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Okla. A.G. Drummond Calls for Lepak's Immediate Firing After Body Cam Footage Released
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 19 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Drummond calls for Lepak's immediate firing after body cam footage released
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today called on Gov. Stitt to remove Secretary of State Ben Lepak from office, following new details from Edmond police body camera footage of Lepak's Friday night arrest for public intoxication.
"After reviewing footage from law enforcement body cameras, it is clear that Secretary of State Ben Lepak was thoroughly inebriated and very likely lied to
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 19 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Drummond calls for Lepak's immediate firing after body cam footage released
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today called on Gov. Stitt to remove Secretary of State Ben Lepak from office, following new details from Edmond police body camera footage of Lepak's Friday night arrest for public intoxication.
"After reviewing footage from law enforcement body cameras, it is clear that Secretary of State Ben Lepak was thoroughly inebriated and very likely lied tolaw enforcement about how much he had to drink and how he and his car both arrived at the same place without him driving it.
This conduct is thoroughly unbecoming of a such a high ranking state official, and I am demanding that Gov. Stitt fire him immediately.
"Given the fact that Mr. Lepak had been arrested just a few years ago after being found unconscious in a running vehicle, Gov. Stitt should have known better than to elevate him to such a senior leadership position.
Gov. Stitt has made countless errors in judgment like this during his tenure in office, including most recently when he intervened to help a campaign donor avoid further jail time. He cannot undo those past mistakes, but he can help our state avoid further embarrassment by firing Mr. Lepak immediately."
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/august/drummond-calls-for-lepak-s-immediate-firing-after-body-cam-footage-released.html
Ohio State Auditor: Findings for Recovery of More Than $13,000, Partially Repaid Under Audit, Issued Against Former Bethel Township Fiscal Officer, Others
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 19 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release:
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Findings for Recovery of More Than $13,000, Partially Repaid Under Audit, Issued Against Former Bethel Township Fiscal Officer, Others
Findings for recovery totaling $13,420.42 were issued Tuesday against the former fiscal officer and other employees of Bethel Township in Miami County over late fees, vacation leave overpayments, and other issues.
The findings were included in an audit of the township's finances from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023. The full report is available online
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Aug. 19 (TNSrep) -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release:
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Findings for Recovery of More Than $13,000, Partially Repaid Under Audit, Issued Against Former Bethel Township Fiscal Officer, Others
Findings for recovery totaling $13,420.42 were issued Tuesday against the former fiscal officer and other employees of Bethel Township in Miami County over late fees, vacation leave overpayments, and other issues.
The findings were included in an audit of the township's finances from Jan. 1, 2022, through Dec. 31, 2023. The full report is available onlineat ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
Among other issues identified during the audit:
* A finding for recovery of $5,000 was issued against former Fiscal Officer Deborah Watson and her bonding company after she was paid two bonuses connected to her part-time work as an emergency medical technician for the township. In both cases, she did not meet the requirements to receive the bonus payments.
* A finding for recovery of $2,121.80 was issued against former employee James Ehrhart, who was overpaid for accumulated vacation leave. Watson and her bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the total.
* A finding for recovery of $1,400 was issued against employee William Mannheim after he paid the incorrect rate for health insurance coverage in 2022-2023. Watson and her bonding company are jointly and severally liable for the total.
* A finding for recovery totaling $3,525 was issued against several employees who received incorrect cell phone reimbursements. The findings included $1,425 against Michael Arnold, $1,300 against Watson, and $800 against Ehrhart. Watson and her bonding company are also jointly and severally liable for the findings against Arnold and Ehrhart.
* A finding for recovery of $1,373.62 was issued against Watson over late fees, penalties and interest that were charged due to late tax payments. Watson repaid the total under audit.
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The Auditor of State's Office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: https://www.auditor.state.oh.us/news/pressreleases/Details/7920
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Former Senior Correctional Police Officer Pleads Guilty After Smuggling Contraband Into Newark's Northern State Prison in Exchange for Bribes
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 19 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Former Senior Correctional Police Officer Pleads Guilty After Smuggling Contraband into Newark's Northern State Prison in Exchange for Bribes
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced today that a former senior correctional police officer at Northern State Prison admitted to accepting payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. He was terminated from his position in July 2025.
Christopher
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 19 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Former Senior Correctional Police Officer Pleads Guilty After Smuggling Contraband into Newark's Northern State Prison in Exchange for Bribes
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Office of Public Integrity and Accountability (OPIA) announced today that a former senior correctional police officer at Northern State Prison admitted to accepting payments in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. He was terminated from his position in July 2025.
ChristopherSantana, 33, of Hackensack, New Jersey, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree conspiracy to commit bribery during a hearing on August 18, 2026, before Judge Michael Ravin, presiding in state Superior Court in Essex County.
Under the terms of a plea agreement with OPIA, prosecutors will recommend the court sentence the defendant to three years in New Jersey state prison. As a result of his guilty plea, the defendant also forfeited $4,500 in alleged bribe payments as well as any public employment, and he will be permanently barred from holding any public office or public employment in New Jersey. Sentencing is scheduled for October 5, 2026.
The case arose from an investigation by OPIA's Corruption Bureau and the Special Investigations Division (SID) of the New Jersey Department of Corrections (DOC).
"It is a serious breach of public trust when anyone responsible for upholding the law and maintaining order betrays his duties for personal gain," said Attorney General Davenport. "Corrupt actions like these make correctional facilities less safe and secure for inmates and officials alike, and undermine public trust in government."
"Accepting bribes and smuggling contraband undermines the work of the thousands of correctional professionals who serve with integrity every day and directly jeopardizes the safety of staff and incarcerated persons," said DOC Commissioner Victoria L. Kuhn. "The Department will continue to aggressively work with law enforcement to investigate misconduct and hold accountable anyone who compromises the security of our institutions."
As alleged in publicly filed documents in this case:
On the evening of June 10, 2025, Santana arrived for his scheduled shift at the prison. At that time, law enforcement observed a large bulge protruding from the chest area of his clothing. A search of Santana revealed he had two vacuum-sealed bags containing tobacco and three bottles of an unknown liquid concealed underneath his protective vest as well as near his upper thigh area.
The ensuing investigation revealed that between approximately May 2024 and June 2025, the defendant received thousands of dollars in bribes from associates of inmates incarcerated at Northern State Prison, in exchange for smuggling contraband into the facility. In addition to cash, Santana also received payments via a personal mobile digital payment app in exchange for his introduction of contraband into the facility.
The case was prosecuted by Deputy Attorney General Samantha Eaton for the Corruption Bureau.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/former-senior-correctional-police-officer-pleads-guilty-after-smuggling-contraband-into-newarks-northern-state-prison-in-exchange-for-bribes/
R.I. Gov. McKee Takes Action on Automated License Plate Readers, Calls for Pause of New Installations and Directs Data Privacy Review
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 19 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Governor McKee Takes Action on Automated License Plate Readers, Calls for Pause of New Installations and Directs Data Privacy Review
Governor orders 60-day review to establish uniform statewide standards and urges municipalities to pause new installations while State develops uniform standards on privacy, data use, transparency, and local consultation
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Governor Dan McKee today called for a statewide pause on the installation and activation of any new automated
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 19 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on Aug. 18, 2026:
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Governor McKee Takes Action on Automated License Plate Readers, Calls for Pause of New Installations and Directs Data Privacy Review
Governor orders 60-day review to establish uniform statewide standards and urges municipalities to pause new installations while State develops uniform standards on privacy, data use, transparency, and local consultation
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Governor Dan McKee today called for a statewide pause on the installation and activation of any new automatedlicense plate reader (ALPR) cameras and ordered a comprehensive 60-day review aimed at establishing uniform statewide standards governing the use of the technology and the data it collects. The Governor is also urging Rhode Island cities and towns to pause the installation of any new ALPR cameras during the review period.
"Automated license plate readers can be an important tool for law enforcement to solve crimes, recover stolen vehicles, and locate dangerous or missing individuals, but Rhode Islanders also have legitimate questions about privacy, transparency, and how this information is collected, stored, and shared," said Governor McKee. "Public safety and personal privacy are not mutually exclusive. Rhode Island needs clear and consistent rules of the road for this technology. We are taking action now to pause further expansion, examine how these systems are being used across the state, and put strong, uniform safeguards in place to protect both public safety and personal privacy."
Governor McKee is directing Colonel Darnell Weaver and the Department of Public Safety, in consultation with the Rhode Island Police Chiefs' Association, the Rhode Island League of Cities and Towns, and other appropriate stakeholders, to conduct a comprehensive review of ALPR technology and provide recommendations within 60 days for uniform statewide standards and controls governing the use of ALPR cameras and the data they produce.
During the review, the Rhode Island State Police will not install or activate additional ALPR cameras. Existing State Police ALPR cameras may continue to operate subject to current Rhode Island State Police policies and safeguards during the pendency of the review.
The Governor will work with lawmakers when they are back in session to advance legislation that codifies these protections and establishes clear, consistent standards for ALPR use statewide.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-takes-action-automated-license-plate-readers-calls-pause-new
Mo. Natural Resources Dept. Awards $30,000 Grant to Cole County Public Water Supply District No. 5
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 19 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $30,000 grant to Cole County Public Water Supply District No. 5
District will evaluate drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $30,000 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to the Public Water Supply District No. 5 of Cole County to evaluate the district's drinking water system.
Through its Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding to
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 19 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Department of Natural Resources awards $30,000 grant to Cole County Public Water Supply District No. 5
District will evaluate drinking water system improvements
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The Missouri Department of Natural Resources has awarded a $30,000 Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant to the Public Water Supply District No. 5 of Cole County to evaluate the district's drinking water system.
Through its Drinking Water Engineering Report Grant program, the department offers funding toqualified communities to help evaluate public drinking water system improvements. The district will use its grant to identify improvements that will enable it to continue operating a drinking water system that meets water quality standards and provide reliable service.
"Keeping our water clean, drinkable and accessible will always be a top priority as we work to help Missouri communities flourish, said Kurt Schaefer," director of the Department of Natural Resources.
Drinking water systems are essential infrastructure that support a community's health and economic vitality. Through this grant, qualified communities can thoroughly assess their drinking water systems and identify improvements for better service. During the assessment, communities can determine what actions are needed to address current drinking water needs and plan for future growth and development.
The department is committed to assisting Missouri communities with water and wastewater infrastructure improvement projects. Through its Financial Assistance Center, the department provides funding opportunities for qualified communities with water quality, wastewater and drinking water infrastructure needs. This project will be funded wholly or in part with monies received from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.
For more information on wastewater and drinking water funding opportunities, visit State Revolving Fund (SRF).
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-awards-30000-grant-cole-county-public-water-supply-district-no-5
Maine Agriculture Dept.: Public Comment Period Opens for Feedback on LSOG Forest Conservation Strategies Draft Document
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 19 -- The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry issued the following news:
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Public comment period opens for feedback on LSOG Forest Conservation Strategies draft document
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) has opened a public comment period on a draft document that identifies conservation strategies for late-successional and old-growth (LSOG) forests in Maine.
Maine's 132nd Legislature passed LD 1529, charging the DACF with developing a comprehensive report on statewide strategies to enhance the conservation of LSOG
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 19 -- The Maine Department of Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry issued the following news:
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Public comment period opens for feedback on LSOG Forest Conservation Strategies draft document
The Department of Agriculture, Conservation, and Forestry (DACF) has opened a public comment period on a draft document that identifies conservation strategies for late-successional and old-growth (LSOG) forests in Maine.
Maine's 132nd Legislature passed LD 1529, charging the DACF with developing a comprehensive report on statewide strategies to enhance the conservation of LSOGforests, including the management of transitioning late-successional forests. Through a work group, the DACF has engaged a broad range of perspectives to help develop the draft document.
Public feedback is an important step in preparing the LSOG Conservation Strategies document for the Maine legislature, as it will further broaden feedback.
DACF released a draft document for public comment on the LSOG work group website (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/lsog-workgroup.shtml) on August 17: LSOG Conservation Strategies Draft document for public comment (https://www.maine.gov/dacf/mfs/policy_management/documents/LSOG%20Conservation%20Strategies%20Draft_8%2014%202026%20for%20public%20comment.pdf). An online form for submitting comments (https://forms.cloud.microsoft/g/3wnRdTBLXj) is also provided at the LSOG work group website. Comments will be due by August 28 at 5 PM.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/dacf/about/news/news.shtml?id=13358848
Ark. Agriculture Dept. Launches New Active Wildfire Dashboard
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Aug. 19 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Launches New Active Wildfire Dashboard
Arkansans can now see where wildfires are burning and how the state is responding, as it happens. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new active wildfire dashboard that provides real-time information on wildfires the Department is currently responding to. The dashboard is available here (https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/34991c7fefb64ad7a89cb3905d1c6398) and offers the public a
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Aug. 19 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
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Arkansas Department of Agriculture Launches New Active Wildfire Dashboard
Arkansans can now see where wildfires are burning and how the state is responding, as it happens. The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has launched a new active wildfire dashboard that provides real-time information on wildfires the Department is currently responding to. The dashboard is available here (https://nifc.maps.arcgis.com/apps/dashboards/34991c7fefb64ad7a89cb3905d1c6398) and offers the public aclearer, more accessible view of wildfire activity across the state.
The dashboard displays current wildfire totals, current acreage affected, year to date wildfire totals, and year to date acreage. It also provides details for individual wildfires, including their general location and acreage.
Arkansas is home to more than 18.8 million acres of forests and over 11.5 billion trees. The Department protects more than 15 million acres of non-federal forestland through seven districts positioned across Arkansas, where foresters and rangers work daily to prevent, detect, and suppress wildfires. The Department currently has 175 wildland firefighters, 110 bulldozers, and an aviation detection and response fleet available to respond to complex wildfire incidents anywhere in the state.
This new resource is designed to provide timely, reliable information to Arkansans and support public awareness during periods of elevated fire risk. While the Department encourages the use of this dashboard to stay informed, it is critical that Arkansans follow established safety guidance:
* Never attempt to approach or investigate a wildfire on your own. Rapidly changing conditions such as intense smoke, heat, falling debris, and unpredictable winds make areas around active fires extremely dangerous.
* Do not fly drones near wildfires. Unauthorized drones ground firefighting aircraft, slow emergency response, distract crews, and create serious airspace hazards.
* Follow all instructions from fire authorities and only enter affected areas once officials have confirmed they are safe.
* Report any wildfires immediately to the Department's Forestry Dispatch at 1-800-468-8834.
* Media interested in covering a specific wildfire must contact Ayden Duncan at 501-813-6012 before visiting any incident location.
Fire risk is expected to increase across Arkansas in the coming weeks. Arkansans can monitor current conditions on the Department's county-by-county wildfire map and follow updates on the Department's social media channels.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-department-of-agriculture-launches-new-active-wildfire-dashboard/
