Featured Stories
Okla. CareerTech Signs Articulation Agreement With Universities
STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Aug. 13 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech signs articulation agreement with universities
Oklahoma CareerTech is working with Oklahoma universities and colleges to help technology center graduates get college credit for their work.
CareerTech has signed agreements with the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and OSU-Oklahoma City to award block credit to technology center program completers who earned specific certifications.
Oklahoma CareerTech, OSU-OKC and OSUIT signed an articulation
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STILLWATER, Oklahoma, Aug. 13 -- The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education issued the following news release:
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CareerTech signs articulation agreement with universities
Oklahoma CareerTech is working with Oklahoma universities and colleges to help technology center graduates get college credit for their work.
CareerTech has signed agreements with the Oklahoma State University Institute of Technology and OSU-Oklahoma City to award block credit to technology center program completers who earned specific certifications.
Oklahoma CareerTech, OSU-OKC and OSUIT signed an articulationagreement so tech center completers who earned specific credentials could earn university credit. Pictured are, seated from left, Brent Haken, CareerTech state director, Ronna Vanderslice, OSU-OKC provost; and Richie Roberts, OSUIT provost. Standing from left are Jessica Ventris, CareerTech director of academic affairs; Bart Collins, director of partnerships and programs for OSU Applied Technology; and Bryan Hall, CareerTech credentialing specialist.
Provosts from both universities and CareerTech State Director Brent Haken signed agreements Wednesday in a ceremony at the state CareerTech agency in Stillwater.
"It's been exciting to work with the team at Oklahoma State," Haken said. "Far more than words on a paper, these articulation agreements represent a true belief in the value of people and what they have chosen to make their career. Oklahoma CareerTech is helping more Oklahomans find career success while being a part of their educational journey. Partnerships like these bring real educational value that results in prosperous people."
Connors State College, Redlands Community College, Northern Oklahoma College, Carl Albert State College, Rogers State University and Southwestern Oklahoma State University have also agreed to offer credit for tech center program completers with industry-recognized certifications, and several other colleges have shown interest in doing the same, said Bryan Hall, credentialing specialist with the Oklahoma CareerTech Testing Center.
Hall began reaching out to the universities and colleges after reading an article about Oklahoma colleges collaborating on an associate degree in applied technology.
"We were seeking to reach out and create relationships and connections with higher education to bridge the gap for our program completers who have received great training and certifications," he said. "This is an opportunity to increase the educational aspirations of our residents and be a more educated state. That's going to help attract businesses and also help workers increase their pay and status."
Oklahoma CareerTech and the Oklahoma State Regents for Higher Education at one time had agreements in place through the Cooperative Alliance Program to allow high school students to earn college credit toward science degrees by completing some courses at technology centers. The program allowed individual colleges and tech centers to sign cooperative agreements.
In 2020, Tulsa Community College piloted a program to offer an associate in applied science degree in applied technology for adults who had received industry-recognized credentials. A year later, Hall said, 10 more colleges wanted to do the same.
"That says to me there's an appetite out there for CareerTech trained and certified students," he said.
He proposed a statewide program that would include all tech centers and any college that chose to participate.
The articulation agreements create a standardized process to award credit for an associate of applied science in applied technology degree, Hall said. Students who complete CareerTech programs and have earned industry credentials in those programs will be able to receive credits after they are accepted into the university program.
Since the college and university programs are online, he added, more students will be able to participate.
"It doesn't matter what CareerTech you come from, if you're bringing this credential and full-time program completion, you can receive block credit toward an AAS degree," he said.
The agreements benefit students, CareerTech, the colleges and universities and the state, Hall said, because they support students earning credentials and degrees that will help their careers; they strengthen institutional collaboration; they ensure consistency in programs; and they help provide well-educated and well-trained employees for Oklahoma business and industry.
A 2014 report from the Education Commission of the States, an organization that helps states work together in education and learn from each other, showed that students who earn college credit through technology center courses are more likely to earn high school diplomas, enroll in bachelor's degree programs and enroll in college full-time.
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Oklahoma CareerTech: Oklahoma's Workforce Leader
The Oklahoma Department of Career and Technology Education provides leadership and resources and assures standards of excellence for a comprehensive statewide system of career and technology education. The system offers programs and services in 29 technology center districts operating on 63 campuses, 394 PK-12 school districts, 20 skills centers campuses that include three juvenile facilities and 49 adult education and family literacy providers.
The agency is governed by the State Board of Career and Technology Education and works closely with the State Department of Education and the State Regents for Higher Education to provide a seamless educational system for all Oklahomans.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/careertech/media-center/press-releases/2026/careertech-signs-articulation-agreement-with-universities.html
Okla. A.G. Drummond Co-Leads 25-State Coalition Urging Supreme Court to Take Up Iowa Immigration Enforcement Case
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond co-leads 25-state coalition urging Supreme Court to take up Iowa immigration enforcement case
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is co-leading a coalition in supporting Iowa's law criminalizing illegal entry into the state. Drummond and 24 attorneys general filed an amicus brief today in Bird v. Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case challenging a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The brief supports
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Aug. 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release:
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Drummond co-leads 25-state coalition urging Supreme Court to take up Iowa immigration enforcement case
Attorney General Gentner Drummond is co-leading a coalition in supporting Iowa's law criminalizing illegal entry into the state. Drummond and 24 attorneys general filed an amicus brief today in Bird v. Iowa Migrant Movement for Justice, urging the U.S. Supreme Court to hear a case challenging a ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Eighth Circuit.
The brief supportsIowa Attorney General Brenna Bird's petition asking the Supreme Court to review the Eighth Circuit's decision, which found Iowa's law unconstitutional and blocked the state from enforcing it. Iowa's law mirrors federal law criminalizing illegal entry. A separate Eighth Circuit panel recently upheld a similar state law, creating a split within the circuit that the brief asks the Supreme Court to resolve.
Oklahoma has a direct stake in the outcome: a federal district court has enjoined Oklahoma's own immigration enforcement law, and that case is now on appeal before the Tenth Circuit.
"States have always had the authority to protect their own citizens, and that includes the power to prosecute someone for breaking into our state illegally, just as we would for any other crime," said Drummond. "The Eighth Circuit's ruling doesn't just tie Iowa's hands. It opens the door for federal courts to strike down any state law that so much as resembles federal law. Oklahoma has a stake in getting this right, and I'm proud to lead this coalition in asking the Supreme Court to step in."
The coalition argues the Eighth Circuit ruled incorrectly in three ways: it let a lawsuit proceed even though the plaintiffs never showed they actually faced prosecution; it struck down Iowa's entire law without identifying a single unconstitutional application of it; and it treated any overlap between state and federal immigration law as grounds to strike a law down, an approach the states warn could put felon-in-possession laws, controlled-substance prosecutions and identity-theft statutes at risk too. Dissenting from the denial of rehearing en banc, Eighth Circuit Judge David Stras wrote that the case "is about as important as it gets."
The brief, led by Drummond and Florida Attorney General James Uthmeier, was joined by the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arkansas, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
Read the Brief (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/august/26-49%20Amicus%20Brief.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/august/drummond-co-leads-25-state-coalition-urging-supreme-court-to-take-up-iowa-immigration-enforcement-case.html
N.M. Health Dept.: State Maintains Full Childhood Vaccine Recommendations
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 13 -- The New Mexico Department of Health issued the following news:
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New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations
The New Mexico Department of Health will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite President Trump's executive order signed Monday.
The President's order calls for cutting the number of recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11 and seeks to change the schedule for when and how these disease-preventing vaccines are given to children.
The New Mexico Department of Health remains committed to ensuring parents
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 13 -- The New Mexico Department of Health issued the following news:
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New Mexico maintains full childhood vaccine recommendations
The New Mexico Department of Health will maintain its full childhood vaccination recommendations despite President Trump's executive order signed Monday.
The President's order calls for cutting the number of recommended childhood vaccinations from 17 to 11 and seeks to change the schedule for when and how these disease-preventing vaccines are given to children.
The New Mexico Department of Health remains committed to ensuring parentsand guardians have access to the full schedule of vaccines they choose for their children.
Measles cases are at a 35-year high in the U.S., and flu season is rapidly approaching, making vaccines more important than ever in protecting children from life-threatening diseases.
"Our message remains the same: the science is clear -- vaccines are safe, effective and save children's lives," said Dr. Miranda Durham, chief medical officer for NMDOH.
NMDOH encourages parents and caregivers to discuss vaccination decisions with their health care providers, using the American Academy of Pediatrics' immunization schedule as a guide.
All childhood vaccinations continue to be covered under the Vaccines for Children Program, Medicaid and private insurance.
New Mexicans seeking vaccinations or answers about vaccine safety may call their provider or the NMDOH Helpline at 1-833-SWNURSE (1-833-796-8773) or text questions to 66364 (NMDOH).
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Original text here: https://www.nmhealth.org/news/vaccine/2026/8/?view=2359
N.H. Education Dept. Launches School Screen Time Task Force
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 13 -- The New Hampshire Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 12, 2026:
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New Hampshire Department of Education Launches School Screen Time Task Force
Today, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) launched a statewide School Screen Time Task Force to examine the role of technology in student learning and develop practical, age-appropriate recommendations that support high-quality instruction and student well-being.
NHED has assembled a diverse group of stakeholders representing educators, parents, students, school and district
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 13 -- The New Hampshire Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 12, 2026:
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New Hampshire Department of Education Launches School Screen Time Task Force
Today, the New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) launched a statewide School Screen Time Task Force to examine the role of technology in student learning and develop practical, age-appropriate recommendations that support high-quality instruction and student well-being.
NHED has assembled a diverse group of stakeholders representing educators, parents, students, school and districtleaders, health professionals, technology experts, and community members from across New Hampshire.
The task force will review how digital technology is being used in schools, consider both the benefits and challenges of screen use in educational settings, and develop recommendations and insights for future guidance and potential policy considerations while respecting local decision-making.
"There is growing interest among families, educators, and health professionals in understanding how screen time affects student learning, development, and overall well-being," said Commissioner Caitlin D. Davis of NHED. "Technology has become an integral part of education, particularly since the pandemic. This task force will help us take a thoughtful, balanced approach by examining where technology enhances learning, where it may create challenges, and how schools can best support students."
The task force comes as schools across New Hampshire continue adhering to the state's bell-to-bell cell phone law enacted last year, creating an opportunity to broaden the conversation beyond personal devices to consider students' overall engagement with screens throughout the school day.
Task force members will explore topics including:
* The educational benefits and appropriate uses of instructional technology;
* The impact of screen time on student learning, engagement, mental health, physical activity, sleep, and overall well-being;
* Age-appropriate approaches to technology use in classrooms;
* Strategies that support healthy learning environments while maintaining access to technology that enhances instruction; and
* Screen time policies being considered and enacted throughout the country.
The task force is expected to meet throughout August and September. Following its review, the group will develop practical recommendations for NHED that may help shape future guidance and support schools in making informed decisions about technology use in educational settings.
For more details, visit the task force website (https://www.education.nh.gov/partners/communications/screen-time-task-force). Individuals wishing to provide written comments to the task force may submit emails to submissions@doe.nh.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.education.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-department-education-launches-school-screen-time-task-force
N.C. Labor Commissioner to Welcome Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch to NCDOL
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 13 -- The North Carolina Department of Labor issued the following news release:
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N.C. Labor Commissioner to welcome Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch to NCDOL
Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor will welcome NASA Artemis II astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch on Wednesday, August 26, for a special event highlighting the critical role of workplace safety, skilled trades, engineering, and innovation in America's return to crewed deep-space exploration.
The event, "From North Carolina Workplaces to the Moon: Safety,
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 13 -- The North Carolina Department of Labor issued the following news release:
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N.C. Labor Commissioner to welcome Artemis II Astronaut Christina Koch to NCDOL
Labor Commissioner Luke Farley and the N.C. Department of Labor will welcome NASA Artemis II astronaut and North Carolina native Christina Koch on Wednesday, August 26, for a special event highlighting the critical role of workplace safety, skilled trades, engineering, and innovation in America's return to crewed deep-space exploration.
The event, "From North Carolina Workplaces to the Moon: Safety,Skilled Trades, and the Artemis II Workforce," will bring together students, workforce leaders, and North Carolinians connected to the Artemis II mission to celebrate the people and skills behind one of the nation's most ambitious achievements.
As a member of the Artemis II crew, Koch made history as part of NASA's first crewed mission around the Moon in more than 50 years. Her journey from North Carolina to becoming an accomplished NASA astronaut offers an inspiring example of how education, technical expertise, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence can open the door to extraordinary opportunities.
"Christina Koch embodies the determination, innovation, and commitment to excellence that make North Carolina proud," said North Carolina Labor Commissioner Luke Farley. "We're honored to welcome her to the Department of Labor as we celebrate the hardworking men and women whose skills, craftsmanship, and dedication to safety make extraordinary achievements possible. Whether building our communities here at home or supporting the next era of space exploration, North Carolina's workforce continues to lead the way."
The event will highlight the teamwork and technical expertise required to support America's return to crewed deep-space exploration, while showcasing the many career pathways that contribute to innovation and economic growth.
From advanced manufacturing and engineering to construction, skilled trades, technology, and other technical fields, the Artemis II mission demonstrates how workers with specialized skills play an essential role in turning ambitious ideas into reality. The event will encourage students to consider the wide range of opportunities available through North Carolina's skilled workforce programs.
Koch's visit also underscores the importance of maintaining safe workplaces where workers can develop the skills, experience, and confidence needed to contribute to projects that push the boundaries of what is possible.
The N.C. Department of Labor is honored to welcome Christina Koch back to her home state and to celebrate her accomplishments alongside the students, workers, educators, job creators, and skilled professionals who represent the future of North Carolina's workforce.
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Original text here: https://www.labor.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/12/nc-labor-commissioner-welcome-artemis-ii-astronaut-christina-koch-ncdol
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and N.M. A.G. Raul Torrez Announce Key State Transparency Provisions Included in Epstein Transparency Act
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 13 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release on Aug. 12, 2026:
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Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and Attorney General Raul Torrez Announce Key New Mexico Transparency Provisions Included in Epstein Transparency Act
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez today discussed key transparency provisions drafted by the New Mexico Department of Justice and introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as part of H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. Congresswoman Leger Fernandez
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 13 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release on Aug. 12, 2026:
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Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and Attorney General Raul Torrez Announce Key New Mexico Transparency Provisions Included in Epstein Transparency Act
Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez and New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez today discussed key transparency provisions drafted by the New Mexico Department of Justice and introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives as part of H.R. 9694, the Epstein Files Transparency Act II. Congresswoman Leger Fernandezco-led the bill's introduction in the House.
The Attorney General and Congresswoman highlighted how the proposed amendments to the original Epstein Transparency Act would strengthen the law by giving state law enforcement meaningful access to federal investigative records, preserving states' existing legal remedies when records are improperly withheld, and making clear that the Act applies to ongoing investigations.
"Victims of Jeffrey Epstein have waited years for the truth. They should not have to wait any longer because the U.S. Department of Justice invents a procedural excuse," said Attorney General Raul Torrez. "These amendments make sure that state investigators can get the records Congress ordered disclosed, without interference and without delay. I thank Congresswoman Leger Fernandez for her partnership in getting this right."
"Congress already ordered the Epstein files released. The Department of Justice had 30 days to comply, yet millions of files remain hidden from the American people," said Congresswoman Teresa Leger Fernandez. "Survivors have waited long enough for the truth. That's why I co-led the Epstein Files Transparency Act II--to give survivors, state attorneys general like Raul Torrez, and prosecutors the key to the courts. No one--no matter how rich, powerful, or well-connected--gets to hide from accountability. When Trump's administration does not comply with the law, there must be consequences."
The New Mexico Department of Justice's amendments adopted in the legislation:
* Clarify that the Act, not existing federal Touhy regulations, governs state law enforcement requests for records covered by the legislation, preventing federal agencies from relying on those regulations to withhold, delay, or condition production.
* Preserve all other legal avenues available to state attorneys general, district attorneys, and other authorized state officials to challenge improper withholding or redaction of records, ensuring the Act supplements rather than replaces existing legal remedies.
* Make clear that the legislation applies to investigations already pending at the time of enactment, allowing current state investigations to benefit immediately from the Act's disclosure requirements.
Attorney General Torrez has consistently advocated for full transparency surrounding the federal government's handling of the Jeffrey Epstein investigation and has sought access to records necessary to determine whether additional criminal conduct occurred, whether victims are entitled to further justice, and whether any individuals or institutions escaped accountability.
The strengthened legislation reflects a shared commitment by Congresswoman Leger Fernandez and Attorney General Torrez to ensure that federal agencies cannot use procedural barriers to shield information from legitimate state law enforcement investigations when Congress has directed that those records be disclosed.
Copy of the Act (https://nmdoj.gov/wp-content/uploads/Epstein-Files-Transparency-Act-II.pdf)
For more information about the Act, visit HERE (https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-representative-leger-fernandez-push-new-legislation-to-force-doj-to-release-remaining-epstein-files/).
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Original text here: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/congresswoman-teresa-leger-fernandez-and-attorney-general-raul-torrez-announce-key-new-mexico-transparency-provisions-included-in-epstein-transparency-act/
Calif. Gov. Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom Announce California State Parks' Free Fourth Grade Pass Now Available for 2026/27 School Year
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 13 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announce California State Parks' FREE Fourth Grade Pass Now Available for 2026/27 School Year
Simplified pass name, updated sign-up period make it easier than ever for fourth graders and their families to visit 54 state parks for free
What you need to know: California State Parks' Free Fourth Grade Pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating state parks for California fourth graders and their families. Incoming students can
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SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 13 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release:
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Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announce California State Parks' FREE Fourth Grade Pass Now Available for 2026/27 School Year
Simplified pass name, updated sign-up period make it easier than ever for fourth graders and their families to visit 54 state parks for free
What you need to know: California State Parks' Free Fourth Grade Pass allows for unlimited free visits to 54 participating state parks for California fourth graders and their families. Incoming students canget their Free Fourth Grade Pass today!
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Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom welcome California fourth graders back to school with unlimited free access to 54 participating state parks through the Free Fourth Grade Pass. Parents and guardians can now download this free pass for their incoming fourth grader at ReserveCalifornia.com at the same time as getting all their other school supplies.
"Fostering a lifelong connection with nature and the outdoors starts at a young age. With California's Free Fourth Grade Passes for fourth graders and their families, we are giving more school kids the opportunity to experience all the natural wonders of the Golden State. With the school year kicking off, California's fourth graders will lead the charge as the next generation of environmental stewards," said Governor Gavin Newsom.
"As a mom, I've seen firsthand how fourth grade is a time for personal growth, endless wonder, and exploration - and there are no better places to explore than our amazing state parks. The Free Fourth Grade Pass makes it possible for all fourth grade families to go out and immerse themselves in our state's incredible beauty, culture, and history, helping create an Outdoors for All," said First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom.
Just in time for the 2026-27 school year, State Parks is updating its free pass program for fourth graders with a simplified name and new sign-up period. The program focuses on children 10 years of age -- the age of most fourth graders -- based on research showing that children ages 9-11 are at a unique developmental stage in their learning where they begin to process how the world around them works and are more inclined to engage with nature and the environment. Establishing a program at this age encourages children to develop a lifelong connection to the outdoors and their parks.
Back to school with California State Parks
Fourth graders previously could not sign up for the pass -- formerly known as the California State Parks Adventure Pass -- until September, after the school year had already started in many districts throughout the state. In addition to opening at the beginning of August, the pass is now valid for up to 13 months, through August 31 of the following year, so it can be used from the time students start fourth grade until they begin fifth grade
"California State Parks is committed to making it as easy as possible for fourth graders and their families to experience California's unparalleled natural and cultural treasures. The updates to our Free Fourth Grade Pass program do exactly that," said State Parks Director Armando Quintero. "As the new school year begins, I encourage every California fourth grade family to get their free pass and start exploring the nation's largest and most diverse state park system. Parks are living classrooms filled with opportunities to learn, discover, and create lasting memories together."
Outdoors for All
The free pass is a cornerstone of Outdoors for All, Governor Gavin Newsom and the First Partner's commitment to equitable park access, ensuring all Californians can enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits of the outdoors. Since the free pass program was launched in September 2021, more than 100,000 passes have been distributed to fourth graders and their families.
Along with all fourth graders in public school, California residents from all walks of life -- including families receiving public assistance and anyone with a library card -- can access free parks passes as part of Outdoors for All:
* California State Library Parks Pass: Allows library cardholders to check out a pass from any public library for free vehicle day-use entry at 200-plus state parks. It's just like borrowing a book, with more than 33,000 passes available at over 1,100 public and tribal libraries in the state.
* Golden Bear Pass: This free annual pass provides vehicle day-use entry at over 200 state parks for families who receive CalWORKs, individuals who receive Supplemental Security Income, income-eligible Californians over age 62, and participants of California's Tribal Temporary Assistance for Needy Families (TANF) program. To date, Californians have received more than 147,000 Golden Bear Passes.
California's commitment
This past Earth Day, Governor Newsom and the First Partner announced plans to add three new state parks in the Central Valley -- setting forth a bold vision to rapidly expand the nation's largest and most diverse state park system through State Parks Forward. State Parks Forward is the latest in a series of accomplishments under Governor Newsom to conserve public land, expand access to nature, and foster a thriving State Park System.
* Outdoors for All: Governor Newsom and the First Partner have led a historic investment of more than $1 billion to expand parks and nature access, prioritizing underserved communities. With this funding, California has partnered with local governments, community organizations, and tribes to support programs that connect people with nature, fostering a sense of belonging for all Californians outdoors, and much more. This includes the Golden Bear Pass, Free Fourth Grade Pass, and the California State Library Parks Pass.
* California's values: In celebration of Juneteenth and the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence, Governor Newsom and California State Parks offered a special free version of its Historian Passport -- normally $50 for the year -- for admission of up to four people per pass at more than 30 state historic parks throughout the state for the rest of 2026. More than 454,000 free passes were downloaded during the promotional period.
* 30x30: The Golden State is leading the nation in protecting its natural resources. Through California's 30x30 initiative, a now codified commitment to conserve 30% of the state's lands and coastal waters by 2030, California has added over 2.5 million acres of conserved land and waters over the last three years. That's roughly the size of the Big Island in Hawaii.
* Cutting green tape: An initiative by the Newsom administration to enable important environmental restoration, conservation and stewardship to happen more quickly and cost effectively by streamlining permitting and funding for environmental projects. This has resulted in more than 500 fast-tracked projects, restoring 300,000 acres of habitat, improving 700 miles of streams, and saving $12 million in permitting costs over the last four years. The commitment is to maintain California's strong environmental standards while increasing efficiency and reducing costs.
* Climate bond: Approved by voters in 2024, the $10 billion bond funds projects that protect communities from climate change impacts - from wildfire prevention and safe drinking water to biodiversity protection and expanded access to nature. It includes nearly $700 million to expand access, and directs agencies to make funding programs more accessible to all communities and better coordinated across agencies.
* Community investments: It is not just about state parks. California provides grants to local communities to establish their own parks, build trails, acquire and restore sensitive habitat, build natural and cultural interpretive facilities, and foster outdoor experiences for children and families. Over the last eight years, thanks to the Governor and State Legislature's investments, State Parks and partner state agencies like the Wildlife Conservation Board and the state's 11 conservancies have invested over $1 billion into local community parks and open space, and public acquisitions that expand outdoor access.
California's state parks also include historic sites significant to many cultures, including indigenous tribes. While the Trump administration moves to whitewash American history at national parks -- watering down or erasing the complex truth -- California State Parks is doing the opposite through its Reexamining Our Past Initiative, working to tell the full story of how California came to be.
State Parks protect more than 340 miles of coastline; the tallest, largest, and among the oldest trees in the world; deserts, lakes, rivers, and beaches; more than 5,200 miles of trails; 15,000 campsites; and historic sites from prehistoric archaeology to ghost towns to monuments.
Everyone's welcome -- and we mean everyone. Visit parks.ca.gov/OutdoorsforAll
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/12/governor-newsom-and-first-partner-siebel-newsom-announce-california-state-parks-free-fourth-grade-pass-now-available-for-2026-27-school-year/
