Featured Stories
N.M. A.G. Torrez Talks With Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robust
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Sept. 19 -- New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Raul Torrez Talks with Las Cruces Residents About Keeping Kids Safe Online
September 18, 2026
Las Cruces, NM - The third stop on New Mexico Attorney General Raul Torrez's "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" took place this week as the AG visited Las Cruces where he met with families, students and organizations to discuss his accomplishments on keeping kids safe in New Mexico. The AG also highlighted his legislative proposals for the upcoming session, which will include robustprotections for kids and consumers. Additionally, he welcomed feedback directly from the community at a public town hall held Wednesday night at the Dona Ana Community College where he was joined by State Senator Carrie Hamblen.
While in Las Cruces, Attorney General Torrez visited with New Mexico State University's (NMSU) "Humans 4 Humans" student organization, which is dedicated to raising awareness of human trafficking in New Mexico. He also met with FYI+, an expansive organization and network in the community that provides young, at-risk New Mexicans with resources, housing and more as they exit difficult family situations or the foster care system.
"I am grateful to everyone in the Las Cruces community who took the time to share their experiences, their concerns and the work they are doing to support New Mexico's young people," said Attorney General Raul Torrez. "From students raising awareness about human trafficking to educators, parents and community organizations working to give young people the support they need, I heard firsthand about both the challenges facing families and the solutions that are making a difference. These conversations will help inform our efforts to advance meaningful legislation that protects children and consumers, supports families and strengthens communities across New Mexico."
Additionally, Attorney General Torrez was able to meet with NMSU President Valerio Ferme to recognize the University for implementing all of the recommendations made by the New Mexico Department of Justice to combat hazing on college campuses.
This third stop on his "Keeping Kids Safe Tour" followed the first two in Farmington and Gallup. The AG's next visit will be in the northern part of our state near the end of the month.
* * *
Original text here: https://nmdoj.gov/press-release/attorney-general-raul-torrez-talks-with-las-cruces-residents-about-keeping-kids-safe-online/
Md. A.G. Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of millions of commercial
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Secures Preliminary Injunction Blocking Trump Administration's Unlawful Demand of CDL Drivers' Personal Information
9/18/2026
BALTIMORE, MD - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and a coalition of 24 attorneys general announced a U.S. District Court judge granted a preliminary injunction that blocks the Trump administration from demanding the production of a database of state-owned records containing the sensitive personal information of millions of commercialdriver's license (CDL) drivers and from terminating more than $10 million in federal funding to the American Association of Motor Vehicle Administrators (AAMVA) if it refuses to produce the database.
"Marylanders' personal data, including their Social Security numbers, cannot be seized by the federal government without lawful justification," said Attorney General Brown. "Today's ruling stops this unlawful demand and protects millions of drivers while litigation continues."
In August, Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) and the Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA), which is an administration of the DOT, and AAMVA, as well as an additional related lawsuit against the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). The lawsuits claim the DOT, FMCSA, and DHS are violating multiple federal privacy laws by secretly setting up their own database with records extorted from AAMVA, with no guardrails on the use or sharing of drivers' Social Security numbers and other personal information, and no notice to the public.
Just a week after Attorney General Brown and the coalition filed the lawsuits, the court issued a temporary restraining order, blocking the administration from obtaining this sensitive information while the court considered and ruled on the coalition's motion for a preliminary injunction. The preliminary injunction blocks the demand as Attorney General Brown and the attorneys general continue to litigate the ongoing case.
Joining Attorney General Brown in filing these lawsuits are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington and Wisconsin, as well as the states of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-Preliminary-Injunction-Blocking-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-Unlawful-Demand-of-CDL-Drivers%e2%80%99-Perso.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Permanently Blocks Trump Administration's SNAP Penalties
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Permanently Blocks Trump Administration's SNAP Penalties
Multistate Lawsuit Also Secures Ruling that Lawful Permanent Residents Remain Eligible for Food Assistance
-
BALTIMORE, MD (September 18, 2026) - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon has permanently blocked the Trump administration from penalizing states, including Maryland, with steep fines tied to their administration
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Brown Permanently Blocks Trump Administration's SNAP Penalties
Multistate Lawsuit Also Secures Ruling that Lawful Permanent Residents Remain Eligible for Food Assistance
-
BALTIMORE, MD (September 18, 2026) - Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a federal judge in the U.S. District Court for the District of Oregon has permanently blocked the Trump administration from penalizing states, including Maryland, with steep fines tied to their administrationof the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP).
The ruling makes permanent a preliminary injunction the court issued in December 2025 and goes further: the judge sided with Maryland and the coalition on every claim, striking down both the administration's fine-triggering deadline and its guidance restricting food assistance for lawful permanent residents.
In November 2025, Attorney General Brown and a coalition of 21 other attorneys general sued the Trump administration after it moved to cut off SNAP benefits for tens of thousands of lawful permanent residents and set a retroactive deadline that put states at risk of paying hundreds of millions of dollars in penalties.
The administration later reversed its position on eligibility for lawful permanent residents but continued to argue that states owed fines for missing a "grace period" that, in practice, had already expired before the administration finished issuing guidance on the changes.
The court found that the administration's deadline was unlawful and arbitrary, and that the administration's guidance improperly excluded certain lawful permanent residents, including former refugees and people granted asylum, from food assistance they are legally entitled to receive. In addition, the court found that the administration's deadline was unlawful as it related to other changes to SNAP eligibility calculations from the One Big Bill Act.
The decision makes it clear that:
* States cannot be penalized under the unlawful deadline the administration tried to impose; and
* The standard five-year waiting period for SNAP does not apply to lawful permanent residents who were previously refugees, asylees, or other humanitarian immigrants.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Permanently-Blocks-Trump-Administration%e2%80%99s-SNAP-Penalties.aspx
MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 19 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
* * *
MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
9/18/2026
BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued two Demands for Payment of Stipulated Penalty to Brice Estates, Inc., totaling $151,000, for failure to comply with a May 2026 Administrative Consent Order with Penalty. The Order required the company to address Wetlands Protection Act and Clean Waters Act violations that occurred during the
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, Sept. 19 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release:
* * *
MassDEP Penalizes Rutland Developer for Wetlands and Stormwater Violations
9/18/2026
BOSTON -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection (MassDEP) has issued two Demands for Payment of Stipulated Penalty to Brice Estates, Inc., totaling $151,000, for failure to comply with a May 2026 Administrative Consent Order with Penalty. The Order required the company to address Wetlands Protection Act and Clean Waters Act violations that occurred during theconstruction of the Brice Estates subdivision in Rutland.
"Consent orders impose enforceable requirements to correct violations and return to compliance, and entities that disregard those requirements can face significant civil administrative penalties," said John Beling, director of MassDEP's Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Poorly managed construction sites and neglected stormwater systems can cause serious and unnecessary impacts to our natural resources. Those responsible have an obligation to comply with environmental laws, and we will hold them accountable when they fail to do so."
Brice Estates agreed to the original consent order's requirements to restore and replicate altered wetland resource areas and protect wetland resource areas -- including those within watershed areas -- from erosion, sedimentation and alteration caused by construction or precipitation events. While the company met some of the obligations of the order, MassDEP identified several subsequent violations, including multiple failures to maintain an appropriate standard of care during work resulting in the discharge of sediment into wetlands; failure to manage and repair erosion and sedimentation controls; failure to complete wetland replication and restoration by the agreed-upon deadline; and failure to provide MassDEP with documentation related to the maintenance and inspection of the stormwater management system by the agreed-upon deadline.
* * *
Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection
MassDEP's mission is to protect and enhance the Commonwealth's natural resources - air, water, and land - to provide for the health, safety, and welfare of all people, and to ensure a clean and safe environment for future generations. In carrying out this mission MassDEP commits to address and advance environmental justice and equity for all people of the Commonwealth, provide meaningful, inclusive opportunities for people to participate in agency decisions that affect their lives; and ensure a diverse workforce that reflects the communities we serve.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-penalizes-rutland-developer-for-wetlands-and-stormwater-violations
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Summer 2026
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news:
* * *
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Summer 2026
September 18, 2026
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action on alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from June through August of this year. During the summer months, individuals were charged for violations including illegal commercial crabbing and clamming operations, weapons charges, fishing violations, crimes on public lands, wildlife violations, and other offenses.
Baltimore Man Faces $5,000 in Fines
... Show Full Article
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Sept. 19 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news:
* * *
Maryland Natural Resources Police Report: Summer 2026
September 18, 2026
The Maryland Natural Resources Police took action on alleged violations of criminal and natural resource laws from June through August of this year. During the summer months, individuals were charged for violations including illegal commercial crabbing and clamming operations, weapons charges, fishing violations, crimes on public lands, wildlife violations, and other offenses.
Baltimore Man Faces $5,000 in FinesAfter Spearing Bass, Trout
On June 11, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on patrol at Gunpowder Falls State Park observed an individual actively spearfishing in Big Gunpowder Falls near Glen Arm.
Officers determined the man - a 32-year-old from Baltimore City - did not have a fishing license, and had already harvested one largemouth bass and one rainbow trout. He was issued citations for possession of undersized largemouth bass, possession of largemouth bass during closed season, harvesting bass with projectile equipment, fishing without a license, and targeting trout without a trout stamp. The fish were seized by officers, and the man faces a maximum of $5,000 in total fines if found guilty.
Man Charged For Illegal Oystering at Point Lookout State Park
On June 13, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on patrol at Point Lookout State Park observed an individual harvesting oysters. Officers noted the recreational season closed March 31 and made contact with the individual.
During the inspection, officers found the man - a 40-year-old from Takoma Park - in possession of 45 oysters. Officers seized the oysters and returned them to the bar where they were harvested. The man was subsequently issued one citation for oystering during the closed season, punishable by a maximum $1,000 fine for a first offense.
Dorchester County Waterman Found With More Than 200 Undersized Crabs
On June 15, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of Fishing Bay Wildlife Management Area in Dorchester County observed a commercial vessel being loaded onto a trailer after returning from harvesting crabs.
Officers conducted a commercial inspection, finding 179 undersized crabs in one bushel basket, 45 undersized crabs in another bushel, and nine undersized crabs in a third bushel, varied between males and immature females. The vessel's operator - a 57-year-old Church Creek man - was subsequently issued citations for the undersized crabs, failing to keep male and female crabs separate, failure to produce certificate number, failure to carry operational flares, and failing to have ID numbers visible on the vessel. The man faces a maximum of $6,000 in fines if found guilty. All undersized crabs were seized and returned to the Transquaking River.
Commercial Razor Clam Vessels Found Dredging in Protected Aquatic Grasses
On June 20, Maryland Natural Resources were notified of multiple commercial clamming vessels operating inside Blackwalnut Cove in Talbot County, an area designated as a submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) zone reserved for protection from uprooting and the restoration of underwater grasses.
Officers conducted surveillance of the two vessels, including measuring their proximity to fixed markers, SAV markers, and buoys to confirm their presence within the SAV zone. Department of Natural Resources hydrographers confirmed the measurements and determined the vessels both operated within the SAV area. The vessel's operators - a 29-year-old Tilighman man and a 20-year-old Wittman man - were each issued one citation for using a hydraulic clam dredge in a SAV protection zone, a must appear offense punishable by up to $1,000 for a first offense.
Street Turtle Vendor Shut Down in Baltimore
On June 26, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were notified of an individual selling turtles in Baltimore. Officers responded and found a man selling red eared slider turtles, all of which had a carapace length of less than four inches, which is prohibited in Maryland.
Officers seized 35 turtles from the man - a 38-year-old from Philadelphia - and charged him with offering to sell turtles with a carapace length less than four inches, punishable by a maximum $1,500 in fines. The officers determined the man was wanted for active warrants through multiple agencies, and was taken into custody by Baltimore Police.
After Hours Activity at High Rock Overlook Leads to Weapons Charges
On July 15, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of South Mountain State Park in the area of the High Rock Overlook observed a vehicle parked in an area posted as closed after sunset. Officers conducted a stop of the vehicle, finding two occupants.
The vehicle's driver - a 21-year-old man from Falls Church, Va. - admitted to possessing a loaded handgun and did not have a concealed carry permit. He was issued charges for driving on a suspended license, failure to provide insurance and registration, entering an area closed after sunset, and illegal possession of a firearm. The man faces up to 21 years imprisonment and/or a maximum of $11,500 in fines if convicted on all charges.
Stevensville Waterman Caught Clamming in Submerged Aquatic Vegetation Protection Zone
On July 21, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were notified of a commercial clamming vessel operating inside Claiborne Cove in Talbot County, an area designated as a submerged aquatic vegetation (SAV) zone.
Officers conducted surveillance of the vessel, including measuring the vessel's proximity to fixed markers, SAV markers, and buoys to confirm its presence within the SAV zone. DNR hydrographers confirmed the measurements and determined the vessel operated inside the SAV area. The vessel's operator - a 71-year-old Stevensville man - was issued one citation for using a hydraulic clam dredge in a SAV protection zone, a must appear offense punishable by up to $1,000 for a first offense.
Baltimore Trio Charged For Illegally Firing Weapons at Gunpowder Falls State Park
On July 26, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers responded to Gunpowder Falls State Park Hammerman Area for a report of shots fired and a group of individuals seen armed with rifles on a park trail. Upon arrival, officers found three men, ages 26, 19, and 18, all of whom were from Baltimore City.
Officers located various firearms and ammunition, including a 9mm Glock handgun, a 9mm Century Arms semiautomatic pistol, and a .223-Caliber Ruger semiautomatic rifle. Spent casings were later located near park trails where the individuals were found. Each of the individuals were charged with illegal carrying of a handgun, illegal possession of a loaded handgun, reckless endangerment, and possession of a weapon in a state park. Each faces a maximum of 25 years imprisonment and/or $15,000 in maximum fines if found guilty on all charges.
Harford County Man Charged After Shooting Groundhogs From Pickup Truck
On July 29, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were dispatched to a call for service involving a landowner shooting at wildlife in Harford County. Officers arrived at the incident after a neighbor reported a residence being struck by possible gunfire.
Arriving officers found the individual in question - a 67-year-old Forest Hill man - who admitted to shooting at groundhogs from his vehicle. Officers issued charges including shooting from a roadway and possessing a loaded weapon in a vehicle, each of which carries a $1,500 maximum fine for a first offense if found guilty.
Over-Capacity Jon Boat Leads to Recreational Crabbing Harvest Violations
On July 29, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of the Slaughter Creek area of Dorchester County performed an inspection of a recreational vessel actively crabbing via trotline on a Wednesday, which is prohibited.
Upon further inspection, officers observed various violations, including having six persons aboard a vessel rated for a maximum capacity of five. Officers also found 61 undersized male blue crabs. A 24-year-old Denton man was issued citations for crabbing recreationally on a Wednesday and possession of undersized crabs, punishable by $2,000 in maximum fines. Additionally, a 30-year-old male from Bridgeville, Del. was cited for crabbing recreationally on a Wednesday, possession of undersized crabs, exceeding vessel passenger capacity, and failure to mark buoys with identifying information, punishable by a total of $3,500 in maximum fines.
Unregistered Camper Charged With Firearms, Alcohol Violations at Gambrill State Park
On July 31, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers responded to a call for assistance with an individual who was injured from a fall in Gambrill State Park in Frederick County. Officers and emergency medical personnel located the victim who had fallen from a makeshift campsite near a rock ledge, also finding multiple bottles of alcoholic spirits and two loaded handguns.
Officers determined the man - a 58-year-old from York, Pa. - was camping in the park without a permit and had consumed alcohol, which is prohibited on park property. He was issued charges for camping without a permit, possession of alcohol in a prohibited area, possession of a weapon in a state park, and illegal possession of a loaded handgun without a concealed carry permit. The man faces up to 10 years imprisonment and/or up to $6,500 in maximum fines if found guilty on all counts.
Officers Cite Recreational Crabber Using Commercial Gear to Harvest Crabs
On July 31, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of the Big Annemessex River in Somerset County performed a commercial inspection of a vessel harvesting crabs with a crab scrape.
Upon inspection of the vessel, the operator - a 74-year-old man from Marion Station - was found to be operating commercial gear without a commercial license. The man admitted to possessing a recreational license, which does not allow for crabs to be harvested using commercial gear. He was issued one citation for failure to obtain a tidal fish license for commercial activity, punishable by a $1,000 maximum fine.
Halethorpe Man Cited For Eight Cast-Netting Related Offenses in Patapsco Valley State Park
On August 11, Maryland Natural Resources Police Officers on patrol at Patapsco Valley State Park observed an individual cast netting in the tidal portion of the Patapsco River, near the entrance of the Avalon area.
Upon making contact with the man - a 43-year-old from Halethorpe - officers found him to have 150 total fish in possession, consisting of striped bass, smallmouth bass, bluegill, suckers, and baitfish. He was issued charges for fishing without an anglers license, possessing striped bass during the closed season, possessing undersized striped bass, possessing fish in need of conservation, exceeding the smallmouth bass daily creel limit, possessing undersized smallmouth bass, and fishing for smallmouth bass with a cast net. All fish were seized and donated to Frisky's Wildlife Sanctuary to feed injured raptors.
Commercial Crabbers Caught With Eleven Bushels Over The Limit
On August 18, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of the Sassafras River observed a commercial vessel actively harvesting crabs and attempted to conduct a commercial fisheries inspection. Upon moving closer to the vessel, officers witnessed individuals on board dumping bushels of crabs overboard.
Officers then performed an inspection, counting 15 bushels of crabs in possession and another four bushels which were dumped overboard. The operator - a 22 year-old Earleville man - possessed a license allowing for eight bushels, putting the crew over their daily limit by 11 bushels. He was issued a citation for exceeding the limit of commercial catch, punishable by a $1,000 maximum fine for a first offense.
Illegal Bowfishing Service Busted For Unlicensed Charters In Gunpowder River
On August 22, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on patrol of the Gunpowder River in Harford County conducted an inspection of a bowfishing charter service after increasing reports of illegal and unlicensed charter services operating throughout Maryland.
After conducting an inspection, officers determined the operator - a 58-year-old from Joppa - failed to have a valid fishing guide license and a U.S. Coast Guard Captains License. Charters are required to possess both licenses and meet all safety requirements for commercial vessels. The operator was subsequently cited for failing to display navigation lights, failure to possess a U.S. Coast Guard license, failure to obtain a federal commercial license in tidal waters, and operating as an unlicensed commercial fishing guide. The man faces $3,500 in maximum potential fines if found guilty of all charges.
Individuals interested in booking licensed guide services should always ask for proof of a Maryland DNR-issued fishing guide license, U.S. Coast Guard Captains License, and certification of vessel safety requirements met/exceeded. These extra steps that licensed guides must go through are put in place to keep everyone safe for an enjoyable trip on the water.
Officers Catch Nighttime Striped Bass Poachers During August Closure
On August 22, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol in Cambridge observed a group of individuals loading a vessel onto a trailer at a public boat ramp which accesses the Choptank River. While conducting a routine inspection of the boat, officers observed coolers and buckets containing fish.
Upon further inspection, officers discovered six striped bass, 13 undersized male blue crabs, and 10 female blue crabs. The individuals - a 29-year-old Silver Spring man, a 31-year-old Hyattsville woman, and a 40-year-old Brentwood man - admitted to knowing striped bass could not be possessed or targeted during the August closure and were issued citations for illegal possession of striped bass, targeting striped bass out of season, catching undersized blue crabs, recreational possession of female crabs, and additional violations. The crabs were returned to the Choptank River, while the striped bass were donated to the Tuckahoe State Park aviary.
Ocean City Vacationer Charged After Viral Video Shows Him Capturing Gull From Vehicle
On August 25, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers were notified of a trending social media video of an individual capturing a herring gull from a vehicle in Ocean City on August 16. Herring gulls are a protected species under the federal Migratory Bird Treaty Act, which prohibits capture and possession of protected migratory bird species without a permit.
Officers identified the individual in the video as a 26-year-old man from Callaway and issued one citation for illegal possession of wild birds, punishable by a maximum $1,500 possible fine.
Officers Seize More Than 100 Fish From Man Caught Cast-Netting on Patapsco River
On August 29, Maryland Natural Resources Police officers on routine patrol of Patapsco Valley State Park in the Avalon area observed an individual fishing with a cast net in the non-tidal portion of the Patapsco River.
Officers made contact with the individual, who admitted to possessing 119 total fish including sunfish, smallmouth bass, yellow perch, suckers, fallfish, and baitfish. The man - a 34-year-old from Beltsville - then told officers he did not possess a fishing license. He was subsequently issued 11 citations totaling $11,000 in maximum potential fines if found guilty. All the fish were seized by officers and donated to Frisky's Wildlife Sanctuary to feed injured raptors.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2026/09/18/maryland-natural-resources-police-report-summer-2026/
Maine State Sen. Ingwersen Earns Score of 100% From Maine Women's Lobby
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
* * *
Sen. Ingwersen earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Ingwersen
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature.
"Whenever I take a vote on a bill, I think about my wife, daughters and granddaughters," said Sen. Ingwersen. "I have a duty to vote to support them so that they have the same rights
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Sept. 19 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel:
* * *
Sen. Ingwersen earns score of 100% from Maine Women's Lobby
September 18, 2026 | Senator Ingwersen
AUGUSTA -- Sen. Henry Ingwersen, D-Arundel, earned a perfect score from the Maine Women's Lobby for votes during the Second Regular Session of the 132nd Maine Legislature.
"Whenever I take a vote on a bill, I think about my wife, daughters and granddaughters," said Sen. Ingwersen. "I have a duty to vote to support them so that they have the same rightsand opportunities as anyone else. It is critical that we preserve the progress we've made so far."
Sen. Ingwersen has been an outspoken advocate for women's rights and health throughout his career in public service.
He cosponsored Senate President Mattie Daughtry's LD 1955, "An Act to Increase Child Care Affordability." This proposal was incorporated into the Supplemental Budget. It cleared the waitlist for the Child Care Affordability Program to help more families with low incomes access childcare.
Sen. Ingwersen also sponsored LD 2066, "An Act to Establish the Child Care Employment Award." It would have made the Child Care Employment Award a permanent part of Maine's childcare subsidy system so that childcare workers could afford childcare for their own children. It received unanimous, bipartisan support in the Maine Senate, and it was placed on the Appropriations Table. It did not receive funding before the Legislature adjourned.
The full report card can be found here (https://static1.squarespace.com/static/5fe258011006361ee2898809/t/6a4fd9f8dd3e55459250c889/1783618040198/2026+Leg+Report+Card.pdf).
Sen. Henry Ingwersen is finishing his second term in the Maine Senate. He is the Senate chair of the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee, and he serves as a member of the Agriculture, Conservation and Forestry Committee. Sen. Ingwersen represents Senate District 32, which includes Arundel, Biddeford, Dayton, Hollis and Lyman.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-ingwersen-earns-score-of-100-from-maine-womens-lobby/
CDPH Notifying Public of Measles Exposure Across Multiple Counties Involving Train and Bus Passenger
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 19 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
* * *
CDPH Notifying Public of Measles Exposure Across Multiple Counties Involving Train and Bus Passenger
September 18, 2026
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with counties and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on measles exposures related to passenger who traveled by train and bus and was hospitalized.
What You Need to Know: An unvaccinated passenger who traveled across the United States on Amtrak, including through California, traveled
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 19 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
* * *
CDPH Notifying Public of Measles Exposure Across Multiple Counties Involving Train and Bus Passenger
September 18, 2026
The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) is working with counties and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) on measles exposures related to passenger who traveled by train and bus and was hospitalized.
What You Need to Know: An unvaccinated passenger who traveled across the United States on Amtrak, including through California, traveledby trains and thruway buses with transfers in at least six California counties (Alameda, Butte, Kern, Los Angeles, Sacramento and San Joaquin). CDPH is working with federal partners and local health officials to notify people who may have been exposed. With this news, and with measles spreading in other parts of the United States and the world, CDPH urges Californians to ensure they are fully vaccinated against measles.
SACRAMENTO - CDPH is urging Californians to get vaccinated against measles after a passenger who traveled on multiple trains and thruway buses with transfers in multiple California counties was hospitalized with a case of measles. CDPH is working with federal government partners and with county health officials to notify passengers and other people who may have been exposed.
"This case, along with previous measles outbreaks in California this year, serve as reminders of the importance of vaccination against measles. Measles is one of the most contagious infections that can lead to severe life-long consequences including permanent brain damage and can also be fatal, especially for children," said Dr. Rita Nguyen, Assistant State Public Health Officer. "The measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine is safe and provides long-lasting protection against measles. Vaccination protects both our own families and those who are too young to be fully vaccinated."
The visitor arrived in California via Amtrak train to Los Angeles on September 10, 2026.
Train ... Route ... Departure Date Time* ... Arrival Date Time*
3 ... Chicago -> Los Angeles ... 9/10 1:30 p.m. ... 9/12 8:12 a.m.
5717 ... Los Angeles -> Bakersfield ... 9/12 10:55 a.m. ... 9/12 1:45 p.m.
717 ... Bakersfield -> Stockton ... 9/12 2:02 p.m. ... 9/12 6:29 p.m.
3717 ... Stockton -> Oroville ... 9/12 6:35 p.m. ... 9/12 9:30 p.m.
3718 ... Oroville -> Sacramento ... 9/13 4:00 p.m. ... 9/13 6:05 p.m.
749 ... Sacramento -> Emeryville 9/13 6:53 p.m. ... 9/13 8:36 p.m.
6 ... Emeryville -> Denver ... 9/14 8:25 a.m. ... 9/15 6:59 p.m.
*Scheduled arrival and departure times (may differ from actual departure and arrival times)
Individuals who were passengers on these trains or buses or who were at the stations on these days may have been exposed to measles.
What to do if you were exposed to or have symptoms of measles
* Check your immunity status: Two doses of MMR vaccine are needed for full immunization. People who are not fully immunized against measles or are unsure of their immunity status, should contact a health care provider about receiving the MMR vaccine.
* If you are not immunized and you were exposed 7 or fewer days ago: Talk to your healthcare provider about vaccination or immune globulin for prevention. Immune globulin is recommended for certain individuals, such as infants under 12 months, pregnant people without immunity or those with weakened immune systems.
* If you are not immunized and you were exposed between 7 and 21 days ago: Non-immune individuals should stay home and limit interactions with others for 21 days following exposure.
* Monitor for symptoms: Watch for fever and/or an unexplained rash from 7 to 21 days after exposure. If symptoms develop, call your healthcare provider immediately for guidance.
* If you suspect measles: Call your medical provider before visiting any health care facility to avoid exposing others.
Measles in California in 2026
As of September 14, 2026, a total of 59 measles cases have been reported in 13 counties statewide. In 94 percent of cases, patients were unvaccinated or had unknown vaccination status.
Despite the high statewide rate, vaccine coverage varies across the state. Measles can spread easily in communities with lower vaccine coverage.
To continue achieving this level of protection from measles and other preventable diseases, CDPH and the West Coast Health Alliance (WCHA) recently endorsed the 2026 American Academy of Pediatrics Recommended Child and Adolescent Immunization Schedule, ensuring all Californians receive access to evidence-based guidance on life-saving vaccines. For more information on California's immunization guidance, visit the CDPH Vaccines for All web page.
Get Vaccinated
The MMR vaccine provides the best protection against disease and serious illness. It is important Californians check to see that they and their family members are up to date as the number of measles cases has increased. Families can check their vaccination status with the California Digital Vaccine Record (DVR) and schedule a vaccine appointment by visiting MyTurn.ca.gov, or by contacting their local pharmacy or health care provider. MMR vaccines are covered for most people through their health insurance plans, including Medi-Cal and regular healthcare providers. People having difficulty obtaining vaccines can contact their healthcare provider or local health department for help finding a place to get immunized.
It's important that families are up to date on all vaccines before traveling, including international travel and travel to domestic areas where there are measles outbreaks. It is also important to be up to date before visiting places or events where there are many people from other countries or regions of the United States, such as large sporting events, theme parks or airports.
Before traveling internationally, everyone 12 months and older should receive two MMR doses, and babies 6 to 11 months are recommended to get one dose of MMR vaccine. Families with children traveling to regions in the United States with ongoing outbreaks should consult with a health care provider about following immunization recommendations for international travel.
About Measles
Measles is a highly contagious viral disease. Unvaccinated individuals, particularly young children and pregnant people, face the highest risk of severe illness and even death. Roughly 90 percent of those unvaccinated and exposed to measles will contract the disease. Symptoms include a fever that lasts a couple of days followed by a cough, runny nose, conjunctivitis (pink eye) and rash. Those infected can spread measles about four days before their rash starts to four days afterwards. In 2025, 11 percent of reported measles patients in the United States were hospitalized.
Measles continues to circulate in many countries around the world and in certain areas of the United States. Due to California's currently high levels of immunization, the state is less likely to see sustained transmissions as has been seen in other states in recent years. However, transmission of measles is still possible, particularly in communities with lower immunization coverage.
Additional Resources
For updated measles activity in California, visit the CDPH Measles (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/CID/DCDC/Pages/Immunization/measles.aspx) web page. CDPH's Measles Toolkit (https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/Communications-Toolkits/Measles.aspx) also provides resources in multiple languages.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR26-031.aspx
