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Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs Issues Statement on Federal Court Granting Temporary Restraining Order on Mail-in Ballot Rule
OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 29 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following news on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issues statement on federal court granting temporary restraining order on mail-in ballot rule
A federal court has granted a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Postal Service's final rule on ballot mail from being implemented for the Nov. 3 General Election. Washington joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit requesting the order on Wednesday.
"Today's decision provides important relief for Washington voters and
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Aug. 29 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following news on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs issues statement on federal court granting temporary restraining order on mail-in ballot rule
A federal court has granted a temporary restraining order preventing the U.S. Postal Service's final rule on ballot mail from being implemented for the Nov. 3 General Election. Washington joined a coalition of 25 states in filing a lawsuit requesting the order on Wednesday.
"Today's decision provides important relief for Washington voters andelection officials," Secretary of State Steve Hobbs said. "Every eligible voter has the right to cast a ballot, including by mail. These new federal requirements are an unnecessary distraction from the work election officials need to be doing right now: administering a secure and accessible election."
The final rule would have imposed significant new requirements on county elections offices and the Office of the Secretary of State less than 90 days before Election Day, with military and overseas ballots required to be mailed by Sept. 19 and ballots to all other voters beginning to be mailed in just six weeks. In granting the temporary restraining order, the federal court held that the USPS rule violates the Constitution and that USPS lacks any authority under federal law to regulate elections.
At this time, there is no change to Washington's election processes. Voters can find up-to-date election information on the Elections webpage.
"I will continue fighting this administration's efforts to dismantle vote-by-mail elections and disenfranchise voters," Secretary Hobbs said. "Elections are the lynchpin of our democracy, and my office remains dedicated to ensuring every voter can participate and make their voice heard."
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Original text here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2026/washington-secretary-state-steve-hobbs-issues-statement-federal-court-granting-temporary-restraining
RIDE, FeedRI, and CVS Health Mark Opening of New School-Based Food Pantry at Woonsocket High School
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 29 -- The Rhode Island Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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RIDE, FeedRI, and CVS Health Mark Opening of New School-Based Food Pantry at Woonsocket High School
WOONSOCKET, RI - Today, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, FeedRI Executive Director Rhonda Lapham, and CVS Health Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy Faith Weiner joined community members, students, and staff to celebrate the opening of a new, school-based food pantry at Woonsocket
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 29 -- The Rhode Island Department of Education issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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RIDE, FeedRI, and CVS Health Mark Opening of New School-Based Food Pantry at Woonsocket High School
WOONSOCKET, RI - Today, Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos, Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green, FeedRI Executive Director Rhonda Lapham, and CVS Health Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy Faith Weiner joined community members, students, and staff to celebrate the opening of a new, school-based food pantry at WoonsocketHigh School.
The pantry will be able to serve more than two dozen families each month, with plans to expand the program to additional schools across Woonsocket. The pantry was made possible through strong public-private partnerships, including support from CVS Health. By bringing food resources directly into schools, the program helps reduce barriers and ensure families have access to healthy, reliable food in a trusted and supportive environment.
"Food security in Woonsocket is a story of corporate responsibility. While my office has been taking on big corporations that have exacerbated food insecurity in this city, CVS Health has stepped up to be good corporate neighbors and to serve the community they call home. Their generosity is a model for other companies," said Lieutenant Governor Sabina Matos. "I am grateful to FeedRI for their incredible work on this pantry and to the educators of RIDE and the Woonsocket School Department for working tirelessly to ensure no student goes hungry."
"Today's food pantry opening demonstrates what's possible when the state, community organizations, and corporate partners come together to support students and families," said Education Commissioner Angelica Infante-Green. "Through these collaborations, we can remove barriers for families and create stronger opportunities for students to learn, grow, and thrive."
"Food access is an important part of helping children and families succeed," said FeedRI Executive Director Rhonda Lapham. "By bringing nutritious food directly into schools, we are making it easier for Rhode Island families to access the resources they need while creating a stronger support system around students."
Food insecurity remains a significant challenge across Rhode Island. According to the Rhode Island KIDS COUNT Factbook, more than 44,000 children were enrolled in SNAP in late 2024, underscoring the ongoing need for community-based food access solutions.
"Every student deserves the opportunity to come to school ready to learn, and access to nutritious food is an important part of that equation," said CVS Health Executive Director of Corporate Social Responsibility and Philanthropy Faith Weiner. "CVS Health is proud to support the opening of this new food pantry at Woonsocket High School and create healthier communities across Rhode Island."
"Our students cannot learn at their best if they're worried about not having enough food at home," said Woonsocket Schools Superintendent Dr. Patrick McGee. "This pantry sends a simple but powerful message: we see our students, we care about them, and we're here to support them. Giving young people access to nutritious food helps remove barriers and allows them to come to school ready to learn and succeed."
The opening of this new food pantry in Rhode Island reflects a broader effort to address hunger holistically and reinforce the role of schools as community hubs. In recent years, RIDE, FeedRI, and CVS Health have partnered to expand school-based food access throughout the state, including most recently in May of 2026 at Nathan Bishop Middle School and Roger Williams Middle School in Providence.
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Original text here: https://ride.ri.gov/press-releases/ride-feedri-and-cvs-health-mark-opening-new-school-based-food-pantry-woonsocket-high-school
Ore. Environmental Quality Dept.: State Recycling Modernization Act Upheld as Constitutional
SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 29 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Oregon Recycling Modernization Act Upheld as Constitutional
Federal court ruling allows Oregon to continue implementation of landmark recycling law
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This week the United States District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is constitutional, allowing the state to continue implementing the landmark recycling law. In its decision this week, the court determined that the Recycling Modernization Act does not violate
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SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 29 -- The Oregon Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Oregon Recycling Modernization Act Upheld as Constitutional
Federal court ruling allows Oregon to continue implementation of landmark recycling law
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This week the United States District Court for the District of Oregon ruled that Oregon's Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act is constitutional, allowing the state to continue implementing the landmark recycling law. In its decision this week, the court determined that the Recycling Modernization Act does not violateeither the dormant Commerce Clause or the Due Process Clause. The decision follows a five-day trial held in July 2026, during which the court heard arguments and received evidence from the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) and the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors.
The Recycling Modernization Act requires producers of packaging materials to pay fees that help cover the costs those materials impose on Oregon's recycling system and support investments to modernize and expand recycling opportunities for Oregonians.
The fees are collected by a nonprofit producer responsibility organization responsible for implementing the law under DEQ oversight. The law is designed to strengthen Oregon's recycling system by improving recycling services, investing in the infrastructure needed to sort and process recyclable materials, and giving producers a greater role in managing the products and packaging they place on the market.
"Oregon has long been a national leader in waste prevention and recycling, and we're pleased that the court has recognized the state's authority to move forward with a modern recycling system that works for Oregonians," said Jen Parrott, DEQ Administrator of Land Quality Programs. "The goals behind this law remain important: improving recycling services, strengthening the infrastructure that sorts and processes recyclable materials, and ensuring producers play a greater role in the costs associated with the products and packaging they place on the market.
"We look forward to continuing implementation of the law, working with our partners to ensure Oregon's recycling system is accessible, effective and sustainable for the long term."
The Recycling Modernization Act
The Recycling Modernization Act represents an important shift toward shared responsibility, bringing producers, local governments, recycling facilities and communities together to strengthen the system and improve recycling outcomes. The key facets of the program are universal lists of accepted recyclable materials, reduced burden on consumers and the environment for updating recycling systems, and improved data collection to demonstrate that what people put in the recycling bin is actually recycled. As one of several extended producer responsibility programs in Oregon, the Recycling Modernization Act provides a path to strengthen our recycling system, reduce environmental impacts and build a more sustainable future for Oregon.
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Original text here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/DEQ/Posts/Post/Oregon-recycling-law-upheld-as-constitutional
Maine State Rep. Webb Issues Commentary: Working to Lower the Cost of Living for State Families
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 29 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following commentary by Maine State Rep. Kilton Webb:
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Working to lower the cost of living for Maine families
One of my favorite parts of being a state representative is getting to connect with community members. This summer, I have had the chance to speak with over 600 neighbors across Bowdoin, Durham, Lisbon, Pownal and Topsham. Each town, although unique in many ways, faces many of the same issues - including the rising costs of groceries and unaffordable housing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, there
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 29 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following commentary by Maine State Rep. Kilton Webb:
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Working to lower the cost of living for Maine families
One of my favorite parts of being a state representative is getting to connect with community members. This summer, I have had the chance to speak with over 600 neighbors across Bowdoin, Durham, Lisbon, Pownal and Topsham. Each town, although unique in many ways, faces many of the same issues - including the rising costs of groceries and unaffordable housing.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, therehas been a nearly 30% increase in grocery prices since 2020. As a result, many Mainers have had to change where and how they shop, forced to decide which items to cut from their downsized lists. It's put a lot of families in a difficult position, and some have had to pick between paying for food or other essentials like medicine or utilities.
That's why this session, I worked with my colleagues to pass legislation that will help alleviate some of the pressure of rising costs. This included $300 direct relief checks through the Affordability Payment Program in the supplemental budget. This July, Mainers began receiving the checks, and more are expected to be delivered in the coming weeks. In total, over 500,000 Mainers will receive these checks, which, for families who are barely making ends meet, will hopefully help cushion some of the inflated prices of everyday goods and services.
To be eligible, you must file a 2025 Maine individual income tax return by October 15 as a full-year Maine resident, not be claimed as a dependent on another taxpayer's 2025 individual income tax return and have a federal adjusted gross income of less than: $100,000 if married filing a joint return or as a qualifying surviving spouse, $75,000 if filing as head of household or $50,000 if single or married filing separately. Find more information on the Maine Revenue Services website to see if you are eligible.
For our kids, the budget has expanded Maine's free school meals program for all students in public schools, making sure that breakfast and lunch are regularly available to them, saving families an estimated $160 per month, per child.
Further, the Legislature invested $500,000 to help our neighbors purchase locally produced food while supporting Maine farmers through public and private matching funds.
Along with investing in our food system, finding ways to improve Maine's housing system was a big focus of this legislative session.
One of the last options for more affordable housing - mobile homes - has been becoming increasingly expensive as private developers threaten to buy up mobile home parks as investments and increase lot rent prices. To combat this, the Legislature passed a bill to limit lot rent increases to once per year and make it easier to develop new homes in mobile home parks.
Additionally, the budget invests $37.5 million to create more than 400 new affordable homes and the Legislature extended the Affordable Housing Income Tax Credit for eight more years to support the continued construction of affordable housing. Further, the budget expands the Property Tax Fairness Credit from $1,000 to $1,500 for Mainers under 65. Check your eligibility for tax programs here.
These investments in our communities aim to help ease the ever-increasing costs that Mainers are facing. There is, of course, still much more to do. As I work to develop new legislation for the upcoming Legislature, I welcome your input.
If you see me out in our community, please stop to say hello or feel welcome to reach out to me at Kilton.Webb@legislature.maine.gov if you have any policy ideas, questions or need assistance accessing state programs. I look forward to hearing from you.
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Rep. Kilton Webb is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents House District 98, which includes Durham, Pownal and portions of Lisbon, Bowdoin and Topsham. He serves on the Legislature's Energy, Utilities and Technology Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/working-lower-cost-living-maine-families
Calif. Gov. Newsom Signs Bipartisan Measure to Strengthen Suicide Prevention Efforts for Boys, Young Men
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men
What you need to know: Building on his previous efforts to support the behavioral health challenges facing young men and boys, Governor Newsom signs AB 1956, formally adding boys and men as a group of focus for the California Office of Suicide Prevention.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) to focus
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SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 29 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Governor Newsom signs bipartisan measure to strengthen suicide prevention efforts for boys, young men
What you need to know: Building on his previous efforts to support the behavioral health challenges facing young men and boys, Governor Newsom signs AB 1956, formally adding boys and men as a group of focus for the California Office of Suicide Prevention.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today signed Assembly Bill 1956 by Assemblymember Avelino Valencia (D-Anaheim) to focusgreater attention on suicide prevention efforts for boys and young men.
This bipartisan bill builds on Governor Newsom's July 2025 executive order directing a coordinated statewide response to the growing challenges facing boys and men -- including mental health, social disconnection, education, employment, and access to meaningful mentorship.
Through this Path & Purpose initiative, California is addressing the factors that can leave boys and young men vulnerable to crisis -- expanding access to free behavioral health support through Soluna and BrightLife Kids, strengthening school-linked mental health services and crisis response, and connecting young men to mentorship, education, employment, and service through efforts like the Men's Service Challenge. Together with AB 1956, this work recognizes that suicide prevention begins long before a moment of crisis -- by reducing the stigma around seeking help and helping boys and young men build connection, purpose, and a sense of belonging.
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Too many boys and men are struggling in silence. We have to meet young people where they are, break down the stigma around asking for help, and make sure they have the relationships, support, and opportunities they need to thrive. AB 1956 builds on the work we've already begun to make sure boys and young men are seen, supported, and connected before a crisis becomes a tragedy.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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As this population faces disproportionately high rates of suicide, AB 1956 directs the Office of Suicide Prevention to explicitly recognize boys and young men in the state's suicide prevention strategy.
"As a former coach and educator, I saw up close the difference it makes when a young man has someone in his corner, and I saw what happens when he does not," said Assemblymember Valencia, Chair of the Select Committee on Developing Pathways to Purpose for Young Men. "What I also learned is that the ones struggling the most will often not say so out loud. They are not looking for attention and they are not asking for help. That does not mean they do not need it. This bill asks our state to meet them where they are, with outreach built for how young men actually live. Every young man in California deserves purpose and direction. I appreciate Governor Newsom for signing AB 1956 into law and I look forward to continuing this critical work."
The data underscore the urgency. A March 2026 analysis by the California Department of Public Health found that boys and men in California face distinct and disproportionately high risks.
* Men die by suicide at 3.6x the rate of women and are far less likely to seek help.
* From 2019 to 2023, the suicide rate among California boys ages 10 to 19 was twice the rate among girls of the same age.
* Men are more than 3x as likely to die from drug overdose.
* Male veterans account for 15% of suicide deaths in California, despite being just 2.9% of the population.
* Nearly 1 in 4 young men report having no close friends.
California's approach to mental health recognizes that effective prevention must respond to different patterns -- strengthening support for all young people while developing targeted strategies to reach populations at greatest risk.
Building on California's work to support boys and men
The Governor's executive order last year calls for concrete action across state government to improve mental health and help-seeking behavior among boys and men, reduce stigma, expand access to behavioral health services, and create stronger pathways to education, work, service and mentorship. Earlier this year, the Governor convened national and state leaders to advance solutions for boys and young men.
The historic investments the Governor has made into California's youth behavioral health system are outlined in the multibillion dollar Master Plan for Kids' Mental Health, uniting the efforts of health programs, education, and social services to meet kids where they are, provide greater access to mental health support, and contribute toward thriving, successful youth.
California's approach focuses on prevention, connection, and early intervention -- making sure young people have access to the support, relationships, and opportunities that can help them thrive.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/08/28/governor-newsom-signs-bipartisan-measure-to-strengthen-suicide-prevention-efforts-for-boys-young-men/
Ariz. DOT: Project Spotlight - US 160 Gets Fresh Pavement in Northeast Arizona
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Project Spotlight: US 160 gets fresh pavement in Northeast Arizona
24 miles of pavement rehabilitated, other improvements made
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DENNEHOTSO - US 160 in Northeastern Arizona now features fresh pavement due to an Arizona Department of Transportation project completed in partnership with the Navajo Nation.
The top layer of pavement was removed and replaced along 24 miles of US 160 between mileposts 416-440, improving the driving surface. Along with the pavement rehabilitation, crews made safety
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 29 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Project Spotlight: US 160 gets fresh pavement in Northeast Arizona
24 miles of pavement rehabilitated, other improvements made
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DENNEHOTSO - US 160 in Northeastern Arizona now features fresh pavement due to an Arizona Department of Transportation project completed in partnership with the Navajo Nation.
The top layer of pavement was removed and replaced along 24 miles of US 160 between mileposts 416-440, improving the driving surface. Along with the pavement rehabilitation, crews made safetyenhancements such as replacing guardrail, installing rumble strips, building up the shoulders, and paving turnouts off of the highway. Paving wrapped up with a chip seal treatment and new pavement markings.
Crews also replaced the existing bridge rail on the Walker Creek Bridge at milepost 435 with a more durable concrete barrier, enhancing driver safety. Additionally, erosion control measures were conducted near milepost 440.
Work on this $19.7 million project began in March 2025, with a brief break in construction during the winter. This project showcases ADOT's commitment to protecting Arizona's investment in highway pavement and bridges. ADOT is proud to provide an improved driving experience for drivers on this important route in Northeastern Arizona.
For more information, please visit the US 160 Dennehotso - MP 440 pavement rehabilitation (https://azdot.gov/projects/northeast-district-projects/us-160-dennehotso-mp-440-pavement-rehabilitation) project page at azdot.gov/projects > Northeast District
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Original text here: https://azdot.gov/news/project-spotlight-us-160-gets-fresh-pavement-northeast-arizona
A.G. Jones on C-SPAN Discussing Landmark $353 Million Settlement Between Meta and Virginia
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 29 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones on C-SPAN Discussing Landmark $353 Million Settlement Between Meta and Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - This morning Attorney General Jones joined Greta Brawner, host of Washington Journal on C-SPAN, to discuss the landmark child-safety settlement reached between the social media company Meta and the multistate coalition who brought suit against the tech giant.
C-SPAN: "In Virginia, we have drawn our line in the sand."
"This is certainly something
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 29 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on Aug. 28, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones on C-SPAN Discussing Landmark $353 Million Settlement Between Meta and Virginia
VIRGINIA BEACH, Va. - This morning Attorney General Jones joined Greta Brawner, host of Washington Journal on C-SPAN, to discuss the landmark child-safety settlement reached between the social media company Meta and the multistate coalition who brought suit against the tech giant.
C-SPAN: "In Virginia, we have drawn our line in the sand."
"This is certainly somethingthat is historic, not just for Virginia but across the country. We have not just a landmark settlement in terms of dollar figures, but the guardrails to keep Americans secure," Attorney General Jones said.
"We are going to hold everybody accountable, no matter who you are. If you are doing harm to our kids, we are going to come after you."
See more here:
PRESS RELEASE: Attorney General Jay Jones Announces a $17 Billion Landmark Settlement with Meta with $353 Million Guaranteed for Virginia (https://6rdh5iebb.cc.rs6.net/tn.jsp?f=001q1_FkBpw5w-sqpKTM-Ip4oWvLXTqbvNm2sytXOodE3Dx3WUjckicKWtsH-sIm8YbYQyVI8NwRHeZRXimIqUHcOZIXvujMiV9YHTDeBU9Iztlil9q7f75s1Ul8EHEOKXKlxCALv_QzGWDYNm-e0_-LpzBGNkq5kgPEp7ivUrv8bOUoLib4k0nsm8QHuKZsAdSmLxhCEm5dFtbKQhkeesQo1tSRqf-OjU_t2IgpAyTdz8FrvTXaDesjkJdcyAmCxY7dOoXP5lG1oNw8MsKUA6AfPahXpzT6yvvEZ6gKw926N9XQgHROAlsoEw9c1J6G3yrWhjn3KmT1m6fiLbT_iW4y-kCUThEQ46rXraPovuuYDU=&c=ZnrTEj_x-L8cHI9yUzKF9tk5B3wq0MTWZMTZxcGWE78AQEDlPqZddA==&ch=oFksre2VI6wTf8pYYoHbtmSCMlr4cfcXV3fEpXv62FV8QrP63Zrssg==)
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3109-video-attorney-general-jay-jones-on-c-span-discussing-landmark-353-million-settlement-between-meta-and-virginia
