Targeted News Service

CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 25 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:

* * *

Report on April 11, 2024 Taser Shipment to the New Hampshire Department of Corrections

Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hamshire Department of Justice is releasing a final report concerning the Public Integrity Unit's investigation into the April 11, 2024 shipment of 192 Taser 10 conducted energy weapon systems to the New Hampshire Department of Corrections (NHDOC).

The investigation was initiated following an inquiry by Executive ... Show Full Article

Md. A.G. Brown Sues Trump Administration Over Failure to Implement Life-Saving Limits on Fine Particulate Matter Pollution

BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 25 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:

* * *

Attorney General Brown Sues Trump Administration Over Failure to Implement Life-Saving Limits on Fine Particulate Matter Pollution

Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 14 states and local governments in suing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit challenges the EPA's failure to implement a lifesaving 2024 Clean Air Act rule strengthening national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter ... Show Full Article BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 25 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 24, 2026: * * * Attorney General Brown Sues Trump Administration Over Failure to Implement Life-Saving Limits on Fine Particulate Matter Pollution Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 14 states and local governments in suing the United States Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). The lawsuit challenges the EPA's failure to implement a lifesaving 2024 Clean Air Act rule strengthening national ambient air quality standards (NAAQS) for fine particulate matter(PM2.5), a category of harmful airborne particles that includes soot, dust, and smoke. In the lawsuit, the coalition calls for a court order to ensure EPA takes the key steps required by Congress to initiate the rule's protections and kick off implementation planning.

PM2.5 particles are deadly air pollutants emitted from a variety of sources including combustion-engine vehicles, factories, and construction sites. Because of the particles' small size, once inhaled, they can penetrate the lower parts of lungs, move out of the respiratory system, and affect other organs. As a result, exposure can lead to myriad health problems, including shortened lifespans, heart attacks, asthma attacks, and cancer. These health effects fall disproportionately on lower-income communities and communities of color.

"Marylanders deserve clean air, and federal law requires EPA to protect it," said Attorney General Brown. "We will not stand by while the Trump Administration abandons standards that would save thousands of lives each year."

Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA is required to set NAAQS for several pollutants, including fine particulate matter, at a level that protects public health and welfare. When NAAQS are updated, the Clean Air Act gives EPA a specific deadline to designate areas of the country that are in violation of the updated standard as "nonattainment." This designation provides key support for state programs to reduce dangerous pollution levels to safer levels.

Reductions in fine particulate matter are associated with decreases in the risk of mortality and increases in life expectancy. In 2024, in response to advocacy from Maryland and others, EPA strengthened the fine particulate matter NAAQS based on overwhelming scientific evidence. According to its own estimates, the EPA has reported that the first year alone of full attainment of the 2024 NAAQS will result in significant public health benefits, including avoiding 4,500 premature deaths, 2,000 emergency room visits, 5,700 new cases of asthma, 800,000 cases of asthma symptoms, 290,000 lost workdays, and 1,000 hospital admissions for Alzheimer's/Parkinson's diseases. The value of these and other health benefits would outweigh the estimated costs of implementation by $46 billion.

Shortly after EPA adopted the 2024 standard, a coalition of Republican states and chambers of commerce asked a federal court to strike down the updated standard. Maryland joined a lawsuit to defend the standard. The case is currently pending, and the 2024 standard remains in effect. In February 2025, the EPA missed its deadline for designating areas with soot levels that exceed the 2024 standard, denying Maryland and other states important tools to reduce air pollution.

Filed in the United States District Court for the Northern District of California, the lawsuit alleges that the EPA violated the Clean Air Act by failing to designate areas in the United States as in or out of attainment with the 2024 standard. EPA's failure undermines the ability of states and local governments to reduce levels of fine particulate pollution in the air - especially in low-income communities and communities of color, who are disproportionately impacted - and to achieve significant public health benefits including reduced premature deaths, mortality, and healthcare and administrative costs. The lawsuit seeks both declaratory and injunctive relief, asking the Court to declare EPA's failure to implement the 2024 standard as unlawful and order it to carry out its responsibility to make attainment designations within 150 days of the court order.

Joining Attorney General Brown in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Connecticut, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia, as well as Harris County and the City of New York.

* * *

Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Sues-Trump-Administration-Over-Failure-to-Implement-Life-Saving-Limits-on-Fine-Particulate-Matter-Po.aspx

Ill. Employment Security Dept.: Mixed Metro Area Job Growth as Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Across Illinois in February

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 25 -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security issued the following news:

* * *

Mixed Metro Area Job Growth as Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Across Illinois in February

Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 8 metropolitan areas and increased in 4, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Champaign (13 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending February 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of Employment ... Show Full Article SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 25 -- The Illinois Department of Employment Security issued the following news: * * * Mixed Metro Area Job Growth as Unemployment Rate Ticks Up Across Illinois in February Over-the-year, total nonfarm jobs decreased in 8 metropolitan areas and increased in 4, leading to consecutive months with year-over-year growth in Champaign (13 consecutive months). Over-the-year, the unemployment rate increased in all 12 metro areas for the year ending February 2026, according to data released today by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and the Illinois Department of EmploymentSecurity (DES).

"February's numbers show job growth in a few parts of Illinois, but rising unemployment across metro areas underscores the uncertainty coming from the federal government," said Deputy Governor Andy Manar. "Washington's shifting policies are making it harder for states to maintain momentum. Illinois will continue focusing on growth, supporting employers, and investing in our workforce."

The metro areas which posted the largest over-the-year percentage decreases in total nonfarm jobs were the Springfield MSA (-2.4%, -2,600), the Rockford MSA (-1.7%, -2,500), and the Bloomington MSA (-1.4%, -1,300). The metro areas which had the largest over-the-year percentage increases in total nonfarm jobs were the Peoria MSA (+1.0%, +1,600), the Champaign-Urbana MSA (+0.9%, +1,100), and the Lake County Metro Division (+0.4%, +1,300). Nonfarm jobs in the Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division were down -6,500 (-0.2%). Industries that saw job growth in the majority of the twelve metro areas included: Mining and Construction (ten areas), followed by Private Education and Health Services and Government (nine areas each).

The metro areas with the largest unemployment rate increases were the Kankakee MSA (+1.1 point to 7.0%) followed by a tie between the Decatur MSA (+1.0 point to 6.8%), the Rockford MSA (+1.0 point to 6.7%), and Springfield MSA (+1.0 point to 5.4%). The Chicago-Naperville-Schaumburg Metro Division unemployment rate grew by +0.3 point to 5.4%. The unemployment rate increased over-the-year in 100 counties and decreased in 2.

* * *

About the Department of Employment Security

The Illinois Department of Employment Security (IDES) provides vital employment services to Illinois workers, jobseekers, and employers with resources including Job Fairs, IllinoisJobLink.com, and WorkShare IL, analyzes and disseminates actionable Labor Market Information, and administers the Unemployment Insurance Program. To see the full range of services provided by IDES, and for the latest news concerning the department, visit IDES.Illinois.gov.

* * *

Original text here: https://ides.illinois.gov/newsroom/2026/feb/mixed-metro-area-job-growth-as-unemployment-rate-ticks-up-across.html

Ill. Auditor General: 'Regional Office of Education #31: Kane County -- Financial Audit'

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 25 (TNSLrpt) -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following report involving Regional Office of Education #31: Kane County -- Financial Audit.

Here are excerpts:

* * *

REPORT DIGEST

REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION #31: KANE COUNTY

FINANCIAL AUDIT FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Release Date: April 22, 2026 FINDINGS THIS AUDIT: 0 FINDINGS LAST AUDIT: 0 State of Illinois, Office of the Auditor General

FRANK J. MAUTINO, AUDITOR GENERAL To obtain a copy of the Report contact: Office of the Auditor General, 400 West Monroe, Suite 306, Springfield, IL 62704-9849

(217) ... Show Full Article

Ill. Auditor General: 'Regional Office of Education #21: Franklin, Johnson, Massac, and Williamson Counties -- Financial Audit'

SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 25 (TNSLrpt) -- The Illinois Auditor General issued the following report involving Regional Office of Education #21: Franklin, Johnson, Massac, and Williamson Counties -- Financial Audit.

Here are excerpts:

* * *

REPORT DIGEST

REGIONAL OFFICE OF EDUCATION #21: FRANKLIN, JOHNSON, MASSAC AND WILLIAMSON COUNTIES FINANCIAL AUDIT (IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE UNIFORM GUIDANCE) FOR THE YEAR ENDED JUNE 30, 2025 Release Date: April 22, 2026 FINDINGS THIS AUDIT: 0 FINDINGS LAST AUDIT: 0 State of Illinois, Office of the Auditor General

FRANK J. MAUTINO, AUDITOR GENERAL To obtain ... Show Full Article

From Past to Present: Revamped Interactive Map Highlights Historic Markers Statewide

CHEYENNE, Wyoming, April 25 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:

* * *

From Past to Present: Revamped Interactive Map Highlights Historic Markers Statewide

The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program preserves and interprets significant historic places, people, and events through a statewide system of monuments and roadside markers. The program highlights Wyoming's diverse heritage, from Indigenous history and historic trails to community development and notable individuals, helping residents and visitors connect ... Show Full Article CHEYENNE, Wyoming, April 25 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release on April 24, 2026: * * * From Past to Present: Revamped Interactive Map Highlights Historic Markers Statewide The Wyoming Monuments and Markers Program preserves and interprets significant historic places, people, and events through a statewide system of monuments and roadside markers. The program highlights Wyoming's diverse heritage, from Indigenous history and historic trails to community development and notable individuals, helping residents and visitors connectwith the stories that shaped the state's landscape.

A major focus of the program today is expanding public access through digital tools. The recently refreshed interactive Monuments and Markers Map modernizes how users explore Wyoming history by providing updated locations and improved usability. The map revamp strengthens heritage tourism, educational outreach, and public engagement, allowing users to discover historic sites across Wyoming anytime, anywhere. View the interactive map at Bit.ly/WyoMM.

The program operates through collaboration with key partners, including Wyoming State Parks and the Wyoming State Historic Preservation Office, both part of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources, and the Wyoming Department of Transportation, the Wyoming Office of Tourism, local governments, tribal nations, historical societies, tourism organizations, and community volunteers. These partnerships support research, installation, and long-term stewardship of monuments and markers while ensuring historical interpretation remains accurate, accessible, and representative of Wyoming's shared history.

Learn more about the Monuments and Markers program or other Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources programs and initiatives at wyospcr.wyo.gov.

* * *

Original text here: https://wyospcr.wyo.gov/index.php/press-releases/1434-from-past-to-present-revamped-interactive-map-highlights-historic-markers-statewide

Arizona Supreme Court Justice and Administrative Director Honored for Service and Leadership

PHOENIX, Arizona, April 25 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on April 24, 2026:

* * *

Arizona Supreme Court Justice and Administrative Director Honored for Service and Leadership

Arizona Supreme Court Justice Maria Elena Cruz and Administrative Office of the Courts Director Dave Byers were honored this week with awards celebrating their leadership in the legal profession and in service of the judiciary.

Justice Cruz was recognized Thursday with the Ruth V. McGregor Award from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association. Every year, the AWLA's Maricopa Chapter honors a ... Show Full Article PHOENIX, Arizona, April 25 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on April 24, 2026: * * * Arizona Supreme Court Justice and Administrative Director Honored for Service and Leadership Arizona Supreme Court Justice Maria Elena Cruz and Administrative Office of the Courts Director Dave Byers were honored this week with awards celebrating their leadership in the legal profession and in service of the judiciary. Justice Cruz was recognized Thursday with the Ruth V. McGregor Award from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association. Every year, the AWLA's Maricopa Chapter honors arecipient for their extraordinary contributions in support of the association's goals, as well as the advancement of women in the legal field.

"To receive the Ruth V. McGregor Award from the Arizona Women Lawyers Association is both humbling and deeply meaningful," said Justice Cruz. "Chief Justice McGregor's legacy is one of excellence, integrity, and quiet but powerful leadership. To be associated in any way with her name--and with the list of women who carry that same spirit forward--is something I will always treasure."

Justice Cruz joins a distinguished list of past award winners, including current Arizona Supreme Court Chief Justice Ann Scott Timmer, as well as former Chief Justices Ruth V. McGregor and Rebecca White Berch.

Director Byers was also honored Thursday as a recipient of the Institute for the Advancement of the American Legal System's annual Rebuilding Justice Award. Byers was recognized for Questioning the Status Quo--a principle he has modeled through decades of innovative, forward-looking leadership in Arizona's judicial branch.

"As the Arizona Supreme Court has pursued significant regulatory reforms over the past several years, Dave Byers has been steadfast in turning vision into reality," noted Chief Justice Timmer. "This award rightly recognizes his unwavering commitment to innovation, integrity, and service to the people of Arizona."

Byers is responsible for overseeing the operations of the Arizona court system with over 10,000 employees across the state. His leadership has helped shape Arizona into a national model for judicial reform-- characterized by a deep commitment to public service and advancing the judicial branch.

"I am deeply honored to be counted among this year's distinguished recipients," said Byers of the accolade.

Byers and the other IAALS winners were recognized during the organization's Rebuilding Justice celebration--a day-long forum convening national leaders to explore the future of civil justice.

To learn more about Arizona's judicial branch, visit azcourts.gov.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/News%20Release%20-%20Arizona%20Supreme%20Court%20Justice%20and%20Administrative%20Director%20Honored%20for%20Service%20and%20Leadership.pdf

Existing Customer Login