Attorney General
Here's a look at documents from state attorneys general
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: A.G. JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
RICHMOND, Virginia, May 23 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
OAG brings justice in 40-year-old cold case, fights federal overreach, and honors the anniversary of Brown v. Board decision
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Attorney General Jay Jones continued taking action to bring justice for crime victims, fight federal overreach, and honor the anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Helps Bring
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RICHMOND, Virginia, May 23 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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WHAT VIRGINIANS ARE SEEING: ATTORNEY GENERAL JAY JONES SHARES WEEKLY ROUNDUP OF ACTIONS TAKEN
OAG brings justice in 40-year-old cold case, fights federal overreach, and honors the anniversary of Brown v. Board decision
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Attorney General Jay Jones continued taking action to bring justice for crime victims, fight federal overreach, and honor the anniversary of the landmark Brown v. Board of Education decision.
The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative Helps BringJustice in 1986 Virginia Beach Cold Case
The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, which is led by the Office of the Attorney General in partnership with the Virginia State Police, was a vital force in the arrest of a suspect in a decades-old cold case. This breakthrough in the case is due to the collaboration and determination of state and local agencies.
Virginia Beach Police Department Makes Arrest in 40-Year-Old Cold Case
On May 18, 2026, officers arrested 66-year-old Charles Berry for the rape and murder of 22-year-old Roberta Walls on May 15, 1986. This landmark arrest is a coordinated effort of the Virginia Beach Police Department (VBPD), the Virginia State Police, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, the Virginia Beach Office of the Commonwealth Attorney, and the Newington Police Department in Connecticut.
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The case gained momentum with the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative (SAKI) provided by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General. Through persistent investigation and breakthroughs in forensic technology, detectives were able to link Berry's DNA to evidence found at the crime scene.
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"The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to a decades-long investigation, proving to be a crucial tool in the fight for justice. I'm proud of the dedication and close collaboration between the Virginia State Police, Virginia Beach Police, and SAKI that brought this cold case to a just resolution," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "My office will continue to provide every resource available to law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth and work to support sexual assault victims, always."
ABC News: Man arrested in young woman's 1986 cold case rape, murder in Virginia Beach
Four decades after a young woman was raped and murdered, a man has been linked to the crime through DNA and is under arrest, according to Virginia Beach, Virginia, police.
"It's incredibly scary for the community to think that someone who would rape and brutally murder someone 40 years ago was out in society," Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said at a news conference on Wednesday.
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"This breakthrough stands as a powerful testament to the relentless persistence of our detectives, who refused to let Roberta be forgotten," the Virginia Beach Police Department said in a statement. "We hope this closure brings a measure of peace to the Walls family and sends a clear message: no matter how much time passes, we will never stop searching for the truth."
People: Suspect Arrested 40 Years After 22-Year-Old Woman Was Found Raped and Murdered Near Library Where She Worked
In 2017, detectives used DNA samples preserved from Walls' body and the area in which she was found to create an image of a person of interest, according to The Virginian-Pilot.
The analysis helped create a snapshot of what the suspect looked like more than 30 years after the incident and ruled out the case's "cast of characters," the outlet reported.
WTKR: Arrest made in Virginia Beach 1986 murder cold case
Persistent investigative work and advancement in technology were key to solving the case, Virginia Beach police said.
Police said that in 2001, investigators developed a male DNA profile from evidence collected in the case, but no matches were found at the time.
In 2023, the Virginia Beach Police Department received grant funding that allowed investigators to pursue forensic genealogy leads. Through that process, investigators identified 66-year-old Charles Berry as the suspect.
13NewsNow: 40 years after murder, Virginia Beach police announce arrest in cold case
The breakthrough came after investigators received funding through a 2023 Sexual Assault Kit Initiative, commonly known as SAKI, which allowed authorities to revisit evidence using modern genetic genealogy techniques.
Police said the renewed investigation led detectives to Berry, who was living in Connecticut. Investigators later obtained a DNA sample through a search warrant, which police said directly matched evidence collected in the case decades ago.
Wilkerson credited detectives from the original investigation for carefully preserving evidence long before today's technology existed.
"The tenacity and due diligence of the detectives 40 years ago -- not knowing what we could do today -- they preserved all the evidence," Wilkerson said. "They were meticulous in the recovery."
Virginia Beach Police Chief Paul Neudigate said the arrest highlights how evolving forensic technology can help solve long-standing cold cases and provide closure for victims' families.
The Virginian-Pilot: Police arrest suspect in 1986 rape, homicide cold case in Virginia Beach
Charles Randall Berry, the 66-year-old suspect, was arrested Monday in Newington, Connecticut. Virginia Beach police said advancements in technology combined with investigative work helped detectives solve the case.
WAVY: VBPD: Arrest in 40-year-old cold case 'incredibly significant'
Virginia Beach Police announced a significant breakthrough in a four-decade-old cold case, apprehending a suspect in connection with the 1986 killing of 22-year-old Roberta Walls.
As WAVY first reported on Tuesday, Charles Barry, 66, was arrested in Connecticut a few days ago, with modern forensic DNA technology playing a crucial role in solving the long-unresolved case.
FOX61: Connecticut man wanted for 1986 Virginia murder arrested by Newington police
Police also highlighted the Sexual Assault Kit Initiative provided by the Virginia Office of the Attorney General.
"The Virginia Sexual Assault Kit Initiative has helped bring closure to a decades-long investigation, proving to be a crucial tool in the fight for justice. I'm proud of the dedication and close collaboration between the Virginia State Police, Virginia Beach Police, and SAKI that brought this cold case to a just resolution," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "My office will continue to provide every resource available to law enforcement agencies across the Commonwealth and work to support sexual assault victims, always."
NBC Connecticut: Newington man charged as fugitive in connection to 1986 homicide in Virginia Beach
According to police in Virginia Beach, Barry has been indicted by a grand jury in connection with the death of Roberta Walls.
A release from Virginia police explained that the arrest was the result of a coordinated effort among the Virginia Beach Police Department, the Virginia State Police, the Office of the Attorney General of Virginia, and the Newington Police Department.
Protecting the Health and Safety of Virginians
The Commonwealth joined a coalition of states opposing an Environmental Protection Agency proposal that would gut national emission standards for a substance that is proven to cause cancer. This proposal puts the health of Virginians and our air in harm's way.
After search warrants in Bristol, Virginia recovered more than $1 million in cannabis in a raid, the Office of the Attorney General is reviewing for possible applicable civil enforcement actions.
Attorney General Jay Jones Joins Coalition Opposing EPA's Proposal to Gut National Limits on Ethylene Oxide Pollution
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing a U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) proposal to repeal national emission standards for ethylene oxide (EtO) used by commercial sterilization facilities. According to the EPA's own assessment, EtO is a known human carcinogen and among the most toxic pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act.
"The Commonwealth takes pride in being home to a diverse landscape and Virginians are united in our urgency to protect our air, land, and sea. This proposal puts the health of the people and our air in harm's way," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "Virginians will not turn a blind eye as the Trump administration continues to ignore science and endanger the health of our communities. We urge the Trump administration and the EPA to keep this critical standard in place."
WRIC: Attorney General Jay Jones joins coalition to fight EPA's repeal of ethylene oxide standards
Attorney General Jay Jones (D) has joined a coalition of state attorneys general in opposing U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's (EPA) rollback on toxic pollution standards.
Jones' office announced on Tuesday, May 19, that he joined a coalition of attorneys general opposing EPA's proposal to repeal national emission standards for toxic ethylene oxide (EtO) pollution.
In the release, Jones's office called EtO among the "most toxic pollutants regulated under the Clean Air Act."
Virginia State Police Facebook Post
Multiple search warrants executed this month by Virginia State Police (VSP) and the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force (HRRDTF) in the City of Bristol resulted in the recovery more than 300 pounds of marijuana with a street value of more than $1 million.
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The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions.
WCYB: More than 300 pounds of marijuana worth $1M seized in Bristol, Virginia State Police says
More than 300 pounds of marijuana worth more than $1 million were seized this month in Bristol, according to the Virginia State Police.
Multiple search warrants were executed this month by VSP and the Holston River Regional Drug Task Force in at various areas across the city between May 1 and May 13.
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The Office of the Attorney General is reviewing the investigation for any possible applicable civil enforcement actions.
WJHL: Bristol, Va. police chief details what led to seizures at cannabis stores
According to Ashbrook, some of the products at the store were also illegally labeled.
"Some of the items we seized, specifically at Space Apes, that were labeled as SweeTARTS," he said. "They had the appearance of Nerds or Nerds Ropes or something of that nature, and other things. If that was to be taken home, and a kid was to see that, they could just tear it open and start eating it, so that's not something that's legal."
Ashbrook said criminal charges or indictments are pending, and the investigation is still ongoing. The Bristol, Virginia Police Department (BVPD) is working with the Virginia Attorney General's Office in reference to civil fines and penalties, which Ashbrook said "could be very, very high."
Fighting for Education Opportunities for Virginians
Virginia joined a coalition of states in filing a lawsuit against the Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and other critical workforce fields. The rule could harm states by reducing support for public institutions of higher education, creating barriers for students pursuing advanced training, and worsening workforce shortages in critical professions.
Attorney General Jay Jones Sues U.S. Department of Education Over Student Loan Rule Limiting Access to Student Loans for Professional Degree Programs
Attorney General Jay Jones today joined a coalition of attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule that unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing professional degree programs, including many healthcare and other critical workforce fields.
"Cutting off access to federal student loans cuts off access to career opportunities for Virginians. This unlawful rule will worsen the workforce crisis and further strain the healthcare field," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "The Trump administration is once again skirting the system of checks and balances, and my office is committed to standing up for student borrowers in the Commonwealth."
WRIC: 'Unlawful' Jay Jones joins multistate lawsuit over Trump's new student loan rule for professional degrees
Attorney General Jay Jones (D) called a new rule from President Donald Trump's administration limiting access to student loans "unlawful," as Virginia joined a multistate lawsuit against the Department of Education (DOE) challenging the policy.
On Wednesday, May 20, Jones' office announced that the state joined dozens of other attorneys general in filing a lawsuit against the DOE over a new student loan rule, which narrows the federal definition of "professional degree," per a release.
WSET and WJLA: Virginia AG sues Education Dept. over student loan caps; Feds say it prevents crazy debt
Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones is suing the U.S. Department of Education over a new rule he claims unlawfully limits access to federal student loans for students pursuing certain professional degree programs.
Jones joined a coalition of dozens of other attorneys general in filing the lawsuit, including Maryland Attorney General Anthony Brown.
They argue the Department of Education narrowed the federal definition of a "professional degree" in a way that excludes certain degree programs and that it would significantly impact those in critical workforce fields such as healthcare.
Honoring the 72nd Anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education Decision
On Friday May 15, Attorney General Jay Jones hosted a program to commemorate the anniversary of the Brown v. Board of Education decision, the landmark Supreme Court ruling that reshaped the course of American education by denying the premise that separate education for white and Black students was equal. Attorney General Jones welcomed guests from across the Commonwealth including community partners, elected officials, and staff.
Attorney General Jay Jones Hosts 'From Legacy to Law' Event Recognizing Landmark Brown v. Board of Education Decision
"This history is personal to me. As a child, my father, Judge Jerrauld Jones, helped integrate Ingleside Elementary School in Norfolk, Virginia. History arrived before he was old enough to fully understand its weight, and in the face of that responsibility he showed tremendous courage," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "The Commonwealth was central to this moment, as young Virginians put their education, safety, and lives on the line to push our nation closer towards the promise it was always meant to fulfill. Progress is possible when people have the courage to demand better from their institutions and from one another."
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"We continue to see challenges around voting rights and access to basic human rights. These are not new debates. They are part of the same ongoing struggle over whether this nation will fully honor the humanity of all its people," said Solicitor General Tillman Breckenridge. "Progress requires protection. Equal rights on paper mean nothing without equal access to justice, education, and political participation. The legacy of Brown reminds us that democracy requires vigilance, courage, and a willingness to keep pushing. We can't just remember history, we must continue to define it."
WTVR: Virginia attorney general honors 72nd anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education
Attorney General Jay Jones hosted the "From Legacy to Law" program Friday to commemorate the anniversary of Brown v. Board of Education, honoring one of the most important events in 20th century American history.
The landmark 1954 Supreme Court ruling reshaped the course of American education, finding that segregated schools violated the 14th Amendment and paving the way for integration.
"Today we honor the courage of those students and families and advocates who refused to accept that inequality was inevitable," Jones said. "Because of their courage, doors that have long been closed were finally opened for countless families across Virginia and across the United States of America."
While complete desegregation took years in the Commonwealth, it finally fully happened in Virginia schools in the early 1970s.
Social Media:
Office of the Attorney General Instagram Post
Office of the Attorney General Facebook Post
Office of the Attorney General X Post
Virginia Legislative Black Caucus Facebook Post
Delegate Virgil Thornton Sr. Facebook Post
Delegate Lindsey Dougherty, VA Dist. 75 Facebook Post
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3029-what-virginians-are-seeing-attorney-general-jay-jones-shares-weekly-roundup-of-actions-taken-6
W.Va. A.G. McCuskey to Supreme Court: One City Cannot Set Energy Policy for the Whole Country
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 23 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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AG McCuskey to Supreme Court: One City Cannot Set Energy Policy for the Whole Country
Attorney General JB McCuskey is standing up for West Virginia's energy workers and states' rights in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the brief, West Virginia, Alabama and a 24-state coalition, are urging the Court to throw out a lawsuit brought by Boulder County and the City of Boulder, Colorado, against major oil and gas producers.
The amicus or "friend
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 23 -- West Virginia Attorney General John B. McCuskey issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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AG McCuskey to Supreme Court: One City Cannot Set Energy Policy for the Whole Country
Attorney General JB McCuskey is standing up for West Virginia's energy workers and states' rights in an amicus brief to the U.S. Supreme Court. In the brief, West Virginia, Alabama and a 24-state coalition, are urging the Court to throw out a lawsuit brought by Boulder County and the City of Boulder, Colorado, against major oil and gas producers.
The amicus or "friendof the court" brief, filed in Suncor Energy v. Boulder County, argues that allowing a single Colorado locality to hold the entire energy industry liable for global climate change under state law would unconstitutionally allow one jurisdiction to dictate national energy policy -- and deal a devastating blow to states like West Virginia that depend on traditional energy production.
"States, cities or municipalities cannot use local laws to impose their far-left ideology on the rest of the country. This is an attempt to fill their coffers at the expense of the rest of the nation. We have fought this kind of climate warfare before and we will continue to fight it, not only to protect our energy industries, but because it's the right and constitutional thing to do," Attorney General McCuskey said.
This brief is the latest in a series of steps taken by Attorney General McCuskey to protect West Virginia's energy interests. In addition to filing lawsuits against Vermont and New York over their state superfund laws, the Attorney General has led or joined coalitions to stop regulatory overreach by federal agencies and other states.
West Virginia and Alabama co-led the brief and were joined by Alaska, Arkansas, Florida, Georgia, Idaho, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, New Hampshire, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, South Dakota, Texas, Utah and Wyoming.
Read the amicus brief here (https://ago.wv.gov/media/37717/download?inline).
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Original text here: https://ago.wv.gov/article/ag-mccuskey-supreme-court-one-city-cannot-set-energy-policy-whole-country
Okla. A.G. Drummond Blasts Stitt for Weaponizing Audits
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 23 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Drummond blasts Stitt for weaponizing audits
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today welcomed Gov. Stitt's call for an audit, saying the governor has a well-established habit of siccing auditors on anyone who refuses to bow to him.
"It comes as no surprise that Gov. Stitt has called for an audit of my office. He has a well-established pattern of targeting those who hold him accountable. I welcome it.
"Before Oklahomans accept the premise of this audit request
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 23 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Drummond blasts Stitt for weaponizing audits
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today welcomed Gov. Stitt's call for an audit, saying the governor has a well-established habit of siccing auditors on anyone who refuses to bow to him.
"It comes as no surprise that Gov. Stitt has called for an audit of my office. He has a well-established pattern of targeting those who hold him accountable. I welcome it.
"Before Oklahomans accept the premise of this audit requestat face value, they should understand what our budget actually is. Nearly 64 cents of every dollar that flows through the Attorney General's Office is not an operating expense - it is pass-through funding that goes directly back to Oklahomans. That includes restitution to independent pharmacies recovered through pharmacy benefit manager enforcement, opioid settlement funds distributed to communities devastated by the addiction crisis, grants to county sheriffs, and other funds that exist solely to put money in the right hands.
"Over the last three years, the State Legislature has repeatedly seen fit to expand the responsibilities and budget of my office. That's not an accident. They allocated additional authority over pharmacy benefit management enforcement and compliance and charged us with combating human trafficking. Why? Because this office gets results, and because someone has to clean up the messes left behind.
"In 2023, I stood up the Organized Crime Task Force specifically to address the illegal marijuana crisis -- a crisis that took root and flourished under the governor's watch. Since then, we have shut down more than 7,000 illegal operations across this state.
"The Legislature has responded to our performance by giving us more resources. The governor has responded by calling for an audit. Oklahomans can draw their own conclusions about what that says.
"My office has nothing to hide."
Of the Attorney General's $180 million budget, more than $115 million is pass-through funding for restitution and grants returned directly to Oklahomans.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/drummond-blasts-stitt-for-weaponizing-audits.html
New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces 1st Quarter 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, May 23 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces 1st Quarter 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
Casino Net Revenue and Gross Operating Profit:
Based upon filings submitted by the casino licensees to the Division of Gaming Enforcement, 1st Quarter 2026 Net Revenue was reported at $725.6 million, reflecting a 0.6% decrease over the same quarter last year.
Casino licensees reported 1st Quarter 2026 Gross Operating Profit of $104.7 million, a 22.9% decrease
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ATLANTIC CITY, New Jersey, May 23 -- The New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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New Jersey Division of Gaming Enforcement Announces 1st Quarter 2026 Total Gaming Revenue Results
Casino Net Revenue and Gross Operating Profit:
Based upon filings submitted by the casino licensees to the Division of Gaming Enforcement, 1st Quarter 2026 Net Revenue was reported at $725.6 million, reflecting a 0.6% decrease over the same quarter last year.
Casino licensees reported 1st Quarter 2026 Gross Operating Profit of $104.7 million, a 22.9% decreasecompared to 1st Quarter 2025.
Important information regarding the recognition of Net Revenue and Gross Operating Profit related to the Internet gaming and sports wagering business is included in the footnotes of the Quarterly Financial Report.
Valid comparisons cannot be made without considering the information provided in the footnotes.
Hotel Occupancy:
The hotel occupancy rate at the casino hotels for the quarter ended March 31, 2026, was 64.6%, representing an increase of 1.7 percentage points compared to the same quarter in 2025.
Click here (https://www.nj.gov/oag/ge/docs/Financials/QuarterlyFinRpt2026/1stQTR2026PressRelease.pdf) for the DGE press release for additional information.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/new-jersey-division-of-gaming-enforcement-announces-1st-quarter-2026-total-gaming-revenue-results/
Alaska Acting A.G. Mills Joins Multistate Settlement With Fintech Companies GreenSky LLC and GreenSky Holdings LLC
JUNEAU, Alaska, May 23 -- Alaska Acting Attorney General Cori Mills issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Acting AG Mills Joins Multistate Settlement with Fintech Companies GreenSky, LLC and GreenSky Holdings, LLC
(Anchorage, AK) - Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a multistate settlement with GreenSky, a fintech business which facilitates consumer loans. GreenSky authorized businesses, particularly home improvement and medical businesses, to offer financing through its loans.
But Attorney General's Offices across the country received consumer complaints that
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JUNEAU, Alaska, May 23 -- Alaska Acting Attorney General Cori Mills issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Acting AG Mills Joins Multistate Settlement with Fintech Companies GreenSky, LLC and GreenSky Holdings, LLC
(Anchorage, AK) - Today, Acting Attorney General Mills announced a multistate settlement with GreenSky, a fintech business which facilitates consumer loans. GreenSky authorized businesses, particularly home improvement and medical businesses, to offer financing through its loans.
But Attorney General's Offices across the country received consumer complaints thatsome of these businesses took out GreenSky loans in consumers' names without their consent.
This settlement resolves an investigation pursued by a coalition of states--Texas, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Alaska, and the District of Columbia--into complaints about unauthorized loans and GreenSky's oversight and training of the businesses which offered financing through Greensky.
"Alaskans deserve an accurate and transparent process when they're making significant financial decisions," said Acting Attorney General Mills, "and it should absolutely never come as a surprise to a consumer that a loan has been taken out in their name."
The State of Alaska will receive $111,714 of penalties and attorneys' fees through this settlement. In addition, the settlement sets up a restitution process through which GreenSky will provide up to $6 million of cash or credit redress to consumers.
The settlement administrator will contact eligible Alaskans with information about how to claim restitution.
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/052226-GreenSky.html
Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Milan, New Hampshire
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 23 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Milan, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information regarding the response by members of the Attorney General's Office and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit to an officer-involved shooting on May 21, 2026, in Milan, New Hampshire.
At approximately 8:50 P.M. yesterday evening, officers with the Berlin Police Department were dispatched to 256
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 23 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Additional Information in Officer-Involved Shooting Investigation in Milan, New Hampshire
Attorney General John M. Formella announces additional information regarding the response by members of the Attorney General's Office and the New Hampshire State Police Major Crime Unit to an officer-involved shooting on May 21, 2026, in Milan, New Hampshire.
At approximately 8:50 P.M. yesterday evening, officers with the Berlin Police Department were dispatched to 256West Milan Road in Milan, New Hampshire in response to a resident's request to remove an adult male from the home. As officers arrived, the male, Mr. Zachary Gagne (age 37), approached the officers with a knife outside the home.
During the officers' interaction with Mr. Gagne, gunshots were fired by one of the responding officers. Mr. Gagne was injured by those gunshots and is currently hospitalized with what are reported to be non-life-threatening injuries.
Officers were wearing body worn cameras at the time of the event, and that footage is being reviewed by investigators.
No law enforcement officers were physically injured during this incident. No further information is expected to be provided until the identity of the officer using deadly force is disclosed following a formal interview, which is expected to occur sometime next week.
The exact circumstances surrounding this incident remain under active investigation.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/additional-information-officer-involved-shooting-investigation-milan-new-hampshire
A.G. Neronha Sues Kalshi and Polymarket for Unlawfully Conducting Sports Gambling in Rhode Island
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 23 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha sues Kalshi and Polymarket for unlawfully conducting sports gambling in Rhode Island
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced a lawsuit against Kalshi and Polymarket in Rhode Island Superior Court asking for a declaration that Kalshi's and Polymarket's sports-related "event contracts" amount to sports betting that is subject to Rhode Island state gambling laws.
"There is no substantive difference between sports betting
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 23 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on May 22, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha sues Kalshi and Polymarket for unlawfully conducting sports gambling in Rhode Island
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today announced a lawsuit against Kalshi and Polymarket in Rhode Island Superior Court asking for a declaration that Kalshi's and Polymarket's sports-related "event contracts" amount to sports betting that is subject to Rhode Island state gambling laws.
"There is no substantive difference between sports bettingand 'events contracts' in this context; Kalshi and Polymarket know that, and we know that," said Attorney General Neronha. "The problem here is that Rhode Island State law heavily regulates gambling, for good reason, and we allege that Kalshi and Polymarket are evading our laws. And Rhode Islanders are losing out. While these private companies continue to profit exponentially off hard-working people, the State's third largest revenue stream is detrimentally affected, which means less money to fund critical parts of programs that serve Rhode Islanders every day. Further, we allege that these platforms offer those susceptible to problem gambling unfettered access, increasing the potential for the devastating effects of gambling addiction. We demand Kalshi and Polymarket stand down, abide by our state laws, and disgorge their profits, and this lawsuit is the first step towards that goal."
Web-based "prediction markets" like the ones offered by Kalshi and Polymarket allow Rhode Islanders to place wagers on the outcome of future events, including sports matches, through websites and mobile apps. Specifically, these platforms allow users to take monetary positions on real-world events by purchasing "event contracts" that are structured as binary options: bettors buy "yes" or "no" positions on whether an event will occur ("yes") or will not occur ("no"). Users receive a fixed payout if they are correct and nothing if they are not. Though this "event contracts" structure may technically differ from a traditional sportsbook, the complaint alleges that they are fundamentally the same: as with a sportsbook, Kalshi and Polymarket allow Rhode Islanders to bet on the outcome of sports matches and player performances. By consequence, the complaint alleges, they are subject to Rhode Island's gambling laws.
As alleged in the complaint, Kalshi and Polymarket not only function as betting platforms, but also adopt the design and terminology of traditional gambling operations. For example, Kalshi prompts users to gamble with leaderboards and constant updates on how other users are placing bets. Such design choices have long been known to encourage addictive gambling behavior. Moreover, Kalshi has repeatedly referred to its products as "betting" and "wagering" both in marketing and litigation. Kalshi has argued before the D.C. Circuit that sports event contracts are "casino gambling." These details affirm that Kalshi and Polymarket are exactly what they say they are, and exactly what they are designed to be: a platform for illegal gambling.
Rhode Island State regulation of gambling is enshrined in two provisions of the constitution, and multiple chapters of the Rhode Island general laws. First, Article 6, Section 15 of the Rhode Island Constitution prohibits all "lotteries" in Rhode Island except those operated by the State (or previously permitted by the General Assembly) and subjects them "to the proscription and regulation of the General Assembly." Second, Article 6, Section 22 of the Constitution requires statewide and local referenda before expanding the types or locations of "gambling" within the State. Additionally, the Rhode Island General Assembly has enacted a statutory scheme authorizing and outlawing certain gambling activities.
By circumventing Rhode Island State law, we allege that Kalshi and Polymarket are harming Rhode Islanders' mental and financial well-being. As prediction markets have exploded, so too have the harms they pose to Rhode Islanders. Gambling addiction is a clinically recognized behavioral addiction, and purchasing an event contract can affect the brain much like taking an addictive substance. Online and app-based betting facilitated by prediction markets is easily accessible which leads to widespread use. Indeed, studies indicate that online gambling has the highest odds of problem gambling, with up to 15.8% of users exhibiting compulsive behavior.
Further, the State depends heavily on RILOT revenue. Sports betting alone has brought the State $2.8 billion in revenue since it was legalized in 2019. RILOT has already observed an impact from the expansion of prediction markets, with bets decreasing 8% from 2024 to 2025. Thus, RILOT is particularly concerned about preserving its authority to regulate and collect revenue from the sports wagers for which Kalshi and Polymarket are now competing.
The complaint seeks a declaration that Kalshi's and Polymarket's offering of sports-related "events contracts" on "prediction markets" are (1) "gambling" that is subject to the constitutional voter referendum requirement; as well as (2) "casino gaming" and (3) "online sports wagering," which are subject to Rhode Island State Lottery's (RILOT) regulation and operational control. The Office also seeks a permanent injunction against Kalshi's and Polymarket's offering sports-related event contracts on prediction markets as well as restitution and disgorgement.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-sues-kalshi-and-polymarket-unlawfully-conducting-sports
