Source: US State of North Dakota
Mickey O’Brien, 31, of Sacramento, was arrested Wednesday and is scheduled to appear in court today after a federal grand jury returned an indictment charging him with two counts of attempted sexual exploitation of minors, two counts of sexual exploitation of minors, and one count of committing a sex offense while being required to register as a sex offender.
Source: US State of New York
EW YORK – New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Attorney General Letitia James today announced that New York has sued KalshiEX, LLC (Kalshi) for running an illegal gambling operation in New York through its prediction market platform. Kalshi launched in 2021 as a service that allowed users to bet money on the outcome of a wide range of future events. In 2025, Kalshi launched sports “trading,” claiming it offered legal sports betting markets, accessible to Americans in all 50 states, and encouraging bettors to wager on the outcomes of major sporting events. Today, Kalshi offers users the ability to bet on events including sports, culture, and elections on its website and app. An investigation by the Office of the Attorney General (OAG) found that Kalshi’s prediction market is an illegal, unlicensed gambling operation. Kalshi’s illegal prediction market exposes New Yorkers – including those under the legal gambling age of 21 – to serious personal and financial risk. The lawsuit is seeking a court order stopping Kalshi from operating as an unlicensed gambling business and requiring the company to pay fines, forfeit all illegal gains, and pay restitution to users.
“Kalshi has chosen to ignore New York’s gaming laws, which exist to protect consumers, prevent problematic gambling, deliver funding for critical public services, and ensure that every company plays by the same rules,” Governor Hochul said. “This choice has consequences, and working closely with Attorney General James, New York is taking action to stop this illegal behavior and bring Kalshi into compliance, because no company is above the law.”
“New York’s gambling laws protect children from underage betting and help combat gambling addiction,” said Attorney General James. “No matter what they call themselves, prediction markets like Kalshi are gambling platforms, plain and simple. By ignoring our laws, Kalshi is running an illegal operation and harming New Yorkers in the process. We are taking them to court to uphold our laws and protect New Yorkers.”
The lawsuit alleges that Kalshi’s prediction markets meet the legal definition of gambling because the outcomes of the events on which its users are betting are uncertain and outside the control of the bettor or hinge on a game of chance. Despite this, Kalshi has failed to obtain a license from the New York State Gaming Commission (Gaming Commission), sidestepping its obligation to pay taxes like licensed casinos and mobile sports gambling platforms do. This tax revenue from gambling regulation funds public schools, sports programs for underserved youth, and problem gambling education and treatment.
Kalshi’s prediction markets are also available to users between the ages of 18-20, even though New York law requires a person to be at least 21 years old to participate in mobile sports betting. Exposing young people to online gambling can have damaging effects on their mental and financial well-being. Recent research has shown that gambling among young people is associated with psychological distress, financial difficulties, and increased risk of gambling-related harms in adulthood.
In the lawsuit filed today, OAG is asking the court to order Kalshi to forfeit all illegal gains, distribute restitution to consumers who were harmed, and pay fines equal to three times the gains the company made through its illegal actions.
This is the latest action in Governor Hochul and Attorney General James’ continued efforts to enforce New York’s gambling laws and protect New York consumers. Attorney General James has issued multiple consumer and industry alerts warning New Yorkers about the hazards of gambling and encouraging companies to comply with state laws. In April 2026, Attorney General James sued Coinbase and Gemini for running illegal gambling platforms. Also in April 2026, Governor Hochul signed an Executive Order banning state employees from engaging in insider trading using prediction markets like Kalshi. In January of 2026, Attorney General James sued Valve, a video game developer, for illegally promoting gambling through video games popular with children and teenagers. In October 2025, the Gaming Commission demanded that Kalshi cease and desist their ongoing operation of an unlicensed mobile sports wagering platform. In June 2025, Attorney General James stopped 26 illegal online sweepstakes casinos that offered slots, table games, and sports betting using virtual coins that could be exchanged for cash and prizes.
Attorney General James urges New Yorkers to ensure gambling platforms are registered with the New York State Gaming Commission and report any misconduct or gaming fraud to OAG by filing a complaint online, which can be done anonymously, or calling 1-800-771-7755.
This matter is being handled by Assistant Attorneys General K. Brent Tomer, Alejandra de Urioste, Nina Varindani, and Senior Enforcement Counsel Tanya Trakht, with assistance from Data Scientist Michael Amadi and Legal Assistants Renata Bodner and Kalon Corrallo, all of the Investor Protection Bureau, and Senior Detective Brian Metz of the Investigations Division. The Investor Protection Bureau is led by Bureau Chief Shamiso Maswoswe and Deputy Bureau Chief Kenneth Haim and is a part of the Division of Economic Justice, which is led by Chief Deputy Attorney General Chris D’Angelo and overseen by First Deputy Attorney General Jennifer Levy.
Source: US State of Nebraska
. Matthews died last week from injuries he sustained while battling a wildfire near the Colorado-Utah border in late June.
Originally from Lincoln, Matthews was serving with the U.S. Wildland Fire Service as part of the Rifle Helitack crew battling the Knowles fire. Matthews and another firefighter were injured in that incident and hospitalized. Three other members died at the scene.
Matthews will be co-honored by Nebraska and Colorado. Governor Jared Polis will order that flags be lowered in Colorado on Friday. A motorcade escorting Matthews remains will depart at 7:30 a.m. (MT) tomorrow from Denver to Grand Junction along I-70.
Here in Nebraska, flags should be flown at half-staff from sunrise until sunset on Saturday, the day of Matthews’ memorial. The event, organized through the Upper Colorado River Interagency Management Unit, is open to the public. It will begin at 10 a.m. (MT) at the Avalon Theatre in Grand Junction.
A private family service will be held at a later date.
Source: US State of New York
overnor Kathy Hochul today announced nearly $26 million in funding to address and mitigate current wastewater limitations that are negatively impacting community development in Washington County. The funds will support projects in the Village of Fort Edward and the Town of Kingsbury’s Village of Hudson Falls, and are designed to alleviate sewer infrastructure challenges impeding the growth of local businesses and the creation of new housing and new jobs in the region.
“I’ve worked in local government and have seen firsthand just what additional state assistance can do for small towns and villages,” Governor Hochul said. “Our communities deserve to be heard, seen and uplifted, and this funding will help communities across Washington County continue to develop and make necessary infrastructure improvements to allow local businesses to grow and residents to prosper.”
Empire State Development President, CEO and Commissioner Hope Knight said, “Strong infrastructure is the foundation for communities’ sustained growth. This critical funding for Fort Edward and Kingsbury will remove barriers to new housing, business expansion, job creation, and unleash new economic opportunity in Washington County. Thanks to Governor Hochul’s leadership, New York continues to invest in the long-term potential of our diverse regions across the state.”
Village of Fort Edward: $14.5 million
The project includes relocating existing sewer lines, replacing water lines, separating stormwater, eliminating area combined sewer overflows, and delivering other improvements to support new commercial and residential developments. Currently, the absence of capacity at the Washington County plant – coupled with insufficient funds for system improvements — has stifled the growth of one of the largest local employers and further limited the growth of nearby businesses and housing.
This funding complements a nearly $4.74 million FAST NY grant awarded to the Counties of Warren and Washington IDA to support the redevelopment of Canalside Energy Park. This waterfront brownfield revitalization project will enable Fort Edward and Washington County to pursue strategic industries and create high-value jobs, while eliminating blight and growing the local tax base. The two grants will collectively open doors to new industrial, commercial and residential investments, and support the longevity and efficiency of local water and sewer systems.
Town of Kingsbury/Village of Hudson Falls: $11.4 million
This funding will support a major storm-sewer separation project that will allow future commercial and residential development. Design work was underway, but halted due to a lack of funding. Limited capacity at the Washington County wastewater plant has been a restrictive factor in Kingsbury, as at least one proposed housing development did not proceed due to a new sewer hookup moratorium. This project will remove wet-weather flows to the sewer system and create an inflow and infiltration offset, and deliver other improvements to encourage commercial and residential development.
These projects and funds reaffirm Governor Hochul’s commitment to community-driven economic growth. Additional investments like the County Infrastructure Grant Program, first launched in November 2024 and administered by ESD, awarded more than $36 million to 48 projects in the first round of funding. A second round of awards are expected to be announced in the coming weeks. Programs like FAST NY and POWER UP are creating shovel-ready and power-ready sites to attract next-generation employers and businesses in high-growth industries.
Assemblymember Carrie Woerner said, “I am grateful to Governor Hochul for delivering this truly significant financial investment to Washington County. I worked closely with her staff to advocate for these infrastructure projects which will lay the foundation for private investment to grow manufacturing jobs in a county where the economy is struggling with a lack of commercial investment. I am also grateful to Stephen Acquario, NYS Association of Counties, for lending his advocacy to my efforts to bring forward the request for this investment.”
Washington County Board of Supervisors Chair Robert Henke said, “Thank you to Governor Kathy Hochul, Assemblymember Carrie Woerner, and NYS Association of Counties for working together to provide these critical funds to Washington County. With their partnership, Washington County will be able to alleviate infrastructure challenges and position ourselves for positive economic development. These investments recognize, and realize, the potential for business and job growth within the region, and we look forward to seeing that come to fruition. Washington County welcomes this announcement and again extends our gratitude to Governor Hochul and Assemblymember Woerner for delivering.”
New York State Association of Counties Executive Director Stephen J. Acquario said, “Counties applaud Governor Kathy Hochul and Assemblywoman Carrie Woerner for their leadership and commitment to investing in the rural communities that are essential to New York’s economic future. These investments allow counties to undertake infrastructure projects that local resources alone cannot support and create the conditions for new housing, business expansion, and job creation while strengthening the infrastructure residents rely on every day. Rural counties like Washington provide the foundation for New York’s agricultural economy, outdoor recreation and tourism, and regional workforce. Investing in their success is an investment in the strength and resilience of the entire state.”
Source: US State of Oregon
Klein most recently served as the Deputy Director for Administration at the Oregon Youth Authority and previously held leadership positions with the Department of Administrative Services (DAS) and the Oregon Department of Human Services. While at DAS she provided leadership to statewide budget activities, spent time as the manager for the Capital Finance Section, led statewide initiatives as a project manager, and served as the Chief Audit Executive. Throughout her career, Klein has built strong partnerships across state government and developed deep expertise in state finance, budgeting, and operational leadership.
Oregon State Treasurer Elizabeth Steiner, MD said, “I’m excited to welcome Renee to Treasury. Her experience and expertise in public finance and state government will ensure our local government customers, state agency partners, and Tribal governments can continue to trust Treasury to deliver dependable banking services.”
Parker retires after a career that spans more than three decades in Oregon state government, including nearly 20 years with Oregon State Treasury. She began her Treasury career within the Debt Management Division, where she helped implement the Oregon School Bond Guaranty Program and supported the State Debt Policy Advisory Committee. After serving in leadership roles at several state agencies and the Governor’s Office, Parker returned to Treasury in 2010 as Director of Finance. During her tenure, she led efforts to modernize Treasury’s banking and cash management systems while helping ensure the secure and reliable management of state funds.
Treasurer Steiner lauded Parker’s leadership as Treasury’s finance director. “Cora has embodied Treasury’s values of professionalism, integrity, innovation, and trust. She has built strong relationships with our banking partners and ensured that our systems are reliably secure and timely to keep pace with the nearly 19 million transactions we process each year. We wish her well in her retirement.”
Treasury’s Finance Division plays a pivotal role in supporting the fiscal stability and efficiency of state and local government operations. Serving nearly 90 state agencies, universities, and over 1,000 local and regional governments across Oregon, the Division manages essential cash management services, processing, and accounting for millions of transactions annually.
Source: US State of Connecticut
(HARTFORD, CT) – Governor Ned Lamont today released the following statement:
“On July 13, Cooper Whiteside, a Danbury resident and Bridgeport police officer, and Brittany Islami, a New Milford resident and mother of three, were tragically killed in a motor vehicle crash in Danbury. I’ve heard how devoted Officer Whiteside was to his family and how he dedicated his life to helping others even before joining the force. Brittany was a loving mother to three young children who deserved many more years with them. By all accounts, these two people brought joy to the lives of those who knew them, and their loss is profound. My heart breaks for their loved ones, and my thoughts are with them and the Bridgeport Police Department in this time of grief.
“I am grateful that Danbury Police investigated thoroughly and made an arrest in this case. Driving under the influence is unacceptable, and these lives should never have been lost. The accused is entitled to due process, but people who break the law and endanger or hurt others must be held accountable. I hope justice prevails for Officer Whiteside, Brittany Islami, and their families.
“In the days since, online speculation has outpaced the facts. Here is what we know:
“As a result of misinformation pushed in a rush to advance a political agenda, an innocent woman has had her personal details spread across social media and is now facing threats over a crime she had nothing to do with. Social media rewards speed over accuracy, but there are real-world consequences when that habit meets a tragedy like this one. I’m asking everyone, and especially members of the media and elected officials, to slow down and verify information before sharing.
“This misinformation has also been used to cast doubt on the integrity of Connecticut’s elections. That also deserves a direct response: Connecticut’s elections are safe, secure, and accessible. Voter registration and voting are subject to checks at multiple levels. We have bipartisan administration of elections in all 169 towns, paper ballots, rigorous list maintenance, and post-election audits. A procedural lapse in one case, and a case of mistaken identity in another, are not evidence that a system serving 2.4 million registered voters is broken. That overgeneralization defies statistics, facts, and evidence. Connecticut voters should have full confidence in the security of our elections.
“The focus at this time should be on remembering Officer Whiteside and Brittany Islami and allowing their families and communities to grieve. Their tragedy should not be used as a prop to push a false, partisan narrative, and no one should face threats and fear for their safety because online sleuths decided to skip the facts. My hope is that as this case moves through the courts, we can extend both accountability and basic decency to everyone this tragedy has touched.”
Source: US State of California
Thursday, July 30, 2026
Contact: (916) 210-6000, agpressoffice@doj.ca.gov
Evidence exposed how abortion pill reversal claims are unsupported by scientific evidence
OAKLAND — California Attorney General Rob Bonta today issued the following statement after the conclusion of evidence in the California Department of Justice’s lawsuit against Heartbeat International (HBI), a national anti-abortion group, and RealOptions Obria (RealOptions), a chain of five crisis pregnancy centers in Northern California. The parties presented evidence over six weeks of trial proceedings in Alameda County Superior Court. Filed in September 2023, the California Department of Justice’s lawsuit alleges that HBI and RealOptions use fraudulent and misleading claims to advertise “abortion pill reversal” (APR), an unproven and largely experimental procedure, in violation of California’s False Advertising Law and Unfair Competition Law.
“Every Californian deserves truthful, accurate information when making deeply personal healthcare decisions,” said Attorney General Bonta. “Our lawsuit alleges that Heartbeat International and RealOptions promoted APR despite knowing that there is no scientific evidence that shows it is effective or safe. After several weeks of testimony, we remain confident in the strength of our case and look forward to the court’s decision. We will continue holding accountable those who undermine reproductive freedom, including by spreading dangerous, baseless claims.”
Medication abortion typically uses a combination of two drugs — mifepristone and misoprostol — taken within 24 to 48 hours of each other to terminate an early pregnancy. HBI and RealOptions falsely claim that if a pregnant person takes high doses of the hormone progesterone after taking the first drug, mifepristone, it will safely and effectively cancel the effects of the mifepristone. Despite the lack of scientific basis and uncertainty about its efficacy and safety, HBI and RealOptions falsely and illegally advertise APR as a valid and successful treatment option and do not adequately warn patients about potential side effects, including the risk of severe bleeding.
HBI operates the “most expansive network” of “pro-life pregnancy resource centers” and acquired the Abortion Pill Reversal Network, including its website and hotline, which it continues to operate to promote APR. RealOptions, which is incorporated in California, advertises APR as a service available at all of its clinics.
If you have questions about or are looking for information on or assistance with abortion care, there are a number of trusted programs that can help you in your search, including California Abortion Access, which provides a safe space to access detailed guidance and resources on abortion care. California protects the privacy of those who visit this website, and their information is not saved or tracked.
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Source: US State of Hawaii
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
Phase Two Completes the 50-Home Community, Expanding Deeply Affordable Housing and Supportive Services for Individuals Transitioning from Homelessness
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2026
HONOLULU — Governor Josh Green joined the Hawaiʻi Health and Harm Reduction Center (H3RC) and state and community partners today to celebrate the blessing and completion of Hoʻokahi Leo Kauhale Phase Two, marking the full build-out of the kauhale village in Kalihi.
Originally developed to provide housing for residents transitioning from the former Sand Island and Kakaʻako encampments, Hoʻokahi Leo has evolved into a permanent, service-enriched community that combines deeply affordable housing with healthcare, behavioral health services, peer support, workforce opportunities and shared community spaces.
The completion of Phase Two adds 30 deeply affordable homes and new communal facilities to the original 20-home village, reflecting the continued evolution of the Governor’s Kauhale Initiative and Hawaiʻi’s housing-first approach to addressing chronic homelessness.
“Hoʻokahi Leo represents what is possible when we recognize that housing is healthcare,” said Governor Green. “When people have a stable place to live, surrounded by supportive services and a community that cares for them, they become healthier, spend less time relying on emergency systems and have the opportunity to rebuild their lives. Kauhale like Hoʻokahi Leo improve lives while making smarter use of our public resources and they demonstrate how investing in housing strengthens Hawaiʻi.”
The project reflects the collaborative public-private development model that has become a hallmark of the Kauhale Initiative.
“Hoʻokahi Leo demonstrates what strong public-private partnerships can accomplish. The government provides the vision and investment; nonprofit organizations bring innovation and community expertise; and private industry helps deliver projects more efficiently. Together, we’ve created a development model that is unique to Hawaiʻi,” said Jun Yang, director of the Statewide Office on Homelessness and Housing Solutions.
Today, the Kauhale Initiative includes 26 completed communities statewide that provide deeply affordable housing and supportive services, while reducing reliance on costly emergency healthcare, justice and crisis response systems.
H3RC continues to serve as the site’s operating partner, using a low-barrier, harm-reduction approach that connects residents with healthcare, mental health support, employment opportunities and a meaningful role in shaping the community. For H3RC, the success of Hoʻokahi Leo is measured not only by the homes that were built, but by the lives that continue to be transformed after residents move in.
“For many residents, Hoʻokahi Leo represents far more than housing. It provides the stability that makes healing possible. They have access to healthcare, behavioral health services, peer support, case management and workforce opportunities in one trusted community,” said H3RC Executive Director Heather Lusk.
The opening of Hoʻokahi Leo Phase Two reflects the continued partnership between the state of Hawaiʻi, HomeAid Hawaiʻi, H3RC, construction partners and community volunteers, working together to expand deeply affordable housing statewide. HomeAid Hawaiʻi has partnered with the state on 11 completed kauhale communities, helping support the delivery of permanent, deeply affordable housing as the initiative has expanded across Hawaiʻi.
As Hawaiʻi continues to embrace the Kauhale Initiative, projects like Hoʻokahi Leo demonstrate how state leadership, community partnerships and supportive services can work together to improve health outcomes, strengthen neighborhoods and create lasting pathways out of homelessness.
Photos from today’s blessing will be uploaded here. Photo courtesy: Office of the Governor.
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Source: US State of Hawaii
Posted on Jul 30, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIA‘ĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH
KA ʻOIHANA OLAKINO
KENNETH S. FINK, MD, MGA, MPH
DIRECTOR
KA LUNA HO‘OKELE
DOH CLOSES BAAN THAI FAMILY CUISINE FOR A RODENT INFESTATION AND MULTIPLE FOOD SAFETY VIOLATIONS
26-090
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2026
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaiʻi — The Hawai‘i Department of Health (DOH) issued a red “closed” placard and immediately shut down Baan Thai Family Cuisine, located at 75-5744 Aliʻi Drive in Kailua-Kona, due to a rodent infestation and multiple critical food safety violations.
The food establishment, operated by Miyavadee Khamya, received a red placard on July 29 and must remain closed until the DOH conducts a follow-up inspection and all critical violations are resolved.
During a routine inspection, the DOH inspector observed the following violations:
The DOH is requiring the food establishment to take the following corrective actions:
The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawai‘i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.
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Source: US State of Hawaii
Posted on Jul 30, 2026 in Latest Department News, Newsroom
STATE OF HAWAIʻI
KA MOKU ʻĀINA O HAWAIʻI
JOSH GREEN, M.D.
GOVERNOR
KE KIAʻĀINA
DEPARTMENT OF LAND AND NATURAL RESOURCES
KA ‘OIHANA KUMUWAIWAI ‘ĀINA
RYAN K.P. KANAKA‘OLE
CHAIRPERSON
PĀLĀʻAU STATE WAYSIDE PARK REOPENS FOLLOWING MAJOR PARK IMPROVEMENTS
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 30, 2026
WAILUKU, Maui – The DLNR Division of State Parks (DSP) is pleased to announce the reopening of Pālāʻau State Wayside Park on Molokaʻi. The park has fully reopened for daytime use and camping following the completion of a capital improvement project designed to enrich the visitor experience and preserve one of Molokaʻi’s most treasured places.
“As stewards of Hawaiʻi’s state parks, everything we do today to invest in our parks and local communities is with an eye toward the future,” said Maui District Superintendent Michael Kahula. “These improvements are about taking care of places that bring people together and protect our natural and cultural resources. It’s our responsibility to mālama parks so our keiki, moʻopuna (grandchildren/loved ones) and their families can enjoy them for years to come.”
Over the past several months the park has undergone significant upgrades, including:
These projects reflect DLNR’s continued commitment to investing in Hawaiʻi’s state parks by providing safe, functional and welcoming facilities for residents and visitors.
“These parks belong to all of us and our hope is that these upgrades help provide a quality experience for everyone who visits, whether you’re camping with your ʻohana, enjoying a picnic or simply stopping by to take in the incredible views,” Kahula added.
Camping reservations and park information is available through the Hawaiʻi State Parks reservation system – https://outdoor.hawaii.gov/camping/.
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