Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces State to Request Further Review Of Federal Ruling on State's Ballot-Question Petition Deadline
PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces State to Request Further Review Of Federal Ruling on State's Ballot-Question Petition Deadline
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the state will seek further review of a 2-1 panel decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that upheld a lower federal court ruling that prohibits the state from enforcing a new law that moved the election-year filing deadline for ballot-question petitions
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Aug. 12 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces State to Request Further Review Of Federal Ruling on State's Ballot-Question Petition Deadline
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces that the state will seek further review of a 2-1 panel decision of the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit that upheld a lower federal court ruling that prohibits the state from enforcing a new law that moved the election-year filing deadline for ballot-question petitionsto nine months, from May to February.
Attorney General Jackley said the state plans to request that the entire 11-member Eighth Circuit Court of Appeals hear the case.
"While we respect the panel's decision, we still believe the South Dakota Legislature reached a fair solution to our petition process, without infringing on the First Amendment," said Attorney General Jackley. "We believe this case is worthy of being heard by the full court. As stated by Judge Lonken in his dissent, 'the Constitution does not authorize the federal court's micromanagement of state elections.'"
A bill passed by the 2025 South Dakota Legislature and signed by the Governor moved the filing deadline for ballot-questions petitions from May to February. Dakotans for Health had appealed that bill on the grounds that it reduced the circulation window for gathering petitions by three months. That appeal was upheld by a South Dakota federal court.
In its appeal to the Court of Appeals, the state argued that the February deadline allowed enough time for ballot measure supporters to gather signatures and for the Secretary of State's Office to determine the signatures were valid.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3132
N.J. A.G. Office: State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Connection With an October 21, 2025, Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Jersey City
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 12 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Connection with an October 21, 2025, Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Jersey City
A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Teshawn Rogers, 27, of Jersey City. Mr. Rogers died on October 21, 2025, during an encounter with Jersey City police officers.
Mr. Rogers's death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 12 -- The New Jersey Attorney General Office issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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State Grand Jury Declines to File Criminal Charges in Connection with an October 21, 2025, Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Jersey City
A state grand jury has voted not to file any criminal charges at the conclusion of its deliberations regarding the death of Teshawn Rogers, 27, of Jersey City. Mr. Rogers died on October 21, 2025, during an encounter with Jersey City police officers.
Mr. Rogers's death was investigated by the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability(OPIA) and presented to New Jersey residents serving on the grand jury in accordance with the Independent Prosecutor Directive of 2019, which was issued following the enactment of a state law requiring the Office of the Attorney General to investigate deaths that occur during an encounter with law enforcement.
The investigation included a review of surveillance video footage, body-worn camera footage, witness statements, medical records, and autopsy results from the medical examiner. This evidence was presented to a state grand jury. After hearing the testimony and evidence, the grand jury finished its deliberations on August 10, 2026, and voted "no bill," meaning jurors concluded no criminal charges should be filed against any involved officers.
The fatal police encounter involved members of the Jersey City Police Department's Street Crimes Unit, a unit that consists of plainclothes officers and utilizes unmarked vehicles. According to the investigation, officers assigned to the unit encountered Mr. Rogers in the area of Bergen and Virginia avenues shortly after 1:00 a.m. As Mr. Rogers was walking northbound on Bergen Avenue, two officers in an unmarked vehicle pulled to the side of the road ahead of Mr. Rogers. Mr. Rogers immediately discharged a firearm and ran southbound. The officers in the first vehicle did not discharge their weapons.
A separate police vehicle containing additional members of the unit pulled to the side of the road as Mr. Rogers ran southbound. Officer Lance Jackson exited from the passenger side of that vehicle and discharged his weapon, striking Mr. Rogers. Emergency medical aid was provided before Mr. Rogers was transported to a hospital, where he was pronounced deceased at approximately 1:44 a.m. A firearm was recovered at the scene.
Body-worn camera and surveillance footage, as well as radio transmissions, were previously released and are posted online at https://njoag.box.com/s/5pgcud5c4ne6wwnhmfxzvtqoguhx4lzf.
N.J.S.A. 52:17B-107(a)(2), requires the Attorney General's Office to conduct investigations of a person's death that occurs during an encounter with a law enforcement officer acting in the officer's official capacity or while the decedent is in custody. It requires that all such investigations be presented to a grand jury to determine if the evidence supports the return of an indictment against the involved officers. The grand jury is instructed on the elements of the potential criminal offenses, including criminal homicide offenses, that could be brought and as required by statutes, the grand jury is instructed on self-defense and other forms of legal justification.
A conflicts check was conducted pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and no actual or potential conflicts of interest were found involving any individual assigned to OPIA's investigation. Prior to presentation to the grand jury, the investigation was reviewed by an Independent Supervisory Reviewer in accordance with the policies and procedures established for these presentations.
Now that the investigation has concluded, pursuant to the Independent Prosecutor Directive and SOPs, OPIA will determine whether any officer should be referred to the appropriate law enforcement agency for administrative review in accordance with the AG's Internal Affairs Policy & Procedures. OPIA will monitor any resulting review and take such actions as are necessary to ensure that the review is completed in a timely fashion, and that appropriate actions are taken based on the results of the review.
Further information about how fatal police encounters are investigated in New Jersey under the Independent Prosecutor Directive can be found here (https://www.nj.gov/oag/dcj/agguide/directives/ag-Directive-2019-4.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/state-grand-jury-declines-to-file-criminal-charges-in-connection-with-an-october-21-2025-fatal-police-involved-shooting-in-jersey-city/
N.H. Insurance Dept. Announces $420,000 Fine Against Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire and Matthew Thornton Health Plan
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 12 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Announces $420,000 Fine Against Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire and Matthew Thornton Health Plan
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has issued a Final Order assessing a $420,000 administrative fine against Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and Matthew Thornton Health Plan, Inc. following a targeted market conduct examination that identified violations involving claims processing, appeals, external reviews, and responses
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 12 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Announces $420,000 Fine Against Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire and Matthew Thornton Health Plan
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) has issued a Final Order assessing a $420,000 administrative fine against Anthem Health Plans of New Hampshire, Inc. and Matthew Thornton Health Plan, Inc. following a targeted market conduct examination that identified violations involving claims processing, appeals, external reviews, and responsesto Department examiners.
The examination covered the period from January 1, 2022, through June 30, 2023. Following the examination and subsequent regulatory proceedings, the Department determined that the companies committed over a hundred violations of New Hampshire insurance laws and regulations, resulting in a $420,000 administrative fine.
The examination identified claims-processing deficiencies in a limited but notable number of files reviewed, along with violations involving appeals, external reviews, claims investigation standards, and responses to Department inquiries.
The investigation further identified failures to process certain appeals within legally required timeframes, failures to adopt and implement standards necessary to ensure the prompt and reasonable investigation of certain claims, and failures to provide complete and timely responses during the Department's examination.
"Health insurance carriers operating in New Hampshire are expected to process claims and appeals promptly, fairly, and in accordance with state law," said Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt. "This action reflects the Department's commitment to ensuring that all health insurance carriers meet the consumer protection standards established by New Hampshire law. When deficiencies are identified, our responsibility is to work with insurers to correct them, protect consumers, and maintain confidence in New Hampshire's insurance marketplace."
The examination was targeted and focused on specific regulatory issues. While the Department did not conclude that consumers were improperly denied coverage because of these violations, it determined that the identified deficiencies warranted corrective action and civil penalties. Delays in these processes can affect consumers' ability to obtain benefits promptly and receive timely resolution of disputes.
Throughout the regulatory process, the companies participated in resolving the issues identified during the examination. The Final Order reflects both the violations identified by the Department and the comprehensive corrective actions the companies have agreed to implement going forward.
Under the Final Order, the companies will implement a corrective action plan developed in coordination with the Department to address the deficiencies identified during the examination. The Department will actively monitor implementation throughout the corrective action period and retains the authority to conduct a follow-up examination to ensure the required improvements are fully implemented.
As part of the Final Order, the Department assessed an administrative penalty of $420,000, consistent with New Hampshire law. The companies must pay $300,000 within 30 days, while the remaining $120,000 is suspended for three years and may be imposed, in whole or in part, if the companies fail to comply with the corrective action plan.
"Market conduct examinations are an important part of the Department's responsibility to protect consumers and ensure that insurance companies comply with New Hampshire law," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. "The corrective action plan and continued regulatory oversight will help ensure that the issues identified through this examination are addressed and that appropriate safeguards remain in place for Granite Staters."
"The purpose of market conduct examinations is not simply to identify violations, but to improve insurer operations, promote lasting compliance, strengthen consumer protections, and reinforce confidence in New Hampshire's insurance marketplace," added Commissioner Bettencourt. "The overwhelming majority of insurers operating in New Hampshire comply with these requirements, and targeted examinations remain an important regulatory tool for identifying and correcting issues when they arise while ensuring that every carrier operates under the same standards established by state law."
The Final Order, part of Docket Number INS 24-002-MC, is a public regulatory action and will be reported to the National Association of Insurance Commissioners. The Final Order is available at https://mm.nh.gov/files/uploads/nhid/documents/2026-08-08-anthem-final-order-on-the-examination-report.pdf. The underlying market conduct examination report remains private and confidential as required by state law.
The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department's mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271-2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.
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Original text here: https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-insurance-department-announces-420000-fine-against-anthem-health-plans
Labor Commissioner Farley Announces N.C. Labor Dept.'s Record-Breaking $3.7 Million in Recovery of Unpaid Wages for State Workers
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 12 (TNSrep) -- North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announces NCDOL's record-breaking $3.7 million in recovery of unpaid wages for North Carolina workers
This morning, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced that the North Carolina Department of Labor recovered a record-breaking $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers in 89 of the state's 100 counties during State Fiscal Year 2026.
The recoveries resulted from investigations by NCDOL's Wage and Hour Bureau into
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 12 (TNSrep) -- North Carolina Commissioner of Labor Luke Farley issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announces NCDOL's record-breaking $3.7 million in recovery of unpaid wages for North Carolina workers
This morning, Labor Commissioner Luke Farley announced that the North Carolina Department of Labor recovered a record-breaking $3.7 million in unpaid wages for workers in 89 of the state's 100 counties during State Fiscal Year 2026.
The recoveries resulted from investigations by NCDOL's Wage and Hour Bureau intothousands of complaints involving unpaid final paychecks, withheld commissions, unauthorized deductions and other violations of the N.C. Wage and Hour Act. Cases spanned construction, manufacturing, hospitality, retail, health care, transportation and agriculture, underscoring the broad reach of the bureau's work.
"Today is a win for workers. It's a win for the people who show up every day, put in the hours and do the job," Farley said. "When a worker comes forward with a concern, they should know that the North Carolina Department of Labor is committed to helping them. Most businesses want to comply with the law, and our goal is always to work with them toward voluntary compliance."
The NCDOL Wage and Hour Bureau enforces North Carolina's wage laws through investigations, compliance assistance, and enforcement actions. It also provides education, training and technical guidance to help employers understand their obligations and prevent violations before they occur.
Workers who believe they have not received wages they are owed -- including regular wages, final paychecks; commissions, bonuses or vacation pay promised in writing; or money lost through unauthorized deductions -- are encouraged to submit a complaint to NCDOL.
State law prohibits retaliation against employees who, in good faith, file or threaten to file a wage-and-hour complaint or exercise other protected rights.
To learn more or to file a wage complaint, visit the NCDOL website (https://www.labor.nc.gov/) or call 1-800-NC-LABOR (1-800-625-2267).
Click Here to View the Report (https://files.constantcontact.com/0b5fc7e1901/e04a0909-db5f-46b6-937d-730b957c2184.pdf?rdr=true).
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Original text here: https://www.labor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/11/labor-commissioner-luke-farley-announces-ncdols-record-breaking-37-million-recovery-unpaid-wages
Ind. Education Dept.: State Literacy Rates Increase for Fifth Consecutive Year
INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Aug. 12 -- The Indiana Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Indiana Literacy Rates Increase for Fifth Consecutive Year
Nearly 89% of Hoosier students are reading by the end of third grade, outpacing pre-pandemic performance
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For the fifth consecutive year, Hoosier students continue to achieve gains on the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment. Following a historic jump last year, scores once again increased in 2026 --climbing 7.5 percentage points since 2021. With nearly 89% of students now reading by the end of
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INDIANAPOLIS, Indiana, Aug. 12 -- The Indiana Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Indiana Literacy Rates Increase for Fifth Consecutive Year
Nearly 89% of Hoosier students are reading by the end of third grade, outpacing pre-pandemic performance
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For the fifth consecutive year, Hoosier students continue to achieve gains on the Indiana Reading Evaluation and Determination (IREAD) assessment. Following a historic jump last year, scores once again increased in 2026 --climbing 7.5 percentage points since 2021. With nearly 89% of students now reading by the end ofthird grade, Indiana's literacy rates have surpassed pre-pandemic levels.
"Our reading scores haven't just recovered from the pandemic--they've surged," said Governor Mike Braun. "Five consecutive years of literacy gains show what's possible when we stay focused on getting every Hoosier child on the path to success. We've surpassed where we were before the pandemic, and we're not stopping here. Every Indiana student deserves the opportunity to read, learn and succeed, and we will keep pushing to make that a reality."
Statewide, results show that 88.7% of Indiana's third grade students demonstrated proficient reading skills on the IREAD assessment. This is an improvement of nearly 1.5 percentage points over results for the 2024-2025 school year, the second-largest single-year increase since the assessment began.
"After historic gains last year, seeing these results increase again for the fifth consecutive year is truly remarkable," said Dr. Katie Jenner, Indiana Secretary of Education. "Our educators, parents, and students should be extremely proud of the results they've accomplished together. As more students master reading by the end of third grade, we're thinking very intentionally about how we deploy supports--that means understanding what works and focusing those proven strategies on the students who need them most, including students in special education and adolescent learners who are still working to master reading. This targeted approach will be key to ensuring every student has strong literacy skills that set them up for future success. In Indiana, our foot will remain on the gas pedal when it comes to continuously improving for students."
Prior to 2021, Indiana's literacy rates declined every year, except one. The pandemic exacerbated this literacy crisis, resulting in the state's lowest literacy rates on record. Indiana continues to make historic investments aimed at helping more students learn to read, leading to five straight years of improvement.
Other key takeaways from the data include:
* Literacy rates increased for nearly every student population from 2025 to 2026.
* With these increases, every student population has now surpassed their pre-pandemic achievement levels.
* For the second consecutive year, Black and Hispanic students achieved significant year-over-year gains.
- Black students:
= 4 percentage point increase from 2025 to 2026
= 18.1 percentage point increase from 2021 to 2026
= At 80.1% proficiency, Black students are now within one percentage point of their highest reading levels on record.
- Hispanic students:
= 3.7 percentage point increase from 2025 to 2026
= 11.2 percentage point increase from 2021 to 2026
* Literacy rates for students in special education and students receiving free/reduced price meals have increased for five consecutive years.
- Students in special education:
= 2.3 percentage point increase from 2025 to 2026
= 14.5 percentage point increase from 2021 to 2026
- Students receiving free/reduced price meals:
= 1.5 percentage point increase from 2025 to 2026
= 11.5 percentage point increase from 2021 to 2026
* After remaining relatively flat for three years, English learners achieved gains for the second consecutive year, jumping nearly 11 percentage points in just two years.
* Forty percent of Indiana elementary schools - 511 total schools - hit the 95% reading goal. Since 2023, the number of schools hitting the 95% goal has more than doubled.
For the second year, all second grade students participated in the IREAD assessment - a tactic that has already proven successful at providing educators and families an early indicator of whether a student is on-track to read by the end of third grade.
In 2026, the percentage of second grade students who Passed or were On-Track to pass by the end of third grade increased to 69%, with a significantly larger percentage of students passing compared to 2025. Indiana's On-Track indicator continues to be a strong predictor of future success, with over 95% of students who were On-Track last year passing in 2026. With the help of this early indicator, and the targeted supports that followed, over 61% of second graders who were At-Risk last year also went on to pass in 2026.
Another tactical solution continuing to show signs of success is the Indiana Literacy Cadre, a partnership between the State of Indiana, the University of Indianapolis's Center of Excellence in Leadership of Learning (CELL), and Marian University's Center for Vibrant Schools. To date, approximately 770 schools have participated in the Literacy Cadre, providing their early elementary teachers with embedded instructional coaching and support aligned with science of reading. Schools that participated in the Indiana Literacy Cadre during the most recent school year had a 2.3 percentage point increase in students passing IREAD, nearly four times larger than that of schools that did not participate in the Literacy Cadre.
The Indiana Literacy Cadre is one of several tactical solutions made possible through the state's largest-ever financial investment in literacy, which was announced in August 2022. Indiana continues to partner with Lilly Endowment, Inc. to invest up to $240 million to support early literacy development.
2026 ILEARN Results Establish a New Baseline
State-level results are also now available for the 2026 Indiana Learning Evaluation and Assessment Readiness Network (ILEARN) assessment. Taken by students in grades three through eight, ILEARN is unique to Indiana to meet federal requirements and is not used by any other state. ILEARN measures student achievement and growth based on Indiana-specific Academic Standards, making it a rigorous measure of whether students are on track for the academic demands of a four-year college. In 2026, 42% of students were proficient in English/language arts and 42.7% were proficient in Math.
Two new state laws required updates to ILEARN, as well as setting new ILEARN cut scores.
* House Enrolled Act (HEA) 1251 (2022) required the streamlining and prioritization of K-12 academic standards in core content areas. This required the redesign of ILEARN to align with these streamlined, prioritized standards.
* Following feedback from educators and parents, HEA 1243 (2024) also provided for the redesign of ILEARN from a summative to a through-year assessment, including three checkpoints and a shortened summative assessment.
As part of the larger redesign of ILEARN, Indiana also worked closely with educators and parents to develop real-time, user-friendly resources to better understand an individual student's assessment results and exactly where the student needs additional support to improve their learning.
The most recent results mark the first year that all grade three through eight students participated in the new through-year assessment model, measuring the streamlined, prioritized standards. These scores represent a new baseline for Indiana and cannot be compared to previous years. Following the approval of new cut scores by the Indiana State Board of Education, district- and school-level data will be available in September.
Indiana assessment data can be found on the Data Center & Reports webpage (https://www.in.gov/doe/it/data-center-and-reports/).
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Original text here: https://www.in.gov/doe/about/news/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Fast-Tracks 1,700 New Affordable Housing Units
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 12 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Governor Newsom fast-tracks 1,700 new affordable housing units
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a nearly $239 million investment to quickly bring 20 shovel-ready affordable rental housing developments with 1,700 homes to California residents.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a nearly $239 million investment to help bring 20 construction-ready affordable rental housing developments with 1,700 homes to market for Californians. These
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SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 12 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Governor Newsom fast-tracks 1,700 new affordable housing units
What you need to know: Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a nearly $239 million investment to quickly bring 20 shovel-ready affordable rental housing developments with 1,700 homes to California residents.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced a nearly $239 million investment to help bring 20 construction-ready affordable rental housing developments with 1,700 homes to market for Californians. Thesenew projects underwent a streamlined approval process to keep development on track and cut red tape - continuing the state's work to reverse a decades-in-the-making housing shortage, and reverse the nationwide homelessness crisis.
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California is reversing decades of housing inaction by making historic investments to build more homes, faster. Today's announcement will help bring more housing to communities across the state, lower costs, and create greater stability. Working in partnership with the Legislature, we're backing that investment with reforms that cut red tape, expand financing opportunities, and accelerate housing production. Those efforts are delivering results: more housing moving forward, more affordable homes being built, and more Californians gaining access to the stability and shelter they deserve.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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In April, the California Department of Housing and Community Development (HCD) announced a Multifamily Housing Program (MHP) Gap Funding Notice of Funding Availability (NOFA), California's first-ever NOFA focusing on construction funding gaps. The state's nearly $239 million investment supports bringing more multifamily housing to low-income Californians to achieve better outcomes for health, climate, and household stability.
"California can't afford to stall when it comes to ending the state's affordable housing crisis," said California Housing and Homelessness Secretary Tomiquia Moss. "Approving these important funds quickly and efficiently ensures much-needed affordable rental homes across the state can get past the planning phase, start construction, and open their doors to families in need."
New ready-to-build projects were reviewed through a streamlined process, allowing awards to be announced in just four months, providing projects with the momentum and predictability to swiftly move to construction.
The funds were awarded to projects that have not yet received tax-exempt bond financing or low-income tax credits and have a commitment to developing affordable housing for lower income Californians.
"This innovative funding solution directly confronts cost challenges that have stalled critically needed affordable housing communities in California," said HCD Director Gustavo Velasquez. "I am tremendously proud that our team could use the streamlined processes we have developed to make these projects whole so quickly."
An approach that works
In addition to today's announcement, Governor Newsom is creating a structural and foundational model across the state that will have positive impacts for generations to come.
The Governor is streamlining and prioritizing building new housing, funding new shelters, housing, and supports, addressing mental health and its impact on homelessness through voter-approved Proposition 1, and creating new pathways for those who need it most through updated conservatorship laws and a new CARE court system. California is also addressing encampments statewide to help get people off the streets and into care. All this work is creating positive results.
California's investments have created immediate, measurable results and the critical foundation necessary to finally solve California's housing and homelessness crisis. Governor Newsom's policies have had a significant impact:
* Historic drops in homelessness -- California achieved the largest statewide reduction in unsheltered homelessness in 16 years. New federal data also shows California last year saw:
- Largest reduction in unsheltered homelessness in the nation. California reduced unsheltered homelessness by 8,391 people, or 6.8% -- more than any other state. That decline is more than twice the national reduction of 2.9% and significantly exceeds that of the next-largest state by population, Texas, which saw a 1.4% decrease.
- Total homelessness declined. California's overall homeless population dropped by 2.8% -- the state's largest numerical decline since 2009.
- Leading the nation in reducing homelessness in key populations. From 2023 to 2025, California ranked first among all states and the District of Columbia in reducing the numbers of veteran homelessness, chronic homelessness, homelessness among young adults ages 18-24, and homelessness among parents under 25.
In addition, Governor Newsom is addressing a housing shortage that has been decades in the making. Since 2019:
* Building is happening faster -- Annual residential construction has increased by 59%, from 70,000 homes built in 2018 to about 111,000 in 2024.
* Multifamily construction has reached its highest level in decades -- Over the last five years, more multifamily housing units have been built than in any five-year period in over 30 years, and more than 682,000 homes overall have been built statewide since 2019.
* Approval times have been slashed -- Streamlining laws enacted since 2019 have cut average time from development application to entitlement by 57%, from 160 days to 68 days in 2024. The time from entitlement to permit also dropped by 9%.
* Communities are ready to build more -- Through Governor Newsom's work to ensure all jurisdictions do their part, communities throughout the state have laid the groundwork and have planned to accommodate at least 3.6 million new homes, including 1.4 million affordable units, moving California closer to meeting its long-term housing needs.
For more information on awards, including a complete list of awardees, please visit HCD online at: https://www.hcd.ca.gov/funding/supernofa
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/11/governor-newsom-fast-tracks-1700-new-affordable-housing-units/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues Out-of-State Landlords for Leaving Tucson Tenants Without AC in Summer Heat
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 12 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues Out-of-State Landlords for Leaving Tucson Tenants Without AC in Summer Heat
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a lawsuit filed in Maricopa County, against the owners and managers of three affiliated apartment complexes in Tucson: Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge. The complexes house over one thousand units combined.
The lawsuit was filed August 7, 2026 against the three complexes' respective owners, members, and managers:
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 12 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Aug. 11, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues Out-of-State Landlords for Leaving Tucson Tenants Without AC in Summer Heat
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced a lawsuit filed in Maricopa County, against the owners and managers of three affiliated apartment complexes in Tucson: Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge. The complexes house over one thousand units combined.
The lawsuit was filed August 7, 2026 against the three complexes' respective owners, members, and managers:Sedona Springs AZ, Sienna Ridge AZ, Summit Ridge AZ, DMR Sedona Springs AZ, DMR Tucson 1166, and Tucson 1166 IG, as well as Dasmen Residential and Luxford Living.
"All Arizona residents who enter into rental agreements deserve living conditions that meet minimal standards of habitability," said Attorney General Mayes. "The ongoing neglect Dasmen Residential and Luxford Living continue to display by failing to supply adequate air conditioning to residents at Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge puts residents' lives at serious risk, especially during extreme summer heat."
The complaint and application for a temporary restraining order and preliminary injunction allege a pattern of neglect and deception by the owners and operators of Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge dating back to at least 2023.
This summer alone, tenants at all three properties have struggled to cool their homes to the required Pima County standard of 80 degrees Fahrenheit or less. In fact, half of Sedona Springs has gone without central air of any kind since March. Those tenants have been left to rely on temporary, portable window units that often fail to cool more than one room in the apartments they pay to live in -- even as Arizona once again faces record-breaking summer temperatures. As a result, indoor temperatures at Sedona Springs, Sienna Ridge, and Summit Ridge have often exceeded 90 degrees Fahrenheit.
Attorney General Mayes previously issued cease-and-desist letters to each of the properties in 2026, requiring the owners and operators to fix the ongoing habitability concerns. However, temporary fixes -- such as the previously installed window units -- have not proven adequate for all tenants.
The complaint alleges that all three complexes suffer from a pattern of neglect, including broken windows, water and gas issues, structural problems, and pest infestations -- none of which are disclosed to prospective tenants before they sign a lease. These practices potentially violate the Arizona Consumer Fraud Act and the Arizona Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
Attorney General Mayes is seeking a permanent injunction requiring the owners and operators of all three properties to make necessary repairs to comply with Arizona law, as well as a permanent injunction barring the defendants from renting to Arizona consumers until their units meet legal requirements. The complaint also seeks restitution and civil penalties for the harm caused to residents.
If you believe you have been the victim of consumer fraud, you can file a consumer complaint by visiting the Attorney General's website (https://us.list-manage.com/PGxrj06KbB8?e=b0dbe1a1e5&c2id=09345700d02fac819a23d47fdcb56250). If you need a complaint form sent to you, contact the Attorney General's Office in Phoenix at (602) 542-5763, in Tucson at (520) 628-6648, or outside the Phoenix and Tucson metro areas at (800) 352-8431.
Attachments
2026-08-07 APPLICATION FOR TEMPORARY RESTRAINING ORDER AND PRELIMINARY INJUNCTION (https://www.azag.gov/sites/default/files/2026-08/2026-08-07%20APPLICATION%20FOR%20TEMPORARY%20RESTRAINING%20ORDER%20AND%20PRELIMINARY%20INJUNCTION.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-out-state-landlords-leaving-tucson-tenants-without-ac
