States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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Wyo. Gov. Gordon Announces He is Not Seeking a Third Term, Sets Agenda With Cabinet for the Remainder of His Administration
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, April 17 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Announces He is Not Seeking a Third Term, Sets Agenda with Cabinet for the Remainder of His Administration
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) met recently with the full Cabinet to outline his agenda for the rest of his final term in office. The agenda focuses on continuing to build a strong future for Wyoming and delivering on the priorities that matter most to Wyoming families.
The Governor's focus remains on essential pillars like supporting core industries, growing
... Show Full Article
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, April 17 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Announces He is Not Seeking a Third Term, Sets Agenda with Cabinet for the Remainder of His Administration
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) met recently with the full Cabinet to outline his agenda for the rest of his final term in office. The agenda focuses on continuing to build a strong future for Wyoming and delivering on the priorities that matter most to Wyoming families.
The Governor's focus remains on essential pillars like supporting core industries, growingWyoming's economy, strengthening local communities and families, and safeguarding Wyoming's vital natural resources.
"We are going to run through the tape strong," Governor Gordon said. "We have just come off a solid legislative win, securing the Essentials Budget to help meet the needs of the people of Wyoming, but we are not done yet."
Governor Gordon will embark on a series of community visits across Wyoming commencing in June continuing through the fall. Hallmark throughout his tenure, the Governor will engage directly with citizens during these community visits that will include tours of downtown storefronts, public forums held in parks, and other events as planned.
Ahead of the crucial August 18 primary election, Governor Gordon will meet with citizens to talk about continuing to build a strong future for Wyoming. The Governor looks forward to discussing the value of a continued focus on the essentials and the steps needed to benefit the Cowboy State. Those steps include protecting our resilient property tax base that funds local services like education, fire protection, police services and others, as well as honoring local control, investing in our future through smart saving and continued stewardship of our wildlife, land, and water.
"You don't have to be Governor to make a difference in Wyoming," Governor Gordon said. "Participating in elections is something all of us can do to make a real difference, and these conversations are important to have to ensure everyone makes informed decisions about the future of Wyoming."
The Governor today also premiered the fifth and final video (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NXAOCi56HW-8JdL1WG8Nu6Bn3KGchfii/view?usp=drive_link) in The Essentials Budget series, highlighting that authentic Wyoming succeeds when we stay disciplined, locally grounded and focused on our real priorities, not political noise.
Details for all events will be posted on the Governor's official website (https://governor.wyo.gov/the-essentials).
"I will be out across this state talking about how to strengthen Wyoming," Governor Gordon said. "Jennie and I are honored to serve this state, and will continue to do so."
Through the end of his administration, Governor Gordon will continue working with the Legislature, local communities, and citizens across the state to ensure Wyoming remains strong, resilient, and built for the future.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-announces-he-is-not-seeking-a-third-term-sets-agenda-with-cabinet-for-the-remainder-of-his-administration
Va. A.G. Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs
RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs
Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws
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Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department)
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RICHMOND, Virginia, April 17 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Bipartisan Coalition in Support of Federal Rule to Increase Transparency in Prescription Drug Pricing and Lower Costs
Comment letter supports stronger disclosure requirements for PBMs, seeks clarity that proposed rule doesn't preempt state PBM transparency laws
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Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a bipartisan coalition of 44 attorneys general in submitting a comment letter supporting a proposed U.S. Department of Labor (Department)rule that would require greater transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that service employer-funded health plans covered under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA). The new rule would require PBMs to disclose twice a year how they generate revenue and would give employers the right to audit them. PBMs have also long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under ERISA. The attorneys general urge the Department to clarify that the proposed rule does not preempt state PBM transparency laws.
Today, the top three PBMs manage approximately 80% of prescription drug claims. Due to the power imbalance held by PBMs and the negative effects of such power on drug pricing, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to rein them in. Common provisions include limits on patient out-of-pocket costs, bans on "gag clauses" that prevent pharmacists from telling patients they could save money by paying for their prescription out of pocket instead of using insurance, and protections against unfair treatment of independent pharmacies.
"We're living in a time when Virginians especially are pinching every single penny to afford basic necessities like medications, food, and fuel. They deserve to have transparency from pharmacy benefit managers, and they deserve to pay reasonable prices for their life-saving medications," Attorney General Jones said. "It is beyond time to reform and improve this system and keep costs low for local pharmacies so that higher prices are not passed on to consumers."
Further, in the comment letter, the attorneys general ask the Department to clarify that it supports working with them to enforce the rule. According to the coalition, there should be mention that nothing in the rule is intended to prevent the Department from referring matters to state attorneys general, requesting their investigative or enforcement assistance, or coordinating with them when the Department discovers violations of state law.
Created in the late 1960s to process prescription drug claims, PBMs now play a far broader and more powerful role in the health care system by managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers. This includes, among other things, negotiating rebates and reimbursements with drug manufacturers and determining which drugs are covered and at what cost. Approximately 136 million Americans receive health coverage through an employer -- either their own job or a family member's -- and the proposed rule responds to concerns that employers often lack visibility into how PBMs are making money or why drug costs change.
In submitting today's comment letter, Attorney General Jones joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3005-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-bipartisan-coalition-in-support-of-federal-rule-to-increase-transparency-in-prescription-drug-pricing-and-lower-costs
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Saves 1.7 Million Pennsylvania Consumers $510 Million on Their Utility Bills After Demanding PECO Withdraw Its Proposed Rate Increase
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Saves 1.7 Million Pennsylvania Consumers $510 Million on Their Utility Bills After Demanding PECO Withdraw its Proposed Rate Increase
PECO has withdrawn its proposed rate case, saving Pennsylvanians $510 million -reducing future utility bills by up to $34 per month for PECO customers.
Governor Shapiro demanded PECO withdraw its recent rate case, which would have significantly increased utility costs for consumers.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Saves 1.7 Million Pennsylvania Consumers $510 Million on Their Utility Bills After Demanding PECO Withdraw its Proposed Rate Increase
PECO has withdrawn its proposed rate case, saving Pennsylvanians $510 million -reducing future utility bills by up to $34 per month for PECO customers.
Governor Shapiro demanded PECO withdraw its recent rate case, which would have significantly increased utility costs for consumers.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiroannounced that PECO, Pennsylvania's largest utility company, will withdraw a recent proposed rate case before the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission (PUC) that would have increased electricity and natural gas bills for customers across southeastern Pennsylvania. The withdrawal is a major win for the people of Pennsylvania and is the result of the Governor's direct engagement with the utility company. The action will prevent unreasonable price increases for 1.7 million Pennsylvanians.
PECO's rate requests would have increased average residential electric bills by roughly $20.08 per month and natural gas bills by approximately $14.52 per month beginning in 2027. The withdrawn rate case would have marked PECO's third rate increase since 2022. Thanks to the Governor's direct engagement and PECO's acknowledgement of the reality many families are facing, Pennsylvania consumers will save $510 million -- up to $34 per month for some households.
"Pennsylvanians are already being squeezed by rising costs from the Trump Administration's chaotic economic policies and the war in Iran -- but my Administration is doing everything we can to cut costs and protect consumers," said Governor Shapiro. "PECO's proposed rate case would have increased Pennsylvanians' utility bills, but I demanded that their CEO put customers first and withdraw their rate hike request. PECO listened, and I appreciate that the company is willing to prioritize affordability at a time when Pennsylvanians are worried about rising costs. This withdrawal is the right step for consumers - and we're going to keep fighting to make sure utility companies are focused on keeping costs down while maintaining safe and reliable service."
"While PECO put forward a plan to make needed investments to strengthen the safe and reliable delivery of energy to our customers and communities, we recognize that keeping bills as low as possible must be the top priority right now," said David Vahos, PECO President and CEO. "With families and businesses across our region under real financial strain, we are pulling back our proposal and continuing efforts like our $12.5 million Customer Relief Fund to support low- and middle-income Pennsylvanians - without compromising the safety or reliability of the essential services we provide. We appreciate our ongoing partnership with Governor Shapiro and regional stakeholders and look forward to continuing to work together to deliver safe, reliable electric and natural gas service for the communities we are privileged to serve - all while prioritizing affordability and keeping bills as low as possible."
Following discussions with Governor Shapiro, PECO agreed to withdraw the filing and will continue investing in necessary system improvements while doing more to deliver near-term affordability for customers.
Governor Shapiro made clear that PECO must fundamentally rebalance its approach -- protecting customer affordability while advancing long-term system modernization. To achieve both goals, the Shapiro Administration will continue to collaborate with PECO and other Pennsylvania utilities to encourage increased utilization of lower-cost options to finance needed system upgrades and greater reliance on cost-saving technologies that improve the performance of existing infrastructure.
The Shapiro Administration has consistently fought for energy affordability, including in Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget address, where he called for continued efforts to lower costs for families, ensure fair utility practices, and protect ratepayers from unnecessary price increases.
Standing Up for Energy Affordability
Governor Shapiro has made lowering costs for Pennsylvanians a central focus of his Administration's efforts around economic development and energy, consistently calling for a balanced approach that strengthens the grid, supports economic growth, and protects consumers from unnecessary rate increases.
In his 2026-27 proposed budget, the Governor advanced that commitment through new utility reform proposals and the introduction of GRID -- the Governor's Responsible Infrastructure Development standards -- to protect energy, environmental, and water resources, promote transparent community engagement, and deliver local jobs and community development. He also called on utilities to end "black box" settlements, ban deceptive electricity contracts, eliminate reconnection junk fees, and expand protections for low-income and vulnerable Pennsylvanians.
His Administration continues to work with utilities, regulators, and stakeholders to ensure Pennsylvania's energy system remains reliable, modern, and affordable while supporting long-term investment and job creation.
Building on a Proven Record of Lowering Energy Costs
Governor Shapiro has led efforts to lower energy costs for Pennsylvanians and consumers across the region. Earlier this year, the Governor secured an extension of his price cap through PJM Interconnection through 2030 -- a move that will save 67 million Americans an additional $27 billion on their energy bills. Combined with prior savings secured through his earlier legal action against PJM and settlement, the Governor's price cap has now delivered $45 billion in total savings for PJM customers -- including an estimated $806 back for the average Pennsylvania household over the next four years.
For years, Governor Shapiro has fought to stop unnecessary electricity rate increases and ensure the grid works better for consumers, taking legal action in 2024 after repeatedly pushing PJM to modernize its rules, speed up project approvals, and improve reliability to block a flawed auction design that would have driven up costs. He has continued building on that progress -- convening all 13 PJM governors to drive regional reform, creating the PJM Governors Collaborative to strengthen state oversight, and advancing new policies in Pennsylvania to improve transparency and prevent unnecessary rate increases.
Governor Shapiro remains focused on ensuring Pennsylvania families have access to energy that is reliable, affordable, and built to meet future demand -- without placing unnecessary financial burdens on ratepayers. The Governor has also taken action at home to strengthen oversight and protect ratepayers, signing Electricity Load Forecast Accountability provisions into law in November 2025 to give the Pennsylvania Public Utility Commission new authority to review and validate utility forecasts, increase transparency, prevent double-counting of large energy users, and protect consumers from price hikes driven by inaccurate projections -- while continuing to work to prevent utility companies from jacking up rates and earning excessive profits.
Pairing Reform with Energy Growth in Pennsylvania
Governor Shapiro has made clear that protecting consumers and building new energy supply must go hand in hand. In January 2025, he introduced his commonsense energy strategy, the "Lightning Plan (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/governor-shapiro-unveils--lightning-plan--to-strengthen-commonwe)," to build new clean, reliable, and affordable energy projects across the Commonwealth.
Through the Lightning Plan and the PA Permit Fast Track Program (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/oto/fasttrack), the Governor is cutting permitting delays, accelerating responsible energy development, and positioning Pennsylvania -- the nation's second-largest energy producer and exporter -- to build more power faster while keeping costs down. Independent analyses confirm these efforts will save consumers money, create jobs, and attract billions in new energy investment.
Governor Shapiro continues to deliver on his commitment to stand up for Pennsylvania families and businesses -- ensuring reliable, affordable energy while holding powerful interests accountable.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-saves-1-7m-pa-consumers--510m-on-utility-bills
N.J. A.G. Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Affect Affordability of Prescription Drugs, Hurting Patients and Taxpayers
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a bipartisan coalition of 44 other attorneys general filed a comment letter in support of a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule that would require transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that service
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, April 17 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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AG Davenport, Bipartisan Coalition Support Federal Rule to Increase PBM Transparency in Drug Pricing
Pharmacy Benefit Managers Affect Affordability of Prescription Drugs, Hurting Patients and Taxpayers
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and a bipartisan coalition of 44 other attorneys general filed a comment letter in support of a proposed U.S. Department of Labor rule that would require transparency from pharmacy benefit managers (PBMs) that serviceemployer-funded health plans.
PBMs are third-party administrators of prescription drug programs for health insurers and health plans. Governor Mikie Sherrill called for more oversight into these middlemen in her budget address in March, noting that New Jersey's Medicaid program would save $20 million annually if PBMs were not allowed to inflate prices.
"We all feel the financial pain of rising drug prices, but it doesn't have to be this way," said Attorney General Davenport. "We're standing together with a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general in urging the federal government to increase oversight over PBMs. Our office is committed to ensuring that PBMs are following the law--and to hold them accountable when they don't."
Created in the late 1960s to process prescription drug claims, PBMs now play a far broader and more powerful role in the health care system by managing prescription drug benefits for health insurers.
This includes, among other things, negotiating rebates and reimbursements with drug manufacturers and determining which drugs are covered and at what cost.
Approximately 136 million Americans receive health coverage through an employer--either their own job or a family member's--and the proposed rule responds to concerns that employers often lack visibility into how PBMs are making money or why drug costs change. It would require PBMs to disclose twice a year how they generate revenue and would give employers the right to audit them.
PBMs have also long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under ERISA. The attorneys general urge the Department of Labor to clarify that the proposed rule does not preempt state PBM transparency laws. PBMs have long sought to avoid state regulation by claiming federal preemption under the Employee Retirement Income Security Act of 1974 (ERISA).
Further, in the comment letter, the attorneys general ask the Department of Labor to commit to collaborating with state regulators to achieve transparency. According to the coalition, the final rule should mention that nothing in the rule is intended to prevent the Department of Labor from referring matters to state attorneys general, requesting their investigative or enforcement assistance, or coordinating with them when the department discovers violations of state law.
Today, the top three PBMs manage approximately 80% of prescription drug claims. Due to the power imbalance held by PBMs and the negative effects of such power on drug pricing, all fifty states, the District of Columbia, and Puerto Rico have enacted laws to rein them in. In recent years, New Jersey has enacted several laws that apply to PBMs, including one that requires PBMs to report pricing information to the Division of Consumer Affairs and provides for civil penalties if they fail to report.
In submitting today's comment letter, Attorney General Davenport joins the attorneys general of Alaska, American Samoa, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wyoming.
View Comment Letter (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-0415_Ltr-to-Dept-of-Labor-re-Pharm-Benefits-Mgr-FINAL.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-bipartisan-coalition-support-federal-rule-to-increase-pbm-transparency-in-drug-pricing/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte Emphasizes Importance of Education and Awareness on Distracted Driving
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 17 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Emphasizes Importance of Education and Awareness on Distracted Driving
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined students and faculty at Raymond High School for an education event on Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is recognized every April, alongside highway safety officials and local leaders.
"Distracted driving crashes are completely preventable, and they can have tragic consequences," said Governor Ayotte. "I was glad to join students at
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 17 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Ayotte Emphasizes Importance of Education and Awareness on Distracted Driving
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte joined students and faculty at Raymond High School for an education event on Distracted Driving Awareness Month, which is recognized every April, alongside highway safety officials and local leaders.
"Distracted driving crashes are completely preventable, and they can have tragic consequences," said Governor Ayotte. "I was glad to join students atRaymond High School today to raise awareness of the dangers of distracted driving and talk about how we can all do our part to keep each other safe on our roads. My message to students today and to all Granite Staters is this: put your phone down, pay attention, and drive safe."
Representatives from the New Hampshire State Police Office of Highway Safety, the New Hampshire Department of Transportation, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, and the Raymond Police Department educated students on the dangers and consequences of distracted driving. Students also heard from Kyle Simpson, a father who lost his eight-year-old son, Gabriel, in a crash caused by a distracted driver.
Following the presentation from highway safety officials, the Governor participated in a panel discussion with students, emphasizing that every driver on the roads is responsible for keeping themselves and others safe by avoiding distractions while driving. Governor Ayotte also encouraged students to set the example for their peers and speak up when someone they are riding with is using a phone or other distractions behind the wheel.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/governor-ayotte-emphasizes-importance-education-and-awareness-distracted-driving
Md. A.G. Brown Defends Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants From Somalia
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Defends Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants from Somalia
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) unlawful and baseless attempt to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Somali immigrants.
The TPS program is a crucial humanitarian lifeline that Congress established to protect immigrants from being returned
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 17 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Defends Temporary Protected Status for Immigrants from Somalia
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 16 attorneys general in filing an amicus brief opposing the Department of Homeland Security's (DHS) unlawful and baseless attempt to strip Temporary Protected Status (TPS) from Somali immigrants.
The TPS program is a crucial humanitarian lifeline that Congress established to protect immigrants from being returnedto countries that have been deemed unsafe, allowing them to work and build a life in the United States. Today's amicus brief, filed in African Communities Together v. Noem, highlights the humanitarian and economic harm that would result from ending TPS protections for Somali immigrants and urges the court to postpone the revocation.
"Somali TPS recipients in Maryland are valued members of our communities who have built their lives here, many of whom work in essential jobs such as healthcare." said Attorney General Brown. "We won't stand by while this Administration tears families apart and sends our neighbors back to one of the most dangerous countries on earth."
In November 2025, President Trump posted on social media that he was "hereby terminating, effective immediately, the Temporary Protected Status (TPS Program) for Somalis in Minnesota..." Since then, President Trump has repeatedly launched racist attacks against Somali immigrants, calling them "garbage" and "stupid people" with "low IQs" "from a crooked country, disgusting country, one of the worst countries in the world." In January 2026, Kristi Noem, then the Secretary of Homeland Security, announced she was terminating Somalia's TPS designation in part because "permitting Somali nationals to remain temporarily in the United States would be contrary to the national interest of the United States." As of January 2026, there are 2,471 Somali nationals in the United States under TPS with another 1,383 with pending applications.
Somalia was first designated for TPS in 1991 by Acting Attorney General William Barr due to "extraordinary and temporary conditions." Civil war has raged in Somalia for the ensuing 35 years, resulting in hundreds of thousands of deaths, children being forced into combat, extrajudicial killings, sexual and gender-based violence, and other human rights abuses. Given the ongoing violence and suffering, Somalia's TPS designation has continually been in place since 1991.
The attorneys general warn that Somali TPS holders across their states, and their states themselves, will be profoundly harmed if the termination of their TPS status is not postponed. In purporting to terminate Somalia's TPS designation, Secretary Noem did not claim Somalia as a whole was safe but that "there are areas within Somalia where Somali nationals may live in safety." Secretary Noem's colleagues at the State Department do not share her opinion though. The State Department has issued its highest travel advisory for Somalia (Level 4: Do Not Travel), advising that Americans should not travel to Somalia "due to crime, terrorism, civil unrest, health, kidnapping, piracy, and lack of availability of routine consular services," noting "violent crime is common throughout Somalia, including kidnapping and murder," "illegal roadblocks are widespread," and "terrorists continue to plot kidnappings, bombings, and other attacks" and "may attack with little or no warning."
The coalition notes that revoking Somalia's TPS designation would present current TPS holders, particularly those with U.S. citizen children, with an agonizing choice:
* Return to Somalia alone, leaving their children behind;
* Take their U.S. citizen children with them to a dangerous country that the children do not know; or
* Stay in the United States without authorization and live with significant fear and uncertainty, knowing they cannot lawfully work and could be forcibly removed to Somalia at any time.
The attorneys general also argue in their brief that revoking Somalia's TPS designation would harm their economies and workforces. Somali TPS holders in Maryland are deeply embedded in the local workforce and community life, working in healthcare, hospitality, construction, transportation, and public service, among other critical industries.
The attorneys general are urging the court to postpone this attempted TPS revocation to prevent their states and residents of those states from suffering irreparable harm.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing this brief are the attorneys general of California, Delaware, District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Vermont, and Washington.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Defends-Temporary-Protected-Status-for-Immigrants-from-Somalia--.aspx
Gov. Shapiro Celebrates Inaugural Call of the Norwegian Jewel, Marking Official Return of Cruise Service to the Port of Philadelphia
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Celebrates Inaugural Call of the Norwegian Jewel, Marking Official Return of Cruise Service to the Port of Philadelphia
Norwegian Cruise Line will offer 41 annual sailings out of the Port's new terminal, marking a significant new investment in tourism and the Port's continued success, the Greater Philadelphia Region, and the entire Commonwealth.
Cruise operations at the new terminal are projected to generate 2,185 new jobs and approximately $300
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on April 16, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Celebrates Inaugural Call of the Norwegian Jewel, Marking Official Return of Cruise Service to the Port of Philadelphia
Norwegian Cruise Line will offer 41 annual sailings out of the Port's new terminal, marking a significant new investment in tourism and the Port's continued success, the Greater Philadelphia Region, and the entire Commonwealth.
Cruise operations at the new terminal are projected to generate 2,185 new jobs and approximately $300million in economic output throughout the Commonwealth.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made investing in Pennsylvania tourism a priority for his Administration and his 2026-27 proposed budget continues this work.
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Philadelphia, PA - Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger celebrated the inaugural call of Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL)'s cruise ship, the Norwegian Jewel, at the Port of Philadelphia (PhilaPort). Alongside local business and community leaders, the Governor celebrated NCL becoming the first cruise line to sail from PhilaPort in 15 years.
Since day one of his Administration, Governor Shapiro has invested in the Commonwealth's tourism industry to support high-quality jobs for Pennsylvanians, grow our economy, and attract more visitors. With NCL's launch of the Norwegian Jewel, the Commonwealth has gained yet another key economic driver in its $84 billion industry.
"As we celebrate America's 250th anniversary, Pennsylvania is at the center of the action - and I'm excited to welcome Norwegian Cruise Line as the newest addition to our Commonwealth's fast-growing tourism industry," said Governor Shapiro. "Tourism is big business in Pennsylvania, supporting 500,000 jobs and contributing $84 billion to our economy across the Commonwealth. That's why my Administration has made it a priority to invest in and support PhilaPort's expansion, so we can create jobs, attract more visitors, and bring incredible offerings like cruises from Norwegian Cruise Line to the people of Pennsylvania."
NCL's return to the city with the Norwegian Jewel marks a significant investment into growing PhilaPort -- which hasn't seen a passenger cruise ship since 2011 -- while bolstering the economic strength of the Greater Philadelphia Region and entire Commonwealth.
"This is a big win for Philadelphia and the residents of Southeastern Pennsylvania - offering Pennsylvanians a convenient way to go on vacation, while also creating more than 2,000 new jobs and generating roughly $300 million in new economic activity through the new terminal at the Philadelphia Port," said DCED Secretary Siger. "Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania's tourism industry is growing across the Commonwealth and creating real opportunity."
The Norwegian Jewel -- a 965 foot cruise ship, capable of carrying 2,368 passengers -- was refurbished in 2025, in preparation for its sailings out of Philadelphia throughout 2026. Today, the ship will set sail to Bermuda -- beginning a three-year plan for NCL to provide 41 sailings each year out of the Port. The Norwegian Jewel will sail to several destinations including Bermuda, New England, and Canada, before being replaced by the Norwegian Pearl in late 2026, offering a similar onboard experience and sail from Philadelphia until April 2028.
"Norwegian Cruise Line's return to Philadelphia marks an exciting and meaningful milestone for us and the region," said Marc Kazlauskas, president of Norwegian Cruise Line. "For the first time in over 15 years, travelers in the Mid-Atlantic area will once again be able to sail from their own backyard with us to experience everything NCL is known for. With Norwegian Jewel leading our reintroduction and Norwegian Pearl following her later this year, we're proud to bring our signature freedom and flexibility back to this incredible city and deliver the exceptional experiences our guests know and love."
In collaboration with PhilaPort and Tinicum Township, Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd (NCLH), the parent company of Norwegian Cruise Line, is also building a brand-new terminal at the Port's Hog Island Dock, due to open and welcome guests this cruise season. Cruise service from the new terminal is projected to generate 2,185 new jobs and approximately $300 million in economic output throughout the Commonwealth.
As the largest port in the U.S. for imported fruit and a major gateway for goods entering the country, PhilaPort supports 12,000 jobs locally, 66,000 maritime jobs statewide, and generates an annual economic impact of more than $1.5 billion.
Welcoming the World to Pennsylvania in 2026
The return of cruise service to PhilaPort comes at a pivotal time as Pennsylvania is primed to once again be in the national spotlight in 2026, celebrating the 250th anniversary of the signing of the Declaration of Independence in Philadelphia and hosting major events throughout the Commonwealth.
The Commonwealth will leverage global sporting and cultural moments, including the NFL Draft, the PGA Championship, the FIFA World Cup, America250PA, and the MLB All-Star Game, to drive interest in Pennsylvania, encourage visitors to come back for future trips, and spur statewide economic impact. As part of the FIFA World Cup, Curacao - one of the four countries that make up the Kingdom of the Netherlands - will play its final Group Stage game against the Ivory Coast in Philadelphia on June 25, 2026.
These events will be huge tourism and economic development opportunities for the Commonwealth, as millions of people prepare to visit Pennsylvania. Over the last three years, Governor Shapiro has rebranded Pennsylvania as the "Great American Getaway" and increased funding for Visit PA to nearly $60 million.
To build on that momentum and prepare for America250, the Shapiro Administration secured $57.5 million in the last two budgets specifically for the 2026 celebration. The Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget continues to fully fund the Tourism Office to ensure that Pennsylvania obtains the maximum benefit from the events celebrating America's 250th anniversary.
Under the Shapiro Administration's leadership, Pennsylvania's tourism industry has grown by $7 billion and 30,000 jobs. In 2024, tourism brought in $84 billion to Pennsylvania's economy and supported more than half a million jobs.
Read the Governor's 2026-2027 proposed budget in brief here (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/budget/documents/publications-and-reports/commonwealthbudget/2026-27-budget-documents/2026-27%20budget%20in%20brief.final.web.v.2.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-celebrates-inaugural-call-of-the-norwegian-jewel
