Featured Stories
Wash. State Ecology Dept.: Crystal Clean, Inc. Penalized $1 Million for Hazardous Waste Management Violations
OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 3 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Crystal Clean, Inc. penalized $1 million for hazardous waste management violations
LAKEWOOD - The Washington Department of Ecology has issued $1.04 million in penalties to Crystal Clean, Inc., a national waste management service with a Lakewood location.
An April 2025 inspection and follow-up investigation revealed that, over a two-year period, Crystal Clean failed to properly store and deliver hazardous waste to appropriate destinations and altered customer shipping documentation.
The
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 3 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Crystal Clean, Inc. penalized $1 million for hazardous waste management violations
LAKEWOOD - The Washington Department of Ecology has issued $1.04 million in penalties to Crystal Clean, Inc., a national waste management service with a Lakewood location.
An April 2025 inspection and follow-up investigation revealed that, over a two-year period, Crystal Clean failed to properly store and deliver hazardous waste to appropriate destinations and altered customer shipping documentation.
Thecompany violated hazardous waste regulations in their handling of used oil, flammable paints, solvents, aerosol paints, brake cleaner, oily water mixtures, state regulated toxic waste, and corrosive materials.
Businesses and organizations often use waste service providers to transport their hazardous waste to a facility permitted to accept and dispose of that waste. State and federal requirements for hazardous waste handling and disposal are designed to protect human health, prevent environmental pollution, and enable businesses to track their waste shipments.
The company's violations include more than 120 inaccurate or misleading documents and multiple shipments of waste delivered to unpermitted facilities. Ecology found shipping documents edited without customers' knowledge, breaking the "cradle-to-grave" tracking required for transporting hazardous waste from owner to final disposal destination.
"If you ship an important package, you expect the delivery service to know where it is, handle it properly, and deliver it to the right location," said Katrina Lassiter, manager of Ecology's hazardous waste program. "Hazardous waste isn't being managed correctly or safely if we don't know where it's going for disposal."
"Customers can be held responsible for missing or improperly disposed of hazardous waste, even many years into the future," Lassiter said. "Businesses need to know where their hazardous waste is, where it's going, and that Ecology will hold service providers accountable."
Brian Recatto, the CEO of Crystal Clean, said, "We intend to appeal the penalty assessment, but we do also intend to fully cooperate with the Department."
Crystal Clean has 30 days to pay the penalties or appeal to the Washington Pollution Control Hearings Board (https://eluho.wa.gov/boards/pollution-control-hearings-board).
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Original text here: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2026/sep-2-crystal-clean-inc-penalized-1-million-for-hazardous-waste-management-violations
Ore. DEQ Issues 12 Enforcement Actions in July for Environmental Violations
SALEM, Oregon, Sept. 3 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ issues 12 enforcement actions in July for environmental violations
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 12 penalties totaling $430,292 in July for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at ordeq.org/enforcement.
Fines ranged from $6,800 to $75,200. Alleged violations included a glass manufacturing facility that failed to measure visible emissions with its opacity monitoring system on two, multi-day occasions,
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SALEM, Oregon, Sept. 3 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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DEQ issues 12 enforcement actions in July for environmental violations
The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued 12 penalties totaling $430,292 in July for various environmental violations. A detailed list of violations and resulting penalties is at ordeq.org/enforcement.
Fines ranged from $6,800 to $75,200. Alleged violations included a glass manufacturing facility that failed to measure visible emissions with its opacity monitoring system on two, multi-day occasions,exceeded glass production limits and failed to perform observations of its stormwater discharge points; automotive fueling stations that failed to perform required tests and inspections of their underground storage tank systems, maintain spill prevention equipment and investigate suspected releases; and construction projects that failed to implement proper stormwater pollution and erosion controls, which caused pollution to state waters.
DEQ issued civil penalties to the following entities:
* AKS Engineering & Forestry, LLC, Tualatin, $32,000, stormwater
* Central Service, Inc., Bend, $10,800, underground storage tanks
* G&A LLC doing business as Max Mart & Deli, Portland, $22,685, underground storage tanks
* Garth Culbertson, Portland, $49,724, asbestos
* Hydro Extrusion Portland, Inc., Portland, $6,800, stormwater
* Kaiser Foundation Hospitals, Clackamas, $56,292, stormwater
* Lennar Northwest, LLC, Estacada, $71,700, stormwater
* Owens-Brockway Glass Container, Inc., Portland, $75,200, air quality and stormwater
* Return Polymers, Molalla, $35,091, stormwater
* Roger Edens, Bend, $10,800, underground storage tanks
* Seneca Sawmill Company LLC, Eugene, $13,600, wastewater
* TI-1846 Redmond, LLC, Redmond, $45,600, underground storage tanks
Recipients of DEQ civil penalties must either pay the fines to the state treasury or file an appeal within 20 days of receiving notice of the penalty. Penalties may also include orders requiring specific tasks to prevent ongoing violations or additional environmental harm.
A portion of a civil penalty may be offset by funding a supplemental environmental project that improves Oregon's environment. Starting this fall, DEQ will begin accepting applications for pre-approved supplemental environmental projects. This will help match entities that have received civil penalty assessments with organizations that have vetted and pre approved projects in need of funding. Nonprofit and government organizations that have potential qualifying projects in need of funding are encouraged to attend a virtual listening session on Sept. 17, 2026, at 10 a.m., to learn how to apply for pre-approval. Learn more about these projects and the pre-approval process at ordeq.org/sep.
DEQ works with thousands of organizations and individuals to help them comply with laws that protect Oregon's air, land and water. DEQ uses education, technical assistance, warnings and penalties to change behavior and deter future violations.
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Original text here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/DEQ/Posts/Post/deq-issues-12-penalties-in-july2026
Minn. Secretary of State Simon Provides Update on USPS Rule Change for Mailed Ballots
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 3 -- Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following news:
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Secretary Simon Provides Update on USPS Rule Change for Mailed Ballots
On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service issued a new rule changing how it handles mail ballots.
On August 27, 2026, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts put a hold on the implementation of the new rule after it was challenged by Minnesota, 23 other states and voting rights organizations.
On August 31, 2026, the American Postal Workers Union issued a statement opposing the final rule on mail-in voting.
Also
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 3 -- Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following news:
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Secretary Simon Provides Update on USPS Rule Change for Mailed Ballots
On August 26, 2026, the U.S. Postal Service issued a new rule changing how it handles mail ballots.
On August 27, 2026, the U.S. District Court of Massachusetts put a hold on the implementation of the new rule after it was challenged by Minnesota, 23 other states and voting rights organizations.
On August 31, 2026, the American Postal Workers Union issued a statement opposing the final rule on mail-in voting.
Alsoon August 31, 2026, U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal made public a whistleblower disclosure outlining the "perilously rushed and potentially unlawful implementation" of the rule. (Read Senator Blumenthal's letter to the Postmaster General)
Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following statement:
"First and foremost - I want Minnesotans to know that nothing has changed. Voting by mail is still the same as it has been in Minnesota.
We expect that to remain the case for the November election - despite the federal government's continued efforts to interfere with state-run elections.
I want to be clear - Minnesota's election systems are secure - they are governed by state and federal law - as outlined by the U.S. Constitution.
There is absolutely no reason to change our mail voting system.
Minnesota has allowed mail voting since the Civil War.
And voting by mail is popular - In 2024, around 14% of voters - or 450,000 Minnesotans voted by mail. That includes our service members abroad, students studying out of state, and Minnesotans who live in primarily rural areas where local officials have decided to conduct elections exclusively by mail.
The USPS attempt to implement a rule to fundamentally change the way voting by mail works within weeks of the start of voting for a general election is outrageous and unprecedented.
A rushed implementation of this rule would create a very high likelihood of voter confusion and disenfranchisement.
That is why we - and 23 other states and voting rights advocates - are in court over this issue.
This week, we have reporting from staff inside USPS who say that this plan is "secretive, rushed, chaotic, and fundamentally flawed."
And the organization that represents rank and file postal workers - the dedicated people who sort and deliver the mail - calls the rule "wrong and unconstitutional" - that should be all you need to hear.
We hope that courts will continue to see this plan for what it is - unconstitutional interference from the federal government, threatening the accessibility and security of voting by mail.
But hope isn't a plan.
So - our office is evaluating the rule and making plans to work with local governments to help them understand the requirements of this new rule if it takes effect.
I want to make clear - this rule, if ever implemented, would only apply to outgoing mail. If a voter gets a ballot in the mail - they should not have any issue returning it.
That said, the rule would require a massive surge in staffing by local election offices - requiring an untold number of new election officials to be hired and trained immediately.
There are three key provisions of the new rule.
First, rule requires the creation of a new portal by USPS.
This portal would be used by states to submit the list of voters and by USPS to track ballots. As of September 2, it is not currently functional. It has never been seen by anyone outside of USPS.
A whistleblower from USPS has publicly disclosed that development has only been in process for 3 months - and that the system is completely untested.
Second, the rule requires each state to provide a list of voters to USPS.
This list would only contain public voter information.
The process to get USPS this list would require significant time by election officials to merge existing voter information with to-be-created information from USPS.
Third, the rule requires all mail ballots to be approved by the post office.
Part of this process would require an election official to go to a post office to scan in ballots. USPS says each ballot could take up to a minute to process.
Minnesota mailed out more than 450,000 ballots in 2024. This process would delay the transmission of ballots as it would require at minimum 7,500 hours to process the same number of ballots sent in 2024.
Even more concerning - the whistleblower states that USPS is adopting a zero percent fail policy. Under this policy, if one ballot is scanned incorrectly the entire batch would be rejected.
The bottom line is that the new rule issued by USPS would be an unworkable mess.
Minnesota has strong, tested laws and procedures to ensure voting by mail is accessible and secure.
Minnesotans trust and rely on our system - and I'll continue to defend their freedom to vote, however they choose to cast that ballot."
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INFODOC: https://www.blumenthal.senate.gov/imo/media/doc/2026-08-31_final_letter-disclosure.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.sos.mn.gov/about-the-office/news-room/secretary-simon-provides-update-on-usps-rule-change-for-mailed-ballots/
In Scranton, Pa. Gov. Shapiro and Secretary Dr. Rowe Celebrate the Shapiro Administration's Historic Investments in Education That Have Led to Higher Graduation Rates and Funded More Teachers
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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In Scranton, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Dr. Rowe Celebrate the Shapiro Administration's Historic Investments in Education That Have Led to Higher Graduation Rates and Funded More Teachers
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Shapiro invests $678 million in additional funding for Pennsylvania's students -- bringing total increases for Pennsylvania's public schools to more than $3 billion, or nearly 35 percent more, since the Governor took office.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership,
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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In Scranton, Governor Shapiro and Secretary Dr. Rowe Celebrate the Shapiro Administration's Historic Investments in Education That Have Led to Higher Graduation Rates and Funded More Teachers
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Shapiro invests $678 million in additional funding for Pennsylvania's students -- bringing total increases for Pennsylvania's public schools to more than $3 billion, or nearly 35 percent more, since the Governor took office.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership,graduation rates across the Commonwealth have risen for 3 years in a row, more new teachers are being certified, and Consumer Affairs ranks Pennsylvania as one of the top states for quality public education in the country.
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Scranton, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro, Pennsylvania Department of Education Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe, teachers, students, and local leaders visited Scranton School District's Neil Armstrong Elementary School in Lackawanna County to highlight how the 2026-27 budget(opens in a new tab) signed by the Governor is delivering $678 million in additional funding for Pennsylvania students - building on three years of historic progress to give every student the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed.
This year's budget continues the Shapiro Administration's work to ensure every student, in every community, has access to a high-quality public education. Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania has increased funding for our schools by more than $3 billion - or nearly 35 percent - since the Governor took office, for a total of $11.85 billion invested into Pennsylvania's students this year.
"Test scores and graduation rates are going up, attendance is improving, students have expanded access to career and technical education, and more teachers are in our classrooms as a result of my Administration's historic investments in education over the last three years," said Governor Shapiro. "I believe creating opportunity starts in our classrooms and we've been focused on delivering real resources for students, parents, and teachers. We're making a real difference and we're going to keep building on that progress to ensure every Pennsylvania student has the freedom to chart their own course and the opportunity to succeed."
This 2026-27 budget builds on the progress the Shapiro Administration has made over the past three years, providing an overall increase in education funding for a total of more than $678 million, including a $565 million increase through the bipartisan adequacy and tax equity formula, a $58 million increase for Basic Education Funding, and a $55 million increase for Special Education Funding. It also continues funding for school infrastructure improvements, universal free breakfast, and mental health in schools.
"When a student walks through the doors of a Pennsylvania school ready to learn, they should know that they are entering a place where they are safe, supported, and will have their basic needs met - like a free breakfast every day," said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. "Governor Shapiro's historic investments in education are giving schools the resources to make that promise real, with more Pennsylvania certified professionals and the academic resources students need to succeed in the classroom and in life."
The Scranton School District will receive $123.4 million in state funding this year, a 63.5 percent increase compared to the amount the school received when Governor Shapiro took office. In that time, graduation rates have risen more than three percent across the district, and at Neil Armstrong, students scoring advanced or proficient on Pennsylvania System of School Assessments (PSSA)(opens in a new tab) increased by 1.8 percent for English Language Arts and by 2.1 percent for Math.
"Continued funding for education shows the Shapiro Administration's commitment to investing in public education because when schools have the necessary funds, we can provide essential opportunities for our students and staff. With the funding we have received in the past three years, we have been able to invest in mental and behavioral health supports, expand our center-based program for students with autism, and rebuild our related arts schedule for our middle school students," said Superintendent Dr. Erin Keating, Scranton School District. "As a historically underfunded district, the funding we received has made a monumental impact and has already opened doors to make teaching and learning more robust in the Scranton school district and we look forward to a future where zip code does not determine a child's educational offerings."
The Shapiro Administration has also awarded the Scranton School District $1.3 million through the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency's School Safety & Mental Health Grant Program to hire social workers and strengthen school security; $1 million through the Public School Facility Improvement Grant Program to implement safety upgrades at the West Scranton High School and South Scranton Intermediate School; and $140,000 through PAsmart to expand students' access to high-quality career pathways in advanced manufacturing, construction, digital technology, and energy.
"Through efforts from the Governor, our state representatives, and our state senator, we've been getting funds to invest in a lot of really wonderful things, like restoring our libraries," said Tom Borthwick, President, Scranton School Board. "We are deeply thankful for the support we've been given to help us grow and invest in a way that helps our kids."
As a result of these continued investments, the Scranton School District has expanded Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) programming in Kindergarten through fourth grade, brought back middle school arts programs, and added 26 new autism support classrooms and five new emotional support classrooms throughout their schools.
Shapiro Administration's Historic Investments in Pennsylvania Students
Governor Shapiro's historic investments give every Pennsylvania student the freedom to chart their own course -- ensuring schools have the resources they need to help students succeed and families have access to affordable early learning opportunities.
The investments in this year's budget build on this foundation, including:
* $565 million increase through the bipartisan adequacy and tax equity formula for a total of $1.9 billion driven out to the schools that need them most.
* $58 million increase to Basic Education Funding, for a total of $8.32 billion.
* $55 million increase to Special Education Funding, for a total of $1.58 billion to support students with disabilities and special needs.
* Maintains $125 million for school infrastructure improvements to create safe, healthy learning environments -- including $25 million for the Solar for Schools program to lower energy costs and promote sustainability.
* Provides more than $100 million in mental health and school safety funding for K-12 schools, ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive, continuing the Shapiro Administration's strong commitment to expanding access to mental health care and support across the Commonwealth.
* Continued Funding for Universal Free Breakfast and Free Menstrual Hygiene Products for Students: This budget continues funding for a key priority of Governor Shapiro - universal free breakfast for all 1.7 million students. It also includes $3 million to ensure students have access to menstrual hygiene products at no cost.
* Supporting Student Well-Being Through Daily Recess: This budget establishes 30 minutes of daily recess for students in kindergarten through fifth grade, ensuring students have dedicated time each school day for movement, social interaction, and stress management so they return to the classroom refreshed and ready to learn. Because the Governor knows recess is not just an extra, it is a fundamental part of children's growth -- teaching skills like collaboration, conflict resolution, and self-regulation that are just as essential as math, science, and reading.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, graduation rates across the Commonwealth have risen for three years in a row, more new teachers are being certified, and Consumer Affairs has ranked Pennsylvania as one of the top states for a quality public education in the country.
"Every child in Pennsylvania deserves a great education, regardless of their ZIP code or the wealth of their community," said Senator Marty Flynn, PA's 22nd Senate District. "Our Constitution makes clear that public education is a responsibility of the Commonwealth, and we have an obligation to make sure that education is equitable for every student. Governor Shapiro has made public education a priority from day one, and here in Scranton, we are seeing what that commitment means firsthand. These investments are putting more resources into our schools and helping students get the support they need to succeed. I am proud to stand with the Governor as we continue building a stronger, more equitable public education system across Pennsylvania."
"We're seeing firsthand what happens when we make a real commitment to investing in our public schools," said Representative Kyle Donahue, PA's 113th House District. "This additional funding is doing more than filling budget gaps. It's helping districts restore programs that were cut, expand opportunities for students and provide the supports our kids need to succeed. For too long, Pennsylvania failed to meet its constitutional responsibility to adequately fund public education. We're finally beginning to correct that, and students and families here in Scranton are seeing the difference."
"Our public schools had been underfunded for a long time, but today, we're seeing the concrete results of our work and investments over the past couple years," said Representative Bridget Kosierowski, PA's 114th House District. "It's a pleasure to work with this Administration to get things done -- and these investments are so important, because there is nothing better than taking care of these little students before they go out into the world."
Governor Shapiro's visit today reinforced a clear message -- we must keep going to ensure every student has the freedom to chart their own course(opens in a new tab) and the opportunity to succeed.
Read more about Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget, view the Governor's remarks as prepared here (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-remarks-as-prepared-during-2026-27-budget-sig), or watch the Governor's delivered remarks here (https://pacast.com/m?p=29731).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/in-scranton--gov--shapiro-celebrates-investment-in-public-educat
Gov. Newsom: California's Legal Cannabis Market Generates $8.4 Billion for Californians as State Cracks Down on Illicit Operators
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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California's legal cannabis market generates $8.4 billion for Californians as state cracks down on illicit operators
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced the state's regulated cannabis market has generated nearly $8.4 billion in tax revenue since 2018, supporting programs including childcare, youth substance abuse prevention, medical research and environmental recovery.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced legal cannabis sales have generated nearly $8.4
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SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 2, 2026:
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California's legal cannabis market generates $8.4 billion for Californians as state cracks down on illicit operators
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced the state's regulated cannabis market has generated nearly $8.4 billion in tax revenue since 2018, supporting programs including childcare, youth substance abuse prevention, medical research and environmental recovery.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced legal cannabis sales have generated nearly $8.4billion in tax revenue for California communities, including nearly $4.5 billion in cannabis excise tax and nearly $3.4 billion in sales tax.
As part of California's broader public safety strategy, revenue from cannabis sales helps fund programs that benefit Californians, including childcare and early childhood development, youth substance abuse prevention, medical research and environmental recovery.
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We are building a legal cannabis market that generates billions for Californians, and going after the illicit operators who undermine it. That's public safety -- protect consumers, support the businesses playing by the rules, and put the revenue to work in our communities.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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In the second quarter of 2026 alone, cannabis retailers remitted $261.7 million in cannabis excise and sales tax revenue.
At the same time, California is investing in enforcement to protect consumers and licensed businesses from the illicit market.
Taking on the illicit market
In August, inspectors with the California Department of Tax and Fee Administration (CDTFA) took possession of approximately $13.3 million in illicit cannabis and tobacco products from a Los Angeles County warehouse that uncovered a large-scale unlicensed cannabis and untaxed tobacco operation.
The case began when the property owner discovered the products after a tenant abandoned the warehouse and stopped paying rent. After realizing illicit products were being stored on the property, the owner contacted state officials.
The seizure included:
* 280,072 illegally labeled cannabis packages
* 107,441 packages of cannabis edibles
* 84,463 THC vape pens
* 9,303 grams of cannabis flower
* Nearly $3 million in illicit tobacco products
CDTFA's Inspections Bureau has more than 70 team members enforcing California's tax and fee laws, including inspecting inventory, identifying illicit products and taking action against businesses operating outside the legal market.
"Taking illicit cannabis off the streets protects California's law-abiding licensed businesses and is another step toward a fairer marketplace for those who follow the rules, pay their taxes, and invest in California," said CDTFA Director Trista Gonzalez. "Removal and proper disposal of the illicit cannabis protects unwitting consumers while ensuring the product never makes it to the marketplace."
Protecting California's kids
California's cannabis strategy also includes strong safeguards to keep cannabis and other intoxicating products away from children and young people.
Governor Newsom recently signed Assembly Bill 2249, authored by Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks), strengthening California's protections against cannabis packaging, labeling, advertising and marketing that appeal to children. The law provides clearer standards for regulators and licensed businesses and restricts imagery associated with children's entertainment, including cartoons, candy and sweets.
The Administration has also moved to close loopholes involving intoxicating hemp products, including establishing stronger restrictions on THC-containing consumable hemp products and a minimum purchase age of 21. California has more recently taken action against kratom and 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH) products in response to growing concerns about their potential health risks.
California's cannabis strategy is part of a broader approach to illicit markets that recognizes threats to public safety and public health can evolve.
The state has brought together state, local and federal partners through the Unified Cannabis Enforcement Task Force - which the Governor created in 2022 to disrupt illegal cannabis operations and protect communities and legitimate businesses.
California leads with regulation and enforcement
California remains a national leader in implementing a comprehensive approach to cannabis legalization that prioritizes public safety, consumer protection, environmental stewardship, and a well-regulated legal marketplace. California oversees one of the world's largest regulated cannabis markets while working to ensure compliance and accountability across the industry.
At the same time, the state has led some of the nation's most aggressive efforts to combat illicit cannabis activity through coordinated enforcement operations involving the California Department of Cannabis Control, the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, other state partners, and local law enforcement. These efforts have targeted illegal cultivation and manufacturing sites that threaten public safety, divert water resources, harm wildlife habitats, and undermine licensed businesses. By pairing strong enforcement with investments in prevention, public health, environmental restoration, and local community support, California continues to demonstrate that legalization and public safety go hand in hand.
California will continue strengthening its regulated cannabis market while holding bad actors accountable.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/02/californias-legal-cannabis-market-generates-8-4-billion-for-californians-as-state-cracks-down-on-illicit-operators/
Colo. Judicial Branch: Clear Your Warrant Event Offered September 19 at Summit County Combined Courts
DENVER, Colorado, Sept. 3 -- The Colorado State Judicial Branch issued the following news release:
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Clear Your Warrant Event Offered September 19 at Summit County Combined Courts
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. -- The Colorado Judicial Department, 5th Judicial District, in partnership with the 5th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Dillon Public Defenders Office, will host a Clear Your Warrant Event on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Summit County Combined Courts, 501 North Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
This event offers individuals with active warrants
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DENVER, Colorado, Sept. 3 -- The Colorado State Judicial Branch issued the following news release:
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Clear Your Warrant Event Offered September 19 at Summit County Combined Courts
BRECKENRIDGE, Colo. -- The Colorado Judicial Department, 5th Judicial District, in partnership with the 5th Judicial District Attorney's Office and the Dillon Public Defenders Office, will host a Clear Your Warrant Event on Saturday, Sept. 19, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. at the Summit County Combined Courts, 501 North Park Avenue, Breckenridge, CO 80424.
This event offers individuals with active warrantsin Eagle, Lake, Clear Creek, or Summit counties a safe and supportive opportunity to resolve eligible matters without being arrested.
This districtwide effort is designed to reduce barriers that often prevent people from addressing outstanding warrants. Participants with eligible warrants will have the opportunity to resolve cases without being arrested, receive a new court date, speak with a prosecutor or court staff about next steps, get back on track with probation requirements, and receive a free consultation with a criminal defense attorney regarding eligible cases.
Offenses eligible for warrant clearance include low-level, nonviolent misdemeanor cases, traffic cases, some Class 5 and Class 6 felony property offenses, some Class 4 drug felony cases, and probation violations.
Offenses not eligible for this event include most felony offenses, any weapons offense, Victim Rights Act (VRA) cases including but not limited to assault, child abuse, unlawful sexual contact, and domestic violence, and second or subsequent DUI or DWAI offenses.
Individuals are encouraged to determine whether their warrant qualifies before attending. Eligibility can be verified in advance by emailing warrantforgiveness@da5.us.
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Original text here: https://www.coloradojudicial.gov/media/press-release/clear-your-warrant-event-offered-september-19-summit-county-combined-courts?topic=76&wrapped=true
Amid Measles Outbreak in Douglas County, Ill. Public Health Dept. Urges Illinoisans to Get Vaccinated
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Sept. 3 -- The Illinois Department of Public Health issued the following news:
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Amid Measles Outbreak in Douglas County, IDPH Urges Illinoisans to Get Vaccinated
State, local health departments mobilize after at least four confirmed cases of measles identified in area residents
Key Points for Media:
* At least four confirmed, linked cases of measles have been identified in Douglas County
* IDPH is working with area health departments and providers to offer immunizations, identify exposure locations, and provide guidance for exposed persons
* Immunization remains
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Sept. 3 -- The Illinois Department of Public Health issued the following news:
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Amid Measles Outbreak in Douglas County, IDPH Urges Illinoisans to Get Vaccinated
State, local health departments mobilize after at least four confirmed cases of measles identified in area residents
Key Points for Media:
* At least four confirmed, linked cases of measles have been identified in Douglas County
* IDPH is working with area health departments and providers to offer immunizations, identify exposure locations, and provide guidance for exposed persons
* Immunization remainsthe best protection against measles; two doses of the MMR vaccine are 97% effective at preventing measles
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The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is responding to an outbreak of measles in Douglas County, Illinois, involving at least four cases. An outbreak is defined as three or more cases that are connected by a common exposure source or epidemiological link.
IDPH is working with local health departments to identify residents who were exposed to patients during their infectious period and offer vaccination to those who are high-risk, as well as others in the community. Post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) can be administered to unvaccinated persons six months and older who are exposed to measles, but they must receive the shot within 72 hours of first exposure. In addition, an injection known as immune globulin can be provided to high-risk individuals who cannot receive the measles vaccine or who missed the 72-hour window, including infants, pregnant persons, or people who are immunocompromised.
People who are non-immune (have no protection from measles) are encouraged to get vaccinated in consultation with a health care provider. It is important that all residents who are not immune (or protected from measles) get vaccinated at least two weeks before international travel or travel to areas with measles outbreaks.
"Illinois is fortunate to have high vaccination rates overall that protect most Illinois residents from measles," said IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra. "However, there are still areas across the state with lower vaccination rates where people are at high risk. With almost 3,000 cases in the US so far this year, IDPH has been preparing and works closely with local public health and health care partners on strategies to reduce spread and minimize outbreaks. IDPH continues to urge clinicians to be attentive to pre-travel vaccination needs and consider a measles diagnosis in patients with consistent symptoms and alert their local health department immediately if they suspect a case."
"The key to preventing measles is the highly effective measles/mumps/rubella (MMR) vaccine. Two doses of measles vaccine are 97% effective in preventing measles," said Dr. Vohra. "I recommend that our Illinois residents make sure that they and their family members are up to date on the MMR vaccine and all other age-appropriate immunizations."
Measles is a highly contagious disease, which is caused by a virus. It can easily be spread through the air when an infected person coughs or sneezes, or through direct contact with nose or throat secretions from an infected individual.
Measles was declared eliminated in the United States in 2000, but unfortunately it has seen a resurgence in recent years as national immunization rates have dropped. The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is administered in two doses. The first is usually given around one year of age and the second between four and six years of age, usually before the child starts school, but can be given as soon as 28 days after the first dose. A single dose is 93% effective in preventing measles, while the two-dose regimen is 97% effective.
You can learn more about measles and how to prevent it at Measles (https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/diseases-and-conditions/measles.html) on the IDPH website. There you can also find other resources, including IDPH's School Vaccination Coverage Dashboard (https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/school-vaccination-coverage-dashboard.html) and Measles Outbreak Simulator Dashboard (https://dph.illinois.gov/topics-services/prevention-wellness/immunization/coverage-dashboards/measles-outbreak-simulator-dashboard.html).
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Original text here: https://dph.illinois.gov/resource-center/news/2026/september/release-20260902.html
