States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Trump Administration Grants Tennessee's Emergency Declaration to Support Winter Weather Response
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Jan. 24, 2026:
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Trump Administration Grants Tennessee's Emergency Declaration to Support Winter Weather Response
Today, Governor Bill Lee announced that President Donald J. Trump has granted an Emergency Declaration to support Tennessee's ongoing response to the winter weather event that is impacting all 95 counties across the state. The request was submitted to the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday, ahead of the forecasted winter storm.
The Emergency Declaration
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Jan. 24, 2026:
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Trump Administration Grants Tennessee's Emergency Declaration to Support Winter Weather Response
Today, Governor Bill Lee announced that President Donald J. Trump has granted an Emergency Declaration to support Tennessee's ongoing response to the winter weather event that is impacting all 95 counties across the state. The request was submitted to the White House and the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) on Friday, ahead of the forecasted winter storm.
The Emergency Declarationgrants federal assistance to support immediate emergency protective measures and coordination of resources as state and local officials continue response operations related to hazardous winter conditions.
"As state and local law enforcement, first responders, and road crews continue responding to the winter weather conditions, the Emergency Declaration will support further coordination of resources," said Gov. Lee. "I'm grateful to President Trump and Secretary Noem for ensuring federal resources are available to support Tennesseans."
Understanding the Emergency Declaration
An Emergency Declaration provides rapid, short-term federal assistance when an incident threatens lives or property, and immediate action is required. The declaration may authorize:
* Federal support for emergency protective measures
* Direct federal assistance to state and local governments
* Coordination of federal resources to support lifesaving and life-sustaining actions
State and local officials continue to monitor conditions and assess impacts from this winter weather event while response operations are ongoing.
State Response Continues
The Tennessee Emergency Management Agency (TEMA) remains fully engaged with local, state, and federal partners and continues to monitor forecasts, coordinate planning efforts, and assess potential needs to ensure resources can be deployed rapidly if necessary.
"This emergency declaration ensures Tennessee has the support needed to respond swiftly to this winter weather event," said TEMA Director Patrick C. Sheehan. "We continue working closely with local officials to address immediate needs while monitoring conditions and impacts across the state."
Stay Informed
Tennesseans are encouraged to stay informed and follow guidance from local officials. For the latest updates, preparedness information, and safety guidance related to this winter weather event, visit the TEMA Winter Weather webpage (https://www.tn.gov/tema/updates/2026-disasters/january-2026-winter-weather.html).
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2026/1/24/trump-administration-grants-tennessee-s-emergency-declaration-to-support-winter-weather-response.html
TEDCO Invests in Stacato
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Jan. 27 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release on Jan. 26, 2026:
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TEDCO Invests in Stacato
Company working to create innovative wearable technology
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent nearly $500,000 Cybersecurity Investment Fund (CIF) investment in Stacato LLC. The CIF is housed under the umbrella of TEDCO's Seed Funds and is dedicated to supporting cybersecurity and information technology companies.
"Innovation comes in many forms, and we believe we have identified one that
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, Jan. 27 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release on Jan. 26, 2026:
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TEDCO Invests in Stacato
Company working to create innovative wearable technology
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent nearly $500,000 Cybersecurity Investment Fund (CIF) investment in Stacato LLC. The CIF is housed under the umbrella of TEDCO's Seed Funds and is dedicated to supporting cybersecurity and information technology companies.
"Innovation comes in many forms, and we believe we have identified one thatcan meaningfully reshape the wearable space," said Gil Limonchik, founder and CEO of Stacato. "TEDCO's investment enables us to accelerate development and bring this technology closer to operational use."
Stacato LLC, located in Rockville, Md., is working to develop a secure and wireless communications option for warfighters. By targeting the convergence of immersive augmented reality, tactical communications and electronic resilience, the company aims to enhance current capabilities.
"TEDCO looks forward to seeing our investment support this Maryland-based defense technology company's growth," said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director, Venture Funds. "We hope our support furthers research and development efforts on such innovative technology that can be utilized by our troops."
The CIF focuses on providing investment opportunities that are often overlooked by traditional investment and financing sources due to economic disadvantages. For more information, visit our page here.
"With more than 60 federal facilities across the state, founders have ample opportunity to collaborate with, support and leverage the world-class equipment and talent to further innovative growth," said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. "Companies looking to expand and innovate need to look no further than Maryland's collaborative innovation ecosystem."
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/news-events/press-releases/2026/tedco-invests-stacato
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces 11 Indictments in Connection With Suspected Prison Drug Overdose Death
PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 27 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces 11 Indictments in Connection With Suspected Prison Drug Overdose Death
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that 11 people, including seven prison inmates, three private citizens, and one person who was contracted by the state at the time, have been indicted in connection with a November 2025 drug overdose death of an inmate at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield.
Timothy Tyree, 46, was reported deceased Nov. 17, 2025.
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 27 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces 11 Indictments in Connection With Suspected Prison Drug Overdose Death
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that 11 people, including seven prison inmates, three private citizens, and one person who was contracted by the state at the time, have been indicted in connection with a November 2025 drug overdose death of an inmate at the Mike Durfee State Prison in Springfield.
Timothy Tyree, 46, was reported deceased Nov. 17, 2025.An autopsy revealed he had ingested synthetic cannabinoids (K2). During the same time, other inmates had indicated that they also had ingested K2.
"Our investigation uncovered a criminal conspiracy in which four private individuals--including one contracted by the state --were smuggling illegal drugs to inmates," said Attorney General Jackley. "Illegal substances inside our prison walls create a dangerous environment for both inmates and staff. That's why this year I introduced legislation to strengthen our law for anyone attempting to smuggle these poisons into our facilities and to deter and stop these drugs from resulting in another tragic overdose."
Those charged are:
*** Vanessa Baker, 54, Echo, MN on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Morgan Benson, 27, Sioux Falls, SD on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Tricia Bradley, 56, Springfield, SD on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Wicanhpiduta Brant, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on six charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate; and Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 70 years in prison or jail.
*** Tyler Gallant, 36, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on six charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate; and Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 70 years in prison or jail.
*** Kok Put Kach, 41, Sioux Falls, SD on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Duoth Kek, 40, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Komakeg Loyira, 30, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on five charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; and Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 60 years in prison or jail.
*** Saquan Pemberton, 30, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on six charges: Distribution of Controlled Substances Resulting in Death; Aiding, Abetting, or Advising Distribution of Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Conspiracy to Distribute Controlled Substance Resulting in Death; Distribution of Controlled Substance; Delivery or Intent to Deliver Unauthorized Article to Inmate; and Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by Inmate. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 70 years in prison or jail.
*** Keith Hawk, 30, Inmate, Mike Durfee Prison on two charges: Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by an Inmate and Unauthorized Possession of a Controlled Substance. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or jail.
*** Trenton Redwater, 27, Mitchell on two charges: Aiding, Abetting or Advising Possession of Prohibited Controlled Substance by an Inmate and Keeping Place for Use or Sale of a Controlled Substance. Faces a combined maximum sentence of 15 years in prison or jail. He was an inmate at the time the crime was committed.
The maximum sentences for some of the indicted defendants may be enhanced by habitual offender provisions or by state law which allows for certain criminal penalties to be doubled when committed by prisoners of a state correctional facility.
South Dakota's Division of Criminal Investigation (DCI) and the Department of Corrections Office of the Inspector General investigated the death. The Attorney General's Office will prosecute.
The defendants were indicted last week by a Bon Homme County Grand Jury. They are presumed innocent under the U.S. Constitution.
Charges have now been filed in four of the eight suspected drug overdose deaths of prison inmates that occurred in 2025. The other three are currently proceeding through court. The four other cases remain under investigation.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2998
Maine Secretary of State Bellows Issues Statement on A.G. Bondi Announcement Making Release of Voter File Condition of Pulling ICE Out of Minnesota
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 27 -- Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued the following statement on Jan. 25, 2026:
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Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issues statement on US Attorney General Pam Bondi's announcement making release of the voter file a condition of pulling ICE out of Minnesota
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows today issued a statement on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's announcement making release of the voter file a condition of pulling ICE out of Minnesota:
"Attorney General Bondi's letter to Minnesota made explicit what has long been clear: ICE is invading our states
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 27 -- Maine Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued the following statement on Jan. 25, 2026:
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Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issues statement on US Attorney General Pam Bondi's announcement making release of the voter file a condition of pulling ICE out of Minnesota
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows today issued a statement on U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi's announcement making release of the voter file a condition of pulling ICE out of Minnesota:
"Attorney General Bondi's letter to Minnesota made explicit what has long been clear: ICE is invading our statesand inflicting violence in order to create chaos and control our states and elections. These sinister actions are Donald Trump's attempt to assume absolute power.
Let me say this clearly for President Trump: Maine will never turn over our voter rolls as a ransom payment to get ICE to end its unconstitutional assault on our state. Our founders designed a system where states and local governments, not the federal government, oversee elections to safeguard us from exactly this -- a tyrannical, power-hungry president trampling on our constitutional rights. As Maine's top election official, I stand with Minnesota Secretary of State Simon as we fight back against this dangerous assault together."
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/secretary-state-shenna-bellows-issues-statement-us-attorney-general-pam-bondis-announcement
ICYMI: Minn. Gov. Walz - The Un-American Assault on Minnesota
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Tim Walz: The Un-American Assault on Minnesota
Following recent events in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has written an op-ed, originally published in the Wall Street Journal. The full piece is available below.
Tim Walz: The Un-American Assault on Minnesota
The Trump administration's assault on Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. It isn't just. It isn't legal. And, critically, it
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release:
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ICYMI: Tim Walz: The Un-American Assault on Minnesota
Following recent events in Minnesota, Governor Tim Walz has written an op-ed, originally published in the Wall Street Journal. The full piece is available below.
Tim Walz: The Un-American Assault on Minnesota
The Trump administration's assault on Minnesota long ago stopped being a matter of immigration enforcement. It is a campaign of organized brutality against the people of our state. It isn't just. It isn't legal. And, critically, itisn't making anyone any safer.
Quite the opposite: Immigration agents have now shot and killed two of our neighbors: Renee Good and Alex Pretti. And there are countless other stories of protesters and bystanders being physically attacked by federal agents, to say nothing of the chaos and violence being unleashed against the targets of these raids, many of whom have done nothing wrong except exist as a person of color.
The pretext for all this is the Trump administration's insistence that our immigration laws would otherwise go unenforced. This federal occupation of Minnesota is, administration officials insist, about our predilection for releasing "violent criminal illegal aliens" from state custody.
I can't stress this enough: The Trump administration has its facts wrong about Minnesota.
The administration claims that Minnesota jails release "the worst of the worst." In reality, the Minnesota Department of Corrections honors all federal and local detainers by notifying Immigration and Customs Enforcement when a person committed to its custody isn't a U.S. citizen. There is not a single documented case of the department's releasing someone from state prison without offering to ensure a smooth transfer of custody.
Yet the lies persist. This week, ICE tweeted that rural Cottonwood County had refused to honor a detainer for an alleged child sex predator. That's not true. The county sheriff followed procedure and contacted ICE when the subject posted bail, but ICE agents were too busy wreaking havoc in the Twin Cities to do their actual job and pick the prisoner up.
Some of the administration's claims are ridiculous on their face. For example: It claims that 1,360 non-U.S. citizens are in Minnesota prisons. The truth: Our total state prison population is roughly 8,000, and only 207 of them are noncitizens.
Earlier this month, the administration published what it claimed was a list of people who have been arrested as part of this ICE sweep, asserting that this list represents "the worst of the worst" criminals, and implying that we have been protecting them from capture.
Minnesota Public Radio investigated this claim and found it to be completely false: "Most of the people on the list had been immediately transferred to ICE custody at the end of time served in Minnesota prisons. All of those transfers happened before ICE began its surge of operations in Minnesota on Dec. 1, 2025, with some even happening years before."
In other words, ICE is taking credit for arrests that state and local law enforcement made, activity that took place before this assault on our state even began.
Everyone wants to see our immigration laws enforced. That isn't what is happening in Minnesota. In recent weeks, masked agents have abducted children. They have separated children from their parents. They have racially profiled off-duty police officers. They have aggressively pulled people over and demanded to see their papers. They have broken into the homes of elderly citizens without warrants to drag them outside in freezing temperatures.
That isn't effective law enforcement. It isn't following the rule of law. It's chaos. It's illegal. And it's un-American.
I have repeatedly appealed to President Trump to lower the temperature. But he refuses. I fear that his hope is for the tension between ICE agents and the communities they're ransacking to boil over--that he wants you to see more chaos on your TV screens, protests turn into riots, more people get hurt.
Minnesotans aren't taking the bait. They are protesting--loudly and urgently, but also peacefully. They are helping their neighbors cope with this violent, lawless assault on people of color throughout the state--walking children to school safely, preparing mutual-aid packages, and organizing to make sure these atrocities are well-documented so that those responsible can face justice.
Minnesota is a state that believes in the rule of law and in the dignity of all people. We know that true public safety comes from trust, respect and shared purpose, not from intimidation or political theater.
This assault on our communities is not necessary to enforce our immigration laws. We don't have to choose between open borders and whatever the hell this is. Mr. Trump can and must end this unlawful, violent and chaotic campaign, and we can and must rebuild an immigration enforcement system that is secure, accountable and humane.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/720885
HIDOE Announces New Kaiapuni Priority Placement Process to Support Growing Demand
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Jan. 27 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news on Jan. 26, 2026:
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HIDOE announces new Kaiapuni priority placement process to support growing demand
The Hawaii State Department of Education announced today that a new, statewide priority placement process for Kaiapuni Education (Hawaiian language immersion programs) will open on Feb. 2, 2026, marking an important step toward greater consistency, clarity and equity for families seeking Kaiapuni options for their children. The application window will close March 13, 2026.
The new placement process
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, Jan. 27 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news on Jan. 26, 2026:
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HIDOE announces new Kaiapuni priority placement process to support growing demand
The Hawaii State Department of Education announced today that a new, statewide priority placement process for Kaiapuni Education (Hawaiian language immersion programs) will open on Feb. 2, 2026, marking an important step toward greater consistency, clarity and equity for families seeking Kaiapuni options for their children. The application window will close March 13, 2026.
The new placement processis part of interim guidance recently issued by the Department's Office of Hawaiian Education to bring greater consistency to Kaiapuni enrollment statewide. The guidance is intended to provide clear, near-term direction for schools and families while the Department develops a longer-term strategy to expand access and strengthen support for Kaiapuni Education.
The new process applies to elementary-level Kaiapuni programs statewide and provides families with a centralized way to request placement, while helping schools better plan for enrollment amid continued growth.
Kaiapuni Education has expanded significantly over the years. Today, 26 Kaiapuni programs operate statewide within public schools, along with two K-12 standalone Kaiapuni campuses, serving a total of approximately 2,700 students. Interest from families continues to be strong, reflecting the value placed on Hawaiian language and culture as a foundation for learning.
Until now, individual schools have largely managed Kaiapuni enrollment and growth on their own. While this local approach allowed programs to expand, it also resulted in inconsistent enrollment practices across campuses and, at times, uncertainty for families.
"This new priority placement process is about being clearer and more consistent with families, while honoring the integrity of Kaiapuni education," Superintendent Keith Hayashi said. "As demand continues to grow, we have a responsibility to put better systems in place so families understand how placement works and schools have the support they need to plan responsibly."
What families should know
* The Kaiapuni priority placement process opens Feb. 2, 2026.
* It applies to new enrollment and transfers to elementary Kaiapuni programs statewide, as well the two K-12 Kaiapuni schools (Ke Kula Kaiapuni 'O Anuenue and Ke Kula 'O 'Ehunuikaimalino).
* It is centralized and coordinated by the Department's Office of Hawaiian Education.
* It uses clearly defined priority categories to promote transparency and equity.
* It does not guarantee placement at a specific campus, but ensures families are considered through a consistent, statewide process.
"The interim guidance will help the Department make data-informed short-term and long-term decisions on how to address supply and demand issues that we've been facing. It also offers us an opportunity to provide clarity and transparency of process for our families and for our schools and our program staff at schools," Kau'i Sang, director of the Office of Hawaiian Education, said.
Kaiapuni school leaders say clearer, shared processes will also support schools as they balance growth with program quality.
"As Hawaiian (language) becomes more and more a part of households, we have graduates who've now become parents who are sending their kids to our school. The interest grows every year," said Baba Yim, po'o kumu of Ke Kula Kaiapuni O Anuenue, a standalone Hawaiian immersion school serving students in grades K-12 from across O'ahu. "Centralizing the placement process provides more of a support where now schools are not working in silos in terms of enrollment. That will give us much better data that we can collect about the program in general and that data will help us provide smarter growth for the program."
For families and educators alike, the changes also underscore the importance of building the workforce needed to sustain and grow Kaiapuni programs over the long term.
"As demand for Kaiapuni continues to grow, the most important investment we can make is in people," said Kananinohea Maka'imoku, an alumnus of Ke Kula O Nawahiokalaniopuu and now parent of a student attending the Hilo Kaiapuni campus. "Preparing and supporting the next generation of Kaiapuni teachers is essential if we want these programs to grow with quality and integrity. The Department's focus on long-term planning and speaker-to-teacher pathways is a critical part of that work."
The new placement process reflects the Department's commitment to sustainable growth in Kaiapuni Education. While interim guidance helps bring consistency to enrollment statewide, longer-term planning is focused on building capacity -- including recruiting and preparing more Kaiapuni teachers -- and addressing facilities and transportation needs.
More information about the Kaiapuni priority placement process, including timelines and family resources, is available at https://go.hidoe.us/kaiapuni-enrollment.
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Original text here: https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-hidoe-announces-new-kaiapuni-priority-placement-process-to-support-growing-demand/
Gov. Newsom: Know Your Tights, California
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2026:
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Know your rights, California
What you need to know: As communities across the country continue to confront the federal government's dangerous, authoritarian violence, it's important to know your rights and call for Congressional action.
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As the nation experiences yet another violent killing at the hands of federal agents, Governor Gavin Newsom today urged Californians to stay safe and know their rights amidst the ongoing federal chaos. Trump wants local communities
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Jan. 27 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Jan. 24, 2026:
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Know your rights, California
What you need to know: As communities across the country continue to confront the federal government's dangerous, authoritarian violence, it's important to know your rights and call for Congressional action.
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As the nation experiences yet another violent killing at the hands of federal agents, Governor Gavin Newsom today urged Californians to stay safe and know their rights amidst the ongoing federal chaos. Trump wants local communitiesto respond with violence so he can justify his authoritarian actions - like deploying the military against civilians and expanding dangerous, immigration raids.
The federal government has used California as a training ground to test their blatantly racist, dangerous, and indiscriminate mass detention agenda. They have killed civilians, terrified children, arrested Americans, and disappeared parents.
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In California, we know our rights--and we will defend them. When federal agents are used to intimidate and kill civilians, when people's rights under the Constitution are treated as optional, that's not strength--that's authoritarianism. And we must continue rejecting that notion - every single day. No President and no administration is above our country's Constitution, and no one in this country is without rights. In California, we stand for accountability, the rule of law, and freedom over fear. Democracy will only survive if we refuse to let it be bullied into silence.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The U.S. Senate is expected to vote this week on a proposal to fund ICE and Border Patrol without any guardrails and restraints for public safety. As the news of the latest killing out of Minneapolis at the hands of federal immigration agents reverberates nationwide it is yet another unfortunate reminder why checks and balances need to be enforced. Californians - and communities nationwide - should vehemently oppose this vote and Congress needs to do its job and place guardrails on the Trump Administration's continued abuses of power.
Support your immigrant neighbors and friends by calling for congressional action to hold federal agencies accountable, and to pass laws so that good, hardworking immigrant Californians can stay and work in the United States. The Trump administration is targeting people for detention and deportation who are following the immigration rules, are good contributing members of our communities and economy, and are part of American families. Mass indiscriminate raids hurt all of us. We need real solutions, not cruelty and economic harm.
Be aware
Governor Newsom and Attorney General Rob Bonta have a new online portal to assist members of the public in reporting potentially unlawful activity by federal agents and officers across the state. The portal allows Californians to submit video and photos, helping create a record of potential unlawful conduct by federal agents and informing possible legal actions the state may take to protect Californians' rights. If you believe you are witnessing a crime in progress, you should call 911 or your local law enforcement agency and report it.
You have the right to peacefully exercise your First Amendment rights but it is against the law to threaten, assault, or block access to federal property or interfere with federal law enforcement operations. Violence is never the answer, and assaulting a federal agent or obstructing an arrest is a crime.
Keep a safe distance and be mindful that you may encounter federal agents who are angry, inexperienced, improperly vetted, and untrained on how to do their job safely, including interacting with demonstrators or large crowds.
Exercise your rights
Trump and Stephen Miller have brought chaos and violence to our streets, undermining local law enforcement and creating dangerous situations. Violence is exactly what Trump wants, so he can use it as a reason to further block access to lawyers when people are detained and to bring the military to our streets to respond to protests.
Make your voice heard without resorting to violence, vandalism, or interference with law enforcement. This is an important time to support your community with information that empowers people to stay safe and prepared.
Know your rights fact sheets are available in: English, Arabic, Armenian, Farsi, Filipino, Hindi, Hmong, Japanese, Korean, Punjabi, Russian, Spanish, Chinese (Simplified), Tagalog, and Ukrainian.
California law is clear and prudent
State and local law enforcement agencies do not participate in these reckless and indiscriminate immigration raids. Their focus is on keeping people safe and preventing crime, not tearing families apart and threatening working people. State law requires them to cooperate only with federal immigration enforcement for people who have been convicted of dangerous crimes, including those leaving state prisons.
California has taken action, including enacting recent legislation to help keep people safe and push back against Trump and Stephen Miller's reckless "secret police" tactics in California.
* Schools: Families will be notified when immigration enforcement comes on school campuses, and student information and classrooms are protected from ICE -- and require a judicial warrant or court order to be accessed.
* Hospitals: Emergency rooms and other nonpublic areas in a public hospital are off limits to immigration enforcement without a judicial warrant or court order, and immigration information collected by a health care provider is protected as medical information.
* Due process: Funding immigration attorneys and assistance for immigrants so they can keep or apply for legal status, and have their day in court to prevent their wrongful detention and deportation.
Trump's actions have a chilling effect - the state's economy is likely to contract later this year due to fallout from global tariffs and immigration raids in Los Angeles and other cities that have rattled key sectors, including construction, hospitality, and agriculture, according to a UCLA Anderson forecast.
Earlier this year, the Governor met with business owners and faith leaders in the Los Angeles area to discuss the economic and societal impact indiscriminate federal immigration actions have had on their communities.
Mass deportations in California could slash $275 billion from the state's economy and eliminate $23 billion in annual tax revenue. The loss of immigrant labor would delay projects (including rebuilding Los Angeles after the wildfires), reduce food supply, and drive up costs. Undocumented immigrants contributed $8.5 billion in state and local taxes in 2022 -- a number that would rise to $10.3 billion if these taxpayers could apply to work lawfully.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/01/24/knowyourrights/
