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La. Education Dept.: Fourteen Louisiana Educators Begin a New Term on Teachers Advisory Council
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 27 -- The Louisiana Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Fourteen Louisiana educators begin a new term on Teachers Advisory Council
Members meet with State Superintendent and other state leaders to share feedback on education initiatives and other issues affecting the classroom
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The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the 14 educators who will begin a new term on the Teachers Advisory Council. This group of educators from across the state meets with Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and other
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 27 -- The Louisiana Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Fourteen Louisiana educators begin a new term on Teachers Advisory Council
Members meet with State Superintendent and other state leaders to share feedback on education initiatives and other issues affecting the classroom
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The Louisiana Department of Education (LDOE) announced the 14 educators who will begin a new term on the Teachers Advisory Council. This group of educators from across the state meets with Louisiana State Superintendent of Education Dr. Cade Brumley and otherstate leaders to share feedback on education initiatives and issues impacting classrooms.
The following teachers will begin a new term when the council begins meeting during the 2026-2027 school year:
* Angela Barfoot | St. Landry Parish School System | Highland Elementary
* Courtney Berthelot | St. Charles Parish Public School System | Destrehan High
* Alisha Butler | Louisiana School for the Visually Impaired
* Renee Fields | Assumption Parish School System | Assumption High
* Breann Lavergne | Calcasieu Parish School System | Dolby Elementary
* Mayria Ledet | Webster Parish School System | East Elementary
* Amy Legendre | Tangipahoa Parish School System | Ponchatoula High
* Brianne Loupe | Livingston Parish School System | Denham Springs Junior High
* Savannah Richards | Concordia Parish School System | Vidalia Lower Elementary
* Mindy Rose | University View Academy
* Katherine Scott | West Baton Rouge Parish School System | Brusly Middle
* Monica Speyrer | Caddo Parish School System | C.E. Byrd High
* Cassidy Tackett | Union Parish School System | Union Central Elementary
* Nicolas Williams | DeSoto Parish School System | Mansfield Elementary
Teachers Advisory Council members serve four-year terms. The LDOE launched a public application for open seats on the council in May.
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About the Teachers Advisory Council
Dr. Brumley created the Teachers Advisory Council in response to Senate Concurrent Resolution 33 (2022) to enhance teacher voice and gather educator feedback on current education initiatives and how Louisiana can continue to improve student outcomes.
The council meets with state leaders on a quarterly basis to discuss issues, laws, rules, and policies affecting teachers and students. The council has provided feedback on topics including Let Teachers Teach, math, literacy, attendance, accountability, and teacher recruitment and retention.
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Original text here: https://doe.louisiana.gov/about/news-releases/release/2026/08/26/fourteen-louisiana-educators-begin-a-new-term-on-teachers-advisory-council
Kan. Commerce Dept.: Apprenticeship Grants Awarded to Expand Learn-and-Earn Programs in State
TOPEKA, Kansas, Aug. 27 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Apprenticeship Grants Awarded to Expand Learn-and-Earn Programs in Kansas
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced five recipients of the Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) grant. The grant will provide seed funding to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in rural Kansas communities with populations under 50,000.
"Registered Apprenticeships give career-minded
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Aug. 27 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Apprenticeship Grants Awarded to Expand Learn-and-Earn Programs in Kansas
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland and the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship today announced five recipients of the Rural Apprenticeship Innovation for a Stronger Economy (RAISE) grant. The grant will provide seed funding to expand Registered Apprenticeship opportunities in rural Kansas communities with populations under 50,000.
"Registered Apprenticeships give career-mindedKansans the option to earn a paycheck while gaining the necessary skills to be successful in their chosen professions," Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. "The RAISE grant is a way to strengthen our rural communities by creating workforce opportunities, supporting local employers, and retaining talented Kansans across the state."
The five awarded RAISE grant projects go to:
* American Implement, Garden City ($100,000) - Funds will support increasing apprenticeship enrollment by at least 10%, reaching 12-13 apprentices across 15 employers, addressing current enrollment barriers and supporting growth of apprenticeship opportunities.
* Atkinson Industries LLC, Pittsburg ($100,000) - Funds will support the launch and expansion of nVent's Registered Apprenticeship program, beginning with electrical roles and at least five apprentices in one year with 10-15% annual enrollment growth.
* Great Jobs KC, Topeka ($100,000) - Funds will help expand apprenticeship opportunities in Ford County with goals of recruiting 5-10 candidates and registering at least five apprentices during the 12-month grant period, beginning with Curtis Machine and adding 2-3 additional employer partners.
* Heineken Electric, Beloit ($100,000) - Funds will be used to support recruitment, training, technical instruction, transportation assistance and instructor support. With 19 apprentices in seven rural communities, the funds will aim to increase the current enrollment numbers.
* Hutchinson Community College, Hutchinson ($100,000) - With 51 active apprentices, the funds will be used to add at least 12 new rural apprentices - a 24% growth in enrollment - and expanding access to high-wage, high-demand careers while building a sustainable rural apprenticeship pipeline.
"Investing in Registered Apprenticeship programs means investing in communities, small businesses and hard-working Kansans," Director of the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship Shonda Anderson said. "Our awarded organizations are creating innovative pathways that give Kansans the opportunities to build skills, earn while they're learning, and pursue meaningful careers that are close to home."
RAISE grants provide direct operational support--covering areas like business support, marketing and outreach, staffing, curriculum development, training equipment and program administration--to help new and existing programs grow, expand their services and reach more Kansans. Registered Apprenticeships offer a sustainable, economical way to connect residents with meaningful training for long-term careers, helping retain talent in rural areas and keep Kansas competitive.
To learn more about the support from the Kansas Office of Registered Apprenticeship, visit here (https://www.kansascommerce.gov/workforce/kansasregisteredapprenticeship/).
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Original text here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2026/08/apprenticeship-grants-awarded-to-expand-learn-and-earn-programs-in-kansas/
HAWAII DOH INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL LOCALLY ACQUIRED CASE OF CYCLOSPORIASIS ON OAHU
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 27 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL LOCALLY ACQUIRED CASE OF CYCLOSPORIASIS ON OAHU
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a sixth reported case of cyclosporiasis. The case involves an Oahu resident who became ill at the end of July and did not travel outside Hawaii during the period when they were likely exposed. The five cases previously reported in Hawaii since the beginning of July all involved individuals who had traveled outside Hawaii during their likely exposure periods.
Because
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 27 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH INVESTIGATES POTENTIAL LOCALLY ACQUIRED CASE OF CYCLOSPORIASIS ON OAHU
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) is investigating a sixth reported case of cyclosporiasis. The case involves an Oahu resident who became ill at the end of July and did not travel outside Hawaii during the period when they were likely exposed. The five cases previously reported in Hawaii since the beginning of July all involved individuals who had traveled outside Hawaii during their likely exposure periods.
Becausethe individual did not travel, DOH investigators are carefully reviewing potential food and other exposures to determine whether and how the infection may have been acquired locally. At this time, no suspected contaminated food source has been identified. Cyclosporiasis can occur sporadically, including in tropical climates. A single locally acquired case does not change the overall risk assessment for the general public, which remains low. DOH will continue to update the public on investigation findings as they become available.
Cyclosporiasis is an intestinal illness caused by the microscopic parasite Cyclospora cayetanensis. People become infected by consuming food or water contaminated with the parasite. Symptoms usually begin about one week after exposure but can appear anywhere from two days to two weeks later. The most common symptom is frequent, watery diarrhea. Other symptoms may include loss of appetite, weight loss, stomach cramps or bloating, nausea, increased gas, fatigue and, less commonly, vomiting or low-grade fever.
You can reduce your risk of cyclosporiasis by:
* Washing your hands with soap and water before preparing or eating food and after using the restroom.
* Washing fresh fruits and vegetables under running water before eating, cutting or cooking them.
* Seeking medical care if you experience severe diarrhea or diarrhea lasting longer than a few days.
Cyclosporiasis is treatable with prescription antibiotics. Without treatment, symptoms may last for several weeks or longer and can come and go. Individuals experiencing diarrhea lasting longer than a few days should contact their healthcare provider. Healthcare providers who suspect cyclosporiasis are encouraged to report cases to DOH and submit appropriate specimens to commercial laboratories for specialized testing.
Cyclospora is not known to spread directly from person to person. The parasite is shed in the feces of infected people and must mature outside the body, in the environment, before it becomes infectious. People become infected when mature Cyclospora parasites contaminate food or water. In the United States, past outbreaks have most often been linked to certain fresh produce items.
National, state and local public health officials continue to investigate a multistate outbreak of cyclosporiasis linked to iceberg lettuce processed by Taylor Farms de Mexico. Taylor Farms de Mexico initiated a recall of all iceberg lettuce sourced from central Mexico on July 17, 2026. Most illnesses associated with the outbreak began before the recall. As of Aug. 20, the outbreak includes 10,930 illnesses reported from 17 states. No recalled iceberg lettuce was identified as being distributed to or sold in Hawaii. The DOH and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention are working to determine whether any of the cases in Hawaii could be related to this or other multistate cyclosporiasis outbreaks.
The DOH will continue to investigate potential sources of Cyclospora infection and monitor for additional cases. DOH is committed to working with healthcare providers and its partners to safeguard the health of Hawaii residents and visitors.
For more information about cyclosporiasis, visit the Hawaii Department of Health Disease Outbreak Control Division website (https://health.hawaii.gov/docd/disease_listing/cyclosporiasis-cyclospora-infection/).
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-investigates-potential-locally-acquired-case-of-cyclosporiasis-on-o%ca%bbahu/
Fla. Secretary of State Byrd Designates Arcadia Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Aug. 27 -- Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Secretary Byrd Designates Arcadia Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Arcadia Main Street, located in DeSoto County, has been designated the August 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
"The success of the Arcadia Main Street program reflects the value of community driven revitalization," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Through dedicated leadership, strong partnerships, and preserving
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Aug. 27 -- Florida Secretary of State Cord Byrd issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Secretary Byrd Designates Arcadia Main Street as Florida Main Street Program of the Month
Today, Secretary of State Cord Byrd announced that Arcadia Main Street, located in DeSoto County, has been designated the August 2026 Florida Main Street Program of the Month.
"The success of the Arcadia Main Street program reflects the value of community driven revitalization," said Secretary of State Cord Byrd. "Through dedicated leadership, strong partnerships, and preservingtheir historic character, Arcadia has fostered a unique sense of place and a vibrant downtown district. The community's dedication to patriotism continues to foster foundational freedoms and opportunity throughout the state."
The history of Arcadia dates back to the 1850s when Thomas Williams and James Waldron established Waldron's Landing, a port on the Peace River for settlers who were engaged in agriculture and raising cattle. Real development in Arcadia did not occur until 1883, when James "Boss" Hendry moved his sawmill to Waldron's Landing and a post office soon followed. After the arrival of the Florida Southern Railway in 1886, the Town of Arcadia was incorporated in Manatee County. It became an important transshipment point for the phosphate industry that thrived along with the cattle and citrus industries. In 1887, DeSoto County was created by a division of Manatee County, and named for Spanish explorer Hernando de Soto. Arcadia became the county seat for DeSoto County in 1888.
In November 1905, a fire destroyed four blocks of the downtown district. After the fire, the citizens of Arcadia went to work to build a city that would stand out as a model for other cities of the same size. On December 1, the City Council voted to require fireproof construction of brick or cement for future buildings. Rebuilding began immediately and most of those buildings remain today. A second railroad line, the Charlotte Harbor and Northern Railway (later the Seaboard Air Line Railroad) was built through Arcadia in 1910 connecting Mulberry to Boca Grande. As the automobile replaced railroads and horses as the primary means of transportation in the early 20th century, US Highway 17 was built through Arcadia, connecting Punta Gorda to Orlando.
During World War I, Arcadia became known as "The Aviation City of Florida" for the two aviation training camps: Carlstrom Field and Dorr Field, both established in 1917. Carlstrom continued to train pilots until 1922. In 1941, the Embry-Riddle Company redeveloped the two airfields to train pilots for the British Royal Air Force before the U.S. entered the Second World War.
In 1929, the city of Arcadia became one of the first communities in Florida to host an annual rodeo. The Arcadia Rodeo, now known as the Arcadia All-Florida Championship Rodeo, has become a significant part of Arcadia community's historical identity as a cattle town. Known as the "Granddaddy of Em All", it is advertised as the oldest rodeo east of the Mississippi River. The new Mosaic Arena now hosts two annual professional rodeo events each year. In 1984, the Arcadia Historic District was listed in the National Register of Historic Places.
Arcadia Main Street (AMS) was designated as a Florida Main Street community in 1985. AMS strives to make downtown a year-round destination for visitors and residents by encouraging arts, culture, and hosting a variety of businesses in their district. Since designation, AMS has generated $7,690,534 in public and private investments. The community has seen an increase of 48 net new businesses that have created 193 net new jobs, and over 12,700 volunteer hours have been recorded.
The recent acceptance of an AARP Community Challenge grant has helped to make navigating downtown easier with wayfinding signs and beautification projects including three new murals, painted flowerpots, and landscaping.
AMS has been awarded an America250FL grant with which they were able to complete an eagle mural (pictured above) and have started work on a second mural project commemorating Arcadia's involvement in World War I and II. AMS has been hosting America250FL themed events all year such as a golf tournament fundraiser, the Discover Arcadia market, the Arcadia Art Show, and Bike Fest. AMS hosted an abundance of 4th of July events including a parade, scavenger hunt, window decorating contest, and much more!
For more information on Arcadia Main Street, visit ArcadiaMainStreet.com.
To learn more about the Florida Main Street program, visit Florida Main Street (https://dos.fl.gov/historical/preservation/florida-main-street/) or follow on Facebook and Instagram.
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About Florida Main Street
Florida Main Street is a program administered by the Division of Historical Resources under the Florida Department of State, which currently oversees 54 communities throughout the state. By implementing the National Main Street Center's Four-Point Approach, Florida Main Street encourages economic development within the context of historic preservation through the revitalization of Florida's downtowns - the community's heart and soul.
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Original text here: https://dos.fl.gov/communications/press-releases/2026/secretary-byrd-designates-arcadia-main-street-as-florida-main-street-program-of-the-month/
Del. A.G. Jennings Announces Largest Big Tech Settlement in History
DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 27 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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AG Jennings announces largest Big Tech settlement in history
Meta to pay Delaware up to $103 million, implement sweeping child safety reforms
Delaware to make generational investment in children's mental health
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WILMINGTON, Del.--Attorney General Kathy Jennings today announced a landmark $12.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc.--one of the largest state consumer protection settlements in history, outside the Big Tobacco settlements of the 1990s.
Under
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DOVER, Delaware, Aug. 27 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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AG Jennings announces largest Big Tech settlement in history
Meta to pay Delaware up to $103 million, implement sweeping child safety reforms
Delaware to make generational investment in children's mental health
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WILMINGTON, Del.--Attorney General Kathy Jennings today announced a landmark $12.1 billion multistate settlement with Meta Platforms, Inc.--one of the largest state consumer protection settlements in history, outside the Big Tobacco settlements of the 1990s.
Underthe settlement, Delaware will receive a guaranteed $73.6 million over the next 10 years, beginning with an $11 million payment this year. The first-year payment includes a one-time monetary settlement of $4.2 million related to the Cambridge Analytica scandal. Under a contingency in the agreement, Meta will pay Delaware an additional $30 million, and nearly another $5 billion nationally, if other social media platforms--namely TikTok and YouTube--reach similar agreements with the states. In addition to the payment, Meta must implement a sweeping set of safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook.
"Our goal in this litigation was not just punitive. It was to create change," said AG Jennings. "Beyond the money, this agreement includes massive structural changes to the way that Meta targets young adults, which for years now has been addictive by design. We've seen up close how these apps have harmed kids, from youth who have suffered psychological harm, to those who have died by suicide, to those who have lost their lives or freedom because of crime that escalated over Instagram."
"This money is not a trophy. We were committed to real change in this suit, and we are committed to real change in the future. I am directing my office to put this money where it will make a difference: in our communities, with the very youth these apps have put at risk."
Roughly 75% of the monetary payments from Meta to settle this suit--over $50 million--will go toward teen health and safety, including but not limited to services for at-risk and justice involved youth, crisis intervention services, after school programs, and educational grants. The remainder of the recurring payments will go to the Delaware Consumer Protection Fund, which funds the DOJ's consumer protection, housing justice, and economic law enforcement work, including consumer fraud targeting young adults.
In addition to the payment, Meta must implement a sweeping set of safety features designed to protect children on Instagram and Facebook. The agreement resolves Attorney General Jennings' claims, along with those of other jurisdictions, that the company designed Facebook and Instagram with addictive features, knowingly exposed young users to serious mental harms, and intentionally misled the public about the safety of its platforms, among other things. This settlement is a monumental victory for the protection of Delaware's children and those throughout the country. It will fundamentally transform how the entire social media industry designs products for kids and teens.
The DOJ's investigation into Meta demonstrated that its apps--including addictive features like infinite scroll--intensified the spread of harmful content, such as content promoting self-harm or glorifying crime and violence. As one of the country's only attorneys general with statewide criminal jurisdiction, Jennings and her staff have repeatedly seen youth violence escalate over social media platforms like Instagram. Content and messages posted to these platforms have become evidence in multiple violent criminal cases, including gang prosecutions and homicides.
The settlement requires Meta to implement a series of safety features on Instagram and Facebook, including:
* Hard cap daily time limits and "Productive Pauses" for children: for its two platforms, Instagram and Facebook, a combined two-hour daily time limit with mandatory pauses after 15 minutes of continuous use and again at 60 and 90 minutes to interrupt endless scrolling. These limits remain in effect for five years. If Snapchat, TikTok, and YouTube adopt comparable terms, the daily limit on each platform will drop to 60 minutes for 10 years.
* "Nighttime blocks" restricting children's access from 12:00 a.m. to 6:00 a.m.
* Limited school-time access for children, eliminating push notifications on weekdays from 8:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. during the school year.
* Robust age assurance measures to more effectively verify the age of young users.
* Safer, age-appropriate content controls, including stronger safeguards against bullying, content promoting eating disorders, and content related to suicide and self-harm.
* Stronger, more user-friendly parental controls.
* Limits on social comparison features, including beauty filters and visible "like" counts, that have been linked to poor mental health outcomes in kids and teens.
* Both the implementation and efficacy of the features will be regularly assessed by an independent auditor and the settling states.
These groundbreaking changes to Instagram and Facebook are more significant and comprehensive than previously ordered by any court. And perhaps most importantly, this settlement represents a down payment toward an industry-wide social media experience that allows kids to connect in a healthy way.
The settlement also resolves the states' claims against Meta for its sharing of nonpublic information about Facebook users with third parties, like Cambridge Analytica, leading up to the 2016 election.
The settlement is subject to approval by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California. Joining Jennings in the settlement are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Northern Mariana Islands, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Puerto Rico, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, and Wyoming.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/08/26/ag-jennings-announces-largest-big-tech-settlement-in-history/
Colo. Secretary of State: Proposed Initiative #362 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 27 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Proposed Initiative #362 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that proponents of Proposed Initiative #362 "Mail Ballot Voter Identification," have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot.
Proposed Initiative #362 proposes to change the Colorado Constitution, and therefore signatures were required from each state senate district equal
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 27 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Proposed Initiative #362 Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that proponents of Proposed Initiative #362 "Mail Ballot Voter Identification," have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election Ballot.
Proposed Initiative #362 proposes to change the Colorado Constitution, and therefore signatures were required from each state senate district equalto two percent of the total registered electors from the respective district. The Proposed Initiative was also required to meet the 124,238 signature threshold of all proposed initiatives.
Proposed Initiative #362 submitted 180,110 total petition signatures. The Elections Division determined that proponents of Proposed Initiative #362 submitted the required number of valid signatures from each senate district, and a total of 133,321 valid signatures.
Petition verification summary:
* Senate District 1 (4,614 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,546
- Valid signatures: 4,501
- Invalid signatures: 113
* Senate District 2 (4,180 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,960
- Valid signatures: 4,059
- Invalid signatures: 121
* Senate District 3 (3,214 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,557
- Valid signatures: 3,119
- Invalid signatures: 95
* Senate District 4 (4,481 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 3,006
- Valid signatures: 4,391
- Invalid signatures: 90
* Senate District 5 (4,132 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,551
- Valid signatures: 4,037
- Invalid signatures: 95
* Senate District 6 (6,480 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,792
- Valid signatures: 6,161
- Invalid signatures: 319
* Senate District 7 (4,033 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,640
- Valid signatures: 3,985
- Invalid signatures: 48
* Senate District 8 (3,539 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,586
- Valid signatures: 3,423
- Invalid signatures: 116
* Senate District 9 (5,224 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,945
- Valid signatures: 5,057
- Invalid signatures: 167
* Senate District 10 (4,146 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,749
- Valid signatures: 3,992
- Invalid signatures: 154
* Senate District 11 (2,944 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,336
- Valid signatures: 2,819
- Invalid signatures: 125
* Senate District 12 (3,418 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,528
- Valid signatures: 3,251
- Invalid signatures: 167
* Senate District 13 (3,717 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,109
- Valid signatures: 3,574
- Invalid signatures: 143
* Senate District 14 (3,681 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,477
- Valid signatures: 3,581
- Invalid signatures: 100
* Senate District 15 (3,841 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,798
- Valid signatures: 3,717
- Invalid signatures: 124
* Senate District 16 (4,707 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,712
- Valid signatures: 4,593
- Invalid signatures: 114
* Senate District 17 (4,808 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,706
- Valid signatures: 4,614
- Invalid signatures: 194
* Senate District 18 (3,546 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,434
- Valid signatures: 3,394
- Invalid signatures: 152
* Senate District 19 (4,200 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,662
- Valid signatures: 4,035
- Invalid signatures: 165
* Senate District 20 (4,006 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,786
- Valid signatures: 3,835
- Invalid signatures: 171
* Senate District 21 (3,285 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,291
- Valid signatures: 3,177
- Invalid signatures: 108
* Senate District 22 (3,682 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,513
- Valid signatures: 3,451
- Invalid signatures: 231
* Senate District 23 (5,288 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 3,001
- Valid signatures: 5,153
- Invalid signatures: 135
* Senate District 24 (3,984 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,293
- Valid signatures: 3,859
- Invalid signatures: 125
* Senate District 25 (3,804 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,611
- Valid signatures: 3,663
- Invalid signatures: 141
* Senate District 26 (3,141 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,365
- Valid signatures: 3,018
- Invalid signatures: 123
* Senate District 27 (3,122 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,641
- Valid signatures: 3,045
- Invalid signatures: 77
* Senate District 28 (3,086 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,069
- Valid signatures: 2,920
- Invalid signatures: 166
* Senate District 29 (3,736 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,101
- Valid signatures: 3,529
- Invalid signatures: 207
* Senate District 30 (4,357 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,980
- Valid signatures: 4,251
- Invalid signatures: 106
* Senate District 31 (3,075 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,789
- Valid signatures: 2,916
- Invalid signatures: 159
* Senate District 32 (3,194 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,263
- Valid signatures: 3,042
- Invalid signatures: 152
* Senate District 33 (3,384 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,386
- Valid signatures: 3,190
- Invalid signatures: 194
* Senate District 34 (3,115 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,668
- Valid signatures: 2,945
- Invalid signatures: 170
* Senate District 35 (5,154 signatures submitted)
- Signatures Required: 2,888
- Valid signatures: 5,024
- Invalid signatures: 130
* Total (180,110 signatures submitted)
- Total Invalid signatures: 46,789
= Invalid signatures (state senate district known): 4,997
= Invalid signatures (state senate district not known): 41,792
- Total valid signatures: 133,321
Signature Requirement for Statewide Initiative Petitions (https://www.coloradosos.gov/pubs/elections/Initiatives/signatureRequirements.html?_gl=1*1ad3lnh*_ga*ODI3OTc0MTM5LjE3ODAyNjU0MzE.*_ga_JDK6PLVHDW*czE3ODc4MjYwODYkbzI5JGcxJHQxNzg3ODI2MjQwJGozMSRsMCRoMA..). Signature requirements are outlined by Article V, Section 1 (3) (https://content.leg.colorado.gov/sites/default/files/images/olls/crs2024-title-00.pdf#page=21) of the Colorado Constitution and 1-40-116 of the Colorado Revised Statutes.
A copy of the petition is on file with the Secretary of State's office.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260826Initiative362.html
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues United States Postal Service Over Unlawful Attempt to Interfere With Arizona's Elections
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues United States Postal Service Over Unlawful Attempt to Interfere with Arizona's Elections
Attorney General Mayes today sued the United States Postal Service (USPS) challenging its new rule that purports to grant USPS the authority to regulate mail voting in elections.
Tens of millions of voters across the country rely on mail-in ballots, and the coalition argues USPS's rule will prevent states from effectively administering their mail voting
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 27 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 26, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues United States Postal Service Over Unlawful Attempt to Interfere with Arizona's Elections
Attorney General Mayes today sued the United States Postal Service (USPS) challenging its new rule that purports to grant USPS the authority to regulate mail voting in elections.
Tens of millions of voters across the country rely on mail-in ballots, and the coalition argues USPS's rule will prevent states from effectively administering their mail votingprograms, putting voters at risk of being disenfranchised.
"Arizonans have voted safely and securely by mail for decades," said Attorney General Mayes. "In a system designed by Republicans, over three-quarters of Arizonans use vote by mail. This attempt to inject chaos and doubt into our election system would harm the millions of Republicans, Democrats, and Independents who choose to vote by mail as they exercise their constitutional right to vote. The Constitution is crystal clear: states run their elections - not the postal service and not the President."
On March 31, President Trump issued an Executive Order attempting to establish a national list of eligible voters and directing the U.S. Postal Service to transmit mail ballots only to voters on the list. On August 21, USPS announced a new rule implementing the President's demands that require states to register every voter who is eligible to vote by mail with USPS and tasking USPS with compiling the registered voters into state-specific lists.
The rule also establishes new design requirements for the mail-in ballot envelopes created by states, which states are required to meet and get approved by USPS. Under the rule, USPS will not deliver ballots to voters who do not appear on the USPS-generated lists and will not deliver ballots in envelopes that fail to comply with the rule's new standards.
Mayes and the coalition argue the rule inflicts significant, irreparable harm on states by imposing burdensome mail voting requirements that risk disenfranchising eligible voters.
With the start of the general election season mere weeks away, states must bear the cost of redesigning their mail ballot envelopes and securing USPS review and approval before they can even register mail voters with USPS. Within a matter of weeks and without any additional resources, state election officials must also develop new systems to communicate mail voter lists to USPS to ensure that every eligible voter who is entitled to a mail ballot receives one. States must also create new guidance for election officials, train them on the new procedures, and educate the public about the changes prior to the upcoming election.
Even if states were to meet these enormous administrative and financial burdens, the rule could still result in eligible voters not receiving their ballots due to, for instance, administrative errors or flaws in the rushed and untested new procedures.
Over the past several decades, voting by mail has become more popular across the country. Since the inception of vote-by-mail, Congress has never exercised its authority to limit it, and in fact, has only taken action to expand and protect mail voting for military and overseas voters. Congress has also never authorized USPS to monitor or control the transmission of mail ballots.
The coalition argues that USPS's rule violates the Constitution, which makes clear that states have the primary authority to administer elections, and upends successful, longstanding vote-by-mail procedures. The lawsuit argues the rule is inconsistent with USPS's governing statutes, ignores USPS's procedural requirements, violates the Privacy Act, and is inconsistent with federal voting rights law. The coalition asks the court to strike down the unlawful rule and issue a temporary restraining order preventing the rule from taking effect while the litigation proceeds.
This USPS rule is the latest attempt by President Trump to exert federal control over elections and seize states' constitutional authority to administer elections. In April, Mayes joined a coalition of 24 states in suing the Trump Administration to block its unlawful Executive Order that prompted the creation of USPS's rule.
Joining AG Mayes in filing this lawsuit, which was co-led by the attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, are the attorneys general of Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin, and the Governor of the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.
Attachments
3. Motion for TRO, Emergency Stay, Expedited PI and Stay (https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/3.%20Motion%20for%20TRO%2C%20Emergency%20Stay%2C%20Expedited%20PI%20and%20Stay.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-united-states-postal-service-over-unlawful-attempt
