Featured Stories
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Calls for Return of $1.5 Billion to Ratepayers Across New England
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 7 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Governor Calls for Return of $1.5 Billion to Ratepayers Across New England
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte called for the return of more than $1.5 billion to ratepayers across New England, including $150 million to New Hampshire, after more than a decade of transmission utilities overcharging consumers on their electric bills.
After 15 years of proceedings, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determined that New England's transmission utilities have been overcharging
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 7 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Governor Calls for Return of $1.5 Billion to Ratepayers Across New England
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte called for the return of more than $1.5 billion to ratepayers across New England, including $150 million to New Hampshire, after more than a decade of transmission utilities overcharging consumers on their electric bills.
After 15 years of proceedings, the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) determined that New England's transmission utilities have been overchargingcustomers to the benefit of their shareholders. Transmission utilities own the regional grid that delivers power to consumers in New Hampshire and earn a rate of return on their investments determined by FERC. FERC's decision in Coakley v. Bangor Hydro-Elec. Co. reduced their profit margins and ordered them to refund $1.5 billion dollars to ratepayers across New England. Now, these utilities have challenged that refund, putting investors before ratepayers at a time when electric bills in New Hampshire and across the region are already too high.
"Granite Staters are paying way too much for electricity, and it's unacceptable that utilities would attempt to block relief for ratepayers after overcharging them for more than a decade," said Governor Ayotte. "New Hampshire joins our fellow New England states in calling for a rejection of this effort by utilities and the return of more than $150 million to ratepayers in our state. We'll continue working to lower electric bills and hold utilities accountable when they try to boost their bottom lines instead of focusing on keeping rates as low as possible."
On Thursday, July 2, New Hampshire's Department of Energy and Office of the Consumer Advocate joined other New England states in filing a motion to intervene to reject the appeal from utilities.
"New Hampshire's Department of Energy and Office of the Consumer Advocate have joined with energy offices across New England to return these dollars to their rightful place: the homes and businesses across the region who have been paying inflated transmission rates for 15 years," said Commissioner Jared Chicoine of the Department of Energy.
Governor Ayotte has made lowering Granite Staters' electric bills and reducing energy costs a critical priority of her administration:
* Nominated and confirmed a new Chairman at the Public Utilities Commission with affordability as a "top priority".
* Successfully pushed ISO New England to fast-track market rule changes to reduce unnecessary costs.
* Issued an Executive Order directing state energy leaders and stakeholders to develop a roadmap for next-generation nuclear power in New Hampshire.
* Joined New England Governors in a bipartisan commitment to foster next-generation nuclear and bring more energy to the region.
* Partnered with New England Governors in a letter (https://urldefense.com/v3/__https://us.list-manage.com/7CdQ3LuSJY_?e=732bdd0187&c2id=b27211c1de6c07fed4cab77ac94d2400__;!!Oai6dtTQULp8Sw!Tkl7mGUf-lrXm1BR0yyVqRxs8lpAF4cCoDWlVBXAYN13vodAAJJrFxZZ3o6yN0EUi2V69YChIjSDWBgyGNry-lAQyw$) urging FERC to reject a major profit increase for transmission utilities.
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Original text here:https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-calls-return-15-billion-ratepayers-across-new-england
MDC and Jefferson City Partner to Enhance River Market With Native Planting
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 7 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news:
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MDC and Jefferson City partner to enhance River Market with native planting
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with the City of Jefferson through MDC's Community Conservation Cost-Share Program to plant 25 native trees and 432 native plants at the new River Market.
Located along the Missouri River, the River Market is the first major public investment in the City's long-term vision to revitalize the riverfront while strengthening connections between downtown
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, July 7 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news:
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MDC and Jefferson City partner to enhance River Market with native planting
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) has partnered with the City of Jefferson through MDC's Community Conservation Cost-Share Program to plant 25 native trees and 432 native plants at the new River Market.
Located along the Missouri River, the River Market is the first major public investment in the City's long-term vision to revitalize the riverfront while strengthening connections between downtownJefferson City, the Missouri State Capitol, Riverside Park, Adrian's Island, and surrounding public spaces.
Native landscaping was incorporated early in the project's design, establishing a foundation for future riverfront improvements while creating habitat for pollinators and wildlife.
"This partnership with MDC demonstrates the importance of bringing the right organizations to the table as we invest in the future of Jefferson City," said Jefferson City Mayor Ron Fitzwater. "By incorporating native trees and plants from the very beginning, we're ensuring that environmental stewardship is a foundational part of this redevelopment effort. We're grateful for MDC's partnership and expertise in helping create a space that will not only bring people together but also support wildlife and pollinators for generations to come."
The native plantings will provide habitat for pollinators and wildlife while showcasing Missouri's natural beauty.
"The native trees and plants added to the River Market provide nectar and breeding habitat for native bees, butterflies, and moths that are essential for pollination," said MDC Community Conservation Planner Danielle Fox. "Native plants matter because many insects depend on specific plant species to complete their life cycles. Without those plants, pollinators suffer. Projects like this help sustain those important relationships while creating beautiful public spaces for people to enjoy and wildlife to thrive. I want to thank the City of Jefferson for making native plants a priority in this project."
Learn more about cost-share opportunities for municipalities at http://short.mdc.mo.gov/4Uu.
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Original text here: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-jefferson-city-partner-enhance-river-market-native-planting
Information in Shooting Investigation in Hampton, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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New Information in Shooting Investigation in Hampton, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Hampton Police Department Chief Alexander J. Reno announce the following update regarding the shooting incident that occurred on July 5, 2026, in Hampton, New Hampshire.
The suspected shooter who is deceased has been identified as Tyshawn Cooper, 21, who was residing in New Hampshire.
Mr. Cooper was an
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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New Information in Shooting Investigation in Hampton, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella, New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall, and Hampton Police Department Chief Alexander J. Reno announce the following update regarding the shooting incident that occurred on July 5, 2026, in Hampton, New Hampshire.
The suspected shooter who is deceased has been identified as Tyshawn Cooper, 21, who was residing in New Hampshire.
Mr. Cooper was anactive-duty member of the United States Navy. He held the rank of Information Systems Technician Submarine Network Second Class and was assigned to the USS Hampton.
Mr. Cooper was residing in New Hampshire due to his military assignment. The USS Hampton is currently undergoing maintenance at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard.
A 23-year-old male and a 25-year-old female who suffered gunshot wounds in the incident both remain hospitalized at this time, where they are receiving treatment for their injuries.
The investigation into the circumstances surrounding this incident remains ongoing. The New Hampshire Department of Justice and the New Hampshire State Police are coordinating with their counterparts at the Naval Criminal Investigative Service as they conduct their respective reviews of this incident. Additional information will be released as it becomes available while protecting the integrity of the investigative process.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-information-shooting-investigation-hampton-new-hampshire
ICYMI: On CNN's State of the Union, Pa. Gov. Shapiro Calls on Pennsylvanians to Continue Our Founders' Work, Tell the Full Story of Our Shared History, and Defend Our Fundamental Freedoms
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 7 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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ICYMI: On CNN's State of the Union, Governor Shapiro Calls on Pennsylvanians to Continue Our Founders' Work, Tell the Full Story of Our Shared History, and Defend Our Fundamental Freedoms
"It's extraordinary. Right here in this relatively small room in the city of Philadelphia, all of those different interests came together and found their way through it, to declare our independence from a king, and then to set up the guardrails."
Touring Independence Hall, visiting
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 7 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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ICYMI: On CNN's State of the Union, Governor Shapiro Calls on Pennsylvanians to Continue Our Founders' Work, Tell the Full Story of Our Shared History, and Defend Our Fundamental Freedoms
"It's extraordinary. Right here in this relatively small room in the city of Philadelphia, all of those different interests came together and found their way through it, to declare our independence from a king, and then to set up the guardrails."
Touring Independence Hall, visitingthe Liberty Bell, and walking through the President's House, Governor Shapiro spoke with Dana Bash about Pennsylvania's role in America250 and the work that lies ahead to defend democracy and move our country forward.
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This morning on CNN's State of the Union with Dana Bash, Governor Josh Shapirospoke about our founding fathers' fear of an executive who had amassed too much power, the importance of telling the full story of our shared history, and why he remains optimistic about our future. Governor Shapiro spoke about where we are as a country and the work that remains while speaking to the history that exists at Independence Hall, the Liberty Bell, and the President's House in Philadelphia.
As President Trump has politicized America250 celebrations in an attempt to make them about himself, the Governor has reminded Pennsylvanians that Independence Day is not about any one individual, but about celebrating American freedom, democracy, and everything that makes our country great.
Throughout this week, Governor Shapiro also highlighted how the United States has survived for so long because of extraordinary Americans -- and Pennsylvanians -- who put country before themselves, fighting to carry forward the work of our founders and protect our fundamental freedoms.
The Governor attended a wide range of events commemorating this historic milestone, from a ceremonial session of Congress in Congress Hall to the Liberty Medal ceremony at the National Constitution Center to parades and celebrations across the Commonwealth.
Watch Governor Shapiro's full interview with Dana Bash on CNN here (https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/05/politics/video/shapiro-america-250-sotu?cid=ios_app) and see below for key excerpts.
ON THE DANGERS OF AN EXECUTIVE WHO HAS TOO MUCH POWER [starts at 2:22]:
"Things are hard now, I think, because of the excesses and the corruption and the chaos of the executive -- something that our founders in this room debated, deliberated over. They were worried about creating a government where a king could form again, where one individual would amass so much power that you'd have tyranny all over again. I fear that we are finding our way back to that. I think unfortunately you have some profoundly and pathetically weak individuals in Congress who could learn a few lessons from the strong foundation that the founders set for us here in this room."
ON THE IMPORTANCE OF PROTECTING OUR FULL HISTORY [starts at 10:28]
"You're here at a time of real controversy, right? You'll notice that there's kind of these brackets here, right? And you sort of wonder what's going on? Why would they leave this here? It's because the Trump administration came in and ordered that some of the images here that were depicting slavery be torn down. We went to court and we won, and we're in the process of litigating and getting these put back up.
"They're trying to rewrite it in a way that they think is suitable to their own narrative. There's not one individual narrative that a president gets about our history. There is our history, and any president should want to make sure that that full history is shared, that the American people are able to draw their own conclusions from it. The American people are smart, they're able to draw their conclusions, and I believe that when you give them access to that full history, that that's empowering, especially at this moment, at 250 years, where we take stock in this great American experiment. We understand where we came from, and we're going to have a better path forward."
ON HOW THE GOVERNOR'S FAITH INSPIRES HIS SERVICE [starts at 9:27]:
"First, I think Pennsylvania is the ultimate swing state, and America can learn a lot from what happens here in Pennsylvania, politically and otherwise. What I have found in my years of service in government is that the public wants you to be who you are, be authentic, let them know what motivates you to serve and why you do this work.
"My faith teaches me that no one's required to complete the task, but neither are we free to refrain from it. Very similar to what Ben Franklin preached about citizen participation in our Commonwealth, in our country, in perfecting our union. I think that that is uniquely American. This idea that we all have a responsibility to get off the sidelines, get in the game, and do our part. That's what my faith teaches me. That's how my family raised me. That is who I am, and I'm not going to apologize for it."
ON WHY GOVERNOR SHAPIRO IS OPTIMISTIC ABOUT OUR FUTURE [starts at 0:50]:
"It's extraordinary. Right here in this relatively small room in the city of Philadelphia, all of those different interests came together and found their way through it, to declare our independence from a king, and then to set up the guardrails.
"And one of my favorite stories in this room is Franklin, who was known to sit on an aisle, we believe in this chair. He was fixated on George Washington, who was sitting up in that chair, and what is on the top edge of that chair, you can see half of a sun. He was fixated the whole time on trying to determine whether or not the sun was rising or the sun was setting. And at the end of the Constitutional Convention, he rose to his feet and announced to the founders of our nation that he believed it was a rising sun and that bright days were ahead.
"That gives me chills every time I see that chair to know that Franklin left this room with all of the challenges, even after speaking about how the Constitution was imperfect, he still thought it was a rising sun. He still had optimism in this new nation. It's an optimism I share today."
Watch Governor Shapiro's interview with Dana Bash on CNN here (https://www.cnn.com/2026/07/05/politics/video/shapiro-america-250-sotu?cid=ios_app).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/icymi--on-cnn--gov--shapiro-calls-on-pennsylvanians-to-continue-
Florida Auditor General: Leon County District School Board - Skyward School Business Suite and Focus Student Information System - Information Technology Operational Audit
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following report (No. 2026-181) on June 26, 2026, entitled "Leon County District School Board - Skyward School Business Suite and Focus Student Information System - Information Technology Operational Audit."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of Leon County School District (District) focused on evaluating selected information technology (IT) controls applicable to the Skyward School Business Suite and Focus Student Information System and District IT infrastructure, and included a follow-up
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TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following report (No. 2026-181) on June 26, 2026, entitled "Leon County District School Board - Skyward School Business Suite and Focus Student Information System - Information Technology Operational Audit."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of Leon County School District (District) focused on evaluating selected information technology (IT) controls applicable to the Skyward School Business Suite and Focus Student Information System and District IT infrastructure, and included a follow-upon findings noted in our report No. 2020-156. Our audit disclosed the following:
Finding 1: District controls over application security management need improvement to ensure that assigned user access privileges remain necessary and appropriate.
Finding 2: District IT security controls related to user authentication, account management, and data recovery need improvement to ensure the confidentiality, integrity, and availability of District data and IT resources.
BACKGROUND
The Leon County School District (District) is part of the State system of public education under the general direction of the Florida Department of Education and is governed by State law and State Board of Education rules. Geographic boundaries of the District correspond with those of Leon County. The governing body of the District is the Leon County District School Board (Board), which is composed of five elected members. The elected Superintendent of Schools is the Executive Officer of the Board.
During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the District operated 49 elementary, middle, high, and specialized schools; sponsored 5 charter schools; and reported 36,722 unweighted full-time equivalent students.
The District uses the Skyward School Business Suite (Skyward) to process and report financial and human resource information and the Focus Student Information System (Focus) to process and report student information. Application service provider, Integrated Systems Corporation, and software vendor, Focus School Software, host the applications and maintain and manage the supporting application and database infrastructure for Skyward and Focus, respectively. The District maintains and manages the network domains and IT infrastructure supporting access to Skyward and Focus.
FINDINGS AND RECOMMENDATIONS
Finding 1: Application Security Management
Effective application security management provides a framework for managing risk, developing policies, and monitoring the adequacy of application-related controls. These controls include granting access to information technology (IT) resources based on a demonstrated need to view, change, or delete data and restricting employees from performing incompatible functions or functions beyond their areas of responsibility. Periodic evaluations of access privileges assigned to employees are necessary to ensure that employees can access only those IT resources that are necessary to perform their assigned job duties and that the assigned access privileges enforce an appropriate separation of incompatible duties.
According to Technology and Information Services Department personnel, the Department maintains a record of school principal and department supervisor-requested and approved employee access privilege changes for Focus Student Information System (Focus) and Skyward School Business Suite (Skyward).
The Department is also responsible for providing reports of access privilege assignments to school principals and department supervisors to annually conduct comprehensive access privilege evaluations and confirmations to determine whether the assignments remain appropriate or should be modified.
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The report is posted at: https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2026-181.pdf
[Category: TNSStaRep]
Colo. Secretary of State: RTD Candidate Audrey DeBarros Qualifies for General Election Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, July 7 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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RTD Candidate Audrey DeBarros Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Audrey DeBarros, nonpartisan candidate for RTD Board of Directors District O has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
Candidates for RTD Board of Directors are required to collect 250 signatures within their district as required by C.R.S. 32-9-111(5)(a). Audrey DeBarros submitted
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DENVER, Colorado, July 7 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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RTD Candidate Audrey DeBarros Qualifies for General Election Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Audrey DeBarros, nonpartisan candidate for RTD Board of Directors District O has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
Candidates for RTD Board of Directors are required to collect 250 signatures within their district as required by C.R.S. 32-9-111(5)(a). Audrey DeBarros submitted430 valid signatures, eclipsing the 250-signature threshold.
Jack Rosenthal Petition Verification Summary:
* Number of qualified signatures submitted: 544
* Number of entries rejected: 84
* Number of entries accepted: 430
* Number of valid signatures required: 250
A record of all accepted and rejected signatures, including reasons for each rejection is on file with the Secretary of State.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260706RTD.html
Arizona Auditor General: Williams Unified School District
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Arizona Auditor General issued the following performance audit report (No. 26-205) entitled "Williams Unified School District."
Here are excerpts:
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Members of the Arizona State Legislature
The Honorable Katie Hobbs, Governor
Governing Board
Williams Unified School District
Eric Evans, Superintendent
Williams Unified School District
Transmitted herewith is a report of the Auditor General, A Performance Audit of Williams Unified School District, conducted pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes Sec.41-1279.03. I am also transmitting within this
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 7 (TNSLrpt) -- The Arizona Auditor General issued the following performance audit report (No. 26-205) entitled "Williams Unified School District."
Here are excerpts:
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Members of the Arizona State Legislature
The Honorable Katie Hobbs, Governor
Governing Board
Williams Unified School District
Eric Evans, Superintendent
Williams Unified School District
Transmitted herewith is a report of the Auditor General, A Performance Audit of Williams Unified School District, conducted pursuant to Arizona Revised Statutes Sec.41-1279.03. I am also transmitting within thisreport a copy of the Report Highlights to provide a quick summary for your convenience. The CPA firm Walker & Armstrong conducted this performance audit under contract with the Arizona Auditor General.
This school district performance audit assessed the District's spending on noninstructional areas, including administration, student transportation, food service, and plant operations, and made recommendations to the District to maximize resources available for instruction or other District priorities. As outlined in its response, the District agrees with all the findings and recommendations and plans to implement all the recommendations. My Office will follow up with the District in 6 months to assess its progress in implementing the recommendations. I express my appreciation to Superintendent Evans and District staff for their cooperation and assistance throughout the audit.
My staff and I will be pleased to discuss or clarify items in the report.
Sincerely,
Lindsey A. Perry, CPA, CFE
Auditor General
Report Highlights
Williams Unified School District
Performance Audit
Audit purpose
To assess the District's efficiency and effectiveness in 4 operational areas--administration, plant operations and maintenance, food service, and transportation--and its compliance with certain State requirements.
Key findings
* District administrators did not maintain required accounting and operational records, failed to adequately monitor delegated responsibilities, and did not ensure key duties were completed accurately, resulting in unsupported spending, inaccurate records, and increased risks to public monies and student safety.
* District lacked adequate controls over travel, purchasing, cash handling, and credit card use, leading to unsupported expenditures, unnecessary fees, noncompliance with purchasing requirements, and incomplete accounting records.
* District did not adequately account for, safeguard, or monitor gift cards purchased with federal grant monies, increasing the risk of loss, theft, misuse, and distribution to individuals who may not have been eligible to receive them.
* District did not ensure Board members and all employees submitted annual conflict-of-interest disclosure forms and did not maintain disclosure documents in accordance with statutory requirements, limiting public transparency and increasing the risk that Board members and employees did not disclose substantial interests that could influence or affect their official conduct.
* District had unsecured cleaning supplies accessible to students and unresolved food safety concerns, increasing the risk to students' health and safety.
* District's inadequate controls over transportation reporting, fleet vehicle use, and information technology (IT) access and security increased the risk of inaccurate reporting, misuse of District resources, overfunding, data loss, and unauthorized access to sensitive information.
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The report is posted at: https://www.azauditor.gov/sites/default/files/2026-06/26-205_Report.pdf
