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With Shapiro Administration Investments in Student Mental Health, Highly Qualified Social Workers Are Supporting Gettysburg Area School District Students
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news:
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With Shapiro Administration Investments in Student Mental Health, Highly Qualified Social Workers Are Supporting Gettysburg Area School District Students
Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget includes more than $100 million for school safety and mental health support, giving schools across the Commonwealth the opportunity to continue to expand access to mental health supports and hire high-quality mental health professionals.
October 05, 2026
Gettysburg, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Department
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news:
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With Shapiro Administration Investments in Student Mental Health, Highly Qualified Social Workers Are Supporting Gettysburg Area School District Students
Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget includes more than $100 million for school safety and mental health support, giving schools across the Commonwealth the opportunity to continue to expand access to mental health supports and hire high-quality mental health professionals.
October 05, 2026
Gettysburg, PA - Today, Pennsylvania Departmentof Education (PDE) Secretary Dr. Carrie Rowe visited the Gettysburg Area School District (GASD) to hear directly from high school students how Shapiro Administration investments in student mental health and safety are improving their school community, creating a healthier learning environment, and helping to set them up for success.
Since Governor Josh Shapiro took office, the Gettysburg Area School District has received more than $490,000 in School Safety and Mental Health Grants, some of which the district has used to hire social workers who support students' mental-health needs.
"Being a kid is hard, and it's on us as adults to ensure that students of all ages have access to supportive and trained professionals who can help them navigate the challenges of childhood and learn skills that will serve them long after high school. These investments are making real impacts on students who need a little help now so they can pursue their goals with confidence and support," said Secretary Rowe.
Pennsylvania recently released its Pennsylvania Youth Survey (PAYS), with key findings indicating that Shapiro Administration investments in student safety and mental health are contributing to positive outcomes among the Commonwealth's youth. The survey revealed that, of participating students, 78 percent reported their overall mental health is good, and 83 percent of students reported feeling safe at school.
PDE works closely with the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency (PCCD) to educate and support schools on programs, funding, and grants available to them to support their students' well-being, driving out funding in areas that need it the most. School Safety and Mental Health Grants, overseen by PCCD's School Safety and Security Committee (SSSC), offer opportunities for local education entities (LEAs) to address school safety and mental health initiatives through policies, programs, activities, equipment, and trainings.
This school year, the Gettysburg Area School District hired an additional two social workers, expanding the number of staff available to support and connect students and their families with the help they need. The district also supports initiatives that connect students to each other, through programs welcoming new classmates, building connections, and recognizing when their peers may be struggling.
"Our students walk through our doors carrying their experiences, their challenges, and everything happening in their lives. Our social workers understand that, and they meet students with compassion, patience, and a willingness to help," Gettysburg Area School District Superintendent Dr. Jeffrey Matzner said. "Our social workers are an important part of the culture of care, and I'm grateful for the difference they make for our students and families every single day."
Matzner pointed out how GASD social workers are the people who often notice when something has changed, take time to listen, connect a family with support, or simply remind a student that someone is in their corner.
That same spirit is evident in the way Gettysburg Area High School students care for one another through the Hope Squad and Warrior Ambassadors. These programs give students a chance to step up, build connections, and remind their peers that they are not alone.
Governor Shapiro believes that growing Pennsylvania's economy and creating opportunity for future generations starts in the classroom. Over the past three years, the Shapiro Administration has invested more than $300 million in student mental health and well-being, with more than $100 million in the 2026-27 budget for school safety and mental health support.
In August, PDE announced that $8 million in funding has been dedicated to increasing the pipeline of school psychologists, delivering additional mental health services to students in high-need schools across the Commonwealth.
The budget also continues funding universal free breakfast with a $14.3 million increase, $3 million to provide menstrual hygiene products at no cost to students, $125 million for school infrastructure repairs, and $140 million for school safety and mental health supports. Over 800 schools have expanded mental health services, and more than 200 counselors have been hired since the Shapiro Administration began.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/with-shapiro-administration-investments-in-student-mental-health
N.H. A.G. Formella, Bipartisan Coalition Support 9/11 Victims' Efforts to Recover Frozen Taliban Funds
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 05, 2026
Attorney General Formella, Bipartisan Coalition Support 9/11 Victims' Efforts to Recover Frozen Taliban Funds
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice has joined a bipartisan coalition of 31 state attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief with the United States Supreme Court supporting victims and families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks who are seeking to enforce
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 05, 2026
Attorney General Formella, Bipartisan Coalition Support 9/11 Victims' Efforts to Recover Frozen Taliban Funds
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice has joined a bipartisan coalition of 31 state attorneys general in filing a friend-of-the-court brief with the United States Supreme Court supporting victims and families of victims of the September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks who are seeking to enforcebillions of dollars in judgments against frozen Taliban-controlled funds.
"More than two decades after September 11, families who endured unimaginable loss should not have to continue fighting simply to enforce judgments they have already obtained in federal court," said Attorney General Formella. "Congress established a clear legal framework to ensure that victims of terrorism can pursue the assets of those responsible. We are joining this brief because we believe that framework should be applied as Congress intended and that these victims and their families deserve the opportunity to enforce the judgments they have fought for years to obtain."
The states represented in the coalition have citizens who were among the nearly 3,000 people murdered on September 11, 2001, as well as Americans who have been killed or injured in other acts of terrorism attributed to the Taliban. Some of those victims, and the estates of others, have obtained roughly $17 billion in final judgments against the Taliban in federal courts, many following years of litigation.
At issue before the Supreme Court is approximately $3.5 billion in Taliban-controlled funds held by the Federal Reserve Bank of New York for Da Afghanistan Bank, Afghanistan's central bank. The victims seek to use those frozen funds to satisfy the judgments they have already obtained.
The Second Circuit Court of Appeals ruled that the funds could not be reached under the Terrorism Risk Insurance Act. The coalition argues that decision misreads the federal law Congress enacted to ensure that victims of terrorism can enforce judgments against the assets of terrorist parties.
In the brief, the states argue that Congress established a straightforward rule: when a person has obtained a judgment against a terrorist party for an act of terrorism, assets of that terrorist party that are located in the United States, including blocked assets, may be used to satisfy the judgment. The coalition argues that rule applies here regardless of when the Taliban assumed control of Afghanistan and its central bank.
The case before the Supreme Court is Fiona Havlish, et al. v. The Taliban, et al., No. 26-292. The petition for review was filed August 31, 2026.
Also joining the brief are the attorneys general of Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maryland, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, North Dakota, Oklahoma, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, West Virginia and Wyoming.
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View court filing here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/styles/inline_icon/public/base-files/icon-pdf.png?h=e77b622d&itok=Xx6Ey8rn
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-bipartisan-coalition-support-911-victims-efforts-recover
Miss. A.G. Fitch Announces Cyber Fraud Task Force Sentencing, Prevents $5 Million in Fraud Loss
JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 7 -- Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following news release:
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October 5, 2026
AG Fitch Announces Cyber Fraud Task Force Sentencing, Prevents $5 Million in Fraud Loss
(Jackson, Mississippi) - Today, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of Yerson Jose Salazar Amarista for one count of Trafficking in Device Making Equipment.
During the investigation, the Attorney General's Office Cyber Fraud Task Force recovered five skimming devices at retailers across central Mississippi, and was able to link data discovered to over
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JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 7 -- Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following news release:
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October 5, 2026
AG Fitch Announces Cyber Fraud Task Force Sentencing, Prevents $5 Million in Fraud Loss
(Jackson, Mississippi) - Today, Attorney General Lynn Fitch announced the recent sentencing of Yerson Jose Salazar Amarista for one count of Trafficking in Device Making Equipment.
During the investigation, the Attorney General's Office Cyber Fraud Task Force recovered five skimming devices at retailers across central Mississippi, and was able to link data discovered to over1,600 stolen card numbers, a majority of which were Electronic Benefits Transfer (EBT) payment cards. Amarista entered the country illegally and will be subject to deportation upon release from prison.
"Card skimming crimes like these not only defraud taxpayers and divert funds meant for those in need; they also often fund violent crimes. When we established the state's first Cyber Fraud Task Force in 2021, it was with the mission to investigate crimes like these. And I am proud of the hard work that we continue to do, along with strong partners like U.S. Attorney Baxter Kruger, to protect Mississippians and prevent fraud in its tracks," said Attorney General Lynn Fitch.
Each skimmer is estimated at $1 million in potential fraud loss. Since January 2025, the Attorney General's Office has recovered 54 skimmers, for an estimated total of $54 million in prevented fraud loss.
Attorney General Fitch shared tips to help consumers avoid becoming victims of fraud.
Evidence photos and mugshots can be found below. Visit AttorneyGeneralLynnFitch.com/Cyber-Crime to see a video depiction of a skimmer and learn more.
Tips to protect yourself and your business from skimmers:
* Use tap pay or chip read terminals and avoid card swipes, if possible.
* Consumers should pay attention to the look of the card reader. Skimmer devices often fit over the reader, making it look different and even larger than other devices and may even pull off if lifted from the corners of the reader.
* If you find a skimmer, stop use immediately, cover the terminal to prevent transactions, and do not touch the device to preserve evidence.
* Contact local law enforcement right away. If you need assistance, email the
Mississippi Cyber Fraud Task Force at cftf@ago.ms.gov
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Original text here: https://attorneygenerallynnfitch.com/2026/10/05/ag-fitch-announces-cyber-fraud-task-force-sentencing-prevents-5-million-in-fraud-loss-october-5-2026/
Keeping Pennsylvania Kids Safe: Shapiro Administration Highlights $50 Million Increase in 2026-27 Budget to Protect Children
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news:
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Keeping Pennsylvania Kids Safe: Shapiro Administration Highlights $50 Million Increase in 2026-27 Budget to Protect Children by Enhancing ChildLine, Supporting County Children & Youth Services
October 06, 2026
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget invests an additional $50 million in county children and youth services to prevent and address child abuse and neglect.
The budget also includes $658,000 to enhance ChildLine staffing and provide training to all ChildLine workers to
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Oct. 7 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news:
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Keeping Pennsylvania Kids Safe: Shapiro Administration Highlights $50 Million Increase in 2026-27 Budget to Protect Children by Enhancing ChildLine, Supporting County Children & Youth Services
October 06, 2026
Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 budget invests an additional $50 million in county children and youth services to prevent and address child abuse and neglect.
The budget also includes $658,000 to enhance ChildLine staffing and provide training to all ChildLine workers tosupport greater triage and referral capacity.
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Butler, PA - Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh this week met with Butler County leadership and community organizations to highlight the $50 million increase that Governor Josh Shapiro's 2026-27 Budget makes in children and youth services across the Commonwealth to protect Pennsylvania's children and strengthen families.
During a visit to Butler County Children and Youth Agency, Secretary Arkoosh met with local leaders about the county's work to assist children, parents, and families who become involved in the children and youth system. The visit also highlighted the County's ongoing prevention efforts to more effectively meet the needs of individuals and families.
"Pennsylvania's county children and youth agencies work hard to keep kids safe and make sure they are living in environments free from abuse, neglect, and violence. When a family falls on hard times and needs to be connected to housing or food, the child welfare system is not always set up to effectively meet those needs," said Secretary Arkoosh. "We want to do everything we can at the state level to take a more proactive and preventive approach to ensure our counties can focus on their important work to help in cases of abuse and neglect. The investments in Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget are a major step toward building a system that more effectively meets the unique needs of children and families across Pennsylvania."
Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget increases the Commonwealth's investment into the county child welfare system by $50 million to ensure counties have the resources to hold abusers accountable and keep kids safe.
The budget also supports a more preventive and proactive approach to keeping children safe by investing $658,000 in ChildLine. This funding will enhance ChildLine staffing and provide more training to all workers, which will allow caseworkers more time and resources to effectively triage calls before referring them to the counties or appropriate agency.
In addition to investigations, the Butler County Children and Youth Agency is responsible for providing services to families to assist them in recovering from abuse and neglect situations as well as preventing it from occurring in the future. In Butler County, many of those services are provided in partnership with community-based agencies.
"Butler County applauds the effort of the Shapiro Administration to focus children and youth agency resources to those who need our interventions the most," said Butler County Children and Youth Agency Administrator Charlie Johns. "We appreciate Secretary Arkoosh's visit to our county to hear about the innovative steps we have taken locally to ensure that families who are free of abuse and neglect, but who are in need of housing and other community based preventative services, receive them."
Building on Three Years of Progress to Protect Children and Support Families
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, the Shapiro-Davis Administration has advanced initiatives to help children thrive and empower parents as they work to support their families. The 2026-27 budget also invested:
* $100 million in mental health and school safety funding for K-12 schools, ensuring every student has access to the resources and support they need to thrive.
* Continued funding to provide universal free breakfast for 1.7 million Pennsylvania students so that students enter the classroom every day nourished and ready to learn.
* Distributed SUN Bucks food assistance to an estimated 1.2 million Pennsylvania children in 2026 so that families can feed their children in the summer months when they do not have access to free or reduced-priced meals at school.
* $3 million to ensure students have access to menstrual hygiene products at no cost so that they can focus on their education.
* Continued the Child and Dependent Care Enhancement Tax Credit, which provided more than $444.5 million through nearly 858,500 tax credits over four years.
Read more about Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 Budget (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-2026-27-budget-proposal-to-keep-doing-what-s-working).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/keeping-pennsylvania-kids-safe
Emily Fitzmorris Vs. Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services Settlement
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 05, 2026
Emily Fitzmorris v. Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services Settlement
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori A. Weaver announce the settlement of the class action lawsuit Emily Fitzmorris v. Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services, 1:21-cv-00025-PB.
The settlement includes additional measures by DHHS to strengthen oversight and accountability for services
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 7 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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October 05, 2026
Emily Fitzmorris v. Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services Settlement
Concord, NH - Attorney General John M. Formella and Department of Health and Human Services Commissioner Lori A. Weaver announce the settlement of the class action lawsuit Emily Fitzmorris v. Commissioner, Department of Health and Human Services, 1:21-cv-00025-PB.
The settlement includes additional measures by DHHS to strengthen oversight and accountability for servicesprovided through the Choices for Independence (CFI) Medicaid waiver, including monitoring service delivery and identifying and addressing significant service gaps.
CFI provides home and community-based services to older adults and adults with physical disabilities who meet nursing facility level-of-care requirements and choose to live in their homes and communities. DHHS has continued to work with CFI participants, families, providers, the Legislature, and other stakeholders to strengthen the program and improve access to services throughout this litigation.
"Older adults and people with disabilities deserve access to the services they need to live safely and independently in their homes and communities," said Attorney General Formella. "This settlement strengthens accountability and oversight of the Choices for Independence program and provides a framework to address service gaps. The Department of Justice will continue working with DHHS and our partners to support implementation."
"New Hampshire is committed to ensuring that older adults and people with disabilities have meaningful options to live and receive services in their homes and communities," said Commissioner Weaver. "This settlement provides an opportunity to strengthen oversight of the Choices for Independence program, better identify and respond to service gaps, and continue working with participants, families, providers, and other stakeholders to improve access to needed services."
The settlement builds on DHHS's ongoing efforts to strengthen the CFI program and aligns with the Department's 2025-2027 Roadmap PDF document and New Hampshire's System of Care for Healthy Aging PDF document. DHHS remains committed to working collaboratively with participants, families, providers, and other stakeholders to strengthen CFI services and support access to home and community-based care.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/emily-fitzmorris-v-commissioner-department-health-and-human-services-settlement
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Challenges Picacho Water and Sewer Rate Hikes That Doubled Residential Bills
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Picacho Water and Sewer Rate Hikes That Doubled Residential Bills
October 6, 2026
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced her office has filed its opening brief in the Arizona Court of Appeals, challenging the Arizona Corporation Commission's March 2026 approval of rate increases for Picacho Water and Picacho Sewer serving Robson Ranch near Eloy. The new rates nearly doubled the average residential customer's combined monthly bill, from $72.01
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 7 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Mayes Challenges Picacho Water and Sewer Rate Hikes That Doubled Residential Bills
October 6, 2026
PHOENIX - Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced her office has filed its opening brief in the Arizona Court of Appeals, challenging the Arizona Corporation Commission's March 2026 approval of rate increases for Picacho Water and Picacho Sewer serving Robson Ranch near Eloy. The new rates nearly doubled the average residential customer's combined monthly bill, from $72.01to $143.59.
The brief argues the Commission violated its constitutional duty to set "just and reasonable" rates by never examining the details of JW Water Holdings' purchase of the utilities, which closed just four months before the rate applications were filed. Under Arizona Corporation Commission v. Arizona Water Company, the Commission must consider all relevant evidence of a utility's fair value, which can include a recent purchase transaction. The State argues the Commission itself found those documents relevant during the rate case, and that the documents bear on the rate base, the cost of equity, and the cost of debt.
"A private equity-backed company bought these utilities and asked for massive rate increases just four months later, but the Commission didn't analyze that deal when considering the rate increase. Robson Ranch families saw their bills double. The Arizona Constitution requires rates that are fair to ratepayers, not just shareholders, and that means looking at all the relevant evidence. My office will keep fighting to protect Arizonans and make sure any rate increases approved by the Commission are truly just and reasonable," said Attorney General Mayes.
The State asks the Court to remand the case so the Commission can review the full transaction and revise the rates as needed.
A copy of the brief is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-challenges-picacho-water-and-sewer-rate-hikes-doubled
Ala. Secretary of State Wes Allen Reminds Alabamians to Register to Vote Ahead of November 3 General Election
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 7 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen Reminds Alabamians to Register to Vote Ahead of November 3 General Election
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, is reminding Alabamians that the deadline to register to vote before the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.
"I encourage all eligible Alabamians to register to vote or verify their voter registration status ahead of the General Election in November. Take the time now to make sure you are registered, informed, and ready to vote
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, Oct. 7 -- The Alabama Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Secretary of State Wes Allen Reminds Alabamians to Register to Vote Ahead of November 3 General Election
Wes Allen, Alabama's Secretary of State, is reminding Alabamians that the deadline to register to vote before the November 3, 2026 General Election is Monday, October 19, 2026.
"I encourage all eligible Alabamians to register to vote or verify their voter registration status ahead of the General Election in November. Take the time now to make sure you are registered, informed, and ready to voteon November 3," Allen said.
Electronic voter registration may be completed by visiting https://www.sos.alabama.gov/alabama-votes/voter/register-to-vote. A paper voter registration form may be delivered in person or by mail to your local Board of Registrars.
To be eligible to vote in Alabama, one must be a citizen of the United States, reside in Alabama, and be at least 18 years old on or before election day. One must not be barred from voting due to a disqualifying felony conviction or have been judged "mentally incompetent" by a court of law.
On Election Day, polls will be open 7 am to 7 pm. Voters are required to present a valid form of photo identification when voting at their polling place or by absentee ballot. Cumulative unofficial election results will be posted on the Alabama Secretary of State's website at www.AlabamaVotes.gov.
For questions about registering to vote in Alabama, please call the Elections Division of the Secretary of State's office at 334-242-7210 or your local county Board of Registrars.
Voters can verify their voter registration status using the Secretary of State's website: https://myinfo.alabamavotes.gov/VoterView.
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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-reminds-alabamians-register-vote-ahead-november-3-general
