States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Statement From ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear on Regent Jim McCain's Unanimous Confirmation to the Board of Regents
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following statement on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Statement from ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear on Regent Jim McCain's unanimous confirmation to the Board of Regents
Below is a statement from Arizona Board of Regents Chair Doug Goodyear on Regent Jim McCain's unanimous confirmation to the Arizona Board of Regents.
"The board is pleased to see Regent Jim McCain unanimously confirmed by the Arizona Senate. His long record of public service, deep Arizona roots and commitment to strengthening opportunities for students will be a strong asset
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- The Arizona Board of Regents issued the following statement on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Statement from ABOR Chair Doug Goodyear on Regent Jim McCain's unanimous confirmation to the Board of Regents
Below is a statement from Arizona Board of Regents Chair Doug Goodyear on Regent Jim McCain's unanimous confirmation to the Arizona Board of Regents.
"The board is pleased to see Regent Jim McCain unanimously confirmed by the Arizona Senate. His long record of public service, deep Arizona roots and commitment to strengthening opportunities for students will be a strong assetto our state and our public universities. We value his leadership and look forward to working together to advance higher education and serve communities in every region of Arizona."
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Original text here: https://www.azregents.edu/news-releases/statement-abor-chair-doug-goodyear-regent-jim-mccains-unanimous-confirmation-board
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Operation Blunt Force Dismantles Criminal Enterprise
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Drummond: Operation Blunt Force dismantles criminal enterprise
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that his Organized Crime Task Force, working alongside 27 law enforcement partners nationwide, arrested 20 individuals linked to a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The Hao Chen Organization was responsible for approximately one million pounds of marijuana worth $1.5 billion in street value.
The investigation, called Operation Blunt Force, targeted
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 4 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Drummond: Operation Blunt Force dismantles criminal enterprise
Attorney General Gentner Drummond announced today that his Organized Crime Task Force, working alongside 27 law enforcement partners nationwide, arrested 20 individuals linked to a sophisticated criminal enterprise. The Hao Chen Organization was responsible for approximately one million pounds of marijuana worth $1.5 billion in street value.
The investigation, called Operation Blunt Force, targetedan organization led by Hao Tong Chen that ran fraudulent medical marijuana licensing schemes in Oklahoma from approximately 2021 to 2025. Law enforcement executed more than 50 search warrants and recovered 12 firearms during the course of the investigation. Four people were also deported.
The arrests follow a multi-county grand jury indictment from November, charging 19 defendants with 18 felony counts, including racketeering, conspiracy to defraud the state, document fraud, aggravated manufacturing of marijuana and unlawful proceeds.
According to the indictment, Chen orchestrated a fraudulent "straw owner" scheme that unlawfully obtained Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA) licenses and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs (OBN) registrations for marijuana growing facilities in violation of Oklahoma's residency requirement. The organization recruited Oklahoma residents as straw owners, paid them to use their identities on fake applications, then illegally manufactured marijuana and diverted it to the black market. The investigation revealed Chen had bank accounts with large cash deposits and regular wire transfers from New York, which were used to pay straw owners and other associates of the conspiracy.
"This operation demonstrates my office's unwavering commitment to protecting the safety of Oklahomans and dismantling sophisticated criminal organizations that exploit our state's medical marijuana system," said Drummond. "These defendants allegedly orchestrated a multi-state criminal enterprise that undermined the integrity of our licensing process and violated the trust of Oklahomans. When criminal organizations divert marijuana to the black market, they put our communities at risk and fund further illegal activity. I am grateful to the 27 agencies across the country that worked together to bring these individuals to justice and make Oklahoma safer."
The investigation revealed that individuals involved in the criminal activity were located in Oklahoma, New York, Texas, Nevada, California, Colorado, Illinois and Washington. Financial transactions connected to the operation flowed to and from Oklahoma from New York, Nevada, Texas, California, New Mexico, Missouri, Georgia, Illinois, Washington, Oregon and China.
"I am proud of the dedicated work of our Organized Crime Task Force and the remarkable collaboration it made possible," Drummond said. "This task force was built to take on exactly these kinds of sophisticated, multi-state criminal enterprises, and Operation Blunt Force is a testament to what our team can accomplish when we work together with partners across the country. We will continue to use every tool at our disposal to protect Oklahoma from those who seek to exploit our state for personal gain."
The investigation and arrests were made possible through the cooperation of federal, state and local law enforcement agencies across four time zones.
"Over the past few weeks, the DEA New York's Trident Group conducted an operation with the Oklahoma Attorney General's office and our law enforcement partners, which targeted and dismantled a large-scale illicit marijuana grow trafficking operation which is tied to an international money-laundering network. These criminal organizations were not only flooding our communities with illicit drugs, but also using financial schemes to hide and move their illegal profits" stated DEA New York Enforcement Division Special Agent in Charge Farhana Islam. "The DEA and our law enforcement partners in New York and across the country remain committed in targeting those drug trafficking organizations and individuals who attempt to gain the system, from cultivation to cash flow."
Queens District Attorney's Office in New York also assisted with the operation.
"Unlicensed and unregulated marijuana products pose a serious threat to the communities where they are illegally sold," said Queens District Attorney Melinda Katz. "My office was proud to assist the office of Attorney General Gentner Drummond and its law enforcement partners in dismantling an illegal marijuana trafficking operation in Oklahoma, with the alleged ringleader based in Queens County. We will continue to pursue our own investigations while working alongside agencies nationwide to ensure the public is protected from illicit product."
Other agencies involved include Blaine County Sheriff's Office, Caddo County Sheriff's Office, Canadian County Sheriff's Office, DEA - Houston Division, DEA - Oklahoma City, DEA - Reno (NV), District 5 District Attorney, District 23 District Attorney, District 23 District Attorney Drug Task Force, Edmond Police Department, FBI Oklahoma City, Fort Bend County (TX) Sheriff's Office, ICE, Kingfisher County Sheriff's Office, Lawton Police Department, Midwest City Police Department, New York Police Department, OBN, Oklahoma City Police Department, Oklahoma Highway Patrol, Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority, Oklahoma National Guard 63rd Civil Support Team, Pottawatomie County Sheriff's Office, Shawnee Police Department, Tulsa County Sheriff's Office and Washoe County (NV) Sheriff's Office.
Read the Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/CF-2025-5462%20Indictment_Redacted.pdf)
Watch the News Conference (https://youtu.be/DPkbly7MwdI?si=sYHYywnB4Z_Gcobv)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-operation-blunt-force-dismantles-criminal-enterprise.html
N.J. Acting A.G. Davenport: Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged With Allegedly Stealing $1 Million From the Company to Start a Competing Business
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 4 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged with Allegedly Stealing $1 Million from the Company to Start a Competing Business
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced charges against the former vice president of a Monmouth County-based industrial manufacturing company in connection with his alleged theft of over $1 million.
Jeffrey Lawrence, 34, of Far Hills, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with two counts of theft by unlawful
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Feb. 4 -- New Jersey Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Former Executive of Manufacturing Company Charged with Allegedly Stealing $1 Million from the Company to Start a Competing Business
Acting Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced charges against the former vice president of a Monmouth County-based industrial manufacturing company in connection with his alleged theft of over $1 million.
Jeffrey Lawrence, 34, of Far Hills, New Jersey, was charged by complaint with two counts of theft by unlawfultaking (second degree) and two counts of misconduct by a corporate official (second degree).
"The defendant's alleged financial scheme undermines trust in high-level corporate executives and the integrity of business dealings," said Acting Attorney General Davenport. "These crimes erode the ability of businesses to operate on a level playing field and can lead to increased costs, which can affect us all."
"We allege this individual misappropriated over $1 million from the company that employed him as a vice president, among other high-level roles," said Division of Criminal Justice Director Theresa L. Hilton. "No title or position is above the law. When that is alleged to have been abused, we will pursue accountability."
"The defendant misused a position of trust to allegedly commit financial crimes," said Legal Chief Pablo Quinones of the Office of Securities Fraud and Financial Crimes Prosecutions (OSFFCP). "This office remains steadfast in its commitment to investigate and prosecute these types of sophisticated, financial crimes."
As alleged in the complaint, Lawrence embezzled over $1 million from the manufacturing company where he served as vice president, treasurer, and corporate secretary. Lawrence opened alternate and unauthorized bank accounts for the company, and, through a series of transactions in January and March 2022, stole approximately $1 million, transferring the funds to a second company under his control to start a competing business. To conceal the thefts, Lawrence allegedly fabricated various corporate records at both companies, including purchase orders and invoices, to falsely justify the payment of funds between the two companies, which had not actually conducted legitimate business.
The charges are the result of an investigation conducted by detectives and investigators within the Division of Criminal Justice assigned to the OSFFCP, including Detective Stephen Kircher and Special Investigators Sean McCarthy and Stephen Minikel, with the assistance of federal agents from the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Assistant Attorney General A. Brendan Stewart, Deputy Legal Chief of the OSFFCP, is handling the prosecution, under the direction of Legal Chief Quinones.
Second-degree crimes carry a sentence of up to 10 years in state prison and a fine of up to $150,000.
The charges and allegations contained in the complaint are merely accusations, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with pertinent information is asked to contact the DCJ's tip line at (800) 277-2427 or the OSFFCP's complaint email at OSFFCP@njdcj.org.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/former-executive-of-manufacturing-company-charged-with-allegedly-stealing-1-million-from-the-company-to-start-a-competing-business/
N.C. Commerce Dept.: 25 Years of Educational Excellence at the Nation's Leading Statewide Downtown Revitalization Conference
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 4 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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25 Years of Educational Excellence at the Nation's Leading Statewide Downtown Revitalization Conference
The 2026 NC Main Street Conference to assemble in New Bern
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North Carolina community and economic development leaders will convene in downtown New Bern for the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12. Registration is now open for the 25th annual meeting where community leaders can gather inspiration, practical tools, and proven strategies
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Feb. 4 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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25 Years of Educational Excellence at the Nation's Leading Statewide Downtown Revitalization Conference
The 2026 NC Main Street Conference to assemble in New Bern
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North Carolina community and economic development leaders will convene in downtown New Bern for the 2026 North Carolina Main Street Conference March 10-12. Registration is now open for the 25th annual meeting where community leaders can gather inspiration, practical tools, and proven strategiesto advance their local revitalization efforts. Organized by the North Carolina Department of Commerce and its N.C. Main Street and Rural Planning Center, the three-day annual conference hosted by the City of New Bern will explore innovative strategies for downtown revitalization and economic development.
As we celebrate the 25th anniversary of the N.C. Main Street Conference, the largest statewide downtown revitalization conference in the country, we reflect on the transformative journey that has shaped North Carolina's downtown districts. More than 850 attendees representing over 150 communities are expected to attend the three-day session.
This year's theme, Main Street: Inspiring Impactful Change, focuses on how the Main Street program drives meaningful transformation in communities. For decades, the North Carolina Main Street program has guided transformative journeys from Murphy to Manteo, revitalizing downtowns, preserving historic assets, and strengthening local economies. The conference is a testament to the resilience and vision of communities that have embraced the Main Street approach, turning challenges into opportunities and inspiring impactful changes across the state.
New Bern, one of the original Main Street communities, is an exceptional community to host this year's anniversary celebration. Since 1980, the City of New Bern and its nonprofit Main Street program, Swiss Bear, Inc., have led efforts to revitalize its historic downtown through preservation, economic development, and public engagement. These efforts have transformed downtown New Bern into a walkable, bike-friendly destination enhanced by public art, beautification projects, and cultural events. Historic buildings have been rehabilitated, new development has complemented the city's heritage, and local businesses have flourished, making New Bern a model for Main Street success.
The conference offers communities an opportunity to hear from practitioners across the state and country, with inspirational keynote and plenary sessions from the following:
Keynote Speakers
* Edward Erfurt, Strong Towns, presenting Strong Communities Begin Downtown
* Joe Minicozzi, Urban3, presenting The Economics of a City and the Power of Downtowns!
* Joe Borgstrom, Place+Main Advisors, presenting Modern Magnets: Powering Downtowns with Today's Anchor Destinations
Plenary Speakers
* Plenary Conversation with Edward Erfurt and Joe Minicozzi, moderated by Reginald Speight, Assistant Secretary of Rural Economic Development, on Dollars & Density: Unpacking the Price of Place
* Erin Barnes, Main Street America, presenting Main Street Forward: Where Lessons Learned Power the Future
In addition to the keynotes and plenaries, there will be 10 Toolkit Sessions and 18 Breakout sessions, an awards ceremony showcasing 13 of the best projects completed in designated Main Street communities on March 11, a Main Street Champions Recognition Ceremony on March 12, and guided tours of historic New Bern.
For more information and to register for the conference, visit the N.C. Main Street Conference (https://www.ncmainstreetandplanning.com/nc-main-street-conference). Early bird registration pricing ends on February 16, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/02/03/25-years-educational-excellence-nations-leading-statewide-downtown-revitalization-conference
Minnesota DNR, White Earth Nation Formalize Working Relationship With Memorandum of Understanding
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 4 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Minnesota DNR, White Earth Nation formalize working relationship with memorandum of understanding
MOU puts in writing how the DNR, White Earth Nation collaborate on natural resources management on state owned, DNR-managed land within the White Earth State Forest
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At a ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol, leadership from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and White Earth Nation (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag) joined Gov. Tim Walz to sign a memorandum of
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Feb. 4 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Minnesota DNR, White Earth Nation formalize working relationship with memorandum of understanding
MOU puts in writing how the DNR, White Earth Nation collaborate on natural resources management on state owned, DNR-managed land within the White Earth State Forest
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At a ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol, leadership from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources and White Earth Nation (Gaa-waabaabiganikaag) joined Gov. Tim Walz to sign a memorandum ofunderstanding. The document formalizes the Minnesota DNR and White Earth Nation's long-standing government-to-government relationship for managing land, water, fish, wildlife and other natural resources within the White Earth State Forest.
"Stewardship of our natural resources is a collective responsibility. We are proud to work alongside White Earth Nation and grateful for this strong and established partnership in conservation," said Commissioner Sarah Strommen. "Formally memorializing our work together ensures we manage natural resources in a manner that reflects those shared responsibilities, distinct authorities, and common goals."
While the Minnesota DNR and White Earth Nation have a long history of coordination and shared stewardship of natural resources, the details of this work hadn't been formally memorialized or documented until now. The MOU aims to advance natural resource management and conservation on lands within the White Earth State Forest by enhancing information sharing, coordination and collaboration in alignment with state, federal, and Tribal laws.
"The MOU represents a critical step toward restoring Tribal cultural, historical and environmental values," said White Earth Nation Tribal Chairman Michael Fairbanks. "This agreement establishes a framework for collaborative management, ensuring Tribal care of our homelands and decisions that reflect cultural responsibilities and stewardship."
Among the specific areas of coordination documented in the agreement are aquatic invasive species prevention, fisheries, forestry, lands, water resources, wildlife, and wild rice.
Examples of coordination activities within White Earth State Forest that are outlined in the MOU include forest management planning initiatives and management activities on aquatic management areas and wildlife management areas. The Minnesota DNR will also continue coordination with White Earth on land sales, exchanges, and acquisitions prior to initiating any of those transactions. However, the document does not address White Earth Nation's request for the transfer of state land to the Tribe.
The agreement also outlines coordination on setting seasons for waterfowl, deer, bear, small game, and furbearers and related management activities, including chronic wasting disease prevention and mitigation. The two parties will continue close coordination on wildfire response and communication and information-sharing, as needed, to ensure the protection of natural resources.
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/02/03/minnesota-dnr-white-earth-nation-formalize-working-relationship-memorandum-understanding
Ill. Gov. Pritzker Announces the Fourth Cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 4 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces the Fourth Cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.)
Thirty-four emerging leaders selected to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and operational effectiveness
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SPRINGFIELD -- Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) today announced the selection of the 2026 participants for the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.), marking the launch of the program's fourth cohort.
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Feb. 4 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces the Fourth Cohort of the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.)
Thirty-four emerging leaders selected to strengthen cross-agency collaboration and operational effectiveness
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SPRINGFIELD -- Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) today announced the selection of the 2026 participants for the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership (G.O.A.L.), marking the launch of the program's fourth cohort.Administered by CMS, G.O.A.L. continues to serve as a cornerstone leadership development initiative for mid-level professionals across State government.
"It is an absolute pleasure for me to welcome a talented new class of participants to G.O.A.L. This new cohort came to the program with unique experiences, insights, and above all, a deep commitment to public service," said Governor JB Pritzker. "The G.O.A.L. program aims to ensure that Illinois' next generation of dynamic leaders is prepared to build a brighter future for our great state, and this new cohort is an investment in that future."
G.O.A.L. is a highly competitive leadership development program launched by Governor Pritzker in 2022 to strengthen the State's talent pipeline. The program brings together high-performing employees who advance agency missions and serve Illinois residents. Through a structured, immersive curriculum--including facilitated learning, peer collaboration, and applied leadership experiences--participants build leadership skills, gain enterprise-wide perspective, and strengthen cross-agency connections, graduating in December.
The 2026 cohort includes 34 participants from 23 State agencies and offices, reflecting the breadth of expertise across Illinois government. Participants were selected through a competitive, multi-agency review process from hundreds of applicants and represent a diverse group of professionals with a shared commitment to public service.
"The fourth G.O.A.L. cohort reflects the depth of talent within Illinois' workforce," said Raven A. DeVaughn, Director of CMS. "These participants bring varied perspectives and experiences that will enrich the program and contribute to more coordinated, effective government. CMS is proud to support their continued development as leaders."
The 2026 G.O.A.L. cohort includes:
* Lauren Aceves, Department of Innovation and Technology
* Adrian Atwater, Illinois Human Rights Commission
* Heath Barone, Department of Transportation
* Kevin Beck, Office of the Lieutenant Governor
* Angelo Bommarito, Department of Agriculture
* Melissa Brandenburg, Illinois Prisoner Review Board
* Diane Casas, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
* Brittney Chitwood, Department of Veterans Affairs
* Darnell Cloud, Department of Employment Security
* Marla Courts, Department of Children and Family Services
* Karen Dudek-Brannan, Department of Children and Family Services
* Jashay Fisher-Fowler, Illinois Criminal Justice Information Authority
* Lindsey Freeman, Department of Healthcare and Family Services
* Scott Gauvin, Illinois Emergency Management Agency - Office of Homeland Security
* Mariel Hamer-Sinclair, Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities
* Dr. Tanisha Hankerson, Department of Human Services
* Briana Jacobs, Department of Employment Security
* Kristen Kennedy, Department of Healthcare and Family Services
* Nicholas Klein, Illinois Capital Development Board
* James Kowalsky, Department of Human Services
* Shannon Leake, Department of Central Management Services
* Sophia Manuel, Department of Corrections
* Sean Martschinke, Department of Transportation
* Sheila Nelson, Department of Human Services
* Logan Pappenfort, Department of Natural Resources
* Jeffrey Parga, Department of Central Management Services
* Chad Phillips, Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity
* Oscar Pina, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation
* Greg Richards, Department of Insurance
* Amanda Shanbaum, Illinois State Police
* Michael Sullivan, Department of Innovation and Technology
* Jaclyn Thompson, Department of Corrections Tangy Williams, Department of Human Services
* Brandon Woudenberg, Department of Early Childhood
Managed by the CMS Ofbce of Operational Excellence under the direction of Dr. Vicki Davis, G.O.A.L. has more than 80 alumni working throughout State government -- a testament to Illinois' sustained commitment to effective government administration. For more information about the Governor's Office Academy of Leadership program, visit www.illinois.gov/goal.
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32150
Arizona House Republicans: Chairman Griffin's Bill to Prepare Arizona for Litigation on the Colorado River Passes House Unanimously
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Chairman Griffin's Bill to Prepare Arizona for Litigation on the Colorado River Passes House Unanimously
The Arizona House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 2116, bipartisan legislation sponsored by State Representative Gail Griffin to strengthen Arizona's legal defense fund in the event of litigation over Colorado River water.
HB 2116 appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, which was created in 2025 to be used
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 4 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 3, 2026:
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Chairman Griffin's Bill to Prepare Arizona for Litigation on the Colorado River Passes House Unanimously
The Arizona House of Representatives on Tuesday unanimously passed House Bill 2116, bipartisan legislation sponsored by State Representative Gail Griffin to strengthen Arizona's legal defense fund in the event of litigation over Colorado River water.
HB 2116 appropriates $1,000,000 in fiscal year 2027 to the Colorado River Litigation Fund, which was created in 2025 to be usedsolely by the Arizona Department of Water Resources to take legal action, if necessary, to protect and defend Arizona's lawful entitlement to Colorado River water. The bill advanced from the House Natural Resources, Energy and Water Committee and the Appropriations Committee with bipartisan support.
Arizona depends on firm enforcement of interstate water compacts to protect the state's long-term water supply for municipalities, agriculture, military bases, housing, and semiconductor fabricators, among other industries. As negotiations among Basin states continue and delivery shortfalls draw closer, state leaders have warned that court action may become unavoidable if existing legal obligations are disregarded.
"Arizona does not get to wish its way out of a water fight," said Representative Gail Griffin. "Other states have been positioning themselves for court long before this fund was created. Hopefully, the fund will not be needed, but if it is--this bill makes sure that Arizona is ready to defend the water that millions of people and billions of dollars of economic activity, depend on. Waiting until a lawsuit is filed to start planning would be reckless. HB 2116 puts Arizona on offense, not defense."
HB 2116 now heads to the Arizona Senate for consideration.
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Gail Griffin is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 19, which includes areas of Greenlee, Graham, Cochise, and eastern Pima and Santa Cruz Counties. She also serves as Chairman of the House Natural Resources, Energy & Water Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260203GRIFFINHB2116.pdf
