Featured Stories
R.I. Gov. McKee Administration Launches $5.2 Million Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Transform Blighted Properties Into New Housing
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 3 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
McKee Administration Launches $5.2 Million Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Transform Blighted Properties into New Housing
New bond-funded Housing 2030 initiative will help municipalities revitalize neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and create mixed-use developments with new affordable housing
-
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing today announced the launch of the Housing 2030 Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 3 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
McKee Administration Launches $5.2 Million Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization Program to Transform Blighted Properties into New Housing
New bond-funded Housing 2030 initiative will help municipalities revitalize neighborhoods, eliminate blight, and create mixed-use developments with new affordable housing
-
Governor Dan McKee and the Rhode Island Executive Office of Housing today announced the launch of the Housing 2030 Municipal Neighborhood RevitalizationProgram, making $5.2 million in voter-approved 2024 housing bond funding available to municipalities, municipal redevelopment agencies, and other municipal public bodies to acquire blighted properties and prepare them for redevelopment.
This new initiative is designed to help communities transform underutilized and blighted sites into vibrant mixed-use neighborhoods featuring new housing, commercial space, public amenities, and open space.
"Rhode Island's housing momentum continues to build," said Governor Dan McKee. "This program helps communities turn long-neglected, blighted properties into places where families can live, businesses can grow, and neighborhoods can thrive. By investing early in transformational redevelopment, we're improving quality of life while creating the housing and opportunities Rhode Islanders deserve."
"The goal of this program is to catalyze significant transformational redevelopment efforts that breathe new life into blighted properties," said Secretary of Housing Deborah Goddard. "Redeveloping large, underutilized sites often requires overcoming significant hurdles that can stall or deter efforts to revitalize them. This funding helps municipalities clear those hurdles, paving the way for new housing and mixed-use development that strengthens neighborhoods and expands housing opportunities."
The Housing 2030 Municipal Neighborhood Revitalization Program will help communities transform blighted and underutilized properties into sites ready for redevelopment by funding the critical early work needed to move projects forward. Eligible activities include property acquisition, environmental cleanup, site preparation, and predevelopment planning, such as architectural and engineering studies.
For more information, visit: https://housing.ri.gov/programs/municipal-neighborhood-revitalization-program.
* * *
Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/mckee-administration-launches-52-million-municipal-neighborhood-revitalization
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Signs 74 Bills Into Law on July 2, 2026
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Governor Signs 74 Bills into Law
This week, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the following bills into law:
* HB 131 -- Relative to bullying and cyberbullying prevention.
* HB 164 -- Relative to local records retention.
* HB 1021 -- Amending the date to provide written notice to a municipality of a taxpayer's election to be assessed under the low-income housing tax credit program.
* HB 1031 -- Enabling candidates for state office to use campaign funds to pay for security
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 3 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Governor Signs 74 Bills into Law
This week, Governor Kelly Ayotte signed the following bills into law:
* HB 131 -- Relative to bullying and cyberbullying prevention.
* HB 164 -- Relative to local records retention.
* HB 1021 -- Amending the date to provide written notice to a municipality of a taxpayer's election to be assessed under the low-income housing tax credit program.
* HB 1031 -- Enabling candidates for state office to use campaign funds to pay for securitymeasures.
* HB 1040 -- Establishing a committee to study the laws and procedures governing the filing and registering of quitclaim deeds in the state.
* HB 1079 -- Allowing accessory dwelling units to be built within or attached to certain non-conforming structures.
* HB 1095 -- Relative to the maximum weight of utility terrain vehicles.
* HB 1103 -- Allowing municipalities to utilize community revitalization tax relief credits on a wider variety of properties and structures.
* HB 1112 -- Relative to snow removal responsibilities in lease agreements.
* HB 1115 -- Expanding the number of persons eligible for the New Hampshire medal of honor.
* HB 1127 -- Relative to the uniform voidable transactions act.
* HB 1193 -- Naming a 911 call service center in Laconia in honor of Bruce G. Cheney.
* HB 1195 -- Relative to municipal zoning requirements for child day care providers.
* HB 1197 -- Making technical corrections to certain insurance laws.
* HB 1236 -- Relative to the use of body-worn cameras in county departments of corrections.
* HB 1245 -- Relative to voluntary portable benefits plans for independent contractors.
* HB 1252 -- Requiring the department of safety to only administer tests for commercial driver's licenses in English and prohibiting the assistance of an interpreter during such tests.
* HB 1262 -- Relative to home heating oil and propane contracts and sales.
* HB 1269 -- Relative to qualifications to practice acupuncture.
* HB 1328 -- Relative to alcohol and other drug use professionals and relative to the qualifications to obtain certain occupational licenses.
* HB 1332 -- Relative to the authorized display of flags on state house grounds.
* HB 1384 -- Relative to prohibiting foreign adversary persons or foreign entities of concern from financing lawsuits, prohibiting foreign principals from registering as lobbyists, and requires certain disclosures for persons acting on behalf of foreign principals.
* HB 1433 -- Creating a child care tax credit for qualifying businesses.
* HB 1502 -- Governing special bank and credit union deposits.
* HB 1511 -- Relative to the membership of the agriculture in the classroom committee, the annual proclamation of "New Hampshire Day at the Big E," and repealing the repeal of the produce safety chapter.
* HB 1522 -- Relative to amending and adding definitions related to the protection of persons from domestic violence and relative to the domestic violence fatality review committee.
* HB 1555 -- Relative to the administration and enforcement of the state fire code.
* HB 1563 -- Relative to the special education aid formula and the administration and monitoring of state special education aid.
* HB 1576 -- Relative to the enforcement of criminal restitution obligations.
* HB 1577 -- Relative to the disclosure of utility customer data to municipalities for emergency response planning.
* HB 1594 -- Establishing a weight-based tiered registration fee schedule for electric and plug-in hybrid vehicles.
* HB 1603 -- Requiring the executive director of the department of fish and game to adopt rules relative to procedures for verifying accuracy of records collected relative to threatened and endangered wildlife and ensuring landowner permission is granted for the gathering of such record.
* HB 1637 -- Relative to the scheduling of hearings on certain motions to modify or revoke bail.
* HB 1651 -- Establishing sexual assault orders of protection and relative to sexual assault survivors' rights.
* HB 1705 -- Establishing an employee assistance program for small town and volunteer first responders.
* HB 1756 -- Allowing organizations to file for property tax exemptions once and receive those exemptions unless and until a town assessor finds the organization ineligible for an exemption.
* HB 1765 -- Enabling wine and beverage manufacturers to offer tastings of and sell products of certain New Hampshire wine and beverage manufacturers and relative to defacing of controlled products.
* HB 1774 -- Relative to qualifying scholarship granting organizations and federal workforce Pell grants.
* SB 223 -- Relative valid photo identification for purposes of obtaining a ballot and relative to the production of lists of certain schools of higher education.
* SB 408 -- Relative to health insurance coverage for prosthetics.
* SB 415 -- Relative to a certain exemption in interest in condominium units and abbreviated registrations.
* SB 418 -- Prohibiting municipalities from requiring licenses, restrictions, or exclusions for the production and sale of homestead food products.
* SB 423 -- Reestablishing the commission to study the incidence of post-traumatic stress disorder in first responders.
* SB 430 -- Relative to mandatory disclosure by school district employees to parents and legal guardians.
* SB 438 -- Relative to access to the centralized voter registration database on election days.
* SB 440 -- Relative to the adoption of energy efficient and clean energy districts by municipalities.
* SB 442 -- Relative to pet transfers.
* SB 448 -- Modifying the definition of veteran.
* SB 453 -- Authorizing advanced practice registered nurses and physician associates to make certain certifications.
* SB 486 -- Relative to the administrative procedure act.
* SB 490 -- Establishing a task force to assess the development of housing at Great Bay Community College and authorizing the college the right to use vacant property for the purpose of developing housing.
* SB 491 -- Enabling students to utilize education freedom account funds to pay for certain career and technical education funding and removing references to "curriculum frameworks" as they relate to the substantive educational content of an adequate education.
* SB 492 -- Authorizing the department of military affairs and veterans services to license and lease property in which the de
partment holds a property interest.
* SB 523 -- Establishing a committee to study the implementation of a residential builder registration system.
* SB 524 -- Relative to the sale of tobacco products, e-cigarettes, devices, e-liquids, or alternative nicotine products and relative to the licensure and sale of certain liquor products.
* SB 530 -- Relative to fetal death reporting to the Centers for Disease Control.
* SB 531 -- Establishing a task force to study the feasibility of the creation of cosmetology related programming in Coos County and requiring the reporting of student meal debt by school districts and public chartered schools to the department of education.
* SB 540 -- Relative to plug-in solar generation systems.
* SB 544 -- Relative to managed care laws.
* SB 550 -- Relative to insurance coverage for services provided by naturopathy providers.
* SB 562 -- Relative to a home damage mitigation and resiliency program.
* SB 569 -- Relative to the qualifications for hearings officers within the department of labor.
* SB 573 -- Establishing certification standards for certified public safety comfort dogs.
* SB 574 -- Establishing a commission to study the efficiency and structure of school administrative units.
* SB 575 -- Establishing a committee to study the issue of school bullying and modifying both the exemption of teacher certification records from the right-to-know law and the assignment of superintendent services for school administrative units.
* SB 577 -- Prohibiting the use and recommending avoidance of specific color additives in meals offered or made available by public schools as a part of school breakfast and lunch meal programs.
* SB 585 -- Relative to audits for communications districts.
* SB 586 -- Requiring chartered public schools, school administrative units, and cities or school districts not audited under RSA 671:5 to be audited by an independent public accountant after the end of the fiscal year and requiring the results of such audits to be made available to the public.
* SB 614 -- Establishing multiple-caregiver self-insured risk coverage arrangements for nonprofit and for-profit providers and servicers.
* SB 617 -- Relative to the regulation and appeal of motor vehicle towing from public highways and relative to the removal of abandoned vehicles by law enforcement.
* SB 624 -- Restricting access to certain hemp-derived products and establishing the offenses of criminal adulteration and distribution of adulterated controlled substances.
* SB 663 -- Creating a Medicaid methodology working group within the department of health and human services.
* SB 667 -- Relative to the assault of emergency room personnel.
* SB 670 -- Establishing a developmental services oversight commission; relative to reporting requirements regarding the death of a child in residential care; and relative to the registry of founded reports of abuse, neglect, or exploitation of vulnerable adults.
The Governor also vetoed the following bills:
* HB 232 - Relative to the rights of conscience for medical professionals.
* HB 1336 - Relative to regulated conditional deposits.
* HB 1337 - Repealing the New Hampshire council on autism spectrum disorders.
* HB 1358 - Establishing a commission to study transitioning all public schools to public charter schools.
* HB 1422 - Relative to the time to petition for a new trial.
* HB 1610 - Allowing school districts to annually retain year-end unassigned general funds.
* SB 434 - Relative to regulation of public school materials.
* SB 535 - Defining residential breeder and imported animal for the purposes of animal transfers and removing references to commercial kennels.
* SB 627 - Relative to toll rate adjustments and periodic inflation-based toll reviews for the New Hampshire turnpike system to support the 2027-2036 ten-year transportation plan.
The Governor's veto statement for HB 232 is below:
"Federal law has long protected the religious beliefs or moral convictions of medical professionals and the right to decline to perform or assist an abortion. This federal right of conscience protects those in New Hampshire who work for abortion providers. Therefore, this bill is unnecessary and does not create any greater protections for New Hampshire medical professionals. For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 232."
The Governor's veto statement for HB 1336 is below:
"This bill seeks to address the housing access problem of renters who do not meet existing landlord-defined renter criteria such as credit history, income, prior evictions, or references. While improving housing access is essential, requiring these prospective renters to provide potentially thousands of dollars more than current law upfront would impede access to housing. Moreover, the bill's language is not clear on how long a landlord can keep those funds and allows landlords discretion to unfairly withhold tenants' deposits. For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1336."
The Governor's veto statement for HB 1337 is below:
"The New Hampshire Council on Autism Spectrum Disorders remains an active group providing valuable feedback to the Department of Motor Vehicles from parents, service providers, and advocates about issues affecting individuals with autism spectrum disorder. As it is a volunteer board, it is done at little to no cost to taxpayers. The Department of Motor Vehicles appreciates the feedback and work it has done and continues to do with this Council; therefore, I am vetoing House Bill 1337."
The Governor's veto statement for HB 1358 is below:
"As a proud product of New Hampshire public schools, I believe providing every child the opportunity and choice to attend a public school is important and necessary. While I fully support education freedom allowing every child to be in the learning environment best for them, including innovative public charter schools, I cannot envision a future that does not include public schools. Therefore, I believe this study committee is unnecessary. For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1385."
The Governor's veto statement for HB 1422 is below:
"As a murder prosecutor and former Attorney General, I understand the need to pursue and deliver justice. We do not need to create a novel approach to allow defendants to seek a new trial. Those seeking a new trial already have a statutory pathway to seek a new trial as well as the ability to file a writ of habeas corpus or a writ of coram nobis, options that are well established in New Hampshire case law. For these reasons, I have vetoed House Bill 1422."
The Governor's veto statement for HB 1610 is below:
"Unfortunately, this bill goes into effect immediately and as a result, will disrupt the will of voters in 95 school districts in New Hampshire who have already decided under current law how to utilize their year-end unassigned funds. For this reason, I have vetoed House Bill 1610."
The Governor's veto statement for SB 434 is below:
"This bill is similar to the bill I vetoed last year. As a parent, I understand and appreciate the concerns parents have about their children being exposed to age-inappropriate or objectionable materials in schools. At the same time, existing New Hampshire law already requires school districts to adopt a policy allowing an exception to specific course material based on a parent's determination that the material is objectionable. See RSA 186:11:IX-c. Parents must be notified at least two weeks in advance of course materials that involve human sexuality, sexual education, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, or gender expression. If a parent objects in writing, New Hampshire law further requires an alternative agreed upon between the school district and the parent.
"As current law provides a mechanism for parents through their local school district to exercise their rights to ensure their children are not exposed to inappropriate materials, I have vetoed Senate Bill 434."
The Governor's veto statement for SB 535 is below:
"Senate Bill 535 weakens existing law by creating a new category of residential breeder and exempts these breeders from any meaningful oversight and regulation. By exempting residential breeders (who transfer up to 50 animals in a calendar year) from the successful pet vendor program, the State risks an increase in animal abuse, neglect and disease. New Hampshire has a strong history of protecting animal rights and continues to work toward ending the abuse of puppies, kittens and other animals. This bill is a step in the wrong direction. For these reasons, I have vetoed Senate Bill 535."
The Governor's veto statement for SB 627 is below:
"I have clearly said that I do not support raising the tolls. I will continue to focus on making New Hampshire more affordable for all and a destination for tourists in the region. For this reason, I have vetoed Senate Bill 627."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-signs-74-bills-law
Md. A.G. Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
-
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
-
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,follows Barkley's criminal conviction and sentencing earlier this year for falsifying lead paint certificates and related environmental violations.
The civil action, filed by Attorney General Brown on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment, sought penalties and injunctive relief for violations of Maryland's lead inspection and lead risk reduction laws. The court also recognized radiation violations, including the possession of unlicensed radioactive materials and unregistered machines, the failure to test unlicensed radioactive materials for leaks, the improper use of unlicensed materials and unregistered machines.
The court entered judgments of $4.88 million against Green Environmental and $3.85 million against Barkley.
In addition to the monetary judgments, the court ordered that Barkley is permanently prohibited from owning or participating in the operation of any lead inspection company. The court also ordered Barkley to surrender any X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) devices in his possession to the Maryland Department of the Environment within 30 days.
The civil judgment stems from an investigation by the department for issuing fraudulent inspection certificates and improper use of the testing device, leading the department to revoke more than 1,400 lead inspection certificates across the state.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-.7-Million-Judgment-Against-Lead-Paint-Inspector-for-Fraud-.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Although
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter today opposing the U.S. Postal Service's (USPS) attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule, and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule. Althoughyesterday the United States District Court for the District of Columbia enjoined USPS from making this proposed rule, the USPS has not withdrawn it.
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to establish a comprehensive citizenship list and a national list of voters eligible to vote by mail in federal elections, and directed USPS, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the eligibility list. In the order, the President threatened states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with order's eligibility requirements.
A federal judge struck down that executive order last week in a lawsuit joined by Attorney General Brown with the order applying to 24 states. And yesterday a second federal judge enjoined USPS from final adoption of the proposed rule. Nevertheless, the USPS has so far not rescinded its proposed rule to implement Trump's illegal executive order. Under the proposed rule, USPS would create a centralized list of voter information and would refuse to deliver ballots to any eligible voter who is not on that list, essentially giving the federal government control over elections conducted by mail.
In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that this proposed rule violates the federal court's order, which enjoins USPS from finalizing the proposed rule, and also amounts to an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government. The Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures, particularly without an act of Congress permitting him to do so. The attorneys general also argue the proposed rule conflicts with USPS's governing statutes and other federal voting laws.
The proposed rule would enact these unconstitutional changes before the 2026 election. Implementing these changes would require states to upend their existing election administration procedures for upcoming elections and conduct statewide voter education mere months before the beginning of mail voting for the 2026 general election. Such drastic and rapid changes would undoubtedly create confusion and chaos, threatening to disenfranchise eligible voters.
State and federal law entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every background utilize mail-in voting - including the President himself. This week's Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee reaffirmed states' authority to administer their elections, like permitting voters to cast ballots by mail.
Joining Attorney General Brown in the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Nevada, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Multistate-Opposition-to-Postal-Service%e2%80%99s-Attempt-to-Undermine-Voting-Rights.aspx
ICYMI: Pa. Gov. Shapiro 'Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations,' Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
ICYMI: Governor Shapiro "Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations," Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back."
-
Taking center stage during America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Governor Josh Shapiro is calling
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 3 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
ICYMI: Governor Shapiro "Takes Center Stage in America 250 Celebrations," Calling on Pennsylvanians to Continue the Work of Our Founders and Defend Democracy
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back."
-
Taking center stage during America's 250th anniversary celebrations, Governor Josh Shapiro is callingon Pennsylvanians to carry on the work of the founding fathers to preserve our republic, tell the full story of our history, and stand up for our values in the face of threats to democracy, as the Philadelphia Inquirer reported on Thursday.
As we approach Independence Day, the Governor has remained focused on bringing people together to celebrate America in the birthplace of our democracy while reclaiming patriotism from those who have distorted its meaning.
"When Shapiro delivers his messages of unity and freedom to a broader audience in the coming days... 'It's what he should be doing right now, because this is what America is about,'" Alison Dagnes, a political-science professor at Shippensburg University, told the Inquirer.
Governor Shapiro joined Morning Joe on Wednesday to highlight the responsibilities our Founders left behind to protect our fundamental freedoms and "stand up to the petty tyrants in the way."
"There's no question that people are hurting because of the chaos, the cruelty, the corruption of Donald Trump that is infecting everything, that is impacting lives, is hurting real people in my state and across the country in many ways. Our story in America has been our ability to overcome adversity. This isn't the first time our nation has faced adversity, but what we have done in every chapter of our American story is - despite the challenges - we've ended that chapter on a more hopeful note, with more freedom, more opportunity, more justice, more equity.
"I know it doesn't feel that way right now, but we are in the midst of writing that chapter, and it will be up to the American people - fewer people with titles next to their name - more ordinary Americans doing what Franklin said to that woman outside Independence Hall that Meacham referenced, defending our republic, keeping our republic. The work falls to all of us."
Read this new reporting here (https://www.inquirer.com/politics/pennsylvania/josh-shapiro-america-250th-philadelphia-20260702.html) and see key excerpts below:
The Philadelphia Inquirer: As Congress comes to Philadelphia, Josh Shapiro takes center stage in America 250 celebrations
"The founders made clear that we have a real responsibility to do the work to constantly perfect our union," Shapiro said in an interview this week, ahead of his speech before the ceremonial meeting of Congress, marking 250 years since the Declaration of Independence was signed in that same building. "And that the Congress of the United States has a unique responsibility in that to be a check on the executive branch."
Those words come at a critical inflection point in America's history. [...]
"I don't think patriotism belongs to one party. I don't think it should ever be partisan," Shapiro said. "Unfortunately, Donald Trump routinely divides us, routinely injects partisanship into his definition of patriotism, and his actions, in many ways, are the opposite of patriotism."
As Trump plans to spend America's 250th birthday hosting a political rally on the National Mall-- with no plans to visit Philadelphia, the city where the nation was founded -- Shapiro sees his own role as a unifier, and in direct contrast to Trump. [...]
"If Madison were here today, he'd be really concerned about how one man has accumulated so much power and is wielding it in really dangerous ways, and I hope that at this 250-year mark we find our way back to that balance and back to the constraints on the people who lead our government," he said.
Shapiro sees his leadership style as a "direct contrast" to Trump's, especially at this moment.
"[Trump] restricts peoples' freedom and liberties," the governor added. "He whitewashes our history. That doesn't further a sense of community, that doesn't further patriotism. All that does is divide us, and I refuse to participate in that."
But for the next few days, Shapiro said his approach to the 250th celebrations is to: "Celebrate America, find ways to bring people together, and to have some fun in the process."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/icymi--governor-shapiro--takes-center-stage-in-america-250-celeb
HAWAII MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT RECOVERS MORE THAN $617,000 IN CVS FALSE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 3 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
HAWAII MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT RECOVERS MORE THAN $617,000 IN CVS FALSE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT
Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced that Hawaii has joined the United States, District of Columbia, and 35 other states in a coordinated settlement with CVS Pharmacy, Inc., resolving allegations that the company knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to the Medicaid program related to the dispensing of insulin pens. The $36.5 million settlement is the
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 3 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
HAWAII MEDICAID FRAUD CONTROL UNIT RECOVERS MORE THAN $617,000 IN CVS FALSE CLAIMS SETTLEMENT
Attorney General Anne Lopez today announced that Hawaii has joined the United States, District of Columbia, and 35 other states in a coordinated settlement with CVS Pharmacy, Inc., resolving allegations that the company knowingly submitted or caused to be submitted false claims to the Medicaid program related to the dispensing of insulin pens. The $36.5 million settlement is theresult of a collaborative effort among state Medicaid Fraud Control Units, the U.S. Department of Justice and federal partners to protect Medicaid beneficiaries and recover taxpayer dollars. Hawaii's share of the settlement will be $617,160.
The settlement resolves allegations that, from 2010 through 2020, CVS violated the False Claims Act in connection with its billing and dispensing of insulin pens to patients enrolled in government healthcare programs (GHPs), including Medicare, Medicaid, TRICARE and the Federal Employees Health Benefits Program. Specifically, the settlement resolves claims that CVS improperly requested and received GHP reimbursement for premature refills, dispensed more insulin pens than patients needed according to their prescriptions, and falsely under-reported the days-of-supply of insulin that its pharmacies dispensed. As part of the settlement, CVS also admitted and accepted responsibility for certain conduct, including that GHPs paid CVS substantial amounts for insulin pen refills that were ineligible for reimbursement and CVS pharmacies dispensed more insulin pens to GHP beneficiaries than they needed.
"Protecting the integrity of Medicaid requires strong partnerships at every level of government," said Attorney General Lopez. "This settlement demonstrates what can be accomplished when state Medicaid Fraud Control Units work alongside the U.S. Department of Justice, HHS Office of Inspector General and other federal partners to safeguard taxpayer dollars and protect the healthcare programs that serve our most vulnerable residents. We appreciate the collaboration that made this recovery possible and remain committed to strengthening those partnerships."
Pursuant to the settlement, CVS will pay $36,500,000 plus interest, to the United States, the District of Columbia, and 35 other states to resolve the allegations set forth in five federal qui tam actions: United States ex rel. Azam Rahimi, et al. v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Case No. 18-cv-3047; United States and State of California ex rel. Wayne Wu v. CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Case No. 19-cv-11244; United States ex rel. Zimniski, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Inc., et al., Case No. 19-cv1550; United States ex rel. Sergiu Strango, et al. v. CVS Health Corporation, CVS Pharmacy, Inc., and Target Corporation, Case No. 19-cv-8454; and, United States ex rel. RJA, LLP et al. v. CVS Pharmacy, Inc., Case No. 20-cv-3047. The qui tams alleged claims under the federal False Claims Act and various state false claims statutes that CVS submitted false claims related to over-dispensing of insulin pens.
The investigation was conducted by a National Association of Medicaid Fraud Control Units ("NAMFCU") Team in close coordination with the United States Attorney's Office for the Southern District of New York and federal law enforcement partners. The NAMFCU Team included attorney representatives from the Offices of the Attorneys General for the states of California, Florida, New York and Wisconsin, reflecting the cooperative approach that Medicaid fraud enforcement requires.
* * *
About the Medicaid Fraud Control Unit
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit works in partnership with federal and state law enforcement agencies to investigate and prosecute Medicaid provider fraud and patient abuse or neglect in healthcare facilities. The unit is committed to protecting Hawaii's Medicaid beneficiaries, safeguarding taxpayer dollars and preserving the integrity of the Hawaii Medicaid program.
Prior to June 4, 2026, the MFCU received 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $2,929,468 for Federal fiscal year (FY) 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $976,489 for FY 2026, has been funded by the State of Hawaii. The Department of the Attorney General is currently working closely with the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of the Inspector General to restore the unit's grant funding and appreciates its strong commitment to collaboration as that process moves forward. In the meantime, the unit continues its important work investigating Medicaid fraud and protecting beneficiaries.
* * *
Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/News-Release-2026-41.pdf
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, made
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
* * *
Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, madeup of community members with diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, volunteered to engage with the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division and worked collaboratively to research and address civil rights issues across the state.
This year, the Arizona legislature eliminated the Civil Rights advisory board, discontinuing the work of its volunteer members. Prior to its elimination, Board and subcommittee members were researching and engaging with fellow Arizonans on hate-based crimes and incidents, fair housing issues, accessibility issues impacting individuals with disabilities, and civil rights issues in rural communities.
"This work is too important to let it go unfinished," said Attorney General Mayes. "For nearly 60 years, Arizonans with different political beliefs and from different backgrounds have volunteered to work collaboratively with their government on civil rights -- and my office is committed to making sure that legacy continues, regardless of the decision made by the Legislature this year."
The Attorney General's Office recognizes the importance of citizen engagement with government agencies and is committed to ensuring Arizona residents have a seat at the table to discuss important civil rights issues impacting all Arizonans. Effective today, Attorney General Mayes is establishing a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office.
The Council will be comprised of community representatives who are knowledgeable about Arizona civil rights and committed to researching civil rights concerns in the state and assisting the Attorney General's Office in eliminating unlawful discrimination in Arizona. The Attorney General's Office is committed to ensuring that the work of this community group continues despite partisan agendas.
Members of the council will be announced at a later date.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-creates-community-civil-rights-council-after-legislature
