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Va. A.G. Jones Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Jones joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter opposing the United States Postal Service's attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule.
"Mail-in voting is safe and fair
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 9 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Joins Multistate Opposition to Postal Service's Attempt to Undermine Voting Rights
Attorney General Jones joined a multistate coalition of 24 attorneys general in filing a formal comment letter opposing the United States Postal Service's attempt to aid the president's efforts to seize control of elections and restrict mail-in voting through a proposed rule and asking the Postal Service to withdraw the proposed rule.
"Mail-in voting is safe and fairunder Virginia's election laws. This refusal to rescind the proposed rule is a blatant attack on voting rights and part of a larger effort to create confusion and chaos ahead of the 2026 midterms," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "The people will not let these strikes on fundamental rights go without a fight and this office is ready to use every legal resource to stand up against federal overreach."
On March 31, President Trump signed an executive order attempting to establish a national list of eligible voters and directing the U.S. Postal Service (USPS), an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the list. In the order, the President threatened states and elections officials with criminal prosecution and the loss of federal funding if they do not comply with his demands.
A federal judge struck down that executive order in a lawsuit joined by Attorney General Jones, with the order applying to 24 states total. Nevertheless, the USPS has so far not rescinded its proposed rule to implement Trump's illegal executive order. Under the proposed rule, USPS would create a centralized list of voter information and would refuse to deliver ballots to any eligible voter who is not on that list, essentially giving the federal government control over elections conducted by mail.
In the comment letter, the attorneys general argue that this proposed rule violates the federal court's order, which enjoins the Postal Service from finalizing the proposed rule, and also amounts to an unconstitutional power grab by the federal government. The Constitution does not allow the President to unilaterally impose changes to federal election procedures, particularly without an act of Congress permitting him to do so. The attorneys general also argue the proposed rule conflicts with USPS's governing statutes and other federal voting laws.
The proposed rule would enact these unconstitutional changes before the 2026 election. Implementing these changes would require states to upend their existing election administration procedures for upcoming elections and conduct statewide voter education mere months before the beginning of mail voting for the 2026 general election. Such drastic and rapid changes would undoubtedly create confusion, chaos, and distrust in state election systems, threatening to disenfranchise eligible voters.
State and federal laws entitle all eligible voters to cast ballots and have their votes counted in state and federal elections. Voters of all parties, in all states, and of every background utilize mail-in voting -- including the President himself. This week's Supreme Court decision in Watson v. Republican National Committee reaffirmed states' authority to administer their elections, like permitting voters to cast ballots by mail.
The formal comment letter was led by the attorneys general of California, Massachusetts, Nevada, and Washington, and they are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3070-attorney-general-jones-joins-multistate-opposition-to-postal-services-attempt-to-undermine-voting-rights
Shopify Bans All E-Cigarette Sales as Utah A.G. Brown, 24 Colleagues Force Accountability
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 9 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on July 8, 2026:
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Shopify bans all e-cigarette sales as AG Brown, 24 colleagues force accountability
Attorney General Brown welcomed Shopify's decision to ban all vaping products from its e-commerce platform, a direct result of the November 2025 multistate demand for stronger safeguards.
E-cigarettes are highly addictive and pose significant health risks, particularly to youth, and are therefore subject to strict regulation. States in the coalition, and local governments within the states, have
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 9 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on July 8, 2026:
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Shopify bans all e-cigarette sales as AG Brown, 24 colleagues force accountability
Attorney General Brown welcomed Shopify's decision to ban all vaping products from its e-commerce platform, a direct result of the November 2025 multistate demand for stronger safeguards.
E-cigarettes are highly addictive and pose significant health risks, particularly to youth, and are therefore subject to strict regulation. States in the coalition, and local governments within the states, havepassed laws to restrict the sale of e-cigarettes.
"Our coalition of attorneys general asked Shopify to remove these dangerous products, and they did. They put young lives at risk, trading profit for addiction. We refuse to let e-commerce platforms profit off the addiction of our youth, and will fight to ensure that every other platform does what Shopify did," said Attorney General Derek Brown.
At the federal level, every new tobacco product, including an e-cigarette, must receive an order from the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) before it can be legally marketed or sold in the United States. To date, the FDA has authorized 45 specific e-cigarette products, all of which are for adult smokers only. E-cigarettes lacking FDA marketing approval, which include virtually all products sold by online sellers, are classified as "adulterated" under Federal law. Federal law prohibits the receipt or delivery in interstate commerce of adulterated tobacco products, making such sales on online platforms like Shopify unlawful.
The coalition included 25 attorneys general and the City of New York. Joining them were the attorneys general of Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Indiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/shopify-bans-ecigarettes/
N.J. A.G. Davenport Announces Bipartisan Settlement With Tech Company Block Inc., for Allegedly Misleading Consumers and Failing to Protect Them From Fraud
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Bipartisan Settlement With Tech Company Block Inc., for Allegedly Misleading Consumers and Failing to Protect Them From Fraud
Multistate Settlement Secures $45 Million From Block for Allegedly Exposing Vulnerable Consumers to Fraud on Cash App, Block's Digital Payment Service
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) announced today a $45 million bipartisan multistate settlement with Block, Inc.,
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TRENTON, New Jersey, July 9 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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AG Davenport Announces Bipartisan Settlement With Tech Company Block Inc., for Allegedly Misleading Consumers and Failing to Protect Them From Fraud
Multistate Settlement Secures $45 Million From Block for Allegedly Exposing Vulnerable Consumers to Fraud on Cash App, Block's Digital Payment Service
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (DCA) announced today a $45 million bipartisan multistate settlement with Block, Inc.,the technology company behind the peer-to-peer payments app Cash App. The settlement, joined by 46 states, resolves allegations that Block misled consumers about the safety of Cash App, failed to protect users from fraud on the nonbank platform, and didn't provide the fraud protection and resolution that it promised, as required by law.
"When New Jerseyans trusted Cash App with their hard-earned money, Cash App exposed them to scammers and put their savings at risk. Tech billionaires shouldn't be able to turn a quick profit by misleading hardworking New Jerseyans and failing to protect them from fraudsters and scammers," said Attorney General Davenport. "Our office will continue to protect your hard-earned money and hold tech companies accountable when they expose you to fraud and scams on their platforms."
"This agreement outlines important steps that Block must take to prevent financial app scams from taking place," said DCA Acting Director Jeremy E. Hollander. "These actions are as equally important as any funds New Jersey and its residents receive."
New Jersey is set to receive $892,753.12 from the multistate settlement. The settlement also reaffirms Block's commitment to distribute between $75 million and $120 million to compensate consumers nationwide as part of a settlement with the Consumer Finance Protection Bureau (CFPB). Additional information regarding the CFPB's settlement is available at: https://www.consumerfinance.gov/enforcement/actions/block-inc/ and https://www.cashappcfpbsettlement.com/.
Block told Cash App users their money was safe, implying that the app worked like a bank, with the same protections, which was not true. At the same time, Block knew fraud on its platform was rising sharply, and it failed to adequately warn users or strengthen protections on its platform.
For years, Block actively promoted direct deposits of paychecks and government benefits into Cash App. It made a particular push to reach unbanked and underbanked consumers - people who would often rely on Cash App as their primary financial account, and who were especially vulnerable to fraud. Block grew its user base without making sure it could support those users when problems arose.
Block's policies made it easier for fraudsters to prey on Cash App users in several ways:
* Block's sign-up process was designed to be fast and frictionless, with minimal identity verification. That made it easy for fraudsters to create accounts, not just legitimate users.
* For years, Cash App had no phone support. Users who needed help could only message through the app or on social media. People who got locked out--or just wanted to talk to someone--searched online for a phone number and often ended up calling fake 1-800 numbers run by scammers posing as Cash App. Those scammers would then take over accounts or drain users' other financial accounts. Block knew this was happening and didn't warn users or set up a real phone line until years later.
* Block ran a social media promotion called Cash App Fridays, encouraging users to publicly post their $cashtag--a unique Cash App identifier--for a chance to win a weekly prize. Fraudsters would then contact those users, tell them they'd won, and trick them into handing over their login information. Block knew about these scams and kept running the promotion anyway.
Block's failure to provide adequate customer service and to fulfill its promise to protect users from fraud had real consequences for real people. Users who experience automated account locks for suspicious transactions were frequently locked out of their accounts for weeks without a way to access their money. Victims of fraud through the app were often left with no recourse because delays made it impossible to get stolen money back from scammers and because Block failed to investigate unauthorized transactions and failed to issue refunds when required by law.
Under the settlement, Block has agreed to implement and maintain responsible practices to resolve these issues, including to:
* Maintain customer support that can resolve fraud complaints, account lockouts, and other problems;
* Offer live support 24 hours a day, with a human available by phone at least 13.5 hours a day and by live chat at least 18 hours a day;
* Stop making false or misleading claims about Cash App's safety and how it protects users from fraud;
* Discontinue marketing practices known to increase fraud on the platform;
* Directly educate consumers about common types of fraud; and
* Fulfill its legal obligations to investigate fraud claims and reimburse users for unauthorized transactions.
In addition to Attorney General Davenport, this settlement was joined by the attorneys general of Oregon and Texas, which led the investigation, as well as Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Dakota, Tennessee, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
Deputy Attorneys General Ethan B. Rubin and Mehnaz Rahim, under the supervision of Data Privacy & Cybersecurity Section Chief Thomas Huynh and Assistant Attorney General Kashif T. Chand, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law, represent the State in the matter. Investigator Aziza Salikhova of the Office of Consumer Protection within the Division of Consumer Affairs conducted the investigation.
Complaint (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-0708_NJ-Cash-App-Draft-Complaint_FINAL.pdf)
Consent Judgment (https://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-0708_New-Jersey-Cash-App-NJ-Consent-Judgment-FINAL-v2.1-ER-signed.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/ag-davenport-announces-bipartisan-settlement-with-tech-company-block-inc-for-allegedly-misleading-consumers-and-failing-to-protect-them-from-fraud/
Md. A.G. Office: Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in June Fatal Police-Involved Collision in Harford County
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 9 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in June Fatal Police-Involved Collision in Harford County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today announced a delay in the release of the body-worn camera footage of the fatal police-involved collision that occurred on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Belcamp, Harford County, Maryland.
The delay in the release of the footage is the result of additional time needed to
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 9 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Body-Worn Camera Footage Release Delayed in June Fatal Police-Involved Collision in Harford County
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General today announced a delay in the release of the body-worn camera footage of the fatal police-involved collision that occurred on Tuesday, June 9, 2026, in Belcamp, Harford County, Maryland.
The delay in the release of the footage is the result of additional time needed toconfirm the identity of the decedent and to conduct interviews.
Per IID protocols, "The IID will generally release body-worn and/or dashboard camera footage within 20 business days after the incident. There may be situations where more than 20 business days are necessary, including, but not limited to: investigators needing more time to complete witness interviews; technical delays caused by the need to redact information that raises privacy or safety concerns; or allowing family members or subject officers to view the video before it is released to the public.
There may also be situations where the IID releases video sooner than 20 days where there is a substantial public interest in doing so. If the release of video is delayed, the IID will notify the public there's been a delay and state the reason for the delay."
To read the original news release, click here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/Pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Fatal-Police-Involved-Collision-in-Harford-County--.aspx
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Original text here: https://www.marylandattorneygeneral.gov/Pages/News/All-News.aspx
Creating Jobs in Berks County: Pa. Gov. Shapiro Secures $20.3 Million Investment From Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to Expand Operations, Creating 42 New Jobs
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 9 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Creating Jobs in Berks County: Governor Shapiro Secures $20.3 Million Investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to Expand Operations, Creating 42 New Jobs
The Commonwealth is investing $500,000 to support the thermoplastics manufacturer's expansion in the City of Reading.
Today's announcement shows the Shapiro Administration's strategy to drive economic growth in Pennsylvania, create jobs, and position the Commonwealth as a national leader in manufacturing
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 9 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Creating Jobs in Berks County: Governor Shapiro Secures $20.3 Million Investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials to Expand Operations, Creating 42 New Jobs
The Commonwealth is investing $500,000 to support the thermoplastics manufacturer's expansion in the City of Reading.
Today's announcement shows the Shapiro Administration's strategy to drive economic growth in Pennsylvania, create jobs, and position the Commonwealth as a national leader in manufacturingis working.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro and his Administration have competed for and won over $41 billion in private sector investments that are creating more than 24,000 new jobs and driving economic growth across Pennsylvania.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced the Shapiro Administration has secured a $20.3 million investment from Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials Inc. to expand operations in Berks County. The Commonwealth is investing $500,000 in the project, which will create 42 new jobs within the next three years and retain 441 existing, full-time positions in Pennsylvania.
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, a leading global manufacturer of high-performance thermoplastics and composites, is expanding its operations at 2120 Fairmount Avenue in Reading through renovations to its existing site, construction of an adjacent facility, and the installation of new machinery and equipment to support the manufacturing of specialty engineering thermoplastics and composites.
"Mitsubishi's decision to double-down on Pennsylvania and expand their operations here is going to create more opportunity in Berks County - and it's another reminder that we're making real progress on growth and economic development," said Governor Shapiro. "My Administration is committed to investing in our talented, skilled workforce, cutting red tape, eliminating permit backlogs, and creating shovel-ready sites for companies that want to move or expand in Pennsylvania. We are going to continue to make these types of strategic investments in economic growth to support Pennsylvania businesses and workers and keep our Commonwealth moving forward."
Coordinated by the Governor's BusinessPA team, Mitsubishi Chemical received a funding proposal from the Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) for a $500,000 Pennsylvania First grant.
DCED Secretary Rick Siger visited the Reading facility today, to help celebrate the company's expansion.
"Pennsylvania is securing major manufacturing investments because the Shapiro Administration makes it easier for companies to succeed here," said Secretary Siger. "Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Material's expansion in the City of Reading is creating new job opportunities, strengthening Pennsylvania's manufacturing sector, and reinforcing the Commonwealth's reputation as a great place to do business."
Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials, a subsidiary of Tokyo, Japan-based Mitsubishi Chemical Group, manufactures high-performance thermoplastics and composites for a wide range of applications and industries. The company specializes in the production, processing, and application of engineering plastics and innovative composite materials.
"This investment reflects Mitsubishi Chemical's long-term commitment to Pennsylvania and expanding advanced manufacturing in the region," said Daniel Barish, President of Mitsubishi Chemicals Advanced Materials Inc., Americas. "By establishing a Center of Excellence for the extrusion of general and advanced engineering plastics, we are strengthening our innovation capabilities while creating high-quality jobs and new opportunities for local communities. We appreciate the partnership with the Commonwealth and look forward to contributing to sustained economic growth across the region."
"Mitsubishi Chemical's continued investment in Reading sends a strong statement about confidence in our city, our workforce, and our future," said Mayor Eddie Moran. "The creation of 42 new jobs and retention of hundreds more strengthens our local economy and reinforces Reading as a place where industries can continue to grow and succeed. We are proud of Mitsubishi Chemical's commitment to expanding its presence here and grateful for their partnership in building opportunities for our community."
"Mitsubishi Chemical Advanced Materials' expansion reflects its ongoing commitment to the City of Reading and Berks County and reinforces the strength of our manufacturing sector and workforce," said Aaron Gantz, Vice-President of Economic Development and Strategy, Greater Reading Chamber Alliance. "Investments like this position Greater Reading as a destination for manufacturing growth and success. We value the Commonwealth's partnership in supporting projects that create opportunity and are proud to collaborate with companies investing in our region's economic future."
"Mitsubishi Chemical's decision to expand its operations in Reading is a strong vote of confidence in our community and its workforce. This continued commitment to our area shows the value they see in our people and our local economy," said Senator Judy Schwank, PA's 11th Senatorial District. "At the state level, we remain focused on creating an environment that supports business growth and encourages companies to invest and thrive here in Pennsylvania."
"Mitsubishi Chemical's continued investment in Reading is a tremendous vote of confidence in our community, our workforce, and Berks County's future," said Representative Jacklyn Rusnock, PA's 126th House District. "This expansion will help strengthen our local economy, create new opportunities, and reinforce Pennsylvania's reputation as a great place to grow innovative manufacturing."
Governor Shapiro's Economic Development Strategy is a targeted plan designed to help Pennsylvania win and become a national leader in economic development, innovation, and job creation. Manufacturing is one of the key industries outlined in the strategy that will help Pennsylvania build on its competitive advantages and create real opportunity for Pennsylvanians.
Shapiro Administration's Progress to Grow Pennsylvania's Workforce and Strengthen the Economy
From day one, Governor Shapiro has been laser-focused on delivering results for the people of Pennsylvania -- and it's working.
In every corner of the Commonwealth, businesses are expanding and creating real opportunities for Pennsylvanians -- from Ezeflow in Lawrence County, Nokia in Lehigh County, Kurt J. Lesker in Allegheny and Centre Counties, Vylor in Delaware County, Bonduelle in Philadelphia, Mondi Bags in Allegheny County, WebFX in Harrisburg, Premier Brands of America in Lackawanna County, John Brothers Holdings in Union County, TerraPower Isotopes in Philadelphia, Schreiber Foods in Cumberland County, Berwick Industries in Columbia County, Johnson & Johnson in Montgomery County, Eli Lilly in Lehigh County, Eurofins in Lancaster County, Calgon Carbon Corporation in Pittsburgh, DrinkPAK in Philadelphia, Farm Plast in Lycoming County, US Durum in Dauphin County, 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 Earning National Recognition
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has made Pennsylvania more competitive -- attracting over $41 billion in private-sector investment while creating more than 24,000 good-paying jobs across the Commonwealth and earning national recognition.
* Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy, based on analysis done by Moody's Analytics Chief Economist Mark Zandi.
* Last year, according to a new analysis of data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the Commonwealth ranked third in the nation for job growth.
* 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 named Pennsylvania one of the top business climates in the nation.
The Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget builds on this momentum by investing in long-term economic growth and ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win. The Pennsylvania First Program, which connects businesses with trained workers and supports job retention and capital investments, will receive an additional $10 million in the Governor's proposed budget, for a total of $38 million.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
Read the Governor's 2026-27 proposed budget in brief here (https://www.pa.gov/content/dam/copapwp-pagov/en/budget/documents/publications-and-reports/commonwealthbudget/2026-27-budget-documents/2026-27%20budget%20in%20brief.final.web.v.2.pdf).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/creating-jobs--gov-shapiro-secures--20-3-million-investment-from
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments on July 8, 2026
SACRAMENTO, California, July 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.8.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Amy Tong, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the Scholarshare Investment Board. Tong has been Partner and Chair of the Emerging Tech and AI Group at Ballard Partners since 2026. She was Senior Counselor to the Governor in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2025 to 2026. Tong was the Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency from 2022 to
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 9 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.8.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Amy Tong, of Elk Grove, has been appointed to the Scholarshare Investment Board. Tong has been Partner and Chair of the Emerging Tech and AI Group at Ballard Partners since 2026. She was Senior Counselor to the Governor in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2025 to 2026. Tong was the Secretary of the California Government Operations Agency from 2022 to2025. She was Director of the California Office of Digital Innovation in 2022. Tong was Director of the California Department of Technology from 2016 to 2021. She was Chief Deputy Director of the Office of Systems Integration and Agency Chief Information Officer at the California Health and Human Services Agency from 2014 to 2016. Tong was Deputy Director and Chief Information Officer at the California State Lottery from 2012 to 2014. She was Chief Technology Officer at the Department of Tax and Fee Administration from 2011 to 2012. Tong was Chief of the Data Center at the California Public Employees' Retirement System from 2008 to 2011. She is a Member of the California Racial Equity Commission. Tong earned a Master of Business Administration degree and Bachelor of Science degree in Management Information Systems from California State University, Sacramento. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Tong is registered without party preference.
Brandy Buenafe, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Library Services Board. Buenafe has been Principal Librarian at California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation since 2014. She was a Senior Librarian at Pleasant Valley State Prison from 2012 to 2014. Buenafe was a Librarian at Corcoran State Prison from 2007 to 2012. She is a member of the Board of Directors of the California Library Association. Buenafe earned a Master of Business Administration in Organizational Leadership degree from National University, a Master of Library and Information Science degree from California State University, San Jose and a Bachelor of Arts degree in History from University of California, Santa Cruz. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Buenafe is a Democrat.
Claire Zurcher-Hamm, of Three Rivers, has been appointed to the California Library Services Board. Zurcher-Hamm has been Director at Tulare County Public Law Library since 2024, where she was a Research Assistant from 2022 to 2024. She is a Secretary of the Academy of Law and Justice Advisory Committee at Visalia Unified School District and member of the Council of California County Law Libraries, Northern California Association of Law Libraries, American Association of Law Libraries and Tulare County Bar Association. Zurcher-Hamm earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Rhetoric from University of California, Berkeley. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Zurcher-Hamm is a Democrat.
Nancy Pacheco, of Woodland, has been appointed to the California Library Services Board. Pacheco has been Outreach Specialist II at Yolo Reads of Yolo County Library since 2019, where she was a Bilingual Library Assistant at Ready for Kindergarten from 2016 to 2019. She was an Advocate Support Specialist at Yolo Court Appointed Special Advocate from 2014 to 2016. Pacheco is the President of the Northern California Literacy Coalition, the Northern California Representative of Youth Services Interest Group of the California Library Association, and Vice President of Literacy Interest Group of the California Library Association. She earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from California State University, San Jose, a Master of Arts degree in Sociology from California State University, Long Beach and a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology from University of California, Davis. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and there is no compensation. Pacheco is a Democrat.
Starla Villalba, of Covina, has been appointed to the California Library Services Board. Villalba has been an Adult Services Librarian for the City of Ontario since 2023. She was a Library Assistant for the City of Ontario from 2022 to 2023. Villalba was a Sales Assistance at Encore Fruit Marketing from 2014 to 2022. She is Chair of the California Library Association's Adult Services Interest Group and Co-Founder and Co-Chair of the California Library Association's All Abilities Interest Group. Villalba earned a Master of Library and Information Science degree from Syracuse University, and a Bachelor of Business Administration degree in Business Management from the University of Phoenix. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Villalba is a Democrat.
Giselle Luevanos, of Escondido, has been appointed to the California Library Services Board. Luevanos has been Senior Director of Communications and Marketing at California State University, San Marcos since 2023. Luevanos held several positions at Associated Students, San Diego State University from 2019 to 2023, including Government Affairs and Communications Director and Associate Director of Marketing and Communications. She was Director of Marketing and Digital Media at San Diego State University from 2013 to 2019. Luevanos is a Trustee of the Escondido Public Library. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Journalism from the University of Missouri-Columbia and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Journalism from California State University, San Diego. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Luevanos is registered with no party preference.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/08/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-7-8-2026/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Secures Right-to-Repair Win for Arizona Farmers in Settlement With Deere & Co.
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Right-to-Repair Win for Arizona Farmers in Settlement with Deere & Co.
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that her office, together with the Federal Trade Commission and the states of Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, has reached a settlement with Deere & Company resolving allegations that the agricultural equipment giant illegally restricted farmers' and independent repair shops' ability to fix their own tractors and other
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 9 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 8, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Secures Right-to-Repair Win for Arizona Farmers in Settlement with Deere & Co.
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that her office, together with the Federal Trade Commission and the states of Illinois, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Michigan, has reached a settlement with Deere & Company resolving allegations that the agricultural equipment giant illegally restricted farmers' and independent repair shops' ability to fix their own tractors and otherfarm equipment.
"For too long, Arizona farmers and independent mechanics have been at the mercy of Deere's monopoly over repair tools, forced to wait -- and pay -- for authorized dealers just to fix broken tractors and other equipment," Attorney General Mayes said. "This settlement puts control back where it belongs: in the hands of the people who own the equipment. I am proud to have brought this lawsuit on behalf of Arizona farmers."
Under the terms of the stipulated order, filed today in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, Deere is required to make diagnostic and repair tools available to equipment owners and independent repair providers on fair and reasonable terms -- resources that until now were largely reserved for Deere's own authorized dealer network.
The order also bars Deere dealers from discriminating or retaliating against owners and repair providers who choose to fix their own equipment rather than pay for Deere's repair services.
Under the terms of the stipulated order settling the lawsuit, Deere will be required to:
* Make available to farmers and independent repair providers, on fair and reasonable terms, repair resources equivalent to those Deere now makes available to Deere dealers including:
- Reading, clearing and resetting electronic fault codes;
- Reprogramming of electronic components (including "pairing" newly installed electronic parts with equipment);
- Restarting a machine following an emissions-related shutdown (commonly referred to as "limp mode"); and
- Viewing and searching technical manuals, troubleshooting solutions (including so-called "product improvement programs" and "DTAC solutions") and other guidance and information useful for equipment diagnosis, maintenance, repair or upgrade.
* Make available to farmers and independent repair providers any future repair resources that are similar or reasonably necessary for repairs, once Deere makes them available to over 50 percent of its authorized dealer network in the United States;
* Instruct its authorized dealers to promote the availability of these repair resources and support their use, and not to discriminate or retaliate against any farmers or independent repair providers who purchase or use such resources rather than dealer repair services; and
* Provide notice to the public, to Deere's farmer and independent repair provider customers and to its authorized dealers information about the stipulated order and the availability of Deere's repair resources.
Deere will also be subject to strict reporting and oversight requirements to ensure its compliance with the stipulated order. The term of the order is 10 years and may be extended if Deere violates its terms.
A copy of the settlement (https://us.list-manage.com/D3Q5hTwUjGg?e=9153ff6c96&c2id=9a759fc70c6d734a91a2647ef652fab2) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-secures-right-repair-win-arizona-farmers-settlement-deere
