Featured Stories
Va. A.G. Jones Calls on ICE to Reverse Dangerous New Policy
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Calls on ICE to Reverse Dangerous New Policy
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reverse a dangerous new policy ending investigations and public reporting of deaths that occur shortly after people are released from ICE custody.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE Director
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 8 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 6, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Calls on ICE to Reverse Dangerous New Policy
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 22 other attorneys general in urging the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) to reverse a dangerous new policy ending investigations and public reporting of deaths that occur shortly after people are released from ICE custody.
In a letter to DHS Secretary Markwayne Mullin and Acting ICE DirectorDavid Venturella, Attorney General Jay Jones and the coalition condemn the attempt to reduce transparency and accountability as reports of abusive and unsafe conditions in ICE detention facilities continue to rise. The attorneys general are calling on Secretary Mullin and Acting Director Venturella to rescind the policy and restore prior reporting standards.
"These systems of accountability exist to protect those who are most vulnerable, and I will not stand by while they get stripped away by those attempting to abuse their power," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "With the disturbing rise in reports of abuse and death in ICE detention facilities in the recent months, transparency is more important now than ever. This change in policy is an abhorrent attempt by ICE and the DHS to sidestep responsibility for their dangerous actions, and we won't allow it. The public is demanding transparency and accountability, and as Attorney General that is exactly what I will fight for."
ICE is required to comply with national detention standards, which direct detention facilities to conduct initial health screenings, provide necessary medical and mental health care, and maintain safe and sanitary conditions, including protecting detainees from unnecessary uses of force. To ensure that individuals are provided with adequate care and medical attention during detention, Congress has required ICE to investigate and report deaths that occur during detention and has long sought transparency around deaths connected to ICE custody. Until recently, ICE directors could request reviews of the death of individuals who passed away within 30 days of being released from ICE custody, and as a result, ICE frequently conducted investigations and prepared reports based on its findings following the death of a newly released detainee.
Attorney General Jay Jones and the coalition argue that the administration's decision to stop investigating and reporting deaths that occur shortly after ICE detention reduces the federal government's accountability for conditions in ICE facilities and jeopardizes the safety of detainees. In the letter, the coalition warns that ending these reporting and investigation requirements could create a dangerous incentive for facilities to release critically ill or mistreated detainees shortly before they die to avoid scrutiny associated with a death in ICE custody.
The attorneys general note that the policy is part of a broader effort to shield ICE detention centers from supervision and accountability as conditions for detainees deteriorate. In recent months, while deaths in ICE custody have risen to historic levels, public health professionals and elected officials have been prevented from conducting routine checks on ICE facilities. In detention centers across the country, individuals have reportedly been denied access to adequate medical care and placed in unsafe and unsanitary conditions. Since January 2025, there have been 51 detainee deaths in ICE custody, including Ismael Ayala-Uribe, a 39-year-old man who died from septic shock caused by an untreated abscess after his request for medical treatment was ignored. More than half of these deaths have occurred in just nine of the more than 220 active immigration detention facilities. ICE's own Office of Detention Oversight has determined that five of those nine facilities have deficient medical care.
Attorney General Jay Jones and the coalition make clear that their states will continue to stand against federal attempts to shield ICE from public accountability. The coalition urges ICE to reverse course on this new policy and to ensure that individuals in custody are treated with basic dignity, humanity, and care.
Joining Attorney General Jay Jones in sending this letter, which was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3067-attorney-general-jay-jones-calls-on-ice-to-reverse-dangerous-new-policy
Okla. A.G. Drummond Files Lawsuit Against Allstate Insurance Co.
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 8 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Drummond files lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Co.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today filed a lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Company, alleging the insurer engaged in a coordinated scheme to wrongfully deny or underpay legitimate wind and hail damage claims submitted by Oklahoma homeowners.
Filed in Cleveland County District Court, the lawsuit alleges Allstate implemented an internal program referred to as the "Disaster Payment Minimization Scheme"
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 8 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Drummond files lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Co.
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today filed a lawsuit against Allstate Insurance Company, alleging the insurer engaged in a coordinated scheme to wrongfully deny or underpay legitimate wind and hail damage claims submitted by Oklahoma homeowners.
Filed in Cleveland County District Court, the lawsuit alleges Allstate implemented an internal program referred to as the "Disaster Payment Minimization Scheme"that was designed to reduce claim payments and increase corporate profits. According to the petition, Allstate marketed homeowners policies as providing replacement cost coverage for storm-related damage while allegedly using undisclosed internal standards and claims-handling practices to limit coverage and reduce payments to policyholders.
"This lawsuit is about protecting Oklahoma homeowners and holding insurance companies accountable when they fail to honor the promises they make to policyholders," Drummond said. "Consumers pay their premiums expecting their insurance company to be there when disaster strikes. When insurers put profits ahead of policyholders, it's hardworking families and individuals who ultimately pay the price."
The State alleges Allstate systematically altered its claims process by limiting the authority of field adjusters, relying on third-party inspectors and reviewers, and applying restrictive internal standards that were not disclosed to policyholders. The lawsuit contends these practices resulted in the denial or underpayment of valid storm-related claims across the state.
"Insurance companies have a legal and contractual obligation to treat policyholders fairly, communicate honestly and evaluate claims in good faith," Drummond said. "I will continue fighting to ensure Oklahomans receive the coverage they paid for and the honest dealings they deserve."
The petition alleges violations of the Oklahoma Consumer Protection Act and the Oklahoma Racketeer-Influenced and Corrupt Organizations Act, as well as civil conspiracy and unjust enrichment. The State is seeking injunctive relief, civil penalties, disgorgement of profits and restitution for affected consumers.
Read the Petition (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/july/CJ-2026-1169.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/july/drummond-files-lawsuit-against-allstate-insurance-company.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: State Board of Pharmacy Temporarily Suspends License and Shuts Down Pharmacy of Gloucester County Pharmacist
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 8 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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State Board of Pharmacy Temporarily Suspends License and Shuts Down Pharmacy of Gloucester County Pharmacist
Pharmacist Allegedly Maintained Unsafe, Unsanitary Conditions and Interfered With Patients' Right to Obtain Medications from Pharmacies of Their Choice
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the State Board of Pharmacy ("Board") has temporarily suspended the license and shut down the
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TRENTON, New Jersey, July 8 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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State Board of Pharmacy Temporarily Suspends License and Shuts Down Pharmacy of Gloucester County Pharmacist
Pharmacist Allegedly Maintained Unsafe, Unsanitary Conditions and Interfered With Patients' Right to Obtain Medications from Pharmacies of Their Choice
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport and the Division of Consumer Affairs (Division) announced today that the State Board of Pharmacy ("Board") has temporarily suspended the license and shut down thepharmacy of a Gloucester County pharmacist who allegedly practiced unsafely, operated in unsanitary conditions, and interfered with patients' rights to obtain their medications from pharmacies of their choice, leaving them to ration medications or forgo them altogether.
According to allegations filed by the State, pharmacist Nittal K. Lodha, owner and operator of Woodbury Family Pharmacy (Woodbury) in Woodbury, New Jersey, repeatedly disregarded patients' requests to stop filling their prescriptions and transfer them to other pharmacies. She instead continued to fill the prescriptions herself with medications kept in unsanitary conditions; and to provide patients with the wrong dosages or dispense medications in packages with broken safety seals or missing pills. The State alleges that Lodha's actions disrupted patients' ability to obtain necessary medications, resulting in adverse health consequences, emotional distress, and deterioration of their medical conditions.
"Patients should be able to trust that their pharmacist won't endanger their health or make it harder for them to access lifesaving medications. So when a licensed pharmacist harms patients by allegedly disregarding basic safety standards and interfering with their right to obtain needed treatment from the pharmacy of their choosing, we will take action to protect the public," said Attorney General Davenport. "My office will continue to work with the Division of Consumer Affairs and the Board of Pharmacy to ensure that those entrusted with public health meet their professional and legal obligations."
"The temporary suspension of Ms. Lodha's license and Woodbury Family Pharmacy's permit reflects the seriousness of these allegations and our commitment to protecting the public," said Jeremy E. Hollander, Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs. "Patients depend on pharmacists and pharmacies to provide safe, lawful, and reliable access to prescription medications. Those that fall short of those expectations will be held accountable."
At a hearing before a subcommittee of the Board on June 5, 2026, the State sought the immediate temporary suspension of Lodha's license and Woodbury's permit, arguing that allowing them to continue their practice while the allegations against them are pending would present a clear and imminent danger to public health, safety and welfare. The subcommittee voted to grant the temporary suspensions, a decision that was ratified by the full Board on June 24, 2026.
The Temporary Order of Suspension and Report of Hearing Committee to the Board (Order) ratified by the Board permits Lodha and Woodbury to seek limited reinstatement of their practice credentials pending the resolution of the allegations, provided they meet conditions set forth in the Order.
Investigators with the Enforcement Bureau, within the Division of Consumer Affairs, conducted the investigation into this matter.
The State was represented in this matter by Deputy Attorney General Daniel Evan Leef Hewitt, under the supervision of Section Chief Doreen A. Hafner of the Professional Boards Prosecution Section, within the Affirmative Civil Enforcement Practice Group of the Division of Law.
View Order (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/2026-0707_20260623_28RI03035700_Order.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/state-board-of-pharmacy-temporarily-suspends-license-and-shuts-down-pharmacy-of-gloucester-county-pharmacist/
Lights, Camera, Action! First Year of California's Expanded Film & TV Tax Credit Projected to Bring $6.6 Billion in Economic Impact
SACRAMENTO, California, July 8 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Lights, camera, action! First year of California's expanded Film & TV Tax Credit projected to bring $6.6 billion in economic impact
41 new projects awarded today, including DreamWorks Animation's "DONKEY," Disney's "Hexed," and "Gingerbread Men" from Artists Equity
What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom's historic expansion of the Film & TV Tax Credit program, the state has awarded 170 projects, including 41 new film projects announced today. Together, these projects
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 8 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Lights, camera, action! First year of California's expanded Film & TV Tax Credit projected to bring $6.6 billion in economic impact
41 new projects awarded today, including DreamWorks Animation's "DONKEY," Disney's "Hexed," and "Gingerbread Men" from Artists Equity
What you need to know: Since Governor Newsom's historic expansion of the Film & TV Tax Credit program, the state has awarded 170 projects, including 41 new film projects announced today. Together, these projectsare designed to bring $6.6 billion in economic activity and nearly 35,000 cast and crew jobs across California.
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Governor Gavin Newsom announced today that the first year of California's expanded Film and Television Tax credit program is on track to deliver a record $6.6 billion in economic impact. With 41 projects awarded today, including DreamWorks "DONKEY," "Gingerbread Men" from Artists Equity, and Disney's "Hexed," productions are bringing thousands of good-paying jobs and direct investment to communities across California.
Following the Governor's recent visit to the set of Ang Lee's Gold Mountain, a Film & Television Tax Credit Program awardee, today's announcement demonstrates the economic impact across the Golden State.
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California has long set the standard for entertainment production, creating good-paying jobs and showcasing the creativity and innovation that define the Golden State. The first year of the expanded tax credit program is already delivering results -- generating billions in economic activity, creating opportunities for businesses and the workforce, and bringing more productions home to California.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Driving major economic impact
Across the full fiscal year (July 1, 2025 - June 30, 2026), the newly expanded Program 4.0 awarded 170 total projects that collectively represent:
* $6.6 billion in direct production spending in California
* $4.3 billion in qualified expenditures (inclusive of qualified wages)
* $2.58 billion in qualified wages
* 34,921 cast and crew jobs
* 212,065 background performers in days worked
* 6,630 total California filming days, including 1,351 out-of-zone filming days
"This round marks the close of the first year of Program 4.0 and reflects the strong demand we continue to see for production in California. With 41 new film projects approved across a wide range of budgets, we are seeing the program work exactly as intended - bringing production, jobs, and economic opportunity to communities throughout California," said Colleen Bell, Director of the California Film Commission. "From major studio features and independent films to animated projects, the diversity of productions choosing California speaks to the strength of our industry and the unmatched talent, infrastructure, and creative ecosystem that exist here. We look forward to building on this momentum in year two."
New films coming to the Golden State
The diverse slate of 41 projects in today's round of awards will deliver meaningful economic benefits for California, including:
* $1.1 billion in direct production spending in California
* $544 million in qualified spend (inclusive of qualified wages)
* $352 million in qualified wages
* 6,198 cast and crew jobs
* 13,153 background performers in days worked
* 993 total California shooting days, including 403 out-of-zone filming days
Animation heavyweights continue to commit to California building on the historic inclusion of animated feature films, this latest round welcomes two new DreamWorks Animation projects, including the highly anticipated DONKEY from the Shrek universe, as well as Disney's Hexed and a new Pixar feature. These projects are designed to generate $711 million in total California economic impact, including $145 million in qualified wages, employing over 1,900 cast and crew members and deepening the animation industry's roots in California.
"The California Film Commission's tax credit is a game changer, allowing DreamWorks Animation to keep production on two of our most valuable franchises in California," said Randy Lake, Chief Operating Officer at DreamWorks Animation. "We are deeply grateful for this meaningful support, which reinforces our commitment to producing world-class animation in our home state."
"For over a hundred years, California has been home to not only The Walt Disney Company but also an incredibly talented community of filmmakers, artists, and production professionals," said Alan Bergman, Chairman, Disney Entertainment Studios, The Walt Disney Company. "We are happy to have a number of projects selected for the state's Film & Television Tax Credit Program and are grateful to the California Film Commission, Governor Newsom, and the legislative leaders who have worked to strengthen opportunities for production here as we continue to invest in California's world-class creative workforce."
Independent films continue to play a critical role in productions
The 41 projects approved in this round comprise 35 independent productions, including five above $10 million in budget and 30 under $10 million in budget, reflecting the program's continued commitment to supporting diverse voices and emerging filmmakers alongside major studio productions.
"We received the approval letter informing us that Gingerbread Men was accepted into the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program," said Academy Award Winner Ben Affleck, Director and Producer. "Under the program, we have been able to make the films Argo, Unstoppable, and Accountant 2. Our upcoming film, Gingerbread Men, will be filmed in Los Angeles, California - close to our company office and the best and most experienced cast and crew, vendors, and service providers. Let's continue to keep the California film industry alive with the help of the California Film and Television Tax Credit Program!"
California continues to rebuild production momentum
This latest round of awards caps off a transformative first year of the revamped program, as it continues to strengthen California's production landscape, with applications growing by 82% compared to the previous year.
In the T.V. category, 20 new series and six pilots received tax credits during the first year of Program 4.0 - by comparison, only eight new series received tax credits during the last year of Program 3.0. Notable TV projects from the past year include:
* Fallout (Season 3)
* Forever (Season 2)
* Life, Larry and the Pursuit of Unhappiness
* NCIS: Origins (Season 3)
* The Pitt (Season 3)
* Presumed Innocent (Season 2)
* The Studio (Season 2)
These productions reflect the growing momentum for filming activity in the Golden State. TV drama shoot days saw a substantial increase in the first quarter of 2026 - up more than 40% over the previous quarter and more than 7% year over year. Over the past year, tax credit projects have also dominated awards season, taking home Best Picture wins at the Oscars for One Battle After Another and Best Drama TV series at both the Emmys and Golden Globes for The Pitt.
More recently, this momentum saw the California Film Commission being named Film Commission of the Year - State, Province and National at the 2026 Screen International Global Production Awards.
The film category within the program also experienced a significant uptick in demand. In the first quarter of this year alone, feature film shoot days increased more than 45% over the previous quarter and more than 52% year over year.
Awarded film projects include:
* Gold Mountain
* Heat 2
* Untitled Jumanji installment
* A Snoop Dogg biopic
* Additional projects from A24, Artists Equity, Blumhouse, Paramount Pictures, Warner Bros. and NBCUniversal
The expansion of eligibility to include animation and large scale competition shows drew interest from President Curtis (an Adult Swim spin off), The Simpsons Movie 2 from 20th Century Studios, Stewie from 20th Television Animation, and new titles from DreamWorks Animation. Schooled! from Jimmy Kimmel and Mark Rober will be the first large scale competition series supported by the program.
Additionally, several series are relocating production to California, including Baywatch (Season 12), The Night Agent (Season 4), and Tracker - the hit drama from Disney Entertainment Television starring Justin Hartley, which is moving from Vancouver for its fourth season.
"Due to the enhanced California tax credit, Disney Entertainment Television decided to relocate its series 'Tracker' to Los Angeles for its fourth season. And I was the lucky Location Manager who got the call," said Supervising Location Manager Veronique Vowell. "Due to the incentive, 10 other location professionals and I are back at work. Not only are we working, but all the small vendors we use for everything from tents and potties to security, layout boards, traffic plans, and air conditioning are also working. We feel very fortunate as we know that many of our comrades in arms are still unemployed. Keep the California Tax Credit Program going; it creates jobs."
Since its inception in 2009, California's Film & Television Tax Credit Program has generated over $34.2 billion in economic activity and supported more than 243,000 cast and crew jobs across the state. In years past, for every $1.00 of tax credit awarded, California has seen massive returns: $24.40 in economic output, $16.14 in GDP, and $8.60 in wages. The expanded program, now one of the largest capped film incentives in the nation, maintains California's competitive edge in the creative economy while continuing to prioritize workforce diversity provisions, more funding for the Career Pathways Training Program, and the nation's first Safety on Production Pilot Program.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/07/lights-camera-action-first-year-of-californias-expanded-film-tv-tax-credit-projected-to-bring-6-6-billion-in-economic-impact/
HAWAII GOV. GREEN SIGNS BILLS TO REGULATE TOBACCO USE AND ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 8 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS BILLS TO REGULATE TOBACCO USE AND ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES
Governor Josh Green today signed into law complementary measures aimed at regulating tobacco use and mitigating its impacts on communities across Hawaii. SB 2175, Act 189, Session Laws of Hawaii (SLH) 2026, and HB 1573, Act 190, SLH 2026, demonstrate Hawaii's commitment to reducing the harmful impacts of disposable electronic smoking devices (ESDs) and ensuring that products sold in Hawaii meet federal
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 8 -- Gov. Josh Green, D-Hawaii, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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GOVERNOR GREEN SIGNS BILLS TO REGULATE TOBACCO USE AND ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES
Governor Josh Green today signed into law complementary measures aimed at regulating tobacco use and mitigating its impacts on communities across Hawaii. SB 2175, Act 189, Session Laws of Hawaii (SLH) 2026, and HB 1573, Act 190, SLH 2026, demonstrate Hawaii's commitment to reducing the harmful impacts of disposable electronic smoking devices (ESDs) and ensuring that products sold in Hawaii meet federalstandards.
Safety concerns around nicotine and tobacco have intensified in recent years as companies have increasingly marketed to younger generations and failed to comply with federal safety standards. The growing use of ESDs has produced additional challenges due to their widespread accessibility and the materials used in their production, including single-use plastic and lithium batteries. These hazardous materials pose significant health and environmental risks and have been linked to landfill fires, excessive litter and pollution and water contamination.
"Hawaii has been a leader in this fight for years," said Governor Green. "It is more important than ever to preserve the health of our environment and ensure the health of our keiki. We have seen the effects and now we are taking action."
SB 2175: RELATING TO DISPOSABLE ELECTRONIC SMOKING DEVICES
Senate Bill 2175, Act 189, prohibits the sale, offer for sale, or distribution of disposable electronic smoking devices beginning January 1, 2027. The measure establishes penalties for violations, with violators subject to fines of up to $100 per day for each violation.
This measure marks a significant policy-driven change in Hawaii to address the harmful impacts of ESDs. The measure helps safeguard Hawaii's aina and communities from the adverse effects of disposable ESDs.
HB 1573: RELATING TO HEALTH
House Bill 1573, Act 190, strengthens oversight of ESDs and e-liquids sold in Hawaii by ensuring that products comply with both federal and state law. The measure establishes a certification process requiring manufacturers to provide documentation demonstrating FDA authorization for their products. It also requires the state Department of the Attorney General to create and maintain a publicly available directory of compliant products. Manufacturers that fail to comply with certification requirements, as well as entities that acquire, possess, transport, keep, sell, or offer for sale products not included in the directory, will be subject to penalties.
By establishing a state-managed directory aligned with FDA regulations and providing the Department of the Attorney General with enforcement authority, HB1573 will help remove illegal tobacco products from Hawaii's marketplace and strengthen protections for consumers. Lawmakers and advocates agree that reducing youth access to unauthorized and flavored vaping products is a critical step in protecting our keiki from predatory practices and building healthier communities.
"For years, the tobacco industry has used flavors, packaging and marketing tactics to attract young people to vaping products," said Representative Scot Matayoshi, chair of the House Committee on Consumer Protection & Commerce. "These tactics have addicted another generation to nicotine, with all of the health, economic and educational consequences that come with it. I've found used, flavored vape cartridges in elementary school playgrounds and vaping is a top concern for many of our principals. This bill helps close loopholes by requiring manufacturers to verify that their products meet federal requirements before they can be sold in Hawaii." "I am incredibly proud to see Hawaii continuing to lead the fight against Big Tobacco to protect our youth and our environment," said Maya Butts, youth advocate, Coalition for a Tobacco-Free Hawaii. "By taking this step, we are actively paving the way for a healthier future so the next generations can grow up in good health and stay connected to the land." "The passage of these bills reflects meaningful leadership in addressing the pono ole of electronic smoking devices -- products that have harmed our aina, our kai and the lungs, hearts and minds of our young people for far too long," said Kai Carvalho, public relations director, Hamakua-Kohala Health. "I will never forget meeting a sixth-grade student who shared that she had been vaping regularly since she was just eight years old. Her story is only one of hundreds that have strengthened our resolve as community partners have worked tirelessly to educate, raise awareness and protect the families of our beloved Hawaii." By eliminating disposable ESDs from our marketplace and developing cross-checked regulations for all other electronic smoking devices, Hawaii is taking a coordinated approach to combat this issue. From protecting public health and safety for residents of all ages -- from keiki to kupuna -- to safeguarding the state's environment, these measures reflect the success of collaboration across government and community partners.
Regulation of Tobacco and Electronic Smoking Devices - assets:
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Original text here: https://governor.hawaii.gov/newsroom/office-of-the-governor-news-release-gov-green-enacts-laws-to-regulate-tobacco-use-and-electronic-smoking-devices/
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments on July 7, 2026
SACRAMENTO, California, July 8 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Jaci Thomson, of Roseville, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Interagency Support Division at the California Department of General Services. Thomson has been Special Advisor to the Directorate at the California Department of State Hospitals since 2026. She was Deputy Director of the Patient Care Coordination Division at the California Department of
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 8 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 7.7.2026
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Jaci Thomson, of Roseville, has been appointed Deputy Director of the Interagency Support Division at the California Department of General Services. Thomson has been Special Advisor to the Directorate at the California Department of State Hospitals since 2026. She was Deputy Director of the Patient Care Coordination Division at the California Department ofState Hospitals from 2021 to 2026. Thomson was Principal Program Budget Analyst III at the California Department of Finance from 2014 to 2021. She was the Budget and Compliance Officer at the California Office of Planning and Research and California Volunteers from 2008 to 2014. Thomson was Principal Program Budget Analyst III and a Finance Budget Analyst at the California Department of Finance from 2000 to 2007. She earned a Bachelor of Music degree in Performance from the University of Iowa. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $195,492. Thomson is a Democrat.
Devon Keeler, of Carmichael, has been appointed as Deputy Secretary for Communications and External Affairs at the California Department of Food and Agriculture. She has been Assistant Executive Director, Office of Community Partnerships and Strategic Partnerships at the California Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement since 2022. Keeler was Senior Communications Officer at the California Department of Public Health from 2021 to 2022. She held multiple positions at Mercury Public Affairs from 2011 to 2021, including Vice President, Director, and Senior Associate. Keeler earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of California, Santa Barbara. This position does not require Senate confirmation and the compensation is $161,100. Keeler is a Democrat.
Darrell Roberts, of Chula Vista, has been appointed to the State Board of Fire Services. Roberts has been President of the California Professional Firefighters since 2026 and Battalion Chief at the City of Chula Vista Fire Department since 2001. He was President of the International Association of Firefighters Local 2180 from 2014 to 2025. Roberts is a member of the International Association of Firefighters. This position does not require Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Roberts is a Democrat.
John Preckwinkle III, of Palm Springs, has been appointed to the Native American Heritage Commission. Preckwinkle served as a Tribal Council Member for the Agua Caliente Band of Cahuilla Indians from 2021 to 2026, where he was Chairman of the Cultural Preservation Committee from 2010 to 2021. This position requires Senate confirmation and there is no compensation. Preckwinkle is a Republican.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/07/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-7-7-2026/
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Sues HUD to Block Unlawful Changes to Funding Addressing Homelessness
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 8 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues HUD to Block Unlawful Changes to Funding Addressing Homelessness
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is attempting yet again to unlawfully cap funding for permanent housing projects, in a move that would result in tens of thousands of people losing their homes, Arizona and a multistate coalition argued in a lawsuit filed in federal court today.
"After losing in court, the federal government is again violating the law and
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 8 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 7, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Sues HUD to Block Unlawful Changes to Funding Addressing Homelessness
The U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is attempting yet again to unlawfully cap funding for permanent housing projects, in a move that would result in tens of thousands of people losing their homes, Arizona and a multistate coalition argued in a lawsuit filed in federal court today.
"After losing in court, the federal government is again violating the law andabandoning vulnerable Arizonans," said Attorney General Mayes. "HUD has no legal authority to unilaterally rewrite the rules governing this critical housing funding, and my office will continue to fight to hold the federal government accountable and protect Arizonans."
Just last month, Arizona and a coalition of states won a separate case against HUD in federal court in Rhode Island regarding the agency's decision last year to impose illegal conditions on billions of dollars in funding for the Continuum of Care (CoC) program, which supports housing and other services for people experiencing housing instability or homelessness. Congress has prioritized stability in the way the funds are allocated, and the vast majority of CoC funds have traditionally supported permanent housing and other projects that have been shown to work.
On June 1, HUD sought again to re-implement a cap on funding for permanent housing and set other unlawful conditions on the funds. Without action by the court, HUD's actions mean CoC-funded permanent housing projects will lose funding or see it reduced, resulting in tens of thousands of people being evicted back to the streets, with states and local governments left to pick up the pieces.
For more than two decades, HUD has embraced a commitment to permanent housing programs which prioritizes rapid placement in permanent housing without requiring people to first meet conditions such as sobriety or a minimum income threshold.
But the current federal administration has rejected the commitment to the Housing First model and undermined the CoC program. First, HUD published notices of funding opportunities last year that set a 30% cap on CoC funding that were subsequently found unlawful.
Now, HUD has issued the June 1 notice of funding opportunity that creates a $1.3 billion set-aside for new projects prioritizing such things as transitional housing, which results in a de facto cap on permanent housing. That shift threatens housing for at least 97,000 residents of CoC-funded permanent housing across the country, including nearly 1800 in Arizona, according to the National Alliance to End Homelessness.
The states argue that HUD's actions violate the Administrative Procedure Act for, among other things, failing to proceed with notice-and-comment rulemaking and being arbitrary and capricious. They ask the court to declare that the challenged conditions are illegal and block HUD from implementing them.
Joining AG Mayes in filing the lawsuit are the attorneys general of California, Colorado, Connecticut, the District of Columbia, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, and the governors of Kentucky and Pennsylvania.
A copy of the complaint (https://us.list-manage.com/3iajTLEg4Ah?e=b0dbe1a1e5&c2id=09345700d02fac819a23d47fdcb56250) is available.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-sues-hud-block-unlawful-changes-funding-addressing
