States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley's Bills on AI Pornography And Digital Currency Receive Final State Senate Approval
PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 17 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley's Bills on AI Pornography And Digital Currency Receive Final State Senate Approval
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's two bills that protect citizens from AI-generated pornography and allows for the seizure of cryptocurrency as part of criminal investigations were both unanimously approved by the full State Senate Friday afternoon.
"I appreciate the Senators' support and understanding of how this legislation protects both South Dakotans and
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Jan. 17 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley's Bills on AI Pornography And Digital Currency Receive Final State Senate Approval
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's two bills that protect citizens from AI-generated pornography and allows for the seizure of cryptocurrency as part of criminal investigations were both unanimously approved by the full State Senate Friday afternoon.
"I appreciate the Senators' support and understanding of how this legislation protects both South Dakotans andtheir property," said Attorney General Jackley. "I look forward to working with State Representatives when our bills proceed to the House."
Senate Bill 42 prohibits the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated pornographic material of a non-consenting individual.
Senate Bill 43 adds "digital currency" to South Dakota's seizure laws, giving law enforcement the tools to confiscate illicit crypto assets, disrupt criminal networks hiding behind digital secrecy and strengthen protections for South Dakota consumers.
Final action on Senate Bill 41 was delayed so a fiscal note could be attached. The measure would enhance the penalties for ingestion, possession, possession with intent to deliver, and delivery of a controlled substance in a state correctional facility.
Attorney General Jackley has introduced 10 bills during this legislative session. Committee hearings on more of the bills are scheduled for next week.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2991
Pa. Gov. Shapiro, Secretary Davis-Jones, and Secretary Bogen Hold Roundtable to Highlight Work to Bring Fatal Overdoses to Lowest in Ten Years, Support Families Struggling With Substance Use Disorder
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 17 (TNSrpt) -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Governor Shapiro, Secretary Davis-Jones, and Secretary Bogen Hold Roundtable to Highlight Work to Bring Fatal Overdoses to Lowest in Ten Years, Support Families Struggling with Substance Use Disorder
Organizations reported over 11,400 overdose reversals in the last year linked to naloxone from the Shapiro Administration's Overdose Prevention Program.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' initiative distributed more than 824,000 doses of naloxone
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 17 (TNSrpt) -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:
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Governor Shapiro, Secretary Davis-Jones, and Secretary Bogen Hold Roundtable to Highlight Work to Bring Fatal Overdoses to Lowest in Ten Years, Support Families Struggling with Substance Use Disorder
Organizations reported over 11,400 overdose reversals in the last year linked to naloxone from the Shapiro Administration's Overdose Prevention Program.
Last year, the Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs' initiative distributed more than 824,000 doses of naloxoneand 922,000 fentanyl and xylazine test strips.
Early estimates indicate that in 2025, Pennsylvania saw the fewest overdose deaths in more than a decade.
Watch the roundtable discussion here (https://pacast.com/m?p=28836).
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Tunkhannock, PA - Yesterday, Governor Josh Shapiro, alongside Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP) Secretary Dr. Latika Davis-Jones and Health (DOH) Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen, visited the Wyoming County Emergency Management Agency to lead a roundtable discussion on efforts to save lives, prevent fatal overdoses, and support families struggling with substance use disorder. The visit followed the release of the Shapiro Administration's Overdose Prevention Program Annual Report (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/ddap/documents/documents/agency-reports/overdose-prevention-program-annual-reports/overdose-prevention-program-annual-report-ffy-2024-25.pdf),which details significant progress in reducing overdose deaths across Pennsylvania.
Between October 2024 and September 2025, frontline organizations reported over 11,400 overdose reversals linked to naloxone distributed through the Administration's initiative -- representing thousands of lives saved through timely intervention. Early estimates show that in 2025, Pennsylvania saw the fewest overdose deaths in more than a decade.
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"Every life saved is a reminder that a smart, compassionate, multidisciplinary response to the opioid crisis works," said Governor Shapiro. "Since day one, my Administration has invested in proven, life-saving tools -- getting naloxone into communities, expanding access to treatment, and meeting people where they are. The results are clear: overdose deaths are down, thousands of Pennsylvanians are alive today, and more families have hope. We will keep doing this work until every Pennsylvanian -- no matter their zip code -- has access to the care and support they deserve."
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In Wyoming County and surrounding Northeastern Pennsylvania counties, 233 overdose reversals were reported last year, and over 35,000 naloxone doses were distributed locally.
During the roundtable, the Governor heard from local participants, including Wyoming County District Attorney Joe Peters, EMS of Northeastern Pennsylvania Executive Director Robert Carpenter, Luzerne/Wyoming Counties Drug and Alcohol Program Administrator Michael Gagliardi, Prevention Education Supervisor Cammie Anderson, Wyoming County Opioid Settlement Committee Member Amanda Moyer, and Ashley Bunnell, a person in recovery working in substance use treatment.
Watch the roundtable discussion here (https://pacast.com/m?p=28836).
"Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, we're seeing progress because he is investing in proven lifesaving strategies; his unwavering commitment to Pennsylvanians struggling with substance use disorder is what public health leadership looks like," said Secretary Davis-Jones. "As part of his Administration, we are working every day to ensure Pennsylvanians in all zip codes have access to treatment, prevention, and recovery supports and no one is left behind simply because of where they live--we must continue to meet people where they are."
According to data from the Department of Health, overall overdose deaths are falling in Pennsylvania, including Wyoming County. However, overdose death rates among communities of color continue to remain higher than among white and non-Hispanic individuals. In 2024, Black Pennsylvanians died from an overdose at a rate that was two times higher than white Pennsylvanians.
"While we are encouraged to see the fewest deaths from overdose in over a decade, we know our work is far from over," said Secretary Dr. Bogen. "The Department of Health is a critical partner in the state's fight to reduce overdose deaths, providing the standing order for naloxone and the real-time data needed to stay ahead of an ever-changing drug supply. We will continue to provide education about the importance of naloxone, offer provider education to increase stigma-free care, training for first responders, and provide data for evidence-based interventions."
How the Overdose Prevention Program Works
The Overdose Prevention Program is a statewide initiative led by DDAP to expand access to naloxone and drug checking tools to prevent fatal overdoses and strengthen overdose response.
Through nearly 100 statewide partners, DDAP distributed more than 824,000 doses of naloxone and 922,000 fentanyl and xylazine test strips from October 2024 to September 2025. Partners reached individuals in clinical settings, recovery programs, libraries, churches, campuses, drop-boxes, mail-based distribution, mobile outreach, and other places. The supplies were provided directly to the people most likely to witness or experience an overdose, including individuals who use drugs, family members, peers, and service providers.
In Wyoming County, 720 naloxone doses and 2,700 fentanyl/xylazine test strips were distributed to EMS, recovery programs, and community organizations, ensuring tools reached the people most likely to witness or experience an overdose over the same period
The program operates through a hub-and-spoke model, reaching both urban, suburban, and rural communities efficiently, with targeted support for those at highest risk.
All overdose prevention partners can be located through DDAP's website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/ddap/overdose/overdose-prevention-program/find-overdose-prevention-supplies#sortCriteria=%40copapwptitle%20ascending%2C%40title%20ascending%2C%40copapwpeducatorname%20ascending).
Investing in Overdose Prevention, Treatment, and Recovery
Since the start of the Shapiro Administration, DDAP has invested more than $85 million in overdose prevention, treatment, and recovery. Initiatives include $40 million for the Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Loan Repayment Program, which has helped nearly 675 recipients statewide, as well as telehealth-only licenses for providers, mobile treatment units like Driving Recovery for PA, and opening a State Health Center in Wyoming County in 2025 to expand rural health access.
In addition to the Overdose Prevention Program, the Shapiro Administration has worked since day one to implement successful initiatives, including:
* Establishing exceptions to licensing regulations that allow for telehealth-only SUD services to expand treatment accessibility statewide
* Licensing mobile opioid treatment programs to pave the way for increased access to medication-assisted treatment
Launching a workforce development pilot program with Carlow and Waynesburg universities to accelerate the training of new substance use treatment professionals
Many of the organizations the Shapiro Administration is supporting are receiving grant funding from the $2 billion in opioid settlement funds secured by Governor Shapiro when he was Pennsylvania's Attorney General.
24/7 Help
Individuals seeking substance use treatment or recovery supports can be connected to local SUD resources by calling the toll-free PA Get Help Now helpline at 1-800-662-HELP (4357) or by using Treatment Atlas, a free, online or smart phone locator tool to help Pennsylvanians confidentially find SUD treatment that meets their needs.
In addition, local treatment programs are administered through county drug and alcohol offices called Single County Authorities. These programs can help with treatment funding, assess the need for treatment or other services, and make referrals to match treatment and/or service needs.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts in combating the overdose crisis at ddap.pa.gov.
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REPORT: https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/ddap/documents/documents/agency-reports/overdose-prevention-program-annual-reports/overdose-prevention-program-annual-report-ffy-2024-25.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-and-admin-leaders-hold-roundtable-on-overdose-preven
NCDHHS Marks One Year Under Secretary Dev Sangvai, Working to Improve Access to Care, Mental Health and Support for North Carolina's Most Vulnerable Children
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 17 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Marks One Year Under Secretary Dev Sangvai, Working to Improve Access to Care, Mental Health and Support for North Carolina's Most Vulnerable Children
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing one year of service for Secretary Dev Sangvai. In 2025, Secretary Sangvai worked to advance key priorities including increasing access to and improving affordability of care, investing in whole-person health by prioritizing mental
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 17 -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release:
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NCDHHS Marks One Year Under Secretary Dev Sangvai, Working to Improve Access to Care, Mental Health and Support for North Carolina's Most Vulnerable Children
The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services is recognizing one year of service for Secretary Dev Sangvai. In 2025, Secretary Sangvai worked to advance key priorities including increasing access to and improving affordability of care, investing in whole-person health by prioritizing mentalhealth and supporting North Carolina's most vulnerable children.
"With strong headwinds at the federal and state levels threatening access to health care and cutting critical funding, NCDHHS remains steadfast in its mission to improve the health and well-being of all North Carolinians," said Secretary Sangvai. "The Department launched many new programs in 2025 to make North Carolina healthier, and I look forward to continuing these efforts with our team and partners as we build a health care system that truly works for everyone."
Supporting North Carolina's Most Vulnerable Children
Secretary Sangvai made improving child welfare a core priority, with a clear focus on protecting North Carolina's most vulnerable children and strengthening the systems that support them. From modernizing child welfare infrastructure to expanding access to comprehensive physical and mental health care, the department is taking meaningful steps to ensure children and families receive timely, coordinated, and compassionate support. By working closely with county partners and listening to those on the front lines, Secretary Sangvai is reinforcing a child welfare system that is more responsive, equitable, and centered on better outcomes for children and families. Initiatives include:
* NCDHHS launched PATH NC, a new statewide child welfare information system that includes real-time data and decision-making tools to better protect children and to improve outcomes for children and families.
* NCDHHS launched the Children and Families Specialty Plan, a first-of-its-kind statewide health plan that ensures access to comprehensive physical and mental health services for Medicaid-enrolled children, youth and young adults currently and formerly served by the child welfare system.
* In response to a sharp increase in suicide rates among Black youth, NCDHHS launched the NC Black Youth Suicide Prevention Action Plan.
Additionally, Secretary Sangvai prioritized visits with county departments of health and social services across the state to better understand the unique issues counties are facing in supporting their communities.
"County health and human services staff are the backbone of their communities, on the front line every day delivering life-changing resources and care to their neighbors, friends and loved ones," said Secretary Sangvai. "I am committed to working with our county partners to improve the health and well-being of the more than 11 million people who call North Carolina home."
Increasing Access to Care and Improving Affordability
Building on strong progress to expand access to care, Secretary Sangvai is continuing the momentum to ensure North Carolina's health system keeps moving in the right direction. With more than 700,000 people gaining life-saving coverage through Medicaid expansion and $213 million secured through the Rural Health Transformation Program to strengthen care in rural communities, the department is focused on sustaining and accelerating these gains so more North Carolinians can get the care they need, where and when they need it. Initiatives include:
* Secretary Sangvai and Governor Stein announced the state's medical debt program provided more than $6.5 billion in relief for more than 2.5 million North Carolinians, an accomplishment well above initial projections.
* Over 700,000 people have gained life-saving health care through Medicaid expansion, just two years after launch.
* The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services approved North Carolina's Rural Health Transformation Program application, awarding the state $213 million to improve health care for more than 3 million people who live in rural North Carolina.
* NCDHHS launched a new Vaccines for Children provider map on VaccinesForKids.nc.gov and VacunasParaNinos.nc.gov to make it easier for families relying on VFC to find all vaccines required for child care and school in North Carolina, saving them hundreds of dollars.
* Issued Standing Orders by State Health Director Dr. Larry Greenblatt to allow pharmacists at retail locations to test and treat for influenza, beginning Oct. 1.
* NCDHHS launched a new electronic records system for 13 state-operated health care facilities to improve care for patients by making their health data available to authorized providers across healthcare facilities and patient settings.
Secretary Sangvai also prioritized visiting with staff and patients at state operated health care facilities to gain a deeper understanding of the workforce needs across the state.
"Everyone in North Carolina should be able to access the right care at the right time, regardless of where they live or how much money they make," said Secretary Sangvai.
Investing in Whole-Person Health by Prioritizing Mental Health
Secretary Sangvai is building on the foundation toward improving whole person health and prioritizing creating a mental health system that works for everyone. The goal is to reach people where they are, in their communities or schools before they have a mental health crisis. However, when someone is in crisis, NCDHHS is ensuring there is someone to call, someone to respond and somewhere to go. Initiatives include:
* NCDHHS invested in new mental health facilities, including the Behavioral Health Urgent Care in Pitt County, Life Changing Behavioral Health Urgent Care for children and adolescents, Peer Respite Center in Henderson County and the Jubilee Home in Durham County.
* North Carolina's first two mobile opioid treatment programs launched in Raleigh and Greensboro, making it easier for people to enter into and maintain treatment for substance use. Additional mobile OTP programs will open in 2026.
* NCDHHS partnered with Shatterproof to start the UNSHAME NC campaign to increase knowledge and awareness of substance use disorder and the use of medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD) as a treatment option.
* NCDHHS launched the Forensic Assertive Community Treatment (FACT) teams based in Pitt, New Hanover, Wake/Durham, Buncombe, and Mecklenburg counties to help people who have severe mental health needs and are involved in the justice system successfully reenter their communities while reducing their likelihood of reoffending.
* NCDHHS partnered with Hazel Health to bring virtual mental health care services to more than 400,000 of North Carolina's K-12 student population.
"There is no health without mental health," said Secretary Sangvai. "Our efforts are working to bring down opioid deaths and overdoses, but there is more work to be done. Reducing stigma surrounding addiction and eliminating barriers to treatment are key in helping more people who are struggling with mental health in North Carolina."
NCDHHS remains committed to its mission to provide essential services that improve the health, safety and well-being of all North Carolinians in collaboration with our partners across the state.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/16/ncdhhs-marks-one-year-under-secretary-dev-sangvai-working-improve-access-care-mental-health-and
NC Career Planning Platform Hits 1 Million Users Milestone
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 17 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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NC Career Planning Platform Hits 1 Million Users Milestone
NCcareers.org sees 95% growth in users, with 1 million North Carolinians accessing free career development tools and 45,000 students completing Career Development Plans
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North Carolina's award-winning career development platform, NCcareers.org, has served one million North Carolinians, marking a 95% increase over the last 12 months and solidifying the platform's role as North Carolina's central hub for career exploration
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Jan. 17 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release:
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NC Career Planning Platform Hits 1 Million Users Milestone
NCcareers.org sees 95% growth in users, with 1 million North Carolinians accessing free career development tools and 45,000 students completing Career Development Plans
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North Carolina's award-winning career development platform, NCcareers.org, has served one million North Carolinians, marking a 95% increase over the last 12 months and solidifying the platform's role as North Carolina's central hub for career explorationand planning. The free, comprehensive career development platform generated 6.6 million pageviews and 970,000 users in 2025 as students, job seekers, educators, and workforce professionals across the state turned to it for data-driven career guidance.
The surge in usage follows the platform's launch of tools to help students complete Career Development Plans (CDP), meeting the legislature's Session Law 2023-134 requirement for all 8th and 10th grade students. More than 45,000 career development plans have been created through NCcareers.org, offering school districts a no-cost solution while enabling educators to better guide students in exploring careers. In partnership with the College Foundation of North Carolina (CFNC), students can continue accessing and updating their plans beyond high school.
"NCcareers.org represents a critical investment in North Carolina's workforce development infrastructure," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "By providing free, data-driven career planning tools, we're ensuring that students and job seekers across the state can make informed decisions about their futures based on real labor market need. And that makes NCcareers extremely helpful for our business community, as well."
The usage data reveals strong interest in healthcare and financial careers, with Nurse Practitioners, Registered Nurses, and Financial Managers ranking as the three most-viewed occupations by users which reflects both statewide labor market demands and promising career pathways for North Carolinians.
"I'm proud of our collaboration on NCcareers with Commerce and our higher education partners," said N.C. Superintendent of Public Instruction Maurice "Mo" Green. "This platform ensures every North Carolina student, no matter where they live, can connect the dots between what they're learning and the skill and education needs of local employers. With new schools continually adopting NCcareers, I'm confident one million users is a milestone we'll far exceed this year."
"NCcareers is a resource and tool that supports how we advise and coach our high school students towards building a plan," said Dr. Marsha Thomas, Director of Secondary Education Partnerships at South Piedmont Community College. "When the students see the data on their future profession or career field and how taking courses at South Piedmont will support their goals with a focus of being debt-free, the excitement is inevitable."
From rural counties to urban centers, NCcareers.org serves North Carolinians at all stages of their educational and work careers, at no cost. Educators use it to support students in Career Development Plans, workforce counselors deploy it to help adults transition to new opportunities, and individuals use it independently to make informed career decisions.
"We often lack the resources we need to do the work required in our communities," explains Brandi Bragg, who works with students and adults in rural communities as the Workforce Connector at NENC Career Pathways. "NCcareers provides access to assessments, labor market data and information that would be difficult to convey without this platform. Personally, Reality Check is my favorite tool. I have seen countless lightbulb moments from students and adults as they recognize how they want to live and consider the careers they need to meet that goal."
NCcareers.org was used in a 10-week employability workshop at Kittrell Job Corps to explore four career pathways: Advanced Manufacturing, Construction, Healthcare, and IT.
"As they navigated the website, Job Corp students explored wage data, local employers, projected career growth, and other valuable insights," said Tatum Ryan, NextGen Data Analyst and Team Lead at Kerr-Tar NCWorks. "For many participants, discovering the number of local employers offering strong, well-paying opportunities was both eye-opening and motivating. It helped reinforce that they can build stable, successful careers right here in their own communities."
As NCcareers.org moves into 2026, several new features are in development:
* AI Mock Interview Tool - Helping users develop interview skills and build confidence
* Business Directory - Connecting users to local businesses that match their occupational interests
* Enhanced Career Path Builder - Helping users identify future occupations and how additional credentials can expand their options
Launched in 2020, NCcareers.org is managed by the NC Department of Commerce's Labor and Economic Analysis Division in partnership with 12 education and workforce agencies. The platform provides free comprehensive career planning tools for middle and high school students, college students, adult job seekers, career changers, educators, career counselors, and workforce development professionals across North Carolina.
"NCcareers.org has been an invaluable resource for helping our NextGen youth explore and identify career interests they may never have considered," shared Claudia Furges, Career Advisor at Northeastern Workforce Development Board. "The Assessment Reality Check, combined with labor market information, gives them a realistic understanding of the education, training, and income needed to achieve their desired lifestyle."
Key platform features include:
* Career Assessments - Interest Finder, Quick Start, and Budget Reality Check help users identify career interests and understand lifestyle-to-income connections
* Career Development Plans - Launched in 2024 to support Session Law 2023-134, the CDP tool guides students through self-assessment, career pathway exploration, academic alignment, and portfolio creation
* Labor Market Information - Current salary data, job growth projections, and regional employment trends
* Career Pathways - Educational requirements, training programs, and credential information for hundreds of careers
* STAR Jobs - Five-star rating system identifying promising careers based on wages, projected growth, and job openings, with regional brochures highlighting top in-demand occupations by education level
* Lesson Plans - Over 60 professionally prepared lesson plans offer educators at all levels the ability to readily incorporate NCcareers.org into their teaching
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/01/16/nc-career-planning-platform-hits-1-million-users-milestone
Md. A.G. Brown and Secretary of State Lee Shut Down Sham Youth Charities
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown and Secretary of State Lee Shut Down Sham Youth Charities
Organizations Recruited Children to Sell Candy to Fund Nonexistent Scholarships and Youth Activities
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee today announced that two deceptive nonprofits, Maryland Youth Club of America, Inc. (Maryland Youth Club) and Virginia Youth Club of America, Inc. (Virginia Youth Club), will permanently shut down and that their
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown and Secretary of State Lee Shut Down Sham Youth Charities
Organizations Recruited Children to Sell Candy to Fund Nonexistent Scholarships and Youth Activities
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Secretary of State Susan C. Lee today announced that two deceptive nonprofits, Maryland Youth Club of America, Inc. (Maryland Youth Club) and Virginia Youth Club of America, Inc. (Virginia Youth Club), will permanently shut down and that theirfounder, Jule Huston, as well as other officers and directors, are banned from operating a charity or soliciting charitable contributions in Maryland. As a result of settlements finalized in Virginia and the District of Columbia, Huston is also barred from forming a charity or soliciting charitable contributions and from serving as an officer or director of any charitable organization in DC and Virginia.
The settlements resolve a joint investigation by the Attorneys General of Maryland, DC, and Virginia, and the Maryland Secretary of State. The Agencies allege that Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club recruited school-age children to sell candy door-to-door, telling people that the proceeds would fund scholarships and enrichment activities for at-risk kids, when, in fact, the adults running the programs illegally used the funds for their own personal benefit.
Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club operated in a similar manner and with a similar purpose as DMV Futures, Inc., a Maryland organization that was ordered to stop soliciting by Secretary Lee in May of last year. DMV Futures, Inc. lost their appeal to overturn the cease and desist order in October 2025 and is also permanently banned from soliciting charitable contributions in Maryland.
"These adults exploited children twice--first by sending them door-to-door as salespeople, then by misusing the money donors thought would help at-risk youth," said Attorney General Brown. "We've shut down these sham operations and banned the people behind them from ever running a charity in Maryland again."
"Our office strongly opposes deceptive charitable practices and will take decisive action to ensure the integrity and health of the nonprofit sector and to protect generous Marylanders," said Secretary of State, Susan C. Lee. "We are committed to keeping bad actors out of the nonprofit world and upholding Maryland's charity laws."
Maryland Youth Club is a tax-exempt nonprofit incorporated in Maryland that was registered to solicit charitable contributions in Maryland. Virginia Youth Club is a tax-exempt nonprofit incorporated in Virginia also registered to solicit charitable contributions in Maryland. Jule Huston, a New York resident, served as president of both organizations.
Both Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club claimed that their purpose was to support youth programs and activities intended to "rescue teens from challenging environments before they become statistics" through scholarships, trips, enrichment activities, and other benefits. The organizations recruited middle-school-aged and high-school-aged children and then drove them to various neighborhoods around Maryland, Virginia, and DC to sell candy door-to-door. The children were instructed to tell buyers that their charitable purchases would support charitable activities benefiting youth.
The Maryland Attorney General's Office opened an investigation with authorities from Washington, DC and Virginia, as well as the Maryland Office of the Secretary of State. The joint investigation found evidence to support the following allegations:
* Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club misrepresented their charitable programs to the public. Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club collected over $857,000 in gross sales by representing to the public that the soliciting children would have part-time jobs, earn cash every week, get free trips, activities, and cool prizes. The organizations, however, were unable to show that children were consistently paid for their work soliciting charitable contributions, or that they received many of the trips, scholarships, or other benefits they were promised.
* The organizations misled consumers by falsely claiming that purchases would support at-risk youth.
* Maryland Youth Club's president, Jule Huston, illegally diverted charitable funds for his own personal benefit and the benefit of other private individuals. Between 2022 and 2023, Huston transferred a total of more than $23,000 from Maryland Youth Club's bank account to his personal CashApp account, to his mother, to a New York corporation he created, and to an officer of Virginia Youth Club. Maryland Youth Club also incurred significant expenses in New York, where Huston resides, including from local gas stations, Petco, AutoZone, Walmart, and other businesses. A large amount of the funds collected by Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club remain unaccounted for.
* Huston intentionally and illegally destroyed nonprofit financial records. He destroyed financial books and other records for Maryland Youth Club for 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023.
Under the terms of the settlement agreement resolving allegations that Maryland Youth Club, Virginia Youth Club, and Huston committed multiple violations of the Maryland Solicitations Act:
* Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club will be permanently dissolved. The organizations stopped doing business during the multistate investigation. Now, Huston must take all necessary steps to formally dissolve Maryland Youth Club in Maryland and Virginia Youth Club in Virginia and must provide documentation of dissolution to Maryland.
* Huston and other directors and officers of Maryland Youth Club and Virginia Youth Club are permanently banned from soliciting charitable contributions or operating a nonprofit in Maryland. Huston is also specifically banned from serving as an officer, director, or in any role related to the collection or handling of charitable contributions, and from engaging in any charitable solicitation in Maryland, including by serving as a consultant or advisor to a nonprofit.
* Maryland Youth Club, Virginia Youth Club, and Huston will make a $5,000 payment that will be redirected to area nonprofits that serve at-risk youth.
The settlement agreement is available here (https://oag.maryland.gov/News/Documents/pdfs/MYC%20VYC%20-%20Fully%20Executed%20Assurance%2001162026.pdf).
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-and-Secretary-of-State-Lee-Shut-Down-Sham-Youth-Charities.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Remove Anti-Discrimination Protections for Individuals With Gender Dysphoria
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Remove Anti-Discrimination Protections for Individuals with Gender Dysphoria
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in submitting a comment letter on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) proposed rule that would reverse HHS regulations concerning the definition of "disability" under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 to
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Jan. 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Jan. 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Trump Administration's Proposal to Remove Anti-Discrimination Protections for Individuals with Gender Dysphoria
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today led a coalition of 18 other attorneys general in submitting a comment letter on the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) proposed rule that would reverse HHS regulations concerning the definition of "disability" under Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 toexclude gender dysphoria. In the letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that the proposed rule provides insufficient time for the public to submit comments, contradicts extensive legal precedent, and harms states' abilities to protect their communities from discrimination.
On December 19, 2025, HHS issued a Notice of Proposed Rulemaking for a rule that would modify the regulation implementing section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, an act that prohibits discrimination on the basis of disability. The proposed rule would amend the definition of "disability" to exclude "gender dysphoria not resulting from physical impairments." HHS only provided a 30-day window, which fell over the Christmas, New Year, and Martin Luther King, Jr. Day holidays, for the public to submit comments on the proposed rule.
In today's letter, Attorney General Brown and the coalition urge HHS to rescind the proposed rule and retain the existing definition of disability in the regulations. Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue that:
* HHS should extend the comment period from 30 days to 60 days to provide adequate opportunity for affected stakeholders to submit feedback;
* The proposed rule relies on an interpretation of medical classifications that contradicts extensive legal precedent from an appellate and several district courts; and
* The proposed rule harms the ability of states to protect individuals in their communities who are transgender or have disabilities.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing today's letter are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maine, Minnesota, New Mexico, Nevada, New York, New Jersey, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Opposes-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Proposal-to-Remove-Anti-Discrimination-Protections-for-Individuals-wi.aspx
DEED Awards $1.6 Million in Adult Workforce Development Funding to 23 Organizations
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 17 -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release:
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DEED Awards $1.6 Million in Adult Workforce Development Funding to 23 Organizations
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded more than $1.6 million in workforce grants to 23 organizations that assist adults facing obstacles to find and keep steady employment. The organizations receiving awards are expected to serve 730 Minnesotans.
"For many, finding long-lasting, steady employment is difficult -- not from a lack
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Jan. 17 -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release:
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DEED Awards $1.6 Million in Adult Workforce Development Funding to 23 Organizations
The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) today awarded more than $1.6 million in workforce grants to 23 organizations that assist adults facing obstacles to find and keep steady employment. The organizations receiving awards are expected to serve 730 Minnesotans.
"For many, finding long-lasting, steady employment is difficult -- not from a lackof determination or skill, but due to systemic barriers in place for many of our neighbors," said DEED Commissioner Matt Varilek. "The Adult Support Services program aims to bridge that gap, and we're excited to partner with organizations around the state to help Minnesotans find and gain work-ready skills."
The Adult Support Services competitive grants program provides grants to organizations that offer support services like job training, employment preparation, internships, financial literacy and academic and behavioral interventions for lower-performing students. Grantees are required to focus on low-income communities, adults from families with a history of intergenerational poverty and communities of color.
"Our Adult Support Services grant program is a high-impact workforce development program that yields long-lasting, durable results for program participants," said DEED Deputy Commissioner Marc Majors. "Providing support services to people to help them prepare for and find family-sustaining employment makes a positive difference for communities throughout the state."
Awarded organizations include:
AccessAbility, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000
Alight, Minneapolis - $75,000
Amherst H. Wilder Foundation, St. Paul - $75,000
Brooklyn Park Economic Development Authority, Brooklyn Park - $75,000
Center for African Immigrant and Refugee Organization (CAIRO), St. Cloud - $60,000
Communidades Organizando el Poder y la Accion Latina (COPAL) Education Fund, Minneapolis - $75,000
Dunwoody College of Technology, Minneapolis - $100,000
Global Fatherhood Foundation, Brooklyn Park - $75,000
Hired, Minneapolis - $75,000
International Institute of Minnesota, St. Paul - $75,000
Minnesota Valley Action Council/South Central Workforce Council, Mankato - $75,000
Neighbors, Inc., South St. Paul - $70,000
Northwest Indian Community Development Center, Bemidji - $75,000
Pillsbury United Communities, Minneapolis - $60,000
Project for Pride in Living, Inc., Minneapolis - $75,000
Rise Incorporated, Fridley - $75,000
RS Eden, Minneapolis - $60,000
Tasks Unlimited, Minneapolis - $75,000
The Neighborhood Hub, Minneapolis - $70,000
The Redemption Project, St. Paul - $75,000
Tri-Valley Opportunity Council, Inc., Le Sueur - $60,000
Winona County, Winona - $75,000
Women's Wellness and Parenting Support Center, Bloomington - $57,500
Permalink: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/index.jsp?id=1045-719873
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/719873
