States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Trump Data Confirms That Calif. Gov. Newsom's Strategies Have Led to the Largest Reduction in Homelessness Nationwide
SACRAMENTO, California, June 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
Trump data confirms that Governor Newsom's strategies have led to the largest reduction in homelessness nationwide
California #1 for reducing veterans' homelessness
California #1 for reducing homeless individuals
California #1 for reducing homelessness for the chronically homeless
What you need to know: California's leadership in reversing the homelessness crisis continues to create real results, with new federal data confirming California has the largest decrease in
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, June 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
Trump data confirms that Governor Newsom's strategies have led to the largest reduction in homelessness nationwide
California #1 for reducing veterans' homelessness
California #1 for reducing homeless individuals
California #1 for reducing homelessness for the chronically homeless
What you need to know: California's leadership in reversing the homelessness crisis continues to create real results, with new federal data confirming California has the largest decrease inunsheltered homelessness nationwide alongside major progress across veterans, chronic homelessness, youth, and local communities.
-
Governor Gavin Newsom's ongoing strategies and programs to tackle the decades-long homelessness crisis are delivering historic results. New federal data released by the Trump administration confirms California achieved the largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in the nation last year and saw the largest decline in unsheltered homelessness since 2009. The data shows California is not only moving more people off the streets and into housing and shelter, but is outperforming the nation across multiple measures of homelessness reduction and the creation of new shelters and support.
* * *
California's work to confront the homelessness crisis is delivering real results. Through sustained partnership at the state and local level, we're building more housing, expanding care and treatment, and connecting people to the support they need. California is helping lead the nation in developing strategies that can turn this crisis around. But we know there's more work to do. We're going to keep pushing forward because no one should be left without a safe place to call home, and no one should be left to suffer without help. -Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
California is leading the nation
The new federal data published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development show California is making significant progress in reversing nearly every major category of homelessness:
* Largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in the nation. California reduced unsheltered homelessness by 8,391 people, or 6.8% -- more than any other state. That decline is more than twice the national reduction of 2.9% and significantly exceeds the next largest state, Texas, with a 1.4% decrease.
* Total homelessness declined. California's overall homeless population dropped by 2.8%, marking the largest statewide decline since 2009.
* Leading the nation in key populations. From 2023 to 2025, California ranked first among all states and the District of Columbia in reducing:
- Veteran homelessness
- Chronic homelessness
- Homelessness among young adults ages 18-24
- Homelessness among youth under 25
- Homelessness among parents under 25
- Historic progress through accountability and action
While homelessness remains a nationwide challenge, California is achieving results that outpace the rest of the country. Based on HUD's data, California recorded its largest reduction in homelessness in more than 15 years.
These results build on the Governor's strategy to pair historic investments with stronger accountability, expand behavioral health and treatment services, increase housing and shelter options, and help local communities move people from encampments into housing and care.
California is creating more housing and support than any other state. According to the newly published federal data, from 2024 to 2025, California's calculated total year-round bed inventory increased by 15,013 beds, from 208,794 to 223,807 -- ranking first among all states and DC - and more than the total beds added nationwide. California also ranked first in the nation across all shelter types - ranking first in creating permanent supportive housing, emergency shelter, and permanent housing. This adds to years of investments that have created more than 87,000 beds since 2019.
Local success stories
California's success in reducing homelessness is anchored by the state's partnership with local communities and state support, which has established foundational programs to get people off the streets and into housing and care.
Across 30 continuums of care that reported updates, unsheltered homelessness dropped by more than 9%
Data published by the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development shows continued progress throughout the state, with positive reporting from the following regions:
* Los Angeles - 10.3% drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the largest regional drop nationwide.
* Contra Costa - 34.8% drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the 5th-largest regional drop nationwide.
* Riverside - 19% drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the eighth largest regional drop nationwide
* San Bernardino - 13.7% drop in unsheltered homelessness with the eleventh largest regional drop nationwide
* San Diego - 6.5% drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the 12th largest regional drop nationwide.
* Santa Cruz - 24.4 % drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the 13th largest regional drop nationwide.
* Kern -- 15.9% drop in unsheltered homelessness, with the 17th largest regional drop nationwide.
* Lake -- 37.5 % drop in unsheltered homelessness.
* Sonoma - 28.8% drop in unsheltered homelessness.
California by the numbers
* 6.8% decrease in unsheltered homelessness
* 2.8% decrease in total homelessness
* #1 in the nation for reducing veteran homelessness
* #1 in the nation for reducing homeless individuals
* #1 in the nation for reducing chronic homelessness
* #1 in the nation for reducing homelessness among young adults ages 18-24 over the last two years
* #1 in the nation for reducing homelessness among youth under 25 over the last two years
* #1 in the nation for reducing homelessness among parents under 25 over the last two years
An approach that works
From the very first moments of the Newsom administration, the national crisis of housing and homelessness - which was decades in the making - has been addressed with ingenuity, seriousness, and expertise. No other state has devoted as much time and attention to these twin problems - and California is a leader in producing positive results.
Investments since 2019 have included the launch of the first-in-the-nation Homekey program that has created nearly 16,000 homes across 250 projects and reached over 172,000 Californians; $2.25 billion through Homekey+ to serve individuals with mental health or substance use challenges and veterans; over $5 billion appropriated for Homeless Housing, Assistance, and Prevention (HHAP) to support local jurisdictions in promoting housing stability and reducing homelessness; and $1 billion in Encampment Resolution Funds to provide services and housing to help 23,000 individuals across 120 encampment sites transition from homelessness.
Governor Newsom is creating a structural and foundational model for America:
* Expanding shelter and support -- Providing funding and programs for local governments, coupled with strong accountability measures to ensure that each local government is doing its share to build housing, and create shelter and support, so that people living in encampments have a safe place to go.
* Addressing mental health and its impact on homelessness -- Ending a long-standing 7,000 bed shortfall in California's behavioral health system by rapidly expanding community treatment centers and permanent supportive housing units. In 2024, voters approved Governor Newsom's Proposition 1, which is transforming California's behavioral health systems. It is estimated that funding from Proposition 1 will create 6,800 residential treatment beds and 26,700 outpatient treatment slots for behavioral health care.
* Creating new pathways for those who need the most help -- Updating conservatorship laws for the first time in 50 years to include people who are unable to provide for their personal safety or necessary medical care, in addition to food, clothing, or shelter, due to either severe substance use disorder or serious mental health illness. Creating a new CARE court system that creates court-administered plans for up to 24 months to help people struggling with schizophrenia and other psychotic disorders, often with substance use challenges, get the treatment and housing they need to recover and thrive.
* Streamlining and prioritizing building of new housing -- Governor Newsom made creating more housing a state priority for the first time in history. He has signed into law groundbreaking reforms to break down systemic barriers that have stood in the way of building the housing Californians need, including broad CEQA reforms.
* Removing dangerous encampments -- Governor Newsom has set a strong expectation for all local governments to address encampments in their communities and help connect people with support. In 2024, Governor Newsom filed an amicus brief with the Supreme Court defending communities' authority to clear encampments. After the Supreme Court affirmed local authority, Governor Newsom issued an executive order directing state entities and urging local governments to clear encampments and connect people with support, using a state-tested model that helps ensure encampments are addressed humanely and people are given adequate notice and support.
In August, just a year after he issued an executive order urging local governments to better address encampments, the Governor announced his SAFE Task Force to address encampments in California's ten largest cities. Since that time, the task force has addressed encampments in San Francisco, Los Angeles, Long Beach, Sacramento, and Fresno -- connecting dozens of people with shelter. This adds to ongoing work by Caltrans, who since 2021, has removed more than 19,000 encampments on state right-of-way and collected approximately 354,000 cubic yards of litter and debris.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/04/trump-data-confirms-that-governor-newsoms-strategies-have-led-to-the-largest-reduction-in-homelessness-nationwide/
Minn. Agriculture Dept.: Minnesota Farmers See Seven Straight Years of Higher Profits
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 5 (TNSrpt) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
* * *
Minnesota Farmers See Seven Straight Years of Higher Profits
Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) continue to show stronger and more reliable profitability than non certified farms, according to new data from the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. The findings reinforce a clear, long term trend: For the seventh consecutive year, MAWQCP certified farms reported higher gross cash farm income and higher net farm
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 5 (TNSrpt) -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
* * *
Minnesota Farmers See Seven Straight Years of Higher Profits
Farmers enrolled in the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP) continue to show stronger and more reliable profitability than non certified farms, according to new data from the Minnesota State Agricultural Centers of Excellence. The findings reinforce a clear, long term trend: For the seventh consecutive year, MAWQCP certified farms reported higher gross cash farm income and higher net farmincome than comparable non certified operations.
The 2026 Influence of Intensified Environmental Practices on Farm Profitability study analyzed financial and production data from farms participating in the Minnesota State Farm Business Management program. The results show that efficient input use, diversified cropping systems, and conservation practices that reduce risk and improve long term productivity all contribute to stronger financial performance. These approaches help stabilize yields, build resilience, and support more consistent profitability over time.
In 2025, certified farms earned an average net income of just more than $197,500, compared to $129,400 for non certified farms. Median net income followed the same pattern, demonstrating that the financial advantage holds across farm sizes and sectors.
"Seven years of data make one thing unmistakably clear: conservation is a long term profitability strategy. Certified farms aren't just seeing better results in good years -- they're holding strong in the tough ones, too," said MDA Commissioner Thom Petersen. "That kind of steady, repeatable return is invaluable in today's farm economy. I strongly encourage Minnesota farmers to explore certification and see how this program can strengthen both their operation and the natural resources we all depend on."
Keith Olander, executive director of AgCentric and Agricultural Partnerships, noted the resilience of certified farms during a challenging year. "Row crop producers faced real financial pressure in 2025, yet water quality certified farms continued to come out ahead. Livestock operations in particular saw notable gains. The management approach required for certification continues to translate into stronger financial performance year after year."
MAWQCP began as a Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA) initiative to protect water quality statewide. Since launching statewide in 2016 with Clean Water Fund support, the program has enrolled more than 1.25 million acres across 1,800-plus certified farms. Those farms have implemented conservation practices that prevent more than 1.25 million pounds of nitrogen, 60,500 tons of sediment, and 78,000 pounds of phosphorus from entering Minnesota waters each year.
Certification starts with a one on one, field by field review conducted by local conservation experts who walk the operation with the farmer to identify potential water quality risks. Together, they develop a customized conservation plan that fits the farm's goals and addresses those risks with practical, effective solutions.
Farmers receive priority access to technical and financial assistance to complete any needed improvements. Once all risks are resolved, the farm is certified and granted 10 years of regulatory certainty, recognizing it as fully in compliance with Minnesota's water quality laws.
Farmers and landowners interested in learning more about MAWQCP or enrolling in the program can contact their local Soil and Water Conservation District or visit My Land My Legacy (https://mylandmylegacy.com/).
* * *
REPORT: https://agcentric.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-Environmental-Water-Quality-Report.pdf
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/minnesota-farmers-see-seven-straight-years-higher-profits
LCRA, City of Giddings Award $23,295 Grant for Upgrades to New Teen Center
AUSTIN, Texas, June 5 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
* * *
LCRA, City of Giddings award $23,295 grant for upgrades to new teen center
Renovations will help Buffalo Nation open a safe, accessible community center for mentoring, counseling and life-skills training
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and the City of Giddings award a $23,295 grant to Buffalo Nation to complete its first space dedicated to teen and young adult mentoring.
* The upgrades will help Buffalo Nation expand its free programming and services to students, teens and young adults. The center also
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, June 5 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
* * *
LCRA, City of Giddings award $23,295 grant for upgrades to new teen center
Renovations will help Buffalo Nation open a safe, accessible community center for mentoring, counseling and life-skills training
Key Takeaways
* LCRA and the City of Giddings award a $23,295 grant to Buffalo Nation to complete its first space dedicated to teen and young adult mentoring.
* The upgrades will help Buffalo Nation expand its free programming and services to students, teens and young adults. The center alsowill be available for rental by community groups.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications in July for the next round of grants.
-
GIDDINGS, Texas - The nonprofit Buffalo Nation soon will open Building 979, a new center dedicated to helping at-risk teens and young adults, thanks to a $23,295 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Giddings.
The LCRA Community Grant, along with $7,000 in matching funds from the organization, will equip the new center with ADA-compliant restrooms and upgraded electrical capacity to make Building 979 in downtown Giddings fully accessible, safe and ready to serve the community. The program currently operates in borrowed space, and the new building will be Buffalo Nation's permanent, purpose-built center.
"Our mission is to help teens and young adults in tough situations realize that they have options," said Laura Cruise, Buffalo Nation founder and president. "We then help them make a plan, offering them one-on-one mentoring, life-skills training and exposure to post-secondary education options such as workforce training, military service, trade school and college, all completely free to them."
Cruise said intervention and education efforts can reduce the likelihood of high school dropouts, crisis situations, long-term unemployment and incarceration.
"This grant is helping move Building 979 one step closer to becoming a fully accessible community resource and connection hub for local youth, families and the greater community," Cruise said. "These foundational improvements will help create a safer, more welcoming environment while allowing us to expand programs, services and community involvement. In a rural community like ours, support like this creates a lasting impact far beyond the building itself."
The building will be available as rental venue for community gatherings, workshops and celebrations outside of youth programming hours. In addition, Buffalo Nation plans to host expanded community classes, including technology education for seniors.
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The City of Giddings is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.
* * *
About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-city-of-giddings-award-23295-grant-for-upgrades-to-new-teen-center/
In Lebanon, Gov. Shapiro Cuts Ribbon on SCHOTT Pharma USA Expansion, Celebrates Growth of Pennsylvania's Life Sciences Industry
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 5 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 3, 2026:
* * *
In Lebanon, Governor Shapiro Cuts Ribbon on SCHOTT Pharma USA Expansion, Celebrates Growth of Pennsylvania's Life Sciences Industry
SCHOTT Pharma generated an estimated $1.1 billion in global revenue in 2025 while supporting more than 350 jobs across two facilities in Pennsylvania.
The company's $60 million expansion will triple SCHOTT's manufacturing capacity in the United States and help fuel additional growth across the Commonwealth's $50 billion life sciences industry.
Since
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 5 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on June 3, 2026:
* * *
In Lebanon, Governor Shapiro Cuts Ribbon on SCHOTT Pharma USA Expansion, Celebrates Growth of Pennsylvania's Life Sciences Industry
SCHOTT Pharma generated an estimated $1.1 billion in global revenue in 2025 while supporting more than 350 jobs across two facilities in Pennsylvania.
The company's $60 million expansion will triple SCHOTT's manufacturing capacity in the United States and help fuel additional growth across the Commonwealth's $50 billion life sciences industry.
Sincetaking office, Governor Shapiro has secured more than $41 billion in private sector investment, creating over 23,200 new jobs across Pennsylvania.
-
Lebanon, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger cut the ribbon on SCHOTT Pharma USA's newly improved and expanded manufacturing facility in Lebanon County. This expansion project helps retain more than 200 jobs, triples SCHOTT's manufacturing capacity in the United States, and continues growing Pennsylvania's robust life sciences industry.
Since 2003, SCHOTT's Lebanon facility has specialized in drug containment solutions and delivery systems for injectable drugs, producing high quality core and specialty vials made from FIOLAX borosilicate glass, built to carry and protect life-saving cancer treatments while in transit.
"From day one, I've worked to grow Pennsylvania's economy and make our Commonwealth the best place to create new jobs and real opportunity," said Governor Shapiro. "Nearly two months ago, I sat down with the President of SCHOTT North America at the NFL Draft in Pittsburgh to talk about why Pennsylvania is the best state in the nation for economic development - and today we are celebrating a significant investment in our Commonwealth. Pennsylvania is on the rise and thanks to this new, expanded manufacturing facility, our $50 billion life sciences industry is poised for even more growth."
Valued at nearly $50 billion, Pennsylvania's life sciences sector is a national powerhouse, employing more than 100,000 people across nearly 3,100 companies and world-renowned research institutions throughout the Commonwealth. Over the past five years, Pennsylvania researchers and companies have secured over 10,700 new life sciences patents -- the fourth-highest total in the country.
"SCHOTT Pharma's expansion will boost our innovation economy and further strengthen the pharmaceutical manufacturing ecosystem here in Pennsylvania," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, we have an established track record of making the Commonwealth more competitive and a better place to do business. Pennsylvania is on the rise because businesses like SCHOTT are thriving here."
SCHOTT Pharma USA, the North American branch of Germany's SCHOTT Pharma, is focused on specialty glass, glass-ceramics, and other advanced materials. In 2025, SCHOTT Pharma generated an estimated $1.1 billion in global revenue -- with two manufacturing facilities in Lebanon and Duryea, supporting more than 350 jobs in Pennsylvania.
Today's announcement is yet another example of how Pennsylvania's biotech ecosystem has grown under the Shapiro Administration. In the last year, life sciences companies like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, and B. Braun announced expansions in Pennsylvania, bringing new jobs and R&D investments into the Commonwealth.
Pennsylvania's Business Climate and Growing Economy is Getting National Recognition
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- cutting red tape, streamlining permitting and licensing, and attracting over $41 billion in private-sector investment that has created more than 23,200 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth.
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, according to a report from Axios based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi.
* Last year, Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine has named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation. The Commonwealth is 11th in the 2025 Business Climate Rankings, up seven spots from last year.
* New data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics shows that Pennsylvania ranks among the top states in the nation for five-year new business survival, underscoring the strength and resilience of the Commonwealth's economy under Governor Shapiro's leadership.
Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 proposed budget builds on that momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win. This budget increases funding for innovation in the areas of opportunity laid out in Pennsylvania's economic development strategy - including life sciences, robotics and technology, energy, manufacturing, and agriculture.
* The PA First Program, which connects businesses with trained workers and supports job retention and capital investments, will receive an additional $10 million for a total of $38 million in this budget.
* The Governor's budget would deploy nearly $100 million into the state's innovation economy, creating and funding Innovate in PA 2.0 to provide capital for promising startups, fund clinical trials for the life sciences, and enhance the Commonwealth's innovation network to help these companies succeed.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
Watch the Governor's full budget address to a joint session of the House and Senate here (https://pacast.com/a?p=28916)and read the Governor's full remarks as prepared for delivery here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-2026-27-budget-address-as-prepared-for-delive).
Read the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget in brief here (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/budget/documents/publications-and-reports/commonwealthbudget/2026-27-budget-documents/2026-27%20budget%20in%20brief.final.web.v.2.pdf).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/in-lebanon--governor-shapiro-cuts-ribbon-on-schott-pharma-usa-ex
HAWAII A.G. DEPT. TO SEEK RECONSIDERATION OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DECISION REGARDING MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT
HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 5 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following statement on June 4, 2026, in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' decision regarding federal funding for Hawaii's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
* * *
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SEEK RECONSIDERATION OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DECISION REGARDING MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT
The Department of the Attorney General remains committed to protecting Medicaid beneficiaries, safeguarding public funds, and holding accountable those who commit fraud, abuse, or neglect.
We
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, June 5 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following statement on June 4, 2026, in response to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' decision regarding federal funding for Hawaii's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit:
* * *
DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL TO SEEK RECONSIDERATION OF U.S. DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES DECISION REGARDING MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT
The Department of the Attorney General remains committed to protecting Medicaid beneficiaries, safeguarding public funds, and holding accountable those who commit fraud, abuse, or neglect.
Werecognize the seriousness of the HHS's concerns and are treating this matter with the urgency it deserves. The Department has mobilized additional personnel and resources from across multiple divisions to conduct a comprehensive review of the findings, prepare a formal response, and pursue all available avenues to preserve and strengthen Hawaii's Medicaid fraud enforcement efforts.
We intend to seek reconsideration of HHSs decision and will continue working closely with our federal partners to address concerns and demonstrate the full scope of the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit's work.
While recent federal correspondence and media reports have focused heavily on criminal case numbers, they do not fully reflect the work performed by Hawaii's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit. Since 2021, the unit has secured or helped secure more than $14 million in judgments, settlements, and recoveries, pursued civil enforcement actions, investigated allegations of provider fraud, and prosecuted cases involving the abuse and neglect of vulnerable individuals.
Medicaid fraud enforcement is not measured solely by convictions. It includes preventing fraud, recovering taxpayer dollars, protecting beneficiaries, and pursuing appropriate civil and criminal remedies based on the facts and the law.
We strongly disagree with any suggestion that Hawaii has failed to take Medicaid fraud seriously. The Department will continue working to strengthen enforcement efforts, protect public resources, and ensure accountability for those who abuse the Medicaid program.
* * *
Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/News-Release-2026-30.pdf
California Charts Smarter Path to Support Farmers and Ranchers While Maintaining Food Safety and Clean Water
SACRAMENTO, California, June 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
California charts smarter path to support farmers and ranchers while maintaining food safety and clean water
What you need to know: California is releasing final recommendations from a multi-year study focused on making agriculture food safety and water quality regulations clearer, more coordinated, and easier to navigate -- while streamlining administrative processes and improving how the state collects regulatory information.
-
The Newsom administration today released
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, June 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
California charts smarter path to support farmers and ranchers while maintaining food safety and clean water
What you need to know: California is releasing final recommendations from a multi-year study focused on making agriculture food safety and water quality regulations clearer, more coordinated, and easier to navigate -- while streamlining administrative processes and improving how the state collects regulatory information.
-
The Newsom administration today releasedthe final recommendations from a study that intends to improve food safety and water quality reporting for California's agricultural community. This interagency collaboration between the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA), California Environmental Protection Agency (CalEPA), and the State Water Resources Control Board was developed with input from farmers, ranchers, and local leaders and demonstrates California's continued efforts to build a roadmap for the future.
* * *
California agriculture leads the world, not by standing still but by constantly innovating. This roadmap is about making the regulatory process work better for the people growing our food and sustaining communities across the state, while maintaining the food safety and water quality standards that Californians depend on. We are proving that meaningful protections and a strong agricultural economy can help move our state interests forward together. - Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
"I want to thank the many farmers, ranchers, local leaders and advocates, and agency colleagues who contributed to this work," CDFA Secretary Karen Ross said. "You have helped us build a roadmap for smarter regulation - one that keeps pace with the complexity of today while preparing for the challenges of tomorrow. We look forward to aligning this report's recommendations with future opportunities of parallel efforts underway."
"Innovative regulatory programs at the intersection of agriculture and water quality are critical to the state's future," said State Water Board Chair Joaquin Esquivel. "The State Water Board is proud to work alongside Secretary Ross and Secretary Garcia as we consider key recommendations from the agricultural community and other industry experts for these programs. One thing is clear: we must strengthen our data systems to maximize their value to decision makers and the public while minimizing the cost of compliance for growers. I look forward to working together to advance these programs for the benefit of all Californians."
The study evaluated California's food safety and water quality regulatory requirements for agriculture as part of an effort to streamline administrative processes and optimize information collected by the state. The study was supported by funding in the 2021-22 budget.
The report identifies 18 recommendations to streamline agency coordination, expand technical assistance, modernize data and reporting systems, and enhance regulatory efficiency while supporting food safety and environmental protection goals.
California is moving the agricultural needle
As California's agriculture continues its dominance, the state has already started to find sustainable ways to ensure farmers and the state are ready to succeed for years to come.
The Sustainable Agricultural Lands Conservation Program (SALC) invests funding from California's Cap-and-Invest system to protect critical agricultural lands that are at risk of conversion to more energy intensive uses. These efforts support agricultural and tribal food systems and soil health, and help sequester climate change-causing emissions.
Furthermore, California continues to connect farmers with opportunities to expand markets in local communities, increasing access to fresh, nutritious foods through CDFA's Office of Farm to Fork. For example, the Farm to School program connects local food producers with school cafeteria programs, stimulating regional agricultural economies and teaching kids healthy eating habits. This program connects the dots between local food purchasing in school cafeterias and hands-on food education opportunities, giving students learning experiences beyond the classroom in school gardens, culinary kitchens, and local farms. This program is a proven way to increase consumption of whole and minimally processed foods, expand the use of climate-smart, organic, and regenerative agricultural practices, and connect farmers to a billion-dollar institution market, helping them to diversify markets. Additionally, the CDFA's Office of Farm to Fork connects community members directly with California's farmers and ranchers and provides information and other resources.
Since 2018, the Healthy Soils Program under CDFA has supported farmers and ranchers to help them incorporate new sustainable agricultural practices into their systems, which include projects to increase the resilience of California's farms and surrounding ecosystems to climate challenges.
View the study and its recommendations on the CDFA Regulatory Alignment Study website (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/RegulatoryAlignment/).
* * *
REPORT: (https://www.cdfa.ca.gov/RegulatoryAlignment/docs/Regulatory_Alignment_Study-Recommendations_and_Implementation_Steps_FINAL_REPORT.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/04/california-charts-smarter-path-to-support-farmers-and-ranchers-while-maintaining-food-safety-and-clean-water/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Indictment for Fraud Scheme Involving Forged Financial Statements and Theft of Retirement Funds
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 5 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictment for Fraud Scheme Involving Forged Financial Statements and Theft of Retirement Funds
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a State Grand Jury has indicted Daniel Droeg on four felony counts for an alleged fraud scheme involving forged financial statements and the theft of his clients' retirement funds.
The grand jury returned a true bill on April 13, 2026, charging Droeg with fraudulent schemes and artifices, a Class
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 5 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on June 4, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictment for Fraud Scheme Involving Forged Financial Statements and Theft of Retirement Funds
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a State Grand Jury has indicted Daniel Droeg on four felony counts for an alleged fraud scheme involving forged financial statements and the theft of his clients' retirement funds.
The grand jury returned a true bill on April 13, 2026, charging Droeg with fraudulent schemes and artifices, a Class2 felony; theft of $100,000 or more, a Class 2 felony; and two counts of forgery, both Class 4 felonies.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jordan Esser of the Attorney General's Criminal Division.
The cause number is CR2026-006706-001, filed in Maricopa County Superior Court.
All defendants are presumed innocent until convicted in a court of law.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-indictment-fraud-scheme-involving-forged-financial
