States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Challenges Board of Equalization Decision Refusing Certification of Residential Property Tax Valuations
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, June 17 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Challenges Board of Equalization Decision Refusing Certification of Residential Property Tax Valuations
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) directed the Attorney General to file a suit in District Court for the First Judicial District, Laramie County today, requesting the court to issue declaratory relief and an immediate injunction. The injunction would require the State Board of Equalization (BOE) to certify residential values recognizing appropriate exemptions passed
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, June 17 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Challenges Board of Equalization Decision Refusing Certification of Residential Property Tax Valuations
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) directed the Attorney General to file a suit in District Court for the First Judicial District, Laramie County today, requesting the court to issue declaratory relief and an immediate injunction. The injunction would require the State Board of Equalization (BOE) to certify residential values recognizing appropriate exemptions passedby the legislature for single-family residential structures and associated improved land (passed in 2024). An injunction would require the BOE to apply the laws passed by the legislature when certifying residential property tax values.
On Thursday, the BOE released a decision stating it had determined the property tax exemptions for single-family residential structures and associated improved land taxes were unconstitutional.
"It is my duty to uphold and support the laws passed by the legislature," Governor Gordon said. "Once those laws are on the books, it is solely the role of the judiciary to determine their constitutionality, not the agencies, boards, or commissions. For this reason, I believe the Board is incorrect in their order and I believe it is appropriate to go to the judicial branch for clarification."
This legal action, if successful, will prevent confusion and disruption to residential property owners and counties who are in the midst of winding up the property assessment determinations.
The Governor will not comment further on this as it is now an active legal matter.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-challenges-board-of-equalization-decision-refusing-certification-of-residential-property-tax-valuations
Va. A.G. Office Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation Into Natural Bridge Zoo
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- The Virginia Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Office of the Attorney General Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation into Natural Bridge Zoo
Legal action taken by the Office of the Attorney General has led to the safe return of the giraffe calves connected to the Natural Bridge Zoo following their disappearance in 2025.
Following an extensive investigation, the Office of the Attorney General located the missing giraffe calves and facilitated their placement with a professional
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RICHMOND, Virginia, June 17 -- The Virginia Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Office of the Attorney General Secures Safe Return of Giraffe Calves Following Extensive Investigation into Natural Bridge Zoo
Legal action taken by the Office of the Attorney General has led to the safe return of the giraffe calves connected to the Natural Bridge Zoo following their disappearance in 2025.
Following an extensive investigation, the Office of the Attorney General located the missing giraffe calves and facilitated their placement with a professionalfacility specializing in giraffe care. The animals are safe and are receiving proper medical and behavioral support.
This outcome reflects the Attorney General's commitment to ensuring public safety, protecting our communities, and accountability for those who break the law. Due to the ongoing criminal investigation, no further details can be released at this time.
The Office of the Attorney General extends its gratitude to the public for the tremendous support shown throughout this investigation.
If anyone has further information about the illegal movement of the giraffes, please call our office at 804-786-2071.
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Original texth ere: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3043-office-of-the-attorney-general-secures-safe-return-of-giraffe-calves-following-extensive-investigation-into-natural-bridge-zoo
Trump's Own DOJ Confirms Calif. Gov. Newsom is Right
SACRAMENTO, California, June 17 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Trump's own DOJ confirms Governor Gavin Newsom is right
Following Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement yesterday that President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate the Governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom after publicly calling for Newsom's arrest last year, a series of troubling new reports have confirmed the Governor's central claim. Trump's political appointees have aggressively pushed federal investigators to build a case against
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 17 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Trump's own DOJ confirms Governor Gavin Newsom is right
Following Governor Gavin Newsom's announcement yesterday that President Donald Trump directed the Department of Justice to investigate the Governor and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom after publicly calling for Newsom's arrest last year, a series of troubling new reports have confirmed the Governor's central claim. Trump's political appointees have aggressively pushed federal investigators to build a case againstthe Governor -- Trump's political rival.
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MS NOW
"We have from sources... The U.S. District Attorney's Office has been pressing the line prosecutors to COME UP with a case against Gavin Newsom." (Source)
"The U.S. Attorney, Bill Essayli, sources have told us that he was PRESSING FOR WEEKS for his line attorneys to basically bring a criminal investigation or a criminal case against Gavin Newsom. That is not how the Department of Justice works." (Source)
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CNN
"The investigation into Newsom's wife appears to have begun LAST YEAR, and we know that there's been recently a flurry of activity, outreach to his associates... It's clear that the Trump Justice Department is pretty active." (Source)
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The Sacramento Bee
"The federal source said there were 'several' investigations into the Newsoms that had been ongoing for roughly ONE YEAR, and originated out of 'whistleblower complaints' submitted to the U.S. Attorney's Office in Sacramento." (Source)
Note DOJ's specific and consistent use of the word "originated" in their anonymous media statements yesterday. Under Donald Trump, the DOJ has shown a willingness to seize on virtually ANY allegation -- no matter how flimsy (see, for example, the investigation into Jerome Powell) -- as a pretext for political appointees to then weaponize the justice system against the President's enemies.
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Taken together, the reporting confirms a disturbing picture: Following Trump's call for Governor Newsom's arrest, Trump's political appointees were pressuring prosecutors to build a case against Governor Newsom and the First Partner and federal investigators have been searching for evidence of "wrongdoing." Trump's DOJ chose a target and has gone looking for a crime.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/16/trumps-own-doj-confirms-governor-gavin-newsom-is-right/
Legislation to Codify Gov. Shapiro's GRID Standards Introduced in Pennsylvania House of Representatives
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Legislation to Codify Governor Shapiro's GRID Standards Introduced in Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Legislation would require data center developers seeking state tax benefits to meet strict standards protecting energy affordability, supporting local communities, creating jobs, and strengthening environmental protections.
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Today, Representative Joe Webster introduced HB 2650 in the House, which would codify Governor Josh Shapiro's Responsible Infrastructure
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Legislation to Codify Governor Shapiro's GRID Standards Introduced in Pennsylvania House of Representatives
Legislation would require data center developers seeking state tax benefits to meet strict standards protecting energy affordability, supporting local communities, creating jobs, and strengthening environmental protections.
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Today, Representative Joe Webster introduced HB 2650 in the House, which would codify Governor Josh Shapiro's Responsible InfrastructureDevelopment (GRID) Standards in law and require data center developers seeking Commonwealth tax benefits to meet strict standards protecting consumers, communities, and the environment while increasing transparency and accountability for large-scale data center projects. The bill has been assigned to the House Finance Committee and Senators John Kane and Steve Santarsiero plan to introduce companion legislation in the coming days.
HB 2650 would establish a clear framework to ensure projects receiving Commonwealth support going forward protect energy affordability, engage local communities, create family-sustaining jobs, and meet strong environmental standards.
"I've heard directly from Pennsylvanians who are concerned about what data center development could mean for their utility bills, their communities, and our environment -- and I share those concerns," said Governor Shapiro. "Pennsylvanians deserve strong, enforceable standards that protect ratepayers, support good-paying jobs, strengthen environmental protections, and ensure developers are accountable to the communities where they build - and I'm glad Representative Webster and Senators Kane and Santarsiero are leading the effort to codify these standards in the General Assembly. I look forward to working with leaders in the legislature to protect our communities and hold data center developers accountable."
This legislation establishes the requirements for GRID certification, including protecting energy affordability, promoting transparency, engaging local communities, supporting workforce development, and strengthening environmental protection.
"Governor Shapiro challenged us all with his GRID program, to 'right the ship' and make sure development in Pennsylvania benefits Pennsylvanians. That's not the case right now with regard to data centers and everyone knows it: data centers get all of the perks and local municipalities carry all of the risk," said Representative Webster, PA's 150th House District. "This bill has strict and enforceable restrictions on energy use, water and noise regulation. It provides an enforceable mechanism for community benefits and local jobs. And it cuts the tax give-away from 25 years to 10. Combining this legislation with the package of bills already passed in the House and awaiting attention in the Senate creates a framework supportive of our local municipalities, and it gives them some tools to get data center development on a better track."
HB 2650 would replace the current exemption from paying sales tax with a new GRID certification framework built around strict accountability standards, transparency, and ongoing compliance requirements. Projects that receive GRID certification would become eligible for Commonwealth tax benefits and would be required to demonstrate ongoing compliance through annual reporting and verification requirements.
Senators Kane and Santasiero plan to introduce companion legislation in the coming days.
"Across Pennsylvania, local communities are being asked to shoulder what can feel like an insurmountable challenge: protecting their land, natural resources, infrastructure, and overall quality of life in the face of rapidly expanding data center development. Sitting back and doing nothing is simply not an option. Our municipalities have been clear. They need help, they need standards, and they deserve a seat at the table," said Senator Kane, PA's 9th Senatorial District. "This legislation answers that call by establishing Governor Shapiro's GRID proposal into law and creating meaningful safeguards for communities across our Commonwealth. With these protections in place, we can ensure that economic development does not come at the expense of our neighborhoods, electric grid, water resources, or Pennsylvania families. This bill gives communities the power to help determine how and whether these projects move forward, while ensuring developers operate responsibly, transparently, and in partnership with the people who call these towns home."
"By codifying Governor Shapiro's GRID plan, this bill will protect communities and the environment, safeguard our electric grid, protect rate payers, and promote the use of clean power," said Senator Santasiero, PA's 10th Senatorial District. "With the rapid growth in AI across Pennsylvania and the United States, it is important that the General Assembly act quickly to pass this critical legislation."
The Shapiro Administration has also worked closely with Representative Rob Matzie and the co-sponsors of House Bill 1834 - which passed in the House in late March - to help establish baseline standards for how data centers should operate in Pennsylvania. HB 2650 builds on that foundation by establishing the GRID certification process in law and requiring developers receiving Commonwealth tax benefits to meet strong accountability standards.
Built around four core principles, the GRID Standards focus on protecting energy affordability, promoting transparency and community engagement, supporting workforce and economic development, and strengthening environmental protection.
As demand for artificial intelligence and data center infrastructure continues to grow, these bills would ensure Pennsylvania remains competitive for major investment opportunities while requiring developers to meet clear standards that protect ratepayers, local communities, workers, and the environment.
Governor Shapiro's GRID Standards have earned support from a broad coalition of environmental advocates, organized labor, industry leaders, and local government stakeholders who recognize the need for clear, enforceable standards governing data center development in Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/news--legislation-to-codify-gov--shapiro-s-grid-standards-introd
Del. Gov. Meyer Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Delaware Ratepayers and Hold Utilities Accountable
DOVER, Delaware, June 17 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Delaware Ratepayers and Hold Utilities Accountable
Governor Matt Meyer called for immediate action to address rising energy costs and protect Delaware ratepayers, urging regulators, utilities, lawmakers, and the public to prioritize energy affordability during the final weeks of the legislative session.
Joined by Senator Stephanie Hansen, Representative Frank Burns, Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie, Public Service Commission
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DOVER, Delaware, June 17 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Governor Meyer Calls for Immediate Action to Protect Delaware Ratepayers and Hold Utilities Accountable
Governor Matt Meyer called for immediate action to address rising energy costs and protect Delaware ratepayers, urging regulators, utilities, lawmakers, and the public to prioritize energy affordability during the final weeks of the legislative session.
Joined by Senator Stephanie Hansen, Representative Frank Burns, Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie, Public Service Commission(PSC) Director Matt Hartigan, consumer advocates, and energy stakeholders, Governor Meyer noted how our "social contract is broken" when people work their tails off, follow the rules, and still can't afford the basic necessities. The Governor then outlined the four things he wants to see done on this issue:
* Resetting the utility's profit model: Governor Meyer called on the Public Advocate to file a petition with the PSC, asking the Commission to act within the next six months to reset the utility's profit model. In doing so, he will become the first Governor in Delaware history to sign on to such a petition. The Governor articulated that the review should examine Delmarva's rate of return and consider whether a competitive determination is more appropriate than allowing a set, guaranteed return -- which is nearly 10 percent today.
* Electric utility rate freeze: The Governor called on the PSC to protect customers from unfair rate increases and to initiate a review to freeze rates immediately.
* Action on new energy generation projects: Governor Meyer called for accountability and enforcing timelines to get solar projects interconnected to the power grid.
* Supporting critical legislation: Governor Meyer called on the legislature to pass Senator Hansen's SB 326 and Representative Burns' HB 233.
"Delaware families are getting hit with electric bills they can't afford, all while Delmarva shareholders are raking in record profits," said Governor Meyer. "These predatory rate increases are unacceptable. The Public Service Commission must use every tool it has to hold Delmarva accountable, and the General Assembly needs to pass legislation that gives ratepayers immediate protection."
"From Selbyville to Claymont, the rise in utility bills has hit every Delaware household hard, and that is why the 153rd General Assembly has been laser-focused on energy affordability and accountability from our public utilities," said Sen. Stephanie Hansen. "When the cost of utility bills is driving people out of their homes, forcing choices between buying food, paying the mortgage, or paying utility bills, a corporate strategy to increase profits at a guaranteed high rate of return must be challenged, and that's what my colleagues and I in the General Assembly are committed to achieving prior to June 30. It remains our priority to pass legislation that will lower these financial burdens on our neighbors, and to promote transparency and accountability when it comes to Delawareans' utility bills."
"As we move forward into Delaware's energy future, we need to be levelheaded and protect Delaware consumers while addressing Delaware's immediate as well as medium and long-term energy needs," said Rep. Frank Burns. "I introduced HB 233 to make sure that Delaware has comprehensive protections for ratepayers should a large energy use facility choose to locate here, but it's just as important that we address the affordability challenges people are facing right now. That's why I'm proud to support Governor Meyer's actions today."
Governor Meyer pointed to Delmarva Power's pending request to collect an additional $68 million from customers beginning July 9, arguing that many Delaware families are already struggling with rising costs and cannot absorb another increase. The Governor also noted the irony of Delmarva calling for a rate increase at the same time as Exelon, the parent company of Delmarva, reported $7.24B in revenue this year beating their forecast by more than $300M.
The Governor called on the Public Service Commission to use its existing authority to hold utilities accountable, including closely scrutinizing utility spending, reviewing future rate requests, and ensuring customers are paying reasonable rates. He also urged the Commission to examine whether current utility profit structures are serving the public interest and to take action to protect ratepayers from unnecessary costs.
Meyer emphasized that while immediate action is needed to address rising electric bills, Delaware must also pursue long-term energy solutions that strengthen reliability, support economic growth, and increase energy supply without shifting additional costs onto working families, arguing that Delaware households and small businesses should not be forced to subsidize the energy demands of large new users, including proposed data centers.
The Governor also urged lawmakers and the public to support legislation aimed at protecting consumers before the General Assembly adjourns on June 30. He specifically called on the legislature to send SB 326 and HB 233 to his desk.
The event featured remarks from Senator Stephanie Hansen on Senate Bill 326, Representative Frank Burns on House Bill 233, Delaware Public Advocate Jameson Tweedie, and Bonnie Wu of AARP Delaware.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/06/16/governor-meyer-calls-for-immediate-action-to-protect-delaware-ratepayers-and-hold-utilities-accountable/
Court of Appeals Sides With Ariz. A.G. Mayes, Vacates Corporation Commission's Solar Surcharge on APS Customers
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Court of Appeals Sides with Attorney General Mayes, Vacates Corporation Commission's Solar Surcharge on APS Customers
Attorney General Mayes today announced that the Arizona Court of Appeals has vacated the Arizona Corporation Commission's decision authorizing Arizona Public Service Company (APS) to impose a special surcharge on residential customers with rooftop solar, ruling that the charge was adopted without proper notice and that a later rehearing failed to cure the
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 17 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Court of Appeals Sides with Attorney General Mayes, Vacates Corporation Commission's Solar Surcharge on APS Customers
Attorney General Mayes today announced that the Arizona Court of Appeals has vacated the Arizona Corporation Commission's decision authorizing Arizona Public Service Company (APS) to impose a special surcharge on residential customers with rooftop solar, ruling that the charge was adopted without proper notice and that a later rehearing failed to cure theviolation.
"APS customers with solar panels were blindsided by a rate hike that the public was never told about," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "The ACC cannot spring a new charge on ratepayers and then call it fair just because they later offer a rushed do-over. My office will keep fighting for the notice and fair hearing the Constitution guarantees utility customers."
The charge was never proposed by APS or disclosed in the public notice of APS's 2022 rate case, yet was approved anyway. The Court held the Commission's subsequent rehearing didn't fix that problem because the presiding judge cut off the State's expert witness, a key APS witness was unavailable for cross-examination, and the Commission discouraged parties from presenting relevant evidence by declaring in advance -- including in public remarks by then-Chairman Jim O'Connor -- that the underlying cost of service study was already final.
The Court also held the Commission wrongly placed the burden on the State and its co-challengers to disprove the charge, when the law required APS to prove that substantial evidence supports the charge.
The Court vacated the Commission's December 2024 Rehearing Decision and the underlying charges, and remanded to the Commission for further proceedings.
A copy of the ruling (https://us.list-manage.com/4OP2JqAeqtj?e=9153ff6c96&c2id=9a759fc70c6d734a91a2647ef652fab2) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/court-appeals-sides-attorney-general-mayes-vacates-corporation-commissions-solar
Alaska Law Dept.: Acting Attorney General Mills Settles With Jai Mahtani, the Owner of 'Gold Rush,' a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, Over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
KETCHIKAN, Alaska, June 17 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Acting Attorney General Mills settles with Jai Mahtani, the owner of "Gold Rush," a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a second settlement in recent weeks with a business purporting to sell Alaskan gold. Similar to Miner's Gems, Jai Mahtani, the sole proprietor of the Ketchikan jewelry store known as "Gold Rush," misrepresented his products to an undercover investigator from the Department
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KETCHIKAN, Alaska, June 17 -- The Alaska Department of Law issued the following news release on June 16, 2026:
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Acting Attorney General Mills settles with Jai Mahtani, the owner of "Gold Rush," a Ketchikan Jewelry Store, over Misrepresentations to an Undercover Investigator
Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a second settlement in recent weeks with a business purporting to sell Alaskan gold. Similar to Miner's Gems, Jai Mahtani, the sole proprietor of the Ketchikan jewelry store known as "Gold Rush," misrepresented his products to an undercover investigator from the Departmentof Law's Consumer Protection Unit. Under the proposed consent decree filed in Ketchikan Superior Court today, Mahtani will pay $10,000 to the State of Alaska and be subject to a permanent injunction designed to prevent future misrepresentations.
"The many Alaskan businesses which sell their products honestly should not have to compete with products sold through falsehoods, and the many Alaska miners and artisans that actually mine or make products from Alaska's abundant minerals should be protected," said Acting Attorney General Mills. "We will continue to deploy undercover investigators in Southeast ports to protect consumers from deceptive sales pitches and to uphold a fair marketplace."
When an undercover investigator visited Gold Rush in 2025, Mahtani greeted them by saying "all our product is locally sourced." When the investigator asked him to show them "something Alaskan" he directed the investigator to jewelry which he described as "Alaska's gold and Alaska's gold bearing quartz." He described the gold quartz as "totally Alaskan, totally locally sourced" and said that he got it from "Fairbanks or Anchorage." But during the State's subsequent investigation, Mahtani admitted that none of his jewelry was locally sourced and that he does not know if he has ever sold a piece of gold bearing quartz that was mined in Alaska.
During its investigation, the State reviewed footage from a 2023 undercover visit to Gold Rush and discovered that Mahtani had represented a white stone flecked with gold as being naturally occurring gold quartz. The State was now able to identify the stone as likely being fake gold quartz. When the State presented a picture of the stone to Mahtani during an investigative interview, he was readily able to identify the object as a German-made imitation of gold quartz. In 2023 he had represented the stone as gold bearing quartz that had been mined in Alaska. Mahtani even disparaged other stores which sold Chinese-made imitation gold quartz and told the investigator "mine is local." The fake gold quartz which Jai Mahtani had represented to be naturally occurring gold bearing quartz that was mined in Alaska.
Under the terms of the consent decree, Mahtani is subject to a permanent injunction that, among other things, will require him to maintain records demonstrating that any products he represents to be "Alaskan" or "locally sourced" or as including naturally occurring gold quartz or gold nuggets are in fact as he represents them to be. The injunction empowers state investigators to ensure Mahtani's compliance and the accuracy of his representations to consumers by auditing these records.
The State encourages any person who believes they were subjected to unfair or deceptive business practices to submit a complaint to the Consumer Protection Unit at https://law.alaska.gov/department/civil/consumer/cp_complaint.html.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/061626-GoldRush.html
