States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
TEDCO Invests in GreatEvent
COLUMBIA, Maryland, April 15 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO Invests in greatEvent
Maryland-based company creates event planning platform
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $500,000 Venture Funds investment in greatEvent.
"After noticing a gap in the current hospitality space, I decided to create a solution that could offer a more cost-effective and efficient process for event planning," said Dipak Thakker, CEO and founder of greatEvent. "Thanks to this investment from TEDCO,
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, April 15 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO Invests in greatEvent
Maryland-based company creates event planning platform
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TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a recent $500,000 Venture Funds investment in greatEvent.
"After noticing a gap in the current hospitality space, I decided to create a solution that could offer a more cost-effective and efficient process for event planning," said Dipak Thakker, CEO and founder of greatEvent. "Thanks to this investment from TEDCO,we can continue to grow."
"Event planning has been held back for too long by slow, fragmented processes. We built greatEvent to introduce real time booking to the industry and give planners instant access to available spaces," said Dipak Thakker, CEO and founder of greatEvent. "Thanks to this investment from TEDCO, it accelerates our ability to scale this vision across Maryland and beyond."
greatEvent, located in Rockville, Md., has developed a Real Time Booking (RTB) platform for events, intending to give customers instant access to live venue availability and the ability to book spaces in minutes. The patented platform was also designed to let planners see meeting and event spaces in real time, hopefully eliminating the guesswork and delays of traditional sales and catering systems.
"As technology evolves, entrepreneurial spirits are presenting more and more solutions to everyday problems, helping to give people back time and allow for more efficiency across the board," said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director, Venture Funds. "Innovative solutions like the platform from greatEvent are designed to drive economic growth across Maryland and TEDCO is dedicated to empowering this continued advancement."
TEDCO's Venture Funds are one of the many investment opportunities TEDCO can provide to qualifying technology-based startups and small businesses throughout Maryland. For more information about eligibility, other resources and programs, or our investment funds, visit tedcomd.com.
"Ranked the second most educated state in the nation, growing a company in Maryland allows business leaders to connect with an educated and talented workforce," said TEDCO CEO, Troy LeMaile-Stovall. "With Maryland as your business's home, you'll have access to a wealth of resources and opportunities that can drive your success."
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/news-events/press-releases/2026/tedco-invests-greatevent
TDCI Shares Important Considerations for the Use of Aerial Imagery As It Relates to Insurance Coverage
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 15 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news on April 14, 2026:
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TDCI Shares Important Considerations for the Use of Aerial Imagery As It Relates to Insurance Coverage
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announces new guidelines for insurance carriers when using aerial imagery, including drone photography, when inspecting consumers' properties.
While aerial imagery can provide benefits when used appropriately, such as evaluating property after severe weather, its misuse can result in inaccuracies and
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, April 15 -- The Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance issued the following news on April 14, 2026:
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TDCI Shares Important Considerations for the Use of Aerial Imagery As It Relates to Insurance Coverage
The Tennessee Department of Commerce & Insurance (TDCI) announces new guidelines for insurance carriers when using aerial imagery, including drone photography, when inspecting consumers' properties.
While aerial imagery can provide benefits when used appropriately, such as evaluating property after severe weather, its misuse can result in inaccuracies andconfusion. For example, aerial imagery can be misused if an insurer relies solely upon aerial images that are vague, outdated, show an inaccurate structure or property, or do not clearly show the current state of damage or disrepair.
Accordingly, TDCI is reminding insurers to always use due diligence when utilizing aerial imagery in order to ensure that action taken is based on accurate, current information.
"Our team is aware of incidents in other states where homeowners' insurance policies were not renewed or cancelled as a result of the use of aerial photography," said TDCI Commissioner Carter Lawrence. "While this has not occurred to the best of our knowledge in Tennessee, insurers must be mindful that aerial imagery has its limitations and should not be the only information utilized in the decision-making process. I encourage insurers and consumers to contact our team with their questions about the use of aerial photography when providing insurance coverage."
TDCI's aerial photography bulletin states the following:
* Aerial photography should not be the only tool used by insurance carriers to evaluate a property. If aerial imagery does not provide an accurate indication of the condition of a property with certainty, the insurer should work to obtain recent, clear information, through a physical inspection or otherwise, to establish if there is an issue with the property.
* Homeowners should be notified of the use of aerial photography. If aerial photography is being used to support a carrier's decision about a homeowner's policy, it is best practice for insurers to notify the homeowner before taking the action, advise the homeowner that the action is being taken based upon aerial imagery, and provide the homeowner with copies of any aerial images used in making the determination. Homeowners should be allowed to provide updated information or dispute the accuracy of the aerial imagery that was used.
* The age and clarity of aerial photography must be considered. Carriers should ensure that any aerial imagery used to inform a decision about a homeowner's policy is recent and accurate. The use of older, blurry, or outdated aerial imagery is unreliable and unlikely to provide a sufficient basis on which to deny a claim or cancel a policy.
* Using aerial photography to enact unfair claims practices may result in violations of state law. Satellite or aerial images of insured property that are low-resolution, out-of-focus, blurry, or outdated do not accurately represent the current condition of the property and cannot reasonably justify the denial of a property damage claim. Therefore, denying a claim based solely on satellite or aerial images that are unclear or imprecise constitutes an unfair claims practice in violation of Tenn. Code Ann. Sec. 56-8-105.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/commerce/news/2026/4/14/tdci-shares-important-considerations-for-the-use-of-aerial-imagery-as-it-relates-to-insurance-coverage.html
Md. A.G. Brown Announces Landmark Wins for Justice, Equity, and Accountability, Including New Voting Rights Protections, as 2026 Legislative Session Concludes
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 15 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Landmark Wins for Justice, Equity, and Accountability, Including New Voting Rights Protections, as 2026 Legislative Session Concludes
Historic Reforms Include Long-Sought Youth Justice Breakthrough, Confronting Maryland's Historic Mistreatment of Black Youth, Stronger Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors, and New Authority to Fight Voting Discrimination
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As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session concluded, Attorney
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 15 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Announces Landmark Wins for Justice, Equity, and Accountability, Including New Voting Rights Protections, as 2026 Legislative Session Concludes
Historic Reforms Include Long-Sought Youth Justice Breakthrough, Confronting Maryland's Historic Mistreatment of Black Youth, Stronger Protections for Sexual Assault Survivors, and New Authority to Fight Voting Discrimination
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As the 2026 Maryland General Assembly session concluded, AttorneyGeneral Anthony G. Brown today announced the passage of a set of bills that mark some of the most significant advances for justice, equity, and accountability in recent Maryland history. In a session defined by fiscal uncertainty and growing federal threats to civil rights, voting rights, and consumer protections, the Office of the Attorney General worked with legislative partners to deliver reforms that Marylanders have waited years, and in some cases generations, to see.
Among the session's most significant victories: new state-level authority for the Attorney General to challenge discriminatory voting practices in Maryland counties and municipalities, a critical backstop at a moment when federal voting rights enforcement has been severely weakened. The session also delivered new state protections against housing discrimination, reinforcing the OAG's civil rights enforcement work at a time when federal fair housing protections are under direct threat.
"Maryland has waited years, and in some cases generations, for these reforms. We reformed how we charge young people in our courts. We opened an official investigation into the deaths of hundreds of Black boys at Cheltenham. We gave sexual assault survivors stronger protections. And we secured new authority to fight voting discrimination at the local level, because every Marylander deserves a vote that counts equally," said Attorney General Brown. "The work is far from over, but this session moved us forward in ways that will matter for generations."
Bills Enacted During the 2026 Legislative Session Supported by the Office of the Attorney General
SB 323 - Juvenile Court - Jurisdiction, Detention, and Confinement (Youth Charging Reform Act)
Maryland has long been one of the most regressive states in the country when it comes to charging young people as adults with Black youth bearing the heaviest burden of a system that has prioritized punishment over rehabilitation. This bill, a priority for the Office of the Attorney General , and consistent with the Maryland Equitable Justice Collaborative's (MEJC) recommendations to address systemic inequities in juvenile justice, significantly narrows the offenses for which children are automatically charged as adults, reserving adult court jurisdiction for the most serious of crimes. It also prohibits children, including those subject to adult criminal prosecution, from being housed or confined in any setting where they have contact with incarcerated adults, bringing Maryland in line with national best practices and federal law.
SB 776 / HB 552 - Commission on the House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children - Establishment
The Office of the Attorney General will lead the commission established by this legislation, which received near-unanimous support in both chambers, to investigate the deaths of hundreds of Black boys buried in unmarked graves at the former House of Reformation and Instruction for Colored Children in Cheltenham, Prince George's County. The commission will conduct forensic, genealogical, and archival work to identify those who died, reach their descendants, and recommend policy reforms. The OAG has already begun preliminary work to stand up the commission and expects to hold an organizational meeting this fall, with substantive investigation underway before the end of 2026.
SB 255 - Voting Rights Act of 2026 - Counties and Municipal Corporations
This legislation gives the Office of the Attorney General new authority to protect Maryland voters. At a time when federal voting rights protections are being dismantled, Maryland acted to protect its own. The Voting Rights Act of 2026 prohibits election practices that dilute the voting power of protected classes in county and municipal elections and gives the Attorney General and private individuals the ability to challenge those practices in court. Every Marylander deserves a vote that counts equally.
SB 531 / HB 491 - Criminal Procedure - Victims of Sexually Assaultive Behavior - Request for Verbal Acknowledgement (Verbal Waiver Transparency Act)
The OAG's Sexual Assault Evidence Kit (SAEK) Committee championed this legislation, which gives survivors of sexual assault the power to make decisions about their own cases free from pressure or coercion. Passed unanimously in both chambers, it ensures that law enforcement cannot use any form of waiver to discourage survivors from pursuing a criminal investigation. The decision rests where it belongs: with the survivor.
HB 573 - Fair Housing and Housing Discrimination - Regulations, Intent, and Discriminatory Effect
The OAG's Civil Rights Division strongly supported this legislation, which protects one of its most essential fair housing enforcement tools. Housing discrimination and segregation remain serious problems in Maryland. While explicit policies that ban members of protected classes have grown rare, facially neutral policies, such as occupancy limits, felony record screens, and eviction triggers, producing the same discriminatory outcomes. Persons color, low-income families, people with disabilities, and others protected by Maryland law face fewer housing choices, greater housing instability, and risk homelessness. Disparate impact liability is the legal mechanism that holds housing providers with discriminatory policies accountable. As the federal administration moved to eliminate disparate impact protections, Maryland acted to ensure there is no ambiguity in state law, preserving the tools needed to fight housing discrimination and protect Marylanders' civil rights.
The Attorney General extends his deep appreciation to Governor Wes Moore, the members of the Maryland General Assembly, and the dedicated professionals of the Office of the Attorney General for their commitment and partnership throughout this legislative session.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Announces-Landmark-Wins-for-Justice,-Equity,-and-Accountability,-Including-New-Voting-Rights-Protect.aspx
HAWAII DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASES ANNUAL FIREARM REGISTRATION STATISTICS
HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 15 (TNSrpt) -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASES ANNUAL FIREARM REGISTRATION STATISTICS
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General released its annual "Firearms Registration in Hawaii" report today detailing firearm registration statistics for calendar year 2025.
A total of 19,364 personal/private applications for permits to acquire firearms were processed statewide during 2025, marking a 14.7% increase from 16,879 applications processed in 2024. Of the
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, April 15 (TNSrpt) -- The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL RELEASES ANNUAL FIREARM REGISTRATION STATISTICS
The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General released its annual "Firearms Registration in Hawaii" report today detailing firearm registration statistics for calendar year 2025.
A total of 19,364 personal/private applications for permits to acquire firearms were processed statewide during 2025, marking a 14.7% increase from 16,879 applications processed in 2024. Of theapplications processed in 2025, 95.3% were approved and resulted in issued permits; a record high of 3.9% were voided (canceled/rejected for technical reasons; see note below), and 0.8% were denied due to one or more disqualifying factors, tying 2014's record-low denial rate.
The 18,451 permits issued statewide in 2025 cover a total of 44,401 firearms registered throughout the year, resulting in a 0.5% decrease from 44,624 firearms registered during 2024. Over half (25,065, for a record high proportion of 56.5%) of the firearms registered during 2025 were imported from out-of-state, with the balance accounted for by transfers of firearms that were previously registered in Hawaii. Rifles and shotguns comprised a record low 37.6% (16,677) and a non-record 9.1% (4,042) of total registrations, respectively. A record high of 53.3% (23,682) of all firearms registered throughout 2025 were handguns.
Firearm registration activity increased dramatically over the course of the 26 years for which these data have been systematically compiled and reported. From 2000 through 2025, the number of statewide permit applications annually processed increased by 198.4%, the number of firearms annually registered leapt by 226.1% and the number of firearms annually imported climbed 246.8%.
Conservative estimates from the late-1990s placed the number of privately owned firearms in Hawaii at somewhere over one million. Adding to that during the 2000 through 2025 period, a total of 947,044 firearms were registered (including some more than once, by different owners) and 495,315 were imported, while an unknown number of firearms permanently left the state.
The report, entitled "Firearm Registrations in Hawaii, 2025," provides a range of additional state and county statistics on firearm permits and registrations; permit denials and revocations; prohibited weapon confiscations, and licenses to carry firearms for private security personnel. Statistics on carry licenses for private citizens are published by the Department of the Attorney General in a new annual report series entitled "Licenses To Carry Handguns in Hawaii." The full report can be downloaded from the Department of the Attorney General's Research and Statistics website at https://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/rs/firearms/ and here (https://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2026/04/Firearm-Registrations-in-Hawaii-2025.pdf).
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REPORT: https://ag.hawaii.gov/cpja/files/2026/04/Firearm-Registrations-in-Hawaii-2025.pdf
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/News-Release-2026-16.pdf
California, Native American Tribes Break Ground for California Indian Heritage Center
SACRAMENTO, California, April 15 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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California, Native American tribes break ground for California Indian Heritage Center
What you need to know: After the final Tribal Nations Summit of the Newsom administration, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announced the groundbreaking of the first phase of the California Indian Heritage Center.
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Following the California Tribal Nations Summit, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the groundbreaking of the first
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SACRAMENTO, California, April 15 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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California, Native American tribes break ground for California Indian Heritage Center
What you need to know: After the final Tribal Nations Summit of the Newsom administration, Governor Newsom and First Partner Siebel Newsom announced the groundbreaking of the first phase of the California Indian Heritage Center.
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Following the California Tribal Nations Summit, Governor Gavin Newsom and First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom announced the groundbreaking of the firstphase of the California Indian Heritage Center (CIHC). The Governor met with tribal leaders at the Summit, and afterward, the First Partner joined more than 50 tribal, state, and local leaders to mark the groundbreaking.
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For almost eight years, I have had the honor of working with and learning from California Native American tribes across the state to recognize past wrongs, address them where possible, and establish new systems, resources, and initiatives to help Native communities thrive. The California Indian Heritage Center will be a long-standing part of this work, teaching generations yet to come about one of the fundamental parts of the state's heritage
- Governor Gavin Newsom
Sitting at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers, the California Indian Heritage Center will be rooted in respect, community, education, and land stewardship. Together, through this new space, we can deepen public understanding of our state's history, honor practices that have sustained communities for years, and create opportunities for dialogue across generations.
- First Partner Jennifer Siebel Newsom
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The Center will be located on a 51-acre property at the confluence of the American and Sacramento Rivers in West Sacramento. Expected to be completed in Fall 2026, phase one will create an outdoor welcome area with cultural and educational information, amphitheater-style seating, restrooms, and parking to welcome tribal and non-tribal communities. The area offers a space for all to enjoy the outdoors, as they reflect on the diversity, stewardship, expertise, and cultures of California tribes - first and original stewards of this land.
"Now, 175 years into California's statehood, we can finally say that we are following through on a commitment to honor the first people of this place," said Tribal Affairs Secretary Christina Snider-Ashtari. "Having a place where all California Native people can see that they are genuinely celebrated and belong as the foundational people of this state is worth the time and effort it has taken to get here."
Once complete, the Center will invite visitors from across the globe to engage with and celebrate the living cultures of California Native American tribes. Tribes have shaped the Center's design and future programming through ongoing consultation and community outreach, developing a statewide center for cultural preservation, learning, and land stewardship rooted in Native American values.
The project advanced with a $100 million state investment in the Governor's 2018 to 2019 budget. The state retained Fentress Architects and Amaktoolik Studios to design and build the Center and set a goal to raise an additional $100 million for future phases.
The Tribal Nation Summit and the groundbreaking for the California Indian Heritage Center build on California's work to address historical wrongs in the spirit of truth and healing.
Under the Newsom administration, strengthened partnerships between tribes and the state have produced outcomes, to name a few:
* Created a California Truth & Healing Council to understand and share the experience of all California Native Americans, with a report and recommendations coming this year;
* Supported the return of almost 40,000 acres of ancestral land to tribes;
* Created a landmark Tribal Stewardship Policy, which sets the goal to expand tribal stewardship for at least 7.5 million acres of land and coastal waters;
* Established a $100 million grant program to support tribally-led nature-based solutions;
* Completed the largest removal of a dam in U.S. history and restoration of 400 miles of the Klamath River for the benefit of salmon, tribes and the communities of the basin;
* Significantly increased cultural burning through agreements between tribes and the California Natural Resources Agency - the Karuk Tribe was the first to enter into such an agreement;
* Created the Feather Alert notification system for missing Native people throughout the state;
* As part of California Jobs First initiative, awarded $15 million in grants to support tribal projects aimed at spurring economic growth, providing job training, cultivating business development, protecting the environment, and conducting research and development;
* Created a new California Broadband Action Plan that explicitly included tribal lands in all broadband access and adoption opportunities - recently, the Bishop Paiute Tribe became the first customer of California's Middle-Mile Broadband Network;
* And released the Native American Studies Model Curriculum, developed in collaboration with California tribes, Native scholars, educators, and community leaders.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/04/14/california-native-american-tribes-break-ground-for-california-indian-heritage-center/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces the Latest Digital Technology at the DMV to Fight Identity Fraud and Reduce Wait Times
SACRAMENTO, California, April 15 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces the latest digital technology at the DMV to fight identity fraud and reduce wait times
What you need to know: California's new state-of-the-art digital signature barcodes on driver's licenses and identification cards, along with a streamlined in-office QR code check-in feature, demonstrate the state's commitment to proactively combating identity fraud, while improving Californians' experience at the DMV.
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Governor Newsom today announced
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SACRAMENTO, California, April 15 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 14, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces the latest digital technology at the DMV to fight identity fraud and reduce wait times
What you need to know: California's new state-of-the-art digital signature barcodes on driver's licenses and identification cards, along with a streamlined in-office QR code check-in feature, demonstrate the state's commitment to proactively combating identity fraud, while improving Californians' experience at the DMV.
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Governor Newsom today announcednewly installed cutting-edge technology at the Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV) to fight identity fraud and boost efficiency in offices. The two new features include digital signature barcodes on driver's licenses and identification cards, and a streamlined in-office QR code check-in - demonstrating the Golden State is a national leader in fighting fraud and improving experiences at the DMV.
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California is stepping up its fight against fraud--full stop. We're strengthening security at the DMV, doubling down on protections that safeguard people's identities and personal information. That's what accountability looks like.
At the same time, we're making the system work better for folks. A new QR code check-in process is rolling out across DMV offices, cutting wait times and improving efficiency. It's about security and service--protecting Californians while making their everyday interactions with government faster and easier.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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"Under Governor Newsom's leadership, California continues to set the national standard for secure, forward looking public services," said California Transportation Secretary Toks Omishakin. "This card technology reflects our commitment to protecting Californians from identity theft and fraud by putting cutting edge tools directly into the hands of businesses and consumers."
Protecting Californians from fraud
The newly introduced digital signature on the back of identification cards, will allow for easy-to-use, open-source card readers to quickly verify whether a signature is valid, or has been altered or revoked -- a huge step that ensures the safety of Californians.
The Federal Trade Commission reported that fraud nationwide reached $15.85 billion in 2025, with identity theft representing the largest segment. California had 435,985 reported cases of fraud last year.
"Identity theft is growing rapidly and when people have their identity stolen, they lose precious time and money. People want to know that their California-issued identity card is secure," said DMV Director Steve Gordon. "The new high tech digital signature and card reader software we offer is the latest example of how California and the DMV are helping to prevent fraud."
Californians do not need to rush to get a new driver's license or identification card. They will remain valid until their expiration date. Customers who wish to replace their current card can request one online at Replacement Driver's License Request - California DMV. Applicable replacement card fees will apply.
Click here (https://urlscanner.mailmarshal.cloud/?c=22645&d=xrDd6R8bsD8fMCgHOxjVUNPlbRMMvfGQvjn_mwnnJQ&s=1779&u=https%3a%2f%2fwww%2edmv%2eca%2egov%2fportal%2fdriver-licenses-identification-cards%2fdigital-signature%2f) to learn more about the technical specifications and source code and here (https://urlscanner.mailmarshal.cloud/?c=22645&d=xrDd6R8bsD8fMCgHOxjVUNPlbRMMvfGQvm2vwAizLQ&s=1779&u=https%3a%2f%2fverify-credentials%2edmv%2eca%2egov%2fverifier) to verify authenticity of the new cards.
Short wait times, faster lines
Going further, DMV rolled out a second improvement that allows customers to self-check in at DMV offices by scanning a QR code. This Virtual Intake Process (VIP) is designed to reduce customer wait times, minimize congestion inside offices and ensure consistent service delivery statewide.
Now, at DMV offices across California, customers can immediately get in line by scanning a QR code at the entrance when they arrive and will be notified when their turn approaches. This new feature is an addition to the online self-check in option the DMV launched in 2021. Customers who are not able to self-check-in can check in at the "Information" desk upon arrival.
Leading in government efficiency
Governor Newsom has made efficiency a top priority since the start of his Administration. In 2019, the Governor established the Office of Data Innovation, a group of technology experts dedicated to supporting other state agencies, departments, and employees to utilize data, technology, and principles of human-centered design common in the private sector to improve the delivery of services to Californians.
Prioritizing efficiency and innovation -- with appropriate safeguards protecting privacy, safety, and civil liberties -- Governor Newsom has:
* Overhauled and modernized the Department of Motor Vehicles to reduce wait times, expand online services, and improve customer service.
* Implemented new cutting-edge technologies to fight wildfires, including cameras across the state and data modeling to predict where wildfires might occur, deployment of drones, and improved incident reporting.
* Issued an executive order directing state agencies to implement Generative Artificial Intelligence (GenAI) into state government operations and help support the work of front-line employees.
* Expedited the procurement process through an innovative Request for Innovative Ideas (RFI2), which allows state agencies to quickly test technology through safe and secure environments. Through this expedited process, California has already announced three important contracts, using GenAI to reduce highway congestion, improve traffic safety, and enhance customer service.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/04/14/governor-newsom-announces-the-latest-digital-technology-at-the-dmv-to-fight-identity-fraud-and-reduce-wait-times/
ADOT Reaches Halfway Mark on US 60 Queen Creek Bridge Project
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 15 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news on April 14, 2026:
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ADOT reaches halfway mark on US 60 Queen Creek bridge project
With blasting complete, work focuses on bridge piers and abutments
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SUPERIOR - The Arizona Department of Transportation has reached the halfway point on a project to replace the Queen Creek and Waterfall Canyon bridges on US 60 east of the Phoenix area.
Crews have completed the extensive blasting and earthwork to make room for a new US 60 bridge across Queen Creek, allowing workers to focus on the structure
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PHOENIX, Arizona, April 15 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news on April 14, 2026:
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ADOT reaches halfway mark on US 60 Queen Creek bridge project
With blasting complete, work focuses on bridge piers and abutments
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SUPERIOR - The Arizona Department of Transportation has reached the halfway point on a project to replace the Queen Creek and Waterfall Canyon bridges on US 60 east of the Phoenix area.
Crews have completed the extensive blasting and earthwork to make room for a new US 60 bridge across Queen Creek, allowing workers to focus on the structureitself.
This milestone comes nearly two years after work began on a $44.7 million project to replace bridges on each side of the Queen Creek Tunnel just east of Superior with spans designed to handle passenger and commercial traffic for decades to come.
The Queen Creek Bridge is the larger of the two projects. There, crews recently finished removing 89,000 cubic yards of material in the mountainous area so US 60 can be realigned to connect with the new structure. The earthwork required 67 blasting operations.
Work is complete on three of four concrete piers for the new Queen Creek Bridge, and crews are in the early stages of constructing the final pier. Also, work is underway on two abutments and a rockfall barrier.
Work will continue on the structure's lower portions for another year, with crews anticipated to begin bridge girder and deck construction in spring 2027. This will require intermittent highway closures, with a multi-day closure in fall 2027 to shift the roadway to the new bridge.
Closures, when needed, will be scheduled on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays between 9 a.m. and 2 p.m., a schedule the ADOT designed to provide consistency for those who rely on this highway. Closures are not expected to occur every Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday but will be limited to those days.
During closures, motorists will use a detour on state routes 77 and 177 through Winkelman. That roughly 68-mile route includes a 10 percent grade and will significantly increase travel time. Drivers may want to plan trips before or after the full closures because of the potential for delays.
At the Waterfall Canyon Bridge, work is about halfway done on replacing the existing structure with two box culverts.
Work will continue into mid-2028 as crews dismantle the old Queen Creek Bridge and rehabilitate what is now a massive construction site.
The new Queen Creek Bridge will span 763 feet and feature one lane of travel in each direction with 4-foot-wide shoulders. The replacement structure for the Waterfall Canyon Bridge will span 107 feet.
The Queen Creek Bridge dates to 1949. While the bridge remains safe for traffic, it has reached the end of its lifespan and doesn't meet current standards for bridge design.
For more information, please visit azdot.gov/US60QueenCreekBridgeProject, Also, please visit az511.gov for the most current information on US 60 restrictions or closures.
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Original text here: https://azdot.gov/news/adot-reaches-halfway-mark-us-60-queen-creek-bridge-project
