States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Md. A.G. Brown Opposes Postal Service Rule Undermining Federal Gun Law
BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 5 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Postal Service Rule Undermining Federal Gun Law
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate comment letter signed by 24 states opposing an unlawful proposal by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to allow a flood of prohibited weapons across state borders by mail, endangering the public and harming state and local budgets.
For almost one hundred years, dating back to 1927, federal law has barred the USPS from mailing certain concealable
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, May 5 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Opposes Postal Service Rule Undermining Federal Gun Law
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a multistate comment letter signed by 24 states opposing an unlawful proposal by the U.S. Postal Service (USPS) to allow a flood of prohibited weapons across state borders by mail, endangering the public and harming state and local budgets.
For almost one hundred years, dating back to 1927, federal law has barred the USPS from mailing certain concealablefirearms. That statute has stood, without any court finding it invalid, since that time. But in January 2026, the Trump administration decided to suddenly stop following the federal law. The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) issued an opinion that the statute is unconstitutional, stated it will no longer enforce this commonsense statute, and instructed USPS to issue conforming regulations. On April 2, the USPS published a proposed rule to conform with this DOJ opinion.
Today's letter explains why the proposed rule is unlawful and will harm public safety and the states. The letter explains that the longstanding federal law restricting the mailing of firearms via the Postal Service is constitutional, and the executive branch cannot unilaterally permit conduct Congress has prohibited since 1927. The letter also adds that allowing individuals to send firearms through the mail without going through a licensed seller will make it easier for prohibited persons like felons, individuals subject to restraining orders, and domestic abusers to access firearms, including illegal firearms. It will also make it more difficult, and more expensive, for states to solve gun crimes, reducing the effectiveness of law enforcement tracing tools.
The multistate letter outlines the danger if this rule takes effect. Individuals prohibited from owning a firearm could get a gun through the mail, despite Maryland's sensible laws on who may possess guns. And the types of guns that might be mailed across state lines may even include those prohibited by Maryland law, such as "ghost guns.
This will have a significant impact on the states. Unlike private carriers like UPS, USPS recognizes no statutory obligation to ensure the packages it carries comply with state laws on the acquisition or transfer of firearms, creating a loophole in state laws.
The attorneys general also explain that the Second Amendment does not require USPS to issue this rule because the underlying federal law governs only whether and when USPS can mail firearms; it does not regulate the right to keep and bear arms. And the law is consistent with the nation's tradition; for most of our history, firearms were not accepted for mailing by USPS. Congress's decision in 1927 to avoid having USPS assist in mailing guns that may be in violation of state or local laws, and to make it more difficult for criminals to obtain concealable weapons, was a valid choice.
Attorney General Brown was joined by the attorneys general of New Jersey, New York and Delaware, which co-led the letter, as well as Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Opposes-Postal-Service-Rule-Undermining-Federal-Gun-Law.aspx
Del. A.G. Jennings, Coalition Secure Final Approval in $700 Million Google Settlement Over App Store Monopoly
DOVER, Delaware, May 5 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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AG Jennings, coalition secure final approval in $700 million Google Settlement over app store monopoly
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced that a federal court will approve a $700 million settlement in a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit, first filed in 2021 by a bipartisan group of 52 Attorneys General, challenged Google's control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. The approval of the settlement ends a five-year
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DOVER, Delaware, May 5 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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AG Jennings, coalition secure final approval in $700 million Google Settlement over app store monopoly
Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings has announced that a federal court will approve a $700 million settlement in a multistate antitrust lawsuit against Google. The lawsuit, first filed in 2021 by a bipartisan group of 52 Attorneys General, challenged Google's control over Android app distribution and in-app payments. The approval of the settlement ends a five-yearcase and secures relief for consumers nationwide who were affected by Google's actions.
The majority of the settlement funds will go directly to those who made purchases on Google Play between August 2016 and September 2023. Most recipients won't need to fill out a claim form and will receive their payments through PayPal or Venmo.
If consumers don't have access to PayPal or Venmo, they can file a claim through a separate process to receive their payment.
"For years, Google used its market dominance to establish a monopoly and take advantage of their customers," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "With this settlement, consumers will finally get the compensation that they're entitled to."
The settlement forces Google to update its business practices. For at least the next five years, app developers may use alternate payment systems, inform customers about lower prices outside Google's billing system, and list their apps on competing stores without fear of retaliation. Android users can download apps from outside the Play Store for at least the next seven years. Additional information about the lawsuit and settlement is available on the settlement website.
AG Jennings joined this effort alongside the attorneys general of: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/05/04/ag-jennings-coalition-secure-final-approval-in-700-million-google-settlement-over-app-store-monopoly/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Warns Insurance Companies After Major State Enforcement Against State Farm
SACRAMENTO, California, May 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Governor Newsom warns insurance companies after major state enforcement against State Farm
What you need to know: Governor Newsom urged insurance companies to quickly and fairly process pending claims for LA recovery survivors after the state announced the largest insurance enforcement action in a century against State Farm.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today warned insurance companies that they may be subject to state enforcement if they unlawfully delay or deny claims for
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SACRAMENTO, California, May 5 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Governor Newsom warns insurance companies after major state enforcement against State Farm
What you need to know: Governor Newsom urged insurance companies to quickly and fairly process pending claims for LA recovery survivors after the state announced the largest insurance enforcement action in a century against State Farm.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today warned insurance companies that they may be subject to state enforcement if they unlawfully delay or deny claims forLA fire survivors. The warning comes as the State Insurance Commissioner today announced an enforcement action against State Farm General Insurance Company after an expedited investigation uncovered significant mishandling of insurance claims filed by survivors. That action seeks the largest penalties following a disaster this century.
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Survivors' ability to access their insurance coverage is foundational to LA recovery. People need accelerated relief, and we're not going to sit by while companies slow-walk claims and make it harder for families to rebuild. We're standing up for survivors by holding insurance companies accountable -- especially when they delay or deny what people are owed.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Governor Newsom has been a staunch advocate for survivors and their ability to access coverage. Last year, Governor Newsom sent a letter to the FAIR plan warning that their handling of survivors' smoke damage claims was unscrupulous and unfair, and ultimately may be illegal -- urging them to resolve fire survivors' claims with the speed and fairness FAIR Plan customers deserve.
Governor Newsom has been squarely focused on stabilizing and modernizing California's home insurance market, especially as climate change drives more severe wildfire risk. Since 2019, Governor Newsom has:
* Strengthened California's FAIR Plan: Expanded capacity and authorities of the FAIR Plan as the insurer of last resort.
* Advanced insurance market reforms: Issued an executive order in 2023 urging the California Department of Insurance to modernize rate-setting rules, incorporate climate risk, and ensure insurers write more policies, leading to reforms like using forward-looking catastrophe models and improving the FAIR Plan, all under the "Sustainable Insurance Strategy" to stabilize the market and expand coverage. As a result, nine homeowners insurers (Farmers, Mercury, CSAA, USAA, Horace Mann, Pacific Specialty, California Casualty, Travelers, AAA SoCal), including six of the top 10 insurer groups, committed to stay and grow in California.
* Invested in wildfire risk reduction: Committed billions of dollars to forest management, prescribed burns, and vegetation treatment, and expanded home hardening and community wildfire mitigation programs.
* Maintained strong consumer protections: Preserved public review and justification requirements for rate increases and ensured continued oversight by one of the nation's strongest insurance regulatory frameworks as we shift from crisis response to long-term market stability.
California home insurance rates remain below the national average and far below what homeowners are paying in other states. For a standard policy with $300,000 in dwelling coverage, Florida is now the most expensive state in the country at $7,136 -- 181% above the national average and 4.4 times California's rate -- after regulator-approved Florida home insurance rates rose 49.5% from 2020 through 2025. Louisiana ranks second at $5,986 after a 58% increase from 2023 to 2025, while Texas averages $4,085 and the median Texas homeowner paid 60% more in 2024 than in 2019.
California - $1,616 | National - $2,543 | Texas - $4,085 | Florida - $7,136
Accelerating recovery and protecting communities
Many survivors lost community spaces, historic neighborhood pillars, and schools that made communities feel like home. Governor Newsom and his administration have worked hand-in-hand with survivors to help communities recover and rebuild stronger. The Governor has helped accelerate the rebuilding of communities by:
* Fast-tracking permitting and rebuilding. Governor Newsom issued an executive order to streamline the rebuilding of homes and businesses -- suspending permitting and review requirements under the California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) and the California Coastal Act. The Governor also issued an executive order further cutting red tape by reiterating that permitting requirements under the California Coastal Act are suspended for rebuilding efforts and directing the Coastal Commission not to issue guidance or take any action that interferes with or conflicts with the Governor's executive orders. Additionally, the Governor issued an executive order removing bureaucratic barriers, extending deadlines, and providing critical regulatory relief to help fire survivors rebuild, access essential services, and recover more quickly.
* Providing tax and mortgage relief to those impacted by the fires. California postponed the individual tax filing deadline to October 15 for Los Angeles County taxpayers. Governor Newsom suspended penalties and interest on late property tax payments for a year, effectively extending the state property tax deadline. The Governor also worked with state- and federally-chartered banks that have committed to providing mortgage relief for survivors in certain zip codes, and later extended and expanded on that relief through legislation. He also announced a $125 million mortgage relief package for homeowners impacted by the Los Angeles fires and other recent disasters, which was recently adjusted to reach even more fire survivors.
* Suspending building codes. In addition to issuing multiple executive orders, Governor Newsom has also helped speed permitting and rebuilding by suspending implementation of new building codes for residents rebuilding from the fires to create certainty and avoid the need to modify applications and lengthen the permitting process. This includes allowing homeowners who built their homes to the standards in the 2019 Building Code to use their previously approved plans, and a suspension of building codes that would have gone into effect on January 1, 2026.
* Safeguarding survivors from speculators and price gouging. Governor Newsom expanded restrictions to protect survivors from illegal price hikes on rent, hotel and motel costs, and building materials or construction. The Governor also issued an executive order to protect firestorm victims from predatory land speculators making aggressive and unsolicited cash offers to purchase their property.
* Getting kids back in the classroom. Governor Newsom signed an executive order to quickly assist displaced students in the Los Angeles area and bolster schools affected by the firestorms.
Trump abandons LA fire survivors
In addition to taking action to speed rebuilding, the Governor is also standing up for the Altadena, Palisades, and Malibu communities by advocating for long-term federal disaster funding for survivors of last year's catastrophic Los Angeles wildfires.
Governor Newsom has made multiple requests since February 2025, when President Trump promised he would "take care" of survivors. However, the federal government has yet to approve these funding requests and continues to delay delivering FEMA funding which was already approved.
The federal government plays a critical role as a partner to the state in this long-term recovery effort. Funding in this supplemental appropriation would:
* Fund the rebuilding of schools, childcare centers, homes, and vital community facilities.
* Keep small businesses open, support the economy, and maintain jobs.
* Restore damaged water systems, underground and harden critical infrastructure, and improve sidewalks, streets, and traffic safety.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/05/04/governor-newsom-warns-insurance-companies-after-major-state-enforcement-against-state-farm/
Ala. Secretary of State Wes Allen: "May 19 Primary Election to Proceed as Planned"
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, May 5 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen: "May 19 Primary Election to Proceed as Planned"
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, makes it clear that Alabama is proceeding with the May 19, 2026 Primary Election as scheduled while the State awaits court action in Alabama's congressional and state senate redistricting cases pending in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
"Alabama is proceeding with the May 19, 2026 Primary Election while we await court action in Alabama's
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, May 5 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen: "May 19 Primary Election to Proceed as Planned"
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, makes it clear that Alabama is proceeding with the May 19, 2026 Primary Election as scheduled while the State awaits court action in Alabama's congressional and state senate redistricting cases pending in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals.
"Alabama is proceeding with the May 19, 2026 Primary Election while we await court action in Alabama'spending redistricting cases in the U.S. Supreme Court and the Eleventh Circuit Court of Appeals. I encourage all eligible Alabamians to verify their voter registration status using AlabamaVotes.gov and make plans to head to the polls on May 19th," Allen said.
Today, May 4, 2026, remains the deadline to register to vote before the Primary Election.
County absentee election managers must receive mail-in absentee ballot applications by Tuesday, May 12, 2026. The deadline to return an absentee ballot application in person is Thursday, May 14, 2026. Absentee ballots being returned in-person must be received by the county absentee election manager by close of business on the day before the election, May 18, 2026. Absentee ballots returned by mail must be received no later than noon on Election Day, May 19, 2026.
On Election Day, polls will be open from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. Voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification before voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot.
Wes Allen is Alabama's 54th Secretary of State. The Secretary of State is Alabama's Chief Elections Official. Additionally, Alabama law gives the Secretary of State more than 1,000 different duties. To learn more about the Secretary of State and his responsibilities and duties visit www.sos.alabama.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.alabama.gov/newsroom/secretary-state-wes-allen-may-19-primary-election-proceed-planned
Pa. Health Dept.: $56 Million Over Three Years: Shapiro Administration's Investment in EMS Workforce Greatly Improving Patient Health and Protecting Workers
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 5 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
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$56 Million Over Three Years: Shapiro Administration's Investment in EMS Workforce Greatly Improving Patient Health and Protecting Workers
Additional $6 million would provide EMS agencies with upgraded equipment that increases quality of care for patients, minimizes errors, and protects EMS professionals from work-related injuries.
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Pennsylvania's EMS professionals respond to more than 2.2 million calls a year, providing critical and timely care for residents. Today, Department
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 5 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Health issued the following news on May 4, 2026:
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$56 Million Over Three Years: Shapiro Administration's Investment in EMS Workforce Greatly Improving Patient Health and Protecting Workers
Additional $6 million would provide EMS agencies with upgraded equipment that increases quality of care for patients, minimizes errors, and protects EMS professionals from work-related injuries.
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Pennsylvania's EMS professionals respond to more than 2.2 million calls a year, providing critical and timely care for residents. Today, Departmentof Health Secretary Dr. Debra Bogen highlighted how investments of approximately $56 million from the Shapiro Administration over the past three years have helped EMS agencies meet the urgent medical needs of Pennsylvanians.
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-2027 proposed budget includes an additional $6 million investment from the EMS Operating Fund (EMSOF) that will allow EMS professionals to enhance care, improve patient health, and fund initiatives to recruit and retain EMS professionals.
"To provide quality emergency care to Pennsylvanians, EMS professionals must be given the support and tools they need," said Secretary Bogen. "This investment will help ensure EMS agencies can acquire state-of-the-art equipment, like video laryngoscopes and conduct the training needed to use it effectively and efficiently to ensure the best possible outcomes. These funds will also support vital efforts to recruit and retain EMS professionals here in the commonwealth."
This additional investment of $6 million in the 2026-2027 proposed budget would help Pennsylvania's 13 regional EMS councils support local EMS agencies in purchasing equipment that improves patient care across the Commonwealth. Each EMS regional council will evaluate the needs of the agencies in its area to determine how best to use the funding.
During Secretary Bogen's visit to Erie's EmergyCare EMS Agency, Emergency Medical Management Cooperative (EMMCO) West regional council staff demonstrated the new tools they purchased for the region, such as video laryngoscopes and patient lifting equipment. These tools will help improve care and efficiency when EMS professionals are administering care in the field and reduce EMS staff injuries.
"This funding is allowing us to take a balanced, strategic approach to strengthening EMS across our region," said Emergency Medical Management Cooperative West (EMMCO West) Operations Manager, Daryl Parker. "These tools are not just equipment; they are retention strategies that help us preserve the workforce we already have while we continue to recruit the next generation. Ultimately, this investment strengthens both patient care and provider sustainability, which is exactly what our communities are counting on."
This region covers more than 100 agencies within the EMMCO region, including Clarion, Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.
In the EMMCO region, the average EMS professional is over 50 years old. Securing new moving and lifting equipment for agencies will help protect first responders in the region from injury while on duty, so they can continue providing essential, 24/7 care for residents.
"Investments like these have a direct and meaningful impact on our ability to protect our communities," said City of Meadville Fire Chief Even Kardosh. "Every day, lives are saved because of the dedication of EMS professionals across the Commonwealth, and the continued support of Emergency Medical Services by Governor Shapiro ensures we can sustain that mission and have the appropriate life-saving equipment when our communities need it most."
Other regional councils have purchased equipment with 2025-2026 funds. The EMS West Regional EMS council obtained video laryngoscopes and demonstrated how they will save time for EMS professionals performing field intubations.
Similarly, Southern Alleghenies Emergency Medical Services (SAEMS) Regional Council secured intravenous (IV) pumps to deliver fluids and medications to patients. This marks a significant upgrade in efficiency and safety for the region as EMS professionals have traditionally administered fluids manually.
The Shapiro Administration understands the vital role EMS plays in Pennsylvania's health care system. In 2023, Governor Shapiro signed Act 15 into law, increasing the rate at which ambulances are reimbursed for the miles traveled to an incident scene or hospital. Reimbursement rates support a majority of EMS operations and are the primary source of funding for ambulances to remain in service.
The Department of Health also launched a three-year tuition assistance program in 2024, helping EMS agencies retain the appropriate number of staff to successfully respond to residents' calls for medical assistance. Individuals who earn an Emergency Medical Responder (EMR), Emergency Medical Technician (EMT), Advanced Emergency Medical Technician (AEMT), or Paramedic certification can be provided up to $5,000 in tuition reimbursement tuition.
EMS agencies are eligible to receive up to $5,000 in reimbursement per fiscal year for expenses related to recruitment and retention efforts.
Read an overview of Governor Shapiro's 2026-2027 budget proposal (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-2026-27-budget-proposal-to-keep-doing-what-s-working) or explore the full 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/agencies/health/newsroom/-56-million-over-3-years--shapiro-s-investments-in-ems-improves-
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Protect Abortion Access Amid Federal Court Battle and Confusion Over Mailing of Medication Abortion, Reiterates Commitment to Protecting a Woman's Right to Choose
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 5 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Protect Abortion Access Amid Federal Court Battle and Confusion Over Mailing of Medication Abortion, Reiterates Commitment to Protecting a Woman's Right to Choose
Pennsylvania joins a multistate amicus brief to push back on ruling that blocks mailing of mifepristone and threatens access to safe, widely used reproductive health care.
Federal case threatens to block mailing of mifepristone prescriptions, threatening access to one
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, May 5 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action to Protect Abortion Access Amid Federal Court Battle and Confusion Over Mailing of Medication Abortion, Reiterates Commitment to Protecting a Woman's Right to Choose
Pennsylvania joins a multistate amicus brief to push back on ruling that blocks mailing of mifepristone and threatens access to safe, widely used reproductive health care.
Federal case threatens to block mailing of mifepristone prescriptions, threatening access to oneof the most common forms of abortion care in the U.S. -- and the Shapiro Administration is taking action to protect access and defend reproductive freedom in Pennsylvania.
Despite the ruling, abortion -- including medication abortion -- remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that Pennsylvania has joined a multistate amicus brief urging reversal of a recent federal appeals court decision that restricts access to medication abortion - which accounts for over 60 percent of all abortions - by blocking the mailing of mifepristone prescriptions.
On May 1, a three-judge panel of the New Orleans-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit issued a ruling requiring that mifepristone -- one of the most common methods of medication abortion in the United States since its approval by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2000 -- be dispensed only in person at clinics, overriding longstanding guidance from the FDA and disrupting care for patients across the country. The decision marks one of the most significant developments in abortion policy since the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade in 2022.
Friday's ruling was appealed to the U.S. Supreme Court and on Monday morning, Justice Alito administratively stayed the Fifth Circuit's ruling until May 11, 2026.
"The Fifth Circuit's ruling is a direct attack on women's health care and their ability to make decisions about their own bodies -- as long as I'm Governor, I will always protect a woman's right to choose," said Governor Shapiro. "Despite this court's ruling, Pennsylvanians should know that abortion remains safe, accessible, and legal here in our Commonwealth. Mifepristone is a safe, effective medication that has been widely used for decades, but once again, anti-abortion advocates are pushing junk science and encouraging the courts to upend decades of research in their continued assault on a woman's freedom to choose. My Administration is taking action to push back, protect access, and ensure Pennsylvanians can continue to get the care they need."
The Fifth Circuit issued an order that would prohibit mifepristone from being mailed or distributed by certified pharmacies. The U.S. Supreme Court has stayed that decision, which would create new barriers to access nationwide. Even if the Fifth Circuit's ruling goes into effect, abortion -- including medication abortion -- remains safe and legal in Pennsylvania.
Patients seeking care should consult with a qualified provider about their options. The Shapiro Administration will continue to provide updates and resources to help Pennsylvanians access safe and legal care.Pennsylvanians can find up-to-date information about their rights, available services, and how to access care through the Commonwealth's Freedom to Choose website (https://www.pa.gov/freedom-to-choose.htm), which includes guidance on medication abortion, in-clinic care, and how to connect with providers.
Under Pennsylvania law, abortion remains legal up to 24 weeks of gestation and beyond when necessary to protect the patient's life or to prevent serious bodily injury, and both procedural and medication abortion remain legal and available in the Commonwealth.
The amicus brief highlights the overwhelming medical consensus that medication abortion -- including the use of mifepristone -- is safe, effective, and a critical component of reproductive health care. Decades of peer-reviewed research and findings from leading medical organizations and federal regulators confirm mifepristone's strong safety record and its essential role in both abortion care and the management of early pregnancy loss. Medication abortion now accounts for a majority of abortions nationwide, and telehealth -- including prescribing by mail -- has been proven to safely expand access to care, particularly for patients in rural, underserved, or restrictive states, making the appeals court's decision especially harmful to those who rely on these options.
Governor Shapiro has taken repeated action to protect reproductive freedom in Pennsylvania. He has maintained an executive order protecting out-of-state patients seeking care here. And he did not defend the state's longstanding Medicaid abortion-coverage ban -- paving the way for the Pennsylvania Commonwealth Court's April 2026 ruling expanding access.
Under his leadership, the Commonwealth has worked to expand access to care, protect providers, and ensure that patients -- including those traveling from other states -- can receive care safely.
Today's action builds on Governor Shapiro's continued efforts to defend reproductive freedom. In 2024, Pennsylvania joined a multi-state amicus brief (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2024-press-releases/governor-shapiro-and-ag-henry-file-amicus-briefs-urging-supreme-) urging the U.S. Supreme Court to maintain access to mifepristone and uphold the FDA's longstanding authority over drug approval and regulation.
Pennsylvania is a member of the Reproductive Freedom Alliance, a coalition of governors committed to safeguarding abortion access and protecting providers and patients in the wake of increasing restrictions nationwide.
Abortion remains safe, accessible, and legal in Pennsylvania. The Shapiro Administration remains committed to ensuring that reproductive health care decisions are made by patients and their doctors -- not politicians -- and will continue to fight efforts that threaten access to care.
The multistate amicus brief (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/governor/documents/25a1207-1208_amicusbr_ny%20et%20al_amici%20curiae%20in%20support%20of%20applicants%20medication%20abortion%20mifepristone%2005.04.26.pdf) is led by New York Attorney General Letitia James and joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov--shapiro-takes-action-to-protect-abortion-access
N.Y. State Education Department Hosts My Sister's Keeper Spring STEM Day Event
ALBANY, New York, May 5 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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State Education Department Hosts My Sister's Keeper Spring STEM Day Event
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) today hosted the My Sister's Keeper Spring STEM Day event at SUNY Old Westbury. Approximately 650 young women and girls gathered from various regions of the state to learn more about the college experience, attend workshops and panel discussions, and hear directly from SUNY Old Westbury students. The full-day event marks the second annual My Sister's
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ALBANY, New York, May 5 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release on May 4, 2026:
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State Education Department Hosts My Sister's Keeper Spring STEM Day Event
The New York State Education Department (NYSED) today hosted the My Sister's Keeper Spring STEM Day event at SUNY Old Westbury. Approximately 650 young women and girls gathered from various regions of the state to learn more about the college experience, attend workshops and panel discussions, and hear directly from SUNY Old Westbury students. The full-day event marks the second annual My Sister'sKeeper (MSK) event hosted by NYSED, which launched the MSK initiative in 2025.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "My Sister's Keeper reflects our commitment to ensuring that young women of color have access to the opportunities and support they need to thrive in STEM. Events like today's are part of that mission--bringing learning to life, connecting students with mentors, and providing real-world experiences that affirm students' potential and expand their vision for what is possible. When we invest in curiosity and leadership, we can strengthen not only the future of these young women and girls, but the future of our communities and our state."
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "One of the top priorities for an event such as this is to empower girls and young women who dream of one day making their mark in STEM. By creating spaces where young women can see themselves reflected in STEM fields, engage in hands-on learning, and build confidence alongside their peers, we can break down barriers and turn these dreams into reality. Through My Sister's Keeper, we are nurturing talent, fostering belonging, and ensuring that the next generation of innovators is as diverse, dynamic, and brilliant as the communities they serve."
Building upon the success of the New York State My Brother's Keeper (NYSMBK) initiative, MSK focuses on the specific challenges girls and young women of color experience in STEM education and works to eliminate gender disparities in STEM fields while supporting diversity and building leadership skills in future female leaders.
The Spring STEM Day event included a tour of the SUNY Old Westbury campus, presentations on admissions and financial aid, workshops, and panel discussions. The workshops provided students with firsthand experience engaging in undergraduate-level coursework on a college campus and included topics such as:
* Using the Science of Hope to Achieve Our Goals
* Math in Motion
* Teaching and Learning Mathematics Through Problem Solving
* Build a Recommender System Like Netflix's
* Becoming Public Health Leaders: You Can Change How Families Thrive
* Graphic Design and the Use of Digital Technologies
* Art
* The Human Endocrine System and Reproductive System
* Biology
* Interdisciplinary Science
To support girls and young women of color in their pursuit of careers in STEM, MSK will conduct workshops to teach life skills and strategies for college and job success. These skills include resume building, interview strategies, and STEM career exploration to adequately prepare students for their next steps.
For more information on the New York State My Sister's Keeper program, please visit the My Sister's Keeper website (https://www.nysed.gov/msk).
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Original text here: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/state-education-department-hosts-my-sisters-keeper-spring-stem-day-event
