States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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S.D. A.G. Jackley Announces Creation of Task Force To Review State's Open Meetings Law
PIERRE, South Dakota, Nov. 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Creation of Task Force To Review State's Open Meetings Laws
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a newly established Advisory Task Force Committee on Open Meetings Laws will hold its first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Pierre.
The task force is different than the South Dakota Open Meetings Commission, consisting of five states attorneys, which was established in 2004 to review and address alleged violations of the state's open
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Nov. 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Announces Creation of Task Force To Review State's Open Meetings Laws
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces a newly established Advisory Task Force Committee on Open Meetings Laws will hold its first meeting Tuesday, Nov. 25, in Pierre.
The task force is different than the South Dakota Open Meetings Commission, consisting of five states attorneys, which was established in 2004 to review and address alleged violations of the state's openmeetings laws. Attorney General Jackley said this 15-member group will discuss possible legislative amendments to the state's current Open Meetings Laws.
"Government, funded by the taxpayers, should be transparent," said Attorney General Jackley. "I have formed this task force made up of the news media, private organizations, and local government officials to improve our State's Open Meetings Laws and to increase government transparency within our State."
Members of the new task force are:
* Michael Smith - Clay County State's Attorney
* Austin Hoffman - McPherson County State's Attorney
* Karla Engle - Chief Legal Counsel for the South Dakota Dept. of Transportation
* Kirsten Jasper - Chief Legal Counsel for the South Dakota Dept. of Revenue
* Tracey Kelley - Custer County State's Attorney
* Dylan Kirchmeier - Roberts County State's Attorney
* Dave Bordewyk - South Dakota News Media Association
* Steve Willard - South Dakota Broadcasters Association
* Shane Roth - DeSmet School District Board President and Associated School Boards of South Dakota President
* Garret Bischoff - Huron School District Board Vice-President and Associated School Boards of South Dakota Immediate Past President
* Geoffrey Gray Lobe - Clay County Commissioner
* Cole Heisey - Minnehaha County Commissioner
* Kellen Willert - City Attorney for the City of Belle Fourche
* Terry Sletten - South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships Executive Director
* Jim Urban - South Dakota Association of Towns and Townships Board of Director Member
Tuesday's meeting starts at 10 a.m. CST, both in person and on TEAMs. The in-person session takes place at the George S. Mickelson Criminal Justice Training Center, 1302 E. Hwy 1889, Pierre, SD, in the DCI Conference Room (second floor).
The agenda for the meeting can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2949):
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2949
Md. Natural Resources Dept.: Board of Public Works Approves $3.3 Million for Recreation and Land Conservation in Baltimore City and Eight Maryland Counties
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Nov. 19, 2025:
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Board of Public Works Approves $3.3 Million for Recreation and Land Conservation in Baltimore City and Eight Maryland Counties
Funding approved for DNR's Program Open Space Local, Community Parks and Playgrounds, Greenspace Equity, Rural Legacy programs
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The Board of Public Works today approved nearly $3.7 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and land trusts for recreation and land conservation in Baltimore City
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 20 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Nov. 19, 2025:
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Board of Public Works Approves $3.3 Million for Recreation and Land Conservation in Baltimore City and Eight Maryland Counties
Funding approved for DNR's Program Open Space Local, Community Parks and Playgrounds, Greenspace Equity, Rural Legacy programs
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The Board of Public Works today approved nearly $3.7 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and land trusts for recreation and land conservation in Baltimore Cityand Baltimore, Frederick, Howard, Montgomery, St. Mary's, Washington, Wicomico, and Worcester counties.
About $700,000 in Program Open Space - Local funding was approved for six projects including several in Frederick County. The County will use the funds to further the development of a community center at Othello Regional Park, purchase land for a new park in downtown Emmitsburg, restore a fishing pond at Woodsboro Regional Park, replace a pavilion roof at Middletown Memorial Park, and install electricity at Middletown Heritage Park which will allow for holiday and fountain lighting.
The Board also approved $230,000 in Community Parks and Playgrounds funding for the installation of LED field lights in Wicomico County's Gene Lowe Park. The Community Parks and Playgrounds program provides funding to municipal governments to restore existing parks and create new park and recreational facilities throughout the state.
Another $35,000 was approved for three Greenspace Equity Program appraisal funding grants. The grants will help reduce the barrier of upfront costs for qualified land trusts and local governments with limited funds available to spend on appraisals for potential acquisition projects in overburdened and/or underserved communities. Baltimore Green Space in Baltimore City received a grant, as did the City of Takoma Park and the Town of Poolesville, both in Montgomery County.
Additionally, the Board approved more than $2.35 million in Rural Legacy funding for three conservation easement acquisitions:
* Worcester County will acquire an easement on 78 acres in the Dividing Creek Rural Legacy Area. The easement will protect prime farmland and 1,200 feet of forested buffer along a tributary of Nassawango Creek, which flows into the Pocomoke River.
* Valuable equestrian and forested lands in Baltimore County will be protected on a 127-acre easement that will be acquired by the Gunpowder Valley Conservancy, in the Gunpowder Rural Legacy Area. The easement also provides stream buffers along tributaries to Gunpowder Falls that flows to Loch Raven Reservoir, which is a source of drinking water for the Baltimore Metropolitan Area.
* In the Mid-Maryland Washington Rural Legacy Area, Washington County will acquire an easement on a 257-acre historic farm. The easement will protect productive agricultural soils and forested buffers along tributaries to Marsh Run in the Potomac River watershed.
All projects funded are listed in the Board of Public Works November 19, 2025 meeting agenda. The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Governor Wes Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman.
Program Open Space - Local provides funding for county and municipal governments for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space (divided into Local and Stateside programs), along with other state land conservation programs, symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for all citizens. The program is funded by a property transfer tax.
The Greenspace Equity Program was established in 2023 through legislation to provide grants to eligible applicants for enhancing the public health and livability of overburdened and underserved communities by implementing projects to preserve, create, and improve public greenspace in overburdened and underserved communities.
The Rural Legacy Program, created in 1997, conserves large working landscapes across 36 locally designated areas throughout Maryland. The Rural Legacy Program, along with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, have recently earned the State of Maryland national recognition from the American Farmland Trust.
More news on grants approved for Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Rural Legacy, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Permanent Easement programs is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Land News webpage.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2025/11/19/board-of-public-works-approves-3-3-million-for-recreation-and-land-conservation-in-baltimore-city-and-eight-maryland-counties/
MTA Reaffirms Balanced Budget for 2026 As Increased Operating Efficiencies Further Reduce Out-Year Deficits
NEW YORK, Nov. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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MTA Reaffirms Balanced Budget for 2026 As Increased Operating Efficiencies Further Reduce Out-Year Deficits
Out-Year Deficits Improve as MTA Plans Total of $675 Million in Savings Over Next Four Years, in Addition to $500 Million Annual Savings Already Announced
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today released its final 2026 operating budget and four-year financial plan, introducing a new round of operating efficiencies over the next four years
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NEW YORK, Nov. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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MTA Reaffirms Balanced Budget for 2026 As Increased Operating Efficiencies Further Reduce Out-Year Deficits
Out-Year Deficits Improve as MTA Plans Total of $675 Million in Savings Over Next Four Years, in Addition to $500 Million Annual Savings Already Announced
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today released its final 2026 operating budget and four-year financial plan, introducing a new round of operating efficiencies over the next four yearsthat significantly reduce out-year deficits announced in the July Financial Plan by a total of $418 million. New cost savings of $675 million are the primary driver of this achievement and raises the cumulative total to more than $2 billion in operating savings through 2029.
"In 2021, the MTA was looking at a $2.5 billion annual deficit, but we have been able to get back on track thanks to the amazing support from Albany," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "That support allowed us to stay afloat without cutting service, without any layoffs - and another major factor in this agency's fiscal stability has been the cost savings that we've achieved in recent years."
"The MTA has kept real costs below 2019 levels and through these new cost savings, continues to meet the challenge of identifying new operating efficiencies to further reduce out-year deficits," said MTA Chief Financial Officer Jai Patel. "We'll continue to make smart financial decisions that ensure long-term budget stability, while delivering reliable service customers can count on."
The plan shows a continued balanced operating budget for 2026 and reduces the projected deficit for 2027 by approximately half, from $345 million to $160 million, with additional deficit reductions in 2028 and 2029 thanks to a new round of operating efficiencies that the Authority has identified. The plan forecasts $75 million more in operating efficiencies for 2027; $150 million for 2027; $200 million for 2028; and $250 million for 2029, totaling $675 million in new cost savings. This is in addition to the annual recurring savings of $500 million the Authority is on track to achieve this year, originally reflected in the November Financial Plan of 2022.
The MTA has identified new cost savings through a variety of improvements, including savings achieved from transitioning to Tap and Ride, lower maintenance costs with the rolling deployment of newer and more reliable subway and rail cars, optimization of railroad train crew schedules and other identified efficiencies of internal processes across all agencies. These changes improve MTA operations and set up the Authority for long-term savings.
Overall, revenue and expenses are on budget for 2025. Farebox revenue is tracking to budget, primarily driven by stronger farebox performance from the commuter railroads, and overall operating expenses remain below budget.
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View November Financial Plan Board Presentation (https://www.mta.info/document/192531)
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Original text here: https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-reaffirms-balanced-budget-2026-increased-operating-efficiencies-further-reduce
LCRA, City of Brenham Award $20,368 Grant for American Legion Hall Renovations
AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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LCRA, City of Brenham award $20,368 grant for American Legion Hall renovations
Much-needed repairs include new plumbing, flooring, lighting and cabinets
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BRENHAM, Texas - The American Legion Buddy Wright Post 48 soon will begin renovations to the women's restroom at the American Legion Hall, thanks to a $20,368 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Brenham.
The community grant, along with $5,092 in matching funds from the City of Brenham, will enable
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AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 20 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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LCRA, City of Brenham award $20,368 grant for American Legion Hall renovations
Much-needed repairs include new plumbing, flooring, lighting and cabinets
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BRENHAM, Texas - The American Legion Buddy Wright Post 48 soon will begin renovations to the women's restroom at the American Legion Hall, thanks to a $20,368 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of Brenham.
The community grant, along with $5,092 in matching funds from the City of Brenham, will enablethe post to complete repairs to the women's restroom at the popular meeting hall, including the installation of new toilets, sinks, flooring, cabinets, lighting and plumbing.
"The restroom has not been renovated in more than 40 years, and it's honestly a bit of an eyesore," said Vicki Sue Wehmeyer, auxiliary president. "The sink is nearly rusted through, the toilets don't flush well and there are stains from wear and tear that make the facility feel very dated and unclean, even though it is thoroughly cleaned after each event."
The American Legion Hall regularly hosts community events such as Memorial Day and Veterans Day celebrations, a first responder awards ceremony and Oktoberfest. The hall also serves as a polling location for Washington County.
Supporters hope the renovation will enhance the venue's appeal as a gathering site.
"We just want to maintain this historic building and what it does for the community," Wehmeyer said. "We host family reunions, parties, dances, wedding receptions, you name it! So, we see people come in wearing beautiful clothes and then they walk in and see the restroom, and it's just an embarrassment. This bathroom upgrade will elevate our space and make people more excited to rent it out."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The City of Brenham is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-city-of-brenham-award-20368-grant-for-american-legion-hall-renovations/
Creating Jobs in Central Pennsylvania: Shapiro-Davis Administration Secures $8 Million Investment From US Durum Products to Expand Manufacturing Operations, Create 25 New Jobs
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 20 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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Creating Jobs in Central Pennsylvania: Shapiro-Davis Administration Secures $8 Million Investment from US Durum Products to Expand Manufacturing Operations, Create 25 New Jobs
The Commonwealth is investing $140,000 to support the leading couscous manufacturer's expansion and relocation to the City of Harrisburg.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania's economy remains one of the strongest in the nation -- and the only state in the Northeast with a
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 20 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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Creating Jobs in Central Pennsylvania: Shapiro-Davis Administration Secures $8 Million Investment from US Durum Products to Expand Manufacturing Operations, Create 25 New Jobs
The Commonwealth is investing $140,000 to support the leading couscous manufacturer's expansion and relocation to the City of Harrisburg.
Under Governor Josh Shapiro's leadership, Pennsylvania's economy remains one of the strongest in the nation -- and the only state in the Northeast with agrowing economy, according to Moody's.
Since taking office, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has competed for and won over $31.6 billion in private sector investments that are creating more than 16,700 new jobs and driving economic growth across Pennsylvania.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro and Lieutenant Governor Austin Davisannounced the Commonwealth has secured an $8,036,000 investment from the nation's leading couscous manufacturer US Durum Products LTD to relocate and expand its operations into Harrisburg, Dauphin County. Through this project, the family-owned business is modernizing its operations and creating and retaining 64 total jobs over the next three years.
US Durum is moving from its current Lancaster County location to a larger, historic manufacturing facility it has purchased at 523 South 17th Street in Harrisburg. As part of this expansion, the company is investing in new equipment and technologies that will increase its production volume, improve supply chain efficiency, and better serve its global customer base.
"Pennsylvania is one of the top states for business and is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy -- that's why companies like US Durum are doubling down and reinvesting in the Commonwealth," said Governor Shapiro. "From historic investments in site development to cutting red tape and recruiting companies to move and grow here, our strategy is working. I will continue to make strategic investments to further improve our economy, create new jobs, and provide real opportunity for Pennsylvanians."
Lt. Governor Davis, Senator Patty Kim, Representative Dave Madsen, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger, and Department of Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding joined US Durum and local leaders today to celebrate the company's continued growth in Pennsylvania.
"Today's announcement is another prime example that places like here in Harrisburg can be economic engines for our future," said Lt. Governor Davis. "Governor Shapiro and I are working to bring even more projects like this to the Commonwealth to create real economic opportunity for every Pennsylvanian. We want every community to be a place where businesses can grow, and families can thrive."
US Durum received a funding proposal from the DCED that includes a $100,000 Pennsylvania First grant and a $40,000 WEDnetPA grant to train its workers.
"Pennsylvania has a rich history in the manufacturing and agriculture industries - two of the important sectors we're focusing on in our 10-year economic development strategy," said Secretary Siger. "Supporting Pennsylvania's key industries is essential to drive long-term economic growth and this investment from US Durum is helping us create a stronger economy that attracts new business and creates real opportunities for every Pennsylvanian."
Manufacturing and agriculture are crucial to Pennsylvania's economy, contributing over $116 billion and $132.5 billion each year, respectively. These industries are among the five key sectors prioritized in Governor Shapiro's 10-year Economic Development Strategy, the first of its kind in more than two decades.
"Shortening the supply chain for farmers lowers business costs and increases their profit margins," said Secretary Russell Redding. "Giving farmers a local buyer who can process their raw materials, lowers transportation costs and helps offset the stress of uncertainty, rising costs, and lost markets created by cancelled funding and tariffs at the federal level. The Shapiro Administration is laser-focused on investing to attract new manufacturers into Pennsylvania, remove roadblocks, and lower the costs of doing business for Pennsylvania farmers."
Founded in 1993 in Lancaster County, US Durum is the leading couscous manufacturer in North America and has expanded its product line to include short grain pastas like orzo, rice and quinoa mixes, Mediterranean blends such as falafel & tabouli, and flour and semolina.
"We'd like to thank DCED and the Shapiro Administration for their support in helping us make this move to Harrisburg," said Said Chergui, CEO and President, US Durum. "We are happy to be here and look forward to being a strong part of the local community for many years to come."
"This investment by US Durum Products is exactly the kind of growth we want to see in Harrisburg," said Senator Kim. "Jobs are being brought to our community and we're also supporting Pennsylvania's farmers. This project creates real opportunities for working families while strengthening our local economy for the long term."
"I'm thrilled to welcome US Durum Products to Harrisburg," said Representative Madsen. "This investment brings modern equipment, expands local manufacturing in the heart of our region, and helps protect and grow family-sustaining jobs. Projects like this strengthen our local economy and show what's possible when we support homegrown businesses and workforce development."
This project was coordinated by Governor Shapiro's BusinessPA team, an experienced group of economic development professionals dedicated to helping businesses succeed in Pennsylvania through tailored guidance, strategic partnerships, and financial resources. Whether based in the Commonwealth, another state, or across the globe, the team moves at the speed of business to set up companies for long-term growth and success here in Pennsylvania.
All across Pennsylvania, manufacturers are expanding and creating jobs -- from First Quality in Mifflin County, Eos in Allegheny County, Nichols Portland in Elk County, Imperial Systems in Mercer County, Qualex in Venango County, and Tate in York County.
Pennsylvania's Business Climate and Growing Economy is Getting National Recognition
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, according to a report (https://www.axios.com/newsletters/axios-macro-a4b56420-a516-11f0-8a32-b1c1571dfd59.html?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_cb) from Axios based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi. This latest recognition builds on growing evidence that Pennsylvania's economy is strong, competitive, and on the rise.
* Recently, Area Development ranked Pennsylvania among the top 20 "Best States for Business" -- the only Northeastern state to make the list -- and placed the Commonwealth in the top 10 for "Site Readiness Programs."
* Site Selection Magazine has named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation. The Commonwealth is 11th in the 2025 Business Climate Rankings, up seven spots from last year -- and is the highest ranked Northeast state on the list.
Unleashing Pennsylvania's Economic Potential, Streamlining Permitting to Drive Economic Growth, and Supporting Pennsylvania's Small Businesses
* Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- cutting red tape, streamlining permitting and licensing, and attracting nearly $31.6 billion in private-sector investment that has created more than 16,700 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth. That includes the largest private-sector investment in Pennsylvania history -- Amazon's initial $20 billion investment to build new AI and cloud computing campuses, creating thousands of high-tech and construction jobs.
* Governor Shapiro has made economic competitiveness and government efficiency top priorities, launching Pennsylvania's first comprehensive economic development strategy in nearly two decades, cutting permit backlogs, -- including eliminating the Department of Environmental Protection's backlog of 2,400 permits -- and investing $550 million to prepare more sites for business expansion, strengthen main streets, and support small businesses and entrepreneurs.
* The Governor's 2025-26 budget continues to make historic progress on permitting reform, funds key staff at agencies responsible for processing permits, licenses, and certifications, and invests in Pennsylvania's main streets.
Learn more about the Shapiro-Davis Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, and discover how the Administration is creating economic opportunity to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2025-press-releases/shapiro-davis-administration-secures--8-million-investment-from-
Alaska Supreme Court Upholds Donlin Gold Permits, Affirms State's Regulatory Authority
JUNEAU, Alaska, Nov. 20 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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Alaska Supreme Court Upholds Donlin Gold Permits, Affirms State's Regulatory Authority
In a decision issued Friday, Nov. 14, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) issuance of key permits for the Donlin Gold project, affirming the State's regulatory framework and clarifying the scope of Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution. The Court rejected arguments that misread the Alaska Constitution to require DNR to analyze the cumulative impacts of development
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JUNEAU, Alaska, Nov. 20 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release:
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Alaska Supreme Court Upholds Donlin Gold Permits, Affirms State's Regulatory Authority
In a decision issued Friday, Nov. 14, the Alaska Supreme Court upheld the Department of Natural Resources' (DNR) issuance of key permits for the Donlin Gold project, affirming the State's regulatory framework and clarifying the scope of Article VIII of the Alaska Constitution. The Court rejected arguments that misread the Alaska Constitution to require DNR to analyze the cumulative impacts of developmentby private landowners, including Alaska Native Corporations.
The decision marks a significant victory for responsible resource development and legal clarity in Alaska.
"This decision is a major win for Alaska," said Attorney General Stephen Cox. "The Court rightly recognized that the State's permitting process met constitutional standards and that Article VIII does not extend to lands owned by Alaska Native Corporations or other private entities. This ruling not only affirms the integrity of DNR's work but also protects the rights of Alaska Native Corporations and provides certainty for future development."
The ruling in Orutsararmiut Native Council v. Boyle centered on challenges to DNR's approval of permits related to the Donlin Gold project, one of the world's largest undeveloped gold deposits. The permits involved the appropriation of State water at the mine site and a pipeline right-of-way lease across State lands. Appellants argued that the Alaska Constitution's policy of making the State's natural resources "available for maximum use consistent with the public interest" required the State to consider the cumulative environmental impacts of the private resource development at Donlin. The Court rejected this claim.
In its opinion, the Court made clear that Article VIII's provisions apply only to State lands and waters--not to lands owned by private parties, including Alaska Native Corporations. While the State is constitutionally required to "take a 'hard look' at all factors material and relevant to the public interest" when authorizing the use of State resources, that requirement does not extend to "the extraction of privately owned minerals on private land." The Court held that DNR correctly applied the law when it granted the water appropriation permits and the right-of-way lease.
The decision strengthens the legal foundation for permitting complex, multi-phase projects like Donlin Gold. "This ruling confirms that Alaska's permitting process is both rigorous and constitutionally sound," said Attorney General Stephen Cox. "It also ensures that Alaska Native Corporations retain the autonomy to manage their lands without unwarranted constraints."
The Donlin Gold project, located in the middle Kuskokwim River region, is a joint venture between NOVAGOLD Resources and Paulson Advisers. The project is situated on lands owned by The Kuskokwim Corporation and Calista Corporation, both Alaska Native Corporations. Calista Corporation owns the subsurface mineral rights.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2025/111825-Donlin.html
ACC Finds Man Posed as Savvy Investment Expert to Defraud Investors
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 20 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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ACC Finds Man Posed as Savvy Investment Expert to Defraud Investors
The Arizona Corporation Commission ordered respondent John A. Perez of Scottsdale to pay $174,087 in restitution and a $71,000 administrative penalty for fraudulently engaging in unlicensed advisory services to defraud investors.
The Commission found Mr. Perez touted himself as someone who could teach investors, for compensation, how to significantly increase their investments through his stock trading methods
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 20 -- The Arizona Corporation Commission issued the following news release on Nov. 19, 2025:
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ACC Finds Man Posed as Savvy Investment Expert to Defraud Investors
The Arizona Corporation Commission ordered respondent John A. Perez of Scottsdale to pay $174,087 in restitution and a $71,000 administrative penalty for fraudulently engaging in unlicensed advisory services to defraud investors.
The Commission found Mr. Perez touted himself as someone who could teach investors, for compensation, how to significantly increase their investments through his stock trading methodsand tips. He solicited investors to attend training sessions, misrepresenting himself as an experienced and wealthy investment adviser to at least eight investors but failed to disclose his two prior criminal convictions for property theft.
The Commission found that, while never licensed as an investment adviser or registered as a securities salesman in Arizona, Mr. Perez guaranteed quick and substantial gains from trading securities in his big "carpool" investment account. He even sent screenshots of the account, leading the investors to believe he had invested their money. However, the pooled investment accounts showed little to no activity.
All documents relating to this agenda item can be found in the Corporation Commission's online docket at https://edocket.azcc.gov and entering docket number S-21267A-23-0242.
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Original text here: https://www.azcc.gov/news/home/2025/11/19/acc-finds-man-posed-as-savvy-investment-expert-to-defraud-investors