States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
TEDCO Invests in Voyagier
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Oct. 9 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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TEDCO Invests in Voyagier
Company developing AI-augmented travel platform offering agentic booking experience
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $250,000 GAP Fund investment in Voyagier. The GAP Fund falls under the umbrella of TEDCO's Seed Funds.
Voyagier, located in Baltimore, Md., is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) powered online travel agency and booking platform rooted in real travelers' experiences.
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, Oct. 9 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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TEDCO Invests in Voyagier
Company developing AI-augmented travel platform offering agentic booking experience
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $250,000 GAP Fund investment in Voyagier. The GAP Fund falls under the umbrella of TEDCO's Seed Funds.
Voyagier, located in Baltimore, Md., is developing an artificial intelligence (AI) powered online travel agency and booking platform rooted in real travelers' experiences.Blending the convenience of unified booking with the expertise of human travel designers, Voyagier aims to redefine the travel planning experience. The platform hopes to enable users and agents to discover, plan and book complex travel by leveraging imported journeys that inform an AI-assisted itinerary builder. The agent then works to orchestrate the execution of those itinerary events through Voyagier's proprietary booking engine, including flight reservations, accommodations and tour supplier coordination.
"At Voyagier, we saw an opportunity to combine AI-powered end-to-end trip planning with a trusted network of trip inspiration travelers can rely on," said Daniel Gardner, CEO of Voyagier. "Through this investment from TEDCO, we are excited build out our agentic-ready booking software that is powered by human travel data in a space that is ripe for AI tooling."
"As the State of Maryland's Venture Capital arm, we are always excited to see entrepreneurial innovation directed towards supporting others," said Teddy Gresser, TEDCO's senior director, Seed Funds. "Through this Seed Fund investment, we hope that Voyagier will be well-positioned to achieve sustained growth in the years ahead."
TEDCO's Seed Funds are essential for businesses with the potential to increase their sustainability through customer revenue or other corporate ventures. To learn more about our funds and the application process, look for our next Investment Open Forum on our events calendar or visit tedcomd.com/funding.
"The boom of AI continues to lead entrepreneurs to new opportunities for innovation and Maryland is the perfect location to grow these business opportunities," said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. "As the third best state for AI jobs in the nation, coupled with being the top location for cyber talent globally, entrepreneurs looking to start or grow an AI business will find plenty of resources and opportunities in Maryland."
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About Voyagier
Voyagier is a new all-in-one travel platform that combines AI-powered trip planning with expert travel designers to empower travelers through instant planning, authentic discovery, and an agentic booking engine that quietly coordinates the details. Voyagier is currently in a rolling beta phase into late 2025, with broader availability in early 2026. Learn more at www.voyagier.com and follow along on Instagram at @voyagiertravel.
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/news-events/press-releases/2025/tedco-invests-voyagier
Sen. Ingwersen Earns Perfect Score From Maine AFL-CIO for Voting Record Supporting Working Families
AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 9 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
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Sen. Ingwersen earns perfect score from Maine AFL-CIO for voting record supporting working families
Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, received a perfect score in the Maine AFL-CIO's 2025 Legislative Scorecard for his voting record to promote fair wages, ensure safe work environments and support working families. Sen. Ingwersen was one of 17 senators to earn a perfect score. The Maine AFL-CIO scored 11 initiatives considered by the 132nd Maine Legislature
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 9 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
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Sen. Ingwersen earns perfect score from Maine AFL-CIO for voting record supporting working families
Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, received a perfect score in the Maine AFL-CIO's 2025 Legislative Scorecard for his voting record to promote fair wages, ensure safe work environments and support working families. Sen. Ingwersen was one of 17 senators to earn a perfect score. The Maine AFL-CIO scored 11 initiatives considered by the 132nd Maine Legislaturein 2025.
"As I continue to reflect on the legislative session, I am proud of my strong pro-worker voting record, which I've maintained for several years," said Sen. Ingwersen. "Between working on my family farm and serving on the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee, I know that farmworkers do some of Maine's most valuable work -- growing and harvesting the food we put on our tables. The new law for farmworker minimum wages gives them the dignity and fair wages they deserve."
Sen. Ingwersen received a perfect score for supporting legislation that would lower costs for working families and protect the state's future as a place for families to live happily and raise a family. Sen. Ingwersen supported legislation to:
* Protect the income of federal and state employees during government shutdowns.
* Guarantee a minimum wage for Maine farmworkers.
* Fund public pre-K-12 education by making the wealthiest pay their fair share.
* Strengthen the pre-apprenticeship programs that bolster Maine's workforce.
* Improve recruitment, retention and pay for state employees.
* Ensure that the workers powering Maine's clean energy transition are compensated fairly with good benefits.
* Help law enforcement and first responders access treatment for PTSD.
* Fund Maine government services and programs, including education and revenue sharing.
Sen. Ingwersen, a former member of Maine's teachers' union, also opposed a perennial effort that would weaken the ability of workers to organize for better wages and safe working conditions.
Sen. Ingwersen has a long history of supporting working families in the Legislature and received a perfect score from the Maine AFL-CIO in 2019, 2023 and 2024.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-ingwersen-earns-perfect-score-from-maine-afl-cio-for-voting-record-supporting-working-families/
N.J. A.G. Platkin: Nursing Director Indicted for Assaulting Resident at Rehabilitation Center, Attempted Cover-Up
TRENTON, New Jersey, Oct. 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Nursing Director Indicted for Assaulting Resident at Rehabilitation Center, Attempted Cover-Up
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) announced today that the director of nursing at a rehabilitation center in Ocean County, New Jersey, was arraigned on charges of assaulting one of the facility's residents and attempting to cover it up.
Patricia Linda-Ahono, 59, of Irvington,
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Oct. 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Nursing Director Indicted for Assaulting Resident at Rehabilitation Center, Attempted Cover-Up
Attorney General Matthew J. Platkin, the Division of Criminal Justice (DCJ), and the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) announced today that the director of nursing at a rehabilitation center in Ocean County, New Jersey, was arraigned on charges of assaulting one of the facility's residents and attempting to cover it up.
Patricia Linda-Ahono, 59, of Irvington,New Jersey, was indicted by a state grand jury on July 23, 2025, with two counts of aggravated assault (2nd and 3rd degree), neglect of an elderly or disabled adult (3rd degree), tampering with witnesses (3rd degree), assault on an institutionalized elderly person (4th degree), and falsifying records (4th degree). She was arrested July 24, 2025 and arraigned on Oct. 6, 2025.
"Residents of adult care facilities need to be treated with respect and dignity, and be safe," said Attorney General Platkin. "Physically assaulting a resident is inexcusable, and we will not stand by and allow such conduct to go undetected."
"The allegations in this indictment are extremely troubling," said DCJ Director Theresa L. Hilton. "Not only is the defendant charged with a violent physical assault, but she also allegedly took steps to hide her actions. This cannot be allowed, and we are prosecuting this case accordingly."
"When information about this incident came to light, our office immediately began investigating," said Interim Insurance Fraud Prosecutor Al Garcia. "Resident safety is a top priority, and we have zero tolerance for anyone who would jeopardize the well-being of individuals living in a rehabilitation facility."
According to documents filed in this case, on June 24, 2023, a physical altercation occurred between Director of Nursing Patricia Lindo-Ahono and a resident, E.N.J., at Crystal Lake Rehabilitation and Healthcare Center, in Bayville, New Jersey. A nurse recorded a video of the incident that took place in a hallway on the 5th floor of the facility. The video allegedly shows Lindo-Ahono hitting the victim with a broom and the victim's left hand dripping blood. Lindo-Ahono allegedly says, "Call (staff member) (inaudible) before I kill this man."
Lindo-Ahono later completed an incident report alleging the event took place on June 20, 2023, at 12:30 p.m. In the report, Lindo-Ahono allegedly claimed the victim attempted to scratch her using the head of a blue disposable razor. Lindo-Ahono also claimed that she used the broom to swat the object away. The video does not show the victim holding a razor or any weapon in either hand. Staff members who were present at the time of the incident said that they never saw a weapon in the victim's hand.
Lindo-Ahono also allegedly claimed that police and emergency services were called and that the victim was transported by ambulance to the hospital for evaluation. Current and former staff members confirmed that Lindo-Ahono allegedly said not to call the police and that the situation had been handled. Lindo-Ahono also wrote in the incident report that she notified the Department of Health (DOH), the Office of the Long-Term Care Ombudsman (LTCO), the Office of Public Guardian (OPG), and the physician. The LTCO, OPG, and DOH confirmed that they were not notified.
After the video was released to the public, the Berkeley Township Police Department (BTPD) and the OIFP's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit (MFCU) began investigating the matter. On December 21, 2024, as BTPD officers were speaking with the on-duty supervisor about the incident, Lindo-Ahono allegedly called the supervisor in response to a message about the officers' presence. The on-duty supervisor answered the call, and when Lindo-Ahono asked if she was on speakerphone, the supervisor said no. Officers then heard Lindo-Ahono say, "You don't remember anything, right?"
Detectives Alyssa Singh and Daniel Creighton investigated this case under the supervision of Sergeant Justin Callahan, Lieutenant Joseph Jaruszewski, and Deputy Chief Rich King. DAG Camille McKnight is prosecuting the case under the direction of Assistant Bureau Chief Michael Klein and Bureau Chief Heather Hadley.
The charges and allegations contained in the indictment are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.
Second-degree charges carry a sentence of five to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
Third-degree charges carry a sentence of three to five years in prison and a fine of up to $15,000.
Fourth-degree offenses carry a sentence of up to 18 months in state prison and a fine of up to $10,000.
New Jersey MFCU's total funding for federal fiscal year (FY) 2025 is $12.63 million. Of that total, 75 percent is awarded under a grant from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The remaining 25 percent is funded by the State of New Jersey.
If you suspect Medicaid fraud or elder abuse and neglect, report it here Medicaid Fraud or Elder Abuse & Neglect Reporting Form or contact us by phone at (609) 292-1272 or via email at NJMFCU@njdcj.org. Your report can make a difference.
Defense counsel: Marco Antonio Figueiredo Esq., Hillside, New Jersey
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/nursing-director-indicted-for-assaulting-resident-at-rehabilitation-center-attempted-cover-up/
N.C. Health Dept.: Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown in North Carolina
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 9 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown in North Carolina
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is actively working with local, state and federal partners to understand and navigate the evolving impacts on essential services. Despite the uncertainty, North Carolinians who rely on federal food assistance programs will continue receiving benefits through October.
This
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Oct. 9 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Impacts of the Federal Government Shutdown in North Carolina
As the federal government shutdown stretches into its second week, the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is actively working with local, state and federal partners to understand and navigate the evolving impacts on essential services. Despite the uncertainty, North Carolinians who rely on federal food assistance programs will continue receiving benefits through October.
Thisincludes people who receive food benefits from the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as Food and Nutrition Services. NCDHHS is awaiting guidance from the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) for impacts beyond October should the shutdown continue. There are 1.4 million people in North Carolina that rely on SNAP to help put nutritious and healthy food on the table. More than 700,000 households receive benefits each month and 4 in 5 families participating in SNAP in North Carolina have either a child, senior or an adult with a disability.
"Food and nutrition are foundational to good health and people should not have to worry about their families and communities going hungry" said NC Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "NCDHHS hopes for a quick resolution to the federal shutdown to ensure people in North Carolina are not at risk of losing critical food benefits."
This also includes people who receive benefits as part of the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. NCDHHS is working diligently to try and mitigate these impacts and is in consistent communication with county and federal partners. WIC currently serves approximately 262,000 women, infants and children who rely on the program for access to nutritious food, breastfeeding support, nutrition education and health care referrals.
"Poor access to nutrition is linked to poor health outcomes for infants and children," said Yvonne Copeland, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Child and Family Wellbeing. "We hope there is progress in passing a federal spending plan to ensure WIC continues to provide crucial support to North Carolina families at a time-critical stage of early childhood development."
For each program potentially impacted by the shutdown, the federal government is deciding which would be "exempt" from a shutdown and giving us guidance on how to proceed. NCDHHS will continue to provide updates as we receive them from the federal government. For more information on SNAP or WIC benefits and impacts from the federal shutdown please visit www.ncdhhs.gov/fns.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2025/10/08/impacts-federal-government-shutdown-north-carolina
Florida Commerce Dept.: Florida Expands Strategic Trade Ties With Italy With Leadership Trade Mission
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 9 -- Florida Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Florida Expands Strategic Trade Ties with Italy with Leadership Trade Mission
Highlights include the opening the SelectFlorida Milan Office, signing an MOU with the Lombardy Region and participating in the second transportation and infrastructure Italy-Florida Working Group
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MILAN & GENOA, Italy--A Florida Delegation led by Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of Transportation Jared W. Perdue visited Italy to expand on Governor DeSantis' trade mission in November
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Oct. 9 -- Florida Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Florida Expands Strategic Trade Ties with Italy with Leadership Trade Mission
Highlights include the opening the SelectFlorida Milan Office, signing an MOU with the Lombardy Region and participating in the second transportation and infrastructure Italy-Florida Working Group
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MILAN & GENOA, Italy--A Florida Delegation led by Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly and Secretary of Transportation Jared W. Perdue visited Italy to expand on Governor DeSantis' trade mission in November2024 and explore new international business opportunities aimed at benefiting Florida's small and emerging businesses. During the mission, SelectFlorida opened an international trade office in Milan--a direct result of the November 2024 mission, the State of Florida signed an MOU with the Lombardy region and the delegation participated in the second transportation and logistics Italy-Florida Working Group meeting in Genoa.
"Under Governor DeSantis' leadership, Florida is not only strengthening its international partnerships but strategically positioning itself as an international hub for innovation, advanced manufacturing and defense technologies," said Florida Secretary of Commerce J. Alex Kelly. "Our engagements in Italy underscore a shared commitment to economic collaboration, technological advancement and workforce development. By forging strong relationships with Italian industry leaders and research intuitions, we create meaningful pathways for Florida's small and emerging businesses to grow, scale and compete internationally."
"The relationship between Florida and Italy is already strong and the coalition we have formed between Florida Seaports and Italian Seaports will further strengthen this relationship and pave the way for future economic growth." said Florida Department of Transportation Secretary Jared W. Perdue, P.E.
"This trade mission to Italy bolstered an already powerful alignment between Florida and Italy--one that will have lasting impact across the Mediterranean and Europe," said SelectFlorida Board Member and Chief of Regulatory Compliance for JAXPORT, Nick Primrose. "By expanding these strategic partnerships, we are reaffirming our commitment to fostering long-term growth, supporting job creation and strengthening the bridge between our two unique economies."
While in Milan, the delegation celebrated the opening of SelectFlorida's new international trade development office , which will serve as a strategic hub to promote bilateral trade, attract foreign direct investment and support Italian companies seeking to establish or expand operations in Florida. Additionally, the State of Florida signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Lombardy Region, furthering the success of the Florida-Lombardy partnership and increasing collaboration in trade, economic strength and industrial ties and developing partnerships in strategic sectors.
While in Genoa, Secretary Perdue led the Delegation at the Genoa Boat Show, where participants met with companies specializing in marine equipment manufacturing, marina operations, boatyard services and other marine-focused technologies. Delegates also participated in the second Italy-Florida Working Group meeting which built on the MOU signed in April between the Florida Ports Council, Assoporti, the Association of Italian Ports, and Assologistica, the Italian Association of Logistics and Supply Chain Management.
In 2024, total merchandise trade between Florida and Italy amounted to $4.3 billion, making Italy Florida's second largest bilateral merchandise trading partner in the EU and 15th largest trading partner overall. Italy is one of Florida's most important international markets. Italy is also a top ten foreign direct investor in Florida, as of the most recent data published by the U.S. Bureau of Economic Analysis for 2022. Italian majority-owned affiliates employ about 11,000 people in Florida. Florida has 16 sister city and region relationships with Italy
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About FloridaCommerce
FloridaCommerce combines the state's economic, workforce, and community development efforts, expediting economic development projects to fuel job creation in competitive communities and promote economic resiliency. For more information, including valuable resources for employers and job seekers, please visit www.FloridaJobs.org.
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About SelectFlorida
SelectFlorida, Inc. is the state of Florida's official international trade and investment promotion agency and serves as a direct support organization (DSO) for FloridaCommerce. SelectFlorida serves as a catalyst for economic development, economic diversification into targeted industries, and high-wage job creation for Floridians.
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Original text here: https://www.floridajobs.org/news-center/DEO-Press/2025/10/08/florida-expands-strategic-trade-ties-with-italy-with-leadership-trade-mission
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces $30 Million in Apprenticeship Funding to Fill High-demand Jobs in Health Care, Education, and Technology
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Governor Newsom announces $30 million in apprenticeship funding to fill high-demand jobs in health care, education, and technology
What you need to know: More than 11,000 Californians to have access to debt-free pathways into high-demand careers that offer family-sustaining wages, opening doors to long-term economic mobility and opportunity across the state.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced $30 million in awards benefiting 70 apprenticeship programs and more than
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SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Governor Newsom announces $30 million in apprenticeship funding to fill high-demand jobs in health care, education, and technology
What you need to know: More than 11,000 Californians to have access to debt-free pathways into high-demand careers that offer family-sustaining wages, opening doors to long-term economic mobility and opportunity across the state.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced $30 million in awards benefiting 70 apprenticeship programs and more than11,000 apprentices, earning an average of $50.29 per hour, in non-traditional sectors, including health care, education, and advanced manufacturing. This is the third round of Apprenticeship Innovation Funding (AIF) through the Department of Industrial Relations and its Division of Apprenticeship Standards (DAS) -- a key investment in growing and sustaining apprenticeship programs in California.
"In California, we're building a workforce that reflects our values, one where opportunity and job training are within reach for everyone. These apprenticeships are connecting Californians to good-paying careers while helping meet the growing demand for skilled talent across the state." -Governor Gavin Newsom
"Apprenticeships offer real, hands-on experience and a pathway to economic mobility without the burden of debt," said Stewart Knox, Secretary of the California Labor and Workforce Development Agency. "Through investments like Apprenticeship Innovation Funding, we're expanding opportunity, strengthening our workforce and supporting the industries that keep our state moving."
California has the largest apprenticeship system in the nation and is addressing workforce needs by building a pipeline of skilled workers through on-the-job training programs. Apprenticeships offer numerous benefits, including addressing labor shortages, improving workforce retention, and enabling employers to design training tailored to their industry needs.
More jobs. more opportunities.
Apprenticeships are central to the Jobs First Initiative, the state's strategy to grow industries by leveraging the unique strengths of each region. Apprenticeship programs also align with several of California's strategic sectors highlighted in the state's Economic Blueprint including the high-tech, aerospace, healthcare, and education sectors.
Governor Gavin Newsom has set a goal of serving 500,000 earn-and-learn apprentices by 2029. Through strategic investments like AIF, the Department of Apprenticeship Standards has already served 227,492 apprentices toward that target.
"By funding apprenticeships, we're opening doors for thousands of Californians to pursue debt-free pathways toward long-term professional careers." said DAS Chief Adele Burnes. "This round of AIF is supporting more than 11,000 apprentices who are earning an average of $50.29 per hour. These programs provide real economic mobility, and we are seeing apprentices enter stable careers that provide family-sustaining wages."
During the first and second rounds of AIF, a total of $42.1 million was allocated to apprenticeship programs. During this round, awardees are utilizing AIF to scale their apprenticeship programs and address urgent workforce needs.
Awardee highlights:
* Early Care & Education Pathways to Success (ECEPTS) received $1.4 million to expand its apprenticeship program for early care providers and teachers' aides. Apprentices gain professional development experience at early childcare centers such as Head Start and work directly with children. Along with hands-on training, apprentices participate in classroom instruction, studying industry-focused curriculum for teaching and childcare credentials. The program primarily serves low-income women who face economic barriers, setting them on a path to meaningful, stable careers. The program grew from 158 apprentices in round one to 327 in round two, and 658 in round three.
* Launch received $1.4 million to support apprenticeship programs that focus on healthcare, information technology, and advanced manufacturing. Apprentices gain paid on-the-job training at employer sites and earn college credit through coursework at schools and community colleges. Medical Assistant and Registered Nurse apprenticeships are examples of newer occupations supported by Launch. Launch is an intermediary that connects employers and educators to design, manage, and scale apprenticeship programs. The program grew from 360 apprentices in round one, to 386 in round two, and 534 in round three.
* Santa Clara Valley Transportation Authority JATC received $951,625 to expand its public transit apprenticeship program. Apprentices gain on-the-job training with simulator exercises in the field. During classroom instruction, apprentices work toward earning industry-recognized certifications. The Santa Clara Valley Transit faced recruitment challenges, and implemented the program to recruit and retain workers.The program grew from 80 apprentices in round one, to 258 in round two, and 321 in round three.
* SLO Partners Apprenticeships received $237,750 to expand numerous apprenticeship programs, including one in software development. Apprentices learn about computer applications and systems while attending a training bootcamp. They also receive one year of paid on-the-job training. The program is in partnership with Fullstack Academy and Cal Poly Extended Education Coding Bootcamp. The program grew from 52 apprentices in round one, to 56 in round two, and 88 in round three.
A nationwide model
Since AIF's launch in 2021, non-traditional registered apprenticeships in California have grown by 76%. The fastest-growing sectors include education, advanced manufacturing, and transportation.
AIF has become a model for other states. For example, Maryland recently passed the Registered Apprenticeship Investments for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) Act of 2025, modeled in part after California's program.
AIF aligns with California's Five-Point Action Plan, which guides DAS in expanding innovative apprenticeship programs and partnering with intermediaries such as unions, workforce development boards, educational institutions, and nonprofits.
AIF is formula-based funding that reimburses apprenticeship programs based on the number of apprentices served in the prior calendar year. The funding supports two core areas:
* Training Funding: Develops new training programs to benefit apprentices.
* Support Funding: Covers costs of running an apprenticeship program, including employer coordination, recruitment, support, and apprentice placement.
Creating career pathways
Governor Newsom's Master Plan for Career Education is devoted to expanding youth apprenticeships by enhancing career pathways in high school, strengthening workforce training for young people, and bolstering regional partnerships in communities. It also addresses removing barriers for opportunity youth seeking ways to gain skills before having obtained a college degree.
In alignment with Governor Newsom's plan, LWDA has expanded apprenticeships and earn and learn opportunities to provide more Californians with a pathway to a good-paying job. These investments include:
* $68 million in funding to boost apprenticeship programs, create new jobs, and fill labor shortages;
* $26 million to recruit more women into construction careers;
* $20 million in construction apprenticeships to meet infrastructure needs;
* $15.4 million to connect opportunity youth with pre-apprenticeship and apprenticeship programs in high-demand fields;
* $10 million for programs that help farmworkers adjust to the ever-changing demands of the farming industry, providing access to education, career services, and training;
* $18.6 million available to increase equitable access to High Road jobs, with $4.3 million earmarked for healthcare sector projects; and
* $80 million in California Jobs First funding for projects that will create 23,000 new jobs.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/10/08/governor-newsom-announces-30-million-in-apprenticeship-funding-to-fill-high-demand-jobs-in-health-care-education-and-technology/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Medical Employee Will Serve Prison Time for Insurance Fraud and Money Laundering After Impersonating Doctor
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Medical Employee Will Serve Prison Time for Insurance Fraud and Money Laundering After Impersonating Doctor
MOHAVE COUNTY - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that Jose Andres Lopez has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, following by a 7 year term of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $45,000 back in restitution after defrauding the medical practice where he was employed. Lopez was sentenced after he pled guilty to Fraudulent
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Oct. 8, 2025:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Medical Employee Will Serve Prison Time for Insurance Fraud and Money Laundering After Impersonating Doctor
MOHAVE COUNTY - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that Jose Andres Lopez has been sentenced to 3.5 years in prison, following by a 7 year term of supervised probation, and ordered to pay $45,000 back in restitution after defrauding the medical practice where he was employed. Lopez was sentenced after he pled guilty to FraudulentSchemes & Artifices, a Class 2 felony, and Money Laundering in the Second Degree, a Class 3 felony. Lopez was sentenced by the Mohave County Superior Court on September 22, 2025.
"My office has one of the best Health Care Fraud and Abuse divisions in the country. I'm proud of the work they did on this case to uncover the fraud and illegal actions of this medical employee and their relentless effort to ensure AHCCCS dollars and other health care spending in Arizona is protected from waste, fraud, and abuse," said Attorney General Mayes.
Between June 2017 through March 2021, Jose Lopez was employed by a medical clinic located in Mohave County. The doctor who owned the clinic came to trust Lopez over time, and during the course of Lopez's employment he was promoted to office manager. Lopez's position as office manager involved managing various aspects of the practice, including access to the doctor's login information for the electronic records management and prescription system. On numerous occasions in 2020 and 2021, Lopez used this access to send unauthorized prescriptions for himself and another employee.
Furthermore, between February 2020 and December 2020, Lopez created multiple false patient visit records for himself in the clinic's electronic medical records system, which portrayed that he was receiving physical therapy treatment from the doctor. Lopez was not a patient of the doctor nor did the doctor treat Lopez as portrayed in these records. These patient records produced billing records that were submitted to two insurance carriers for a personal injury claim made by Lopez due to an automobile accident. Based upon these submissions, the insurance companies paid a sum of at least $45,000.00 to settle Lopez's personal injury claim.
Additionally, on February 18, 2022, Lopez was sentenced in Maricopa County Superior Court in connection with another case investigated and prosecuted by my office. Lopez provided false income information to the Arizona Health Care Cost Containment System (AHCCCS) to obtain healthcare benefits for himself. Lopez was ordered to pay restitution to AHCCCS as a term of his sentence.
Lopez was indicted for both cases in December 2022 following an investigation conducted by the Arizona Attorney General's Criminal Division, Health Care Fraud and Abuse Section (HCFA).
Both cases were prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Vineet Mehta Shaw.
A copy of the indictment is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=585b0a4552&e=9153ff6c96). A copy of the defendant's booking photo is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=dd57a28f10&e=9153ff6c96).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-medical-employee-will-serve-prison-time-insurance
