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Election Month Ruling By Supreme Court Regrettable

FAIRFAX, Virginia, Aug. 3 [Category: Government/Public Administration] -- Americans for Limited Government posted the following news release:

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Election Month Ruling By Supreme Court Regrettable

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June 29, 2026, Fairfax, Va.-Americans for Limited Government Executive Director Robert Romano today issued the following statement on the Supreme Court's ruling in Watson v. Republican National Committee:

"In an apparent bid to avert Democrats' threatened Supreme Court packing scheme, Republican-appointed justices John Roberts and Amy Coney Barrett have apparently opted to just give Democrats ... Show Full Article

Watchdog Files to Unseal John Sarcone Disciplinary Proceedings

WASHINGTON, July 31 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release on July 30, 2026:

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Watchdog Files to Unseal John Sarcone Disciplinary Proceedings

Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA), represented by Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, petitioned the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department to unseal all records concerning the disciplinary proceeding conducted by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department against John A. Sarcone III, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of ... Show Full Article WASHINGTON, July 31 -- Campaign for Accountability issued the following news release on July 30, 2026: * * * Watchdog Files to Unseal John Sarcone Disciplinary Proceedings Today, Campaign for Accountability (CfA), represented by Patterson Belknap Webb & Tyler LLP, petitioned the Supreme Court of the State of New York, Appellate Division Third Judicial Department to unseal all records concerning the disciplinary proceeding conducted by the Attorney Grievance Committee for the Third Judicial Department against John A. Sarcone III, the First Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Northern District ofNew York (NDNY).

On August 6, 2025, CfA filed a bar complaint against Mr. Sarcone, then serving as Interim U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of New York, for a series of actions that appeared to run afoul of the Rules of Professional Conduct, including: (i) making false statements about an alleged assault, (ii) causing an unwarranted charge of attempted murder to be filed (and later dropped) against the alleged assailant, (iii) providing a false residential address in a sworn statement, seemingly in violation of federal law requiring that he reside in the district in which he was serving, and (iv) retaliating against the newspaper whose reporting raised questions about his residency.

Eight months later, on April 1, 2026, the Grievance Committee responded with a letter stating it had determined that some of Mr. Sarcone's actions amounted to professional misconduct. Despite the serious nature of Mr. Sarcone's conduct, the Grievance Committee wrote only that it "determined there was a sufficient basis for a finding of professional misconduct" against Mr. Sarcone and that it "took appropriate action" against him, without specifying further. CfA's suit argues that the public has a right to know which actions the committee had determined violated bar rules and what the consequences were for those violations.

Given that Mr. Sarcone continues to serve the public as NDNY's most senior attorney, CfA argues the contents of his disciplinary proceeding are a matter of vital public interest and that releasing the material presents no risk of any new harm to Mr. Sarcone's reputation, considering the already extensive news coverage of his actions. Additionally, the First Amendment should trump the secrecy provisions the Grievance Committee cited to keep the proceedings sealed. CfA's petition comes on the heels of a Second Circuit ruling affirming a presumptive First Amendment right of public access to Grievance Committee proceedings involving prosecutors accused of misconduct.

CfA Executive Director Michelle Kuppersmith stated, "It is noteworthy that in just a few short months on the job, the Grievance Committee found Mr. Sarcone violated the rules of professional conduct, but ridiculous that those findings remain secret. Not only does the public have a right to this information--particularly given that Mr. Sarcone is the most senior federal law enforcement officer in the state--but courts should have the opportunity to evaluate any appearances, filings, or statements Mr. Sarcone makes in light of those findings, some of which may reflect on his truthfulness."

Read CfA's Petition (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28524646-sarcone-petition-to-unseal-disciplinary-proceedings-campaign-for-accountability/).

Read CfA's Brief (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28524645-sarcone-brief-iso-motion-to-unseal-disciplinary-proceedings-campaign-for-accountability/).

See the Exhibits (https://www.documentcloud.org/documents/28524643-exhibits-1-18-sarcone-brief-campaign-for-accountability/).

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Campaign for Accountability is a nonpartisan, nonprofit watchdog organization that uses research, litigation, and aggressive communications to expose misconduct and malfeasance in public life and hold those who act at the expense of the public good accountable for their actions.

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Original text here: https://campaignforaccountability.org/watchdog-files-to-unseal-john-sarcone-disciplinary-proceedings/

[Category: Political]

Staten Island University Hospital Receives $2.3 Million in Capital Funding to Expand Advanced Technology and Patient Care Services

NEW HYDE PARK, New York, July 31 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release:

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Staten Island University Hospital receives $2.3 million in capital funding to expand advanced technology and patient care services

Funding from the Staten Island Borough President's Office will support investments in imaging, surgical and diagnostic equipment across multiple specialties

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Northwell's Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) has received $2.357 million in capital funding from the Staten Island Borough President's Office to invest in medical technology and infrastructure that will enhance ... Show Full Article NEW HYDE PARK, New York, July 31 -- Northwell Health issued the following news release: * * * Staten Island University Hospital receives $2.3 million in capital funding to expand advanced technology and patient care services Funding from the Staten Island Borough President's Office will support investments in imaging, surgical and diagnostic equipment across multiple specialties - Northwell's Staten Island University Hospital (SIUH) has received $2.357 million in capital funding from the Staten Island Borough President's Office to invest in medical technology and infrastructure that will enhancepatient care, strengthen diagnostic capabilities and expand specialized services across the hospital.

The funding will allow SIUH to purchase equipment used in cardiovascular care, women's health, neurology, urology, surgery, emergency services and interventional procedures, helping provide Staten Island residents with greater access to innovative, high-quality care close to home.

"Staten Islanders deserve the best when it comes to their health care. That is why we will continue to do whatever we can to support our local healthcare providers and hospitals to achieve that goal. Fortunately, Staten Island University Hospital is committed to the same goal," said Staten Island Borough President Vito Fossella.

"We hope the new technology, equipment and tools we have funded will help SIUH continue its critical mission of providing the best care possible for its patients. We are thankful to the leadership at SIUH and its employees, who deliver quality health care each day."

Elevating patient care and clinical precision

The investment includes advanced imaging technology, surgical equipment and diagnostic tools designed to help clinicians evaluate patients more efficiently, perform procedures with greater precision and improve the overall patient experience.

Examples of equipment supported through the funding include advanced imaging and ultrasound systems that will strengthen diagnostic services across cardiovascular, women's health, emergency and interventional care programs. New surgical tables, image-guided platforms and minimally invasive treatment technologies will support physicians in performing complex procedures, while additional equipment will enhance neurological monitoring, nerve protection during surgery and urologic care.

"These investments represent our continued commitment to ensuring Staten Island residents have access to the highest quality care in their own community," said Meagan Sills, SVP and president of Staten Island University Hospital. "This funding will strengthen our ability to provide exceptional care across multiple specialties while supporting our physicians, nurses and clinical teams with the tools they need to deliver the best possible outcomes for our patients."

The capital investment reflects the ongoing partnership between SIUH and Staten Island's elected leaders to strengthen health care resources throughout the borough and ensure residents have access to modern technology and specialized care.

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Original text here: https://www.northwell.edu/news/the-latest/siuh-receives-capital-funding-to-expand-advanced-technology-patient-care-services

[Category: Health Care]

Florida Chamber Foundation Early Learning Report Finds More Than Half of Florida's Youngest Learners Start Kindergarten Already Behind

TALLAHASSEE, Florida, July 31 (TNSrep) -- The Florida Chamber Foundation issued the following news on July 30, 2026:

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Florida Chamber Foundation Early Learning Report Finds More Than Half of Florida's Youngest Learners Start Kindergarten Already Behind

Today, the Florida Chamber Foundation's Business Alliance for Early Learning (BAEL) released its 2025-2026 Kindergarten Readiness Report, finding that 44% of Florida children entered kindergarten ready to learn in fall 2025, meaning more than half of Florida's youngest learners are starting school already behind. The highest kindergarten ... Show Full Article

Consumer Reports: More Than 3,700 North Carolina Consumers Speak Out Against Excessive Electricity Rate Hikes

YONKERS, New York, July 31 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release on July 30, 2026:

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More than 3,700 North Carolina consumers speak out against excessive electricity rate hikes

Consumer Reports calls on the NCUC to curb excessive rate increases from Duke Energy and protect ratepayers during the AI data center boom

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Raleigh, NC - Consumer Reports today submitted more than 3,700 petition signatures from members living in North Carolina asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to reject Duke Energy's request for an 18% rate increase.

Since starting this petition, ... Show Full Article YONKERS, New York, July 31 -- Consumer Reports posted the following news release on July 30, 2026: * * * More than 3,700 North Carolina consumers speak out against excessive electricity rate hikes Consumer Reports calls on the NCUC to curb excessive rate increases from Duke Energy and protect ratepayers during the AI data center boom - Raleigh, NC - Consumer Reports today submitted more than 3,700 petition signatures from members living in North Carolina asking the North Carolina Utilities Commission (NCUC) to reject Duke Energy's request for an 18% rate increase. Since starting this petition,one of Duke Energy's two subsidiaries in the state, Duke Energy Carolinas, has lowered their rate increase request to only 9.5% over the next 2 years and the other has committed to reaching a similar agreement. While that is an important move in the right direction, Consumer Reports submitted a letter to the NCUC telling them that the proposed reduction in the rate hike was not enough.

CR recently profiled individual consumers detailing how skyrocketing electricity bills are straining everyday households in North Carolina and throughout the country.

"Electricity bills are rising far too fast in North Carolina and across the country. At the same time, utility companies are posting record profits and their executives are raking in millions in compensation," said Chris Harto, manager, sustainability advocacy at Consumer Reports. "While utilities need to make important investments to replace aging infrastructure, maintain reliability, and modernize the grid, more needs to be done to balance utility profits and customer affordability."

At issue in this rate case is the high rate of profit for the regulated monopoly utility's two NC subsidiaries. Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress are two of the most profitable utilities in the country with 22% and 17% of customer bills going directly to company profits respectively. In addition to excessively high profits, CR also has concerns that residential customers may be asked to partially pay for infrastructure that is being built to meet potential future data center demand in the state. A Consumer Reports nationally representative survey of 2,146 US adults in November 2025 found that 78% of Americans were least somewhat concerned that new data center development will increase their household electricity bills.

Along with the letter and petition, CR also submitted 21 personal stories from members in North Carolina struggling with their rising electricity bills, including this account:

"My partner and I are retired and live on fixed incomes. We have conscientiously worked to minimize our power consumption for many years," said Andrew Hefner, a Consumer Reports member from Durham, North Carolina. "We replace lighting and appliances with more efficient versions when affordable. We insulate and seal where affordable. We participate in the peak load reduction program. We run appliances during off peak hours when possible. In short, we do everything that Duke Power asks us to do. Yet even though we have reduced our total energy consumption year after year, our bill has increased year after year."

CR's work in North Carolina is part of a broader energy affordability initiative, which is mobilizing consumers nationwide to advocate for fair utility policies as electricity costs continue to rise. Through petitions, consumer storytelling, research, and policy advocacy, CR is working to ensure that households--not just utilities and the technology industry--have a meaningful voice in decisions that determine who pays for America's rapidly expanding electric grid.

As utilities across the country seek approval for billions of dollars in new infrastructure investments, CR is expanding its work with consumers, policymakers, and advocates in multiple states to promote affordable electricity, fair cost allocation, and greater accountability in utility and data center regulation.

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Original text here: https://advocacy.consumerreports.org/press_release/more-than-3700-north-carolina-consumers-speak-out-against-excessive-electricity-rate-hikes/

[Category: Business]

AHRC's Mission Gains Strong Visibility Across Michigan

DEARBORN, Michigan, July 31 -- The American Human Rights Council issued the following news release:

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AHRC's Mission Gains Strong Visibility Across Michigan; Community Support Helps

The American Human Rights Council (AHRC) continues to maintain strong visibility across Michigan, reaffirming its role as a leading advocate for human rights, civil liberties, and community wellbeing. Through consistent public engagement, timely statements, and active participation in civic dialogue, AHRC remains a trusted voice within the state's diverse communities.

AHRC's statements and alerts are frequently ... Show Full Article

A Better Wisconsin Together: On Medicaid's 61st Birthday, Tom Tiffany Hopes It's the Last

MONONA, Wisconsin, July 31 -- A Better Wisconsin Together, a state-based research and communications hub for progressives, posted the following news release on July 30, 2026:

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On Medicaid's 61st Birthday, Tom Tiffany Hopes It's the Last

Tiffany voted to gut the program and kick more than 200,000 Wisconsinites to the curb without care

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MADISON, Wis. - 61 years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicaid into law and helped generations of Americans find and afford essential healthcare. Six decades later, Wisconsin's very own Republican Congressman - and now gubernatorial candidate ... Show Full Article MONONA, Wisconsin, July 31 -- A Better Wisconsin Together, a state-based research and communications hub for progressives, posted the following news release on July 30, 2026: * * * On Medicaid's 61st Birthday, Tom Tiffany Hopes It's the Last Tiffany voted to gut the program and kick more than 200,000 Wisconsinites to the curb without care - MADISON, Wis. - 61 years ago today, President Lyndon B. Johnson signed Medicaid into law and helped generations of Americans find and afford essential healthcare. Six decades later, Wisconsin's very own Republican Congressman - and now gubernatorial candidate- Tom Tiffany voted to gut the program and kick more than 200,000 Wisconsinites to the curb without care.

Why? To fund tax cuts for billionaires while the average Wisconsinite gets priced out of everything from groceries and gas to housing and childcare.

"Tom Tiffany is continuing his long history of betraying his constituents to give billionaires another leg up," said A Better Wisconsin Together Communications Director Lucy Ripp . "At a time when Wisconsin families are already facing rising costs and unaffordable healthcare options, Tiffany is voting for delayed care and higher costs."

In fact, Tiffany's vote to gut Medicaid put a hospital in his very own district at risk of closing. But despite this, Tiffany has repeatedly doubled down on his vote, even calling it "a better future" and "major win."

"When Wisconsinites get sick, they deserve quality medical care that doesn't send you into debt or require hours of travel. That's what Medicaid has helped ensure for more than 60 years," said Ripp. "But clearly Tiffany cares more about helping the wealthy get wealthier than he does about helping his constituents get healthier."

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A Better Wisconsin Together is a state-based research and communications hub for progressives and is an affiliate of ProgressNow.

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Original text here: https://abetterwisconsin.org/on-medicaids-61st-birthday-tom-tiffany-hopes-its-the-last/

[Category: Economics]

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