FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, FIBA Host Pitch Day for Israeli Tech Companies

FloridaCommerce, SelectFlorida, and the Florida-Israel Business Accelerator hosted a pitch day showcasing seven Israeli technology companies to Florida policymakers and investors. This event aims to foster collaboration and drive innovation, building on a partnership that has supported over 130 startups to date.

Florida Awards Over $8M for Infrastructure and Workforce Training

Florida Governor Ron DeSantis awarded over $8 million through the Florida Job Growth Grant Fund to Palm Beach State College, Melbourne Orlando International Airport, and Broward College. These funds will support infrastructure investments and expand workforce training programs in high-demand industries across the state.

FloridaCommerce Launches Opportunity Zone 2.0 Tour

FloridaCommerce has launched the Opportunity Zone 2.0 Tour to encourage communities to submit recommendations for the next designation cycle. The initiative aims to help rural and low-income communities attract private investment and economic growth.

Colorado Workforce Development Council Welcomes New Members and Chair

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment announced eight new appointments and three reappointments to the Colorado Workforce Development Council (CWDC). Jonathan Liebert was welcomed as the new chair. The CWDC advises and oversees the state's talent development network.

Colorado Employment Situation - November 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 2,700 in November 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,300. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.9 percent. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 24,600 and higher average hourly earnings compared to the national average.

Colorado Employment Situation - December 2025

Colorado's nonfarm payroll jobs increased by 1,200 in December 2025, bringing the total to 3,000,100. The unemployment rate decreased to 3.8%. The report also noted a year-over-year job increase of 23,000.

Colorado Just Transition Program Supports Coal Community Entrepreneurs

The Colorado Office of Just Transition (OJT) has partnered with Startup Colorado to launch a Business Startup and Expansion Assistance Program. This initiative aims to support entrepreneurs, particularly former coal industry workers, in coal transition communities by offering resources, mentorship, and potential funding.

Colorado Partners to Expand Quantum Careers and Hiring Support

The Colorado Department of Labor and Employment (CDLE) and Elevate Quantum have partnered to expand access to quantum-related careers and enhance hiring support for quantum industry employers in Colorado. This initiative will leverage the Connecting Colorado system for skills-based job matching and talent connection.

Atlantic Richfield Company v. NL Industries, Inc. - Third-Party Complaint Granted

The District Court of Colorado granted defendants NL Industries, Inc. and NL Environmental Management Services leave to file a third-party complaint in the case Atlantic Richfield Company v. NL Industries, Inc. The underlying suit concerns environmental cleanup costs at a former mining site in Rico, Colorado.

Khalfan Khamis Mohamed v. United States of America - Motion to Compel Ruling

The District Court for the District of Colorado granted in part and denied in part a motion to compel filed by the plaintiff in Khalfan Khamis Mohamed v. United States of America. The ruling addresses discovery disputes related to video footage of an alleged incident.

Colorado Federal Court Enters $2.5 Million Consent Judgment

The U.S. District Court for the District of Colorado entered a consent judgment for $2.5 million against Ricki Wells and Rise Development LLC. This action resolves a dispute over revenues from residential property development.

Lucas Cranor v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company - Insurance Contract Dispute

The District Court of Colorado issued an order on a motion for summary judgment in the case of Lucas Cranor v. State Farm Mutual Automobile Insurance Company. The dispute centers on claims for bad faith breach of an insurance contract and unreasonable delay of benefits following an automobile accident.

FAA Proposes Class E Airspace Change for Nenana Airport

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has proposed a modification to Class E airspace for Nenana Municipal Airport in Nenana, Alaska. This proposed rule is open for public comment until April 13, 2026.

Washington State Fines Roofing Companies $1.4 Million for Fall Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has issued $1.4 million in fines to five construction companies for serious fall protection violations over the last four months. Falls from heights remain the most cited serious workplace safety violation in the state.

Bus Driver Charged with Workers' Comp Fraud

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries (L&I) announced that a Renton bus driver faces a felony theft charge for allegedly collecting over $50,000 in workers' compensation benefits while working other jobs. The charges were filed by the Washington State Attorney General's Office.

Seattle Company Fined for Asbestos Safety Violations

The Washington State Department of Labor & Industries has fined Seattle Environmental Services LLC over $200,000 for knowingly exposing workers to asbestos and misleading investigators. The company ignored numerous safety rules during an asbestos removal project, putting workers at serious risk.

Massachusetts AG's Labor Day Report Highlights Worker Protections

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell released the annual Labor Day Report for Fiscal Year 2025, detailing efforts to protect workers' rights. The report highlights over 1,500 enforcement actions against employers, resulting in the assessment of more than $196.6 million in unpaid wages and penalties for over 137,890 workers.

AG Campbell Cites Construction Company $744,224 for Workers' Rights Violations

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell has issued citations totaling over $744,000 against Franca Service, Inc. and its president for violating state wage and hour laws. The citations include restitution for 101 workers and civil penalties for issues such as failure to pay overtime and misclassification of employees.

AG Campbell Secures $865,000 Settlement for Worker Misclassification

Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell announced a $865,000 settlement with online supermarket Weee! for misclassifying over 160 delivery drivers as independent contractors and violating earned sick time laws. Weee! has agreed to reclassify drivers as employees and comply with state labor laws.

AG cites owner over $1M for worker payment failures

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office has issued a citation against William J. Segal, owner of Alpha Healthcare LLC, for over $1 million in penalties and restitution due to failure to make timely wage payments to nearly 500 employees. The citation covers unpaid wages for work performed between September 15, 2024, and September 28, 2024.

State AG Secures $583,000 from Security Company for Wage and Sick Time Violations

The Massachusetts Attorney General's Office secured over $583,000 from Northeast Security, Inc. (NSI) to resolve allegations of violating state wage and earned sick time laws. The settlement includes restitution for over 3,000 workers and state penalties.

Prepaid Card Report on Workers' Compensation Payments

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers' Compensation (CHSWC) has released a final report examining the use of prepaid card programs for workers' compensation indemnity payments. The report considers recommendations for the continuation of such programs.

CHSWC Releases 2025 WOSHTEP Advisory Board Annual Report

The California Commission on Health and Safety and Workers’ Compensation (CHSWC) has released the 2025 Worker Occupational Safety and Health Training and Education Program (WOSHTEP) Advisory Board Annual Report. The report evaluates the use and impact of programs aimed at reducing job-related injuries and illnesses among California workers.

California Teens Learn Workplace Safety and Rights at Leadership Academy

The California Labor and Workforce Development Agency highlighted the 22nd annual Young Worker Leadership Academy, which educated teens on workplace safety and their rights. The event aimed to prepare young workers to recognize hazards and advocate for fair treatment, reflecting the state's commitment to informed workforce entry.

DWC Updates Official Medical Fee Schedule

The California Division of Workers’ Compensation (DWC) has updated the Official Medical Fee Schedule (OMFS) for Physician and Non-Physician Practitioner Services. The update incorporates new Medi-Cal rates and corrects existing sections, and is effective for services rendered on or after March 1, 2026.

Cal/OSHA Fines Company $212,850 for Amputation Accident

Cal/OSHA has issued penalties totaling $212,850 to All FAB Precision Sheetmetal, Inc., following an investigation into a workplace amputation accident. The company was cited for multiple violations, including willful and repeat serious accident-related violations related to machine guarding.

Ben's Service Center Consent Order - Air Emissions Violations

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection issued a consent order against Ben's Service Center for violations of air quality regulations concerning vapor recovery systems. The order requires a $3,200 civil penalty payment within 30 days.

Connecticut DEEP Consent Order to Sugar Hill, LLC

The Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued Consent Order No. 2553 to Sugar Hill, LLC for violations of air pollution control regulations concerning vapor recovery systems. Sugar Hill, LLC has agreed to pay a civil penalty of $2,400.

Connecticut DEEP Consent Order Against Green Fuel, LLC

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection (DEEP) issued a consent order against Green Fuel, LLC for violations of vapor recovery system testing requirements. Green Fuel, LLC must pay a civil penalty of $1,200 within 30 days of the order's issuance.

A & K Service Station, LLC - Consent Order for Vapor Recovery Violations

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection issued a consent order against A & K Service Station, LLC for violations of vapor recovery system testing requirements. The company agreed to pay a civil penalty of $1,600.

Zain Food Mart Consent Order - Vapor Recovery Testing

The Connecticut Department of Energy & Environmental Protection issued a consent order against Zain Food Mart, Inc. for violations of vapor recovery system testing requirements. Zain Food Mart agreed to pay an $800 civil penalty.

Florida State Parks Adds Shoal River Headwaters State Park

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the addition of Shoal River Headwaters State Park, a new 2,480-acre park west of DeFuniak Springs. The park is now open for passive recreation, with future plans for camping, biking, and paddling to be developed with public input.

Everglades Restoration Project Completion Celebrated

The South Florida Water Management District (SFWMD), US Army Corps of Engineers (USACE), and Florida Department of Environmental Protection celebrated the completion of the Picayune Strand Restoration Project. This project is a key component of the Comprehensive Everglades Restoration Plan (CERP).

Florida State Parks Offer Free Admission for George Washington's Birthday

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced that Florida State Parks will offer free admission from February 13-16, 2026. This initiative commemorates George Washington's birthday and America's 250th anniversary, encouraging visitors to explore historical landscapes.

Olustee Battlefield Reenactment Celebrates America's 250th Anniversary

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the 49th Annual Reenactment of the Battle of Olustee, celebrating America's 250th Anniversary. The event at Olustee Battlefield Historic State Park features historical reenactments, educational programs, and military camps.

Florida Forever Program Secures Largest Conservation Easement

The Florida Department of Environmental Protection announced the acquisition of the largest conservation easement in the Florida Forever Program's 25-year history. The easement protects 61,525 acres of working forestland within the Ocala-to-Osceola Wildlife Corridor, acquired from Weyerhaeuser.

CDPHE HPV Vaccine Reminder Notice

The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment (CDPHE) is sending reminder texts and emails to families of over 304,000 children aged 11-18 who may be overdue for their HPV vaccine. The messages aim to encourage vaccination for cancer prevention and provide resources for finding providers and updating records.

Colorado Opposes EPA Rollback of Vehicle Emissions Protections

Colorado's Governor and state agencies expressed strong opposition to the EPA's decision to repeal federal greenhouse gas endangerment findings and roll back vehicle emissions standards. The state asserts that this action harms air quality, public health, and creates business uncertainty, vowing to continue its own science-based protections.

Washington State SHARP Dashboard for Contaminated Sites

The Washington State Department of Ecology has launched the SHARP dashboard, which tracks approximately 6,500 contaminated sites undergoing cleanup. The dashboard provides data on site assessments, scores, and environmental justice concerns, aiming to improve transparency and prioritization of cleanup efforts.

Washington Geothermal Energy Potential Community Workshops

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hosting community workshops to gather public input on the potential development of geothermal energy resources in the state. These workshops are part of a collaborative process to explore opportunities and risks associated with clean energy development.

Hanford Woman History During Cold War Years Discussion

The Washington State Department of Ecology is hosting a virtual discussion on March 18, 2026, about the role of women at the Hanford site during the Cold War years. The event will feature guest speakers and a live Q&A session, with recordings available afterward.

Washington Ecology Offers Funds to Replace Toxic Chemical Lights

The Washington State Department of Ecology is offering up to $20,000 to schools and daycares to replace old fluorescent light fixtures containing toxic polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). This program helps cover inspection, replacement, and disposal costs to mitigate health risks associated with PCB exposure.

Washington Water Supply Update

The Washington State Department of Ecology has issued an update on the ongoing drought conditions, noting critically low snowpack levels for the 2026 water year. The update highlights concerns for future water availability, particularly for the Yakima Basin, and advises water conservation.

DEC Forest Rangers Report on Rescues and Wildfires

New York State DEC Forest Rangers reported on their activities in 2025, including 362 search and rescue missions and 202 wildfires. The report also details specific rescue incidents from February 2026, highlighting the rangers' role in public safety and law enforcement.

DEC Forest Rangers - 2025 Actions and Deployments

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) released a review of Forest Ranger actions in 2025, detailing 362 search and rescue missions, 2025 wildfires, and over 1,100 arrests and tickets. The report also highlights deployments to other states and specific rescue incidents.

DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session Announced

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session to be held in Plattsburgh on March 11, 2026. This session is part of a series aimed at enhancing engagement with communities facing environmental justice concerns and prioritizing future outreach efforts.

DEC Conducts Prescribed Fire at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced it will conduct a prescribed burn at Wilson Hill Wildlife Management Area. The burn, planned for February 27, 2026, aims to improve wetland habitat by controlling invasive Phragmites.

DEC Environmental Justice Listening Session in Elmira

The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) announced an environmental justice listening session in Elmira on March 17, 2026. This session is part of an ongoing series to enhance engagement with communities with environmental justice concerns and to prioritize future outreach efforts.

Illinois EPA Funding for Emerging Contaminants in Drinking Water

The Illinois EPA announced over $40 million in grant funding for small or disadvantaged communities to address emerging contaminants like PFAS and Manganese in drinking water. Applications are due by August 31, 2026, with a maximum award of $15 million per applicant.

Illinois EPA Issues Health Advisory for 6:2 FTS in Groundwater

The Illinois EPA has issued a health advisory for 6:2 Fluorotelomer Sulfonic Acid (6:2 FTS) in groundwater, based on sampling of community water supplies. This advisory provides a guidance level for the chemical, which lacks a specific groundwater standard, and supplements existing PFAS advisories.