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R.I. A.G. Neronha: Burrillville Postal Worker Charged With Stealing Firearms, Drug Trafficking
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Oct. 24 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release:
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Burrillville postal worker charged with stealing firearms, drug trafficking
October 23, 2026
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced that a Burrillville man has been charged in Sixth Division District Court with gun and drug-related offenses following a joint investigation by the Providence Police Department, the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Attorney General's
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Oct. 24 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release:
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Burrillville postal worker charged with stealing firearms, drug trafficking
October 23, 2026
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced that a Burrillville man has been charged in Sixth Division District Court with gun and drug-related offenses following a joint investigation by the Providence Police Department, the United States Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Attorney General'sUrban Violent Crime Task Force.
On October 22, 2026, Aubrey Dante (age 54) was charged with six counts of larceny of a firearm, four counts of possession of a stolen firearm, five counts of carrying a dangerous weapon while committing a crime of violence, three counts of larceny of over $1,500, five counts of possession with intent to deliver over one kilogram of cocaine, one count of possession with intent to deliver over five kilograms of marijuana, one count of possession with intent to deliver over one kilogram of heroin, and one count of maintaining controlled substances.
Judge Stephen M. Isherwood ordered the defendant be held without bail and scheduled a status conference for October 29, 2026.
"Our Urban Violent Crime Task Force continues to deliver real results and keeps Rhode Islanders safe from those who wish to obtain firearms illegally," said Attorney General Neronha. "As alleged, this defendant used his position within the USPS to intercept packages containing weapons and created a stockpile of guns and drugs in his home. And because of our team's quick action, that's as far as he got. I want to thank our partners at the Providence Police Department, the USPS Office of the Inspector General, ATF, and members of the Urban Violence Crime Task Force for their partnership."
As alleged in the criminal information, between April and September 2026, the Providence Police Department, the United State Postal Service Office of the Inspector General, the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF), and the Attorney General's Urban Violent Crime Task Force launched an investigation after multiple USPS parcels were reported stolen, with contents that included firearms, coins, trading cards, and assorted jewelry. As alleged, investigators used surveillance, parcel scans, and various other investigative methods to identify the defendant as a suspect. As further alleged, investigators observed the defendant on several occasions opening USPS packages and removing their contents while acting in his official capacity as a postal employee at the Providence Processing and Distribution Center on Corliss Street.
As alleged, on October 21, 2026, officers executed search warrants and apprehended the defendant outside his Snake Hill Road residence. Investigators seized several stolen firearms, approximately 35.9 kg of marijuana, in addition to other firearms, drugs, and drug paraphernalia.
As further alleged, investigators seized eight firearms including three stolen Sig Sauer P226 9mm pistols, one CZ 75 compact 9mm pistol, one North American Firearms .22 magnum revolver, one Smith & Wesson, CTG, .22 caliber revolver, one Smith & Wesson, 38 special, .38 caliber revolver, and one Browning, Invector BPS Special Steel, 12-gauge shotgun. Additionally, investigators seized large quantities of various narcotics including a brick of cocaine (1115.8g), a plastic bag of cocaine (40.63g), a plastic bag of methamphetamine pills (1509.49g), another bag of methamphetamine pills (16.49g), three bags of crystal methamphetamine (119.67g), large bins containing multiple packages of bulk marijuana (79.2 lbs), Psilocybin mushrooms (2.6 lbs.), a bag of Xanax pills (22.28g), and another bag of Xanax pills (35.86g).
"The men and women of the Providence Police Department remain committed in their continued efforts to prevent violent crime, particularly those involving a firearm, within our community," said Providence Police Colonel Oscar Perez. "Through the partnership between the Providence Police Department and the Office of the Attorney General's Urban Violent Crime Task Force, police were able to swiftly execute this complex investigation, and I praise the efforts of all those involved."
"The alleged theft of firearms from the mail by a Postal Service employee represents a serious breach of public trust and raises significant public safety concerns," said Matthew M. Modafferi, Special Agent in Charge of the Northeast Area Field Office of the United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General. "We remain committed to investigating this type of misconduct and appreciate the strong partnership with the Providence Police Department, Rhode Island Attorney General's Office, and ATF throughout this investigation."
"The theft of firearms while in transit through the mail will not go unnoticed or unanswered," said Thomas A. Greco, Special Agent in Charge of the ATF Boston Field Division. "ATF is committed to working with our federal, state, and local partners to prevent any attempt to divert the authorized shipment of firearms from lawful commerce into the wrong hands."
Urban Violent Crime Initiative
The case was investigated under the Urban Violent Crime Task Force, an initiative that began in 2021, by the Office of the Attorney General; the Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives; the Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls Police Departments; and the Department of Corrections to proactively target violent crime and firearms trafficking in the greater Providence Area.
The Attorney General has deputized officers from law enforcement agencies in Providence, Pawtucket, and Central Falls to provide greater ability to investigate suspects across municipal jurisdictions. As part of this initiative, prosecutors, investigators, and analysts work together to gather data and intelligence, analyze the information to support investigations and prosecutions, and guide violent crime enforcement priorities. The partner agencies have prioritized information sharing and analysis across agencies through the use of a data analyst and platform - funded through a Department of Justice grant awarded to the Office of the Attorney General in 2020.
In 2023, the Office of the Attorney General purchased a National Integrated Ballistic Information Network (NIBIN) machine, using asset forfeiture funds, that allows for the capture and comparison of ballistic evidence to aid in solving and preventing violent crimes involving firearms.
Using these tools, the team can quickly draw connections between different crime scenes and weave together police reports and other records to help identify suspects and witnesses.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/burrillville-postal-worker-charged-stealing-firearms-drug-trafficking
N.H. A.G. Formella and Secretary of State Scanlan Provide Voters With Update on Use of Student ID Cards Ahead of General Election
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Date: October 23, 2026
Attorney General Formella and Secretary of State Scanlan Provide Voters with Update on Use of Student ID Cards Ahead of General Election
Concord, NH - On October 22, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the District Court's October 2 injunction in a case challenging HB 323, which the legislature enacted to prohibit the use of student ID cards when registering to vote and voting.
The Supreme Court's decision means that registration and identity requirements
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Oct. 24 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Date: October 23, 2026
Attorney General Formella and Secretary of State Scanlan Provide Voters with Update on Use of Student ID Cards Ahead of General Election
Concord, NH - On October 22, 2026, the U.S. Supreme Court stayed the District Court's October 2 injunction in a case challenging HB 323, which the legislature enacted to prohibit the use of student ID cards when registering to vote and voting.
The Supreme Court's decision means that registration and identity requirementsfor the November 3 State General Election revert to the same as those that were in effect during the September 8 State Primary Election.
Accordingly, effective immediately, student ID cards cannot be used to prove identity when registering to vote, voting by absentee ballot, or when checking in to vote on election day.
To assist student voters with navigating voter registration and voter identification requirements, the Secretary of State's Office has produced a "Student Guide to Voting in NH" and a "Student Guide to Registering to Vote". The Attorney General's Office and the Secretary of State's Office encourage people to share these guides with any eligible voters they know who are students.
Additionally, the Secretary of State's Office will immediately resume radio public service announcements and begin running television PSAs informing the public that student ID cards cannot be used to prove identity.
The General Election is November 3. For more information on the upcoming election, visit www.sos.nh.gov/elections.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/attorney-general-formella-and-secretary-state-scanlan-provide-voters-update-use
Miss. A.G. Office: Statement on Deepfake Political Ads
JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 24 -- Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Statement on Deepfake Political Ads
This morning, Attorney General Lynn Fitch notified Scott Colom and Scott Colom for Senate that recent AI-generated ads posted by the campaign on their social media platforms appear to violate State law against the use of "deepfakes" to influence elections.
The Attorney General asked that the ads be removed or else the office may file an injunction as authorized by law. As violations of this election integrity law can carry criminal
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JACKSON, Mississippi, Oct. 24 -- Mississippi Attorney General Lynn Fitch issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Statement on Deepfake Political Ads
This morning, Attorney General Lynn Fitch notified Scott Colom and Scott Colom for Senate that recent AI-generated ads posted by the campaign on their social media platforms appear to violate State law against the use of "deepfakes" to influence elections.
The Attorney General asked that the ads be removed or else the office may file an injunction as authorized by law. As violations of this election integrity law can carry criminalpenalties, Attorney General Fitch has also asked Scott Colom and his campaign to preserve all records related to this matter so as not to obstruct justice.
The Attorney General's notification follows a complaint that two ads posted to the Scott Colom for Senate Facebook account and Scott Colom Instagram account are deepfakes disseminated by the campaign within ninety days of an election, without the consent of the digitized individual, Senator Cindy Hyde-Smith, and are intended to injure Scott Colom's opponent and/or influence the results of the election. The
complaint can be read here.
Violations of Section 97-13-47 of the Mississippi Code carry penalties of up to 5 years in prison and/or fines of up to $10,000 if the intent is to "deter any person from voting." Other violations carry penalties of up 1 year in prison and/or fines of up to $5,000.
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Original text here: https://attorneygenerallynnfitch.com/2026/10/23/statement-on-deepfake-political-ads-october-23-2026/
Maine Gov. Mills Declares October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Maine, Sharing Personal Survival Story
AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 24 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following text of a radio address:
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 23, 2026
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Some years ago, there was a young woman who dated a man who was handsome and charming and smart, and she was in love with him. That man was also an alcoholic, as it turned out. And one night, in a drunken rage, he held a gun to her head.
The gun did not go off. She packed her bags and left that place and never turned back. Well, the rest of the story is that that young
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Oct. 24 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following text of a radio address:
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Domestic Violence Awareness Month
October 23, 2026
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
Some years ago, there was a young woman who dated a man who was handsome and charming and smart, and she was in love with him. That man was also an alcoholic, as it turned out. And one night, in a drunken rage, he held a gun to her head.
The gun did not go off. She packed her bags and left that place and never turned back. Well, the rest of the story is that that youngwoman went to law school. She became a prosecutor, later Attorney General, and now the Governor of the State of Maine.
Yes, I was one of the lucky ones.
Many others who experienced domestic abuse are not so lucky. So to make sure that Maine people who have experienced or who are experiencing domestic abuse know that they're not alone and know that escape from violence is possible, I have declared October Domestic Violence Awareness Month in Maine.
Here are some things you ought to know about domestic abuse and domestic violence. Domestic abuse and domestic violence affect people and families of all races, ages, genders, and income levels. Nationwide, one in four women and one in seven men has experienced abuse and violence by an intimate partner in their lifetime. In Maine, nearly half of all homicides are related to domestic abuse every year.
We can prevent domestic abuse and domestic violence in Maine by spreading awareness, by improving public policies to better support people affected by abuse, and by holding perpetrators accountable.
Every day, but especially during Domestic Violence Awareness Month, may we all do our part to spread awareness about domestic abuse, to challenge the behavior of abusive people, and to support survivors of abuse, whoever they may be. Together, our individual actions are what will end domestic abuse in the state of Maine.
So if you or someone you know is experiencing abuse, please call the statewide Domestic Abuse Helpline at 1-866-834-HELP. That's 1-866-834-HELP. If you or someone you know is deaf or hard of hearing, please call 1-800-437-1220. That's 1-800-437-1220.
You are not alone, and escape from violence is possible. Believe me.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and I thank you for listening.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/node/4169
Iowa Department of Education Awards Nine Iowa Charter Schools More Than $8.5 Million in Start-up, Expansion Grants
DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 24 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Iowa Department of Education awards nine Iowa charter schools more than $8.5 million in start-up, expansion grants
October 22, 2026
The Iowa Department of Education today announced that nine Iowa charter schools have been awarded over $8.5 million in grant funding through the Iowa Charter School Program Grant. These grants are supported by a competitive federal grant won by the Department for states supporting charter school start-up and expansion. Funds will support five new charter schools
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DES MOINES, Iowa, Oct. 24 -- The Iowa Department of Education issued the following news release:
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Iowa Department of Education awards nine Iowa charter schools more than $8.5 million in start-up, expansion grants
October 22, 2026
The Iowa Department of Education today announced that nine Iowa charter schools have been awarded over $8.5 million in grant funding through the Iowa Charter School Program Grant. These grants are supported by a competitive federal grant won by the Department for states supporting charter school start-up and expansion. Funds will support five new charter schoolsand four existing charter schools.
"Educational freedom empowers families to select the learning environment best suited for their children's abilities and needs," said Gov. Kim Reynolds. "Public charter schools provide families with yet another choice and I applaud these dedicated charter school administrators, board members and community leaders for expanding educational opportunities for students and families in their local communities."
Iowa's public charter schools are tuition-free public schools that operate under a governing board, and are authorized by the Iowa State Board of Education or the University of Northern Iowa. Public charter schools have the autonomy to organize around a core mission, curriculum, and instructional methodology to meet specific educational objectives. In return for this autonomy, a charter school is accountable for results.
"We are proud of this federal investment in Iowa's strong education landscape, empowering families to choose the high-quality education option that best meets their children's learning needs, matches their interests and cultivates their talents," said Iowa Department of Education Director McKenzie Snow. "With the support of this grant, the awardees will improve, innovate and grow new public education environments, empowering all learners to realize their incredible potential."
The following five new charter schools will receive awards of up to $1.2 million each that can be used to for approved start up costs:
* Future Frontiers, Sumner-Fredericksburg
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Davenport
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, South Des Moines
* Horizon Science Academy, Cedar Rapids
* Red Barn School House, Crescent
The following four high-performing, existing charter schools will receive awards of $780,000 each that can be used to expand high-quality charter school models:
* Great Oaks High School and Career Center, Des Moines
* Hamburg Charter School, Hamburg
* Opportunity Education Network - Cedar Rapids Prep, Cedar Rapids
* Opportunity Education Network - Des Moines Prep, Des Moines
Like all public schools, Iowa's charter schools require students to participate in the statewide assessment and accountability system. Charter schools offer specialized educational opportunities, including career pathways, STEM education and programs designed to help at-risk students succeed. Iowa currently has 13 operating charter schools and another four that have been approved to open August 2027.
Funds for the Iowa Charter Schools Program Grant are provided through a multi-year competitive Expanding Opportunities through Quality Charter Schools Program (CSP) Grants to State Entities grant from the U.S. Department of Education. The amount awarded to Iowa totals more than $43 million over five years to support the success of high-quality public charter schools across the state.
All authorized charter schools were eligible to apply for the Iowa Charter School Program Grant funds for the 2026-27 school year. Charter schools intending to open on or after August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $1.2 million in start-up funds. All charter schools that were open before August 2026 were eligible to apply for up to $780,000 in expansion grants. A total of nine charter schools applied and all nine were awarded an Iowa Charter School Program Grant.
The fiscal year 2027 Iowa Charter Schools Program (CSP) application period is now open, with applications due February 3, 2027. Additional information on the Iowa Charter School Program Grant is available on the Iowa Department of Education's Charter School page (https://educate.iowa.gov/pk-12/educational-choice/charter-schools).
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Original text here: https://educate.iowa.gov/press-release/2026-10-22/iowa-department-education-awards-nine-iowa-charter-schools-more-85-million-start-expansion-grants
DEC Announces Completion of Shandaken Wild Forest Multiple-Use Trail Network
ALBANY, New York, Oct. 24 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
DEC Announces Completion of Shandaken Wild Forest Multiple-Use Trail Network
Trail Network Enhances Recreational Opportunities for Mountain Biking and Cross-Country Skiing in the Catskill Park Forest Preserve
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the completion of an 11.5-mile multiple-use trail network in the Giggle Hollow parcel of Shandaken Wild Forest in Ulster County. The
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ALBANY, New York, Oct. 24 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
DEC Announces Completion of Shandaken Wild Forest Multiple-Use Trail Network
Trail Network Enhances Recreational Opportunities for Mountain Biking and Cross-Country Skiing in the Catskill Park Forest Preserve
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New York State Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) Commissioner Amanda Lefton today announced the completion of an 11.5-mile multiple-use trail network in the Giggle Hollow parcel of Shandaken Wild Forest in Ulster County. Thenew trail network provides opportunities for beginner-to-intermediate mountain biking, cross-country skiing, and hiking.
"The multiple use trail network at Lost Clove offers visitors the opportunity to enjoy the natural beauty of Shandaken Wild Forest while mountain biking, cross-country skiing, or hiking," said Commissioner Lefton. "Through the Environmental Protection Fund, DEC is investing in projects like this one that improve and expand access to outdoor recreation and complements Governor Hochul's call for New Yorkers to get offline and get outside."
The trail network was designed to minimize impacts to natural resources and to be compatible with the management of New York State Wild Forest areas. Seven miles have been purpose-built as singletrack mountain bike trails and the remaining 4.5 miles coincide with former logging roads, which have been improved to accommodate recreational use. The trail network was included in the 2021 revision of the Shandaken Wild Forest Unit Management Plan (PDF).
The trail network includes a three-mile continuous downhill that navigates numerous banked turns, which are a key feature of sustainable and enjoyable mountain bike trails. The primary access point is at the Lost Clove trailhead on Lost Clove Road in the Town of Shandaken. Visitors can also access the trail network from the Pine Hill Day Use Area at the Belleayre Beach, managed by the Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority).
Funding for the project was provided through the State Environmental Protection Fund (EPF). Among the many environmental victories in the 2026-27 enacted State Budget, Governor Kathy Hochul and legislative leaders have maintained EPF funding at the historically high level of $425 million. The EPF supports climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts, improves agricultural resources to promote sustainable agriculture, protects water sources, advances open space conservation efforts like the project announced today, and provides recreational opportunities for New Yorkers.
Visit DEC's website for more information about outdoor recreation in the Catskills (https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-preserve/welcome-to-the-catskills).
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Original text here: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/10/dec-announces-completion-of-shandaken-wild-forest-multiple-use-trail-network
Ariz. State Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, has received the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association's (AzHHA) 2026 Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership on healthcare issues affecting Arizona hospitals and patients.
The award, presented Thursday at the Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in Tucson, recognized Representative
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Oct. 24 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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October 23, 2026
Rep. Selina Bliss Receives AzHHA's 2026 Legislator of the Year Award
STATE CAPITOL, PHOENIX - State Representative Selina Bliss, Chairman of the House Health & Human Services Committee, has received the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association's (AzHHA) 2026 Legislator of the Year Award for her leadership on healthcare issues affecting Arizona hospitals and patients.
The award, presented Thursday at the Arizona Hospital Leadership Conference in Tucson, recognized RepresentativeBliss for her leadership on Senate Bill 1127, which was signed into law in June. Representative Bliss secured an amendment allowing hospital staff to delegate reports of suspected child abuse or neglect to a designated agent when necessary to continue patient care or comply with applicable standards of care. The provision is especially important for rural hospitals and facilities with limited staffing.
"As a nurse, I know that what we pass at the Capitol has to work in a hospital," said Representative Bliss. "Reporting suspected child abuse is a serious responsibility, and we needed to make sure the law gave hospital staff a practical way to meet that responsibility while caring for their patients. I'm pleased we got that change into law, and I appreciate AzHHA's recognition and its work on behalf of Arizona hospitals."
"Representative Bliss brings a nurse's perspective to every healthcare conversation at the Capitol," said AzHHA Director of Government Relations Damien Johnson. "On SB1127, she ensured Arizona's child abuse reporting law protects children without pulling caregivers away from the bedside when patients need them most. Her steady, practical leadership has made a real difference for Arizona hospitals and the patients we serve."
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Selina Bliss is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives, serving Legislative District 1 in Yavapai County, and Chairman of the House Health and Human Services Committee. Follow her on X at @SelinaBliss.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/261023BLISS.pdf
