Sean Scully
@seanibus.bsky.social
Western National Editor for States Newsroom. Former editor of the Napa Valley Register. Journalist. History fan. Lover of beer. Possibly not in that order.
A federal judge in Denver on Tuesday found that federal immigration officers have “routinely” made warrantless arrests in Colorado in violation of federal statutes, reports @coloradonewsline.com via @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
ICE 'routinely' made unlawful warrantless arrests in Colorado, judge finds in Utahn's lawsuit • Utah News Dispatch
A federal judge found that immigration officers have "routinely" made warrantless arrests in Colorado in violation of federal statute.
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November 26, 2025 at 11:30 PM
A federal judge in Denver on Tuesday found that federal immigration officers have “routinely” made warrantless arrests in Colorado in violation of federal statutes, reports @coloradonewsline.com via @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts are likely to make the problem worse, reports @stateline.org via @washingtonstatestandard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Families worry as cost of autism therapy comes under state scrutiny • Washington State Standard
State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts are likely to make the problem worse.
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November 26, 2025 at 11:00 PM
State Medicaid agencies are struggling to pay for an intensive therapy for children with autism — and looming federal Medicaid cuts are likely to make the problem worse, reports @stateline.org via @washingtonstatestandard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
The state of Alaska is asking a federal appeals court to re-examine a district court decision that denied the state almost 20,000 acres of potentially oil-rich land, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Alaska appeals federal court decision with implications for Arctic Refuge oil drilling | Alaska Beacon
The state is continuing to contest the western boundary of the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge, with implications for oil and gas drilling.
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November 26, 2025 at 10:30 PM
The state of Alaska is asking a federal appeals court to re-examine a district court decision that denied the state almost 20,000 acres of potentially oil-rich land, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Oregon's attorney general and district attorneys of the three largest counties say they will start investigating and prosecuting federal immigration enforcement agents if they don’t stop using excessive force, report @oregoncapitalchronicle.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Oregon attorney general, district attorneys warn feds to stop using excessive force • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Oregon's attorney general and three district attorneys said they'll investigate and prosecute federal agents if they use excessive force.
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November 26, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Oregon's attorney general and district attorneys of the three largest counties say they will start investigating and prosecuting federal immigration enforcement agents if they don’t stop using excessive force, report @oregoncapitalchronicle.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Homeland Security is seeking to bypass state officials to get driver's license data, part of an effort to build a sweeping new database on the nation's residents, reports @stateline.org via @nevadacurrent.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Homeland Security wants state driver’s license data for sweeping citizenship program • Nevada Current
The Trump administration wants access to state driver’s license data on millions of U.S. residents as it builds a powerful citizenship verification program amid its clampdown on voter fraud and…
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November 26, 2025 at 9:30 PM
Homeland Security is seeking to bypass state officials to get driver's license data, part of an effort to build a sweeping new database on the nation's residents, reports @stateline.org via @nevadacurrent.com and @statesnewsroom.com
The National Park Service says it will steeply hike fees on foreign visitors, saying it was adopting “America-first entry fee policies,” report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Interior announces increased new fees on international visitors to National Parks • Daily Montanan
'America-first pricing' will charge increased fees to nonresidents; annual passes available in digital format
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November 26, 2025 at 9:00 PM
The National Park Service says it will steeply hike fees on foreign visitors, saying it was adopting “America-first entry fee policies,” report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Idaho state and local health officials are investigating a recent increase in illnesses after people drank raw milk. Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans have reported they’ve become ill after drinking raw milk, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
More Idahoans are getting sick after drinking raw milk, state says • Idaho Capital Sun
Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans reported illnesses after drinking raw milk, Idaho Department of Health and Welfare says.
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November 26, 2025 at 8:30 PM
Idaho state and local health officials are investigating a recent increase in illnesses after people drank raw milk. Since August, more than two dozen Idahoans have reported they’ve become ill after drinking raw milk, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the call to continue removals of Venezuelans to a brutal Salvadoran prison, despite a federal judge’s order to stop the deportations, court documents show, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @azmirror.com
Noem ordered deportation flights to El Salvador after judicial halt, DOJ tells court | Arizona Mirror
Kristi Noem made the call to continue removals of Venezuelans to a brutal Salvadoran prison, despite a judge’s order to stop the deportations
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November 26, 2025 at 8:00 PM
Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem made the call to continue removals of Venezuelans to a brutal Salvadoran prison, despite a federal judge’s order to stop the deportations, court documents show, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @azmirror.com
At Temple Emanu-El in Helena, more than a dozen volunteers packed boxes filled with a lesson plan called “Standing Up to Hate,” created by the Montana Jewish Project, report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Montana Jewish Project to send education packages to classes
By request, MJP offers curriculum designed to drive anti-bullying conversation for educators (and anyone else interested) around the state.
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November 26, 2025 at 7:16 PM
At Temple Emanu-El in Helena, more than a dozen volunteers packed boxes filled with a lesson plan called “Standing Up to Hate,” created by the Montana Jewish Project, report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says the Trump administration’s attempt to reprioritize billions of dollars in housing aid for people with disabilities is a policy that “comes straight out of a Charles Dickens story,” report @washingtonstatestadard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Washington sues over drastic shift in federal housing aid • Washington State Standard
The Trump administration’s revamp would redirect billions of dollars meant to keep disabled Americans from falling into homelessness.
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November 26, 2025 at 7:00 PM
Washington Attorney General Nick Brown says the Trump administration’s attempt to reprioritize billions of dollars in housing aid for people with disabilities is a policy that “comes straight out of a Charles Dickens story,” report @washingtonstatestadard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
The chair of Alaska’s human rights commission has sued a political writer for defamation over his description of her work on a failed attempt to preserve a historic building in Seward, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Controversial political website Alaska Landmine faces defamation suit from Alaska state official | Alaska Beacon
Dorene Lorenz, chair of the Alaska State Commission for Human Rights, has sued Jeff Landfield and other owners of the Alaska Landmine.
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November 26, 2025 at 6:30 PM
The chair of Alaska’s human rights commission has sued a political writer for defamation over his description of her work on a failed attempt to preserve a historic building in Seward, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
An Oregon member of Congress attempted to visit constituents in a Tacoma ICE facility. She said she was given a superficial tour and not allowed to meet her people, report @oregoncapitalchronicle and @statesnewsroom
Oregon Rep. Andrea Salinas kept from constituents on visit to Tacoma ICE center • Oregon Capital Chronicle
The Democrat’s 6th Congressional District includes areas heavily hit by Immigration and Customs Enforcement operations in recent weeks.
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November 26, 2025 at 6:01 PM
An Oregon member of Congress attempted to visit constituents in a Tacoma ICE facility. She said she was given a superficial tour and not allowed to meet her people, report @oregoncapitalchronicle and @statesnewsroom
The Latino engagement group Somos Votantes Education Fund partnered with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to write down $133 million of existing medical debt for people in Nevada, report @nevadacurrent.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Latino civic group partners with nonprofit to buy down medical debt for 128,000 Nevadans • Nevada Current
The Latino engagement group Somos Votantes Education Fund partnered with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to write down $133 million of existing medical debt for people in Nevada. Undue…
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November 26, 2025 at 5:30 PM
The Latino engagement group Somos Votantes Education Fund partnered with the national nonprofit Undue Medical Debt to write down $133 million of existing medical debt for people in Nevada, report @nevadacurrent.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says he’s in favor of adding more justices to the Utah Supreme Court and more judges to the state’s Court of Appeals, but he denies that would be "court packing" to undermine the current judiciary, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Saying it’s not court packing, governor supports expanding Utah’s appeals courts • Utah News Dispatch
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox told reporters he’s in favor of expanding the Utah Supreme Court and Court of Appeals.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:51 PM
Utah Gov. Spencer Cox says he’s in favor of adding more justices to the Utah Supreme Court and more judges to the state’s Court of Appeals, but he denies that would be "court packing" to undermine the current judiciary, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Over the past two decades, Idaho’s rural populations have been aging and struggling with housing affordability, but have also seen declining crime and some increases in educational attainment, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Report: Idaho’s aging rural population faces housing and other barriers to employment • Idaho Capital Sun
The Idaho Department of Labor released the 2025 Profile of Rural report examining population, migration, crime, and other characteristics.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Over the past two decades, Idaho’s rural populations have been aging and struggling with housing affordability, but have also seen declining crime and some increases in educational attainment, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
A coalition suing to block President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education expanded its lawsuit to include efforts to split the agency's responsibilities to other departments, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @azmirror.com
Suit to block Education Department closure expanded amid agency transfers plans | Arizona Mirror
A coalition suing to block Trump’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education expanded its lawsuit Tuesday.
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November 26, 2025 at 4:00 PM
A coalition suing to block President Donald Trump’s efforts to dismantle the U.S. Department of Education expanded its lawsuit to include efforts to split the agency's responsibilities to other departments, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @azmirror.com
Republican Utah lawmakers will ask the state supreme court to block a new lower-court-ordered congressional map that creates a Democratic-leaning district, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
In redistricting fight, Utah Republican lawmakers will appeal to Utah Supreme Court • Utah News Dispatch
In an ongoing redistricting fight, Republican legislative leaders will appeal a court-ordered congressional map to the Utah Supreme Court.
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November 25, 2025 at 11:30 PM
Republican Utah lawmakers will ask the state supreme court to block a new lower-court-ordered congressional map that creates a Democratic-leaning district, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Washington's governor has picked a longtime aide to fill a vacant seat on the state supreme court, report @washingtonstatestandard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Gov. Bob Ferguson makes his pick for WA Supreme Court seat • Washington State Standard
Washington Gov. Bob Ferguson on Monday named Colleen Melody, a senior assistant attorney general, to the state Supreme Court.
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November 25, 2025 at 11:00 PM
Washington's governor has picked a longtime aide to fill a vacant seat on the state supreme court, report @washingtonstatestandard.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is now considering who may fill two legislative seats vacated by state senators seeking higher office, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Even with no election, the Alaska Legislature is in flux ahead of the regular session | Alaska Beacon
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is considering who may fill two legislative seats vacated by state senators seeking higher office.
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November 25, 2025 at 10:30 PM
Alaska Gov. Mike Dunleavy is now considering who may fill two legislative seats vacated by state senators seeking higher office, report @alaskabeacon.com and @statesnewsroom.com
A BP pipeline carrying 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel has been shut down since Nov. 17 following a discovered leak, leading the governor to declare a state of emergency, report @oregoncapitalchronicle.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Fuel leak in BP pipeline drives Oregon to state of emergency over fuel supply • Oregon Capital Chronicle
Gov. Tina Kotek declared a state of emergency through Dec. 24 in light of potential disruptions and higher-than-expected gas prices.
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November 25, 2025 at 10:00 PM
A BP pipeline carrying 90% of Oregon’s transportation fuel has been shut down since Nov. 17 following a discovered leak, leading the governor to declare a state of emergency, report @oregoncapitalchronicle.com and @statesnewsroom.com
A three-judge federal appeals panel grilled lawyers for a former White House official and The Associated Press Monday in a case that could significantly overhaul press access to the Oval Office, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @nevadacurrent.com
Press access to Oval Office argued in case involving Trump and wire service • Nevada Current
WASHINGTON — A three-judge federal appeals panel grilled lawyers for a former White House official and The Associated Press Monday in a case that could significantly overhaul press access to the Oval…
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 9:30 PM
A three-judge federal appeals panel grilled lawyers for a former White House official and The Associated Press Monday in a case that could significantly overhaul press access to the Oval Office, reports @statesnewsroom.com via @nevadacurrent.com
“Each year, it’s a privilege to bring a tree from our public lands into the state capitol for all to enjoy,” Montana's governor said as foresters brought down the state's official Christmas tree near Seeley, report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Montana's Capitol Christmas tree harvested near Seeley • Daily Montanan
Most years, the tallest Christmas tree harvested in Montana, as far as the Daily Montanan is aware, takes up residence under the Capitol rotunda in Helena for the holiday season, towering…
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November 25, 2025 at 9:00 PM
“Each year, it’s a privilege to bring a tree from our public lands into the state capitol for all to enjoy,” Montana's governor said as foresters brought down the state's official Christmas tree near Seeley, report @dailymontanan.com and @statesnewsroom.com
The group behind a proposed ballot initiative to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban says it’s well on its way to qualifying for the 2026 ballot, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Ballot initiative to end Idaho’s abortion ban has more than 50,000 signatures, group says • Idaho Capital Sun
Idahoans United for Women and Families announced it has collected more than 50,000 signatures so far out of the nearly 71,000 needed.
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November 25, 2025 at 8:30 PM
The group behind a proposed ballot initiative to end Idaho’s strict abortion ban says it’s well on its way to qualifying for the 2026 ballot, report @idahocapitalsun.com and @statesnewsroom.com
ICE agents collided with a car driven by a person they were attempting to apprehend in a Mesa neighborhood last week, as crashes involving ICE become more common across the country, report @azmirror.com and @statesnewsroom.com
ICE agents involved in another vehicle collision, this time in Mesa | Arizona Mirror
Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents collided with a car driven by a person they were attempting to apprehend in a Mesa neighborhood.
buff.ly
November 25, 2025 at 8:00 PM
ICE agents collided with a car driven by a person they were attempting to apprehend in a Mesa neighborhood last week, as crashes involving ICE become more common across the country, report @azmirror.com and @statesnewsroom.com
A Utah judge is cleaning up messy edges of a new congressional map even as lawmakers are pushing for the court to set aside the map in favor of their version, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com
Judge orders tweak to clean up Utah’s congressional map while lawmakers argue for stay • Utah News Dispatch
A Utah judge has ordered tweaks to clean up Utah's new court-ordered congressional map while lawmakers continue to fight.
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November 25, 2025 at 7:30 PM
A Utah judge is cleaning up messy edges of a new congressional map even as lawmakers are pushing for the court to set aside the map in favor of their version, report @utahnewsdispatch.com and @statesnewsroom.com