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University of Delaware and State Agencies Team Up for AI Hackathon at FinTech Innovation Hub
DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 22 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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University of Delaware and State Agencies Team Up for AI Hackathon at FinTech Innovation Hub
Hennovate the State paired students with state employees to build AI tools for real agency problems
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NEWARK, Del. -- More than 40 students from the University of Delaware (UD), Penn State and area high schools spent three days building AI and machine learning tools to solve real Delaware government problems, as part of the Hennovate the State hackathon held August 17 to 19 at UD's STAR
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DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 22 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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University of Delaware and State Agencies Team Up for AI Hackathon at FinTech Innovation Hub
Hennovate the State paired students with state employees to build AI tools for real agency problems
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NEWARK, Del. -- More than 40 students from the University of Delaware (UD), Penn State and area high schools spent three days building AI and machine learning tools to solve real Delaware government problems, as part of the Hennovate the State hackathon held August 17 to 19 at UD's STARCampus, FinTech Innovation Hub.
The event, hosted by the First State AI Institute at UD in partnership with the State of Delaware and the Department of Technology and Information (DTI), matched student teams with case studies submitted directly by state agencies. Problems spanned records management, public-facing customer service, transportation and infrastructure planning, workforce and benefits administration, and internal reporting.
Ten agencies contributed case studies: DTI; the Department of Finance; the State Auditor's Office; the Department of Education; Courts; the Department of Natural Resources and Environmental Control; the Division of Child Support Services within the Department of Health and Social Services; the Department of Transportation; the Department of State Division of the Arts; and the Department of Labor.
"Delaware's greatest resource has always been our people - their willingness to roll up their sleeves, think differently, and solve problems," said Governor Matt Meyer. "With Hennovate, we're bringing the next generation of innovators together with the people who serve Delawareans every day, challenging all of us to find new ways to make government work better, faster, and smarter. When we open the doors of government to fresh ideas and new perspectives, everybody wins."
"This hackathon shows what's possible when state government and higher education work side by side," said Bob Osmond, Delaware's Chief Information Officer. "Our agency partners brought real problems to the table, and these students brought fresh thinking and sharp technical skills. That's how we find AI solutions that actually work for the people of Delaware."
Agency staff with firsthand knowledge of each problem were paired with student teams of four to five for the full three days, providing context and explaining the practical limits of government work. Mentors from AWS, Google, Microsoft, and NVIDIA contributed compute platforms and worked with teams to help apply AI tools to their projects.
"This is our fifth hackathon in the series of hackathons we have been running at the University of Delaware. What makes this year special for us is working closely with our own State of Delaware agencies and understanding more in-depth about their datasets and the problems. We are super excited that we could provide suitable solutions for these real-world problems using Machine Learning techniques and AI tools," said Sunita Chandrasekaran, Director, First State AI Institute.
Winning teams were recognized in four categories:
* Best Impact/ Team DNREC: Sebastian Ortega, Varsha Danduri, Trevor Wiggins, Suma Tata
* Best Problem Execution/ Team Delaware Courts: Amarnath Goud Mammidipally, Connor Vitz, Indu Reddy, Om Tilekar, Prathmesh Sudhir Karale
* Best Technical Depth/ Team DelDOT: Esther Weyer, Rahul Patel, Lakshmi Nagendra Neelakantam, Nikki Dong
* Best Creativity/ Team Department of Labor: Aidan Haack, Arron Ye, Kosiso Madu, Reshmitha Uppala
For DTI and its agency partners, the hackathon offered a low-cost way to test AI ideas before committing to full projects. Promising concepts will be evaluated for future development, and agencies left with a clearer sense of where AI can realistically help their teams.
Hatching bold ideas for the First State.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/08/21/ud-and-state-agencies-team-up-for-ai-hackathon/
Shapiro Administration Awards Over $1.2 Million in Housing and Infrastructure Projects to Rebuild Areas Previously Impacted by Hurricane Ida
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Awards Over $1.2 Million in Housing and Infrastructure Projects to Rebuild Areas Previously Impacted by Hurricane Ida
This funding supports two projects in federally-designated disaster areas in Montgomery County.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled the Commonwealth's first-ever Housing Action Plan to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
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Today, Department of
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 22 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Awards Over $1.2 Million in Housing and Infrastructure Projects to Rebuild Areas Previously Impacted by Hurricane Ida
This funding supports two projects in federally-designated disaster areas in Montgomery County.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled the Commonwealth's first-ever Housing Action Plan to ensure every Pennsylvanian has access to safe, stable, and affordable housing.
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Today, Department ofCommunity and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger announced the approval of $1,222,822 in Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grants to support two projects in southeast Pennsylvania with housing rehabilitation and infrastructure improvements. These grants support long-term recovery efforts for federally-designated disaster areas in Montgomery County impacted by Hurricane Ida in 2021.
The CDBG-DR grants can be used for housing assistance including rehabilitation, multi-family housing development, infrastructure improvements, and mitigation.
"This funding will continue to help communities rebuild and recover from the long-lasting effects of Hurricane Ida, including stormwater and infrastructure improvements, and housing repairs," said Secretary Siger. "The Shapiro Administration has made housing a priority and will continue to investment in Pennsylvania's communities, families, and future through programs like the Community Development Block Grants."
CDBG-DR awards:
Abington Township, Montgomery County
* $922,822 to the Township of Abington for infrastructure improvements including a footpath and riparian buffer restoration due to damage from Hurricane Ida at Baederwood Park in Montgomery County.
Norristown Borough, Montgomery County
* $300,000 to the Municipality or Norristown for a housing rehabilitation program that aims to rehabilitate 5-6 owner-occupied housing units to mitigate damage resulting from Hurricane Ida in Montgomery County.
"Our ongoing commitment to recovery from Hurricane Ida includes working with property owners, businesses, and community leaders to identify and invest in projects that reduce future disaster risks and strengthen community resilience," said PA Emergency Management Agency Director Randy Padfield. "These grants will provide essential support as communities continue on their path toward a more resilient future."
Last year, the Shapiro Administration invested $18.6 million through the CDBG-DR program for 16 projects in federally-designated disaster areas in Bucks, Delaware, and Montgomery counties.
In September 2024, Governor Shapiro signed Executive Order 2024-03 directing his Administration to develop a comprehensive plan for building and preserving more homes, breaking down barriers preventing people from finding stable housing, and expanding housing opportunities to ultimately position the Commonwealth as a national leader on housing access and affordability by 2035.
Earlier this year, Governor Josh Shapiro created Pennsylvania's first-ever Housing Action Plan, which will build and preserve more homes, modernize housing regulations and zoning rules, and break down barriers preventing people from finding stable housing -- all to grow the Commonwealth's economy and improve Pennsylvanians' quality of life.
Governor Shapiro's Housing Action Plan calls for new, affordable housing options and reforms that will help meet the demand across the Commonwealth's housing markets and outlines a plan to address the housing supply, improve affordability, and stabilize housing outcomes.
For more information about the Community Development Block Grant - Disaster Recovery program or DCED, visit the agency's website (https://dced.pa.gov/).
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-awards-over-1-2-million-in-housing-and-infrastructure-projects-to-rebuild-areas-previously-impacted-by-hurricane-ida/
N.Y. DOT to Host Public Information Meetings on Proposed Active Transportation Strategic Plan
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 22 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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State Department of Transportation to Host Public Information Meetings on Proposed Active Transportation Strategic Plan
Sessions Will Seek Community Feedback on Ways to Improve Access for Walkers, Cyclists and users of Wheelchairs and Micromobility Services
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The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that the agency will host a series of four public information meetings in the coming weeks on the Department's ongoing efforts to develop
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 22 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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State Department of Transportation to Host Public Information Meetings on Proposed Active Transportation Strategic Plan
Sessions Will Seek Community Feedback on Ways to Improve Access for Walkers, Cyclists and users of Wheelchairs and Micromobility Services
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The New York State Department of Transportation today announced that the agency will host a series of four public information meetings in the coming weeks on the Department's ongoing efforts to developan Active Transportation Strategic Plan, which seeks to improve accommodation for walking, bicycling, wheelchair use or micromobility services throughout New York State. The meetings - three in-person gatherings and one virtual session - will allow participants to learn about the plan's goals and objectives and also provide input on the plan's strategies and actions for implementation. NYSDOT is committed to engaging the public and local communities at every step in the process of drafting this plan.
Four 90-minute meetings are planned and will feature presentations from NYSDOT staff and consultants. Participants will be invited to provide feedback on progress made and next steps. The public forums will be held at the following dates/times and locations:
* September 1 - Albany Library, Large Auditorium (5:30 p.m. to 7 p.m.)
161 Washington Avenue, Albany NY 12210
* September 2 - Rochester Public Library, Kate Gleason Auditorium (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
Bausch & Lomb Public Library Building, 115 South Avenue, Rochester, NY 14604
* September 3 - State Office Building in Hauppauge (5 p.m. to 6:30 p.m.)
250 Veterans Memorial Highway, Hauppauge, NY 11788
* September 4 - Virtual (12:00 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.). Login available here: https://vhb.zoom.us/j/83539982166?pwd=WLYBl8ss7GFUiQFwUaL8DmKKXZKkbg.1
Active Transportation includes both human-powered modes of transportation--walking, bicycling, and operating a wheelchair--along with small-scale electric vehicles such as e-scooters, also known as micromobility. NYSDOT's Active Transportation Strategic Plan (ATSP) will support the development of a safe and comfortable active transportation network throughout the state. The plan builds on the community-centered vision of the New York State Transportation Master Plan 2050 and recognizes that a safe street is intended to be safe for all users -- which includes pedestrians, bicyclists, rollers, and transit riders. As emphasized in both plans, transportation is more than infrastructure - it's about people, places, and experiences.
The ATSP is expected to be complete later this fall and will present an action plan toward a vision that, through collaboration and engagement, will allow NYSDOT to provide a connected and accessible active transportation network, offering all users access to travel CHOICES by Creating Healthy Options to Improve Community Experience and Safety.
NYSDOT is committed to engagement across all regions of the state, including outreach to historically underserved communities and providing opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to participate. Members of the public are encouraged to:
* Attend one of the Public Forums.
* Visit the project website at https://www.nysdotwalkbikeplan.com/ to learn more.
* Provide their name and email address to be added to the distribution list for plan updates and announcements.
Interested participants are urged to check the project website frequently for any updates in schedule. To ensure that those who need assistance can attend the public forums, reasonable accommodations can be requested by contacting Phil Goff at pgoff@vhb.com or (617) 207-2615.
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About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!
For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
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Original text here: https://www.dot.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/2026-08-21
IEDA Board Approves Assistance for Two Manufacturers, Two Quality-of-life Projects and Three Strategic Infrastructure Projects
DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 22 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on Aug. 21, 2026:
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IEDA Board approves assistance for two manufacturers, two quality-of-life projects and three strategic infrastructure projects
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved tax credits for two manufacturing companies, which will assist in the creation of 98 jobs and result in $57.2 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Clinton and Waverly. The board also approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants for
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Aug. 22 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on Aug. 21, 2026:
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IEDA Board approves assistance for two manufacturers, two quality-of-life projects and three strategic infrastructure projects
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved tax credits for two manufacturing companies, which will assist in the creation of 98 jobs and result in $57.2 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Clinton and Waverly. The board also approved Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) grants forprojects in Forest City and Larchwood, as well as Strategic Infrastructure Program grants for three university-led projects that will strengthen Iowa's advanced manufacturing, aerospace and defense innovation ecosystem.
ADM to expand precision fermentation capabilities in Clinton
Archer Daniels Midland Company (ADM) is a global food processing and commodities trading company that produces food, feed and industrial products from agricultural commodities. ADM plans to convert an underutilized 463,503-square-foot fermentation facility at its Clinton complex into a precision fermentation facility, expanding the site's ability to produce additional high-value biobased products. The project includes new processing equipment for separation, purification, drying and packaging, as well as upgrades to existing fermentation equipment, piping and supporting systems to enable large-scale production of proteins and enzymes. The $55.5 million capital investment is expected to create 53 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $23.57 per hour. The board awarded $2.23 million in tax credits through the Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program.
Impact CNC to expand manufacturing operations in Waverly
Headquartered in Indiana, Impact CNC, LLC is a precision machining manufacturer serving original equipment manufacturers across multiple industries. Following its July merger with Waverly-based GMT, LLC, the company plans to install new manufacturing equipment to increase production capacity and support growth. The $1.7 million capital investment includes two vertical lathes, leak-testing equipment and assembly equipment, as well as computer hardware and software. The project is expected to create 45 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $28.52 per hour. The board awarded $61,260 in tax credits through the BIG program.
CAT grants awarded to two projects
Friends of Bear Creek and the City of Forest City were awarded $705,000 to replace the clubhouse at Bear Creek Golf Course with a new 12,000-square-foot, two-level facility featuring a full-service restaurant and bar, indoor golf simulators and public gathering space. The facility will provide a year-round destination for recreation, dining and events, attracting visitors for leagues, tournaments, community gatherings and corporate outings. The total project cost is $2.35 million.
The City of Larchwood was awarded $1 million to construct an 18,825-square-foot, fully handicap-accessible community center to replace the city's aging recreation center. The new facility will provide the community of fewer than 1,000 residents with modern space for recreation, youth programs, tournaments, craft fairs and other events. Amenities will include a multiuse gymnasium, a walking track, fitness and aerobics rooms, a kitchen and a community room, positioning Larchwood to host regional activities and attract visitors from nearby Minnesota and South Dakota. The total project cost is $4.13 million.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
Strategic Infrastructure Program grants awarded to three university-led projects
The University of Iowa was awarded $1,738,190 through the Strategic Infrastructure Program for its Protostudios 2.0 initiative. The project will expand the university's advanced manufacturing and prototyping capabilities through new equipment and infrastructure investments that support entrepreneurs, startups, researchers and manufacturers across Iowa. The upgrades are designed to strengthen workforce development, accelerate product development and commercialization, and ensure Iowa remains competitive in advanced manufacturing and medical technology industries.
The University of Iowa also was awarded $900,000 through the Strategic Infrastructure Program for the Operator Performance Lab Aerospace Economic Growth Initiative. The project will add a second operational flight-test aircraft, establish classified research capabilities and create secure operational infrastructure to strengthen Iowa's aerospace and defense ecosystem. The investment is expected to attract additional federal research dollars, expand workforce opportunities and position Iowa as a destination for advanced aerospace and defense innovation.
The University of Northern Iowa was awarded $970,000 through the Strategic Infrastructure Program for its Foundry 4.0 Center. The funding will support the acquisition of Industry 4.0 manufacturing technologies and equipment aimed at modernizing foundry operations and advancing smart manufacturing across Iowa. The project will enhance workforce training, strengthen participation in defense supply chains and create a statewide technology-transfer platform that helps Iowa manufacturers remain globally competitive.
The Strategic Infrastructure Program supports projects that develop commonly utilized assets with the goal of providing a competitive advantage to one or more private sector entities or that create necessary physical infrastructure in the state, and such projects are not adequately provided by the public or private sectors. Award recommendations for these funds are made by an internal and external review committee and presented to the IEDA Board for approval.
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Original text here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-08-21/ieda-board-approves-assistance-two-manufacturers-two-quality-life-projects-and-three-strategic
Del. State Dept.: Compass Grant Turns $1 of State Funds Into $117 for Delaware Small Businesses
DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 22 -- Delaware Department of State issued the following news:
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The Compass Grant Turns $1 of State Funds into $117 for Delaware Small Businesses
WILMINGTON, Del. -- When a small business in Delaware wants to grow by selling to customers in other countries, the costs can add up fast, especially with trade shows, international travel, insurance, and market research. The Compass Grant helps cover those costs.
Administered by Export Delaware, a division of the Delaware Department of State, the Compass Grant offers Delaware small businesses up to $10,000 per year for international
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DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 22 -- Delaware Department of State issued the following news:
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The Compass Grant Turns $1 of State Funds into $117 for Delaware Small Businesses
WILMINGTON, Del. -- When a small business in Delaware wants to grow by selling to customers in other countries, the costs can add up fast, especially with trade shows, international travel, insurance, and market research. The Compass Grant helps cover those costs.
Administered by Export Delaware, a division of the Delaware Department of State, the Compass Grant offers Delaware small businesses up to $10,000 per year for internationalbusiness development activities. In the last fiscal year, the State awarded $85,355 across 29 grants. The return was extraordinary: participating companies report $10 million in new international sales as a direct result -- that's $117 in new revenue for every $1 invested by the State.
The results go beyond sales figures. Companies hired 21 new employees to keep up with the growth, and retained 166 more. And because international sales cycles are long, participating companies project an additional $21 million in new sales over the next 18 months.
Grant-funded activities ranged from exhibiting at trade shows to overseas customer visits to purchasing EXIM Credit Insurance, which helps protect businesses against the risk of not getting paid by foreign buyers. Here is a look at what some Delaware companies accomplished:
* A Georgetown-based aviation company used the grant to cover EXIM Credit Insurance premiums and reports $4.6 million in new international sales.
* A Wilmington manufacturer exhibited at a trade show in Germany and reports $100,000 in new sales.
* A Delaware accounting firm attended a trade show in Japan, signed new client agreements, and reports $15,000 in new sales.
"Delaware small businesses depend on this program," said David Mathe, Director of International Business Development for the State of Delaware. "In just the first few weeks of the new funding year, applicants have already requested nearly half of what was awarded in all of last year. That tells you how much this program matters to them."
The Compass Grant launched in 2023 and has grown steadily, with many companies returning each year to apply for additional funding. Stephen Zwidler of Accudyne Systems summed it up simply: "Keep up the great support of First State Businesses."
A new round of Compass Grant funding opened July 1, 2026. Delaware small businesses are encouraged to apply at export.delaware.gov.
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About Export Delaware
Export Delaware is the State of Delaware's official resource for small businesses looking to sell their products and services internationally. A division of the Delaware Department of State, Export Delaware provides personalized guidance, market expertise, and access to funding programs like the Compass Grant to help companies of all sizes reach new customers around the world. For more information, visit export.delaware.gov.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/08/21/the-compass-grant-turns-1-of-state-funds-into-117-for-delaware-small-businesses/
Colo. Supreme Court Announces Incoming Chief Justice
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 22 -- The Colorado Supreme Court issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Supreme Court Announces Incoming Chief Justice
Today, Chief Justice Monica Marquez announced that Supreme Court Justice William Hood was selected by his fellow justices to serve as the next chief justice beginning in August 2027, when Chief Justice Marquez's term concludes.
The chief justice serves a three-year rotating term, established by a unanimous vote of the court in 2020 to replace indefinite terms. The incoming chief justice completes a one-year intensive onboarding process,
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DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 22 -- The Colorado Supreme Court issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Supreme Court Announces Incoming Chief Justice
Today, Chief Justice Monica Marquez announced that Supreme Court Justice William Hood was selected by his fellow justices to serve as the next chief justice beginning in August 2027, when Chief Justice Marquez's term concludes.
The chief justice serves a three-year rotating term, established by a unanimous vote of the court in 2020 to replace indefinite terms. The incoming chief justice completes a one-year intensive onboarding process,mentoring under the current chief justice to learn the administrative role as the state judicial branch's top executive, overseeing the 23 judicial districts, in addition to the regular duties of a justice on the Colorado Supreme Court. The new chief justice is sworn in at the end of the outgoing chief justice's term.
"Justice Hood brings deep experience, steady judgment, and a genuine commitment to the people we serve," said Chief Justice Monica M. Marquez. "I've had the privilege of working alongside him for many years, and I know he will approach this role with the integrity and thoughtfulness it demands. I look forward to supporting him throughout his onboarding year and ensuring a smooth transition for the branch."
Justice William Hood said, "I am honored by the confidence my colleagues have placed in me. Our judicial branch is filled with dedicated professionals who work every day to deliver justice for the people of Colorado, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to support that work in this new role. I appreciate Chief Justice Marquez's leadership and her willingness to guide me through the year ahead as I prepare for this transition."
Justice William Hood was sworn in as a member of the Colorado Supreme Court on January 13, 2014, following seven years as a judge on the Denver District Court. In 2014, the Colorado Chapter of the American Academy of Matrimonial Lawyers gave him its Distinguished Jurist Award. In 2011, he received the Denver Bar Association's (DBA's) Judicial Excellence Award.
Before moving to the bench, Justice Hood was a litigation partner at Isaacson Rosenbaum P.C. in Denver and served as a prosecutor for 10 years in Colorado's 18th Judicial District (encompassing, at the time, Arapahoe, Douglas, Lincoln, and Elbert Counties). At different times, he was a chief trial deputy and the chief appellate deputy.
In 1990, Justice Hood graduated from the University of Virginia School of Law, where he was a member of the Virginia Law Review. In 1985, he received his B.A. magna cum laude, with honors, in International Relations from Syracuse University and was inducted into Phi Beta Kappa.
Justice Hood is a member of the American, Colorado, and Denver Bar Associations. He is a fellow emeritus of the American and Colorado Bar Foundations. He has served as a member of the Executive Council of the CBA and the Board of Trustees for the DBA. He is a 2007 (inaugural class) graduate of the CBA's leadership training program (COBALT). He has also taught several courses related to advocacy as an adjunct faculty member at the University of Denver, Sturm College of Law.
The Colorado Supreme Court is the state's court of last resort. Its decisions are binding on all other Colorado state courts. Under the Colorado Constitution, the Chief Justice serves as the executive head of the Colorado Judicial Department, comprising the Supreme Court and Court of Appeals and the state's district and county courts and probation. The Judicial Department employs over 4,000 court and probation employees, including 343 justices, judges, and magistrates.
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Original text here: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/press-release/supreme-court-announces-incoming-chief-justice?topic=76&wrapped=true
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Issues Findings in Sunshine Residential Homes Investigation, Calls for Legislative Reform
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 22 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Findings in Sunshine Residential Homes Investigation, Calls for Legislative Reform
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued findings in the investigation of the allegations that Sunshine Residential Homes, LLC obtained rate increases from the Department of Child Safety in exchange for political contributions to Governor Katie Hobbs.
"After two years of investigation, consisting of multiple interviews, reviews of campaign-finance records, procurement
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 22 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 21, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Issues Findings in Sunshine Residential Homes Investigation, Calls for Legislative Reform
Attorney General Kris Mayes today issued findings in the investigation of the allegations that Sunshine Residential Homes, LLC obtained rate increases from the Department of Child Safety in exchange for political contributions to Governor Katie Hobbs.
"After two years of investigation, consisting of multiple interviews, reviews of campaign-finance records, procurementrecords, bank documents, and State emails and chats, totaling over one terabyte of data, including more than 100,000 documents, the investigation has not uncovered any evidence of the necessary quid pro quo to support a bribery charge," said Attorney General Mayes.
"Declining prosecution is a conclusion about the legal standard for charging a case, but this case shows there is a need for legislative reform. The Legislature and the Governor have the power to ensure greater transparency with regard to political donations made by state contractors.
I am urging them to work together and try again to pass legislation that does so."
A copy of the legal analysis (https://mcusercontent.com/cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206/files/ca192d79-0d0b-b203-60e5-63b88a01c563/Sunshine_Investigation_Memo_8.21.26.pdf) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-issues-findings-sunshine-residential-homes-investigation-calls
