States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Va. A.G. Jones Responds to Trump-Aligned, Thiel-Funded Effort Exploiting Civil Rights Imagery to Mislead Voters
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 2 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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AG Jones Responds to Trump-Aligned, Thiel-Funded Effort Exploiting Civil Rights Imagery to Mislead Voters
New election filings revealed that a group backed by Peter Thiel -- a Silicon Valley billionaire and one of Donald Trump's most prominent financial backers who has helped fund Trump-aligned candidates and political efforts nationwide -- has poured $2.5 million into Virginia to support a misleading and racially charged ad campaign ahead of the April 21 redistricting
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RICHMOND, Virginia, April 2 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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AG Jones Responds to Trump-Aligned, Thiel-Funded Effort Exploiting Civil Rights Imagery to Mislead Voters
New election filings revealed that a group backed by Peter Thiel -- a Silicon Valley billionaire and one of Donald Trump's most prominent financial backers who has helped fund Trump-aligned candidates and political efforts nationwide -- has poured $2.5 million into Virginia to support a misleading and racially charged ad campaign ahead of the April 21 redistrictingreferendum.
The effort includes mailers targeting Black and senior voters that invoke imagery from the Civil Rights Movement and Jim Crow while also pushing a false narrative about President Obama's opposition to the measure.
Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement:
"Peter Thiel, one of Donald Trump's top billionaire backers, is spending millions in Virginia to push a campaign built on lies and racial division. These ads deliberately exploit the history of Jim Crow and the Civil Rights Movement to mislead Black voters and suppress participation. That is not just offensive. It is a modern playbook for voter suppression. My family lived through Jim Crow in Virginia. That history is not a political prop for Trump's allies to weaponize to rig elections and manipulate voters. Virginians deserve facts, not fear. I will continue to stand up for civil rights, defend the integrity of our elections, and call out any effort to deceive voters and undermine our democracy."
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2995-ag-jones-responds-to-trump-aligned-thiel-funded-effort-exploiting-civil-rights-imagery-to-mislead-voters
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Yankton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Second Degree Murder
PIERRE, South Dakota, April 2 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Yankton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Second Degree Murder
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a Yankton man has been sentenced to Life in Prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to Second Degree Murder in connection with the 2025 murder of a Yankton woman.
Craig Allen Nichols, Jr., 33, on Tuesday entered his guilty plea and then was sentenced in Yankton County Circuit Court. He was charged in
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PIERRE, South Dakota, April 2 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Yankton Man Sentenced to Life in Prison for Second Degree Murder
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a Yankton man has been sentenced to Life in Prison after pleading guilty but mentally ill to Second Degree Murder in connection with the 2025 murder of a Yankton woman.
Craig Allen Nichols, Jr., 33, on Tuesday entered his guilty plea and then was sentenced in Yankton County Circuit Court. He was charged inthe January 2, 2025 murder of Heather Ann Bodden, 41, in a Yankton apartment.
"We offer our condolences to Heather's family and friends," said Attorney General Jackley. "Due to the work of the investigators and prosecutors, this horrific crime was prosecuted to the full extent of the law."
Attorney General Jackley said in accepting the plea, the Court considered evidence from a qualified evaluator indicating that, at the time of the offense, the defendant was suffering from a mental illness that affected his behavior and impacted his judgment, but not to the extent that he was unable to understand the wrongfulness of his actions. As such, the defendant was not legally insane at the time of the offense. A plea of guilty but mentally ill does not alter the statutory penalty for Second Degree Murder and still results in the mandatory sentence of life imprisonment that was imposed.
South Dakota's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI), in conjunction with the Yankton Police Department and the Yankton County Sheriff's Office, investigated the case.
The Attorney General's Office and the Yankton County State's Attorney prosecuted.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3046
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Joins Bipartisan Effort to Advance Nuclear Energy
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 2 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Bipartisan Effort to Advance Nuclear Energy
New England Governors Outline Regional Commitment to New and Existing Technology
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On Tuesday, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined a bipartisan group of New England Governors in a joint statement in support of exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies and continuing to support the region's existing nuclear facilities.
"We need to keep working to bring affordable, reliable energy to our entire region
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 2 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Joins Bipartisan Effort to Advance Nuclear Energy
New England Governors Outline Regional Commitment to New and Existing Technology
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On Tuesday, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined a bipartisan group of New England Governors in a joint statement in support of exploring advanced nuclear energy technologies and continuing to support the region's existing nuclear facilities.
"We need to keep working to bring affordable, reliable energy to our entire regionin order to lower Granite Staters' electric bills," said Governor Ayotte. "As New Hampshire lays the groundwork for next-generation nuclear power in our state, I am glad to join fellow New England Governors in supporting the development of this pivotal technology across our region."
The statement outlines two key next steps:
* New England Governors are directing their state energy offices to explore opportunities to ensure existing nuclear generation facilities continue to operate in a safe, affordable, and reliable manner.
* The Governors are also directing state energy agencies to take steps to explore deployment of advanced nuclear generation in states and communities willing to host such resources, including: exploring innovative financing structures, federal funding and financial support opportunities, public-private partnerships, and regulatory designs for advanced nuclear energy that will protect consumers, help meet regional energy needs, and enable job growth and economic development opportunities in the advanced nuclear technology sector.
The Governors reiterated their commitment to ensuring local voices shape decision-making from the outset, including community-led approaches to explore appropriate, responsible locations for new nuclear development. Read the full joint statement here (https://www.governor.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt971/files/media/media_document/new-england-governors-nuclear-statement.pdf).
Governor Ayotte issued an Executive Order on March 26 directing the New Hampshire Department of Energy to bring together lawmakers, industry experts, and other stakeholders to develop a roadmap for next-generation nuclear power in the Granite State.
The Governor has made lowering Granite Staters' electric bills and reducing energy costs a critical priority of her administration. Last week, ISO New England confirmed it would fast-track market rule changes to reduce unnecessary costs after Governor Ayotte sent a letter urging them to take quick action to help lower electric bills. On March 4, the Governor's nominee to chair the Public Utilities Commission, Chris Ellms, was confirmed by the Executive Council with affordability as a "top priority".
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-joins-bipartisan-effort-advance-nuclear-energy
Miss. Education Dept.: Mississippi Schools Prepare for Higher Accountability Standards
JACKSON, Mississippi, April 2 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Mississippi schools prepare for higher accountability standards; grades for 2025-26 will set new baseline for measuring school, district performance
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) today reminded communities and education stakeholders across the state that new, higher standards for earning school and district letter grades take effect with the 2025-26 school year.
Accountability grades will be released in fall 2026 and will set a new baseline for measuring
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JACKSON, Mississippi, April 2 -- The Mississippi Department of Education issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Mississippi schools prepare for higher accountability standards; grades for 2025-26 will set new baseline for measuring school, district performance
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) today reminded communities and education stakeholders across the state that new, higher standards for earning school and district letter grades take effect with the 2025-26 school year.
Accountability grades will be released in fall 2026 and will set a new baseline for measuringschool and district performance. Therefore, grades for 2025-26 cannot be compared to previous years. As a result of the higher standards to earn each grade, many schools and districts may receive a lower letter grade than they earned in 2024-25, even if their students performed the same or better on state assessments.
Mississippi law requires the state to increase accountability standards when 75% of students are proficient or when 65% of schools or districts earn a grade of "B" or higher. Mississippi schools and districts reached that milestone in 2023. At that time, 74% of schools and 71% of districts had earned an A or B, up from just 37% for both in 2016.
"Mississippi students and schools have made extraordinary progress, and that progress is exactly why state law requires us to raise the bar," said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. "The 2025-26 grades will set a new starting point from which we will measure the continued growth of our students and schools for years to come."
The MDE worked with the agency's Accountability Task Force, Technical Advisory Committee, and a special Standard Setting Task Force over two years to update the accountability system and establish new, higher standards for earning each letter grade. The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) approved the updated standards in November 2025.
Mississippi's accountability grades are designed to help teachers, school leaders, parents and communities know how well their local schools and districts serve their students. Grades are based on multiple indicators of student achievement including statewide assessment results for English Language Arts, mathematics and science, the progress of English Learners, performance in advanced courses and career and technical education (CTE) programs, and graduation rates, among other factors. The most significant change for 2025-26 is the higher threshold of points required for schools and districts to earn each letter grade.
Another change that begins with the 2025-26 school year is a new Mississippi Readiness Index, which replaces the prior college and career readiness measures for high schools and districts. The index awards points for student performance on the ACT, SAT, ACT WorkKeys, and Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery (ASVAB); achievements in Advanced Placement, dual credit and dual enrollment courses, and CTE programs; industry certifications; diploma endorsements; and on-time and five-year graduation.
Additional changes include elimination of the U.S. History assessment from accountability measures and updated annual goals for the English Learner progress component.
Understanding Fall 2026 Grades
The higher standards for earning grades will set a new baseline for measuring progress, which means accountability grades for 2025-26 cannot be directly compared to grades from prior school years. Communities, parents, and local leaders are encouraged to look beyond the letter grade for 2025-26 to the individual components that make up a school or district's score for a complete evaluation of performance. State assessment results for the 2025-26 school year will be released in August 2026 and will provide the clearest early picture of student achievement. Accountability grades will be released in fall 2026 and will include details about student performance in each component that contributes to the grade.
"We want every parent, community member, and school leader to understand what these grades mean, and what they do not mean," said Dr. Evans. "A change in a letter grade is not a report card on a child. It reflects whether a school met a higher bar. And Mississippi schools have proven time and again that they are fully capable of rising to meet higher expectations."
MDE has developed a communication toolkit for school and district leaders that includes key facts about the accountability changes, detailed background on how the system works, and resources for communicating with local communities. The toolkit is available at mdek12.org/communications/raisingthebar.
Find all MDE news releases at mdek12.org/news.
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Original text here: https://mdek12.org/communications/2026/04/01/mississippi-schools-prepare-for-higher-accountability-standards-grades-for-2025-26-will-set-new-baseline-for-measuring-school-district-performance/
Ill. Gov. Pritzker Builds on Economic Momentum as Global Companies Choose Illinois to Invest and Grow
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 2 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Builds on Economic Momentum as Global Companies Choose Illinois to Invest and Grow
Illinois committed job creation in first quarter of 2026 outpacing recent years
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In just the first quarter of 2026, a growing list of global companies are choosing Illinois to invest, expand, and create jobs--driving early-year momentum that has is already outpacing total job creation commitments in recent years.
Companies participating in the Economic Development for a Growing
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, April 2 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Builds on Economic Momentum as Global Companies Choose Illinois to Invest and Grow
Illinois committed job creation in first quarter of 2026 outpacing recent years
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In just the first quarter of 2026, a growing list of global companies are choosing Illinois to invest, expand, and create jobs--driving early-year momentum that has is already outpacing total job creation commitments in recent years.
Companies participating in the Economic Development for a GrowingEconomy (EDGE) program have committed to creating nearly 4,000 jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in committed investments so far this year, exceeding the total number of jobs committed through EDGE and Reimaging Energy and Vehicles (REV) programs in 2025. These figures represent just one portion of private sector investment and job growth happening across Illinois.
"The rest of the world is starting to capitalize on what we have long known to be true: Illinois is the best place to live, work, and raise a family," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Global companies continue to choose Illinois for our central location, strong infrastructure, and the hard-working people who make up our diverse workforce. From advanced manufacturing and life sciences to film production, these investments mean more jobs and more goods being produced right here in Illinois."
"Illinois' record-breaking investments and growth help maintain our state's reputation as a global economic powerhouse," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Prioritizing our incentive programs has not only resulted in Illinois earning national economic development rankings, but it has also increased job opportunities for hardworking Illinoisians across the state. Most importantly, it has ensured Illinois remains the best place to live, work, and do business."
Governor Pritzker has focused on making Illinois the best place in the country to do business--prioritizing affordability, workforce development, fiscal responsibility, and long-term economic stability. That strategy is continuing to deliver results across key industries part of the Illinois Economic Growth Plan.
GLOBAL COMPANIES CHOOSING ILLINOIS FOR ADVANCED MANUFACTURING AND INNOVATION
Manufacturers are selecting Illinois as a hub for innovation and production--drawn by the state's skilled workforce, central location, and strong infrastructure:
* DMG MORI is expanding its Illinois footprint with a $40.5 million investment with plans for a new advanced manufacturing and research development facility. The new R&D facility will support key strategic initiatives, including a dedicated workforce development partnership with City Colleges of Chicago. This training program will connect students from the state's community college system--the third largest in the nation--with careers in advanced manufacturing.
* Hyundai Translead chose Illinois for a new manufacturing operation in Will County, bringing a $450 million investment and creating nearly 2,500 new jobs--one of the largest job creation announcements in recent state history. The new operation will revitalize two dormant manufacturing facilities that will increase production capacity for the commercial transportation product.
LEADING LIFE SCIENCES AND BIOPHARMACEUTICAL MANUFACTURING
Global life sciences companies are choosing Illinois to grow, innovate, and manufacture next-generation therapies:
* CSL, a global biotherapeutics leader, is investing $1.5 billion in Illinois--one of the largest life sciences investments in state history--underscoring Illinois' role as a leader in cutting-edge medical research and production. The company's Kankakee campus will retain more than 1,200 existing positions and create 300 new full-time jobs for the area.
* AbbVie is expanding its North Chicago manufacturing campus with a $380 million investment, building new state-of-the-art facilities and creating 300 new jobs to support the production of next-generation neuroscience and obesity-reduction medicines.
LEADING THE FOOD INNOVATION INDUSTRY
* Mars Snacking is expanding its footprint in Illinois--creating 600 new jobs and investing $100 million as it expands its global headquarters in Chicago, building on more than 4,000 existing jobs across the state. Mars will establish new hubs in Fulton Market and River North, reinforcing Illinois' position as a leader in food manufacturing and innovation.
* Savencia Cheese USA announced it will expand its existing production facility in Lena, Illinois, transferring production know-how from France to Illinois. As a result, the company will be adding a new production line as part of its capital investment and 50 new full-time jobs while retaining 125 existing jobs.
ILLINOIS IS CEMENTING ITSELF AS A TOP DESTINTION FOR FILM & TELEVISION PRODUCTION
In 2025, Illinois set a record high of $703 million in Film and TV production expenditures--supporting an estimated 18,000 jobs statewide and more than $400 million in wages. Driven by Gov. Pritzker's strategic investments and expansion and extension of the Illinois Film Production Tax Credit, Illinois continues to attract major productions and talent--cementing its position as one of the nation's top destinations for film and television.
AN ECONOMIC STRATEGY THAT'S DELIVERING RESULTS
Illinois' strong start to 2026 reflects a broader trend: companies are consistently choosing Illinois over competing states.
* Illinois has ranked #2 in the nation for corporate expansions and relocations for four consecutive years
* Illinois is ranked #1 in the Midwest and #3 in the country for workforce development
* CNBC's Best States for Business ranks Illinois #13 up 17 spots since 2019
With record investments and job creation already underway in 2026, Illinois is building on its momentum--proving that a focus on fiscal responsibility, economic growth, and opportunity is driving businesses to choose Illinois.
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32349
Calif. Public Health Dept.: California Combats Persistently High Nicotine Vape Addiction Among Young Adults With New Statewide Campaign
SACRAMENTO, California, April 2 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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California Combats Persistently High Nicotine Vape Addiction Among Young Adults with New Statewide Campaign
New statewide campaign targets rising nicotine addiction and its growing impact on young adults' mental health
What You Need to Know: California is launching the "Not Your Lab Rat" campaign to combat nicotine use among young adults. The campaign uses $5.2 million from California's portion of a multistate settlement with Juul Labs, Inc., and will educate
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, April 2 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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California Combats Persistently High Nicotine Vape Addiction Among Young Adults with New Statewide Campaign
New statewide campaign targets rising nicotine addiction and its growing impact on young adults' mental health
What You Need to Know: California is launching the "Not Your Lab Rat" campaign to combat nicotine use among young adults. The campaign uses $5.2 million from California's portion of a multistate settlement with Juul Labs, Inc., and will educateyoung adults about the increased dangers of modern nicotine products.
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The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) today launched "Not Your Lab Rat," a bold statewide campaign designed to educate young adults about the dangers of modern nicotine products, prevent initiation, and motivate quitting among California's highest-risk population for nicotine addiction.
"The tobacco and nicotine industry wants young adults to believe their products help with stress and anxiety, but the science shows the opposite - it deepens depression and amplifies mental health struggles," said Dr. Erica Pan, CDPH Director and State Public Health Officer. "This campaign will help young people recognize these dangerous and manipulative tactics and empower them to make healthy decisions that don't involve nicotine."
Why This Matters
Nicotine is considered one of the most addictive substances and causes adverse health effects ranging from damaging the developing brain and the cardiovascular system to deepening depression and amplifying anxiety and other mental health challenges. California's young adults are experiencing persistently high nicotine vape addiction, vaping at more than twice the rate of the general adult population.
Many of California's young adults are also "poly nicotine" users, with nearly 25% of nicotine users reporting use of more than one product. Modern nicotine products like vapes and nicotine pouches contain substantially higher nicotine levels than cigarettes or older products. "Not Your Lab Rat" was developed to increase young adults' knowledge about the health dangers of using these nicotine products, shift attitudes and perceptions about nicotine, and motivate those who use to quit.
Funded By Past Successes
The "Not Your Lab Rat" campaign is funded through California's portion of a $462 million multistate settlement with Juul Labs, which resolved lawsuits alleging the company violated state laws by targeting young people through its advertising and promotional campaigns. The lawsuit also accused JUUL of violating state laws on minors' privacy, unfair competition, and false advertising.
"The JUUL settlement represents more than financial accountability. It's an opportunity to protect California's young people from the very tactics that got them addicted in the first place," said California Attorney General Rob Bonta. "By directing funds from the JUUL settlement toward this prevention and cessation campaign, we're turning predatory marketing against young people into a powerful tool for education and prevention."
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About The Campaign
"Not Your Lab Rat" launches today and will run through the end of December 2026. The campaign was designed to meet young adults, aged 18-24, in spaces they already frequent, including TV, streaming platforms, video, radio, out-of-home advertising, social media, and college campuses.
The campaign highlights nicotine's impact on mental health, especially as young adults face unprecedented rates of anxiety, depression, and feelings of isolation. Nicotine use deepens depression and amplifies anxiety and other mental health challenges, creating a harmful cycle where young people turn to nicotine for stress relief, but experience worsened mental health outcomes.
The campaign features two primary creative executions. "Your Body, Their Experiment" examines health risks already associated with vape use, such as lung scarring, stroke, or deeper depression. "Upper Decky" focuses on nicotine pouches and highlights that most health risks remain unknown because these products entered the market before their effects were understood.
CDPH Guidance for the Public:
* Access free resources to quit nicotine. California provides quitting resources through Kick It California, which offers a free quit app, text-based support, and counseling. Young people can receive personalized support to manage cravings, build quitting plans, and stay nicotine-free.
* Seek mental health support when needed. Young adults can access confidential mental health services through the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or the Soluna app.
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Original text here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR26-013.aspx
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Wins Court Battle to Protect Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 2 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Wins Court Battle to Protect Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a complete victory in a lawsuit seeking to dismantle the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, rejecting every argument made by the Arizona State Legislature, State Treasurer, and several
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 2 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on April 1, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Wins Court Battle to Protect Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals has affirmed a complete victory in a lawsuit seeking to dismantle the Baaj Nwaavjo I'tah Kukveni - Ancestral Footprints of the Grand Canyon National Monument, rejecting every argument made by the Arizona State Legislature, State Treasurer, and severallocal governments that challenged the monument's creation.
The court ruled that none of the plaintiffs had legal standing to challenge the 2023 presidential proclamation that established the monument, which protects approximately 917,000 acres of federal land surrounding the Grand Canyon.
"Today's ruling is a victory for the people of Arizona and for the Indigenous communities whose ancestral homelands are protected by this monument," said Attorney General Mayes. "The court rejected every argument Senate President Warren Petersen, Speaker of the House Steve Montenegro, and Treasurer Kimberly Yee put forward. I am proud to have stood up to defend these sacred and important lands."
Attorney General Mayes intervened in the case alongside Governor Katie Hobbs to defend the monument against the legal challenge. The Ninth Circuit panel affirmed the district court's dismissal on all counts, finding that claims of lost tax revenue, threats to water supply, reduced land value, and higher energy prices were too speculative to establish standing in federal court.
A copy of the ruling (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=7753b5d751&e=9153ff6c96) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-wins-court-battle-protect-baaj-nwaavjo-itah-kukveni-ancestral
