States, Cities and Counties
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Wyo. Gov. Gordon Statement on Passage of the Budget by Both Chambers
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 3 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Statement on Passage of the Budget by Both Chambers
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued the following statement today regarding the passage in both chambers of The Essentials Budget.
"What a win for Wyoming! And what a win for the citizens across the state who got involved with their government, after the Freedom Caucus-controlled Joint Appropriations Committee members made sweeping cuts to an already lean budget, and came forward letting their voices be heard
... Show Full Article
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, March 3 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Statement on Passage of the Budget by Both Chambers
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) issued the following statement today regarding the passage in both chambers of The Essentials Budget.
"What a win for Wyoming! And what a win for the citizens across the state who got involved with their government, after the Freedom Caucus-controlled Joint Appropriations Committee members made sweeping cuts to an already lean budget, and came forward letting their voices be heardto their representatives.
I extend my gratitude to the members of the House who courageously opposed the proposed cuts and insisted on asking the tough questions, even late into the night. Questions that focused on transparency as well as, critically, the underlying reasons for making those cuts. These questions struck a chord statewide and were powerfully voiced right here in Cheyenne by citizens from across Wyoming.
I want to also thank the Senate, whose stalwart leadership paved the way to this amazing victory.
The budget passed today restored almost all budget recommendations for the people of Wyoming and, as one Senator said, is only $53M below my overall recommendation. By my back-of-the-napkin calculations, that's close to 99%.
Wyoming's future is indeed bright. We must continue to invest in our potential, grow our industries, preserve our small-town identity, and stand firm against the hysteria of national groups seeking to undermine our state."
The Governor would like to personally thank the members of the House who stood for Employee Compensation on third reading: Representatives Brown, L, Byron, Campbell, E., Chestek, Clouston, Connolly, Davis, Erickson, Filer, Fornstrom, Geringer, Harshman, Jarvis, Larsen, L., Larson, JT, Lawley, Lien, Nicholas, Posey, Provenza, Riggins, Sherwood, Singh, Storer, Styvar, Tarver, Thayer, Washut, Williams, Wylie and Yin.
As well, the Governor would like to personally thank the members of the Senate who stood for restoring the Governor's budget recommendations on second reading: Senators Anderson, Barlow, Brennan, Case, Cooper, Crago, Crum, Dockstader, Driskill, Gierau, Jones, Kolb, Landen, Love, Nethercott, Olsen, Pappas, Rothfuss, Schuler, Scott.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-statement-on-passage-of-the-budget-by-both-chambers
Va. A.G. Jones Joins Litigation to Stop President Trump's Defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
RICHMOND, Virginia, March 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Litigation to Stop President Trump's Defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Jay Jones announced he has joined a multistate complaint to stop the Trump Administration's attempts to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Created after the housing crisis of 2008, the CFPB has ensured that consumer financial products and services are fair, transparent,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, March 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Litigation to Stop President Trump's Defunding of the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau
As part of National Consumer Protection Week, Attorney General Jay Jones announced he has joined a multistate complaint to stop the Trump Administration's attempts to defund the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB). Created after the housing crisis of 2008, the CFPB has ensured that consumer financial products and services are fair, transparent,and competitive.
To date, the CFPB has returned more than $21 billion that had been improperly taken from over 205 million Americans. In 2024, the CFPB received approximately 3.2 million consumer complaints, of which Virginians filed 63,229. In response to these complaints, businesses provided monetary relief totaling over $93.5 million to consumers nationwide, with nearly $2.6 million to Virginians.
"Defunding the CFPB is yet another attempt by the overzealous and chaotic Trump Administration to punish federal employees and eliminate crucial consumer protection resources that keep our communities safe," Attorney General Jones said. "Without the CFPB, Virginians will be more vulnerable to consumer fraud and discriminatory lending practices, and less able to monitor consumer and homeowner trends in Virginia. Without the CFPB, it will be more difficult to pursue investigations into potential violations of State and federal consumer protection laws. My office will use every tool at its disposal to stop the dismantling of the CFPB and secure these resources for Virginians."
In addition to supervisory, enforcement, and rulemaking authority, the CFPB maintains a consumer complaint response system, and shares that data with state agencies. The CFPB also administers and collects demographic and geographic lending data, which allow states and regulators to identify inequitable or discriminatory lending patterns. The CFPB helps facilitate cooperation between federal and state agencies so they can jointly address consumer protection concerns, resulting in efficiencies, cost savings, and improved outcomes for consumers.
Virginians who have a question, concern, or complaint about a consumer matter should contact Attorney General Jones' Consumer Protection Section:
* By phone: (800)552-9963
* By email: consumer@oag.state.va.us
* Online Complaint Form (https://jayjones.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5682329ec900595837237839&id=129effd2a4&e=694029681c)
* Online Contact Form (https://jayjones.us1.list-manage.com/track/click?u=b5682329ec900595837237839&id=d5bf570b00&e=694029681c)
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/2968-attorney-general-jay-jones-joins-litigation-to-stop-president-trumps-defunding-of-the-consumer-financial-protection-bureau
S.D. State House State Affairs Committee Approves Attorney General Jackley's Election Integrity Bill
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 3 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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State House State Affairs Committee Approves Attorney General Jackley's Election Integrity Bill
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's Election Integrity bill was unanimously approved Monday by the State House Affairs Committee.
"Foreign interests must never be allowed to influence South Dakota's elections," said Attorney General Jackley. "This legislation follows President Trump's executive order on the issue and ensures that our campaign process remains
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 3 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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State House State Affairs Committee Approves Attorney General Jackley's Election Integrity Bill
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley's Election Integrity bill was unanimously approved Monday by the State House Affairs Committee.
"Foreign interests must never be allowed to influence South Dakota's elections," said Attorney General Jackley. "This legislation follows President Trump's executive order on the issue and ensures that our campaign process remainstransparent and accountable to the people of South Dakota--not foreign entities."
Senate Bill 17 prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national, to provide a penalty therefor and to declare an emergency.
The bill now goes to the full House for consideration. It already has received unanimous approval by the State Senate.
If approved by the House and signed into law by the Governor, it would be in effect for this year's elections.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3018
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Organized Crime Leader Transferred to Oklahoma to Face Felony Charges
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 3 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Organized crime leader transferred to Oklahoma to face felony charges
The leader of a sophisticated criminal enterprise that was dismantled by Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) was transferred to Oklahoma on Saturday. Hao Chen, who was arrested Jan. 29 in New York City, has been moved from Rikers Island prison to the Oklahoma County Jail.
Chen faces 18 felony counts stemming from a Multi-County Grand Jury indictment in November.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 3 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Organized crime leader transferred to Oklahoma to face felony charges
The leader of a sophisticated criminal enterprise that was dismantled by Attorney General Gentner Drummond's Organized Crime Task Force (OCTF) was transferred to Oklahoma on Saturday. Hao Chen, who was arrested Jan. 29 in New York City, has been moved from Rikers Island prison to the Oklahoma County Jail.
Chen faces 18 felony counts stemming from a Multi-County Grand Jury indictment in November.He was among 20 individuals across multiple states who were arrested during the OCTF's Operation Blunt Force. All of the individuals have been arrested.
The operation targeted Chen's organization, which allegedly ran fraudulent medical marijuana licensing schemes in Oklahoma from 2021 to 2025. Chen's organization was responsible for approximately 1 million pounds of marijuana worth $1.5 billion in street value.
"Hao Chen and his associates will face the full force of the law," Drummond said. "They undermined Oklahoma's licensing process and put Oklahoma communities at risk. My office remains committed to protecting the safety of all Oklahomans and dismantling sophisticated criminal networks that exploit the medical marijuana system."
According to the indictment, Chen orchestrated a fraudulent "straw owner" scheme that unlawfully obtained Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority licenses and Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs registrations for marijuana growing facilities in violation of Oklahoma's residency requirement. The organization recruited Oklahoma residents as straw owners, paid them to use their identities on fake applications, then illegally manufactured marijuana and diverted it to the black market.
The investigation revealed Chen had bank accounts with large cash deposits and regular wire transfers from New York, which were used to pay straw owners and other associates of the conspiracy.
Drummond's task force worked with 27 law enforcement partners nationwide during the operation.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/march/organized-crime-leader-transferred-to-oklahoma-to-face-felony-charges.html
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Provides Update in Baltimore County Police Use of Force Incident
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 2, 2026
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Independent Investigations Division Provides Update in Baltimore County Police Use of Force Incident
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is providing an update regarding the police use of force incident that occurred on February 16, 2026, in Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland. The adult male involved in the incident died on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The IID continues to investigate the circumstances
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 2, 2026
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Independent Investigations Division Provides Update in Baltimore County Police Use of Force Incident
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is providing an update regarding the police use of force incident that occurred on February 16, 2026, in Woodlawn, Baltimore County, Maryland. The adult male involved in the incident died on Friday, February 27, 2026.
The IID continues to investigate the circumstancesof this incident.
Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone video or private surveillance footage, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [].
The IID recognizes that there have been requests for the immediate release of body-worn camera footage in this case. Under IID protocol, body-worn camera footage is generally released within 20 business days of an incident. The purpose of this timeframe is to allow investigators to secure and evaluate all relevant evidence before releasing video. These investigative steps may include collecting and analyzing physical evidence, interviewing witnesses, and obtaining additional video footage from the scene. Releasing footage before these steps are completed could compromise the integrity of the investigation and any potential prosecution. When additional time is required beyond the 20-business-day period, the IID will advise the public. The IID also offers to meet with involved family members and their counsel to explain the investigative process.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Provides-Update-in-Baltimore-County-Police-Use-of-Force-Incident-.aspx
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Howard County
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 1, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Howard County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 12:09 a.m., officers with the Howard County Police
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on March 1, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating a Fatal Police-Involved Shooting in Howard County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General (OAG) is investigating a fatal police-involved shooting that occurred on Sunday, March 1, 2026, in Columbia, Howard County, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on Sunday, March 1, 2026, at approximately 12:09 a.m., officers with the Howard County PoliceDepartment (HCPD) were responding to a 911 call from an adult male threatening to hurt himself at an apartment complex in the 6400 block of Freetown Road. When officers arrived at the complex, they entered the apartment building but did not see the man. Officers then exited the building and saw a man walking toward them from the parking lot with a knife in his hand. Officers issued multiple commands to drop the knife. The man continued to walk toward the officers. Three officers fired their service weapons, striking the man. Officers rendered emergency medical aid until emergency medical services (EMS) arrived on the scene. The man was pronounced dead on scene. Officers recovered a knife near the man. No officers were injured during the incident. The officers were equipped with body-worn cameras.
Anyone with information about this incident, including cell phone or private surveillance video, is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocol.
The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-a-Fatal-Police-Involved-Shooting-in-Howard-County--.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Leads Coalition in Opposing Federal Rule That Would Limit Student Loan Access for Healthcare Workers
BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Leads Coalition in Opposing Federal Rule That Would Limit Student Loan Access for Healthcare Workers
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) by the United States Department of Education (Department) that would cap federal student loans for graduate students in nursing, physician assistance,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, March 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on March 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Leads Coalition in Opposing Federal Rule That Would Limit Student Loan Access for Healthcare Workers
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown co-led a coalition of 24 attorneys general and two governors in submitting a comment letter opposing a proposed rule under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (H.R. 1) by the United States Department of Education (Department) that would cap federal student loans for graduate students in nursing, physician assistance,and other health fields - a change that could worsen healthcare shortages across the country
H.R. 1 newly limited the amount of federal student loans that graduate students can borrow to $20,500 each year and $100,000 total. Students pursuing "professional" degrees, however, are permitted to borrow up to $50,000 each year and $200,000 total. Congress broadly defined "professional degree" as any degree that "signifies both completion of the academic requirements for beginning practice in a given profession and a level of professional skill beyond that normally required for a bachelor's degree." Congress also provided a list of ten "[e]xamples," such as medical degrees and law degrees, but specified that "professional degree[s] . . . are not limited to" those examples.
The proposed rule under H.R. 1 would take Congress's list of 10 examples, plus Clinical Psychology, and make it exclusive - meaning only students pursuing those degrees, and no others, would be eligible to borrow up to the higher loan amounts. As Attorney General Brown and the coalition explain, that would exclude aspiring nurse practitioners, physician assistants, physical therapists, and other professionals who are essential to states' health systems and economies. For nursing schools and other programs that exceeded the $20,500 annual cap, students would be forced to seek private loans on worse terms or be priced out of higher education entirely.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition argue the proposed rule violates federal law. The Department violated Congress's clear intent by turning an illustrative list of degrees into a hard limit, leaving out nurses, physician assistants, and other essential health professionals who depend on these loans to access and complete their education. Notably, the list of examples was originally devised in the 1950s, long before graduate programs in nursing, physician assistance, and physical therapy became common. By freezing that list in place, the Department has ignored decades of change in health professions and excluded health professionals who clearly fall within Congress's definition.
Maryland and other states are already facing healthcare workforce shortages - and this rule would make things worse. Preventing students from borrowing the amounts needed to pay for programs such as nursing, physician assistance, and physical therapy will result in a reduced supply of expert healthcare workers. At the University of Maryland, Baltimore, for example, a Master of Science in Nursing costs up to $74,196 per year for Maryland residents, while a Doctorate of Nursing Practice costs up to $57,425 per year. Those costs cannot easily be reduced because graduate health programs require expensive equipment and low faculty-to-student radios to ensure student safety. Limiting Marylanders to borrowing $20,500 per year for these programs will discourage students from becoming nurse practitioners. The letter urges the Department to abandon its narrow definition of "professional degree" and devise a broader one that encompasses the full spectrum of degrees intended by Congress.
Co-leading the comment letter along with Attorney General Brown are the attorneys general of Nevada, Colorado, and New York. Joining the comment letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the governors of Kansas and Kentucky.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Leads-Coalition-in-Opposing-Federal-Rule-That-Would-Limit-Student-Loan-Access-for-Healthcare-Workers.aspx
