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Violent criminals among dangerous illegal aliens transported under Governor's plan
BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Brad Little, R-Idaho, issued the following news release:
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Violent criminals among dangerous illegal aliens transported under Governor's plan
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Boise, Idaho \- Governor Brad Little announced today that the Idaho State Police (ISP) completed its first transport of dangerous illegal alien criminals, the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho. The transports are part of the state's new agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.
The ISP assisted ICE in transporting an abuser who inflicted
... Show Full Article
BOISE, Idaho, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Brad Little, R-Idaho, issued the following news release:
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Violent criminals among dangerous illegal aliens transported under Governor's plan
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Boise, Idaho \- Governor Brad Little announced today that the Idaho State Police (ISP) completed its first transport of dangerous illegal alien criminals, the first step necessary to remove them from the State of Idaho. The transports are part of the state's new agreement with the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement Agency (ICE) under the 287(g) program.
The ISP assisted ICE in transporting an abuser who inflictedtraumatic injury, an offender with a violent history, and a drug trafficker. They were taken from a local jail to an ICE-approved detention facility where they await deportation.
All of them were in the United States illegally and will be deported to their country of origin rather than being released back into Idaho communities after completing their sentences.
Mugshots of the criminals are included below.
Today's transport includes the following criminals:
* Alvaro Perez-Soto, Mexico
* Been in the United States since before 2008
* Criminal history: Battery-Domestic Violence with Traumatic Injury
* Tomas Prieto-Servin, Mexico
* Been in the United States since 06/10/1991
* Criminal history: Reckless Endangerment, Obstructing a Public Servant, Attempted Assault in the 2 nd Degree, Probation Violation, six separate convictions for Driving Under the Influence
* Jaren Zuniga-Crus, Honduras
* Been in the United States since 04/28/2019
* Criminal history: Two separate convictions for Possession of a Controlled Substance, False Compartment to Store Controlled Substance, Transport/Sell Narcotics/Controlled Substance
The ISP is authorized to spend up to $300,000 in Governor's emergency funds to carry out up to 100 transports over the next 12 months. Each transport will include multiple dangerous illegal alien criminals. Today's transport is the first of the Governor's plan and was completed after ISP troopers completed training required by ICE.
"Idaho is stepping up to help the Trump administration transport dangerous illegal alien criminals to ICE facilities instead of being released back into our communities. These are people who pose the greatest danger to Idaho families. Idaho has taken many steps to increase our coordination with the Trump administration in the enforcement of our nation's immigration laws, and we are further strengthening our state's partnership with President Trump to help address the national emergency posed by years of reckless border policies under the Biden-Harris administration," Governor Little said.
Through the 287(g) program, ICE can delegate to state and local law enforcement officers the authority to perform specified immigration officer functions, under the direction and oversight of ICE, and pursuant to a signed agreement, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Idaho is utilizing the Task Force Model under the 287(g) agreement and the Governor instructed ISP to perform only two of the authorized functions under the model, which are also consistent with the Jail Enforcement Model: (1) taking and maintaining custody of individuals arrested by another state or local agency on behalf of ICE and (2) transporting individuals arrested under immigration law to ICE-approved detention facilities.
Governor Little directed ISP to use the 287(g) authority only to transport out of local jails the most violent and dangerous illegal aliens who have been convicted and have completed their sentences.
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Original text here: https://gov.idaho.gov/pressrelease/violent-criminals-among-dangerous-illegal-aliens-transported-under-governors-plan/
Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the FASNY 2025 Annual Convention
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the FASNY 2025 Annual Convention
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Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered remarks at the FASNY 2025 Annual Convention where she expressed her appreciation for the hard work and dedication of New York's volunteer firefighters.
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO : The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS : The Governor's
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Video, Audio, Photos & Rush Transcript: Governor Hochul Delivers Remarks at the FASNY 2025 Annual Convention
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Governor Kathy Hochul today delivered remarks at the FASNY 2025 Annual Convention where she expressed her appreciation for the hard work and dedication of New York's volunteer firefighters.
VIDEO : The event is available to stream on YouTube here and TV quality video is available here (h.264, mp4).
AUDIO : The Governor's remarks are available in audio form here.
PHOTOS : The Governor'sFlickr page will post photos of the event here.
A rush transcript of the Governor's remarks is available below:
Thank you Eugene, for the warm welcome. I'm always so honored and humbled to be in a room full of people who could have chosen any path in life. Most people do not go through the rigors of training, the sacrifice of time, the willingness to put yourselves in harm's way on a volunteer basis throughout the State of New York. I'm always in awe of the men and women of the firefighting services, and I want to applaud you right now for all you do for the people-keeping 20 million New Yorkers safe. So thank you. Thank you. Thank you. I have a heart full of gratitude.
I'd also want to recognize -- you have an extraordinary leader here. Eugene Perry, has been a friend and an ally, a champion in cause of its support. All that you do to just give you a little bit of a break in life, you have to understand the challenges you're going through and help us understand how important you are to all of us. So, I want to give Eugene a round of applause to our President of FASNY
I also want to give a special shout out to Jackie Bray. If you don't know Jackie, then you should, because she is the person who calls me when there's a fire, a crisis, a tragedy. She is our head of Homeland Security and Emergency Services. She does an extraordinary job. And please give my ally and partner in government Jackie Bray a round of applause as well.
I know you have a number of state elected officials. I'm grateful for their support. But I know we're in the home of Senator Monica Martinez. Senator Martinez, great to see you. And also, we're in Mike Fitzpatrick turf as well. Good to see you again, Mike. And I know we have Joe DeStefano and Kwani O'Pharrow, here as well from the state legislature.
Thank you for your support for this extraordinary organization. Ed Romaine, my great friend from Suffolk County. Ed, where are you? Good to see the County Executive. Every time he sees me, he's like -- he needs more money, so I'm going to try and slip out the door with my pockets intact this time. And also I know we have our Sheriff here who I was just with a very short time ago with the County Executive as I was able to come and commend the extraordinary work done by the men and women in uniform as well, keeping our communities safe.
So I want to thank Sheriff Toulon for being here as well. So we've got everybody. I will just give you a few reflections right now because you've mentioned that I spent 14 years in local office -- 14 years. 10 volunteer fire companies in my town. I calculated that's 140 fireman installation dinners that I went to.
My husband was always so happy because he knew at least 10 times a year he was going to get a good meal. And my husband was a federal prosecutor in law enforcement, and we felt a special bond with the people in the volunteer service and always enjoyed those dinners as well. But it gave me such an appreciation because I saw not just people gathering for annual awards, I saw people gathering as a family. The bonds that are created smong people who are literally in the line of fire, in the trenches, responding to emergency calls in people's homes, going into the unknown with such a selfless attitude. I always treasured those opportunities and to support them from the local level, and I've never lost that desire to do everything I can to support you.
There's a few things we've been able to do. We wanted to make sure, as I heard the volunteer stipend program was important. Because I heard this all my life that we want more people, but the cost of the time away for getting the training, we said, "Let's just make it a little bit easier. Let's put together a stipend program."
We've had actually 3,200 volunteer firefighters that were able to help pick up the cost for this as well because I know all of you, you want to expand the ranks to more. How do we open the door as we get more people -- young people excited about -- they have the same excitement that you had. When you're starting out making your decisions, and for many people I know this is generational -- there's grandpa, grandma, mom, dad, brothers, sisters.
It becomes a personal journey for your family of great tradition of service, but it does take its toll on people. We're sort of trying to help with that as well. We put in millions of dollars for our fire service.
We also are aware of one more thing, the mental toll that it takes on people. I acknowledge this. I have seen mental health challenges from people in uniform, whether in law enforcement, firefighting service, and many others. First responders who see humanity at its worst sometimes, and they're also humans. And for us to finally acknowledge that we need to be providing mental health support for people who ask for it and remove the stigma associated with it.
Because I get very concerned when I see high rates of suicide for people who wear uniforms because they're crying for help and no one's answering. So I want you to know I'm also committed to this as well. We've put a billion dollars to help with mental health, and I've launched the Cares Up program, and I want your ideas as well, your ideas on what we can do to be supportive so others will not be afraid of being criticized or stigmatized by getting that important help.
FASNY has been an organization since 1872. It's hard to believe how long that's gone on and representing over 80,000 people across this state. You're really a powerhouse. And I try to interact with firefighters casually and formally any chance I get. I'm going to the Erie County Fair near Buffalo, New York, flying up there tonight. Why? Because tomorrow is Firefighters' Day at the fair.
And I want to go stop by all the trucks, and I like to climb on them and get a chance to see my friends that I've developed such a close relationship with over many years. So I just want you to know that I recognize something that Ralph Waldo Emerson once said.
"The hero is no braver than an ordinary man," -- I should say woman too. "But he's brave five minutes longer." It's often that five minutes, if something goes off in your mind, am I willing to go into this place? There is danger, there's fear, but I'm so impressed that all of you here and the people you represent across this state, tens of thousands of ordinary New Yorkers who become extraordinary in the moment, they are the bravest, but also know, I know they're among the humblest.
So to them -- do you have women's auxiliary organizations? I love the women's auxiliary because they're also in the heart of soul. They're the ones who are making it all happen to take off some of the burden on our firefighters. I want to thank them as well.
Know this-I'll always have your back. You've had ours. I'll have yours.
So as I continue on as your Governor, the highest honor my entire life, and for someone who started in the shadow of a Bethlehem Steel plant in Buffalo -- very humble beginning. I'll never take for granted the trust that people have in me, and I'll always be there for all of you.
So with that, I just want to say I came here to say thank you again, because I don't know where we'd be without all of you being willing to do what you do to sacrifice on behalf of your fellow residents across the state. Thank you very much everyone.
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
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Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/video-audio-photos-rush-transcript-governor-hochul-delivers-remarks-fasny-2025-annual
Ore. Gov. Kotek Signs Bills to Improve and Expand Mental Health, Addiction Care
SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2025:
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Governor Kotek Signs Bills to Improve and Expand Mental Health, Addiction Care
Bipartisan bills take comprehensive approach to behavioral health prevention and intervention
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Portland, OR - Today, Governor Tina Kotek hosted an event to commemorate the signing of House Bill 2005, House Bill 2059, House Bill 2024, and House Bill 3321, all bipartisan legislation building on the Governor's initiatives to improve and expand mental health and addiction care in Oregon. Governor Kotek stated:
"Mental
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SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2025:
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Governor Kotek Signs Bills to Improve and Expand Mental Health, Addiction Care
Bipartisan bills take comprehensive approach to behavioral health prevention and intervention
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Portland, OR - Today, Governor Tina Kotek hosted an event to commemorate the signing of House Bill 2005, House Bill 2059, House Bill 2024, and House Bill 3321, all bipartisan legislation building on the Governor's initiatives to improve and expand mental health and addiction care in Oregon. Governor Kotek stated:
"Mentalhealth and addiction challenges touch lives and communities across Oregon. We all agree that help and care should be there when you need it, no matter where you live or what you can afford. That requires a comprehensive approach that tackles the issue from all angles," Governor Kotek said. "These bills help fulfill that objective by giving providers more tools to intervene when someone is in crisis, supports the social workers and counselors who do the work, builds a strategy to prevent addiction among youth, and continues to increase the number of treatment beds available across the state to meet the need."
"The investments in the capacity of our behavioral health system that are being made today are so meaningful. To me, and other providers, because it confirms that there will be a future for us in this difficult but rewarding field - our state leadership is making sure of it. And to every client that would've been stuck on a dangerously long waiting list, that will now be able to receive care when they need it most." Kate Gekeler said.
Fora Health, which provides substance use disorder treatment with an evidence based and trauma informed approach, hosted the event at their facility in Portland. Governor Kotek was joined at the podium by Kate Gekeler, a graduating behavioral health worker, Shelley Turner, a peer, Julie Ibrahim, a provider, and Natalie, a current student.
House Bill 2005 updates civil commitment and "aid and assist" practices to improve legal interventions for individuals with serious mental illness who may temporarily need a higher level of care and treatment than they are currently receiving. The bill will be complemented by House Bill 2059, which increases the state's treatment capacity with an investment of $65 million.
House Bill 2024 focuses on supporting the essential workers in mental health and addiction care, by allocating $6 million for critical grants that will help providers recruit and retain the professionals who serve Oregonians. The bill also improves workplace safety standards.
House Bill 3321 requires the Alcohol and Drug Policy Commission to develop and implement a statewide substance abuse prevention plan with specific strategies tailored to Oregon's youth and invests $1 million in this effort.
"These bills recognize that people with lived experience aren't just part of the solution--we're essential to it." Shelley Turner said.
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Original text here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/governor-kotek-signs-bills-to-improve-and-expand-mental-health-addiction-care
Ore. Gov. Kotek Announces Funding Solution to Address Transportation System Crisis
SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Governor Kotek Announces Funding Solution to Address Transportation System Crisis
Today, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled the details of a funding solution to preserve critical transportation and maintenance services for Oregonians, protect the jobs of hundreds of essential workers across the state, and preserve transit services.
The proposal would deliver adequate funding for the State Highway Trust Fund in the 2025-27 biennium, while maintaining Oregon's emergency funds for urgent needs, such as wildfire
... Show Full Article
SALEM, Oregon, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Tina Kotek, D-Oregon, issued the following news release:
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Governor Kotek Announces Funding Solution to Address Transportation System Crisis
Today, Governor Tina Kotek unveiled the details of a funding solution to preserve critical transportation and maintenance services for Oregonians, protect the jobs of hundreds of essential workers across the state, and preserve transit services.
The proposal would deliver adequate funding for the State Highway Trust Fund in the 2025-27 biennium, while maintaining Oregon's emergency funds for urgent needs, such as wildfiresuppression.
"In the weeks since the adjournment of the legislative session, my team and I have worked every day with legislators, local partners, and key stakeholders to zero-in on a focused solution for the immediate crisis in our transportation system," Governor Kotek said. "I am confident that lawmakers will step up this month to avert these layoffs and I appreciate their partnership in getting to the other side of this crisis."
"The Governor's proposal is a targeted, near-term, and necessary fix to a statewide crisis. We must protect the jobs of ODOT employees whom we rely on to keep our roads and bridges safe," Senate President Rob Wagner (D-Lake Oswego) said. "For decades, Oregon has underinvested in the safety and maintenance of our roads, bridges, and transit options. This proposal doesn't solve all the funding challenges facing our statewide transportation system, but we have an opportunity with this legislation to keep Oregon on a path toward a fair and stable funding system that puts safety first."
"This proposal is about keeping Oregonians safe; making sure that every community - urban and rural - has functioning roads and transit; and holding ODOT accountable to Oregon taxpayers," House Speaker Julie Fahey (D-Eugene) said. "We've heard from mayors, county commissioners, and transit leaders across the state who have been clear that the stakes are real and the timeline is urgent. We need to take action before harmful cuts to transportation services take effect."
If additional revenues for the State Highway Fund are not secured during a special session, a first wave of layoffs will go into effect on September 15, and a second wave is slated for January 2026.
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Original text here: https://apps.oregon.gov/oregon-newsroom/OR/GOV/Posts/Post/governor-kotek-announces-funding-solution-to-address-transportation-system-crisis
EPA's Proposal to Terminate Solar For All Program Will Increase Colorado Household Energy Costs and Air Pollution
DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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EPA's Proposal to Terminate Solar For All Program Will Increase Colorado Household Energy Costs and Air Pollution
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Terminating legally obligated funds will damage Colorado's air quality and increase pollution, while missing an opportunity to lower electricity bills
DENVER \- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it plans to terminate funding for the Solar For All program. In July 2024, the EPA awarded Colorado $156 million to establish a Colorado Solar for All
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DENVER, Colorado, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Jared Polis, D-Colorado, issued the following news release:
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EPA's Proposal to Terminate Solar For All Program Will Increase Colorado Household Energy Costs and Air Pollution
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Terminating legally obligated funds will damage Colorado's air quality and increase pollution, while missing an opportunity to lower electricity bills
DENVER \- Today, the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) announced that it plans to terminate funding for the Solar For All program. In July 2024, the EPA awarded Colorado $156 million to establish a Colorado Solar for All(COS4A) program. COS4A is one of the major federal investments fully contracted and legally obligated to Colorado to expand access to solar to more than 20,000 Coloradans.
"Once again the Trump Administration is seeking to rip cost-saving solutions out of the hands of hardworking Coloradans and push us backwards into an over reliance on non-renewable resources. Solar for All reduces electricity costs -- particularly for low-income households - but if this misguided federal decision happens, it will do the exact opposite, costing communities across our state. In Colorado, we will continue exploring avenues to fight this illegal termination of congressionally appropriated and duly obligated funds, just as we have successfully done before. Expanding solar access for all Coloradans is an investment into our communities by delivering low cost energy, reducing emissions and expanding jobs across our state," said Governor Jared Polis
The initiative's goal is to maximize resident cost savings and emissions reductions, and assist in the development of both rooftop solar and community solar projects. Nearly every state across the country is participating, either through a state agency or non-profit. Colorado's Solar For All was set to dedicate 75% of the awarded funds toward financial assistance to ensure low-income households have access to residential rooftop and residential all-serving community solar energy across Colorado. Funds will be deployed through a combination of fully subsidized grants, low-interest loans and incentives to allow the benefits to flow to qualifying Colorado residents.
Solar For All funding was previously frozen as part of the Trump Administration's federal funding freeze in winter of 2025. Colorado, along with 22 other states and the District of Columbia, successfully fought this illegal freeze in the courts and the funding was reinstated following a preliminary restraining order in February 2025.
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Original text here: https://www.colorado.gov/governor/news/epas-proposal-terminate-solar-all-program-will-increase-colorado-household-energy-costs-and
Consumer Alert: Governor Hochul Warns New Yorkers of Potential Back-to-School Shopping Scams as Looming Tariffs and Rising Costs Prompt Earlier Preparations
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Consumer Alert: Governor Hochul Warns New Yorkers of Potential Back-to-School Shopping Scams as Looming Tariffs and Rising Costs Prompt Earlier Preparations
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Governor Kathy Hochul today warned New Yorkers of back-to-school shopping scams as looming tariffs and inflation prompt early shopping. As rising prices and possible supply shortages drive early turnout to the stores, scammers attempt to take advantage of shoppers looking for deals and savings this back-to-school season.
"We want families
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Kathy Hochul, D-New York, issued the following news release:
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Consumer Alert: Governor Hochul Warns New Yorkers of Potential Back-to-School Shopping Scams as Looming Tariffs and Rising Costs Prompt Earlier Preparations
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Governor Kathy Hochul today warned New Yorkers of back-to-school shopping scams as looming tariffs and inflation prompt early shopping. As rising prices and possible supply shortages drive early turnout to the stores, scammers attempt to take advantage of shoppers looking for deals and savings this back-to-school season.
"We want familiesto enjoy the remainder of summer, not spend it dealing with the fallout of scams while shopping for the school year ahead," Governor Hochul said. "As New York's first Mom Governor, I know how important it is to get items at lower prices -- that's why I've been working hard to put more money back in your pockets, but looming tariffs from the White House are going to take it right back out. With these inflated costs, families need to stay vigilant against potential scams if a deal is too good to be true. "
New York Secretary of State Walter T. Mosley said, "With inflation and concerns about potential tariffs, many New Yorkers are shopping early and looking for the best back-to-school deals. Unfortunately, scammers see this as an opportunity to exploit families trying to plan ahead and stay within their budgets. Before you start your school shopping, read these tips from the Division of Consumer Protection to protect your hard-earned money."
Back-to-school shopping is the second largest spending event of the year, and with tariffs already weighing on household budgets, this season presents a unique challenge for parents and students seeking to implement cost-saving strategies. Scammers often exploit these situations with various tactics that can lead to financial loss and compromised personal information.
How to Avoid Back-To-School Shopping Scams:
* Beware of fake ads and websites. As fraudsters continue to advance in sophistication, fake websites frequently resemble legitimate sites with credible looking logos, pictures and payment options. If the website is advertising extremely low prices or severe markdowns, consumers should be wary and diligently verify the legitimacy of the seller.
* Learn how to spot phishing emails. Scammers may send phishing emails or texts to students and parents saying that they missed a delivery of school supplies. These emails or texts request that the recipients click on a link to reschedule this delivery. That link either floods victims' computers or phones with malware or sends them to fake websites that request their personal and payment information.
* Be cautious of unsolicited calls offering test prep material. As high school students prepare for SAT tests this academic school year, parents and students should be cautious of unsolicited calls offering test prep materials. The College Board does not make unsolicited calls or ask for sensitive information, including social security or credit card numbers. You can find out more information and more tips in New York State's Department of State's (DOS) November 2024 consumer alert on this topic.
* Ensure you know who the seller is. Major retailers may allow third party sellers to list items on their site, and those sellers may have different sales or return policies that differ from the major retailer. Consumers should thoroughly read the applicable policies for the item(s) they are purchasing and ensure that they are comfortable with the seller.
* Pay attention to return and refund policies. Retailers must post their refund policy. If no refund policy is posted, consumers generally have up to 30 days from the date of purchase to get a full refund or store credit with receipt. For more tips, please see information from this December 2024 Consumer Alert. As of Aug. 7, 2025, this policy will also apply to online retailers selling items in New York.
* Use a credit card for online purchases, if possible. Credit cards generally offer fraud protection, and may come with zero-fraud liability. Beware of online sites that ask for payments via gift cards or cash transfer apps.
* Watch out for fake coupons on social media. If the coupon doesn't come from a recognized coupon distributor, the manufacturer or a specific store, be wary.
Pay Close Attention to Personal Information:
* Watch out for phishing emails, texts or calls intended to steal personal information. Scammers often impersonate legitimate organizations and send phishing emails related to fake scholarships, grants, unpaid tuition or other related scams targeting students. These deceptive tactics focus on stealing sensitive information such as social security numbers, passwords, bank account details, and other account information. These emails often create a sense of urgency, urging consumers to take immediate action. Always verify the organization and validate what you're being told.
* College students can learn important steps to prevent identity theft as they start the new academic year. Personal documents, checkbooks, credit card statements and other personal papers should always be locked securely. When searching for and applying for student loans or other applications for financial aid, never share personal information via the phone or internet unless you have initiated contact. For more tips, please read DOS' August 2024 consumer alert here.
* Parents protect documents that contain your child's personal information. Understand where your child's information is stored. Ask how after-school organizations and sports clubs secure their records: Are digital records connected to the internet and, if so, are they encrypted? Are physical records locked in filing cabinets? Who has access?
* Be careful when providing identifying information to after-school activities and sports clubs upon registration. If asked for a Social Security number (SSN), inquire why it is needed and ask to use another identifier. Oftentimes organizations include the SSN request as a formality and it may not be mandatory.
* Parents should discuss internet safety tips with children, such as creating strong passwords and setting their social accounts to private. Reject friend requests from strangers and do not click on attachments or links from unsolicited emails and text messages. For more information on keeping your kids safe, and how to protect and support your children when online, click here.
About the New York State Division of Consumer Protection
Follow the New York Department of State on Facebook, X, formerly known as Twitter, and Instagram and check in every Tuesday for more practical tips that educate and empower New York consumers on a variety of topics. Sign up to receive consumer alerts directly to your email or phone here.
The New York State Division of Consumer Protection provides voluntary mediation between a consumer and a business when a consumer has been unsuccessful at reaching a resolution on their own. The Consumer Assistance Helpline 1-800-697-1220 is available Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., excluding State Holidays, and consumer complaints can be filed at any time at www.dos.ny.gov/consumerprotection. The Division can also be reached via X at @NYSConsumer or Facebook.
Contact the Governor's Press Office
Contact us by phone:
Albany: (518) 474-8418
New York City: (212) 681-4640
Contact us by email:
Press.Office@exec.ny.gov
***
Original text here: https://www.governor.ny.gov/news/consumer-alert-governor-hochul-warns-new-yorkers-potential-back-school-shopping-scams-looming
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces Appointments
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2025:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 8.6.25
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Michelle Yoon, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Deputy Director of External Affairs and Community Outreach at the California Department of Industrial Relations. Yoon has been a Product Manager at the Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement since 2022. She was Senior Operations Officer at the California Department of Public Health
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SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 7 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Aug. 6, 2025:
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Governor Newsom announces appointments 8.6.25
SACRAMENTO - Governor Gavin Newsom today announced the following appointments:
Michelle Yoon, of Los Angeles, has been appointed Deputy Director of External Affairs and Community Outreach at the California Department of Industrial Relations. Yoon has been a Product Manager at the Governor's Office of Service and Community Engagement since 2022. She was Senior Operations Officer at the California Department of Public Healthfrom 2021 to 2022. Yoon was a Program Associate at the California Community Foundation from 2018 to 2021. She was an Operations Coordinator at the California Immigrant Policy Center from 2014 to 2018. Yoon was a Research Assistant at University of California, Los Angeles from 2011 to 2014. She earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychobiology from the University of California, Los Angeles. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $138,000. Yoon is not registered to vote.
Michael Wiafe, of Sacramento, has been appointed Assistant Deputy Director of Workforce Policy at the California Workforce Development Board. Wiafe has been an Assistant Deputy Cabinet Secretary at the Office of Governor Gavin Newsom since 2024, where he was an Education Policy Associate from 2023 to 2024. He was a Government and Community Relations Fellow at the Inland Empire Community Foundation from 2022 to 2023. Wiafe was an Adjunct Professor at the University of the Redlands from 2022 to 2023. He earned a Master of Public Policy degree from University of California, Berkeley and a Bachelor of Science degree in Political Science from San Diego State University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $135,264. Wiafe is a Democrat.
Yetee Osunsanmi, of Playa del Rey, has been appointed Deputy Director at the California Film Commission. Osunsanmi was Vice President for Content Strategy - Originals Scripted Content at Paramount+ from 2021 to 2024, where she was Senior Director from 2019 to 2021. She held several positions at Turner Entertainment Networks from 2010 to 2019, including Director of Content Partnerships, Senior Manager for Integrated Marketing and Promotions, and Manager for Integrated Marketing and Promotions. Osunsanmi was a Coordinator for Domestic Theatrical Marketing and Feature Film Productions at 20th Century Fox from 2007 to 2010. She earned a Master of Arts degree in Communications Management from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Legal Studies from Chapman University. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $140,004. Osunsanmi is a Democrat.
Frank Quintero III, of Glendale, has been reappointed to the California Apprenticeship Council, where he has served since 2013. Quintero served in multiple positions for the City of Glendale from 2001 to 2014, including Mayor and City Council Member. He was Director of the Alliance for Education from 1976 to 2002. He served as an E-4 in the United States Marine Corps 1965 to 1966. He earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Political Science from the University of South Florida. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Quintero is a Democrat.
Earl Restine, of Spring Valley, has been reappointed to the California Apprenticeship Council, where he has served since 2021. Restine has been President and Vice President of Fuller Electric since 1989, where he was Foreman and General Foreman from 1980 to 1989. Restine was an Apprentice Wireman for California Electric Work and Berg Electric from 1976 to 1980. He is a member of the National Electrical Contractors Association. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Restine is a Republican.
Larry Hopkins, of Riverside, has been reappointed to the California Apprenticeship Council, where he has served since 2021. Hopkins has been Director of Training at Operating Engineers Training Trust since 2013, where he has held several positions from 1997 to 2013, including Instructor, Training Coordinator, and Assistant Director of Training. He is a member of the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 12. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. Hopkins is a Democrat.
Hugo de la Torre, of South San Francisco, has been reappointed to the California Apprenticeship Council, where he has served since 2023. De La Torre has been Director of Apprenticeship at Laborers Training and Retraining Trust Fund for Northern California since 2020. This position does not require Senate confirmation, and the compensation is $100 per diem. De La Torre is a Democrat.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2025/08/06/governor-newsom-announces-appointments-8-6-25/
