Featured Stories
Senate Passes Pa. State Sen. Pennycuick Bill to Further Improve Rape Kit Testing Backlog
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 26 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Senate Passes Pennycuick Bill to Further Improve Rape Kit Testing Backlog
The Pennsylvania Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to expedite the testing of rape kits.
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to address the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve.
Through Act 122 of 2024, Pennsylvania is now moving forward with a statewide sexual
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, June 26 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Senate Passes Pennycuick Bill to Further Improve Rape Kit Testing Backlog
The Pennsylvania Senate today approved legislation introduced by Sen. Tracy Pennycuick (R-24) to expedite the testing of rape kits.
For years, Pennsylvania has worked to address the backlog of untested rape kits and to ensure survivors of sexual assault are treated with the urgency and dignity they deserve.
Through Act 122 of 2024, Pennsylvania is now moving forward with a statewide sexualassault evidence tracking system so survivors can better understand where their kit is in the process.
But, as the Pennsylvania Commission on Crime and Delinquency identified in its annual report, there are still gaps in current law that are creating delays. The definition of "awaiting testing" includes language that allows a local law enforcement agency to determine whether a kit should undergo DNA or other forensic analysis.
"While this inclusion in the law may have been well-intentioned, in practice it creates inconsistency from one jurisdiction to another," said Pennycuick.
Senate Bill 1212 makes a narrow but important change.
It removes that discretionary language and helps establish a clear, statewide expectation that sexual assault evidence that has been collected and has not yet received DNA or other appropriate forensic analysis should be treated consistently.
"When a survivor goes through the difficult process of having evidence collected, that evidence should not sit untested because of inconsistent local practices," Pennycuick added. "Senate Bill 1212 strengthens our commitment to survivors, improves investigative integrity, and continues Pennsylvania's work to eliminate rape kit backlogs."
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/senate-passes-pennycuick-bill-to-further-improve-rape-kit-testing-backlog/
N.Y. City Economic Development Corp.: NYC Ferry Announces Record-Breaking Daily and Weekly Ridership, Significant Boost From the New York Knicks Parade
NEW YORK, June 26 -- The New York City Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release:
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NYC Ferry Announces Record-Breaking Daily and Weekly Ridership, Significant Boost from the New York Knicks Parade
NYC Ferry Records Highest Daily and Weekly Ridership Ever, Demonstrating Continued Demand Across the System
Knicks Championship Parade Drove Nearly 50 Percent Increase Over a Typical Summer Weekday, Underscoring NYC Ferry's Role as a Key Transit Option
Record-Breaking Week Comes Before Launch of Rockaway Rocket Service, Historically a Major Driver of Summer Ridership
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NEW
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NEW YORK, June 26 -- The New York City Economic Development Corp. issued the following news release:
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NYC Ferry Announces Record-Breaking Daily and Weekly Ridership, Significant Boost from the New York Knicks Parade
NYC Ferry Records Highest Daily and Weekly Ridership Ever, Demonstrating Continued Demand Across the System
Knicks Championship Parade Drove Nearly 50 Percent Increase Over a Typical Summer Weekday, Underscoring NYC Ferry's Role as a Key Transit Option
Record-Breaking Week Comes Before Launch of Rockaway Rocket Service, Historically a Major Driver of Summer Ridership
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NEWYORK, NY--Today, the New York City Economic Development Corporation (NYCEDC) announced that last week, NYC Ferry set new all-time daily and weekly ridership records, underscoring the growing strength of the system and its role as a key mode of transit for New Yorkers and visitors alike. NYC Ferry set records for:
* Highest daily ridership ever on Saturday, June 20, with 53,375 boardings, surpassing the previous record set on August 2, 2025.
* Highest weekly ridership ever from June 15 through June 21, with more than 260,000 boardings, surpassing the previous weekly record set last August by more than 20,000 riders.
NYC Ferry also saw a significant ridership surge during the New York Knicks championship parade on Thursday, June 18, with parade-related travel helping drive approximately 37,000 boardings--48 percent higher than a typical summer weekday.
"This record-breaking week is yet another sign of NYC Ferry's continued momentum and importance to New York City's transit ecosystem," said NYCEDC Interim President & CEO Jeanny Pak. "From daily commutes to beach trips to the Knicks championship parade, more New Yorkers than ever before are choosing NYC Ferry to get around the city--or as we like to call it: 'The City of Champions'."
"Whether celebrating an historic championship run, visiting a FIFA World Cup watch party, or just getting to work on time, New Yorkers continue to embrace our local waterways for a reliable, affordable, and fun trip onboard NYC Ferry," said Timothy O'Brien, SVP of Ferries and Concessions, Hornblower Group. "Last week's record-breaking numbers set the stage for an exciting summer across the five boroughs, and we look forward to welcoming millions onboard in the months ahead."
The new records are especially notable because they were achieved before the start of Rockaway Rocket service, which has historically been a major driver of NYC Ferry's highest ridership days and weeks. Rockaway Rocket service was operating when the previous daily and weekly records were set last summer.
NYC Ferry will look to build on this enthusiasm and strong ridership during one of the busiest summers on record. With anticipated increased ridership due to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, July Fourth weekend, Sail4th 250 and other major summer events, the NYC Ferry system will provide the most service in its history--continuing serving as a reliable, convenient, and affordable transportation option for New Yorkers and visitors throughout the season.
As part of the 2026 Summer Ferry Service, the Mamdani administration recently announced the return of Rockaway Reserve tickets, allowing passengers to reserve seats on vessels along the Rockaway route. Passengers can purchase Rockaway Reserve tickets for specific weekend and holiday departures. These tickets may only be purchased for riders boarding at Wall Street/Pier 11 and Rockaway.
In the coming weeks, the Rockaway Rocket will also return to service, offering express, fully reservable service for beachgoers from Long Island City and Greenpoint. Non-reserved seats will remain available on every vessel operating along the Rockaway-Soundview route. Both Rockaway Reserve and Rockaway Rocket tickets will cost $12 per person.
Spanning 70 nautical miles, the NYC Ferry system operates 38 vessels across six routes and 25 landings, making it the largest passenger-only ferry fleet in the United States. NYC Ferry is not only a critical transit option for New Yorkers' daily commutes--connecting residents to jobs, schools, parks, and cultural destinations in every borough--but also an iconic part of the city's waterfront that is seen each day by millions of New Yorkers and tourists alike.
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About NYCEDC
New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city's future economy. To learn more about what we do, visit us on Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and Instagram.
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Original text here: https://edc.nyc/press-release/nyc-ferry-announces-record-breaking-daily-weekly-ridership
Minn. Governor's Office Announces Appointments on June 25, 2026
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 26 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Board of Psychology, Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Council on Disability, Destination Medical Center Corporation, Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention, MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, Plumbing Board, Professional
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 26 -- The Minnesota Office of the Governor issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Governor's Office Announces Appointments
The Office of the Governor today announced the following appointments to the Board of Psychology, Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson, Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans, Council on Disability, Destination Medical Center Corporation, Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention, MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities, Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board, Plumbing Board, ProfessionalEducator Licensing and Standards Board, and the Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities.
Aimee Murray - Carver, MN
Board of Psychology
Doctoral Degree Licensed Psychologist #2
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of Psychology:
The Board of Psychology examines and licenses qualified individuals, establishes license fees, creates and enforces ethical requirements, establishes and approves continuing education programs, educates the public, and facilitates consumer complaints.
Additional information on the Board of Psychology can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Jakayla Lovett - Brooklyn Center, MN
Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson
Adult Formerly in the Foster Care System
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Board of the Foster Youth Ompudsperson:
The Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson makes recommendations to the foster youth ombudsperson and staff while continuously overseeing the foster youth ombudsperson's work. The board shall evaluate the foster youth ombudsperson's effectiveness through regular meetings with current and former youth in the foster care system and community advocates working closely with the foster care system.
Additional information about the Board of the Foster Youth Ombudsperson can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Tenzin Lhamo - New Brighton, MN
Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Member #2
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
Ajeet Yadav - Woodbury, MN
Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans
Member #4
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans:
The Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans work for the implementation of economic, social, legal, and political equality for its constituency.
Additional information about the Council on Asian Pacific Minnesotans can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Dawn Bly - Fosston, MN
Council on Disability
Member #16
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Amanda Folio - Aurora, MN
Council on Disability
Member #4
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
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About the Council on Disability:
The Minnesota Council on Disability provides leadership to empower and strengthen the rights of Minnesotans with disabilities, collaborates with the public and private sectors as a policy and technical resource advisor, and advises on matters that pertain to persons with disabilities.
Additional information about the Council on Disability can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Peter Frosch - Saint Paul, MN
Destination Medical Center Corporation
Member #1
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 5, 2032
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About the Destination Medical Center Corporation:
The Destination Medical Center Corporation implements a master development plan to promote and provide for establishing Rochester as a world destination medical center.
Additional information about the Destination Medical Center Corporation can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Alicia Amundson - Waubun, MN
Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention
Parent (Child Under 7)
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention:
The Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention advises and assists the Minnesota Department of Education with fulfilling federal and state early childhood special education obligations for children with disabilities and their families.
Additional information about the Governor's Interagency Coordinating Council on Early Childhood Intervention can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Daonna Depoister - Plymouth, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Parent Member #8
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Jennifer Hall-Lande - Minneapolis, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Higher Ed Rep (UCEDD)
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
Daniel Reed - Saint Paul, MN
MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities
Private Non-profits Rep #1
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 4, 2027
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About the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities:
The Council carries out the responsibilities in P.L. 106-402 to ensure that people with developmental disabilities and their families receive the necessary supports/services to achieve increased independence, productivity, self determination, integration and inclusion in the community.
Additional information on the MN Governor's Council on Developmental Disabilities can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Getinet Alemu - Hopkins, MN
Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board
Member #3
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board:
The Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board is established to award grants to nonprofit corporations to fund loans to businesses owned by minority or low-income persons, women, veterans, and people with disabilities.
Additional information about the Minnesota Emerging Entrepreneur Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Erick Fors - Savage, MN
Plumbing Board
Public Member
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: December 31, 2028
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About the Plumbing Board:
The Plumbing Board adopts the plumbing code and rules that regulate the licensing and registration of plumbing-related professions and issues code interpretations.
Additional information on the Plumbing Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Abby Marta - Saint Paul, MN
Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board
Teacher (Charter School)
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 7, 2030
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About the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board:
The Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board is responsible for licensing teachers and related service providers in Minnesota, setting and maintaining teacher licensure standards, enforcing the Teacher Code of Ethics, approving teacher preparation programs, and administering various grants, including the Teacher Mentorship Grant and the CUGMEC Grant.
Additional information on the Professional Educator Licensing and Standards Board can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
Angelique Piper - Ramsey, MN
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities
Medical Review Subcommittee Member B
Effective: June 29, 2026
Term Expires: January 1, 2029
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About the The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities:
The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities dvises and assists the ombudsman in developing policies, plans and programs to benefit persons with mental illness, developmental disabilities, chemical dependence and emotional disturbance.
Additional information on the The Ombudsman Committee for Mental Health & Developmental Disabilities can be found on the Secretary of State's website.
The Governor and Lieutenant Governor are seeking qualified and diverse individuals who are passionate about using their knowledge, skills, and lived experiences to serve the state of Minnesota. A list of boards and commissions, including open positions, can be found on the Minnesota Secretary of State's website.
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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/757056
Maine Secretary of State's Office Announces Results of House District 135 Recount
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 26 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Maine Secretary of State's Office announces results of House District 135 recount
The Department of the Secretary of State announced the results for a recount for House District 135 - Democrat (part of Kennebunk):
* Lisa Pratt - 1,151
* Rachel Phipps - 1,133
Rachel Phipps of Kennebunk requested the recount after Lisa Pratt, also of Kennebunk, was declared the winner by a 19-vote margin following the June 9 Primary Election. District 135 is currently represented by Daniel Sayre (D-Kennebunk) who
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AUGUSTA, Maine, June 26 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
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Maine Secretary of State's Office announces results of House District 135 recount
The Department of the Secretary of State announced the results for a recount for House District 135 - Democrat (part of Kennebunk):
* Lisa Pratt - 1,151
* Rachel Phipps - 1,133
Rachel Phipps of Kennebunk requested the recount after Lisa Pratt, also of Kennebunk, was declared the winner by a 19-vote margin following the June 9 Primary Election. District 135 is currently represented by Daniel Sayre (D-Kennebunk) whodid not seek reelection.
Recounts are open to the public and media and are livestreamed on the Secretary of State's YouTube page (https://www.youtube.com/@mesecofstate).
Recount process: Maine statute Title 21-A, Sec.737-A lays out a specific plan, process and any related costs for votes to be recounted. In a recount, representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each paper ballot to determine the official vote tally:
* In non-Ranked Choice races: any candidate other than the apparent winner who desires a recount must file with the Secretary of State a written request for a recount within five business days after the election.
* In Ranked Choice Voting races: only a candidate who received one of the top three rankings at the end of the penultimate round of ranked choice counting may request a recount, and they must file with the Secretary of State a written request within five business days after results are announced (Friday, June 26).
Official results must be presented to the governor within 20 days of the election (Monday, June 29) and will be posted on the Election Results page (https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting/election-results-data).
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/maine-secretary-states-office-announces-results-house-district-135-recount
California Becomes the First State to Launch a Tool to Monitor and Track Artificial Intelligence's Impacts on the Workforce
SACRAMENTO, California, June 26 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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California becomes the first state to launch a tool to monitor and track artificial intelligence's impacts on the workforce
What you need to know: As part of Governor Newsom's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) and the workforce, California today introduced a first-in-the-nation online tracking tool to monitor and detect AI-related job loss.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of California's first-in-the-nation tool to proactively track
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 26 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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California becomes the first state to launch a tool to monitor and track artificial intelligence's impacts on the workforce
What you need to know: As part of Governor Newsom's executive order on artificial intelligence (AI) and the workforce, California today introduced a first-in-the-nation online tracking tool to monitor and detect AI-related job loss.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the launch of California's first-in-the-nation tool to proactively trackAI-related job loss trends - an early warning system to help the state monitor, track, and anticipate job loss. The dashboard was developed in partnership with the University of California, California Policy Lab and released as part of the Governor's recent executive order issued to prepare workers, small businesses, and communities for the economic disruption that artificial intelligence will bring.
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"California has always been a place that embraces innovation while taking seriously the responsibility that comes with it. We're shaping the future -- and charting the course for the nation. As AI advances, we aren't just watching from the sidelines; we're reimagining how we prepare California through strong governance and innovative policy.
I thank our partners at the California Policy Lab for helping us lead the way."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Tracking and monitoring AI impacts
The California AI-Unemployment Tracker is a publicly available dashboard developed in partnership between the researchers at the California Policy Lab's UCLA site and the California Employment Development Department. The tool is designed not only to inform policymakers but also to help Californians better understand how AI is intersecting with the workforce and the broader job market.
"The AI Unemployment Tracker provides us with a clearer picture of how AI is affecting working people and jobs, and where we need to focus support and training. By grounding our decisions in data, we can respond early and strengthen pathways into good jobs to ensure California's workforce is able to adapt and thrive as technology evolves." Stewart Knox, Secretary of the Labor & Workforce Development Agency
"AI is advancing quickly, and workers' concerns about what that could mean for their jobs are real," said co-author Till von Wachter, Professor of Economics at UCLA and Faculty Director of the California Policy Lab's UCLA site. "This new tracker helps replace speculation with evidence, giving us a clearer understanding of what's changing and how to best support affected workers."
The tracker, which will be updated monthly, provides early indicators of possible AI related job displacement, allowing the state to proactively identify where interventions -- such as job search support, retraining and upskilling opportunities, health coverage guidance, and other essential resources may be needed most.
"The California AI unemployment tracker is a great tool for identifying the impacts and opportunities coming from rapidly developing technology," said EDD Director Nancy Farias. "It will give us valuable insight into workforce trends so we can better connect Californians with the resources, training, and support they need to succeed."
Initial data shows no evidence of rising unemployment from AI
Paired with the tracker is a comprehensive analysis of the data, which at this time shows no evidence of rising statewide unemployment claims in AI-exposed occupations.
However, the data does demonstrate impacts to workers in high-exposure AI positions following the expansion of AI software available to the public. For example, claims from college-educated workers in occupations with high AI exposure increased after ChatGPT-3.5's release in 2022, and workers in occupations with high potential AI exposure in the San Francisco Bay Area also experienced a sustained increase. The data did not show large disproportionate increases by race, ethnicity, gender, or age, in the number of high-AI-exposure UI claimants.
"Right now, we are not seeing evidence of large-scale AI-related layoffs in California's labor market," said co-author Dr. Ben Hyman, Senior Researcher at the California Policy Lab. "But we do see patterns in certain regions like the Bay Area, in certain tech-heavy sectors, and among highly AI-exposed workers with college degrees. It will be important to continue monitoring trends for those workers, as well as others, so that policymakers can respond appropriately."
Protecting workers from AI disruption
The report and database were released in response to the Governor's first-in-the-nation executive order, which mobilizes state agencies, labor experts, economists, universities, and industry leaders to develop new policies, gather data, and identify early warning signs of workforce disruption -- while ensuring workers share in the gains created by AI-driven productivity.
This executive order is the third issued by Governor Newsom to help spur innovation, assess risk, and create stronger AI policy in California - which is guiding the nation in its comprehensive approach in creating commonsense guardrails balanced with opportunities to advance innovation in this growing sector.
Leading the way in AI
California is home to 33 of the top 50 private AI companies in the world, and no state has taken more aggressive action to strengthen the safety, security, and consumer privacy of technology and online platforms.
In 2023, Governor Newsom made California the first state to take action on Generative AI policy, announcing an executive order to both responsibly adopt this technology in state government and begin studying its risks. The Governor convened world-leading academic experts to draft the California Report on Frontier AI Policy, providing the state with policy recommendations that helped lead to the Governor's signature on the first state legislation nationwide, the Transparency in Frontier Technology Act (Senate Bill 53, Wiener) to help ensure that this technology moves forward responsibly. The law has since been replicated and modeled in similar laws adopted in other states.
This adds to other protections signed by Governor Newsom to create strong protocols for child safety and protections against self-harm, crack down on sexually explicit deepfakes and require AI watermarking, protect performers' digital likenesses, and prevent scams from AI-generated robocalls. In addition, it supplements the Governor's March 2026 executive order, which strengthened civil rights and privacy in California's procurement of AI technology and expanded California's adoption of AI to improve government services.
Creating a stronger AI-ready workforce
Since Governor Newsom took office, the state has supported more than 674,000 earn-and-learn training opportunities, including over 250,000 registered apprenticeships. The University of California's Extension program serves over 300,000 people every year, and UC's innovative new Degree Plus pilot combines a UC bachelor's degree with skills-based certificates and paid internships to strengthen workforce readiness and connect students with employers.
To further strengthen California's workforce, the state has also invested nearly $750,000 in the California Workforce Association to develop a statewide AI workforce strategy that will help local workforce boards prepare workers for emerging job opportunities. This adds to the state's other jobs training resources including skills development referrals, apprenticeship opportunities, and job search assistance and support, as well as work done through the California Workforce Development Board, the Employment Training Panel, and the University of California's and CSU extension programs and the Community College System that support workforce development for all Californians.
View the tracker and report here (https://capolicylab.org/california-ai-unemployment-tracker/)
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/06/25/california-becomes-the-first-state-to-launch-a-tool-to-monitor-and-track-artificial-intelligences-impacts-on-the-workforce/
Calif. Civil Rights Dept.: Spectrum Mobile to Update Sales Policy After Customer of Mexican Origin Allegedly Denied Service
SACRAMENTO, California, June 26 -- The California Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Spectrum Mobile to Update Sales Policy After Customer of Mexican Origin Allegedly Denied Service
Customer filed complaint with state after Stanislaus County store refused to accept their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced a settlement with Spectrum Mobile to resolve allegations that the company unlawfully denied service to an existing customer as a result of their immigration and citizenship
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SACRAMENTO, California, June 26 -- The California Department of Civil Rights issued the following news release on June 25, 2026:
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Spectrum Mobile to Update Sales Policy After Customer of Mexican Origin Allegedly Denied Service
Customer filed complaint with state after Stanislaus County store refused to accept their Individual Taxpayer Identification Number
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) today announced a settlement with Spectrum Mobile to resolve allegations that the company unlawfully denied service to an existing customer as a result of their immigration and citizenshipstatus. As part of the settlement, the company will now be required to allow customers to use an Individual Taxpayer Identification Number (ITIN) to purchase cell phone services, provide training to employees, and compensate the customer.
"With immigrant communities under attack nationwide, California continues to show up for the rights of all our state's residents," said CRD Director Kevin Kish. "Store policies that limit service to people based on where they come from are unacceptable. Every customer in California is entitled to full and equal access to businesses. Through this settlement, Spectrum Mobile is taking important steps to comply with California law."
Bad Reception
In late 2024, CRD received a complaint against Spectrum Mobile alleging that the company denied service to a customer of Mexican origin when they tried to buy a new phone and add a line to their existing account at a store in Stanislaus County. According to the complaint, the company required the customer to provide a social security number (SSN) and would not accept the customer's ITIN -- a nine-digit number issued by the Internal Revenue Service to people filing a tax return who are not U.S. citizens and are not eligible for an SSN -- to confirm their identity.
The company allegedly told the complainant that without an SSN, pursuant to company policy, they would have to order the phone online or contact customer service and wait 3 to 5 business days for the phone to be delivered. In explaining the policy, an employee at the store allegedly told the customer that this was necessary "because, you know, people like you sometimes leave the country and don't pay." A supervisor, and later customer service, allegedly confirmed the denial and the employee instead put the phone order through for delivery. However, a few days later, after the customer complained about the alleged policy to customer service, they saw that their order had instead been canceled.
California Protects Immigrants
Under the Unruh Civil Rights Act, everyone in California is protected against discrimination at businesses based on a wide range of characteristics, including their race, ethnicity, ancestry, national origin, primary language, and perceived or actual citizenship and immigration status. These protections extend to certain other attributes that can stand in for these protected characteristics in some contexts, such as a person's use of an ITIN instead of an SSN. In other words, businesses cannot treat people worse because of who they are or where they come from, including by providing inferior services, denying service, or charging higher prices. The law applies to all business establishments, including retail stores, restaurants, hotels, hospitals, and gyms. California is also home to by far the most people who pay taxes using an ITIN with roughly 866,000 filers, nearly double the number of any other state.
Message Received
After conducting an initial investigation, CRD provided Spectrum Mobile an opportunity to resolve the allegations through mediation. As a result of the settlement, the company, without admitting wrongdoing, will:
* Modify its policies to ensure ITINs are accepted on the same basis as SSNs.
* Provide nondiscrimination training to employees.
* Report to the state on compliance for a period of two years.
* Pay the customer a confidential amount in compensation for the alleged harms.
If you or someone you know has experienced discrimination at a business, CRD may be able to assist you through its complaint process. The department also provides general information and factsheets online about civil rights protections, including with respect to protections at businesses and for immigrants.
The settlement announced today was secured by Staff Counsel Melissa Tribble, Staff Counsel Sophie Tohl, Senior Staff Counsel Juan Gamboa, and Assistant Chief Counsel James F. Zahradka II. It was mediated by Senior Attorney Mediator Yu-Yee Wu.
You can learn more by reading the settlement (https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/sites/32/2026/06/Spectrum-Settlement-Redacted.pdf).
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The California Civil Rights Department (CRD) is the state agency charged with enforcing California's civil rights laws. CRD's mission is to protect the people of California from unlawful discrimination in employment, housing, public accommodations, and state-funded programs and activities, and from hate violence and human trafficking. For more information, visit calcivilrights.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://calcivilrights.ca.gov/2026/06/25/spectrum-mobile-to-update-sales-policy-after-customer-of-mexican-origin-allegedly-denied-service/
CPW Seeks Public Input on Proposed Amphibian Bait Regulation Changes
DENVER, Colorado, June 26 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release:
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CPW seeks public input on proposed amphibian bait regulation changes
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking public input on a proposed regulation change that would prohibit the use of amphibians as fishing bait in Colorado. Public comments will be accepted from June 25 through July 16, 2026.
Under current fishing regulations, anglers may use bullfrogs and the aquatic gilled form of tiger salamanders, commonly known as waterdogs, as bait if they are
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, June 26 -- The Colorado Department of Natural Resources Division of Parks and Wildlife issued the following news release:
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CPW seeks public input on proposed amphibian bait regulation changes
Colorado Parks and Wildlife is seeking public input on a proposed regulation change that would prohibit the use of amphibians as fishing bait in Colorado. Public comments will be accepted from June 25 through July 16, 2026.
Under current fishing regulations, anglers may use bullfrogs and the aquatic gilled form of tiger salamanders, commonly known as waterdogs, as bait if they arelegally obtained through personal harvest, commercial harvest or licensed bait dealers. CPW is evaluating whether to prohibit the use, possession and transport of amphibians for fishing bait to help protect native wildlife and aquatic ecosystems.
CPW is seeking public feedback before presenting a formal regulatory proposal to the Colorado Parks and Wildlife Commission.
Members of the public can provide input through the online comment form available on EngageCPW (https://engagecpw.org/amphibians-as-bait). Comments submitted through EngageCPW will be reviewed by CPW staff to help inform the regulatory proposal.
Members of the public may also submit comments directly to the Parks and Wildlife Commission. Information about providing comments to the Commission is available on the Commission's webpage (https://cpw.state.co.us/committees/colorado-parks-and-wildlife-commission).
For more information and to submit comments, visit EngageCPW (https://engagecpw.org/amphibians-as-bait) between June 25 and July 16.
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Colorado Parks and Wildlife (CPW) is an enterprise agency, relying primarily on license sales, state parks fees and registration fees to support its operations, including: 43 state parks and more than 350 wildlife areas covering approximately 900,000 acres, management of fishing and hunting, wildlife watching, camping, motorized and non-motorized trails, boating and outdoor education. CPW's work contributes approximately $6 billion in total economic impact annually throughout Colorado.
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Original text here: https://cpw.state.co.us/news/06252026/cpw-seeks-public-input-proposed-amphibian-bait-regulation-changes
