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Fla. Environmental Protection Dept.: In Case You Missed It - Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Protect More Than 10,800 Acres Across Florida
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 4 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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Oct. 1, 2026
In Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Protect More Than 10,800 Acres Across Florida
Projects advance Florida Forever, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the conservation of more than 10,770 acres across Florida, including more than 2,700 acres within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, representing
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 4 -- The Florida Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
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Oct. 1, 2026
In Case You Missed It: Governor Ron DeSantis and Florida Cabinet Protect More Than 10,800 Acres Across Florida
Projects advance Florida Forever, the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program and the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. - Tuesday, Governor Ron DeSantis and the Florida Cabinet approved the conservation of more than 10,770 acres across Florida, including more than 2,700 acres within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, representingan investment of more than $72.6 million.
"Florida continues to make historic investments to protect the lands and waters that make our state unique," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "These acquisitions will strengthen the Florida Wildlife Corridor and preserve working lands. Today's approvals ensure that Florida's growth is balanced with the preservation of the places that define our state."
Since 2019, the state has invested more than $1.5 billion in land conservation through the Florida Forever Program. This funding has enabled the Florida Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) to acquire over 500,000 acres for conservation, 92% of which are within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
"Today's approvals reflect our commitment to being good stewards of Florida's land and making smart investments in conservation. The Florida Wildlife Corridor is an important part of that effort, and I'm proud that more than 4,500 acres of working agricultural land will be permanently protected through the Rural and Family Lands Protection Program," said Commissioner of Agriculture Wilton Simpson. "RFLPP is a proven, cost-effective way to keep productive farmland in private hands and ensure it remains available to grow the food Floridians depend on for generations to come."
"These projects demonstrate the lasting benefits of strategic land conservation," said DEP Secretary Alexis A. Lambert. "They will connect conservation lands while protecting water resources and wildlife habitat. We appreciate the continued leadership of Governor DeSantis, the Cabinet and the Legislature in protecting Florida's natural landscapes."
About today's land acquisition approvals:
A 2,708-acre conservation easement within the Etoniah/Cross Florida Greenway Florida Forever Project in Putnam County will create a connection to the Marjorie Harris Carr Cross Florida Greenway State Recreation and Conservation Area and other conservation lands within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor. Protecting this large landscape tract will safeguard regional water supply and water quality, support natural ecosystem functions, enhance flood protection and contribute to aquifer recharge. This property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
A 3,567-acre conservation easement within the Panther Glades Florida Forever Project in Hendry County will provide a connection between Dinner Island Ranch Wildlife Management Area and Finca Vigia, contributing to a mosaic of conservation lands in the area. The conservation easement will protect critical wildlife habitat while allowing the property to remain in agricultural use. This property is within the Florida Wildlife Corridor.
The Governor and the Cabinet also approved the acquisition of permanent agricultural land conservation easements over more than 4,500 acres of working agricultural lands through the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services' Rural and Family Lands Protection Program. The approvals include a permanent conservation easement over 1,034 acres of Limestone Creek Ranch, a working cattle ranch for more than 70 years that was formerly owned by Governor Doyle E. Carlton.
More information on today's land acquisition approvals can be found here (https://floridadep.gov/cab/cab/content/september-29-2026-board-trustees-agenda-and-attachments).
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About the Florida Department of Environmental Protection
The Florida Department of Environmental Protection is the state's principal environmental agency, created to protect, conserve and manage Florida's environment and natural resources. The department enforces federal and state environmental laws, protects Florida's air and water quality, cleans up pollution, regulates solid waste management, promotes pollution prevention and acquires environmentally sensitive lands for preservation. The agency also maintains a statewide system of parks, trails and aquatic preserves. Visit the department's website at FloridaDEP.gov.
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Original text here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/FLDEP/bulletins/42d74fd
NCDA&CS Awards $51.2 Million in Farmland Preservation Grants in 44 Counties
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 3 -- The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release:
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Friday, October 2, 2026
NCDA&CS awards $51.2 million in Farmland Preservation grants in 44 counties
Historic state investment supports lasting protection of N.C. working farms and forests
RALEIGH
The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $51.2 million in grants to help protect working farms and forests and support North Carolina's agricultural economy.
Grants were awarded to farms and projects in Alamance,
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 3 -- The North Carolina Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services issued the following news release:
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Friday, October 2, 2026
NCDA&CS awards $51.2 million in Farmland Preservation grants in 44 counties
Historic state investment supports lasting protection of N.C. working farms and forests
RALEIGH
The N.C. Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund has awarded $51.2 million in grants to help protect working farms and forests and support North Carolina's agricultural economy.
Grants were awarded to farms and projects in Alamance,Anson, Avery, Bladen, Brunswick, Cabarrus, Camden, Chatham, Cherokee, Clay, Cleveland, Columbus, Craven, Cumberland, Currituck, Davie, Duplin, Franklin, Guilford, Harnett, Haywood, Iredell, Johnston, Lee, Lincoln, Macon, Madison, Martin, Mitchell, Onslow, Orange, Person, Randolph, Rockingham, Rowan, Rutherford, Surry, Transylvania, Tyrrell, Union, Wake, Watauga, Wayne and Wilkes counties.
"I want to sincerely thank the General Assembly for its historic investment in farmland preservation and for recognizing the importance of protecting the land that sustains us," said Agriculture Commissioner Steve Troxler. "This support will make a significant, lasting difference for farm families and rural communities across North Carolina. We are grateful for the opportunity to help more landowners protect their farms and preserve the resources future generations will need to produce food and fiber."
The General Assembly's 2026-27 budget included $46.9 million in nonrecurring funding and an additional $2 million in recurring funding for the Agricultural Development and Farmland Preservation Trust Fund, the largest single-year investment in the program's history.
Agricultural conservation easements provide a voluntary way for landowners to protect their working lands. Preserving these farms and forests helps maintain the land base needed for agricultural production and supports the rural communities and businesses that depend on it.
"I also appreciate the farmers, landowners, county governments, soil and water conservation districts, and land trusts that supported this cause during our Farmland Preservation Advocacy Day in May," said Troxler. "Without the farmer and local support, there is no farmland preservation."
While the awards represent a significant investment in farmland preservation, applicants for the current grant cycle should not assume the same level of funding will be available. Funding levels can vary, and awards will depend on the resources available for that cycle.
"We are thankful for this historic support, but demand for farmland preservation remains high," Troxler said. "We will continue working with the General Assembly and our partners to keep farmland preservation a priority."
The ADFP Trust Fund provides grants to county governments and nonprofit organizations for agricultural conservation easements, agricultural development projects, agricultural plans and Agricultural Growth Zones. Farmers, landowners, and others interested in applying must partner with a qualified nonprofit conservation organization or county government to participate in an ADFP Trust Fund grant proposal.
For the complete list of grant awards, visit the NCDA&CS Farmland Preservation Division website at https://www.ncagr.gov/divisions/farmland-preservation/history/cycle-19.
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Original text here: https://www.ncagr.gov/news/press-releases/2026/10/02/ncdacs-awards-512-million-farmland-preservation-grants-44-counties
Mich. Health & Human Services Dept.: Prescription Drugs Covered by Medicaid Plans Topic of October 27 Meeting
LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 3 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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Prescription drugs covered by Medicaid plans topic of October 27 meeting
October 02, 2026
LANSING, Mich. - The public is invited to attend a virtual meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Oct. 27, about the list of prescription drugs covered under Michigan's Medicaid health plans known as the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an annual forum for the
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LANSING, Michigan, Oct. 3 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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Prescription drugs covered by Medicaid plans topic of October 27 meeting
October 02, 2026
LANSING, Mich. - The public is invited to attend a virtual meeting hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) from 9:30 a.m. to noon, Tuesday, Oct. 27, about the list of prescription drugs covered under Michigan's Medicaid health plans known as the Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary.
The purpose of the meeting is to provide an annual forum for thepublic, community partners and interested parties to comment on the prescription list. This forum is in addition to the quarterly written public comment periods.
The annual Michigan Medicaid Health Plan Common Formulary stakeholder meeting will be held virtually via Zoom using the password 8Ty1MM. Participants may also access the meeting by phone by dialing 408-961-3929 and entering access code 257756. Attendees are asked to RSVP by emailing KrepsD@michigan.gov by Wednesday, Oct. 21.
MDHHS created the common formulary in 2016 to streamline drug coverage policies for Medicaid and Healthy Michigan Plan beneficiaries and providers. The common formulary is required by state law and in the Medicaid health plan contract to ensure that prescription drugs are common across all contracted plans.
Medicaid health plans may be less restrictive, but not more restrictive, than the coverage in the common formulary for products not on the Michigan Preferred Drug List, which is a subset of the drugs listed in the common formulary.
As of Oct. 1, 2020, the common formulary coverage for products began aligning with the Michigan Preferred Drug List, including any prior authorization and step therapy requirements.
Find more information about the common formulary including the list of covered prescription drugs at Michigan.gov/MCOpharmacy.
If you need special services to attend the meeting, including ASL interpreters, written information in other formats or language translation services, email krepsd@michigan.gov no later than 5 p.m., Friday, Oct. 16, to allow sufficient time to set up arrangements.
Those unable to attend can submit questions or comments to the Common Formulary mailbox at MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov no later than Wednesday, Oct. 21.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/10/02/common-formulary
Mass. Public Health Dept.: State Health Officials Announce 12th Human Case of West Nile Virus in Massachusetts
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 3 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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State health officials announce 12th human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts
WNV risk level raised to high in Milton and Quincy
10/02/2026
Boston -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the 12th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual is a woman in her 60s who was likely exposed in Norfolk County. As a result, the risk level for WNV in Milton and Quincy has been raised to high.
Risk levels for WNV continue to be
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, Oct. 3 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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State health officials announce 12th human case of West Nile virus in Massachusetts
WNV risk level raised to high in Milton and Quincy
10/02/2026
Boston -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) today announced the 12th human case of West Nile virus (WNV) this year. The individual is a woman in her 60s who was likely exposed in Norfolk County. As a result, the risk level for WNV in Milton and Quincy has been raised to high.
Risk levels for WNV continue to behigh in Boston, Brookline, Cambridge, Chelsea, Everett, Malden, Newton, Revere, Somerville, Watertown, and Winthrop. Most of the rest of the state is at moderate risk. The risk from WNV will continue until the first hard frost.
DPH announced the state's first WNV-positive mosquitoes this year on June 16. Since then, 340 mosquito samples have tested positive for WNV so far this season from Barnstable, Berkshire, Bristol, Dukes, Essex, Franklin, Hampden, Hampshire, Middlesex, Norfolk, Plymouth, Suffolk, and Worcester counties. There have been no animal cases of WNV reported this year.
Eastern equine encephalitis (EEE) continues to be detected in mosquitoes in Massachusetts this year. There have been 27 EEE-positive mosquito samples and no human or animal cases so far this year.
Surveillance information, including case updates, is updated daily and posted online at the Massachusetts Arbovirus Update web page. DPH encourages everyone to use this online resource regularly to stay informed on risk levels in their community and around the state.
People have an important role to play in protecting themselves and their loved ones from illnesses caused by mosquitoes.
Avoid mosquito bites
Apply insect repellent when outdoors. Use a repellent with an EPA-registered ingredient, such as DEET (N,N-diethyl-m-toluamide), permethrin, picaridin (KBR 3023), or oil of lemon eucalyptus (p-menthane-3,8-diol (PMD) or IR3535) according to the instructions on the product label. DEET products should not be used on infants under two months of age and should be used in concentrations of 30 percent or less on older children. Oil of lemon eucalyptus should not be used on children under three years of age.
Be aware of peak mosquito hours. The hours from dusk to dawn are peak biting times for many mosquitoes. Consider rescheduling outdoor activities that occur during evening or early morning in areas of high risk.
Clothing can help reduce mosquito bites. Wearing long sleeves, long pants and socks when outdoors will help keep mosquitoes away from your skin.
Mosquito-proof your home
Drain standing water. Mosquitoes lay their eggs in standing water. Limit the number of places around your home for mosquitoes to breed by draining or discarding items that hold water. Check rain gutters and drains. Empty unused flowerpots and wading pools and change the water in birdbaths frequently.
Install or repair screens. Keep mosquitoes outside by having tightly fitting screens on all windows and doors.
Protect your animals
Animal owners should reduce potential mosquito breeding sites on their property by eliminating standing water from containers such as buckets, tires, and wading pools - especially after heavy rains. Water troughs provide excellent mosquito breeding habitats and should be flushed out at least once a week to reduce mosquitoes near paddock areas. Horse owners should keep horses in indoor stalls at night to reduce their risk of exposure to mosquitoes. Owners should also speak with their veterinarian about mosquito repellents approved for use in animals and vaccinations to prevent WNV and EEE. If an animal is suspected of having WNV or EEE, owners are required to report to the Department of Agricultural Resources, Division of Animal Health by calling 617-626-1795, and to the Department of Public Health by calling 617-983-6800.
More information, including all WNV and EEE positive results, is available on the Arbovirus Surveillance Information web page, which is updated daily, or by calling the DPH Division of Epidemiology at 617-983-6800.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/state-health-officials-announce-12th-human-case-of-west-nile-virus-in-massachusetts
Ga. Secretary of State Hosted "Savvy Senior" Program at Sun City Peachtree, Griffin, Covering Financial Wellness and Fraud Prevention
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 3 -- The Georgia Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Georgia Secretary of State Hosted "Savvy Senior" Program at Sun City Peachtree, Griffin, Covering Financial Wellness and Fraud Prevention
October 2nd, 2026
Atlanta - Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger hosted "Senior Savvy: Empower Your Financial Wellness Journey" program on September 23 at Sun City Peachtree Community in Griffin. The Secretary of State's Office was proud to partner with Sun City Peachtree and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for this important financial wellness event for their residents.
Delaine
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ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 3 -- The Georgia Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Georgia Secretary of State Hosted "Savvy Senior" Program at Sun City Peachtree, Griffin, Covering Financial Wellness and Fraud Prevention
October 2nd, 2026
Atlanta - Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger hosted "Senior Savvy: Empower Your Financial Wellness Journey" program on September 23 at Sun City Peachtree Community in Griffin. The Secretary of State's Office was proud to partner with Sun City Peachtree and Senior Medicare Patrol (SMP) for this important financial wellness event for their residents.
DelaineNewberry, Director of Lifestyle Services at Sun City Peachtree, kicked off this exciting program with a warm welcome, followed by opening remarks from Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger.
"I was proud to partner with Sun City Peachtree and Senior Medicare Patrol to bring this important program directly to their residents," said Secretary Raffensperger. "Our Savvy Senior program gives Georgians the tools, resources, and information they need to protect their hard-earned money and plan with confidence for the future."
The program provided attendees with essential strategies for retirement planning and fraud prevention, equipping them with expert insights, practical resources, and actionable tips to strengthen their financial security and build confidence in managing their financial future.
Donna Lowry, an award-winning journalist, moderated the panel discussions. The first panel, focused on "Financial Wellness," featured Shardea Ages, CFP(R), Founder & Principal, Ages Legacy Advisors; Amy Dunham, AAMS(R), Financial Advisor, Partner, Inspired Wealth Planning, Griffin Office; and Ricky Smith, AAMS(R), CEPA, Founder and Managing Partner of Inspired Wealth Planning, Cordele Office. The second panel, dedicated to "Fraud Awareness," included Nathan Coflin, CACTS, Georgia Team Lead, Community Outreach Specialist, Senior Medicare Patrol, AdviseWell Inc.; Shawn Conroy, Communications and Outreach Coordinator, Office of the Attorney General Chris Carr, Consumer Protection Division; Shawn Horace, Senior Special Agent CFE, CACTS, Criminal Investigations Division, Office of Commissioner John F. King; and Noula Zaharis, Assistant Commissioner of Securities and Division Director of the Securities & Charities Division at the Georgia Secretary of State's office.
Savvy Senior is a financial empowerment seminar series hosted by Georgia Secretary of State Brad Raffensperger as part of his multi-faceted financial literacy effort and is administered through the Securities and Charities divisions of the Office of the Secretary of State. These free events feature industry leaders who discuss resources that can help increase attendees' knowledge about money, their relationship to money, and financial issues and strategies for growing their wealth.
To learn more about Savvy Senior, click here (https://sos.ga.gov/page/savvy-senior).
To explore our financial literacy programs and view upcoming events on our calendar, click here (https://sos.ga.gov/securities-division-georgia-secretary-states-office).
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Original text here: https://sos.ga.gov/news/georgia-secretary-state-hosted-savvy-senior-program-sun-city-peachtree-griffin-covering
Del. A.G. Jennings: A.I. DuPont Charitable Trust, Nemours Foundation, DOJ Launch Historic Agreement to Advance Childhood Health
DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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A.I. duPont Charitable Trust, Nemours Foundation, and DOJ Launch Historic Agreement to Advance Childhood Health
Department of Justice | Department of Justice Office of Impact Litigation | Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Friday, October 2, 2026
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WILMINGTON, Del. - The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, The Nemours Foundation, and the Delaware Attorney General's Office today announced a landmark agreement among the Trust, the State of Delaware, the State of
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DOVER, Delaware, Oct. 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release:
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A.I. duPont Charitable Trust, Nemours Foundation, and DOJ Launch Historic Agreement to Advance Childhood Health
Department of Justice | Department of Justice Office of Impact Litigation | Department of Justice Press Releases | Date Posted: Friday, October 2, 2026
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WILMINGTON, Del. - The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust, The Nemours Foundation, and the Delaware Attorney General's Office today announced a landmark agreement among the Trust, the State of Delaware, the State ofFlorida, and The Nemours Foundation, committing $950 million over 11 years to promote the health and well-being of Delaware's children for generations to come.
The agreement establishes the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Fund for Delaware's Children, a new grantmaking arm that will fund nonprofit programs focused on children's health and well-being in Delaware.
"This collaboration directly delivers on Mr. duPont's vision," said Thomas G. Kuntz, Chairman of the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust. "Children's health is our founder's enduring legacy, and we remain committed to advancing that mission. By creating this new fund, we're continuing to invest in what matters most: a future where all of Delaware's children can achieve and thrive."
The Alfred I. duPont Charitable Trust is one of the nation's largest philanthropic supporters of children's health. Since 1980, it has distributed more than $5 billion to The Nemours Foundation, in support of Alfred I. duPont's vision of healthier lives for children. Those investments have provided generations of Delaware's Children with access to high-quality pediatric care, advanced innovation, and supported Nemours' growth into one of the nation's largest pediatric health systems. For more than 90 years, Nemours has cared for Delaware's children, providing a comprehensive range of pediatric services, from primary and preventive care to the most advanced specialty, surgical, and life-saving treatments.
"Alfred I. duPont was the greatest philanthropist in the history of our state, and his dying wish was a bequest to Delaware's kids," said Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "Our office has worked for roughly 50 years, through seven attorneys general, in two states, to fulfill that dream. His vision has already delivered the region's gold standard for children's healthcare; this collaboration dramatically expands his impact on Delaware. This resolution between the parties represents a watershed moment for the future of every child in our state."
"This agreement reflects the enduring power of the vision Alfred I. duPont set in motion nearly a century ago. Delaware holds a special place in that story," said R. Lawrence Moss, M.D., FACS, FAAP, President and CEO of Nemours Children's Health. "We are proud and grateful that the vision born in Delaware continues to flourish here, inspiring new possibilities and helping build a healthier future for children and families for generations."
The establishment of the Alfred I. duPont Charitable Fund for Delaware's Children marks a new chapter of cooperation between the Trust, the State of Delaware, and Nemours and a shared commitment to improving outcomes for Delaware's children.
The fund will be governed by a committee of directors, including three committee directors appointed by the Trust and one committee director appointed by the Governor of Delaware. Grantmaking activities will continue beyond the $950 million, 11-year funding commitment and will include distributions of at least $237.5 million to Nemours' Delaware initiatives, ensuring a continued connection to its roots.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/10/02/a-i-dupont-charitable-trust-nemours-foundation-and-doj-launch-historic-agreement-to-advance-childhood-health/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Yuma Physician in $36.5 Million Medicaid Fraud Case
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Yuma Physician in $36.5 Million Medicaid Fraud Case
October 2, 2026
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today the conviction of Irfan Fazil, M.D., on four felony counts for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme against the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Fazil was convicted on September 4, 2026, of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (class 2 felony), Illegal Control of an Enterprise (class 3 felony),
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Conviction and Sentencing of Yuma Physician in $36.5 Million Medicaid Fraud Case
October 2, 2026
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today the conviction of Irfan Fazil, M.D., on four felony counts for orchestrating a massive fraud scheme against the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS).
Fazil was convicted on September 4, 2026, of Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices (class 2 felony), Illegal Control of an Enterprise (class 3 felony),Theft (class 2 felony), and Illegal Procurement of a Dangerous Drug (class 3 felony) after entering a guilty plea. A State Grand Jury had indicted him on six felony counts on June 8, 2026. Fazil was sentenced in Yuma County Superior Court on October 2, 2026.
"Dr. Fazil abused his position as a physician to steal more than $36 million from a taxpayer funded program that exists to provide health care to Arizona's most vulnerable residents," said Attorney General Mayes. "He billed for thousands of X-rays and other medical treatments that could not possibly have been performed and treated AHCCCS as his personal bank account. My office will continue to aggressively prosecute fraud in government programs to protect tax dollars."
As part of his plea deal entered by the court, Fazil will serve 7.5 years in the Arizona Department of Corrections followed by 7.0 years of probation. He will forfeit all of his assets -- including real estate, medical facilities, vehicles, multiple aircraft, jewelry, luxury handbags, U.S. currency, cryptocurrency, and gold bars -- surrender his medical license and DEA registration, and pay $36,542,901.45 in restitution to AHCCCS.
Between July 1 and December 31, 2025, Fazil used three business entities -- Bio Family Clinic, Inc., Yuma Mobile X-Ray, and Yuma Kidney & Dialysis -- to bill AHCCCS for tens of thousands of radiology services, including X-rays, ECGs, CT scans, medical treatments, and ultrasounds. His entities collected $36.5 million in AHCCCS payments in that six-month period, compared to $4.7 million over the preceding two and a half years -- a 671% increase in paid claims.
Investigators focused on the 27 patients with the highest billing volumes. In one case, a single patient's account was billed for more than 1,700 X-rays in six months -- a physically impossible number that would have caused serious harm from radiation exposure -- along with hundreds of other radiology services.
Fazil also wrote his wife, Nadia Hanif, multiple prescriptions for drugs like Clonazepam while she was outside the United States, then picked up the prescriptions himself from the pharmacy.
The case was investigated by Special Agents of the Arizona Attorney General's Office Special Investigations Section. Fazil was indicted by the Attorney General's Office in a major medicaid fraud crackdown in June 2026.
The Attorney General's Office thanks its law enforcement partners from the DEA, FAA, Yuma Police Department. Yuma County Sheriff's Office, AHCCCS OIG, HHS OIG for their assistance on this investigation.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-conviction-and-sentencing-yuma-physician-365-million
