Featured Stories
Shapiro Administration Invests $2 Million in Research and Marketing to Grow Pennsylvania's Wine Industry
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $2 Million in Research and Marketing to Grow Pennsylvania's Wine Industry
October 23, 2026
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement in celebration of Wine Month from Penns Woods Winery, the first Pennsylvania winery nominated for American Winery of the Year in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
The announcement comes one week after Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania's first-ever Strategic Plan for Agriculture, positioning
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $2 Million in Research and Marketing to Grow Pennsylvania's Wine Industry
October 23, 2026
Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding made the announcement in celebration of Wine Month from Penns Woods Winery, the first Pennsylvania winery nominated for American Winery of the Year in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
The announcement comes one week after Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania's first-ever Strategic Plan for Agriculture, positioningPennsylvania to build on its legacy of innovation and excellence and lead the future of agriculture in America.
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Chadds Ford, PA - Today, Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding announced that the Shapiro Administration has invested $2 million in Wine Marketing and Research Grants to increase sales, production, and quality of Pennsylvania wines. He made the announcement in celebration of Wine Month from Penns Woods Winery, a PA Preferred(R) member, and the first Pennsylvania winery nominated for American Winery of the Year in the 2026 Wine Enthusiast Wine Star Awards.
"As America's 250th year celebrations continue, we're honoring William Penn, who planted the seeds of Pennsylvania's wine industry, and what better place to celebrate than at Penns Woods where his legacy continues," said Secretary Redding. "Pennsylvania's wine industry has grown from transplanted vines in a colonial-era Philadelphia park to the fourth-ranking wine producer in America. Shapiro Administration investments in research and promotion, business planning, infrastructure, and tourism are keeping that success growing."
The announcement comes one week after Governor Josh Shapiro unveiled Pennsylvania's first-ever Strategic Plan for Agriculture, positioning Pennsylvania to build on its legacy of innovation and excellence and lead the future of agriculture in America.
According to the U.S. Department of Treasury, Pennsylvania ranks 4th in wine production in the nation, rising from 5th in 2018. Pennsylvania Wine Marketing and Research Board's 2024 study, Economic Impact of the Pennsylvania Grape & Wine Industry found that the industry supports 10,756 jobs, paying wages of $518.2 million, and directly contributes $1.77 billion to the state economy annually.
With now more than 400 licensed wineries across five distinct regions, Pennsylvania wineries generate $747 million in tourism revenue every year. In 2024, the Shapiro Administration supported Pennsylvania Winery Association's (PWA) comprehensive, five-year marketing strategy through a $441,180 Wine Marketing and Research Grant and is receiving more than $1 million in funding announced today.
"These $2 million in research and marketing grants are vital to sustaining a comprehensive statewide marketing effort for Pennsylvania licensed wineries," said Andrew Yingst, vice president of the PWA. "This crucial investment accelerates our transition from a local hidden secret to national recognition, showcasing the diverse wines being grown and produced in Pennsylvania."
PWA member Penns Woods was founded by Italian immigrant and US Marine Corps veteran Gino Razzi, who learned his craft in his native Abruzzo Italy before coming to Pennsylvania in the 1970s and rehabbing an abandoned vineyard.
Penns Woods celebrates its 25th anniversary this year. Now led by next-generation family member President Carley Razzi and Winemaker Davide Creato, the winery planned a recent expansion, hiring a consultant with support from a $15,000 PA Farm Bill Farm Vitality Grant in 2024. The winery not only features Pennsylvania-grown wines, but is a popular Brandywine Valley tourism spot, spicing up fall with live music, a hay maze, artisans, apple cider donuts, pumpkin painting, and seasonal events.
"Pennsylvania's wine industry has come a long way, and the quality of wines being produced across the Commonwealth deserves national attention," said Carley Razzi. "But great wine begins with healthy vineyards, and building a sustainable industry requires meaningful investment in the agricultural businesses behind every bottle. We're grateful to see Pennsylvania supporting that growth and helping our industry compete on a larger stage."
Penns Woods is among five wineries nominated for the American Winery of the Year honor. The winner will be announced in December. The Pennsylvania Department of Agriculture supports wineries like Penns Woods and other businesses that feature Pennsylvania agricultural products through the PA Preferred(R) state branding program.
Pennsylvania wine producers, many of whom lost crops in a devastating freeze in April 2026, are among the growers supported by $10 million Freeze Disaster Assistance Recovery Grants created in Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget. Grants will be distributed in the coming months.
The PA Department of Agriculture's Wine Marketing and Research Board selected the following projects for $1 million in annual funding through the PA Liquor Control Board. Grant totals, recipients, grant amounts, and project titles are listed below:
Pennsylvania Winery Association - $1,081,534 (two-year total)
Statewide, comprehensive marketing campaign promoting more than 400 Pennsylvania wineries.
Penn State University - $70,848
Researchers will develop new methods to reduce sulfur-related wine faults without relying on copper sulfate treatments, helping wineries improve wine quality through easily replicable solutions.
Penn State University - $78,973
Consumer and industry research across the Mid-Atlantic region to better understand wine purchasing behaviors, barriers to consumption, and effective strategies for promoting Pennsylvania wines.
Penn State University - $74,060
Piloting a tool that helps wineries identify wines at risk of developing sulfur-related off-aromas after bottling, supporting improved product quality and consistency.
Penn State University - $96,846
Continuation of a multi-year study examining grapevine nutrient levels across Pennsylvania vineyards to help growers refine nutrient management practices and support long-term vineyard health and productivity.
Penn State University - $38,919
Developing production budgets for Vinifera, Hybrid, and Concord grapes to help Pennsylvania growers better manage costs, improve profitability, and remain competitive.
Penn State University - $71,999
Developing a practical diagnostic test to identify compounds that may cause undesirable sulfur-related odors in wine after bottling. The research aims to help PA winemakers identify potential quality issues before distribution.
Penn State University - $80,922
Continued field research in PA vineyards to evaluate grapevine nutrient levels and their relationships with vine growth, fruit quality, and yields. The project aims to develop more accurate, local nutrient recommendations to help growers improve productivity and long-term vine health.
Penn State University - $42,214
Evaluating oxygen exposure throughout the winemaking process, from grape harvest through bottling, to reduce exposure points and improve wine quality, and shelf life.
Penn State University - $97,860
Developing a cost-effective alternative to traditional barrel-aging and oxygenation methods, helping PA wineries improve wine quality and taste while reducing expenses.
Penn State University - $84,811
Investigating how common winery equipment and storage practices affect oxygen exposure and wine quality, to help PA winemakers reduce oxidation, prevent spoilage, and improve wine stability.
Penn State University - $89,993
Researching naturally occurring yeasts and microbes to identify biological approaches that reduce reliance on added sulfites, prevent wine spoilage, and improve the quality of PA wines.
October is Wine Month. Find an event, a winery to visit, or learn more about Pennsylvania wines on the Pennsylvania Winery Association's website, pennsylvaniawine.com.
Find Pennsylvania's Strategic Plan for Agriculture here (http://pa.gov/AgStrategicPlan) and learn more about Governor Shapiro's support for Pennsylvania farmers and nation-leading agriculture industry here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/governor-shapiro-s-accomplishments/supporting-pennsylvania-s-farmers).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/pda/newsroom/shapiro-administration-invests--2-million-to-grow-pa-s-wine-indu
N.Y. State Office of Mental Health: Governor Hochul Announces Opening of $4.3 Million Crisis Residence for Youth in Queens
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 24 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release:
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October 22, 2026
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF $4.3 MILLION CRISIS RESIDENCE FOR YOUTH IN QUEENS
YAI Children's Crisis Residence to Support Young People Experiencing Behavioral Health Challenges
State Now Supports 21 Licensed Children's Crisis Residences to Help Youth Return to Home, School and the Community
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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the YAI Children's Crisis Residence in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. Funded with $4.3 million through
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ALBANY, New York, Oct. 24 -- The New York State Office of Mental Health issued the following news release:
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October 22, 2026
GOVERNOR HOCHUL ANNOUNCES OPENING OF $4.3 MILLION CRISIS RESIDENCE FOR YOUTH IN QUEENS
YAI Children's Crisis Residence to Support Young People Experiencing Behavioral Health Challenges
State Now Supports 21 Licensed Children's Crisis Residences to Help Youth Return to Home, School and the Community
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Governor Kathy Hochul today announced the opening of the YAI Children's Crisis Residence in the East Elmhurst neighborhood of Queens. Funded with $4.3 million throughthe state Office of Mental Health, this facility will serve young people between the ages of 5 and 21 during a mental health crisis, enabling them to receive support and continue their recovery within the community.
"As our state's first mom governor, I will always prioritize the mental wellbeing of our children and families," Governor Kathy Hochul said. "This new Children's Crisis Residence will allow young people and their families to receive needed support so they can safely return home and avoid higher levels of care."
YAI received $4.3 million in capital and program development funding through OMH for the project, which is adaptive reuse of a former Our Lady of Fatima convent. Located at 25-56 80th St. in East Elmhurst, the facility includes two six-bed suites, which will provide 24/7 therapeutic support to young people, including individualized recovery plans.
The crisis residence is the first to begin operating in Queens and YAI is among 21 of these programs now licensed by the state, promoting stability and providing the services to help youth remain strongly connected with their families as they recover and ultimately return home. Crisis residences offer comprehensive risk assessment, health assessment, family counseling, and one-on-one support provided by a multidisciplinary team, among other services.
Voluntary stays of up to three weeks in a Children's Crisis Residence also help prevent unnecessary visits to higher levels of care, like hospital emergency rooms. These programs can also foster connections to support and other resources designed to help youth remain in the community -something that is often most conducive to recovery.
Children's Crisis Residences are a key component of OMH's comprehensive crisis response system, which is designed to help New Yorkers who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis. The new facility in East Elmhurst will partner with New York City Health + Hospitals, local providers offering home-based crisis intervention, Youth Assertive Community Treatment teams, and Children's Health Homes, among other community partners.
"It is essential that young people and their families can receive community-based support when confronting a behavioral health challenge," OMH Commissioner Dr. Ann Sullivan said. "The new YAI Children's Crisis Residence will enable youth and their families to receive needed care in a safe, comfortable environment and take steps to return home in a timely manner with ongoing connections to support. Under Governor Hochul's leadership, we continue to strengthen the state's continuum of mental health care, with a particular focus on supporting youth and families."
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Original text here: https://content.govdelivery.com/accounts/NYOMH/bulletins/4301800
Mont. Public Health & Human Services Dept.: Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver Takes Effect Nov. 1
HELENA, Montana, Oct. 24 -- The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver Takes Effect Nov. 1
October 22 2026
HELENA, MT -- Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today reminded Montanans that the statewide Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
Approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), the demonstration project tests whether restricting specific
... Show Full Article
HELENA, Montana, Oct. 24 -- The Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver Takes Effect Nov. 1
October 22 2026
HELENA, MT -- Department of Public Health and Human Services (DPHHS) Director Charlie Brereton today reminded Montanans that the statewide Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver will go into effect on Nov. 1, 2026.
Approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Food and Nutrition Administration (FNA), the demonstration project tests whether restricting specificlow-nutrition, high-sugar items encourages healthier shopping patterns and improves long-term health outcomes among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) participants.
"Our responsibility is to ensure taxpayer-funded SNAP benefits support access to nutritious food and better health outcomes for Montanans," Dir. Brereton said. "This demonstration gives us an opportunity to evaluate whether these targeted changes help families make healthier choices while reducing the long-term effects of diet-related chronic disease."
Restricted Items Beginning Nov. 1
Beginning Nov. 1, Montana SNAP Electronic Benefit Transfer (EBT) cards may no longer be used to purchase products falling into four specific categories:
* Candy: A shelf-stable preparation of sugar, honey, or other nutritive or non-nutritive sweeteners, in combination with chocolate, fruits, nuts, or other ingredients, or flavorings, in the form of bars, drops, or pieces. This includes gelatin-based confections (gummies), licorice, hard candies, and compressed sugar pieces.
* High-Sugar Beverages: Non-alcoholic carbonated or flat beverages sweetened with more than 10 grams of added sugar per eight fluid ounces.
* Energy Drinks: High-caffeine beverages containing more than six milligrams (mg) of caffeine per fluid ounce, or over 140 mg per container, combined with added stimulants such as taurine, guarana, or herbal extracts.
* Shelf-Stable Prepared Desserts: Processed, ready-to-eat, pre-packaged sweet food items intended for immediate consumption with minimal whole-food ingredients.
What Remains Eligible
The waiver does not reduce household monthly benefit amounts, alter general SNAP financial eligibility, or impact core grocery groups. Nutritious food staples--including fresh, frozen, or canned fruits and vegetables, meat, poultry, dairy products, grains, and general pantry staples--remain fully covered.
The waiver also explicitly allows:
* Baking ingredients, real-fruit snacks with no added sugar, and nut- or fruit-based granolas and trail mixes.
* Plain, naturally flavored, or artificially sweetened zero-sugar carbonated or flat water.
* 100% fruit or vegetable juices (and juice blends containing more than 50% juice by volume), meal-replacement beverages, and medical-grade electrolyte replacement beverages.
* Milk, milk alternatives, coffee, tea, protein bars, meal-replacement bars, and store-made bakery items.
Information for Participants and Retailers
* At Checkout: Authorized retailers' point-of-sale systems will automatically identify restricted items at checkout. Participants wishing to purchase restricted items may do so using cash, credit, or debit.
* Retailer Compliance: All SNAP-authorized merchants across Montana, including online retailers, are updating point-of-sale systems prior to Nov. 1. A DPHHS-governed index of restricted Universal Product Codes has been made available to retailers.
Next Steps for Montanans
DPHHS and FNA have created point-of-sale flyers and QR quick-reference cards for merchants across the state to help retail staff assist customers at checkout.
For more information and program guidelines, visit the Healthy SNAP Food Restriction Demonstration Waiver webpage. (healthySNAP.mt.gov)
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Original text here: https://dphhs.mt.gov/News/2026/October/Healthy-SNAP-Nov-1
Iowa Department of Education Awards Nine Iowa Charter Schools More Than $8.5 Million in Start-up, Expansion Grants
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 24 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Iowa Department of Education awards nine Iowa charter schools more than $8.5 million in start-up, expansion grants
October 22, 2026
The Iowa Department of Education today announced that nine Iowa charter schools have been awarded over $8.5 million in grant funding through the Iowa Charter School Program Grant. These grants are supported by a competitive federal grant won by the Department for states supporting charter school start-up and expansion. Funds will support five new charter schools
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 24 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Iowa Department of Education awards nine Iowa charter schools more than $8.5 million in start-up, expansion grants
October 22, 2026
The Iowa Department of Education today announced that nine Iowa charter schools have been awarded over $8.5 million in grant funding through the Iowa Charter School Program Grant. These grants are supported by a competitive federal grant won by the Department for states supporting charter school start-up and expansion. Funds will support five new charter schoolsand four existing charter schools.
"Educational freedom empowers families to select the learning environment best suited for their children's abilities and needs," said Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Public charter schools provide families with yet another choice and I applaud these dedicated charter school administrators, board members and community leaders for expanding educational opportunities for students and families in their local communities."
Iowa's public charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate under a governing board, and are authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education or the University of Northern Iowa. Public charter schools have the autonomy to organize around a core mission, curriculum, and instructional methodology to meet specific educational objectives. In return for this autonomy, a charter school is accountable for results.
"We are proud of this federal investment in Iowa's strong education landscape, empowering families to choose the high-quality education option that best meets their children's learning needs, matches their interests and cultivates their talents," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. "With the support of this grant, the awardees will improve, innovate and grow new public education environments, empowering all learners to realize their incredible potential."
The following five new charter schools will receive awards of up to $1.2 million each that can be used to for approved start up costs:
* Future Frontiers, Sumner-Fredericksburg
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Davenport
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, South Des Moines
* Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids
* Red Barn School House, Crescent
The following four high-performing, existing charter schools will receive awards of $780,000 each that can be used to expand high-quality charter school models:
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Des Moines
* Hamburg Charter School, Hamburg
* Opportunity Education Network - Cedar Rapids Prep, Cedar Rapids
* Opportunity Education Network - Des Moines Prep, Des Moines
Like all public schools, Iowa's charter schools require students to participate in the statewide assessment and accountability system. Charter schools offer specialized educational opportunities, including career pathways, STEM education and programs designed to help at-risk students succeed. Iowa currently has 13 operating charter schools and another four that have been approved to open August 2027.
Funds for the Iowa Charter Schools Program Grant are provided through a multi-year competitive Expanding Opportunities through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to State Entities grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The amount awarded to Iowa totals more than $43 million over five years to support the success of high-quality public charter schools across the state.
All authorized charter schools were eligible to apply for the Iowa Charter School Program Grant funds for the 2026-27 school year. Charter schools intending to open on or after August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $1.2 million in start-up funds. All charter schools that were open before August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $780,000 in expansion grants. A total of nine charter schools applied and all nine were awarded an Iowa Charter School Program Grant.
The fiscal year 2027 Iowa Charter Schools Program (CSP) application period is now open, with applications due February 3, 2027. Additional information on the Iowa Charter School Program Grant is available on the Iowa Department of Education's Charter School page (https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/charter-schools).
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Original text here: https://educate.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-22/iowa-department-education-awards-nine-iowa-charter-schools-more-85-million-start-expansion-grants
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces $300,000 in Rewards for Unsolved Murders in San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura Counties
SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 24 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 23, 2026
Governor Newsom announces $300,000 in rewards for unsolved murders in San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura counties
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announces $300,000 in rewards are available for the unsolved murders of Michelle Matteucci in Daly City, Gurmej Atwal and Surinder Singh in Elk Grove, John Graves in Fresno, Darnell Smith in San Diego, Eduardo Lira in Santa Paula, and Estevan Mejia in South El Monte.
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SACRAMENTO - Governor
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SACRAMENTO, California, Oct. 24 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Oct 23, 2026
Governor Newsom announces $300,000 in rewards for unsolved murders in San Mateo, Sacramento, Fresno, Los Angeles, San Diego, and Ventura counties
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announces $300,000 in rewards are available for the unsolved murders of Michelle Matteucci in Daly City, Gurmej Atwal and Surinder Singh in Elk Grove, John Graves in Fresno, Darnell Smith in San Diego, Eduardo Lira in Santa Paula, and Estevan Mejia in South El Monte.
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SACRAMENTO - GovernorGavin Newsom today announced the availability of four $50,000 rewards for information leading to an arrest and conviction for the murders of Michelle Matteucci in Daly City; Gurmej Atwal and Surinder Singh in Elk Grove; John Graves in Fresno; Darnell Smith in San Diego; Eduardo Lira in Santa Paula; and Estevan Mejia in South El Monte.
Every family deserves answers when a loved one is taken by violence. For the families of Michelle Matteucci, Gurmej Atwal, Surinder Singh, John Graves, Darnell Smith, Eduardo Lira, and Estevan Mejia, may they soon have the justice they deserve. If you know something about their cases, please reach out to local law enforcement.
Governor Gavin Newsom
Daly City, San Mateo County: Michelle Matteucci
In 1987, Michelle Matteucci, 13, was sexually assaulted, beaten, and fatally strangled while walking home from school near the 100 block of Morton Drive. Michelle was an eighth-grade student at Alta Loma Junior High School. If you have any information, contact the Daly City Police Department at 650-991-8119.
Elk Grove, Sacramento County: Gurmej Atwal and Surinder Singh
In 2011, 78-year-old Gurmej Atwal and 65-year-old Surinder Singh were fatally shot during their daily afternoon walk along East Stockton Boulevard near Geneva Point Drive. According to police, a lifted truck pulled alongside the two men and the assailant or assailants fired multiple times. Mr. Atwal and Mr. Singh were well known within their community and place of worship. In 2016, a new park in Elk Grove was named after Mr. Atwal and Mr. Singh in their memory. If you have any information, contact Elk Grove Police Department at 916-627-3111.
Fresno, Fresno County: John Graves
In 2017, John Graves, 27, was fatally shot while stopped at a red light in his car around the intersection of Clinton Avenue and First Street. According to police, a car pulled alongside Mr. Graves' car, and the assailant or assailants fired multiple times. Mr. Graves was the father of three children and worked in the family's automotive upholstery business. The Central Valley Crime Stoppers has offered a $3,000 reward. If you have any information, contact Fresno Police Department Sergeant Leyva at 559-621-2440.
San Diego, San Diego County: Darnell Smith
In 2008, Darnell Smith, 20, was fatally shot in Emerald Hills. Mr. Smith and his cousins parked their car on Pyramid Street and walked toward his aunt's house when the assailant exited a black SUV and fired multiple shots at Mr. Smith, killing him. Mr. Smith was a student at Mesa College and worked for Cox Cable. The San Diego Crime Stoppers has offered a $1,000 reward. Cox Communications also offered a $2,500 reward. If you have any information, contact the San Diego Police Department Homicide Unit at 619-531-2293. Anonymous tips can be submitted to San Diego County CrimeStoppers at www.sdcrimestoppers.org.
Santa Paula, Ventura County: Eduardo Lira
In 2018, Eduardo Lira, 20, was fatally shot. Mr. Lira and a companion were walking near High and Sycamore Streets. The armed assailant or assailants approached and opened fire, striking and killing Mr. Lira and injuring his companion. If you have any information, contact Santa Paula Police Department Commander Eric Starna at 805-826-2227.
South El Monte, Los Angeles County: Estevan Mejia
In 2024, 34-year-old Estevan Mejia was fatally shot in the Whittier Narrows Recreation Area. According to the Sheriff, Mr. Mejia was last seen in his car driving. After tips from the public, his car was recovered the next day in a dried riverbed approximately three miles from the location where Mr. Mejia was found. The car had a flat tire and was stripped of its radio and other valuables. Mr. Mejia was a nurse working for the Orange County Sheriff's Department. If you have any information, contact Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department Detective Amber Montenegro at 323-890-5500.
Governor's rewards for unsolved cases
Under California law, law enforcement agencies may ask the Governor to issue rewards in specified unsolved cases where they have exhausted all investigative leads, to encourage individuals with information about the crimes to come forward. Public assistance is vital to law enforcement, and rewards may encourage the public cooperation needed to apprehend those who have committed serious offenses.
More information on the Governor's Reward Program can be found here (https://www.gov.ca.gov/clemency/rewards-for-unsolved-crimes/).
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/10/23/governor-newsom-announces-300000-in-rewards-for-unsolved-murders-in-san-mateo-sacramento-fresno-los-angeles-san-diego-and-ventura-counties/
Arizona Supreme Court Rules Clean Elections Commission Cannot Review Secretary of State's Ministerial Contribution Certification
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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Oct. 23, 2026
Court Rules Clean Elections Commission Cannot Review Secretary of State's Ministerial Contribution Certification
PHOENIX - The Arizona Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the Citizens Clean Elections Commission does not have the authority to decide whether the Secretary of State incorrectly certified contributions used to qualify candidates for public campaign funding.
The case involves separate letters sent by the Commission's executive director to two candidates, Risa Lombardo
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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Oct. 23, 2026
Court Rules Clean Elections Commission Cannot Review Secretary of State's Ministerial Contribution Certification
PHOENIX - The Arizona Supreme Court has unanimously ruled that the Citizens Clean Elections Commission does not have the authority to decide whether the Secretary of State incorrectly certified contributions used to qualify candidates for public campaign funding.
The case involves separate letters sent by the Commission's executive director to two candidates, Risa Lombardoand Duwayne Collier, on Aug. 25, 2026. The letters raised concerns about possible violations of the Citizens Clean Elections Act and sought repayment of public campaign funds.
In a letter to Lombardo, the executive director questioned whether she had received enough qualifying contributions to receive funding. He said the Secretary of State's certification appeared to be incorrect, and he had asked the Commission to consider requiring repayment.
The Court rejected the argument that the Commission has the legal authority to review that certification. It explained that state law assigns the responsibility for certifying qualifying contributions to the Secretary of State and county recorders. The law does not grant this authority to the Commission. The executive director later told the Court that the concern about Lombardo's certification based on possible error in the mathematical calculation underlying her certification had been resolved and was no longer part of the investigation.
Because that issue was no longer part of the investigation, the Court did not decide whether the Commission could order candidates to repay public funds based on a certification later deemed incorrect by a post-certification investigation. Other questions raised by the candidates' petition must be considered another day.
The Court's ruling is limited to the Commission's authority over the certification process, not the outcome of the remaining issues in any investigation.
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Original text here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/201/Press%20Releases/2026/News%20Release%20-%20Court%20Rules%20Clean%20Elections%20Commission%20Cannot%20Review%20Secretary%20of%20State's%20Ministerial%20Contribution%20Certification.pdf?ver=w2VJqGeYJno5vDPTKgQrdQ%3d%3d
Ariz. State Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, has received the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association's (AzHHA) 2026 Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership on healthcare issues affecting Arizona hospitals and patients.
The award, presented Thursday at the Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in Tucson, recognized Representative
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, has received the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association's (AzHHA) 2026 Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership on healthcare issues affecting Arizona hospitals and patients.
The award, presented Thursday at the Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in Tucson, recognized RepresentativeBliss for her leadership on Senate Bill 1127, which was signed into law in June. Representative Bliss secured an amendment allowing hospital staff to delegate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect to a designated agent when necessary to continue patient care or comply with applicable standards of care. The provision is especially important for rural hospitals and facilities with limited staffing.
"As a nurse, I know that what we pass at the Capitol has to work in a hospital," said Representative Bliss. "Reporting suspected child abuse is a serious responsibility, and we needed to make sure the law gave hospital staff a practical way to meet that responsibility while caring for their patients. I'm pleased we got that change into law, and I appreciate AzHHA's recognition and its work on behalf of Arizona hospitals."
"Representative Bliss brings a nurse's perspective to every healthcare conversation at the Capitol," said AzHHA Director of Government Relations Damien Johnson. "On SB1127, she ensured Arizona's child abuse reporting law protects children without pulling caregivers away from the bedside when patients need them most. Her steady, practical leadership has made a real difference for Arizona hospitals and the patients we serve."
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Selina Bliss is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County, and Chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee. Follow her on X at @SelinaBliss.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/261023BLISS.pdf
