Featured Stories
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Invests Additional Commonwealth Dollars in New Public Safety Center in Montgomery County, Supporting Local Law Enforcement
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Invests Additional Commonwealth Dollars in New Public Safety Center in Montgomery County, Supporting Local Law Enforcement
Governor Shapiro announced a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant to renovate and expand the Upper Moreland Township Municipal Building, which houses the local police department.
The investment builds on the Shapiro Administration's strong record of supporting Pennsylvania's local law enforcement while strengthening
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Invests Additional Commonwealth Dollars in New Public Safety Center in Montgomery County, Supporting Local Law Enforcement
Governor Shapiro announced a $500,000 Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program grant to renovate and expand the Upper Moreland Township Municipal Building, which houses the local police department.
The investment builds on the Shapiro Administration's strong record of supporting Pennsylvania's local law enforcement while strengtheningpublic safety.
Since Governor Shapiro took office, violent crime has gone down 16 percent and homicides have decreased by 39 percent.
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Upper Moreland Township, PA -- Today, Governor Josh Shapiro visited the Upper Moreland Township Municipal Building with law enforcement officers and local leaders to announce a $500,000 investment through the Redevelopment Assistance Capital Program (RACP) that will strengthen public safety and support Montgomery County's local law enforcement.
This RACP grant will be used to support the renovation of Upper Moreland Township's municipal building -- which also houses the Upper Moreland Police Department -- funding work that includes site excavation and grading, storm water management preparation, relocating sewer, water, and electric service, paving, and landscaping, among other improvements.
"For years, Upper Moreland's dedicated public servants have known they were outgrowing this space and now, thanks in part to the Commonwealth's investments, our local law enforcement officers will have a state-of-the-art facility to call home," said Governor Shapiro. "From day one, my Administration has worked to invest in our law enforcement officers and expand violence prevention initiatives - and that two-pronged approach to public safety is paying off as violent crime has decreased 16 percent and homicides are down 39 percent across the Commonwealth."
Recognizing the importance of this project to support local law enforcement, the Commonwealth previously awarded a $2.85 million RACP grant to this project in October 2022 and a $750,000 RACP grant in November 2024. Today's announcement of an additional $500,000 RACP grant brings total Commonwealth support to $4.1 million toward the $28.3 million expansion project.
"Upper Moreland is honored that, under Governor Shapiro's leadership, his Administration has selected Upper Moreland Township for funding totaling over $4 million for the Upper Moreland Township Building expansion and renovation project. Without the assistance of these RACP grants, this necessary project would not have been possible," said Upper Moreland Township Manager Pat Stasio. "The support the Governor, and others, have provided for this project highlight the importance of ensuring our residents live in a safe community and have full access to our township building by providing an environment that is safe, accommodating, easily accessible, and everything necessary to properly offer township administration and policing services."
Together, the Commonwealth's investments will have contributed to the construction and renovation of two new building wings that will add 6,325 square feet to the police station and 6,800 square feet to the administrative side. The full renovation is expected to be complete in October 2027 with a total of 13,125 square feet added to the building.
"The funding secured for this project is a meaningful investment in our community. It provides the critical support needed to move our police station from concept to construction. But this effort is about far more than building a facility. It's about giving our officers a modern, safe, and efficient environment: One that strengthens their ability to serve with professionalism, readiness, and pride," said Upper Moreland Chief of Police Scott Bendig. "Thank you to Governor Shapiro and our state and local officials for recognizing that investing in a police station is, at its core, an investment in the people of Upper Moreland. We are deeply grateful for your support, and we look forward to the day when this new facility opens its doors. This is an investment in our officers, an investment in our department, and, above all, an investment in the safety and future of our community."
Upon completion, the building's expansion will provide more adequate space for law enforcement personnel and administrative staff to strengthen public safety and effectively serve their community while providing residents with easier resource navigation, increased accessibility, improved parking, enhanced HVAC systems, new entrances, and additional meeting room space for community events.
Building on the Shapiro Administration's Strong Public Safety Record
From day one, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have used a two-pronged approach to combatting violence by funding and supporting law enforcement personnel while simultaneously investing in community violence intervention programs.
Across four budgets, the Governor has delivered funding to put 2,000 new police officers on the beat by securing approximately $65 million to train over 1,600 Pennsylvania State Police (PSP) Troopers and help recruit and train nearly 700 municipal police officers. The Shapiro Administration also removed PSP's college credit requirement for cadets graduating from the academy, increasing overall applications by 258 percent immediately after implementing the reform.
More than $1 billion in funding through approximately 6,700 grants has been driven out by the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) across the Commonwealth to address and prevent violence in our communities -- and these efforts have delivered results. Since the Shapiro Administration took office, violent crime has gone down 16 percent and homicides have decreased by 39 percent.
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Shapiro builds on this progress:
* Invests $16.2 million to train four additional PSP cadet classes - delivering in full on a core promise the Governor made to put 2,000 more cops and troopers on the beat in our communities.
* Continues investing $62.1 million for PCCD's Violence Intervention and Prevention (VIP) Program, which drives dollars out to community-based organizations to reduce gun violence.
* Includes $11.5 million for the Building Opportunity through Out of School Time (BOOST) Program to keep kids safe, supported, and engaged in after school programs.
"All of us deserve to feel safe in our homes, at work, and in our neighborhoods. That's why it's so critical that we continue to invest in our public safety infrastructure and in the people who put their lives on the line every day. And it's why I was so thrilled to work alongside Representative Guenst, our municipal partners, and Governor Shapiro, to deliver redevelopment grant funding to support this next phase of the police station project," said Senator Maria Collett, PA's 12th Senate District. "This project reminds us what is possible when our elected officials, law enforcement, and local residents come together and decide we deserve better."
"Our police officers put their lives on the line every day to keep our community safe. They deserve modern, secure, and functional facilities that allow them to do their jobs effectively and safely," said Representative Nancy Guenst, PA's 152nd House District. "This investment is a great example of what happens when state and local governments work together and investments like this aren't just about bricks and mortar; they're investments in our community, in our first responders, and in the safety of every person who calls Upper Moreland home."
Read more about the 2026-27 budget, view the Governor's remarks as prepared here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-remarks-as-prepared-during-2026-27-budget-sig), or watch the Governor's delivered remarks here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-remarks-as-prepared-during-2026-27-budget-sig).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-invests-additional-commonwealth-dollars-in-new-publ
N.M. A.G. Torrez Secures Court Order Temporarily Blocking Postal Service's Unlawful Mail Voting Rule
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 29 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Secures Court Order Temporarily Blocking Postal Service's Unlawful Mail Voting Rule
District Court Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order to Block Rule from Taking Effect
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Albuquerque, NM - Attorney General Raul Torrez and a coalition of 25 states have secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, temporarily blocking a new rule by the United States Postal Service (USPS)
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 29 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Raul Torrez Secures Court Order Temporarily Blocking Postal Service's Unlawful Mail Voting Rule
District Court Judge Issues Temporary Restraining Order to Block Rule from Taking Effect
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Albuquerque, NM - Attorney General Raul Torrez and a coalition of 25 states have secured a temporary restraining order (TRO) from the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts, temporarily blocking a new rule by the United States Postal Service (USPS)that would have imposed burdensome requirements on vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
"The Postal Service's rule was an unlawful overreach that threatened to upend years of proven, state run vote by mail systems," said Attorney General Raul Torrez. "No federal agency should be allowed to impose last minute, unworkable mandates that jeopardize New Mexican's ability to cast their ballots safely and on time. We are encouraged by today's ruling and will continue to fight the Trump Administration's attempts to dismantle our democracy."
The order blocks USPS from requiring states to obtain the federal government's approval of ballot and return-envelope designs, register for a new USPS portal for tracking voter information, input information for each of their state's voters into the portal, and comply with other provisions. The court found that compliance with the rule before the November elections was "practically impossible," noting that states do not have the time to redesign and produce new ballots, update state-administered election systems, train state and local election officials, and upload a massive set of voter information to a new federal portal.
The court found that these requirements created a significant risk of disenfranchisement, particularly because USPS's rule neither provided a deadline to the states for ballot and envelope designs nor guaranteed a turnaround time for USPS's approval of those designs. The court concluded that states face irreparable harm because many had already ordered their ballots, with some states required by state law to begin sending them to voters as early as next week.
On March 31, 2026, President Trump issued an Executive Order attempting to establish a national list of eligible voters and directing the U.S. Postal Service to transmit mail ballots only to voters on the list. On August 21, 2026, USPS announced a new rule implementing the President's demands that require states to register every voter who is eligible to vote by mail with USPS and tasking USPS with compiling the registered voters into state-specific lists. Under the rule, USPS will not deliver ballots to voters who do not appear on the USPS-generated lists and will not deliver ballots in envelopes that fail to comply with the rule's new standards.
On August 26, 2026, Attorney General Torrez joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit to block the unlawful rule. The coalition now seeks a preliminary injunction to stop the rule from taking effect while the lawsuit proceeds and until a final court decision is made.
With the start of the general election season mere weeks away, the coalition argued the rule inflicts significant, irreparable harm on states by imposing burdensome mail voting requirements that risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The coalition argues that USPS's rule upends successful, longstanding vote-by-mail procedures and violates federal statutes and the Constitution, which makes clear that states have the primary authority to administer elections.
Attorney General Torrez was joined in filing this lawsuit, which was co-led by the attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-secures-court-order-temporarily-blocking-postal-services-unlawful-mail-voting-rule/
Minn. Governor's Office Announces Appointments on Aug. 28, 2026
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 29 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention, the Governor's Council on Freight Rail, the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.
* Danielle Hayden - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
Department of Education Representative
Effective:
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 29 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention, the Governor's Council on Freight Rail, the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, and the Statewide Independent Living Council.
* Danielle Hayden - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
Department of Education Representative
Effective:September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention:
The Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention advises and assists the Minnesota Department of Education with fulfilling federal and state early childhood special education obligations for children with disabilities and their families.
Additional information on the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention can be found on the Secretary of State's website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/188).
* Eric Berning - Hardwick, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #4
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Andy Cummings - Minneapolis, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #5
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* John Cunningham - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Commissioner of Public Safety or Designee
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Kevin Donahue - Chicago, IL
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #3
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Tom Evenson - Chicago, IL
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #6
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Robin Hutcheson - Minneapolis, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Metropolitan Council Chair or Designee
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Emily Jerve - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Commissioner of Agriculture or Designee
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* James McDonald - Saint Cloud, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #2
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Martin Sandoval - Chicago, IL
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Amtrak Representative
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Shawn Sippin - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Governor or Governor's Designee
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Lydia Underdahl - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #1
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Mark Wegner - Champlin, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Railroad Representative #7
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
* Neal Young - Saint Paul, MN
Governor's Council on Freight Rail
Commissioner of Employment and Economic Development or Designee
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
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About the Governor's Council on Freight Rail:
The Governor's Council on Freight Rail creates recommendations for actions needed to improve freight rail operations in Minnesota.
Additional information on the Governor's Council on Freight Rail can be found on the Secretary of State's website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/300).
* DeVonna Pittman - New Hope, MN
Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board
Member #1
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board:
The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Program is established to aware grants to nonprofit corporations to fund loans to businesses owned by minority or low-income persons, women, veterans, and people with disabilities
Additional information on the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board can be found on the Secretary of State's Website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/94).
* Rachel Beety - Minneapolis, MN
Statewide Independent Living Council
Member #5
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
* Nichole Lee Villavicencio - Maplewood, MN
Statewide Independent Living Council
Member #6
Effective: September 2, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
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About the Statewide Independent Living Council:
The Minnesota Statewide Independent Living Council (MNSILC) works collaboratively with the Centers for Independent Living to create, monitor, and evaluate the State Plan for Independent Living. MNSILC coordinates with other entities in the state that provide similar or complementary independent living services (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.mn.gov/Agency/Details/152).
Additional information on the Statewide Independent Living Council can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website (https://commissionsandappointments.sos.state.mn.us/Position).
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/766615
Louisiana Department of Health Partners With Southern University to Expand Suicide Prevention Training
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 29 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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Louisiana Department of Health partners with Southern University to expand suicide prevention training
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Louisianans ages 10 to 24 and 25 to 34
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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) signed a three-year contract with Southern University and A&M College (SU) to bring greater suicide prevention awareness to communities across Louisiana. The expanded program will equip Louisianans to recognize risks, take appropriate action, and make connections
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 29 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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Louisiana Department of Health partners with Southern University to expand suicide prevention training
Suicide is the third leading cause of death for Louisianans ages 10 to 24 and 25 to 34
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The Louisiana Department of Health (LDH) signed a three-year contract with Southern University and A&M College (SU) to bring greater suicide prevention awareness to communities across Louisiana. The expanded program will equip Louisianans to recognize risks, take appropriate action, and make connectionsfor mental health providers. The partnership is designed to bring shared knowledge and expand capacity across multiple community networks, including mental health professionals, first responders and law enforcement, educators, service members, veterans, and faith-based leaders.
Suicide is the 11th leading cause of death in the U.S. and the third leading cause of death for the young (ages 15 to 24). Suicide is the 14th leading cause of death in Louisiana. It is the third leading cause of death for ages 10 to 24 and 25 to 34 in Louisiana.
SU has been a leader in Louisiana in providing suicide and mental health education, training, and resources to communities across the state. The Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources (LCPR) was established at the Nelson Mandela College of Government and Social Sciences, Department of Psychology at Southern University as a statewide resource to improve behavioral health.
LCPR recognized the growing need to raise awareness about suicide prevention and worked to make resources available to all suicide prevention professionals. It offers statewide virtual and online courses to various populations such as first responders, faith-based communities, higher education personnel, and student athletes at no cost to participants.
"Southern University has a longstanding commitment to using our academic expertise and community partnerships to address some of the most pressing challenges facing Louisiana," said John K. Pierre, chancellor of Southern University and A&M College. "Through the Louisiana Center for Prevention Resources, we have built a strong foundation for suicide prevention education and training, and this partnership with the Louisiana Department of Health will allow us to expand that work to reach even more communities across our state. By equipping people with the knowledge and tools to recognize warning signs and connect individuals to appropriate resources, we have an opportunity to make a meaningful and potentially life-saving difference."
"It was natural to expand LCPR's services by creating a suicide prevention track that supports capacity building, creates opportunities for collaboration, and ultimately promotes safer communities," said Leslie Brougham Freeman, LDH director of Prevention, Wellness, and Workplace Development. "They have a strong commitment to educate and equip individuals with the necessary skills to intervene effectively. We know this partnership will help save lives in Louisiana."
"Behavioral health challenges affect every community in the state, and this partnership with Southern University marks the beginning of a new chapter in how Louisiana strengthens its approach to mental health," said LDH Secretary Bruce D. Greenstein. "By expanding access to evidence-based training across the state, we can reach more people who need help -- when they need it and from someone they trust."
988 Day
Both organizations will come together next month to recognize 988 Day, a national initiative to bring awareness to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, branded in Louisiana as Louisiana 988. Individuals can contact 988 for help with all types of problems -- whether you are having a tough day, are overwhelmed, are struggling with substance or alcohol use, or are having thoughts of suicide. Call, text, or chat at Louisiana988.org to connect with trained helpline counselors who will listen, treat you with empathy, and help you work through whatever you're dealing with. It's free, confidential, and available 24/7.
The public is welcome to attend 988 Day on Tuesday, September 8, from 9:45 a.m. to noon at the Capitol Gardens in Baton Rouge. This free community event is hosted by the LDH Office of Behavioral Health and its Louisiana 988 call centers, VIA LINK and the Louisiana Association on Compulsive Gambling. 988 Day features more than 20 vendors providing mental health and community resources, jambalaya, a performance by members of the Southern University Human Jukebox Marching Band, games, giveaways, other family-friendly activities, and a rally. Follow LDH on Facebook, X, and Instagram for more details as they are announced.
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Original text here: https://ldh.la.gov/news/LDH-SU-suicide-training-expansion
Calif. Gov. Newsom Signs Bipartisan Measure to Strengthen Suicide Prevention Efforts for Boys, Young Men
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men
What you need to know: Building on his previous efforts to support the behavioral health challenges facing young men and boys, Governor Newsom signs AB 1956, formally adding boys and men as a group of focus for the California Office of Suicide Prevention.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) to focus
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men
What you need to know: Building on his previous efforts to support the behavioral health challenges facing young men and boys, Governor Newsom signs AB 1956, formally adding boys and men as a group of focus for the California Office of Suicide Prevention.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) to focusgreater attention on suicide prevention efforts for boys and young men.
This bipartisan bill builds on Governor Newsom's July 2025 executive order directing a coordinated statewide response to the growing challenges facing boys and men -- including mental health, social disconnection, education, employment, and access to meaningful mentorship.
Through this Path & Purpose initiative, California is addressing the factors that can leave boys and young men vulnerable to crisis -- expanding access to free behavioral health support through Soluna and BrightLife Kids, strengthening school-linked mental health services and crisis response, and connecting young men to mentorship, education, employment, and service through efforts like the Men's Service Challenge. Together with AB 1956, this work recognizes that suicide prevention begins long before a moment of crisis -- by reducing the stigma around seeking help and helping boys and young men build connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
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Too many boys and men are struggling in silence. We have to meet young people where they are, break down the stigma around asking for help, and make sure they have the relationships, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. AB 1956 builds on the work we've already begun to make sure boys and young men are seen, supported, and connected before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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As this population faces disproportionately high rates of suicide, AB 1956 directs the Office of Suicide Prevention to explicitly recognize boys and young men in the state's suicide prevention strategy.
"As a former coach and educator, I saw up close the difference it makes when a young man has someone in his corner, and I saw what happens when he does not," said Assemblymember Valencia, Chair of the Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men. "What I also learned is that the ones struggling the most will often not say so out loud. They are not looking for attention and they are not asking for help. That does not mean they do not need it. This bill asks our state to meet them where they are, with outreach built for how young men actually live. Every young man in California deserves purpose and direction. I appreciate Governor Newsom for signing AB 1956 into law and I look forward to continuing this critical work."
The data underscore the urgency. A March 2026 analysis by the California Department of Public Health found that boys and men in California face distinct and disproportionately high risks.
* Men die by suicide at 3.6x the rate of women and are far less likely to seek help.
* From 2019 to 2023, the suicide rate among California boys ages 10 to 19 was twice the rate among girls of the same age.
* Men are more than 3x as likely to die from drug overdose.
* Male veterans account for 15% of suicide deaths in California, despite being just 2.9% of the population.
* Nearly 1 in 4 young men report having no close friends.
California's approach to mental health recognizes that effective prevention must respond to different patterns -- strengthening support for all young people while developing targeted strategies to reach populations at greatest risk.
Building on California's work to support boys and men
The Governor's executive order last year calls for concrete action across state government to improve mental health and help-seeking behavior among boys and men, reduce stigma, expand access to behavioral health services, and create stronger pathways to education, work, service and mentorship. Earlier this year, the Governor convened national and state leaders to advance solutions for boys and young men.
The historic investments the Governor has made into California's youth behavioral health system are outlined in the multibillion dollar Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health, uniting the efforts of health programs, education, and social services to meet kids where they are, provide greater access to mental health support, and contribute toward thriving, successful youth.
California's approach focuses on prevention, connection, and early intervention -- making sure young people have access to the support, relationships, and opportunities that can help them thrive.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/28/governor-newsom-signs-bipartisan-measure-to-strengthen-suicide-prevention-efforts-for-boys-young-men/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Secures Court Order to Protect Arizonans' Right to Vote by Mail
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Court Order to Protect Arizonans' Right to Vote by Mail
Attorney General Mayes yesterday secured a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, temporarily blocking a new rule by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that would have imposed burdensome requirements on vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
"This is a win for every Arizona voter and the rule of law," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Arizonans
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Court Order to Protect Arizonans' Right to Vote by Mail
Attorney General Mayes yesterday secured a temporary restraining order from a federal judge, temporarily blocking a new rule by the United States Postal Service (USPS) that would have imposed burdensome requirements on vote-by-mail systems ahead of the November 3 midterm elections.
"This is a win for every Arizona voter and the rule of law," said Attorney General Kris Mayes. "Arizonanshave voted safely and securely by mail for decades. In a system designed by Republicans, at least three-quarters of Arizona voters choose to vote by mail. Today the court agreed that the federal government cannot upend our election system just weeks before ballots go out."
The court found that compliance with the rule before the November elections was "practically impossible," noting that states do not have the time to redesign and produce new ballots, update state-administered election systems, train state and local election officials, and upload a massive set of voter information to a new federal portal.
The court found that these requirements created a significant risk of disenfranchisement, particularly because USPS's rule neither provided a deadline to the states for ballot and envelope designs nor guaranteed a turnaround time for USPS's approval of those designs. The court concluded that states face irreparable harm because many had already ordered their ballots, with some states required by state law to begin sending them to voters as early as next week.
On March 31, President Trump issued an Executive Order attempting to establish a national list of eligible voters and directing the U.S. Postal Service to transmit mail ballots only to voters on the list. On August 21, USPS announced a new rule implementing the President's demands that require states to register every voter who is eligible to vote by mail with USPS and tasking USPS with compiling the registered voters into state-specific lists. The rule also establishes new design requirements for the mail-in ballot envelopes created by states, which states are required to meet and get approved by USPS. Under the rule, USPS will not deliver ballots to voters who do not appear on the USPS-generated lists and will not deliver ballots in envelopes that fail to comply with the rule's new standards.
On August 26, Attorney General Mayes joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit (https://us.list-manage.com/lXWWeX3kNbN?e=9153ff6c96&c2id=9a759fc70c6d734a91a2647ef652fab2) to block the unlawful rule. The coalition now seeks a preliminary injunction to stop the rule from taking effect while the lawsuit proceeds and until a final court decision is made.
With the start of the general election season mere weeks away, the coalition argued the rule inflicts significant, irreparable harm on states by imposing burdensome mail voting requirements that risk disenfranchising eligible voters. The coalition argues that USPS's rule upends successful, longstanding vote-by-mail procedures and violates federal statutes and the Constitution, which makes clear that states have the primary authority to administer elections.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-secures-court-order-protect-arizonans-right-vote-mail
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Defends Arizona's Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Registration Law at U.S. Supreme Court
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Defends Arizona's Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Registration Law at U.S. Supreme Court
Attorney General Kris Mayes today filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court defending Arizona's authority to require proof of citizenship from voters who register using the state's own registration form.
In Republican National Committee v. Mi Familia Vota, the State argues that the Ninth Circuit misread the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) when it held the federal
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Defends Arizona's Proof-of-Citizenship Voter Registration Law at U.S. Supreme Court
Attorney General Kris Mayes today filed a brief with the U.S. Supreme Court defending Arizona's authority to require proof of citizenship from voters who register using the state's own registration form.
In Republican National Committee v. Mi Familia Vota, the State argues that the Ninth Circuit misread the National Voter Registration Act (NVRA) when it held the federallaw prohibits Arizona from requiring proof of citizenship on state-created registration forms.
The brief contends that Arizona -- not the federal government -- defines voter eligibility, and that proof of citizenship is necessary in Arizona for state election officials to assess whether an applicant who uses a state-created form meets Arizona's voter qualifications, particularly after the Legislature's 2022 enactment of House Bill 2492.
"Arizona has clear authority to make sure the people registering to vote here are actually eligible," said Attorney General Mayes. "Ensuring that only eligible citizens cast a ballot is vital to protecting the integrity of our elections, and Arizona has long been a national leader on this issue. I am proud to defend Arizona's laws at the Supreme Court."
A copy of the brief (https://us.list-manage.com/EHfljXk72wj?e=b0dbe1a1e5&c2id=09345700d02fac819a23d47fdcb56250) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-defends-arizonas-proof-citizenship-voter-registration-law-us
