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Va. A.G. Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in opposing the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) proposed government-wide Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that would silence federal civil servants. The proposed NDA would have a chilling effect on federal employees by broadly defining what constitutes protected non-public information;
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Slams Trump Administration's Proposed Non-Disclosure Agreement for Federal Employees
Attorney General Jay Jones joined a coalition of 15 attorneys general in opposing the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) proposed government-wide Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA) that would silence federal civil servants. The proposed NDA would have a chilling effect on federal employees by broadly defining what constitutes protected non-public information;threatening to remove, debar, or criminally penalize civil servants for non-compliance with the NDA; threatening to remove or debar employees from federal service for not signing the NDA. In the comment letter, Attorney General Jones and the coalition highlight how the federal government's NDA proposal goes well beyond what is necessary to protect sensitive information and urges the federal government to reconsider its proposal.
"The Trump administration's latest action actively censor federal public servants in an effort to shield the public from his dangerous, destructive, and illegal actions," said Attorney General Jones. "This is not about protecting sensitive information; it is a clear attempt to avoid accountability. This is a blatant attack on the First Amendment, which will only further erode public trust in our institutions. I am proud to stand in opposition."
The proposed NDA for federal employees undermines their First Amendment right by creating a climate of fear and uncertainty around what they can say about the work of the federal government. The broad and ambiguous language, as well as the extreme penalties laid out in the OPM's NDA proposal could discourage employees from speaking out about policies affecting the public. This may result in workers choosing to stay silent over the risk of discipline, even when their speech is protected and serves the public interest.
In the comment letter, Attorney General Jones and the coalition assert that:
* The adoption of the type of sweeping, vague, and punitive NDA that OPM proposes would infringe upon federal employees' First Amendment right to speak as a citizen on matters of public concern.
* The NDA proposal would disrupt the flow of communications between federal agencies and state agencies that is fundamental to the functioning of state-operated programs and the provision of public services to our residents.
* States have been able to deter and address unlawful disclosures without using broadly worded, government-wide NDAs.
Joining Attorney General Jones in sending this letter are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Washington, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3064-attorney-general-jones-slams-trump-administrations-proposed-non-disclosure-agreement-for-federal-employees
Va. A.G. Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's action
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 3 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jay Jones Secures Victory for Public Servants, Court Strikes Down Trump Administration's Attacks on Student Loan Forgiveness Program
Attorney General Jay Jones, along with a coalition of attorneys general, secured a major victory for public servants across the Commonwealth and nation when a U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts judge blocked his illegal changes to the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.
The Trump administration's actionwould have denied Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligibility to hardworking public servants when he doesn't like their employer.
"This administration actively targets those whose beliefs contradict their own. This illegal rule was designed with broad, vague language and had the effect of subjecting public servants to a loyalty test," said Attorney General Jones. "The court recognized this attempt for what it is - a blatant overstep of authority and a violation of the First Amendment.
Virginians who are on the front lines, doing the good and necessary work of the People, will continue to remain eligible for public service loan forgiveness even if the President doesn't like who they work for."
The PSLF program is critical in recruiting nurses, first responders, teachers, military personnel, and others working in public service careers, both in government and the nonprofit sectors.
The order found the U.S. Department of Education regulations are contrary to law and promulgated in excess of statutory authority, are arbitrary and capricious, and violate the First Amendment of the U.S. Constitution.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3065-attorney-general-jay-jones-secures-victory-for-public-servants-court-strikes-down-trump-administrations-attacks-on-student-loan-forgiveness-program
Md. A.G. Office: Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt Police
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- The Maryland Office of the Attorney General issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Independent Investigations Division Investigating Police-Involved In-Custody Death in Greenbelt
The Independent Investigations Division (IID) of the Maryland Office of the Attorney General is investigating a police-involved in-custody death that occurred on Wednesday, July 1, 2026, in Greenbelt, Maryland.
The preliminary investigation revealed that on July 1, 2026, at approximately 10:00 p.m., United States Park Police (USPP) requested that the Greenbelt PoliceDepartment (GPD) respond to the unit block of Southway in Greenbelt to assist them after they reported that they observed a single vehicle leave the Baltimore-Washington Parkway and crash into a wooded area along Southway just off the parkway. Officers requested emergency medical crews to respond to the scene. When GPD officers arrived on scene, USPP had already placed the driver of the vehicle in handcuffs and escorted him out of the wooded area and to the roadway. While in custody, the driver became unresponsive. Officers provided assistance. Prince George's County Fire & EMS Department (PGFD) arrived on scene, rendered emergency medical aid, and transported the driver to a local hospital, where he was later pronounced dead. An infant was in the driver's vehicle but was not injured. No officers were injured in the incident.
Anyone with information about this investigation is asked to contact the IID at (410) 576-7070 or by email at [email protected].
The IID will generally release the name of the decedent and any involved officers within two business days of the incident, although that period may be extended, if necessary, pursuant to IID protocols.
Under Maryland law, the IID has the authority to investigate Maryland police officers involved in incidents that result in the death of an individual or injuries likely to result in the death of individual.
GPD officers were equipped with body-worn cameras. The IID will generally release body-worn camera footage within 20 business days of an incident. There may be situations where more than 20 days is necessary, including if investigators need more time to complete witness interviews, if there are technical delays caused by the need to shield the identities of civilian witnesses, or to allow family members to view the video before it is released to the public.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Independent-Investigations-Division-Investigating-Police-Involved-In-Custody-Death-in-Greenbelt.aspx
Md. A.G. Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,
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BALTIMORE, Maryland, July 3 -- Maryland Attorney General Anthony G. Brown issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Brown Secures $8.7 Million Judgment Against Lead Paint Inspector for Fraud
Judgment Permanently Bans Green Environmental, LLC Operator from the Industry
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Attorney General Anthony G. Brown announced today that a Baltimore City Circuit Court Judge has ordered a lead paint inspector to pay $8.7 million and permanently banned him from the industry for fraud.
The ruling against Green Environmental, LLC and its principal operator, Rodney Bryan Barkley,follows Barkley's criminal conviction and sentencing earlier this year for falsifying lead paint certificates and related environmental violations.
The civil action, filed by Attorney General Brown on behalf of the Maryland Department of the Environment, sought penalties and injunctive relief for violations of Maryland's lead inspection and lead risk reduction laws. The court also recognized radiation violations, including the possession of unlicensed radioactive materials and unregistered machines, the failure to test unlicensed radioactive materials for leaks, the improper use of unlicensed materials and unregistered machines.
The court entered judgments of $4.88 million against Green Environmental and $3.85 million against Barkley.
In addition to the monetary judgments, the court ordered that Barkley is permanently prohibited from owning or participating in the operation of any lead inspection company. The court also ordered Barkley to surrender any X-ray Fluorescence (XRF) devices in his possession to the Maryland Department of the Environment within 30 days.
The civil judgment stems from an investigation by the department for issuing fraudulent inspection certificates and improper use of the testing device, leading the department to revoke more than 1,400 lead inspection certificates across the state.
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Original text here: https://oag.maryland.gov/News/pages/Attorney-General-Brown-Secures-.7-Million-Judgment-Against-Lead-Paint-Inspector-for-Fraud-.aspx
Del. A.G. Jennings Announces Two Major Victories Striking Down Executive Orders on Elections
DOVER, Delaware, July 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jennings announces two major victories striking down executive orders on elections
Attorney General Jennings today announced two major victories as U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grants summary judgment and permanent injunctions against two Trump Administration Executive Orders, EO 14248 and EO 14399.
"The Constitution is crystal clear: it is the authority of the states - not the federal government, and certainly not an out-of-control
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DOVER, Delaware, July 3 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Jennings announces two major victories striking down executive orders on elections
Attorney General Jennings today announced two major victories as U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grants summary judgment and permanent injunctions against two Trump Administration Executive Orders, EO 14248 and EO 14399.
"The Constitution is crystal clear: it is the authority of the states - not the federal government, and certainly not an out-of-controlPresident - to administer elections," said Attorney General Kathy Jennings. "These flagrant attempts to intimidate voters and interfere with our elections were always illegal. The Court's rulings reinforce the fight for free, fair, and legal elections and show how we can fight back--and win--when our rights are threatened. We will continue fighting to protect elections in Delaware and across our country."
On Wednesday, June 24, the U.S. District Court for the District of Massachusetts grantedOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader the coalition's motion for summary judgment and blocked key provisions of Executive Order No. 14248 from taking effect. Issued by President Trump on March 25, 2025, the Executive Order attempted to conscript state election officials in the President's campaign to impose documentary proof of citizenship requirements for voter registration, force States to ignore mail ballots that are cast by Election Day but received by election officials just days afterward, and withhold various streams of federal funding from the States if they fail to comply. The coalition filed a lawsuit challenging the Executive Order in April 2025, secured a preliminary injunction blocking unlawful provisions of the Executive Order in June 2025, and successfully defeated the Trump Administration's motion to dismiss in September 2025. The coalition filed its motion for summary judgment in December 2025, and the court heard oral argument in February 2026.
President Trump issued Executive Order No. 14399, which attempted to establish a national list of eligible voters and directed the U.S. Postal Service, an independent federal agency, to transmit mail ballots only to those on the list, March 31, 2026. The coalition filed a lawsuit challenging that Executive Order in April 2026. On Wednesday, June 24, 2026, U.S. Postmaster General David Steiner confirmed to U.S. Senators that, under a proposed U.S. Postal Service rule based on Executive Order No. 14399, if states refused to turn over their absentee ballot lists, the U.S. Postal Service would not mail their absentee ballots.
The next day, on June 25, 2026, the court issued an orderOpen this document with ReadSpeaker docReader granting the states' motion for summary judgment, striking down sections of Executive Order No. 14399 as "unlawful, null, and void," and issuing a permanent injunction. The U.S. Postal Service is now prohibited from refusing to transmit mail-in or absentee ballots from voters registered in Delaware and other plaintiff states. The federal government is also barred from investigating or prosecuting state and local officials for not complying with blocked provisions of Trump's executive order in connection with the November 3, 2026, federal election or any earlier federal election.
In the lawsuit challenging Executive Order 14399, AG Jennings was joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/07/02/attorney-general-jennings-announces-two-major-victories-striking-down-executive-orders-on-elections/
Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
AUSTIN, Texas, July 3 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
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Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into StubHub over widespread reports that the company is cancelling or failing to provide World Cup tickets that fans have purchased.
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, fans across the country, including in Texas host cities like Dallas and Houston, have reported that StubHub cancelled their tickets days or even
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AUSTIN, Texas, July 3 -- Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton issued the following news release:
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Attorney General Ken Paxton Investigates StubHub for Failing to Provide FIFA World Cup Tickets That Fans Have Paid For
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Attorney General Ken Paxton announced an investigation into StubHub over widespread reports that the company is cancelling or failing to provide World Cup tickets that fans have purchased.
Since the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicked off, fans across the country, including in Texas host cities like Dallas and Houston, have reported that StubHub cancelled their tickets days or evenhours before kickoff. StubHub has blamed the cancellations on "transfer problems" tied to FIFA's ticketing platform, but consumer complaints point to a broader pattern often called "ghost ticketing," in which sellers list tickets they do not actually possess, collect payment, and then cancel when they cannot deliver.
"My office is investigating reports that StubHub is failing to deliver tickets that Texas fans have rightfully purchased," said Attorney General Paxton. "In many cases, attending a World Cup match is a once-in-a-lifetime experience. If StubHub is ghost ticketing Texans out of that experience, my office will use every tool available to hold them accountable and help fans who have been wronged."
Texans who purchased World Cup tickets through StubHub and did not receive them, or received tickets significantly inferior to what they paid for, are encouraged to file a complaint with the Office of the Attorney General's Consumer Protection Division. To access the online complaint form, click here.
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Original text here: https://www.texasattorneygeneral.gov/news/releases/attorney-general-ken-paxton-investigates-stubhub-failing-provide-fifa-world-cup-tickets-fans-have
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, made
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 3 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on July 2, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Creates Community Civil Rights Council After Legislature Eliminates Decades Old Civil Rights Board
Attorney General Kris Mayes today announced the creation of a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office, following the state legislature's decision this year to eliminate the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board.
Nearly sixty years ago, through bipartisan efforts, Arizona created the the Arizona Civil Rights Advisory Board. The Board, madeup of community members with diverse backgrounds and political affiliations, volunteered to engage with the Attorney General's Civil Rights Division and worked collaboratively to research and address civil rights issues across the state.
This year, the Arizona legislature eliminated the Civil Rights advisory board, discontinuing the work of its volunteer members. Prior to its elimination, Board and subcommittee members were researching and engaging with fellow Arizonans on hate-based crimes and incidents, fair housing issues, accessibility issues impacting individuals with disabilities, and civil rights issues in rural communities.
"This work is too important to let it go unfinished," said Attorney General Mayes. "For nearly 60 years, Arizonans with different political beliefs and from different backgrounds have volunteered to work collaboratively with their government on civil rights -- and my office is committed to making sure that legacy continues, regardless of the decision made by the Legislature this year."
The Attorney General's Office recognizes the importance of citizen engagement with government agencies and is committed to ensuring Arizona residents have a seat at the table to discuss important civil rights issues impacting all Arizonans. Effective today, Attorney General Mayes is establishing a Community Civil Rights Advisory Council within her office.
The Council will be comprised of community representatives who are knowledgeable about Arizona civil rights and committed to researching civil rights concerns in the state and assisting the Attorney General's Office in eliminating unlawful discrimination in Arizona. The Attorney General's Office is committed to ensuring that the work of this community group continues despite partisan agendas.
Members of the council will be announced at a later date.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-creates-community-civil-rights-council-after-legislature