States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Attorney General Griffin Returns to the University of Arkansas for One Pill Can Kill Training; Notes State's Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 30 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Returns to the University of Arkansas for One Pill Can Kill Training; Notes State's Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths
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Griffin: 'The drop in overdose deaths since 2023 illustrates the stakes involved: We're helping to save Arkansans' lives'
FAYETTEVILLE - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after joining University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson for a press conference to mark the second round of One Pill Can Kill training
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 30 -- Arkansas Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Griffin Returns to the University of Arkansas for One Pill Can Kill Training; Notes State's Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths
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Griffin: 'The drop in overdose deaths since 2023 illustrates the stakes involved: We're helping to save Arkansans' lives'
FAYETTEVILLE - Attorney General Tim Griffin issued the following statement after joining University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson for a press conference to mark the second round of One Pill Can Kill trainingat the University of Arkansas:
"We kicked off the One Pill Can Kill initiative at the University of Arkansas nearly 18 months ago. According to statistics recently published by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, Arkansas's number of opioid overdose deaths has dropped by more than 50% since the summer 2023.
"Many factors and many partners deserve credit for this positive trend. But now is not the time to rest on success, which is why we came back to Fayetteville today for another round of student training. I am also pleased to announce that my office is funding two additional Narcan vending machines on the UA campus. We had previously funded one machine at the UA, and each machines provides Narcan free of charge.
"This is the 11th round of training we've provided to college students on campuses across the state, and we have many more planned. To date, we've trained more than 1,700 students on the dangers of illicit opioids and how to respond when someone overdoses.
"The drop in overdose deaths since 2023 illustrates the stakes involved: We're helping to save Arkansans' lives."
University of Arkansas Chancellor Charles Robinson provided the following statement:
"Campus safety and preparing students to have a positive impact in the world are two of our top priorities, and our partnership with Attorney General Griffin's office is advancing both. The knowledge, skills, and resources participants will gain through this training could make a lifesaving difference in an emergency where every second counts."
To download a PDF version of this release, click here.
About Attorney General Tim Griffin
Tim Griffin was sworn in as the 57th Attorney General of Arkansas on January 10, 2023, having previously served as the state's 20th Lieutenant Governor from 2015-2023. From 2011-2015, Griffin served as the 24th representative of Arkansas's Second Congressional District, where he served on the House Committee on Ways and Means, House Armed Services Committee, House Committee on Foreign Affairs, House Committee on Ethics and House Committee on the Judiciary while also serving as a Deputy Whip for the Majority.
Griffin is currently an officer in the Arkansas Army National Guard and holds the rank of colonel. Griffin served as an officer in the U.S. Army Reserve Judge Advocate General's (JAG) Corps for more than 28 years. In 2005, Griffin was mobilized to active duty as an Army prosecutor at Fort Campbell, Kentucky, and served with the 101st Airborne Division (Air Assault) in Mosul, Iraq.
His previous assignments include serving as the Commander of the 2d Legal Operations Detachment in New Orleans, Louisiana; the Commander of the 134th Legal Operations Detachment at Fort Bragg, North Carolina; and as a Senior Legislative Advisor to the Under Secretary of Defense for Personnel and Readiness at the Pentagon. Griffin earned a master's degree in strategic studies as a Distinguished Honor Graduate from the U.S. Army War College, Carlisle Barracks, Pennsylvania.
Griffin also served as U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Arkansas, and Special Assistant to the President and Deputy Director of Political Affairs for President George W. Bush; Special Assistant to Assistant Attorney General Michael Chertoff, Criminal Division, U.S. Department of Justice; Special Assistant U.S. Attorney, U.S. Attorney's Office, Eastern District of Arkansas; Senior Investigative Counsel, Government Reform and Oversight Committee, U.S. House of Representatives; and Associate Independent Counsel, Office of Independent Counsel David M. Barrett, In re: HUD Secretary Henry Cisneros.
Griffin is a graduate of Magnolia High School, Hendrix College in Conway, and Tulane Law School in New Orleans. He attended graduate school at Oxford University. He is admitted to practice law in Arkansas (active) and Louisiana (inactive). Griffin lives in Little Rock with his wife, Elizabeth, a Camden native, and their three children.
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Original text here: https://arkansasag.gov/news-release/attorney-general-griffin-returns-to-the-university-of-arkansas-for-one-pill-can-kill-training-notes-states-decline-in-opioid-overdose-deaths/
Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration Proposal Targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
SACRAMENTO, California, March 30 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration Proposal Targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposal by the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require recipients of federal funding to comply with the Trump Administration's guidance and executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In the
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, March 30 -- California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Bonta Opposes Trump Administration Proposal Targeting Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Programs
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OAKLAND -California Attorney General Rob Bonta on Friday co-led a coalition of 23 attorneys general in filing a comment letter opposing a proposal by the General Services Administration (GSA) that would require recipients of federal funding to comply with the Trump Administration's guidance and executive order targeting diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI). In theletter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue that the proposal imposes unjustified and duplicative burdens on federal funding applicants and recipients, violates federal law, and seeks to threaten federal funding recipients away from conducting lawful activities related to DEI.
"This proposal is another attempt by the Trump Administration to advance its agenda against diversity, equity, and inclusion," said Attorney General Bonta. "GSA wants to scare grant recipients into halting lawful programs that protect Americans from discrimination and unfair roadblocks. We will not stand by as GSA oversteps its authority and imposes unnecessary burdens on funding applicants. We will fight to protect policies and practices that help foster diverse and prosperous communities for all Americans."
On January 27, GSA published a notice proposing to amend its Financial Assistance General Representations and Certifications, a standard all federal funding applicants and recipients must agree to in order to register for the federal government's System for Award Management (SAM.gov). Registration in SAM.gov is a mandatory step to apply for and receive federal funding. The proposal would, among other things, require funding applicants and recipients to certify compliance with President Trump's executive order titled "Ending Illegal Discrimination and Restoring Merit-Based Opportunity" as well as guidance issued by the U.S. Department of Justice titled "Guidance for Recipients of Federal Funding Regarding Unlawful Discrimination." The order and guidance direct recipients of federal funding against practicing programs that promote DEI.
In Friday's letter, Attorney General Bonta and the coalition call for GSA to withdraw its proposal. Attorney General Bonta and the coalition argue, among other things, that:
* GSA's proposal creates unnecessary and duplicative certification requirements for federal funding applicants and recipients in violation of the Paperwork Reduction Act. The proposal imposes undue burdens on applicants and recipients without justifying why such burdens are necessary for GSA to perform its function as an agency.
* The proposal violates the Administrative Procedure Act. The proposal does not adequately explain why additional certification requirements are needed; exceeds GSA's Congressionally-granted authority; and does not follow mandated procedures for providing notice and opportunity for public comment. It also violates the Constitution's Spending Clause because it fails the clear notice requirement and is unconstitutionally coercive.
* The proposal aims to intimidate entities seeking federal funding away from conducting lawful activity related to immigration and DEI programs.
Attorney General Bonta and New York Attorney General Letitia James co-led the filing of Friday's letter. They are joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, the District of Columbia, Hawai'i, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://oag.ca.gov/news/press-releases/attorney-general-bonta-opposes-trump-administration-proposal-targeting-diversity
Attorney General Alan Wilson pushes for state, local authority to combat illegal drone drops at prisons
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 30 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson pushes for state, local authority to combat illegal drone drops at prisons
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a multistate effort to combat the alarming rise in drones that are illegally dropping contraband into prisons, including narcotics, weapons, cell phones, and other items.
Per federal law, only a narrow set of federal agencies are authorized to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drones. Meaning, correctional
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 30 -- South Carolina Attorney General Alan Wilson issued the following news:
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Attorney General Alan Wilson pushes for state, local authority to combat illegal drone drops at prisons
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(COLUMBIA, S.C.) - Attorney General Alan Wilson has joined a multistate effort to combat the alarming rise in drones that are illegally dropping contraband into prisons, including narcotics, weapons, cell phones, and other items.
Per federal law, only a narrow set of federal agencies are authorized to detect, track, and mitigate unauthorized drones. Meaning, correctionalofficials - who are on the front lines of this issue - often lack the legal authority and the necessary tools to intervene in real time. To address this gap, Attorney General Wilson and 20 other Attorneys General are asking the Trump administration to provide state and local law enforcement with the ability to disable or intercept drones before they reach the prison.
"I've continued to advocate for ways to keep illegal contraband out of our prisons," Attorney General Wilson stated. "The public safety threat caused by these drone drops is one that our local and state authorities have no jurisdiction over. This needs to change so we can keep our facilities and communities safe."
As stated in the letter: "This type of illegal activity is happening all over the country, and the consequences are severe. The introduction of drugs contributes to addiction, violence, and overdose incidents. Smuggled weapons heighten the risk of assaults and coordinated acts of violence. Contraband cell phones enable incarcerated individuals to continue criminal enterprises, including fraud schemes, witness intimidation, and violent crime."
For this reason, the Attorneys General request that the Task Force, led by Dr. Gorka, work with federal agencies to grant carefully defined authority for state and local law enforcement to address this threat quickly and efficiently. They also recommend continued collaboration with federal partners to investigate and prosecute those who use drones to introduce contraband into correctional facilities.
In addition to Attorney General Wilson, the attorneys general of the following states have also signed on to this Georgia-led letter: Alabama, Arkansas, Florida, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, and West Virginia.
Find a copy of the letter here.
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Original text here: https://www.scag.gov/about-the-office/news/attorney-general-alan-wilson-pushes-for-state-local-authority-to-combat-illegal-drone-drops-at-prisons/
AG Campbell Secures Court Orders Permanently Barring Operators Of A Fraudulent Veterans Charity From Engaging In Charitable Activities In Massachusetts
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 30 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG Campbell Secures Court Orders Permanently Barring Operators Of A Fraudulent Veterans Charity From Engaging In Charitable Activities In Massachusetts
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BOSTON -Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell secured a court order declaring that Sean D. Murphy, Rikkile Brown and their corporate counterparts, Political Petitioning of MA, LLC (PPMA) and Help Homeless Vets, Inc. (HHV), violated Massachusetts's charitable solicitations laws by using deceptive tactics
... Show Full Article
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 30 -- Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell issued the following news release:
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AG Campbell Secures Court Orders Permanently Barring Operators Of A Fraudulent Veterans Charity From Engaging In Charitable Activities In Massachusetts
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BOSTON -Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Joy Campbell secured a court order declaring that Sean D. Murphy, Rikkile Brown and their corporate counterparts, Political Petitioning of MA, LLC (PPMA) and Help Homeless Vets, Inc. (HHV), violated Massachusetts's charitable solicitations laws by using deceptive tacticsto collect donations under the guise of supporting veterans, but misappropriated much of the money for personal use. The judgments permanently bar Murphy and Brown from soliciting and collecting charitable donations in the Commonwealth and order them to formally dissolve the corporate entities they used to carry out the scam.
"When residents donate their hard-earned money to charitable organizations, they deserve to know that their contributions are going toward the causes they believe in. By misappropriating donations meant to support veterans, Sean Murphy and Rikkile Brown exploited the compassion of our residents and shamelessly disrespected those who serve our country," said AG Campbell. "This victory puts scammers on notice that my office will not tolerate scams that prey on consumers or veterans."
In January 2023, the Attorney General's Office (AGO) filed a civil enforcement complaint alleging that Murphy and PPMA, the company he managed and which Brown owned, recruited and hired veterans to sit in front of supermarkets across the Commonwealth and collect signatures for a petition that purported to help homeless veterans. At Murphy and PPMA's direction, the veterans instead primarily collected cash donations, informing shoppers that the donations went towards charities supporting veterans.
The AGO's complaint alleged that Murphy and PPMA unlawfully operated as professional solicitors, and that when donors began questioning the final destination of the donations, Murphy and Brown formed HHV, a public charity that they controlled. The AGO's complaint also alleged that out of the thousands of dollars that were collected, only about $343 went to legitimate veterans' charities. In March 2023, AG Campbell secured a preliminary injunction barring the defendants from collecting donations. Following extensive litigation, a Suffolk Superior Court sided with the AGO and entered an order permanently barring Murphy and Brown from operating or engaging in charitable activities in the Commonwealth.
This matter was led by Assistant Attorney General Argie Kosmetatos Shapiro, with assistance from Division Chief Jonathan Green and Assistant Attorney General Eric Carriker, all of the AGO's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division.
The AGO's Non-Profit Organizations/Public Charities Division oversees more than 25,000 public charities operating in Massachusetts. It ensures appropriate application of charitable assets, investigates allegations and initiates enforcement actions in cases of breach of fiduciary duty, and supports transparency through publication of filed reports and forms. The Division also oversees paid fundraisers, including enforcement of registration and filing requirements and prosecution of solicitation fraud.
* Office of the Attorney General
The Attorney General is the chief lawyer and law enforcement officer of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/ag-campbell-secures-court-orders-permanently-barring-operators-of-a-fraudulent-veterans-charity-from-engaging-in-charitable-activities-in-massachusetts
AG Nessel Encourages Municipalities to Review Public Water System Settlements Claims Process Before Entering Into Agreements with Outside Firms
LANSING, Michigan, March 30 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Encourages Municipalities to Review Public Water System Settlements Claims Process Before Entering Into Agreements with Outside Firms
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LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities to carefully review the class action settlements claims process designed to resolve allegations of PFAS contamination in Public Water Systems' Drinking Water before entering into agreements with outside firms. The settlements, approved by the United States District
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, March 30 -- Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued the following news release:
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AG Nessel Encourages Municipalities to Review Public Water System Settlements Claims Process Before Entering Into Agreements with Outside Firms
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LANSING - Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel is encouraging municipalities to carefully review the class action settlements claims process designed to resolve allegations of PFAS contamination in Public Water Systems' Drinking Water before entering into agreements with outside firms. The settlements, approved by the United States DistrictCourt for the District of South Carolina as part of AFFF Multi-District Litigation no. 2873, involve four groups of Settling Defendants: the 3M Company; E.I. Du Pont de Nemours and company and affiliated entities; Tyco Fire Products LP and Chemguard, Inc.; and BASF Corporation. The Department of Attorney General has been made aware of law firms advertising their services to help municipalities obtain proceeds from these PFAS settlements. While municipalities may choose to retain legal support at their discretion, officials should understand the claims process prior to entering into an agreement.
"Unfortunately, even municipalities are not immune from bad actors who will try and capitalize on any situation. While these PFAS settlements offer an opportunity for qualified municipal water systems to apply for funding to treat and test for water contamination, local governments should take the time to understand the claims process before entering into an agreement with an outside firm," said Attorney General Nessel. "Carefully read the fine print in any agreement before signing a contract that potentially and unnecessarily consigns as much as a third of any given settlement."
The claims process is designed to allow municipalities to complete submissions directly through the claim's portal managed by a Special Master and a Claims Administrator on the PFAS Settlement website. Eligible water systems are already included in the settlement class unless they previously opted out. A list of eligible municipalities is available online, as are upcoming deadlines, FAQs, and contact information for the Claims Administrator, the Special Master, and Class Counsel who represent all eligible water systems. No separate legal representation is required to apply for settlement funds.
The formulas that will determine the exact distribution amounts to eligible water systems are pre-determined as part of the settlement's allocation procedures. The volume of impacted water and the degree of impact are the main factors in calculating the cost of treating PFAS. There is no negotiation to increase an eligible water supply's allocation.
Some law firms may charge a fee for their services or request a percentage of settlement proceeds as compensation. Attorney General Nessel is concerned this may cause some municipalities to incur unnecessary expense and encourages municipalities to read the fine print before joining any agreement. Information on the basics of the settlements and key dates is available on the PFAS Water Settlement website.
Please note: This is not legal advice, and the State of Michigan cannot provide legal advice to local governments or water suppliers. Municipalities should consult with their own attorneys if they have questions about the meaning or impact of the proposed settlements.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/ag/news/press-releases/2026/03/30/ag-nessel-encourages-municipalities-to-review-public-water-system-settlements-claims-process
AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests former school admissions director for embezzling over $87,000 in tuition payments
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, March 30 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests former school admissions director for embezzling over $87,000 in tuition payments
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Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a former school admissions director for embezzling over $87,000 in tuition payments.
LBI received a criminal complaint from representatives with Crescent City Christian School, a private institution in Metairie, operated by Celebration Church, regarding allegations
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, March 30 -- Louisiana Attorney General Liz Murrill issued the following news:
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AG Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation arrests former school admissions director for embezzling over $87,000 in tuition payments
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Agents with Attorney General Liz Murrill's Louisiana Bureau of Investigation (LBI) arrested a former school admissions director for embezzling over $87,000 in tuition payments.
LBI received a criminal complaint from representatives with Crescent City Christian School, a private institution in Metairie, operated by Celebration Church, regarding allegationsof embezzlement.
During this investigation, LBI agents learned that 32-year-old Maryfrancis Johnson, of Delta Street in Belle Chase, and a former employee who served as the school's Admissions Director, had allegedly defrauded the school.
Agents learned that in the period between 2020 and 2023, Johnson had allegedly embezzled over $87,000 in tuition payments made by students' families. Instead of depositing cash payments, Johnson kept the funds and made false entries in the school's financial tracking system (FACTS) to reflect that payments had been received.
LBI agents secured an arrest warrant for Johnson through the Jefferson Parish Judicial District Court on charges pertaining to:
* L.R.S. 14:67 - Theft over $25,000
* L.R.S. 14:73.5 - Computer Fraud
On Tuesday, March 24, 2026, agents arrested Johnson and booked her at the Jefferson Parish Jail without incident.
Her bond information is unknown at this time.
*All persons are presumed innocent until proven guilty
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Original text here: https://www.ag.state.la.us/Article/471
SCDOT, SCDPS Highlight Progress and Announce Continued Efforts to Improve Roadway Safety in South Carolina
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 28 -- The South Carolina Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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SCDOT, SCDPS Highlight Progress and Announce Continued Efforts to Improve Roadway Safety in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) today highlighted significant progress in improving roadway safety and announced continued joint efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the state.
During a joint press conference, officials emphasized that South Carolina is seeing
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 28 -- The South Carolina Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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SCDOT, SCDPS Highlight Progress and Announce Continued Efforts to Improve Roadway Safety in South Carolina
The South Carolina Department of Transportation (SCDOT) and the South Carolina Department of Public Safety (SCDPS) today highlighted significant progress in improving roadway safety and announced continued joint efforts to reduce traffic fatalities and serious injuries across the state.
During a joint press conference, officials emphasized that South Carolina is seeingmeaningful results from coordinated safety initiatives and outlined how those efforts will continue moving forward.
SCDOT and SCDPS reaffirmed their shared commitment to working together, alongside local governments, law enforcement, and community partners, to build on recent progress and make South Carolina's roadways safer for everyone.
Historic Progress in Reducing Fatalities
SCDPS announced that annual roadway fatalities in South Carolina are at their lowest level in more than a decade. According to preliminary figures, South Carolina has undergone a 21% reduction in traffic fatalities in the past four years, from 1,198 in 2021 to 946 in 2025, and that reduction has continued so far in 2026.
"While this progress in recent years is encouraging, we know that the change did not happen by accident," SCDPS Director Robert G. Woods IV said. "We believe it is the result of our consistent data-driven enforcement efforts, targeted education and community engagement strategies, and strong partnerships at the state and local levels."
Safer Roads Through Strategic Investments
SCDOT highlighted the success of its rural road safety initiatives, which have contributed to a 30% reduction in fatal and serious injury crashes on targeted roadways.
These improvements include infrastructure upgrades such as rumble strips, roadway widening, and safety barriers, all designed to reduce the risk and severity of crashes, particularly on rural roads where fatalities are more likely to occur.
"Every crash statistic represents a person, a family, a community," SCDOT Secretary Justin Powell said. "While these numbers are encouraging, even one life lost is too many. Together, through safer roads, stronger partnerships, and responsible choices, we can save even more lives. We ask every South Carolinian to be part of the solution and be that driver."
Launch of the 2025-2029 Strategic Highway Safety Plan
Building on this progress, SCDOT and SCDPS jointly announced the launch of the 2025-2029 Strategic Highway Safety Plan (SHSP), a comprehensive, data-driven roadmap to further reduce fatalities and serious injuries on South Carolina roadways.
The SHSP was developed in collaboration with a wide range of local, state, and federal partners and identifies key priorities based on statewide crash data. The plan focuses on the Federal Highway Administration's "4 Es" of safety:
* Engineering
* Education
* Enforcement
* Emergency Response
This coordinated approach will guide safety efforts across the state over the next five years.
Encouraging Safer Driver Behavior: "Be That Driver"
As part of the state's ongoing commitment to safety, SCDOT and SCDPS introduced the "Be That Driver" campaign, a new initiative aimed at encouraging safer driving behaviors among all South Carolinians.
The campaign supports the goals of the SHSP by promoting personal responsibility behind the wheel and raising awareness about behaviors that contribute to serious crashes, including speeding, impaired driving, and distracted driving.
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Original text here: https://www.scdot.org/inside/SCDOTPress/2026/scdot--scdps-highlight-progress-and-announce-continued-efforts-t.html
Pa. Military & Veterans Affairs Dept.: Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $800,000 to Support Pennsylvania Veterans
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs issued the following news on March 27, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $800,000 to Support Pennsylvania Veterans
Pennsylvania will see more than $800,000 for veterans' initiatives across the commonwealth over the next year
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The Shapiro Administration announced today it has awarded $804,973 in grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). The $804,973 in citizen-donated funding will support nine County Directors
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs issued the following news on March 27, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests More Than $800,000 to Support Pennsylvania Veterans
Pennsylvania will see more than $800,000 for veterans' initiatives across the commonwealth over the next year
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The Shapiro Administration announced today it has awarded $804,973 in grants through the Pennsylvania Department of Military and Veterans Affairs (DMVA) Veterans' Trust Fund (VTF). The $804,973 in citizen-donated funding will support nine County Directorsof Veterans Affairs and 19 nonprofits and Veterans Service Organizations across the commonwealth as they carry out initiatives to address challenges Pennsylvania veterans face, from food and housing insecurity to transportation and behavioral health issues.
Donations from generous Pennsylvanians fund the VTF. This is done through direct donations online, as well as donations when applying for or renewing their driver's license, photo ID, or motor vehicle registration. The VTF also receives proceeds from the sale of the Honoring Our Veterans and Honoring Our Women Veterans license plates, as well as private donations. Every dollar donated to VTF goes directly to fund grants that benefit veterans. There are no administrative costs, salaries, or contract costs.
Since the VTF grant program began in 2013, a total of $9,968,473 has been awarded to organizations that serve Pennsylvania veterans.
"Our veterans have served our country and fought for our freedoms, and my administration has their backs," said Governor Josh Shapiro. "The Veterans' Trust Fund, supported through Pennsylvanians' generous donations, provides vital resources for the organizations that support Pennsylvania's 700,000 veterans - organizations that make sure our veterans can put food on the table, have transportation to get where they need to go, and receive the benefits they earned through their service. We will continue to work to ensure that the brave men and women who protected our freedoms have the opportunity to succeed and can prosper here in the commonwealth."
"There are countless outstanding organizations across Pennsylvania dedicated to advocating for veterans, but their impact depends on strong financial backing -- which is exactly why the Veterans' Trust Fund plays such a critical role," said Maj. Gen. John Pippy, Pennsylvania's adjutant general and head of the DMVA. "Because of the generosity of Pennsylvanians, the VTF allows us to deliver essential funding to these groups. It's a powerful reminder that we are united as one team, working toward a single goal: supporting our veterans and their families."
The DMVA directed $128,936 in VTF grant funding to nine County Directors of Veterans Affairs for new or expanded programs or services. The grantees and the specific award amounts to support veteran outreach initiatives are as follows:
* Bedford County Veterans Affairs: $14,900 for veterans service dog training in cooperation with Alpha Bravo Canine
* Bucks County Veterans Affairs: $9,036 to support the Bucks County Veterans Response Team
* Chester County Veterans Affairs: $15,000 to implement four outreach initiatives for information, resources, and awareness
* Fayette County Veterans Affairs: $15,000 to expand post-traumatic stress disorder rehabilitative programming and community engagement
* Indiana County of Veterans Affairs: $15,000 to host a veteran expo and stand down event
* Juniata County Veterans Affairs and Mifflin County Veteran Affairs: $30,000 to address veterans' immediate financial, housing, and health care needs and to expand outreach efforts
* Union-Snyder Community Action Agency: $30,000 to provide direct emergency assistance to veterans and their families
The DMVA also awarded $676,037 in funding to 19 Veteran Service Organizations with 501(c)(19) status and nonprofit organizations with 501(c)(3) status and a mission of serving Pennsylvania veterans. Funding priorities for grants in this category were mental health and behavioral health, transportation, and employment. The grantees, the specific award amounts, and the programs supported are as follows:
* AHARI A Home Is a Right (Philadelphia): $40,000 for veteran outreach, short-term employment opportunities, and a Stand Down event
* Alpha Bravo Canine (Philadelphia): $37,017 for veterans' service dog training and owner-trained service dog programs
* Community Action Agency of Delaware County (Boothwyn): $37,700 for emergency food assistance and housing assistance for veterans and their families
* Community Food Warehouse of Mercer County (Sharon): $40,000 to purchase food for the MilitaryShare program
* Heroic Gardens (Elkins Park): $37,625 for a trauma-responsive, therapeutic horticulture program for veterans
* Horses with Hope (Bethel Park): $23,400 for free or reduced cost Equine-Assisted Psychotherapy (EAP) and Equine-Assisted Learning (EAL) for veterans
* Legal Aid Southeastern PA (Norristown): $33,000 for outreach and legal representation for veterans with behavioral health conditions
* Leroy O Buck VFW Post 7863 (Duboistown): $39,950 for food distributions to veterans and their families experiencing food insecurity
* Meals On Wheels Erie (Erie): $39,500 to provide nutritionally balanced, daily, ready-to-heat meals to homebound, senior, and/or disabled veterans
* Operation Troop Appreciation (McKeesport): $35,000 for establishing residences for veterans who are transitioning to civilian life, exiting in-patient or agency-provided temporary housing programs, or coming out of homeless situations
* Pittsburgh Hires Veterans (Pittsburgh): $40,000 to support veterans in overcoming unemployment, underemployment, and the challenges of transitioning to civilian careers by connecting them with local employers
* Rabbitcares (York): $39,900 to provide free medical transportation and fixed-route employment transportation to veterans
* Robert Irvine Foundation (Tampa, FL): $25,000 for educating Pennsylvania veterans and their families on evidence-based suicide intervention and prevention strategies
* Second Harvest Food of the Lehigh Valley and Northeast Pennsylvania (Nazareth): $40,000 to provide food to veterans and their families through the MilitaryShare program
* Shining Stars Therapeutic Riding Program (Gettysburg): $37,800 to improve and expand the Stars and Stripes Veterans Program equine-assisted program
* Standing Stone VFW Post 1754 (Huntingdon): $20,000 to purchase food for distribution through the MilitaryShare program
* Valhalla Veterans Services (Scranton): $40,000 to expand access to mental health counseling and suicide prevention training for veterans, service members, and their families
* Valor Clinic Foundation (Brodheadsville): $39,375 for repairs to a facility supporting homeless and at-risk veterans through essential programs and services
* Veterans Outreach of Pennsylvania (Harrisburg): $30,770 for providing support services, resources, income, and benefits that support wellness to veterans exiting homelessness
All grant awards are contingent upon the completion of a fully executed grant agreement.
The DMVA is authorized to solicit and accept donations to the VTF on behalf of the commonwealth. Tax-deductible donations can be made online at https://www.pa.gov/dmva/donate/ or mailed to: PA Veterans' Trust Fund, Lickdale Veterans' Outreach Center, 40 Fisher Avenue, Jonestown, PA, 17038.
Please consider supporting the VTF through your estate planning.
To learn more about the VTF, visit www.vtf.pa.gov or follow DMVA on Facebook at www.facebook.com/padmva.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dmva/about-dmva/newsroom/-shapiro-admin--invests-more-than--800-000-to-support-pennsylvan
Massachusetts Department of Public Health Advises Consumers to Dispose of Raw Cheddar Cheese Sold by Raw Farm Due to Ongoing E. Coli Outbreak
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 28 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises consumers to dispose of raw cheddar cheese sold by Raw Farm, LLC due to ongoing E. coli outbreak
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers to discard any Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese they have, as federal and state officials investigate an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections linked to the product. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and the
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 28 -- The Massachusetts Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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Massachusetts Department of Public Health advises consumers to dispose of raw cheddar cheese sold by Raw Farm, LLC due to ongoing E. coli outbreak
The Massachusetts Department of Public Health (DPH) is advising consumers to discard any Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese they have, as federal and state officials investigate an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli infections linked to the product. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention and theU.S. Food and Drug Administration, seven illnesses in three states have been identified to date, including two hospitalizations. More than half of the illnesses have affected children under the age of five. No deaths have been reported.
At this time, no Massachusetts cases have been linked to the outbreak. DPH is issuing this warning to raise awareness of the potential risk the product poses while it remains in distribution. DPH will continue working with federal partners to monitor the situation.
The outbreak has been linked to Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese, including block and shredded cheddar cheese products. According to the FDA, available evidence points to raw cheddar cheese products made by Raw Farm, LLC as the likely source of the outbreak. Raw Farm, LLC declined the FDA's recommendation to voluntarily remove the products from sale. The products are distributed nationwide.
DPH advises consumers to:
* Do not eat Raw Farm-brand raw cheddar cheese, including block and shredded cheddar products, while the investigation continues.
* Check refrigerators and freezers for these products and throw them away.
* Wash and sanitize any surfaces, utensils, containers, or refrigerator areas that may have come into contact with the cheese. This infographic shows how to clean your refrigerator in five steps.
* Watch for symptoms of E. coli infection if you or a family member consumed raw cheddar cheese from Raw Farm, LLC. Contact a health care provider right away if symptoms of E. coli infection develop.
Symptoms of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli can include severe stomach cramps, diarrhea that is often bloody, vomiting, and fever. Symptoms typically begin about three to four days after exposure to the bacteria. In some cases, infection can lead to serious kidney complications, including hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), which may require hospitalization. Young children are at highest risk of getting HUS.
People should seek medical care promptly if they have:
* Diarrhea and a fever above 102 F
* Diarrhea lasting more than three days without improvement
* Bloody diarrhea
* Vomiting that prevents them from keeping liquids down
* Signs of dehydration, such as decreased urination, dry mouth, or dizziness when standing
Consumers and retailers can find additional information on the federal outbreak notices from the CDC and FDA. DPH will continue to monitor any related illnesses in Massachusetts and share updates as needed.
CDC - E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese (https://www.cdc.gov/ecoli/outbreaks/rawcheese-03-26/index.html)
FDA - Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026) (https://www.fda.gov/food/outbreaks-foodborne-illness/outbreak-investigation-e-coli-o157h7-raw-cheddar-cheese-march-2026)
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massachusetts-department-of-public-health-advises-consumers-to-dispose-of-raw-cheddar-cheese-sold-by-raw-farm-llc-due-to-ongoing-e-coli-outbreak
Mack Real Estate Group and McCourt Partners Celebrate Start of Construction at Halo Vista In Phoenix
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 28 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from Mack Real Estate Group:
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Mack Real Estate Group and McCourt Partners Celebrate Start of Construction at Halo Vista In Phoenix
Groundbreaking Event Kicks Off Initial Phase of 2,300-Acre 'City Within a City'
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Mack Real Estate Group (MREG) and McCourt Partners hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction at Halo Vista, a landmark 2,300-acre master-planned development in North Phoenix. Situated immediately adjacent to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) campus,
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 28 -- The Arizona Commerce Authority posted the following news from Mack Real Estate Group:
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Mack Real Estate Group and McCourt Partners Celebrate Start of Construction at Halo Vista In Phoenix
Groundbreaking Event Kicks Off Initial Phase of 2,300-Acre 'City Within a City'
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Mack Real Estate Group (MREG) and McCourt Partners hosted a ceremonial groundbreaking to mark the start of construction at Halo Vista, a landmark 2,300-acre master-planned development in North Phoenix. Situated immediately adjacent to the Taiwan Semiconductor Manufacturing Company (TSMC) campus,Halo Vista is designed to be a premier global hub for science, innovation, and community.
The $7 billion project, described as a "city within a city" and projected to be a major catalyst for regional growth, has an important role in one of the most significant economic drivers in Arizona's history. By providing the built environment in which chip designers, engineering students, and pioneering companies can co-locate with the world's leading chip manufacturer, Halo Vista is positioned to support the expansion of Phoenix's semiconductor ecosystem and the ongoing "renaissance" of the American manufacturing and the semiconductor industry as a whole.
This initial phase of construction will focus on critical horizontal infrastructure and site preparation, with work being led by Phoenix-based Willmeng Construction. The master plan for the site encompasses nearly 30 million square feet of mixed-use capacity, including industrial, manufacturing, office, retail, residential, and educational uses.
The event included remarks from Mack Real Estate Group CEO Richard Mack, and Frank McCourt, Founder and Executive Chairman of McCourt Partners, who shared their vision for the project's global impact. More than a hundred guests gathered to celebrate the occasion, including state and local officials and community leaders.
Speakers included Christine Mackay, President and CEO of the Greater Phoenix Economic Council, Phoenix District 1 Councilwoman Ann O'Brien; Ryan Ruiz, Executive Vice President of Business Development, Arizona Commerce Authority; as well as Jordan Lang, President of McCourt Partners; Chris Janson, President of Mack Halo Vista; and Willmeng Construction CEO James Murphy.
The groundbreaking ceremony also highlighted the first confirmed businesses that will anchor the development's retail and hospitality offerings. These initial tenants include a Costco, a planned auto mall developed by DeRito Partners featuring approximately 10 dealers, and a five-story, dual-branded Marriott hotel featuring both Courtyard and Residence Inn properties. These developments are part of the first phase of retail planning situated along I-17 and Dove Valley Road, designed to serve the thousands of workers and residents anticipated to join the Halo Vista community.
WHAT THEY ARE SAYING ABOUT HALO VISTA:
"Northwest Phoenix has always had strong neighborhoods and a great quality of life. What's arriving now is the economic depth to match it. With the ecosystem growing around TSMC and developments like Halo Vista, we're creating real career pathways for longtime residents, for students and skilled trades workers, for entrepreneurs and young professionals, and a thriving community where people choose to stay and others choose to arrive."
- Ann O'Brien, Phoenix City Councilwoman for District 1
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"Halo Vista represents a transformative development to usher in a new era, serving as a catalyst to accelerate Arizona's economic future. Positioned alongside TSMC's historic investment, this visionary development will serve as an international innovation engine - supporting companies at the cutting edge of technology, attracting world class talent, and strengthening our already robust semiconductor supply chain."
- Sandra Watson, President and CEO of the Arizona Commerce Authority
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"This groundbreaking is a monumental step toward achieving TSMC's long-sought goal: building not only the chips that power our world in Greater Phoenix, but enabling a community to grow holistically alongside it. Halo Vista will function as Phoenix's model of the Hsinchu Science Park, serving as a center for the region's progression as the most comprehensive semiconductor hub in the United States."
- Christine Mackay, President & CEO, Greater Phoenix Economic Council
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"High-performance computing and access to the chips upon which it is built will fuel our economy, facilitate re-shoring and enable the future of automation and reindustrialization in the U.S., Phoenix and at Halo Vista. TSMC's semiconductor products are fundamental to the modern global tech economy, making TSMC one of the most important companies of our time. Our job is to create the ecosystem at Halo Vista that best supports TSMC's success, and reindustrialization in America generally. That is why today's groundbreaking is monumental for Phoenix, the United States, and the world. We are grateful to the public officials and private sector partners who are helping to bring this project to life."
- Richard Mack, CEO, Mack Real Estate Group
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"What local leadership is doing in Phoenix is truly remarkable. Their commitment to infrastructure and to TSMC is a powerful sign of trust and belief in the future. Our responsibility now is to translate that investment into impact: to develop, to build and to create jobs. But we also have a deep responsibility to build community - to create a place that matters to people - where future generations can grow up in a place teeming with opportunity and fulfill the American dream."
- Frank McCourt, Founder & Executive Chairman, McCourt Partners
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"Today's groundbreaking marks the beginning of something that will shape this region for decades to come. With TSMC anchoring this region, we're stepping into a once-in-a-generation opportunity. This is our moment to build something enduring and create a place that attracts the best companies, the best talent, and the next generation of innovators."
- Jordan Lang, President, McCourt Partners
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"This milestone day represents the moment Halo Vista moves from vision to execution. What makes this especially meaningful is the collaboration behind it. From our public partners to our private stakeholders, this project reflects a shared commitment to building the ecosystem that will support TSMC and the broader semiconductor industry. Halo Vista is designed to be a place where innovation, talent, and community come together, and our team is proud to help bring that vision to life."
- Chris Janson, President, Mack Halo Vista
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"We are proud to come alongside the Mack and McCourt teams to begin the construction process at Halo Vista, but we don't get to this point without a lot of time, effort and long nights put in by those two outstanding companies. We're excited to get this project started and to begin to see the potential that Halo Vista holds for the Valley and even on a larger scale. This is truly a one-of-a-kind opportunity for our state and Willmeng is thankful to have a role in something of this magnitude right here in our hometown."
- James Murphy, CEO, Willmeng Construction
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About Mack Real Estate Group
Mack Real Estate Group, LLC (MREG) is an institutional real estate investment firm with roots in several Mack family real estate businesses dating back to the 1960s. Today, MREG's vertically integrated equity and credit businesses have offices across the U.S. including New York, Seattle, Phoenix, Miami and Raleigh. MREG's equity business specializes in the acquisition, development and ownership of multifamily, industrial, retail and other asset classes located in gateway and high-growth markets. MREG's portfolio of current and realized investments represents nearly 14,000 multifamily units, 22 million square feet of industrial space, and more than 2 million square feet of retail space, including the firm's development and pre-development pipeline. The firm's affiliated credit business, Mack Real Estate Credit Strategies, L.P. (MRECS), has originated, co-originated, and acquired more than $20 billion of loans since 2015 across multiple lending strategies. MRECS invests across the capital stack through various public and private vehicles, and an MRECS affiliate manages Claros Mortgage Trust, Inc. (NYSE: CMTG), a publicly traded commercial mortgage REIT. For more information, visit www.mackregroup.com and follow @Mack Real Estate Group on LinkedIn.
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About McCourt Partners
McCourt Partners is a community-driven, family-owned real estate development, investment and management firm. With more than $1 billion of permanent capital, it has made significant investments in flagship projects in New York City, Los Angeles, Austin, Dallas, London and Miami. McCourt Partners endeavors to build stronger communities through inclusive space, green technology, and resilient design. The company has over 35 million square feet of assets planned, designed, financed or under development globally. For more information, visit www.mccourtpartners.com.
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Original text here: https://www.azcommerce.com/news-events/news/2026/3/halo-vista-groundbreaking/
Court Rules With State, Clears Way for Offshore Wind Substation Critical to Delaware's Energy Future
DOVER, Delaware, March 28 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware's energy future
Delaware ratepayers won a significant victory Wednesday as the Court of Chancery upheld the General Assembly's authority to ensure construction of a critical electrical substation needed to bring offshore wind power to Delaware ratepayers.
"Delawareans are paying more for electricity than ever -- and the last thing they need is a political fight obstructing the homegrown
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DOVER, Delaware, March 28 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Court rules with State, clears way for offshore wind substation critical to Delaware's energy future
Delaware ratepayers won a significant victory Wednesday as the Court of Chancery upheld the General Assembly's authority to ensure construction of a critical electrical substation needed to bring offshore wind power to Delaware ratepayers.
"Delawareans are paying more for electricity than ever -- and the last thing they need is a political fight obstructing the homegrownenergy that will lower their bills," said AG Jennings. "Today's ruling makes clear that Delaware's energy future is a statewide issue that should be decided by the whole State -- not one municipality. We're going to keep fighting to protect this project and the affordable, reliable energy it will deliver to every Delawarean.
"We need to get politics out of our energy policy and focus on what actually lowers costs for Delaware families," said Governor Matt Meyer. "Delaware needs more energy, and wind is one of our natural advantages. At a time when the federal government is driving energy costs even higher, we have a responsibility to do everything we can to deliver clean, affordable energy here at home. I'm thankful to Attorney General Jennings and her team for their hard work and I look forward to this project moving forward."
In December 2024, Sussex County Council voted 4-1 to deny a permit for an electrical substation proposed by Renewable Redevelopment, LLC on land already zoned Heavy Industrial next to the Indian River Power Plant. The substation would serve as a critical link allowing electricity generated by offshore wind turbines to come ashore and enter the regional electric grid. Council denied the permit despite a unanimous recommendation to approve from Sussex County's own Planning Commission, which found that the project would not harm neighboring properties. In response, the General Assembly passed Senate Bill 159 in June 2025, providing that no county may deny a permit for an electrical substation that meets specific siting criteria -- criteria that this project meets in full.
"Here in Delaware and across our region, we're in an energy supply and reliability crisis. I believe that we as elected leaders have an obligation to move swiftly to bring new energy generation projects online," said Sen. Stephanie Hansen, prime sponsor of Senate Bill 159. "Time and again, the courts have upheld state action to propel the US Wind project forward. Our energy supply and reliability are statewide issues and we can no longer afford to be parochial in our viewpoint."
Sussex County and the Town of Fenwick Island challenged the law in the Court of Chancery, arguing it violated separation of powers, was improperly titled, constituted illegal "spot zoning," and conflicted with existing state law. In a bench ruling Wednesday, the Court of Chancery rejected each of those arguments and granted summary judgment to the State and Renewable Redevelopment. The ruling affirms a foundational principle of Delaware law: zoning power belongs to the General Assembly, which may delegate, condition, or reclaim it as it sees fit. Sussex County was carrying out powers the State gave it -- and the State was within its rights to step in when that power was used to undermine both statewide and regional energy security.
With energy prices in Delaware reaching all-time highs, the decision comes at a critical moment for Delaware's energy supply. Since Delaware consumes 70 times more energy than it produces and generates less energy than almost any other state. It overwhelmingly buys and imports its energy supply from the regional grid. The supply strain is further exacerbated by the Strait of Hormuz Crisis and the ongoing conflict in Iran, which have driven oil and natural gas prices sharply higher. Delaware's regional grid operator, PJM, has warned that available electricity supply may fall short of peak demand as early as this summer.
Wednesday's court victory reinforces the State's parallel efforts to protect the US Wind project, which AG Jennings has been actively supporting against federal attempts to stall or shut it down. US Wind's offshore wind turbine project would add 1.7 gigawatts of clean, domestically produced energy into that grid. Independent estimates suggest the project could have saved Delaware ratepayers over $43 million in a single month during last January's cold snap, and would lower electricity bills by hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of the project. It is one of the few large-scale generation projects ready to add meaningful supply on a relevant timeline. The Sussex County substation is an indispensable component of the US Wind project's ability to deliver relief to Delawareans, enabling the power cables from offshore to connect with the power grid. Together, these efforts reflect the State's commitment to ensuring that Delaware's energy future is not derailed -- whether by local permit denials or federal policy reversals.
When complete, the US Wind project is projected to lower electricity costs for Delaware ratepayers by hundreds of millions of dollars over the life of the project, provide $3.75 million per year in free renewable energy credits, invest more than $400 million in upgrades to the regional transmission grid, and contribute $40 million to coastal resilience, workforce development, and community benefit funds. IBEW Local 126 -- the Sussex County union representing local electricians -- has supported the project, noting the jobs it will create for skilled tradespeople in the county.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/03/27/court-rules-with-state-clears-way-for-offshore-wind-substation-critical-to-delawares-energy-future/
Colo. Secretary of State: Terri Carver Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, March 28 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Terri Carver Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Terri Carver, Republican candidate for Colorado Senate District 9, has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado Senate are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30% of votes cast in the last election, whichever is smaller) in their district, a requirement outlined
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DENVER, Colorado, March 28 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Terri Carver Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Terri Carver, Republican candidate for Colorado Senate District 9, has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado Senate are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30% of votes cast in the last election, whichever is smaller) in their district, a requirement outlinedby 1-4-801, C.R.S. Terri Carver submitted 1,525 valid signatures, eclipsing the 1,000-signature threshold.
Petition Verification Summary:
Number of qualified signatures submitted: 1,753
Number of entries rejected: 228
Number of entries accepted: 1,525
Number of valid signatures required: 1,000
2026 State Primary petitioning candidates
A record of all accepted and rejected signatures, including reasons for each rejection is on file with the Secretary of State.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260327Carver.html
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Judicial Appointments
SACRAMENTO, California, March 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments
Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges: one in Alameda County, two in Contra Costa County, one in Kern County, one in Kings County, three in Los Angeles County, one in Madera County, one in Placer County, one in San Bernardino County, one in San Francisco County, one in San Mateo County, one in Santa Barbara County, and one in Ventura County.
Alameda Superior Court
Ernesto "Ernie"
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on March 27, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces judicial appointments
Governor Gavin Newsom announced his appointment of 15 Superior Court Judges: one in Alameda County, two in Contra Costa County, one in Kern County, one in Kings County, three in Los Angeles County, one in Madera County, one in Placer County, one in San Bernardino County, one in San Francisco County, one in San Mateo County, one in Santa Barbara County, and one in Ventura County.
Alameda Superior Court
Ernesto "Ernie"Castillo, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Alameda County Superior Court. Castillo has been the owner of the Castillo Law Office since 2013. He worked as an Associate at the Law Office of Robert Beles from 2003 to 2013. Castillo received a Juris Doctor degree from Golden Gate University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Morris D. Jacobson. Castillo is a Democrat.
Contra Costa Superior Court
Hanni Fakhoury, of Contra Costa County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Fakhoury has worked as a Partner of Moeel Lah Fakhoury since 2021. He served as an Assistant Federal Public Defender at the Federal Public Defender for Northern District of California from 2015 to 2021. Fakhoury worked as a Staff Attorney and Senior Staff Attorney at the Electronic Frontier Foundation from 2011 to 2015. He worked as a Trial Attorney at the Federal Defenders of San Diego from 2007 to 2011. Fakhoury received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles S. Treat. Fakhoury is a Democrat.
Amanda Karl, of Alameda County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Contra Costa County Superior Court. Karl has worked as a Partner at Gibbs Mura since 2022, where she also worked as an Associate from 2016 to 2021. She served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California from 2015 to 2016 and at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit from 2014 to 2015. Karl received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Berkeley School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Charles B. Burch. Karl is a Democrat.
Kern Superior Court
Jennifer Feige, of Kern County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Kern County Superior Court. Feige has served as Deputy County Counsel at the Kern County Counsel since 2007. Feige received a Juris Doctor degree from Chapman University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Elizabet Rodriguez. Feige is a Democrat.
Kings Superior Court
Ismael Rodriguez, of Tulare County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Kings County Superior Court. Rodriguez has been the owner of the Law Office of Ismael Rodriguez since 2013. He served as a Small Claims Advisor at the Tulare Small Claims Advisor from 2016 to 2018. He served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Tulare County District Attorney's Office from 2005 to 2013. Rodriguez received a Juris Doctor degree from Thomas Jefferson School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Michael J. Reinhart. Rodriguez is a Democrat.
Los Angeles Superior Court
Sarvenaz Bahar, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Bahar has been the owner of the Bahar Law Office since 2008. She worked as an Associate and Of Counsel at Morrison & Foerster from 1993 to 2008. Bahar worked as a Sophie Silberberg Fellow at Human Rights Watch from 1992 to 1993. Bahar received a Juris Doctor degree from Yale University. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jacqueline H. Lewis. Bahar is a Democrat.
Jessica Vazquez, of Los Angeles County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Vazquez has served as a Deputy Alternate Public Defender at the Los Angeles Alternate Public Defender's Office since 2017. She worked as a Deputy Public Defender at the Los Angeles Public Defender's Office from 2007 to 2017. Vazquez received a Juris Doctor degree from the Santa Clara University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Sanjay T. Kumar. Vazquez is a Democrat.
Cherisse Heidi Alcantara Cleofe, of Orange County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Los Angeles County Superior Court. Cleofe has worked as a Partner at Kiesel Law since 2023 where she held previous roles including Senior Associate from 2021 to 2023 and Associate from 2014 to 2021. Cleofe worked as a Contract Attorney for Providus in 2014. Cleofe received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Stuart M. Rice. Cleofe is a Democrat.
Madera County Superior Court
Daniel Walters, of Madera County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Madera County Superior Court. Walters has served as a Senior Deputy District Attorney at the Fresno County District Attorney's Office since 2012. Walters received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of San Francisco School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Brian T. Austin. Walters is a Republican.
Placer Superior Court
Shani Roark, of Sacramento County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Placer County Superior Court. Roark has served as a Commissioner at the Placer County Superior Court since 2024. She worked as an Adjunct Professor at American River College in 2025. Roark served as an attorney at the California Office of the Inspector General in 2024. She worked as an attorney at Smith, Koyama & Costello from 2017 to 2024 and at the Farmers Insurance Exchange from 2015 to 2017. She worked as a Litigation Specialist at the Law Offices of David A. Martin & Associates from 2014 to 2015. Roark served as an Assistant Public Defender at the Placer County Public Defender's Office from 2013 to 2014. Roark received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of the Pacific, McGeorge School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Alan V. Pineschi. Roark is a Democrat.
San Bernardino Superior Court
John Balla, of San Bernardino County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Bernardino County Superior Court. Balla has served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Central District of California since 2024, where he was also an Assistant U.S. Attorney from 2019 to 2024 and a Deputy Chief from 2021 to 2024 and from 2025 to 2026. He served as a Senior Attorney at the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives in 2024. Balla served as an Assistant U.S. Attorney at the U.S. Attorney's Office for the District of New Mexico from 2015 to 2019. He worked as an Associate at Best, Best & Krieger in 2015. Balla served as a Law Clerk in the U.S. District Court for the Southern District of Texas from 2013 to 2015. Balla received a Juris Doctor degree from Boston University School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the elevation of Judge Corey G. Lee to the Court of Appeal. Balla is registered without party preference.
San Francisco Superior Court
Justine Cephus, of San Mateo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Francisco County Superior Court. Cephus has served as a Deputy City Attorney at the San Francisco City Attorney's Office since 2026. She served as an Assistant District Attorney at the San Francisco District Attorney's Office from 2012 to 2026. She served as a Deputy District Attorney at the Contra Costa District Attorney's Office from 2011 to 2012. Cephus served as Volunteer Deputy District Attorney at the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office from 2010 to 2011. Cephus received a Juris Doctor degree from the California Western School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Ross C. Moody. Cephus is a Democrat.
San Mateo Superior Court
David Silberman, of San Mateo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the San Mateo County Superior Court. Silberman is the Assistant County Counsel for San Mateo County and has served in various roles in the County Counsel's Office since 2004, including as Chief Deputy County Counsel and Deputy County Counsel. Silberman worked as an Associate at Howard, Rice, Nemerovski, Canady, Falk & Rabkin from 2002 to 2004. He served as a Law Clerk at the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fifth Circuit from 2001 to 2002 and at the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California from 2000 to 2001. Silberman received a Juris Doctor degree from the University of California, Los Angeles School of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Nina G. Shapirshteyn. Silberman is a Democrat.
Santa Barbara Superior Court
Sydney Bennett, of San Luis Obispo County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Santa Barbara County Superior Court. Bennett has served as a Senior Public Defender at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office since 2020 where she was also a Deputy Public Defender from 2006 to 2020. Bennett worked as a Contract Attorney at Maguire & Ashbaugh in 2006, at the Santa Barbara County Public Defender's Office from 2005 to 2006, and at the North Defense Team from 2003 to 2005. Bennett received a Juris Doctor degree from Santa Clara University School of Law. She fills the vacancy created by the resignation of Judge Michael J. Carrozzo. Bennett is a Democrat.
Ventura County Superior Court
Brian Sottile, of Ventura County, has been appointed to serve as a Judge in the Ventura County Superior Court. Sottile has served as a Commissioner at the Ventura County Superior Court since 2025. He served in various roles at the Los Angeles City Attorney's Office from 1998 to 2025, including as a Criminal Prosecutor, Neighborhood Prosecutor, Public Safety General Counsel, Supervising Assistant City Attorney, and Division Head Deputy. Sottile worked as an attorney at Sullivan, Sottile & Taketa from 2002 to 2003. He worked as a Law Clerk at Girardi & Keesse in 1998. Sottile received a Juris Doctor degree from San Joaquin College of Law. He fills the vacancy created by the death of Judge Ryan J. Wright. Sottile is registered without party preference.
The compensation for each of these positions is $244,727.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/03/27/governor-newsom-announces-judicial-appointments-3/
