Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Supports Additional Funds to Wyoming Communities
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, July 3 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Supports Additional Funds to Wyoming Communities
Governor Mark Gordon (R-Wyo.) voted today to support communities across Wyoming using Mineral Royalty Grants during a special virtual meeting of the State Land and Investment Board. The meeting was called to review earlier 2026 projects for potential additional funds.
Eleven towns and districts received a total of $3,673,931 in funding from Mineral Royalty Grant reserves during the meeting. Four of the projects had
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, July 3 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Supports Additional Funds to Wyoming Communities
Governor Mark Gordon (R-Wyo.) voted today to support communities across Wyoming using Mineral Royalty Grants during a special virtual meeting of the State Land and Investment Board. The meeting was called to review earlier 2026 projects for potential additional funds.
Eleven towns and districts received a total of $3,673,931 in funding from Mineral Royalty Grant reserves during the meeting. Four of the projects hadreceived no previous funding for their projects. The other seven projects funded during the meeting had previously received partial funding and today were recommended to be fully funded. These projects will help develop a variety of important projects including critical fire protection, water, cistern and sewer projects, and street repair projects.
"Our Wyoming Communities continue to struggle meeting the challenges of addressing aging water, sewer, and other infrastructure needs including being prepared for emergencies. Mineral Royalty Grants help ease the burden of funding essential and extraordinary projects. Using these funds wisely also helps to keep local taxes low," Governor Gordon said. "I am always encouraged by how well communities from across the state cooperate to try to make the best use of these limited funds. I was pleased we were able to find the ability to use some reserves from the last biennium to get these previously unfunded but critical projects the funds they need to move forward."
The board denied two other recommendations from communities that already received earlier full funding for other projects. Several of the board members thought it important to maintain reserves to help communities in the future when they have emergency needs to maintain their infrastructure.
The next meeting of the State Land and Investment Board will be held August 6, 2026.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-supports-additional-funds-to-wyoming-communities
Va. A.G. Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's action
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's actionwould have denied Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility to hardworking public servants when he doesn't like their employer.
"This administration actively targets those whose beliefs contradict their own. This illegal rule was designed with broad, vague language and had the effect of subjecting public servants to a loyalty test," said Attorney General Jones. "The court recognized this attempt for what it is - a blatant overstep of authority and a violation of the First Amendment.
Virginians who are on the front lines, doing the good and necessary work of the People, will continue to remain eligible for public service loan forgiveness even if the President doesn't like who they work for."
The PSLF program is critical in recruiting nurses, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and others working in public service careers, both in government and the nonprofit sectors.
The order found the U.S. Department of Education regulations are contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority, are arbitrary and capricious, and violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3065-attorney-general-jay-jones-secures-victory-for-public-servants-court-strikes-down-trump-administrations-attacks-on-student-loan-forgiveness-program
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:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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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,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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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.
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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:
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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
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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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.
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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
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:
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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
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 3 -- Hawaii Attorney General Anne E. Lopez issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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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.
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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.
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/News-Release-2026-41.pdf
California State Parks Pass Programs Reach Major Milestones During Last Week to Download the Free Historian Passport
SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport
What you need to know: As the July 6 deadline to get a free Historian Passport nears, California State Parks free pass programs are hitting major milestones while connecting hundreds of thousands of Californians with the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation.
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With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor Gavin
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 3 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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California State Parks pass programs reach major milestones during last week to download the free Historian Passport
What you need to know: As the July 6 deadline to get a free Historian Passport nears, California State Parks free pass programs are hitting major milestones while connecting hundreds of thousands of Californians with the largest and most diverse state park system in the nation.
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With the Fourth of July holiday weekend fast approaching, Governor GavinNewsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom are reminding Californians to download a free Historian Passport and explore the largest and most diverse state park system in the country.
"Every Californian should get to see part of what makes California extraordinary -- the coastlines, the golden valleys, the redwoods, the history. That's why we've made free passes available, and that's why we're committed to expanding access to California's park system to reach more people. The Golden State will never back down from that promise," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
Expanding access to California's natural beauty represents our values as a state and emphasizes that time in nature is vital for children's health, happiness, and overall well-being. By removing the barrier of cost, we're fostering the next generation of environmental stewards while ensuring every child can experience the breathtaking beauty and history of our state," said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Since Governor Newsom and the First Partner's announcement two weeks ago of a special free pass to California's state historic parks, more than 360,000 people have downloaded the free Historian Passport. Additionally, other efforts to expand access to California State Parks recently reached major milestones:
* More than 100,000 downloads of the free California State Parks pass for fourth graders over the life of the program.
* Ongoing funding in the state budget for the California State Library Parks Pass.
Created during the Newsom administration to expand access to California's 280 state parks (and growing) -- these free park passes are a cornerstone of the Outdoors for All initiative, Governor Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom's commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of being in nature.
FREE fourth grade pass
Championed by and in partnership with the First Partner and the California Natural Resources Agency, the free California State Park Adventure Pass recently surpassed 100,000 downloads since its launch in 2021. The pass has empowered students from every county in California and their families to visit 54 iconic participating state parks.
"For Californians, this milestone reflects the belief that our greatest classrooms extend far beyond four walls -- they are found within these 54 incredible parks in towering forests, along rugged coastlines and within the historic places that tell the story of who we are," said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "Through this free pass, thousands of fourth graders and their families are not only discovering the wonders of our state's natural and cultural treasures but also connecting with California's rich history. These experiences reveal the mental and physical health benefits of being outdoors and remind all of us that these extraordinary places belong to every Californian."
FREE California State Library Parks Pass
The 2026-27 state budget signed by Governor Newsom, and in partnership with the Legislature, includes $6.75 million ongoing from the General Fund to make the California State Library Park Pass a permanent program. That means library cardholders can continue to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks.
There are 33,000 passes available at public and tribal libraries throughout California. These passes have become so popular that they are one of the most checked out items in the entire State Library system, and select libraries also offer backpacks with outdoor exploration tools, including binoculars, compasses and wildlife guides.
"This is a landmark moment for expanding access to California's state parks," said Rachel Norton, Executive Director of California State Parks Foundation. "By establishing ongoing funding for the California State Library Parks Pass program, California is making a lasting commitment to ensuring that cost is not a barrier to experiencing our state parks. This investment will help connect generations of Californians with the outdoors."
FREE Historian Passport
The response to this free pass in honor of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence was immediate, with downloads averaging more than one pass per second over the first few days. Attendance has been noticeably higher at participating parks.
Supported by donations from the California State Parks Foundation and the California State Railroad Museum Foundation, the Historian Passport (typical cost $50) is valid for the rest of 2026 at more than 30 state historic parks throughout California, where visitors can immerse themselves in the state's unvarnished, complex history. Download your pass for free by July 6!
FREE Golden Bear Pass
The new and improved Golden Bear Pass Program -- which allows residents on public assistance programs to receive free vehicle day-use entry at more than 200 state parks -- is a prime example of how greater government efficiency under the Newsom administration is delivering real results for Californians. Thanks to a streamlined application process that eliminates the need for burdensome paperwork, this program has experienced exponential growth, going from a couple thousand free passes a year to more than 146,000 Golden Bear Passes over the past few years.
Moving forward
California State Parks will soon offer even more to explore. Governor Newsom announced State Parks Forward on Earth Day, a bold effort to establish three new state parks and expand existing parks by more than 30,000 acres by the end of the decade. This is the biggest expansion of the State Park System in decades and is providing more access to parks in the Central Valley.
State Parks protects the best of California's natural and cultural history; more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest and among the oldest trees in the world; and deserts, lakes, rivers and beaches. There are more than 5,200 miles of trails, 15,000 campsites, 145,000 acres for off-highway vehicle recreation, plus prehistoric and historic archeological sites, ghost towns, historic homes and monuments - all waiting for you.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/02/california-state-parks-pass-programs-reach-major-milestones-during-last-week-to-download-the-free-historian-passport/
Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
AUSTIN, Texas, July 3 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
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Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into StubHub over widespread reports that the company is cancelling or failing to provide World Cup tickets that fans have purchased.
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, fans across the country, including in Texas host cities like Dallas and Houston, have reported that StubHub cancelled their tickets days or even
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AUSTIN, Texas, July 3 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
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Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into StubHub over widespread reports that the company is cancelling or failing to provide World Cup tickets that fans have purchased.
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, fans across the country, including in Texas host cities like Dallas and Houston, have reported that StubHub cancelled their tickets days or evenhours before kickoff. StubHub has blamed the cancellations on "transfer problems" tied to FIFA's ticketing platform, but consumer complaints point to a broader pattern often called "ghost ticketing," in which sellers list tickets they do not actually possess, collect payment, and then cancel when they cannot deliver.
"My office is investigating reports that StubHub is failing to deliver tickets that Texas fans have rightfully purchased," said Attorney General Paxton. "In many cases, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If StubHub is ghost ticketing Texans out of that experience, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and help fans who have been wronged."
Texans who purchased World Cup tickets through StubHub and did not receive them, or received tickets significantly inferior to what they paid for, are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. To access the online complaint form, click here.
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-investigates-stubhub-failing-provide-fifa-world-cup-tickets-fans-have
