States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Va. Gov. Spanberger Issues Executive Order 12 on Public Safety, Constitutional Policing and Community Trust
RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following executive order (No. 12):
* * *
PUBLIC SAFETY, CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING, AND COMMUNITY TRUST
By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, I hereby establish the policy of the Commonwealth as it relates to the selfless service provided by Virginia law enforcement, and further direct state law enforcement agencies to ensure their policies and procedures align with the policy of the Commonwealth set forth in this Executive Order.
Importance of the Issue
Virginia
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following executive order (No. 12):
* * *
PUBLIC SAFETY, CONSTITUTIONAL POLICING, AND COMMUNITY TRUST
By virtue of the authority vested in me as Governor under Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, I hereby establish the policy of the Commonwealth as it relates to the selfless service provided by Virginia law enforcement, and further direct state law enforcement agencies to ensure their policies and procedures align with the policy of the Commonwealth set forth in this Executive Order.
Importance of the Issue
Virginialaw enforcement performs essential services in defense of public safety and the rule of law. Constitutional, professional policing enhances officer safety, public trust, and community cooperation. Trust-based partnerships between law enforcement and their communities improve safety, economic stability, and educational outcomes for Virginians. Public safety is most effective when measured by lives protected, harm reduced, and trust maintained.
My administration stands with Virginia's law enforcement officers, honoring their courage, professionalism, and daily sacrifice to others.
To further deepen trust between Virginia law enforcement and all Virginians, it is critical to publicly acknowledge the principles and policies that have long served as the north star for Virginia law enforcement:
1. Law enforcement exists to preserve human life, protect people who are vulnerable, and uphold the U.S. Constitution and the Constitution of Virginia.
2. Public trust is a prerequisite to effective policing and should be fostered through professionalism, transparency, accountability, and consistent engagement.
3. Virginia law enforcement does not engage in fear-based policing, enforcement theater, or actions that create barriers to people seeking assistance in their time of need.
4. Virginia law enforcement efforts focus on upholding the rule of law, investigating and stopping criminal conduct, and protecting public safety, not the administrative enforcement of civil status.
5. Investment in training, recruitment, and retention of top-tier public safety professionals ensures that Virginia law enforcement is supported by the clear standards and sound training necessary to serve safely and effectively with the public's trust.
6. Collaborative partnerships among local, state, federal, and tribal law enforcement, residents, educators, faith and civic leaders, businesses, and local governments are essential for safe communities, a strong economy, and positive educational outcomes.
The commitment by Virginia law enforcement to these overarching principles is readily apparent, and this executive order is intended to highlight their work in accordance with these principles and policies, particularly as we have witnessed recent tactics by some federal law enforcement agents that disregard these policies and threaten broader public trust in policing.
Directives
Pursuant to the authority vested in me as the Chief Executive Officer of the Commonwealth and pursuant to Article V of the Constitution of Virginia, I hereby direct that:
1. The Secretary of Public Safety and Homeland Security shall support interagency coordination and the sharing of best practices consistent with these principles.
2. All state law enforcement agencies shall consult with their Secretariat about strategies and approaches to strengthen community partnerships that enhance trust, safety, and problem-solving capacity.
3. All state law enforcement agencies shall review policies, training, and practices to confirm alignment with this Executive Order and applicable constitutional standards.
Nothing in this Executive Order shall be construed to limit lawful authority, officer discretion, or existing intergovernmental agreements, provided actions remain consistent with constitutional requirements.
Effective Date of the Executive Order
This Executive Order shall become effective upon its signing and shall remain in full force and effect until amended or rescinded by further executive order.
Given under my hand and under the Seal of the Commonwealth of Virginia this 4th day of February 2026.
Attest:
Candi Mundon King, Secretary of the Commonwealth
* * *
Original text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/media/governorvirginiagov/governor-of-virginia/pdf/ed/EO-12-Public-Safety,-Constitutional-Policing,-and-Community-Trust.pdf
Tenn. Gov. Lee Delivers Keynote Address at National Prayer Breakfast
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Gov. Lee Delivers Keynote Address at National Prayer Breakfast
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast, joining President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and thousands of elected officials, faith leaders, and guests from across the country.
In his remarks, the Governor shared his powerful life story of tragedy, hope, and redemption. He also spoke about pardoning Grammy-Award winning artist
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Gov. Lee Delivers Keynote Address at National Prayer Breakfast
Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee delivered the keynote address at the National Prayer Breakfast, joining President of the United States Donald J. Trump, Speaker of the House Mike Johnson, and thousands of elected officials, faith leaders, and guests from across the country.
In his remarks, the Governor shared his powerful life story of tragedy, hope, and redemption. He also spoke about pardoning Grammy-Award winning artistJelly Roll, learning that their lives had intersected in prison ministry decades before, and the eternal pardon that God offers each person.
Video of the Governor's keynote address is available here (https://app.box.com/s/x4lxrbehs6fn91a2ebsrzzfe2m47va7n/file/2125506995942).
Excerpts from the Governor's remarks:
"He [Jelly Roll] came to my residence on the day of his pardon. We sat down and he began by saying, 'You don't remember, but we met in 2008.' He said, 'I was in prison and was invited to a gathering in prison by a ministry called Men of Valor. You were the guest speaker. You shared your testimony, the story of your life, and I cried all the way through it, and I've never forgotten it. And in 2008, you weren't the Governor, and I wasn't Jelly Roll, and here we are 17 years later!'"
"There are moments in life when God reminds you that there are very few things in life that matter, and we have to be about those things."
"I think that every human being has this innate sense that we all need a pardon. The pardons I give as Governor are earthly, but there is a pardon that lasts for eternity. There is One who can grant us that pardon, and He has to be asked. I, for one, am grateful that He has pardoned me."
"Sometimes a life following God doesn't always mean it works out the way we wanted it to. After all, He did say that 'in this world you will have trouble, but I have overcome the world.' In my life, that truth became real... He became a Healer, a Redeemer, and a dispenser of hope."
"The most tragic days of my life were strangely becoming the most transformative... I began to believe that to the degree a man was broken, he could experience wholeness. To the degree a man experiences sorrow, he can know true joy."
"I came to know that when Jesus said to me that He had come that I might have life abundantly, that abundance was joy in the mist of sorrow, peace in the midst of turmoil, and hope in the midst of tragedy."
For more than 70 years, the National Prayer Breakfast has brought elected officials and faith leaders together to pray collectively for our nation, the President of the United States, and other national and international leaders.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2026/2/5/video--gov--lee-delivers-keynote-address-at-national-prayer-breakfast.html
Okla. A.G. Drummond Continues Fight for Oklahoma Homeowners in State Farm Response
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 6 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Drummond continues fight for Oklahoma homeowners in State Farm response
Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a response yesterday opposing State Farm Fire and Casualty Company's petition asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block his intervention to protect Oklahoma homeowners.
The filing includes a letter from Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready formally requesting Drummond's continued investigation, intervention and prosecution in Hursh v. State
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Feb. 6 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Drummond continues fight for Oklahoma homeowners in State Farm response
Attorney General Gentner Drummond filed a response yesterday opposing State Farm Fire and Casualty Company's petition asking the Oklahoma Supreme Court to block his intervention to protect Oklahoma homeowners.
The filing includes a letter from Oklahoma Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready formally requesting Drummond's continued investigation, intervention and prosecution in Hursh v. StateFarm et al. over a coordinated scheme to limit roof-related insurance payouts by denying or reducing valid hail and wind claims.
"This case affects all Oklahomans with State Farm policies and threatens the integrity of the state's insurance marketplace," Drummond said. "I appreciate the opportunity to work with Commissioner Mulready to ensure homeowners insurance consumers are protected. I will always fight for hardworking Oklahomans and to hold businesses accountable to the law."
Mulready said he wants all Oklahomans to have a fair and competitive insurance marketplace.
"Our collaborative work is in the best interests of Oklahoma consumers," Mulready said. "My priority since 2019 has been consumer protection and making sure all Oklahomans have a fair and competitive insurance marketplace to serve their needs. The work on this case doesn't stop us from carrying out our constitutional and statutory authority we use to hold insurers accountable for any market conduct issue, and I appreciate Attorney General Drummond for his work to investigate and pursue these matters."
Drummond filed his motion to intervene in December, asserting that while State Farm marketed its policies as providing full roof replacement-cost coverage, the company predetermined claim outcomes to meet corporate savings targets rather than honoring policy promises. Drummond asked the court to award penalties, damages, structural reforms and the recovery of profits State Farm allegedly obtained through its scheme.
Drummond said profiting from increased premiums while reducing claim fulfillment undermines public confidence in the insurance system and places Oklahoma homeowners at unacceptable risk.
Drummond maintained in yesterday's filing that he has express legal authority to intervene in the case to protect the collective interests of Oklahoma insurance consumers.
Read the Filing (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/2026.02.04%20Resp.%20of%20AG%20in%20Opp.%20to%20Appl.%20to%20Assume%20Orig.%20Juris..pdf)
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/february/OID%20Letter.pdf)
* * *
Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/february/drummond-continues-fight-for-oklahoma-homeowners-in-state-farm-response.html
Md. A.G. Brown: Former State Child Support Employee Pleads Guilty to Timesheet Fraud and Ordered to Pay $42,000 in Restitution to the State
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 6 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Former State Child Support Employee Pleads Guilty to Timesheet Fraud and Ordered to Pay $42,000 in Restitution to the State
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that former state employee Brittany Kyonna Worthy, 37, of Randallstown, was convicted and sentenced for felony theft from the State of Maryland. This investigation was led by the Criminal Division's Fraud and Corruption Unit and the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Feb. 6 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on Feb. 5, 2026:
* * *
Former State Child Support Employee Pleads Guilty to Timesheet Fraud and Ordered to Pay $42,000 in Restitution to the State
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that former state employee Brittany Kyonna Worthy, 37, of Randallstown, was convicted and sentenced for felony theft from the State of Maryland. This investigation was led by the Criminal Division's Fraud and Corruption Unit and the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of the InspectorGeneral.
From November 14, 2022, through July 9, 2024, Worthy worked for the Prince George's County Child Support Administration (PGCSA) as a Child Support Specialist, mostly by teleworking at her home in Howard County. The investigation revealed that during much of her employment, she submitted numerous fraudulent timesheets that claimed she was working for PGCSA, when she was actually working at two other outside jobs that she had not disclosed to the state. Examination of her timesheets revealed that there were 350 instances where Worthy's state timesheets conflicted with her other employment, including multiple dates where she had claimed to be working all three jobs simultaneously.
On January 30, 2026, Worthy pleaded guilty to felony theft $25,000-$100,000 before the Honorable Lara C. Weathersbee of the Circuit Court for Howard County. The Court imposed twenty days of incarceration. Upon her release from incarceration, Worthy will be on five years of supervised probation. If she violates probation, she could be sentenced to up to 4 years and 11 months of additional incarceration. Worthy was also ordered to pay $42,000 in restitution to the State.
"This defendant stole money from Maryland taxpayers and undermined the hard work of dedicated State employees who serve Marylanders every day," said Attorney General Brown. "My Office will always protect Maryland's resources and hold public employees accountable when they betray their colleagues and community."
In making today's announcement, Attorney General Brown thanked his Criminal Division, specifically Division Chief Katie Dorian, Fraud and Corruption Unit Chief Alex Huggins, Investigator Aimie Haupt, and Assistant Attorney General Gregory Jennings, who prosecuted this case. Attorney General Brown also thanked the Maryland Department of Human Services Office of the Inspector General for their assistance with this investigation. Finally, Attorney General Brown thanked State's Attorney for Howard County Rich Gibson for his assistance in this prosecution.
* * *
Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Former-State-Child-Support-Employee-Pleads-Guilty-to-Timesheet-Fraud-and-Ordered-to-Pay-$42,000-in-Restitution-to-the-State.aspx
Ga. A.G. Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
* * *
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATHENS, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Desmontrez Mathis, Jayden Brown, and Dakious Echols have been convicted for the murder of three-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith, who was shot and killed in a drive-by in Athens on March 8, 2024. Smith was watching tv on his couch at Hallmark Mobile Home Park when he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A nine-year-old male was also shot
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Feb. 6 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release:
* * *
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit Convicts Three for Murder of Athens Toddler
ATHENS, GA - Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that Desmontrez Mathis, Jayden Brown, and Dakious Echols have been convicted for the murder of three-year-old Kyron Santino Zarco Smith, who was shot and killed in a drive-by in Athens on March 8, 2024. Smith was watching tv on his couch at Hallmark Mobile Home Park when he sustained a fatal gunshot wound to the chest. A nine-year-old male was also shotand treated at a local hospital for non-life-threatening injuries.
Mathis, Brown and Echols, who are all members of a local gang known as Everybody Eats (EBE), drove to Hallmark to target a rival gang in order to maintain and increase their status within EBE. They have each been convicted of every single charge brought against them by Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit. Brown and Echols entered guilty pleas on Jan. 8, 2026, and were each sentenced to life in prison. Mathis was found guilty by an Athens-Clarke County Jury on Feb. 4, 2026.
"While nothing can bring Kyron back, we hope this outcome provides his family with some sense of peace and the justice they deserve," said Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr. "This was a senseless shooting that should have never occurred, and it's exactly why we cannot let up in the fight against gang activity. Our children deserve better, Georgia families deserve better, and the people of Athens deserve better, and we will keep fighting for them every day."
Created in July 2022, Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit has partnered with the Athens-Clarke County Police Department (ACCPD), the Georgia Bureau of Investigation (GBI), and FBI Atlanta to secure nearly 20 convictions in 11 separate cases, with another eight individuals still facing charges. The majority of these cases involve an ongoing conflict between EBE and the Red Tape Gang (RTG), another hybrid criminal street gang based in Athens. Murders and overall violent crime in Athens have decreased dramatically, with total shootings down by roughly 65 percent since 2022.
"I want to thank the dedicated men and women of the Athens-Clarke County Police Department for their outstanding work on this case. I also extend my sincere appreciation to our law enforcement and prosecutorial partners for their commitment, collaboration, and determination in bringing this matter to justice," said Athens-Clarke County Police Chief Jerry Saulters. "These partnerships send a clear and powerful message: we stand united in the pursuit of accountability. Senseless acts of violence will not be tolerated in our community, and we will continue to act decisively against those who commit them. To the family of Kyron Zarco, the Athens-Clarke County Police Department, and our entire community extend our deepest condolences. We are profoundly sorry for your loss. My heart breaks for the family of three-year-old Kyron, and our thoughts remain with you during this unimaginable time."
"Criminal street gangs continue to devastate communities and harm innocent victims," said GBI Director Chris Hosey. "The GBI is dedicated to holding dangerous gang members accountable for their crimes. We will continue to work with our law enforcement partners to eliminate street gangs and keep Georgians safe."
"This heartbreaking case reminds us of the devastating impact gang violence has on innocent families and entire communities," said Peter Ellis, Acting Special Agent in Charge of FBI Atlanta. "Kyron Santino Zarco Smith should still be here today. The FBI is proud to stand alongside our law enforcement partners to hold violent offenders accountable and dismantle the gangs that threaten public safety."
This case was prosecuted by Assistant Attorneys General Thomas Kegley and Ryan Piechocinski. It was investigated by ACCPD, GBI, FBI Atlanta and its Athens area Middle Georgia Safe Streets Gang Task Force, and the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit.
Convictions and Sentencing
On Jan. 8, 2026, Jayden Brown and Dakious Echols pleaded guilty to the below charges. Both defendants were sentenced to life with the possibility of parole, plus five years in prison, followed by 20 years of strict probation.
Jayden Brown (aka "Gloxky"), 18, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
Dakious Echols (aka "Third"), 20, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 6 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 2 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
On Feb. 4, 2026, Desmontrez Mathis was found guilty of the below charges.
Desmontrez Mathis (aka "Ten"), 24, of Athens:
* 1 count of Malice Murder
* 6 counts of Aggravated Assault
* 12 counts of Violation of the Street Gang Terrorism and Prevention Act
* 3 counts of Possession of a Firearm During the Commission of a Felony
* 1 count of Possession of a Firearm by a Convicted Felon
* 1 count of Criminal Damage to Property in the First Degree
Sentencing for Mathis will take place at a later date.
The State's case against one final defendant, Julian Cubillos, is active and ongoing.
* * *
About the Attorney General's Gang Prosecution Unit
In 2022, with the support of Governor Brian Kemp and members of the General Assembly, Attorney General Chris Carr created Georgia's first statewide Gang Prosecution Unit.
Since it began its historic work on July 1, 2022, the Gang Prosecution Unit has investigated and prosecuted cases in Athens-Clarke, Barrow, Bibb, Bryan, Chatham, Clayton, Cobb, DeKalb, Dougherty, Fulton, Gwinnett, Laurens, Lowndes, Muscogee, Richmond, Spalding, Thomas, Upson and Washington counties, with more than 120 convictions secured across the state.
Carr's Gang Prosecution Unit is based in Atlanta, with regional, satellite prosecutors and investigators in Albany, Augusta, Columbus, Macon, Savannah and Southeast Georgia.
The Gang Prosecution Unit is housed in the Attorney General's Prosecution Division, which also includes Carr's Human Trafficking Prosecution Unit, his White Collar and Cyber Crime Unit, and his Organized Retail Crime Unit.
* * *
Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-02-05/carrs-gang-prosecution-unit-convicts-three-murder-athens-toddler
Calif. Gov. Newsom Signs Executive Order to Assist Imperial County's Recovery Following 2025 August Monsoon Storms
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom signs Executive Order to assist Imperial County's recovery following 2025 August Monsoon Storms
Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order today to expand financial support to Imperial County following the August 2025 Monsoon Storms.
The August 2025 storm system brought heavy rain, high winds, and flooding that caused power outages throughout Imperial County, overturned semi-trucks on Highway 86, damaged public infrastructure, and led to multiple road closures
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Feb. 6 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Feb. 4, 2026:
* * *
Governor Newsom signs Executive Order to assist Imperial County's recovery following 2025 August Monsoon Storms
Governor Newsom signed an Executive Order today to expand financial support to Imperial County following the August 2025 Monsoon Storms.
The August 2025 storm system brought heavy rain, high winds, and flooding that caused power outages throughout Imperial County, overturned semi-trucks on Highway 86, damaged public infrastructure, and led to multiple road closuresand extensive debris removal needs.
Today's Executive Order builds on the State of Emergency proclaimed in December for the August 2025 Monsoon Storms, and authorizes Cal OES to provide assistance to Imperial County, as appropriate, under the California Disaster Assistance Act and related state regulations to address validated disaster-related damages and costs beyond those incurred by the Imperial Irrigation District.
A copy of the Executive Order for the August Monsoon Storms in Imperial County can be found here (https://www.gov.ca.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/02/Imperial-Co-CDAA-EO-2-4-26_SIGNED.pdf).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/02/04/governor-newsom-signs-executive-order-to-assist-imperial-countys-recovery-following-2025-august-monsoon-storms/
A.G. Jackley Commends S.D. Supreme Court on 'False Confession'
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 6 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Jackley Commends SD Supreme Court on "False Confession"
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley commends the South Dakota Supreme Court for reversing a circuit court's decision that allowed a psychiatrist to testify about "false confessions" because his opinions were not reliable or helpful enough under the rules for expert evidence.
"The South Dakota Supreme Court's decision provides important clarity on the law and strengthens the integrity of our judicial
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 6 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
* * *
Attorney General Jackley Commends SD Supreme Court on "False Confession"
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley commends the South Dakota Supreme Court for reversing a circuit court's decision that allowed a psychiatrist to testify about "false confessions" because his opinions were not reliable or helpful enough under the rules for expert evidence.
"The South Dakota Supreme Court's decision provides important clarity on the law and strengthens the integrity of our judicialsystem. I appreciate the Court's thoughtful approach in ensuring that justice is served and the rule of law remains strong,"
In a ruling released Thursday, the Supreme Court ruled the psychiatrist should have not been allowed to testify at a hearing for Timothy Huante, who was charged in the shooting death of Dallas Quick Bear on Feb. 20, 2022 in Rapid City. Huante admitted to investigators that he had shot the victim, but then later stated he had made a "false confession" based on coercion by the investigators.
Dr Stephen Manlove testified on Huante's behalf on the false confession. The testimony was allowed by the circuit court, but the Supreme Court, following an appeal by the prosecution, ruled that the doctor's methods lacked scientific support and could not meaningfully help a jury determine whether a confession was true or false.
The Attorney General's Office handled the appeal before the Supreme Court.
The Supreme Court's opinion can be read here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3006)
* * *
Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3006
