK (Schoolbased Partnerships for Access and Resilience for Kids), a statewide initiative to expand K-12 mental health services by strengthening school partnerships with licensed providers, improving coordination, and ensuring timely, school-based support - especially for high-need districts. The program establishes clear pathways for students with high acuity needs and requires measurable performance outcomes to build a more coordinated, prevention-focused school mental health system.
Today's state aid announcement reflects a continuation of policy choices aligned with Governor Sherrill's goals to modernize and stabilize the School Funding Reform Act, which provide the blueprint for New Jersey's state aid formula. For instance:
* The budget limits reductions in state aid to no more than 3 percent, which will prevent the loss of an additional $188.4 million for school districts. Without a limit to cuts, some districts have faced losses of up to 60 percent of their state aid in recent years. These limits on reductions are offset by a 6 percent limit on state aid increases, ensuring overall stability while recognizing the need for annual adjustments.
* The NJDOE will use a three-year average when determining local fair share, which is the amount of funding a local school district is expected to contribute toward its own budget based on its property wealth and income. Using a multi-year average minimizes year-to-year fluctuations.
* To ensure state aid reflects the real needs of districts, the NJDOE will use actual special education enrollment numbers to determine funding levels, instead of the approach used in years past of relying on a statewide average for all districts.
State aid allocations are available on NJDOE's School Finance webpage (https://www.nj.gov/education/stateaid/).
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/education/news/2026/SherrillAdministrationsBudgetPlanIncludesRecord12BillionInvestmentInK12Education.pdf
Minn. Agriculture Dept.: MN Venison Donations to Fight Hunger Climb in 2025
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 13 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news on March 12, 2026:
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MN Venison Donations to Fight Hunger Climb in 2025
More than 50% increase in pounds processed for food charities from 2024
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Minnesota hunters donated nearly 14,000 pounds of venison to food banks, food shelves, and feeding programs in 2025, an amount that exceeded 2024 donations by more than 50%.
The Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program, which is a cooperative effort among Minnesota deer hunters, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Department
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, March 13 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news on March 12, 2026:
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MN Venison Donations to Fight Hunger Climb in 2025
More than 50% increase in pounds processed for food charities from 2024
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Minnesota hunters donated nearly 14,000 pounds of venison to food banks, food shelves, and feeding programs in 2025, an amount that exceeded 2024 donations by more than 50%.
The Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program, which is a cooperative effort among Minnesota deer hunters, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) and the Minnesota Departmentof Natural Resources (DNR), provides an excellent source of protein to people in need and supports efforts to manage local deer populations.
Minnesota's various deer hunting seasons run from mid-September through the end of the year. This year included special hunts in late December that contributed to the totals.
In 2025, hunters donated 13,883 pounds of venison from 403 deer. That was up from 8,972 pounds donated in 2024, and exceeds the previous record for the past decade of 13,206 pounds donated in 2019.
The Minnesota Legislature established the program in 2007 with state funding and a fee increase for non-resident deer hunting licenses, plus a voluntary donation option on all license purchases.
Hunters and processors must adhere to specific program standards designed to prevent food-borne illness. Participating licensed meat processors are eligible for reimbursement of costs.
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Table: Minnesota Hunter-Harvested Venison Donation Program Summary
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mn-venison-donations-fight-hunger-climb-2025
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces More Than $23 Million to Increase Access to Farm-Fresh Food for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program Recipients
SACRAMENTO, California, March 13 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces more than $23 million to increase access to farm-fresh food for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program recipients
What you need to know: California is investing $23 million to help connect California grown fresh food to Californians who qualify for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
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SACRAMENTO - Governor Newsom today announced that California is continuing its national leadership in bringing
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, March 13 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 12, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces more than $23 million to increase access to farm-fresh food for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program recipients
What you need to know: California is investing $23 million to help connect California grown fresh food to Californians who qualify for CalFresh, WIC, and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
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SACRAMENTO - Governor Newsom today announced that California is continuing its national leadership in bringingfresh and healthy California grown fruits and vegetables to tables across the golden state. Through the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) Office of Farm to Fork, California is connecting locally grown food to eligible Californians who qualify for benefits through the CalFresh, Women Infants and Children (WIC), and Senior Farmers Market Nutrition Programs.
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California continues stepping up to ensure that every Californian has access to locally grown fruits and vegetables. We're supporting our farmers, strengthening local markets, and connecting families with fresh, nutritious produce--improving health outcomes while keeping food dollars in our communities.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
As the country's top agricultural producer and creator of the nation-leading Farm to School program, California is proud to continue expanding access to our nutritious fruits and vegetables for kids and families across the state. We are thrilled to invest in the Golden State's farmers and communities to ensure everyone has the opportunity to eat healthy and every kid has the best start in life.
- First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
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Connecting farmers to families
The state's investments empower eligible Californians to increase their consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables. CalFresh shoppers can benefit from the program simply by spending their benefits at participating Certified Farmers Markets throughout the state and other retail outlets. For every dollar spent by eligible Californians, they will receive an additional dollar that can be spent on fruits and vegetables at the market or retail outlet, within set parameters, increasing their ability to purchase and consume healthy, California-grown fresh fruits and vegetables for themselves and their families. The projects will also support California's vibrant farming communities selling at participating markets.
California's investments help address food insecurity among low-income Californians while simultaneously supporting and expanding markets for California farmers. Past investments have been shown to have a positive effect on the local economy, with every dollar in incentives generating three dollars in local economic activity.
Incentivising Farm-to-Fork
California is distributing approximately $21.5 million to increase the purchase of California-grown fresh fruit and vegetables by CalFresh shoppers at 12 projects across the state. Current nutrition incentives support CalFresh shoppers at more than 280 locations throughout California.
Awards will allow grantees to sustain incentive distributions and benefit the farmers and shoppers participating in the program at 303 participating Certified Farmers' Markets, Community Supported Agriculture programs, mobile markets and small retailers across California through spring 2027. The 12 grantees range in location, size and operations.
Across the state, the Office of Farm to Fork's investments are connecting Californians to locally grown affordable food, while the Ecology Center works with over 50 organizations and operates at over 290 Certified Farmers' Markets in 38 counties.
An additional 11 projects will receive $1,700,000 in total grant awards from the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (WIC FMNP) and the Senior Farmers' Market Nutrition Program (SFMNP).
10 of the grantees will distribute nutrition incentives and provide technical support at 121 Certified Farmers' Markets in the following 19 counties across California: San Diego, Riverside, Los Angeles, San Mateo, Santa Clara, Marin, San Francisco, Alameda, Contra Costa, Napa, Sonoma, Solano, Mendocino, Lake, Butte, Siskiyou, Humboldt, Lassen and Modoc. One grantee will focus solely on providing technical assistance for WIC FMNP and SFMNP nutrition incentives that utilize electronic FMNP Farmers' Market Cards at nine certified farmers' markets in the Bay Area. A detailed list of grantees and project descriptions for the 2026 CNIP Expansion Grant is available on the CNIP webpage.
CNIP is administered by CDFA's Office of Farm to Fork, which leads CDFA's food access work.
Building on California's success fighting hunger with access to healthy food
* In 2025, more than 4 million California children received SUN Bucks food benefits via EBT cards, with each eligible child receiving $120 in food benefits.
* California was the first state to implement a statewide Universal Meals Program for schoolchildren, providing all public TK-12 students access to two free meals per school day, regardless of income. California's Farm to School program, championed by First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom, works in tandem with Universal School Meals to ensure California students have access to two free school meals that are locally-sourced, delicious, and nutritious.
* In October 2025, Governor Newsom signed a landmark law phasing out the most concerning ultra-processed foods from school meals in California - protecting children's health and setting higher nutrition standards across the state.
* Governor Newsom previously signed AB 418 (Asm. Gabriel, 2023) and AB 2316 (Gabriel, 2024), banning four potentially harmful chemical food additives from products sold statewide, including red dye 3 and brominated vegetable oil, which is often used as a stabilizer in citrus-flavored beverages, and prohibiting schools from serving and selling foods containing synthetic food dye additives associated with risks to health harms in children, including cancer, damage to the immune system, and neurobehavioral issues. The federal government and numerous states have taken similar actions following CA's lead.
* In 2024, Governor Newsom signed a legislative package to increase enrollment in state food assistance programs, reduce youth consumption of processed foods, and increase access to healthy, locally grown food in all California communities.
* In 2023, California became the first state to codify President Biden's new federal guidelines on school nutrition standards to reduce sugar and salt in school meals, and established a process for California to maintain those standards should a different federal Administration lower the standards.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/12/governor-newsom-announces-more-than-23-million-to-increase-access-to-farm-fresh-food-for-calfresh-wic-and-senior-farmers-market-nutrition-program-recipients/
Arizona Commerce Authority: Arizona, Taiwan, and Japan Sign MOU To Strengthen Semiconductor, Workforce Development and Supply Chain Collaboration
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 13 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news on March 12, 2026:
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Arizona, Taiwan, and Japan Sign MOU To Strengthen Semiconductor, Workforce Development and Supply Chain Collaboration
To further strengthen international partnerships with Taiwan and Japan - two of Arizona's top trading partners - the State of Arizona, the City of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic collaboration and advance partnerships in semiconductors, talent development, research and development,
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 13 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority issued the following news on March 12, 2026:
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Arizona, Taiwan, and Japan Sign MOU To Strengthen Semiconductor, Workforce Development and Supply Chain Collaboration
To further strengthen international partnerships with Taiwan and Japan - two of Arizona's top trading partners - the State of Arizona, the City of Kaohsiung, Taiwan, and Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan signed a trilateral Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) to strengthen economic collaboration and advance partnerships in semiconductors, talent development, research and development,and global supply chain integration.
The MOU was signed during a ceremony in Phoenix by leaders including Governor Katie Hobbs and Mayor Chen Chi-Mai of Kaohsiung City, Taiwan. Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority, Deputy Mayor of Kaohsiung Ta-Sheng Lo, and Vice Governor Shingi Takeuchi of Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan were witnesses to the MOU signing ceremony, and Governor Takashi Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture joined virtually. The signing reflects the growing collaboration among regions that have become central hubs in the global semiconductor ecosystem.
The three regions share a unique connection through the presence and expansion of TSMC, which has invested $165 billion in their Arizona operations, and the company's leading-edge semiconductor process also at manufacturing facilities in Kaohsiung and Kumamoto, showcasing TSMC's leadership as an anchor in the global semiconductor supply chain and each government's role in supporting this advanced technology.
The MOU aims to accelerate collaboration across government, industry, and academia to support continued growth in advanced manufacturing and emerging technologies.
"This agreement formalizes the framework that will allow our three regions to deepen our partnership, advance innovation, and ensure a resilient and secure semiconductor supply chain for the future," said Governor Katie Hobbs. "We will create new opportunities for collaboration, economic growth, and technological leadership."
Key initiatives under the MOU include:
* Strengthening semiconductor supply chain integration and coordination across Arizona, Kaohsiung, and Kumamoto
* Advancing research and development collaboration between universities, industry partners, and innovation institutions
* Promoting academic exchange and workforce development programs to support the next generation of semiconductor talent
* Organizing joint delegations, forums, and industry engagements to deepen partnerships and investment opportunities
Through this collaboration, the three regions will support innovation and economic growth through complementary strengths including leading semiconductor manufacturing, advanced packaging, research institutions, and skilled workforce development programs.
"Arizona is proud to share deep and growing relationships with both Taiwan and Japan - two of our state's most important international partners," said Sandra Watson, President & CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority. "Today's agreement reflects the strong interconnectivity between our three economies - forming a global supply chain for the world's most important technologies."
"TSMC's chips represent far more than just the world's most advanced technology; they are symbols of freedom for the democratic world," said Kaohsiung Mayor Chen Chi-mai. "Through TSMC's presence in our respective regions, we have forged an enduring bond between Kaohsiung, Arizona, and Kumamoto. Today's MOU officially establishes a vital 'Semiconductor Strategic Triangle' in the Indo-Pacific. This partnership will allow us to deepen cooperation in industry, technology, and talent development, while strengthening supply chain resilience and solidifying the strategic alliance between Taiwan, the United States, and Japan."
"We believe that by signing this MOU, the three regions--Kumamoto Prefecture, Arizona, and Kaohsiung City--can demonstrate our presence to the world as core hubs for the semiconductor industry," said Governor Takashi Kimura of Kumamoto Prefecture. "We are confident that our collaboration will generate new value, supporting future industries and contributing to the stability and development of the global semiconductor supply chain."
Arizona has emerged as one of the world's fastest-growing semiconductor hubs. Since 2020, the state has attracted more than $214 billion in semiconductor investments and over 70 industry expansions, creating roughly 25,000 new high-quality jobs, establishing one of the most complete semiconductor ecosystems in North America.
Similarly, Kaohsiung has become a critical center for semiconductor manufacturing and advanced industry development in Taiwan, while Kumamoto Prefecture continues to play an increasingly important role in Japan's semiconductor resurgence through major investments and supply chain expansion.
This agreement builds on growing economic ties between Arizona, Taiwan, and Japan, as well as increasing collaboration between industry, universities, and government partners supporting semiconductor innovation and workforce development.
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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/2026/3/arizona-taiwan-and-japan-mou-signing/
