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This week we saw a deeply disappointing decision from the U.S. Supreme Court that effectively gutted Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act—the provision that has helped ensure that all Americans, regardless of race, have an equal opportunity to exercise their constitutional right to vote. The decision is devastating and it sets us back.
While the full impact of the ruling is still uncertain, one thing I do know is that I will always fight for free and fair elections.
Since President Trump took office, he has tried to curtail voting rights and infuse doubt into our elections. So far, we have blocked the federal administration's attempt to institute sweeping voter restrictions and we are now in court fighting its attempt to interfere with States’ constitutional authority to administer elections.
As ballots drop this week, remember: your vote is your voice. Do not miss your opportunity to participate in our democracy.
In solidarity,
Rob
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Holding Leaders of the Opioid Crisis Accountable
 The $7.4 billion settlement previously reached with Purdue Pharma and its owners, the Sackler family, has become legally effective, capping nearly a decade of work by attorneys general from across the country in pursuing investigations and litigation over the company's role in fueling the opioid crisis. With the settlement now in effect, California will, at long last, receive critical funding from Purdue Pharma and the Sackler family to help address the opioid crisis. The attorneys general launched a multistate investigation of Purdue in 2016, and California sued Purdue and certain members of the Sackler family in 2019. The settlement permanently bars the Sacklers from selling opioids in the U.S. and delivers funds for addiction treatment, prevention, and recovery to communities across the country over the next 15 years. California is expected to receive over $440 million from the settlement. Our work doesn’t end here. We will continue holding those responsible for this crisis to account.
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Protecting Fair Labor
 At a time when Americans are facing unprecedented economic challenges, the Trump Administration wants to gut workers’ rights and benefits. That’s why I joined a coalition of 20 public labor enforcement offices in filing a comment letter opposing the U.S. Department of Labor’s (DOL) reinstatement of the first Trump Administration’s independent contractor rule. The Trump Administration’s proposal would upend the “economic realities test” that has long been recognized by courts to determine whether workers are economically dependent enough on employers to classify them as employees. When workers are misclassified, they lose out on critical benefits such as overtime and minimum wage, paid sick leave, and unemployment insurance. We are calling on the Trump Administration to withdraw this proposal immediately.
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Enforcing Antitrust Laws
 Antitrust enforcement is not political — it’s about protecting working families and helping ensure the benefits of a vibrant economy are for everyone, not just well-connected corporations. This week, five additional states join us in our challenge of the Nexstar/Tegna merger, now making this lawsuit a bipartisan effort. The coalition of 13 attorneys general, filed an amended complaint against Nexstar Media Group, Inc. and Tegna Inc. in the ongoing challenge of the broadcast giants’ merger. The $6.2 billion deal is expected to create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, putting more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people, cutting local jobs, increasing cable bills, and significantly impacting the delivery of news and other media content to Americans nationwide. This merger is illegal and will give Nexstar and Tegna the ability to control and raise prices, fire journalists, and dominate the media landscape.
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Combatting Youth Tobacco Use
 Illegal e-cigarette sales remain widespread, posing a serious public health concern and requiring a more robust response. That is why I co-led a bipartisan coalition of 25 attorneys general and the City of New York in sending letters to nine major credit card and payment processing companies urging them to take stronger action to prevent the unlawful sale of tobacco and nicotine products, particularly e-cigarettes, online and at brick-and-mortar stores. E-cigarette use among young people has grown exponentially over the past fifteen years, creating new challenges that require a comprehensive solution. Payment processors and financial service companies have a responsibility to ensure their platforms are not being used to facilitate these illegal sales. We are calling on nine major credit card processors to be part of the solution and help protect our communities — especially our kids.
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Making Your Life Affordable
 Making Your Life Affordable: From groceries to gas, costs seem to be rising and rising ... and rising. California DOJ has your back and is committed to protecting California families grappling with the high cost of living. In this segment, find some of the ways California DOJ is protecting Californians — and their wallets.
What We Did: This week, my office issued a consumer alert warning Californians of counterfeit tickets for the 2028 Los Angeles Olympic Games and related scams.
What this Means to You: My office is committed to educating consumers on how to protect themselves and what to do if folks find themselves the victims of scams. Californians are excited to welcome the world to the Olympic Games in Los Angeles in 2028, but should remain cautious around Olympic ticket sales, purchase only from authorized vendors, and protect their personal information. Remember, if it sounds too good to be true, it probably is. If Californians have fallen victim to a scam or suspect fraudulent activity, consumers can file a report with my office, as well as with the Better Business Bureau and the FBI’s Internet Crime Complaint Center.
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Keeping You Safe
 One of my top priorities as Attorney General is to protect the children of California and ensure they can grow up safe, supported, and free from harm. This week, a jury has reached a guilty verdict against Temecula optometrist Brandon Zoeckler for six felony counts, including sodomy of a minor. The case against Zoeckler began after he was arrested and charged for traveling to San Diego County to meet with a 14-year-old boy for sexual contact. Following his arrest and during the course of the investigation, Zoeckler’s phone was seized and a new victim was discovered. Let this verdict stand as a clear and stern warning: There is no refuge for those who exploit or abuse children. Although nothing can undo the pain the victim has endured, we hope this verdict offers a measure of closure and a sense that justice has been served. My office will continue to pursue justice relentlessly, support survivors every step of the way, and diligently investigate these crimes.
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CARE Corner
 Please join the Office of Community Awareness, Response, and Engagement (CARE) for a Community Briefing: Office of Gun Violence Prevention 2026 Report - A Strategic Plan to Sustain California’s Record Progress Against Gun Violence. This presentation will include an overview of the recently released Office of Gun Violence Prevention 2026 Report that will help ensure gun violence prevention in California.
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Post of the Week
 I’ve made combating the affordability crisis one of California DOJ’s top priorities. As of late, much of that work has included antitrust enforcement. Read my Substack to learn why we go after corporations that violate antitrust laws, and why it matters to your budget, your bills, and your pocketbook.
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Video of the Week
California DOJ’s Fentanyl Enforcement Team works tirelessly to disrupt and dismantle fentanyl distribution operations across the state. Through undercover work, investigations, and partnerships with local law enforcement, the team strives to take down major trafficking rings and stop the flow of fentanyl into our streets. We won’t stop until the deaths from fentanyl do.
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Make a Difference at California DOJ
 Apply today to help California DOJ protect the health, well-being, and public safety of Californians. Check out our featured jobs below and visit oag.ca.gov/careers for a full listing of available positions:
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, DMFEA Civil Prosecutions
Deputy Attorney General IV, Public Records Act Unit
Deputy Attorney General IV, Health Quality Enforcement Section
Deputy Attorney General III, Correctional Law
Deputy Attorney General Supervisor, Licensing Section
Paralegal, Correctional Law
Contract Administrator, PRD Executive Unit
Assessment Consultant, Testing and Selection Unit
Field Representative, Bureau of Gambling Control
Program Technician III, Bureau of Criminal Information & Analysis
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