Featured Stories
Utah Pushes Gederal Hovernment to Gurther Vrackdown on Illegal Robocalls
SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 16 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on July 15, 2026:
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Utah pushes federal government to further crackdown on illegal robocalls
Today, Attorney General Brown and 48 other attorneys general called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to strengthen rules that would cut off scammers' access to the legitimate telephone numbers they use to reach their victims. Americans received approximately 29.6 billion scam robocalls and texts in 2025, a 16 percent increase over the previous year, and lost nearly $2 billion to phone scams.
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SALT LAKE CITY, Utah, July 16 -- Utah Attorney General Derek Brown issued the following news on July 15, 2026:
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Utah pushes federal government to further crackdown on illegal robocalls
Today, Attorney General Brown and 48 other attorneys general called on the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) to strengthen rules that would cut off scammers' access to the legitimate telephone numbers they use to reach their victims. Americans received approximately 29.6 billion scam robocalls and texts in 2025, a 16 percent increase over the previous year, and lost nearly $2 billion to phone scams.Utah phone numbers alone receive roughly 20 million robocalls every month, according to the YouMail Robocall Index.
Scammers once relied on illegally "spoofing" other people's phone numbers to make calls appear to come from a legitimate company or government agency. After the federal government and state attorneys general cracked down on spoofing, scammers shifted tactics: they now purchase legitimate phone numbers and use them to make robocalls. While most legitimate businesses use the same number for years, scammers cycle through millions of brand-new numbers to evade spam filters.
"Every Utahn deserves to know that when their phone rings, they can trust that the person on the other end is who they say they are," said Utah Attorney General Derek Brown. "Scammers buy real phone numbers, use them until spam filters catch on, and then just buy new ones. We're calling on the FCC to make it harder for scammers to get their hands on real phone numbers in the first place."
The Anti-Robocall Multistate Litigation Task Force first asked the FCC to address this issue in 2021, and coalition members are now responding to the FCC's proposed rules. In addition to the steps the FCC is already taking, the attorneys general are asking the federal government to:
* Require every company authorized to purchase and resell phone numbers in North America to meet stronger certification requirements and disclose how, and to whom, they assign numbers.
* Require these companies to submit regular reports on the sale and use of numbers, so law enforcement can trace illegal robocalls to their source and hold every company in the call path accountable.
* Require anyone applying for phone numbers to certify they will not use them to make illegal robocalls.
* Block the sale of phone numbers to buyers not connected to a real calling or texting service.
* Prohibit "number cycling," in which an entity buys numbers in bulk and rotates through them, sometimes using each only once, to evade tools that flag robocall numbers.
* Restrict the offering of trial numbers that scammers exploit to harm consumers.
Utah is joined in signing the letter (https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Reply-Comments-of-49-State-AGs-re-2026-Numbering-Resources-NPRM-July-2026.pdf) by 48 other attorneys general.
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.utah.gov/utah-robocalls-letter/
R.I. Supreme Court Issues Opinion on Galbin Fernandez Vs. R.I. Public Transit Authority
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 16 -- The Rhode Island Supreme Court issued the following opinion:
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Galbin Fernandez, in his capacity as the Administrator of the Estate of Eva Pena v. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority et al.
Present: Suttell, C.J., Robinson, Lynch Prata, Long, and Indeglia (ret.), JJ.
OPINION
Chief Justice Suttell, for the Court. The plaintiff, Galbin Fernandez, in his capacity as the Administrator of the Estate of Eva Pena, appeals from a Superior Court order denying his motion for a new trial, which he filed after a jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, July 16 -- The Rhode Island Supreme Court issued the following opinion:
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Galbin Fernandez, in his capacity as the Administrator of the Estate of Eva Pena v. Rhode Island Public Transit Authority et al.
Present: Suttell, C.J., Robinson, Lynch Prata, Long, and Indeglia (ret.), JJ.
OPINION
Chief Justice Suttell, for the Court. The plaintiff, Galbin Fernandez, in his capacity as the Administrator of the Estate of Eva Pena, appeals from a Superior Court order denying his motion for a new trial, which he filed after a jury returned a verdict in favor of the defendant,Rhode Island Public Transit Authority (defendant or RIPTA).
On appeal, the plaintiff proffers a single evidentiary error--what he characterizes as the so-called unidentified interpreter exception to the rule against hearsay. This case came before the Supreme Court pursuant to an order directing the parties to appear and show cause why the issues raised in this appeal should not be summarily decided.
After considering the parties' written and oral submissions and reviewing the record, we conclude that cause has not been shown and that this case may be decided without further briefing or argument. For the reasons set forth herein, we reverse the order of the Superior Court and remand the matter for a new trial consistent with this opinion.
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Opinion No.: 2025-45-Appeal. (PC 15-2137)
To view entire opinion click here: https://www.courts.ri.gov/Opinions/Supreme-25-45.pdf
Nev. Business & Industry Dept. Statement Regarding Review of the State Private Investigators Licensing Board
CARSON CITY, Nevada, July 16 -- The Nevada Department of Business and Industry issued the following news release:
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Department of Business and Industry Statement Regarding Review of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board
The Nevada Department of Business and Industry is in full support of a thorough and objective review of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB). Public confidence in Nevada's occupational licensing system depends on transparency, accountability, and ensuring that boards carry out their statutory responsibilities in a manner that protects the public.
"The
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CARSON CITY, Nevada, July 16 -- The Nevada Department of Business and Industry issued the following news release:
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Department of Business and Industry Statement Regarding Review of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board
The Nevada Department of Business and Industry is in full support of a thorough and objective review of the Nevada Private Investigators Licensing Board (PILB). Public confidence in Nevada's occupational licensing system depends on transparency, accountability, and ensuring that boards carry out their statutory responsibilities in a manner that protects the public.
"Thesafety of Nevadans is a top priority," said Dr. Kristopher Sanchez, Director of the Nevada Department of Business and Industry. "Whenever questions arise regarding the administration of laws designed to protect the public, we believe those concerns deserve to be fully examined. We welcome an independent review of the Board's operations and offer our full support for any legislative or administrative efforts to identify the facts and implement appropriate solutions."
The Department recognizes that some of the issues raised involve questions regarding the interpretation of Nevada law. Where statutory ambiguity exists, it is ultimately the responsibility of the Nevada Legislature to clarify legislative intent and establish clear policy direction.
The concerns now surrounding the Private Investigator's Licensing Board were discussed during a public meeting of the Legislative Commission while the board was seeking approval of a proposed regulation. That process demonstrates the importance of oversight and transparency. An executive branch oversight mechanism with clearly defined authority to review governance, compliance, and operational performance could provide an additional safeguard by identifying systemic issues before they require legislative intervention.
The Department has previously supported efforts to modernize oversight of Nevada's occupational licensing boards and believes this situation, as well as several board's financial stability concerns, underscores the need for greater accountability, standardized governance practices, and regular operational review.
Under current law, consumer and licensee complaints regarding Title 54 occupational licensing boards are referred to the Office of Nevada Boards, Commissions and Councils Standards. However, the Office's statutory authority is limited primarily to facilitating mediation and communication among the parties. It does not possess the authority to direct operational changes, require corrective action, or otherwise intervene in the governance of independent boards.
"Our focus is on ensuring Nevada has the strongest possible regulatory system--one that protects the public, provides clear accountability, and gives boards the tools and oversight they need to fulfill their mission effectively. We look forward to working collaboratively with the Legislature, the Board, and all stakeholders to achieve that goal," said Dr. Sanchez.
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About the Department of Business and Industry
The Department of Business and Industry is a cabinet-level agency in Nevada State government. Our mission is to serve, protect and support Nevada's communities and workers through industry accountability and oversight. To learn more, visit www.business.nv.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.business.nv.gov/news-media/press-releases/2026/directors-office/department-of-business-and-industry-statement-regarding-review-of-the-nevada-private-investigators-licensing-board/
N.J. A.G. Davenport Files Civil Complaint Against Pennsylvania Gun Show Owner for Endangering Public Safety
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 16 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Davenport Files Civil Complaint Against Pennsylvania Gun Show Owner for Endangering Public Safety
Vinroe Actively Attempting to Evade Accountability for Selling Ghost Gun Products to New Jerseyans
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that she is filing a civil lawsuit against Jordan Vinroe, the owner and operator of the JSD Supply and Eagle Shows ghost gun enterprise. Attorney General Davenport and the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement
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TRENTON, New Jersey, July 16 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Davenport Files Civil Complaint Against Pennsylvania Gun Show Owner for Endangering Public Safety
Vinroe Actively Attempting to Evade Accountability for Selling Ghost Gun Products to New Jerseyans
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that she is filing a civil lawsuit against Jordan Vinroe, the owner and operator of the JSD Supply and Eagle Shows ghost gun enterprise. Attorney General Davenport and the Statewide Affirmative Firearms Enforcement(SAFE) Office filed the lawsuit against Mr. Vinroe, a Pennsylvania resident, for intentionally and unlawfully selling to New Jersey residents kits and parts to create ghost guns--untraceable firearms that are illegal in New Jersey.
Today's lawsuit marks the latest step in the Office of the Attorney General's efforts to stop the supply of unlawful ghost guns into New Jersey. After the Office of the Attorney General, through SAFE, filed a prior civil enforcement action in December 2023 against Mr. Vinroe's holding companies for the JSD Supply and Eagle Shows businesses, Mr. Vinroe ultimately put the companies into bankruptcy rather than accept responsibility for his conduct. But while the 2023 complaint succeeded in shuttering those businesses, Mr. Vinroe continues to operate gun shows and other companies that sell ghost gun products to New Jerseyans. The complaint filed today seeks to stop Mr. Vinroe's unlawful conduct and hold him personally accountable.
"As the state's chief law enforcement officer, protecting the public from gun violence is my top priority. Untraceable ghost guns pose a clear and direct threat to public safety--especially because ghost guns are frequently the choice of those who are trying to evade our firearm laws and avoid background checks," said Attorney General Davenport. "Jordan Vinroe deliberately caters to this market. Our 2023 lawsuit put two of his companies out of business, but that hasn't stopped him from trying to evade accountability in new ways. Mr. Vinroe does not get to hide from our laws--which is why we're taking action today to hold him personally accountable for his role in endangering public safety by selling ghost gun products to New Jerseyans."
Unserialized firearms, commonly known as "ghost guns," are illegal in New Jersey. Nonetheless, operating the Eagle Shows gun show series and JSD Supply ghost gun parts business, Mr. Vinroe deliberately sold ghost gun products to New Jersey residents at gun shows he located near the New Jersey-Pennsylvania border. Mr. Vinroe specifically targeted New Jerseyans with regular billboards on the New Jersey Turnpike, luring across the river New Jersey customers who could not readily obtain ghost gun products otherwise.
As today's complaint alleges, Mr. Vinroe has actively sought to evade responsibility for his unlawful conduct. In response to the Office of the Attorney General's lawsuit against Mr. Vinroe's holding companies for the JSD Supply and Eagle Shows businesses, Mr. Vinroe put the companies into bankruptcy. But as the complaint explains, Mr. Vinroe still continues to operate gun shows and other companies that sell ghost gun products. The "new" Eastern Gun Expo, where Vinroe continues to be seen, runs the same gun shows in the same locations, on the same schedule, even using the same phone number as Vinroe's Eagle Shows gun shows.
Mr. Vinroe was the self-proclaimed largest retailer of ghost gun handgun frames in the country, and New Jersey law enforcement has arrested dozens of his New Jersey customers returning from his gun shows, often with parts to make numerous ghost guns at a time. He has been among the largest, if not the largest, suppliers of products to make ghost guns to New Jersey residents. He has extracted millions of dollars in personal profit.
"Jordan Vinroe deliberately targeted New Jerseyans to buy his illegal products to make illegal ghost guns," said SAFE Acting Director Jeremy Ershow. "Corporate bankruptcy does not shield people who personally engage in wrongdoing. Mr. Vinroe violated our laws and hurt our state, and we will hold him accountable."
Ghost guns are frequently recovered at crime scenes in New Jersey. Recent reports suggest that the number of ghost guns recovered at crime scenes in New Jersey increased eightfold between 2019 and 2022--from 55 in 2019 to 433 in 2022. Even after federal law changed in 2022 to classify ghost gun kits as firearms, ghost gun recoveries remain steady and high, with subsequent data showing recoveries averaging 251 annually from 2023 through 2025.
Today's complaint, filed in Superior Court in Mercer County, seeks an injunction to stop Mr. Vinroe's actions, monetary and punitive damages, and other relief, including the State's abatement cost of preventing further harm from Mr. Vinroe's products in New Jersey.
SAFE is a first-in-the-nation office with the specific mandate of bringing civil enforcement actions against firearm industry members to hold them accountable for violations of the law that harm the health and safety of New Jersey residents. For example, in December 2024, the Office of the Attorney General and SAFE sued Glock in connection with the ability to use its handguns as machine guns by inserting a "switch." In October 2025, the Office of the Attorney General and SAFE, along with the Division of Consumer Affairs, sued Sig Sauer in connection with product defects in its P320 pistol model that cause unintended discharge.
The Attorney General and SAFE are represented by Assistant Attorney General David Leit of the Division of Law's Special Litigation Section.
View Complaint (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-0715_Complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-files-civil-complaint-against-pennsylvania-gun-show-owner-for-endangering-public-safety/
Maine State Rep. Brennan, Education Committee Members Call on Congressional Delegation to Oppose Department of Education Changes
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 16 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Brennan, Education Committee members call on congressional delegation to oppose Department of Education changes
Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, along with all Democratic members and one unenrolled member of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, sent a letter Tuesday to Maine's congressional delegation opposing the U.S. Department of Education's (DOE) plans to restructure two of its offices.
Last month, the Trump administration announced that the DOE would move work regarding
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 16 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Brennan, Education Committee members call on congressional delegation to oppose Department of Education changes
Rep. Michael Brennan, D-Portland, along with all Democratic members and one unenrolled member of the Legislature's Education and Cultural Affairs Committee, sent a letter Tuesday to Maine's congressional delegation opposing the U.S. Department of Education's (DOE) plans to restructure two of its offices.
Last month, the Trump administration announced that the DOE would move work regardingthe enforcement of civil rights in education to the Department of Justice and work regarding special education services to the Department of Health and Human Services.
"These departmental changes will cause irreparable harm to students of color and students with disabilities in Maine and across the nation," said Brennan. "This is a clear attempt to further dismantle our public education system and leave already vulnerable students with fewer and fewer resources. I urge our congressional delegation to take action and help us circumvent any damage that is sure to happen under this proposal."
Additional signatories include House chair Rep. Kelly Murphy, D-Scarborough; Senate chair Sen. Joe Rafferty, D-Kennebunk; Rep. Jan Dodge, D-Belfast; Rep. Christina Mitchell, D-Cumberland; Rep. Holly Sargent, D-York; Ed Crockett, U-Portland; and Senate Majority Leader Teresa Pierce, D-Falmouth.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/brennan-education-committee-members-call-congressional-delegation-oppose-department-education
Colo. Secretary of State: Two Unaffiliated Candidates Qualify for General Election Ballot Statehouse Contests
DENVER, Colorado, July 16 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on July 15, 2026:
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Two Unaffiliated Candidates Qualify for General Election Ballot Statehouse Contests
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Allison Madrigal, Unaffiliated candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives, District 38, and Travis Star Nelson, Unaffiliated candidate for Colorado State Senate, District 35, have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
Unaffiliated
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DENVER, Colorado, July 16 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on July 15, 2026:
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Two Unaffiliated Candidates Qualify for General Election Ballot Statehouse Contests
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Allison Madrigal, Unaffiliated candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives, District 38, and Travis Star Nelson, Unaffiliated candidate for Colorado State Senate, District 35, have submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the November 3, 2026 General Election ballot.
Unaffiliatedcandidates for Colorado House of Representatives and Colorado Senate are required to collect 1,000 signatures within their district as required by C.R.S. 1-4-802(1)(c)(V) and C.R.S. 1-4-802(1)(c)(IV), respectively. Allison Madrigal submitted 1,069 valid signatures and Travis Star Nelson submitted 1,135 valid signatures. Both eclipsed their respective 1,000-signature threshold.
Allison Madrigal Petition Verification Summary:
* Number of qualified signatures submitted: 1,284
* Number of entries rejected: 215
* Number of entries accepted: 1,069
* Number of valid signatures required: 1,000
Travis Star Nelson Petition Verification Summary:
* Number of qualified signatures submitted: 1,468
* Number of entries rejected: 333
* Number of entries accepted: 1,135
* Number of valid signatures required: 1,000
A record of all accepted and rejected signatures, including reasons for each rejection is on file with the Secretary of State.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260715Candidates.html
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Appointment on July 15, 2026
SACRAMENTO, California, July 16 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 15, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.15.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Jason Reed, of Rossmoor, has been appointed to the Collateral Recovery Disciplinary Review Committee. Reed has been the President of Nations Recovery Services, Inc, since 1997. He is a member of the Allied Finance Adjusters. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Reed is a Republican.
Josef Preciado, of
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 16 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 15, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.15.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Jason Reed, of Rossmoor, has been appointed to the Collateral Recovery Disciplinary Review Committee. Reed has been the President of Nations Recovery Services, Inc, since 1997. He is a member of the Allied Finance Adjusters. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Reed is a Republican.
Josef Preciado, ofSacramento, has been reappointed to the Contractors State Licensing Board, where he has served since 2024. Preciado has been a Partnership Specialist at the Sacramento Municipal Utilities District since 2026, where he was an Economic & Small Business Development Representative III from 2024 to 2026. He was a Higher Education Consultant at Sova Solutions from 2022 to 2024. Preciado was the Director of the California Apprenticeship Initiative at American River College from 2017 to 2024. He held multiple positions at California State University, Sacramento from 2008 to 2017, including the Associate Director of Admissions & Outreach, an International Admissions Counselor, and an Admissions Counselor. He earned a Master of Public Policy and Public Administration degree from California State University, Sacramento and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Community Studies & Latin American Studies from the University of California, Santa Cruz. This position requires Senate confirmation and the compensation is $100 per diem. Preciado is a Democrat.
Diana Love, of Palmdale, has been reappointed to the Contractors State License Board, where she has served since 2019. Love has been Executive Director of Forget Us Not Community Services since 2017. She was a Children and Youth Group Facilitator at Parents Anonymous Inc. from 2015 to 2017. Love was a Field Representative in the Office of Assemblymember Steve Fox in the California State Assembly from 2013 to 2015. She is the Secretary for the California Democratic Party and is a member of the California Senior Legislature, the American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), and the Inland Communities Democratic Headquarters PAC. This position requires Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Love is a Democrat.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/15/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-7-15-2026/
