States, Cities and Counties
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Featured Stories
Wash. State Commerce Dept. Invests $54.5 Million in Affordable Housing Across Washington
OLYMPIA, Washington, Jan. 21 -- The Washington State Department of Commerce issued the following news on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Commerce invests $54.5 million in affordable housing across Washington
Grants to connect 70 housing projects to water-related infrastructure will support the creation of 4,517 new affordable units
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The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $54.5 million in grants to help create nearly 5,000 affordable housing units across Washington.
From Vancouver to Spokane, grants of up to $ 1 million will support 70 projects in 22 counties. By helping to reduce
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Jan. 21 -- The Washington State Department of Commerce issued the following news on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Commerce invests $54.5 million in affordable housing across Washington
Grants to connect 70 housing projects to water-related infrastructure will support the creation of 4,517 new affordable units
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The Washington State Department of Commerce today announced $54.5 million in grants to help create nearly 5,000 affordable housing units across Washington.
From Vancouver to Spokane, grants of up to $ 1 million will support 70 projects in 22 counties. By helping to reducethe cost of development, funds will support the creation of 4,517 affordable housing units.
See the list of awarded projects.
The awards represent the latest round of the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program, referred to as CHIP. Established in 2021, the competitive program pays for waterworks infrastructure -- such as extending or upsizing water and sewer pipes and new or upgraded stormwater management -- and reimburses public utilities for connection fees that were waived to bring these needed water utilities to the project.
Since taking office last year, Governor Bob Ferguson has made addressing the state's housing crisis a top priority. Ferguson recently announced a historic investment in affordable housing.
"We urgently need more affordable housing all across Washington," Gov. Ferguson said. "My administration is taking action to address our affordable housing crisis."
"These awards represent a smart, coordinated investment in housing and infrastructure," said Interim Commerce Director Sarah Clifthorne. "By connecting infrastructure funding directly to housing development, we're reducing upfront costs, accelerating construction timelines, and enabling jurisdictions across Washington to support the development of more affordable housing for the people who need it most."
The state projects needing more than a million new homes by 2044 to keep pace with anticipated population growth. CHIP helps to increase housing supply by offsetting costs that could otherwise stall affordable housing development. Projects receiving CHIP funds must include at least 25% of new units as affordable for low-income households, or those earning less than 80% of area median income.
This round of CHIP funding also included a pilot program to support projects in Chelan, Douglas and Okanogan counties. Approximately $5 million will support moderate-income housing projects for those earning greater than 80% of area median income and up to 100% of state median income in Wenatchee, Chelan and Winthrop.
CHIP boosts community and housing choice
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"The CHIP program has been very responsive, patient, and proactive in helping us navigate the contracting, amendment, and billing processes. The clear communication and timely processing really stands out and makes a difference for our team and our projects."
-- Samantha Whitley, City of Vancouver
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To learn more about this collaborative Commerce investment: Lincoln Place II: Serving unhoused Vancouver residents through a unique healthcare and housing partnership
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"These funds were integral for Housing Resources Bainbridge to be able to start the project on time in June (2025). Without the CHIP grant, these funds would have had to be privately raised, which would have delayed the project."
-- Laura Shear, City of Bainbridge Island
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"The CHIP funds were crucial in getting the project to full funding and preventing further delays."
-- Tina Ilvonen, King County
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Today's awards bring total CHIP investments to nearly $152 million since 2021, contributing to reducing the cost and advancing the development of nearly 14,000 affordable housing units. There is more information on the Connecting Housing to Infrastructure Program on Commerce's CHIP webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.wa.gov/commerce-invests-54-5-million-in-affordable-housing-across-washington/
Mo. A.G. Hanaway Files Suit Against Advanced Micro Targeting For Refusing To Cooperate With Investigation
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 21 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Attorney General Hanaway Files Suit Against Advanced Micro Targeting For Refusing To Cooperate With Investigation
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed suit against Advanced Micro Targeting (AMT) to force the out-of-state signature-gathering group operating in Missouri to turn over required documents related to her investigation into its fraudulent business practices. Attorney General Hanaway launched her investigation, filing a Civil Investigative
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 21 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release on Jan. 20, 2026:
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Attorney General Hanaway Files Suit Against Advanced Micro Targeting For Refusing To Cooperate With Investigation
Today, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed suit against Advanced Micro Targeting (AMT) to force the out-of-state signature-gathering group operating in Missouri to turn over required documents related to her investigation into its fraudulent business practices. Attorney General Hanaway launched her investigation, filing a Civil InvestigativeDemand (CID), in November 2025 after a report brought evidence to light that the company had violated multiple Missouri laws by using illegal migrants in connection with its petition signature efforts and failed to disclose workers' ineligible status to clients.
"My Office has good reason to believe AMT fraudulently employed illegal migrants to collect signatures and advance its agenda on Missouri, and we immediately launched an investigation to reveal the truth," said Attorney General Hanaway. "However, AMT has blatantly refused to cooperate with our investigation. If there has been any attempt to let unregulated, illegal labor hired by out-of-state interests determine our elections, we will root it out and hold bad actors accountable."
Advanced Micro Targeting came under fire after allegations surfaced that the organization may have supplied illegal migrants to Missouri clients without disclosing their ineligibility to work, violating the Missouri Merchandising Practices Act (MMPA), which prohibits deception and unfair practices in business transactions.
Missouri law prohibits the hiring or continued employment of unauthorized workers. Under RSMo Section 285.530-Employment of Unauthorized Aliens Prohibited, no business entity or employer shall knowingly employ, hire for employment, or continue to employ an unauthorized alien to perform work within the state of Missouri. Under RSMo Section 577.675-Transportation of an Illegal Alien, a person commits the offense of transportation of an illegal alien if he or she knowingly transports, moves, or attempts to transport or move any illegal alien who is not lawfully present in the United States. The offense of transportation of an illegal alien is a class D felony.
General Hanaway's lawsuit details how, "AMT did not provide any information in response to the CID on the previously-agreed upon deadline of January 12, 2026. Instead, on January 12, AMT's counsel emailed a letter to the Attorney General's Office detailing a litany of objections to the CID's legality and form."
"We are taking them to court because Missourians deserve to know whether or not AMT is engaging in illegal activity. Missouri voters deserve transparency and lawful conduct from anyone seeking to influence their elections," concluded Attorney General Hanaway.
Attorney General Hanaway is requesting the Court to order AMT to produce all communications originally requested.
The lawsuit can be read here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&id=35e3591372&e=db9c683b19__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!G6e7azv3r8XHJ_gU_cejKS29Zq_LpkB6KnS4sVnBPnutI3EY9B3PT_A7Ty61KM95ERvSJ2fEP4lyg8Fv6gMbqjax$).
The Civil Investigative Demand can be read here (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https:/ago.us20.list-manage.com/track/click?u=55bd24fd8f5e7d3dc227d1072&id=55c3a374a1&e=db9c683b19__;!!EErPFA7f--AJOw!G6e7azv3r8XHJ_gU_cejKS29Zq_LpkB6KnS4sVnBPnutI3EY9B3PT_A7Ty61KM95ERvSJ2fEP4lyg8Fv6lImy46P$).
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Original text here: https://ago.mo.gov/attorney-general-hanaway-files-suit-against-advanced-micro-targeting-for-refusing-to-cooperate-with-investigation/
Maine House Democrats: Committee Votes to Advance Sayre Bill to Establish a Recall Process for Public School Board Members
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 21 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Committee votes to advance Sayre bill to establish a recall process for public school board members
Last week, the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, that would create a standardized process for recalling public school board members in the event of misconduct.
In recent years, amid a fraught political climate, tensions have been rising on school boards across Maine. From disputes over student gender identity to
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 21 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Committee votes to advance Sayre bill to establish a recall process for public school board members
Last week, the Legislature's State and Local Government Committee voted in support of a measure sponsored by Rep. Dan Sayre, D-Kennebunk, that would create a standardized process for recalling public school board members in the event of misconduct.
In recent years, amid a fraught political climate, tensions have been rising on school boards across Maine. From disputes over student gender identity todisagreements regarding curriculum, municipalities across the state have seen a trend of increased resignations and calls for the removal of board members.
As amended, LD 849 would establish a standard procedure for recalling school board members for specific forms of misconduct, but not for the performance of a required or discretionary duty. Getting a recall of a school board member on the ballot would require citizens to obtain petition signatures from 25% of the number of local voters who participated in the previous gubernatorial election.
"This bill clarifies what constitutes grounds for recalling a school board member, and establishes a common process for recall that can be used in every municipality in the state," said Sayre. "It has been amended to allow towns that have defined their own recall process in charter to continue to use that process."
Sayre developed the language of the amendment in coordination with education organizations and the Maine School Board Association.
The measure will face votes in the House and Senate in the coming weeks.
Sayre is serving his second term in the Maine Legislature and is House chair of the Taxation Committee. He represents House District 135, which includes part of Kennebunk.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/committee-votes-advance-sayre-bill-establish-recall-process-public-school-board-members
MDA Invests Nearly $500,000 to Accelerate Markets for Continuous Living Cover Crops
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 21 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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MDA Invests Nearly $500,000 to Accelerate Markets for Continuous Living Cover Crops
Projects strengthen climate smart agriculture, supply chains, and rural economic development
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to eight projects under the Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Grant program. The funding will help build early-stage enterprises and value chains needed to bring continuous living cover (CLC) crops and cropping systems
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 21 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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MDA Invests Nearly $500,000 to Accelerate Markets for Continuous Living Cover Crops
Projects strengthen climate smart agriculture, supply chains, and rural economic development
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The Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) awarded nearly $500,000 in grants to eight projects under the Developing Markets for Continuous Living Cover Grant program. The funding will help build early-stage enterprises and value chains needed to bring continuous living cover (CLC) crops and cropping systemsto commercial scale.
Funding was provided to the MDA by the Minnesota Pollution Control Agency under its Minnesota Climate-Smart Food Systems initiative, supported by the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
"Continuous living cover is one of the most promising strategies we have for building a more resilient agricultural future in Minnesota," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. "These investments will help farmers, entrepreneurs, and supply chain partners bring innovative crops and systems to market, strengthening rural economies while protecting our soil, water, and climate. Minnesota is proud to support the early stage work that turns good ideas into real world solutions."
Continuous living cover refers to agricultural systems that maintain living plants and roots in soil year-round. These systems include winter cover crops sown between summer annuals, agroforestry practices, perennial forage crops, perennial biomass crops, and perennial grain production. Examples include regenerative poultry silvopasture systems, Kernza(R) perennial grain, winter camelina, and elderberry.
CLC crops have been shown to improve water and soil quality, sequester carbon, build soil health, and enhance biodiversity and pollinator habitat. Scaling these benefits requires strong markets and supply chains that support farmers, processors, and end-users.
Recipients of the funds are:
40 Century Grain
Develop commercial granola products featuring Minnesota-grown agroforestry crops (hazelnuts, elderberries, currants, aronia berries) and Kernza flakes and establish direct purchase agreements with Minnesota CLC farmers while developing marketing strategies that communicate measurable regenerative outcomes.
$60,228
Gerten Greenhouses
Transition from small, test-scale indoor plant management to a large-scale, dedicated, outdoor mound bed operation. Grow up to 8,000 farm-ready hybrid hazelnut plants.
$74,610
Ivy & Karma Inc. (Green Acres Milling)
Support the growth of CLC systems by developing a modern oat processing facility. Project funds will help purchase a Caterpillar 926HL end loader, which is essential for handling by-products from oat processing.
$100,000
Midwest Hazelnuts, LLC
Midwest Hazelnuts, LLC is at a critical stage of growth in taking Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative's high-performing hybrid hazelnut genetics to market. This project will support expanding Midwest Hazelnut's co-founding team to expand plant sales, as well as the annual legal and business development costs of clear nursery contracts.
$30,881
Minnesota Native Landscapes
Improve the availability of current and future CLC crops by expanding its cleaning operation to include a brush machine, which will more efficiently process a wide variety of CLC crops resulting in more and better seed available for farmers and businesses to utilize on the landscape.
$42,500
MSX Nexgen Inc.
Add an auger and generator to a seed cleaner to make it more mobile and allow for on-farm cleaning. Most farms don't have the correct power or handling equipment to accommodate the cleaner. These additions will make the cleaner a standalone unit that can move from farm to farm.
$49,000
Perennial Pantry
Upgrade its Kernza milling and baking operation, expand marketing, and launch a brick-and-mortar grocery store dedicated to CLC crops. Grant funds will purchase and install a hammer mill, flour sifter, dough mixer, and proofing cabinet to boost production of high-quality Kernza flour and baked goods. The grant will also allow for a buildout of retail space in its Northfield bakery to make CLC crops more accessible and affordable.
$100,000
Regenerative Agriculture Alliance
This project will procure the latest genetics developed by the Upper Midwest Hazelnut Development Initiative and distribute seedlings and tree tubes directly to farmers looking to increase the productivity and diversity of their farms, with the new material allowing for the distribution to be spread out over two years. This project also will support the processing of the 2025 hazelnut harvest, as well as fund opportunities for training and connecting within perennial agricultural networks.
$35,460
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-invests-nearly-500000-accelerate-markets-continuous-living-cover-crops
Ill. Department on Aging Seeks Nominations for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Jan. 21 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Department on Aging Seeks Nominations for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older.
"Senior Illinoisans across the state carry unique histories, perspectives, and accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I highly encourage Illinoisans who know an older adult that
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Jan. 21 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release:
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Department on Aging Seeks Nominations for Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame
The Illinois Department on Aging (IDoA) is seeking nominations for the 2026 induction class of the Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame, which honors the accomplishments of Illinois residents aged 65 and older.
"Senior Illinoisans across the state carry unique histories, perspectives, and accomplishments that deserve to be celebrated," said Governor JB Pritzker. "I highly encourage Illinoisans who know an older adult thatmade a lasting impact in their community to nominate them for this state honor."
Each year, four older adults are inducted into the Hall of Fame for their work in the arts, sports, and entertainment; community service; education; or the labor force. Anyone may nominate an older adult for consideration.
To be eligible for nomination to the Hall of Fame, nominees must be:
* At least 65 years old at the time of nomination; and
* A current Illinois resident or a previous resident of Illinois for most of their life.
Posthumous nominations are also accepted, provided the nominee was 65 or older and living in Illinois at the time of death.
To guarantee consideration for the 2026 induction class, nominations must be submitted on or before June 2, 2026. Nominators of new Hall of Fame inductees are expected to participate in an award ceremony honoring their nominee and highlighting their accomplishments.
"The Senior Illinoisans Hall of Fame recognizes remarkable older adults who continue to inspire growth, connection, and purpose at every stage of life," said IDoA Acting Director Mary Killough. "Please consider nominating someone you know for this meaningful award."
Completed nomination forms may be submitted electronically or returned via U.S. mail, fax, or email. For more information or to submit a nomination, please visit this page (https://ilaging.illinois.gov/resources/newspublicationsandreports/halloffame.html). Information about past Hall of Fame inductees is available here (https://ilaging.illinois.gov/resources/newspublicationsandreports/halloffame/hall-of-fame/2025-hall-of-fame-inductees.html).
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About IDoA: IDoA serves and advocates for older Illinoisans and their caregivers by administering quality and culturally appropriate programs that promote partnerships and encourage independence, dignity, and quality of life. For information about the Department's programs and services for older adults and persons with disabilities, visit https://ilaging.illinois.gov/ or contact the Senior HelpLine toll-free at 1-800-252-8966, Monday through Friday between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32115
At World Economic Forum, Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces California Shattered Clean Car Goal, Surpassing 2.5M ZEV Sales Despite Trump's Chaos
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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At World Economic Forum, Governor Newsom announces California shattered clean car goal, surpassing 2.5M ZEV sales despite Trump's chaos
What you need to know: At the World Economic Forum, Governor Newsom is showcasing California as proof that stable climate policy drives economic results. The Golden State shattered its clean cars goal. During the fourth quarter of 2025, Californians purchased 79,066 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), representing 18.9% of new car sales. During this timeframe,
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 21 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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At World Economic Forum, Governor Newsom announces California shattered clean car goal, surpassing 2.5M ZEV sales despite Trump's chaos
What you need to know: At the World Economic Forum, Governor Newsom is showcasing California as proof that stable climate policy drives economic results. The Golden State shattered its clean cars goal. During the fourth quarter of 2025, Californians purchased 79,066 new zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), representing 18.9% of new car sales. During this timeframe,California surpassed 2.5 million new ZEV sales, a huge milestone for the state -- showing that policy certainty creates resilient markets global investors can trust.
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DAVOS, SWITZERLAND - During his visit to the World Economic Forum, Governor Gavin Newsom is making the case for California as a stable market amid federal chaos--announcing that the Golden State surpassed 2.5 million cumulative new zero-emission vehicle (ZEV) sales, and far exceeding the state's original goal of 1.5 million ZEVs on the road by 2025.
This achievement reflects decades of consistent state leadership that provided market certainty and created a resilient foundation that continues to drive ZEV sales and the world 4th-largest economy despite the Trump administration's efforts to derail our clean transportation future.
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California didn't reach 2.5 million zero-emission vehicles by accident--we invested in this future when others said it was impossible. While Washington now cedes the global clean vehicle market to China, California is ensuring American workers and manufacturers can compete and win in the industries that will define this century. - Governor Gavin Newsom
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Since the end of 2019, cumulative new ZEV sales in California alone have grown over 300%, driven by effective clean transportation policy and various ZEV incentives. The milestone cements the Golden State's position as the undisputed national leader in clean transportation and proves that consumer demand for EVs remains strong despite federal headwinds.
"No state in the union can match California's five-year growth in ZEV sales," said California Energy Commissioner Nancy Skinner. "This serves as a reminder of how far we've come thanks to historic levels of state investment and Californians' strong demand for clean cars. Each quarter, even in the face of increasing federal headwinds, tens of thousands of consumers are purchasing a ZEV in the Golden State, enjoying a great driving experience, and knowing they never have to go to a gas station again."
This remarkable growth has also driven the state's commitment to building a robust ZEV infrastructure network.
"While the federal government reversed and put up roadblocks, the global zero-emission vehicle market surged ahead last year," said California Air Resources Board Chair Lauren Sanchez. "Governor Newsom's new rebate proposal sends a clear message: California isn't slowing down, we're still leading the pack. It's not just about clean air, it's smart economic policy."
ZEV market demonstrates resilience despite federal policy reversal
During the fourth quarter of 2025, Californians purchased 79,066 new ZEVs, representing 18.9% of new car sales--even after federal tax credits expired on September 30. Ahead of that expiration, sales surged in the third quarter of 2025--accounting for 29.1% of new car sales--likely softening sales in the fourth quarter as a result. While the loss of federal support triggered a nationwide decline in EV sales nationwide--from 10.5% in Q3 to 5.8% in Q4, according to Cox Automotive--California's market proved far more resilient.
This resilience reflects a market turning point. After decades of strategic state investment in charging infrastructure, consumer incentives, and manufacturer standards, California has built a strong, mature, resilient ZEV ecosystem grounded in policy certainty and sustained investment. Consumers are buying electric vehicles in part because the technology works, the vehicles perform, and the charging infrastructure continues to grow rapidly.
Despite the setbacks from the federal government, sales were still strong in Q4. With 149 ZEV models available in California in Q4 of 2025, consumers are buoyed by the diversity in the ZEV market. Not only do ZEVs produce zero tailpipe pollution, but they are also fun and powerful to drive, and cost less to operate and maintain compared to gas-powered vehicles. Find the right vehicle for you at ElectricForAll.org.
California doubles down on clean transportation investments
California is doubling down on its clean transportation leadership. In his January 9 budget, Governor Newsom proposed a new $200 million incentive program to accelerate ZEV adoption and respond to the loss of the federal ZEV tax credit, while supporting American automotive innovation at a critical moment--just as the Trump administration has abandoned the good-paying jobs of this global market. Less than a year in office, Donald Trump has driven away the United States' second-largest trading partner, pushing Canada toward deeper economic ties with China while surrendering America's leadership in electric vehicle manufacturing.
Competing to win the future requires investing in clean energy technologies, strengthening partnerships with allies like Canada, and reducing dependence on China in critical sectors.
Instead, the Trump administration repealed key parts of the Inflation Reduction Act and Bipartisan Infrastructure Law, and imposed broad tariffs that have raised costs for American consumers while straining relationships with close allies. Despite Donald Trump's efforts to cede the clean energy economy to China, California is ensuring American workers and manufacturers can compete and win in the industries that will define this century.
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 zero-emission vehicle (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.
The CEC is also continuing to study infrastructure needs across the state, with the following planned for release later this year:
* New and ongoing ZEV infrastructure funding opportunities driven by the $98.5 million investment from the Clean Transportation Program.
* The third Electric Vehicle Charging Infrastructure Assessment, as mandated by Assembly Bill (AB) 2127, which will assess California's EV infrastructure needs to meet demand.
* The next Electric Vehicle Infrastructure Deployment Assessment, as mandated by SB 1000, to assess whether charging infrastructure is disproportionately deployed.
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.
Becoming an EV driver in California is increasingly getting easier. There are now over 200,000 public and shared EV charging stations 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.
California's climate leadership in action
Pollution is down and the economy is up. Greenhouse gas emissions in California are down 21% since 2000 -- even as the state's GDP increased 81% in that same time period, all while becoming the world's fourth largest economy.
California also continues to set clean energy records. In 2023, the state was powered by two-thirds clean energy, the largest economy in the world to achieve this level. California has also run on 100% clean electricity for part of the day almost every day last year.
Since the beginning of the Newsom Administration, battery storage has surged to nearly 17,000 megawatts -- a 2,100%+ increase, and over 30,000 megawatts of new resources have been added to the electric grid. California now has 33 percent of the storage capacity estimated to be needed by 2045 to reach 100 percent clean electricity.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/20/at-world-economic-forum-governor-newsom-announces-california-shattered-clean-car-goal-surpassing-2-5m-zev-sales-despite-trumps-chaos/
Arizona Republican Lawmakers Move to Rein in Arizona Chiropractic Board After Audits Expose Persistent Misconduct
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 21 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Arizona Republican Lawmakers Move to Rein in Arizona Chiropractic Board After Audits Expose Persistent Misconduct
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp and House Representative Walt Blackman are introducing mirror legislation aimed at reforming the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners following state audits that revealed widespread mismanagement, abuse of authority, and alleged ongoing violations of Arizona law. SB 1021 and HB 2227 are designed to rein in the board's investigative
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 21 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Arizona Republican Lawmakers Move to Rein in Arizona Chiropractic Board After Audits Expose Persistent Misconduct
Arizona State Senator Janae Shamp and House Representative Walt Blackman are introducing mirror legislation aimed at reforming the Arizona State Board of Chiropractic Examiners following state audits that revealed widespread mismanagement, abuse of authority, and alleged ongoing violations of Arizona law. SB 1021 and HB 2227 are designed to rein in the board's investigativeoverreach, restore accountability, and ensure the regulatory body operates within the authority granted by the Legislature.
In December 2024, a special audit conducted by the Arizona Auditor General revealed a pattern of unauthorized investigative practices, inconsistent enforcement of state laws, and a failure to refer alleged criminal activities to law enforcement - including sexual misconduct and insurance fraud. Additionally, the audit highlighted a growing backlog of unresolved complaints, with nearly 70% remaining open for more than 180 days as of May 2024. A follow-up report released on January 13, 2026, indicated that none of the 28 recommendations from the original audit had been fully implemented. The report also uncovered additional deficiencies, including violations of open meeting laws, improper advocacy activities, failures to post disciplinary actions, and delays in responding to public records requests.
To address these issues, SB 1021/ HB 2227, aim to clarify and limit the board's investigative authority. These bills also establish consistent enforcement standards, strengthen reporting and referral requirements, enhance transparency, and ensure compliance with Arizona statutes.
"Professional licensing boards exist to protect the public, not to pursue unchecked investigations, ignore due process, or advance political agendas," said Senator Shamp. "The Auditor General's findings clearly indicated that this board consistently ignored statutes, fairness, and basic accountability. The follow-up report confirms that these issues are still unresolved. When a board fails to correct its course after receiving notice, the Legislature must step in. These bills aim to restore lawful oversight, protect patients, and ensure that practitioners are treated fairly under clear, consistent rules."
"These findings highlight longstanding concerns among Arizona chiropractors and small business owners: a regulatory board cannot operate outside the law and expect to earn trust," said Representative Blackman. "The board's actions have harmed livelihoods, damaged reputations, and created uncertainty for professionals trying to follow the rules. The follow-up audit report emphasizes the need for legislative action to set clear boundaries, improve transparency, and hold the board accountable, fostering a more trustworthy environment for all involved."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/arizona-republican-lawmakers-move-to-rein-in-arizona-chiropractic-board-after-audits-expose-persistent-misconduct
