States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
S.D. A.G. Jackley Testifies in Opposition To Bill Repealing State's Death Penalty
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Testifies in Opposition To Bill Repealing State's Death Penalty
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Wednesday testified in opposition to House Bill 1268 which would have repealed the death penalty in South Dakota.
"The death penalty is, and should be, used sparingly in South Dakota and in only the most extreme cases," said Attorney General Jackley, who has consistently opposed repeal of the death penalty. "The death penalty protects the innocent
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Testifies in Opposition To Bill Repealing State's Death Penalty
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley Wednesday testified in opposition to House Bill 1268 which would have repealed the death penalty in South Dakota.
"The death penalty is, and should be, used sparingly in South Dakota and in only the most extreme cases," said Attorney General Jackley, who has consistently opposed repeal of the death penalty. "The death penalty protects the innocentincluding citizens, law enforcement officers, correctional officers, and other officers from the most dangerous individuals in our society."
House Bill 1268 was tabled in the House Judiciary Committee by a vote of 10-1 with two excused.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3011
S.D. A.G. Jackley Honors 19 Recruits Graduating Thursday From Law Enforcement Training Program in Sioux Falls
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Honors 19 Recruits Graduating Thursday from Law Enforcement Training Program in Sioux Falls
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 19 recruits who graduate this Thursday night from the regional Law Enforcement Training program held in Sioux Falls.
"The Sioux Falls Academy is successful because of the partnership between the Attorney General's Office, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies," said Attorney
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Jackley Honors 19 Recruits Graduating Thursday from Law Enforcement Training Program in Sioux Falls
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley congratulates the 19 recruits who graduate this Thursday night from the regional Law Enforcement Training program held in Sioux Falls.
"The Sioux Falls Academy is successful because of the partnership between the Attorney General's Office, the Sioux Falls Police Department, and other law enforcement agencies," said AttorneyGeneral Jackley, who will be the ceremony's keynote speaker. "This training program prepares new officers while allowing many of them to spend the weeks at home with their families."
This is the ninth Law Enforcement Training program to graduate from the Sioux Falls regional academy. The academy was started in 2020 and is managed by the state Law Enforcement Training program, which is part of the Attorney General's Office. As part of its partnership in the regional academy, the Sioux Falls Police Department contributes adjunct instructors for the program and hosts the program in its facility.
The Sioux Falls program lasts 13 weeks. Graduates are required to complete 520 hours of course work that includes instruction in the law, arrest control tactics, firearms, vehicle handling, criminal investigations, and more.
Friday's graduation ceremony starts at 6 p.m. CST in the Orpheum Theater Center, 315 N. Phillips Ave. All the recruits are from the Sioux Falls Police Department unless otherwise noted. Members of the 199th Basic Law Enforcement Certification Course are:
* Bauer Anderson, Brandon Police Department
* Zachary Bankowski
* Mason Beck
* Karli Breuchel
* Jason Burton
* Joel Christensen
* Denver Decker
* Collin Eichhorn
* Dietrich Ekstrom
* Juan Guerreo, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
* Emma Johnson
* Felicia Lowe, Hamlin County Sheriff's Office
* Lindsey Mossman
* Julia Schechinger
* Kaycee Sina, Minnehaha County Sheriff's Office
* Trevor Weddle
* Craig Wexler
* Dexter Wiese
* Riley Zammert
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3012
Md. A.G. Brown Joins Coalition in Opposing Two New Rules Preventing Access to Gender Affirming Care for Youth
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition in Opposing Two New Rules Preventing Access to Gender Affirming Care for Youth
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting comment letters opposing two proposed rules by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would prevent hospitals and medical providers from providing, and youth from receiving, essential transgender
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Brown Joins Coalition in Opposing Two New Rules Preventing Access to Gender Affirming Care for Youth
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown joined a coalition of 20 attorneys general in submitting comment letters opposing two proposed rules by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) that would prevent hospitals and medical providers from providing, and youth from receiving, essential transgenderhealthcare by threatening to withhold funds through the Medicare and Medicaid programs.
In December 2025, CMS proposed two rules that, if implemented, would bar hospitals from providing medically necessary transgender healthcare to youth by withholding Medicaid and Medicare funds to any hospitals that continue to provide such care and prohibiting state Medicaid and Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP) plans from using federal funding for medically necessary transgender youth healthcare.
The proposed Medicaid reimbursement rule would deprive states of their congressionally authorized role as Medicaid administrators and the proposed hospital conditions of participation rule would strip public and private hospitals in Maryland of vital Medicare and Medicaid hospital funding for all healthcare, solely because a hospital offers some individuals transgender youth healthcare. Attorney General Brown and the coalition explain CMS and the federal government lack the power to deprive states of their longstanding duty to regulate the practice of medicine in ways that ensure access to medically necessary healthcare for the safety and well-being of their residents.
Attorney General Brown and the coalition assert in their comment letters that the proposed rules intrude on the states' rights to regulate medicine within their borders, violate the Spending Clause and Equal Protection Clause, and contradict various statutes including the Social Security Act, the Affordable Care Act, the Administrative Procedure Act, and vital nondiscrimination laws. The proposed rules further reflect HHS's decision to discriminate against transgender youth despite contrary medical and scientific evidence, as shown by the agency's failure to faithfully engage in the rulemaking process, including its lack of required regulatory impact and flexibility analyses.
For example, the letters explain that CMS attempts to support the rules by referencing its own commissioned HHS report, without addressing medical and scientific evidence unfavorable to its position. However, the HHS report has been discredited as methodologically flawed because it was anonymously published without peer review and issued at the direction of the president to support his goal of ending transgender healthcare. Additionally, the proposed rules will bear significant costs to transgender youth, their families, and their healthcare providers, which HHS does not account for.
Joining Attorney General Brown in sending both these letters are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Illinois, Maine, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Joins-Coalition-in-Opposing-Two-New-Rules-Preventing-Access-to-Gender-Affirming-Care-for-Youth-.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Files Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration for Unlawfully Terminating Funding for Energy and Infrastructure Programs
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Files Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration for Unlawfully Terminating Funding for Energy and Infrastructure Programs
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's unlawful decision to terminate funding for congressionally mandated energy and infrastructure programs. These programs were created by Congress in laws such as the 2022 Inflation
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 19 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Files Lawsuit Against the Trump Administration for Unlawfully Terminating Funding for Energy and Infrastructure Programs
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown today joined a coalition of 13 attorneys general in filing a lawsuit challenging the Trump administration's unlawful decision to terminate funding for congressionally mandated energy and infrastructure programs. These programs were created by Congress in laws such as the 2022 InflationReduction Act (IRA) and the 2021 Infrastructure Investment and Jobs Act (IIJA, also known as the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law). The lawsuit, filed in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California, challenges the decisions by the United States Department of Energy (DOE), DOE Secretary Chris Wright, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), and OMB Director Russell Vought, to terminate billions of dollars in energy and infrastructure awards nationwide.
"Energy and infrastructure programs are putting Marylanders to work, cutting families' energy costs, and protecting our climate," said Attorney General Brown. "We're taking the Administration to court because these unlawful cuts threaten the clean energy future that our children and grandchildren deserve."
On January 20th, 2025, his first day in office, President Trump issued executive orders, declaring a "national energy emergency" and "Terminating the Green New Deal." Pursuant to this directive, the DOE compiled a "hit list" of energy and infrastructure awards worth billions of dollars. The list was intended to further the administration's unlawful objective of eliminating energy and infrastructure programs created under Congress's authority in laws such as the IIJA and the IRA. In May 2025, DOE issued a policy memorandum asserting that it would subject projects to which it had previously awarded funding to a vague and opaque "review" process that was in truth designed to provide cover to eliminate energy and infrastructure programs.
As a government shutdown loomed in late September 2025, President Trump told reporters he could "do things during the shutdown that are irreversible" to attack Democrats, including "cutting programs that they like." The next day, Director of OMB Russell Vought posted on X that DOE would be terminating nearly $8 billion in "Green New Scam" funding to fuel 'the Left's climate agenda.'" The post listed sixteen states where projects would be defunded, all Democratically leaning. DOE announced the cuts the next day, citing their May 2025 policy memorandum. Meanwhile, throughout the first year of the Trump administration, DOE has quietly abandoned projects, including those contained in various "kill lists." All were funded as elements of high-profile energy and infrastructure legislation, including bipartisan legislation, passed during the previous presidential administration.
In Maryland, DOE terminated or abandoned three cooperative agreements totaling more than $5.8 million with the University of Maryland, College Park. The awards funded research into advanced heat pump systems and next-generation refrigeration technologies designed to reduce energy consumption. For Maryland families, these innovations mean lower energy bills and more affordable heating and cooling. They also support cleaner air and a healthier Chesapeake Bay -the kinds of environmental gains that protect public health in communities across the state.
The complaint filed today alleges that the Trump administration's decision to eliminate energy programs created by Congress is unlawful because it violates the separation of powers and the Administrative Procedure Act. The programs were created by statute, and federal agencies have a duty to faithfully execute those statutes. Maryland and the coalition ask the court to declare that the Trump administration's actions are unlawful and to permanently stop the administration from interfering with these programs.
In filing this complaint, Attorney General Brown is joined by the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Files-Lawsuit-Against-the-Trump-Administration-for-Unlawfully-Terminating-Funding-for-Energy-and-Inf.aspx
Gov. Shapiro Administration Deploys Additional Resources to Support HPAI Response and Protect Pennsylvania Poultry Producers
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 19 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Deploys Additional Resources to Support HPAI Response and Protect Pennsylvania Poultry Producers
Pennsylvania is mobilizing more personnel, expanding testing capacity, and coordinating closely with the USDA and industry partners to protect Pennsylvania's $7.1 billion poultry industry and mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary Redding are working closely with agriculture industry leaders in
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 19 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Deploys Additional Resources to Support HPAI Response and Protect Pennsylvania Poultry Producers
Pennsylvania is mobilizing more personnel, expanding testing capacity, and coordinating closely with the USDA and industry partners to protect Pennsylvania's $7.1 billion poultry industry and mitigate the spread of this highly infectious disease.
Governor Josh Shapiro and Secretary Redding are working closely with agriculture industry leaders inPennsylvania on the coordinated response to the recent increase in HPAI infections.
The Shapiro Administration urges poultry producers and companies serving them to remain on high alert and reinforce on-farm biosecurity measures.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro announced that his Administration is deploying additional resources to support the Commonwealth's Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) response and protect Pennsylvania poultry producers. In response to a recent spike in infections among poultry in the Commonwealth, the Shapiro Administration is mobilizing additional personnel, expanding testing capacity, and coordinating closely with the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) and industry partners.
Starting today, 42 USDA employees will be on the ground in Pennsylvania, supporting 55 Commonwealth veterinarians and employees, four Penn State Extension experts, and three members of the Pennsylvania National Guard Civilian Support team who are working to mitigate the spread of HPAI in Pennsylvania. The Shapiro Administration is also deploying up to six additional Commonwealth employees to support the HPAI response and working to procure additional resources to support high-volume testing and aggressive biosecurity efforts.
Governor Shapiro spoke with leaders in Pennsylvania's agriculture industry yesterday, briefing them on the Administration's response and discussing additional steps the Commonwealth and industry partners can take to reduce the spread of HPAI and support Pennsylvania farmers. The Shapiro Administration continues to urge poultry producers and companies serving them to remain on high alert and reinforce on-farm biosecurity measures.
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"Since day one, my Administration has worked aggressively to support Pennsylvania poultry farmers and reduce the spread of Hi-Path Avian Influenza - and today, we are deploying more resources to address this challenge head on. Under the leadership of Secretary Russell Redding, we are working collaboratively with our federal partners, local communities, and the poultry industry on a coordinated response and we will continue to make available the resources necessary to mitigate the impacts of HPAI," said Governor Shapiro. "I know farmers are worried given the recent increase in cases, but I want them to know that my Administration is standing with them and continuing our aggressive response to protect Pennsylvania flocks."
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Since the current outbreak began in February 2022, Pennsylvania has lost more than 14.3 million birds -- with approximately half of these lost since the beginning of 2026. Pennsylvania's response team is working in 21 locations across the Commonwealth, where the virus has affected 7.2 million birds
"This virus continues to test our industry, and we have been responding aggressively from day one. When cases rise, we intensify. Our teams are on the ground immediately, our labs have increased testing capacity and have expedited results to support the response, and we are coordinating daily with USDA and industry leaders," said Agriculture Secretary Russell Redding. "At the same time, we need every producer to double down on biosecurity -- vigilance on the farm is the strongest defense. We are fully mobilized. We will continue deploying every available resource to protect Pennsylvania farms and we need every producer to stay alert and proactive as we confront this evolving threat together."
Pennsylvania's Rapid Response
When an HPAI case is detected, state animal health teams deploy immediately, alongside partners at the USDA and local emergency management officials. Together, they work to quarantine affected sites, conduct testing, oversee virus elimination, and guide cleaning and disinfection protocols to prevent further spread.
The Commonwealth has also significantly expanded testing and surveillance capacity to meet ongoing demand for avian flu. From July 1, 2024 through June 30, 2025, Pennsylvania's Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System (PADLS) processed 672,342 HPAI tests, including more than 200,000 poultry samplesand 29,000 cattle samples, helping ensure swift diagnoses, protect commerce, and minimize economic disruption.
Since January of 2026, as infections have surged, PADLS has already performed 8,000 tests in the last six weeks, testing 80,000 birds in less than two months.
Shapiro Administration's Work to Strengthen Readiness
To further strengthen Pennsylvania's readiness to respond to potential agricultural disease outbreaks, Governor Shapiro secured $6 million in the 2024-25 bipartisan budget to establish a fourth diagnostic laboratory at Penn State Beaver, which will increase sample surge capacity and improve statewide surveillance, particularly for producers in western Pennsylvania.
In his proposed 2026-27 budget, the Governor is seeking $11 million for Agricultural Preparedness and Response, including $2 million to support operations at the new lab, fully funding the Animal Health and Diagnostic Commission, the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic Laboratory System, including critical partners University of Pennsylvania Veterinary School, and Penn State University College of Agricultural Sciences.
The first piece of legislation Governor Shapiro signed into law(opens in a new tab) last year provided an update to Pennsylvania's animal health laws, helping meet poultry industry needs by expanding the types of samples Certified Poultry Technicians may draw to include those needed to test for HPAI. This has resulted in 211 new workers to meet critical demand to fight the disease threat, bringing the current total to nearly 900 certified poultry technicians to fight the disease threat. In addition, there are currently over 500 producers trained as HPAI Samplers to collect samples from their flocks during an outbreak.
In February 2025, Governor Shapiro also met with USDA leadership(opens in a new tab), including Secretary Brooke Rollins, and leadership in the Pennsylvania General Assembly to coordinate additional resources and ensure rapid response capacity. The Governor has made clear how Pennsylvania depends on critical partnerships between our state and federal teams when responding to the avian flu - and the Shapiro Administration remains actively engaged with the USDA and Pennsylvania's congressional delegation to secure the resources and assistance our farmers need.
What Agricultural Producers Can Do
The Department of Agriculture has continued to highlight the necessity of strict adherence to farm-specific biosecurity plans to continue the fight against avian flu and significantly reduce the risk of disease.
With wild bird migration increasing seasonal risk, the Department is urging all poultry producers - commercial and backyard - to reinforce preventative measures immediately:
* Limit and track farm access.
* Require protective clothing and footwear for anyone entering poultry areas.
* Clean and disinfect vehicles and equipment.
* Prevent contact between domestic flocks and wild birds.
* Monitor flock health closely and report unexplained illness or death immediately.
Producers should report sick birds or unexplained deaths to 717-772-2852. Anyone encountering sick or dead wild birds should contact the Pennsylvania Game Commission at 1-833-PGC-WILD. Producers may also request free Wildlife Biosecurity Assessments through USDA resources.
Shapiro Administration's Support for Pennsylvania's Farmers
Pennsylvania remains the only state in the nation with a dedicated HPAI Recovery Fund, a first-in-the-nation resource designed to help poultry producers stabilize and recover from devastating losses.
Since 2022, $75 million has been committed to the fund, with $59.45 million currently in reserve. To date, 300 poultry businesses have received $15.9 million in grants to offset losses, sustain operations, and strengthen biosecurity protections. Among them, 150 farms have implemented enhanced disease-prevention improvements.
Producers whose flocks become infected or whose operations are temporarily paused due to nearby detections are encouraged to apply for HPAI Recovery Grants.
Pennsylvania agriculture supports nearly 48,800 farms, almost 600,000 jobs, and contributes $132.5 billion annually to the Commonwealth's economy. Poultry remains one of its top three sectors.
HPAI presents very low risk to the general public and poultry products remain safe to consume when properly handled and cooked. However, the virus is highly infectious and generally fatal to domestic birds, making vigilance and rapid response essential.
For more information on avian influenza prevention and response resources, visit agriculture.pa.gov.
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/shapiro-administration-deploys-additional-resources-to-support-h
Calif. Gov. Newsom Names New California Public Utilities Commission President to Launch New Phase in Effort to Protect Consumers From Escalating Utility Costs
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 19 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Governor Newsom names new California Public Utilities Commission President to launch new phase in effort to protect consumers from escalating utility costs
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced energy leadership transitions to build on his agenda, marking the next phase to lower utility bills, ensure wildfire safety spending delivers real value, and hold utilities accountable for safe, reliable, and affordable service. John Reynolds has been designated as the
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 19 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Governor Newsom names new California Public Utilities Commission President to launch new phase in effort to protect consumers from escalating utility costs
What you need to know: Governor Newsom announced energy leadership transitions to build on his agenda, marking the next phase to lower utility bills, ensure wildfire safety spending delivers real value, and hold utilities accountable for safe, reliable, and affordable service. John Reynolds has been designated as thenew CPUC President. Christine Harada has been appointed to the Commission. Alice Reynolds has been appointed to the California ISO Board of Governors.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced he is designating John Reynolds as the new president of the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC), the state regulator that holds utilities and companies accountable for delivering safe, reliable, affordable service to Californians.
Reynolds will build on the Governor's agenda to deliver 100 percent clean electricity by 2045, combat energy costs, modernize our electricity delivery system, and protect families and businesses from the growing impacts of extreme heat and catastrophic wildfires. In his new role, Reynolds will work to lower utility bills and make sure wildfire safety spending makes communities safer--from burying power lines to stronger poles and clearing brush. He will build on the progress already underway: with a new law signed by Governor Newsom last summer, California families will receive up to $60 billion in electricity bill refunds through 2045.
The Governor also announced the appointment of Christine Harada to serve as Commissioner at the CPUC, as President Alice Reynolds prepares to step down from the Commission in late February. Alice Reynolds will continue to work to implement the Governor's vision for an affordable, clean, safe, and reliable energy system for California as a member of the California Independent Systems Operator's Governing Board.
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From day one, Alice Reynolds has been one of my most trusted advisors on energy policy. Under her leadership, the CPUC brought online a record amount of clean energy, helping make California a global leader in cutting pollution, while advancing policies to lower costs for customers and more equitably distribute rates. Alice understands that our energy system has to be clean, safe, reliable, and affordable for Californians--and she has helped us deliver on all four while making the Golden State a beacon of innovation to the world.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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"I am honored to accept the governor's nomination to serve as President of the California Public Utilities Commission," said CPUC President Designee, John Reynolds. "I look forward to continuing the state's work to drive towards more affordable utility services while supporting safe and reliable infrastructure that delivers on our ambitious climate agenda."
"It has been the honor of a lifetime to serve the people of California as the President of the Public Utilities Commission," said President Alice Reynolds. "I want to express my gratitude to my fellow Commissioners and to Commission staff for their unparalleled expertise and commitment. I also want to thank Governor Newsom for the opportunity to serve, both as CPUC President and in my new role as a member of the California Independent System Operator's Board of Governors. I look forward to continuing to carry out the vision of a safe, clean, reliable, affordable electricity system that benefits all Californians, and I leave knowing that the Commission is in good hands. John brings years of experience and an exceptional intellect, and I have seen him always leading with a kind heart. I also welcome Christine, whose diverse and rich experience will bring a unique perspective to the Commission. As I transition to my new role, I remain proud of what we have accomplished and confident that the Commission will continue its important work with unwavering dedication to public service."
With the Governor's addition of Christine Harada to the Commission, and its recent selection of Leuwam Tesfai as its new Executive Director, the CPUC is well-positioned for the work ahead.
Affordability Agenda
Under Governor Newsom's leadership, California has advanced an agenda focused on lowering costs and strengthening a power system built to withstand extreme weather as climate change intensifies. The agenda is built on three clear principles: stronger utility accountability so every dollar spent delivers safer, reliable, and affordable energy; fair, modern rate structures that reduce cost shifts and protect working families; and competitive, smart clean energy investments at the best price to meet growing demand while driving down costs over time.
As CPUC President, John Reynolds will lead these efforts to tighten oversight, align infrastructure investments with affordability goals, and ensure utilities deliver results for ratepayers--without slowing California's clean energy progress. The appointment underscores a renewed focus on cutting costs and improving performance as extreme heat, wildfire risk, and upgrades to the electric grid drive new demands on the system. By prioritizing smarter, upfront investments--like wildfire prevention, grid hardening, and on-demand clean resources like battery storage--the state is moving away from costly, reactive fixes and toward a safer, more reliable grid that protects against the catastrophic failures responsible for the largest bill spikes. The objective is straightforward: bend the cost curve, boost resilience, and deliver a cleaner, more affordable energy future for Californians.
California's climate leadership in action
California is proving that climate action and economic growth go hand in hand. Greenhouse gas emissions are down 21% since 2000 -- even as the state's GDP increased 81% over the same period, becoming the world's fourth-largest economy. In 2023, California was powered by two-thirds clean energy, the largest economy in the world to achieve this level, and ran on 100% clean electricity for part of the day almost every day last year.
Since Governor Newsom took office, over 30,000 megawatts of new resources have been added to the electric grid, and battery storage has surged to nearly 17,000 megawatts--a 2,100% increase. California now has 33% of the storage capacity estimated to be needed by 2045 to reach 100% clean electricity.
Utility accountability
Governor Newsom has prioritized holding large utilities accountable while strengthening the safety, reliability, and affordability of California's electric system. Under his leadership, the state has imposed some of the nation's toughest oversight and enforcement measures, tied cost recovery to demonstrated safety performance, and required major investments in wildfire mitigation and grid hardening to reduce catastrophic risk. The Newsom administration has paired that accountability with reforms to limit cost shifts, expand competitive clean-energy procurement, and accelerate battery storage to improve reliability without unnecessary rate increases. With a new law signed last summer by Governor Newsom, California families will receive up to $60 billion in electricity bill refunds through 2045.
Energy leadership appointments
John Reynolds, of Oakland, has been designated President of the California Public Utilities Commission, where he has served as Commissioner since 2022. Reynolds was Managing Counsel at Cruise LLC in 2019. He held multiple positions at the California Public Utilities Commission from 2013 to 2018, including Interim Chief of Staff to Commissioner Genevieve Shiroma, Advisor to Commissioner Carla Peterman, and Public Utilities Counsel. He was Associate at De la Pena & Holiday LLP in 2012. Reynolds earned a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California College of the Law, San Francisco and a Bachelor of Arts degree in International Relations from Brown University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $256,451. Reynolds is a Democrat.
Christine Harada, of La Crescenta-Montrose, has been appointed to the California Public Utilities Commission. Harada has been Undersecretary of the California Government Operations Agency since 2025. She was Senior Advisor at the United States Office of Management and Budget from 2023 to 2025. Harada was the Executive Director at the Federal Permitting Improvement Steering Council from 2021 to 2023. She was the President of i(X) Investments from 2018 to 2020. Harada was the Federal Chief Sustainability Officer for The White House Council on Environmental Quality from 2015 to 2017. She held multiple positions at the United States General Services Administration from 2014 to 2015, including Acting Chief of Staff, Associate Administrator for Government-Wide Policy, and Chief Acquisition Officer. Harada earned a Master of Business Administration degree and a Master of the Arts degree in International Studies from the University of Pennsylvania, a Master of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from Stanford University, and a Bachelor of Science degree in Aeronautics and Astronautics from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $215,632. Harada is a Democrat.
Alice Reynolds, of Sacramento, has been appointed to the California Independent System Operator Governing Board. Reynolds has been President of the California Public Utilities Commission since 2021. Reynolds was Senior Advisor on Energy in the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom from 2019 to 2021. She was Senior Advisor for Climate, the Energy, and the Environment in the Office of Governor Edmund Brown Jr. from 2017 to 2019. Reynolds held several roles at the California Environmental Protection Agency from 2011 to 2017, including Deputy Secretary for Law Enforcement and General Counsel. Reynolds was Deputy Attorney General at the California Department of Justice from 2002 to 2011. She was an Attorney at Sonnenschein Nath & Rosenthal from 1998 to 2002. Reynolds was an Associate Attorney at Furth, Fahrner & Mason from 1995 to 1998. She was a Research Attorney at Santa Clara County Superior Court from 1993 to 1995. Reynolds earned a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from Stanford University. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50,000. Reynolds is a Democrat.
Joseph Eto, of Oakland, has been reappointed to the California Independent System Operator Governing Board, where he has served since 2023. Eto was a Staff Scientist at Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory from 1982 to 2025. He is a member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers. Eto earned a Master of Science degree in Energy and Resources and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy from the University of California, Berkeley. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $50,000. Eto is a Democrat.
Note: John Reynolds and Alice Reynolds are not related.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/18/governor-newsom-names-new-california-public-utilities-commission-president-to-launch-new-phase-in-effort-to-protect-consumers-from-escalating-utility-costs/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Sentencing of Tucson Couple For Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 19 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentencing of Tucson Couple For Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud
TUCSON -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a Tucson couple has been sentenced following their guilty pleas to felony charges arising from a scheme to defraud the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) of more than $60,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
David Christopher Ellis, 42, was sentenced to six years in the Arizona Department
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 19 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Sentencing of Tucson Couple For Pandemic Unemployment Assistance Fraud
TUCSON -- Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced that a Tucson couple has been sentenced following their guilty pleas to felony charges arising from a scheme to defraud the Arizona Department of Economic Security (DES) of more than $60,000 in Pandemic Unemployment Assistance (PUA) benefits.
David Christopher Ellis, 42, was sentenced to six years in the Arizona Departmentof Corrections. Gabbrielle Elizabeth Ellis, 44, was sentenced to seven years of probation. Both defendants pleaded guilty in Pima County Superior Court to Fraudulent Schemes and Artifices, a Class 2 Felony. They are also ordered to pay $62,151 in restitution.
Between June and August 2020, David and Gabbrielle Ellis submitted false PUA applications to Arizona DES using the identities of other individuals -- including incarcerated inmates and other unwitting victims -- and collected the resulting benefit payments for themselves. The scheme resulted in more than $60,000 in fraudulent benefits obtained at the expense of Arizona taxpayers and the individuals whose identities were exploited.
"Those who exploit public assistance programs will be held accountable," said Attorney General Mayes. "My office will continue to work alongside our law enforcement partners to protect Arizona taxpayers and ensure that critical safety net resources reach those who truly need them."
The case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Jocelyn Tellez-Amado of the Arizona Attorney General's Office.
A copy of the indictment is available here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=e2a1c97f38&e=9153ff6c96). A copy of Mr. Ellis' plea agreement is here 9https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=df081b9029&e=9153ff6c96). A copy of Ms. Ellis' plea agreement is here (https://azag.us5.list-manage.com/track/click?u=cc1fad182b6d6f8b1e352e206&id=a7eac9b47c&e=9153ff6c96).
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-sentencing-tucson-couple-pandemic-unemployment
