States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wyo. Gov. Gordon Announces Completion of Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative Final Report
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 28 (TNSrep) -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Announces Completion of Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative Final Report
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announces the completion of the Cowboy State Ag Initiative's Final Report (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UYY3ieHq0C4AlpYnwBB6PqEZ_C6SgEe2/view?usp=drive_link), compiling months of work on behalf of the thirteen member team representing state and local interests, legislators, educators, industry and local producers from across the Cowboy state.
"I am
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Feb. 28 (TNSrep) -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Governor Gordon Announces Completion of Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative Final Report
Governor Mark Gordon (R-WY) announces the completion of the Cowboy State Ag Initiative's Final Report (https://drive.google.com/file/d/1UYY3ieHq0C4AlpYnwBB6PqEZ_C6SgEe2/view?usp=drive_link), compiling months of work on behalf of the thirteen member team representing state and local interests, legislators, educators, industry and local producers from across the Cowboy state.
"I ampleased to present the strategic roadmap from the Cowboy State Agriculture Initiative. This working group was assigned a critical mission: to ensure that agriculture remains the backbone of Wyoming's culture, heritage, and economy for generations to come," Governor Gordon said. "The findings within this report are vital to every Wyomingite. Our agricultural industry faces modern pressures--from shifting global markets and rising input costs, to the ever-present threat of invasive species and wildfire."
The Governor believes this report is not just a high-level summary, it is a call for full engagement. The report has resulted in a strategy that leverages applied research and innovative management to give our producers more tools in their toolbox. The Governor is encouraged by the focus on financial and educational opportunities as well as more personal issues like succession planning.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/governor-gordon-announces-completion-of-cowboy-state-agriculture-initiative-final-report
Wash. State Health Dept.: State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers
OLYMPIA, Washington, Feb. 28 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissions
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OLYMPIA, Washington, Feb. 28 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with boards, commissionsand advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., dentists, nursing assistants, counselors).
Information about health care providers is on the agency's website. Click on "Health Care Provider Lookup" under the "Find it Fast" section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider's license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
Jefferson County
In February 2026 the Department of Health withdrew its motion for a December 2025 hearing on noncompliance involving substance use disorder professional trainee Sara Thornton Soper (CO61202438).
Okanogan County
In February 2026 the Chiropractic Quality Assurance Commission suspended Tracy Dean Shrable's (CH00002868) chiropractor credential for noncompliance with a child support order.
Skagit County
In February 2026 the Dental Quality Assurance Commission and dentist Jeffrey Alan Jech (DE00005840) entered an agreed order that indefinitely suspended Jech's credential. Jech failed to comply with an October 2023 stipulation after an inspection identified numerous infection control violations and unsanitary conditions at his clinic.
Snohomish County
In January 2026 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended Modou Jobe's (NC60316051) certified nursing assistant credential. Jobe failed to comply with the terms of a 2024 agreed order by not completing a required ethics course.
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Original text here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/state-revokes-suspends-licenses-certifications-registrations-health-care-providers-37
S.D. A.G. Jackley Thanks Meta For Efforts to Improve Youth Safety on Instagram
PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 28 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Thanks Meta For Efforts to Improve Youth Safety on Instagram
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley applauds Meta and Instagram for doing the right thing in implementing preventive efforts where parents using Instagram's child supervision tools will soon receive alerts if their teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm related terms on that platform.
"I have supported legislation in South Dakota and nationally that is designed
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Feb. 28 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Thanks Meta For Efforts to Improve Youth Safety on Instagram
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley applauds Meta and Instagram for doing the right thing in implementing preventive efforts where parents using Instagram's child supervision tools will soon receive alerts if their teen repeatedly searches for suicide or self-harm related terms on that platform.
"I have supported legislation in South Dakota and nationally that is designedto help youth who are bullied or adversely impacted by what they see on social media," said Attorney General Jackley. "I applaud Meta for taking responsibility in helping protect children on its platform."
Meta said parents who are enrolled in Instagram's Teen Accounts program will receive alerts from Instagram when the platform notices their teen has repeatedly tried to search Instagram for terms associated with suicide or self-harm within a short period of time. Parents will also have the option to view expert resources designed to help them approach potentially sensitive conversations with their teen.
The Instagram press release can be found here: https://about.fb.com/news/2026/02/new-meta-alerts-let-parents-know-if-teen-may-need-support/
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3017
Pa. Education Dept.: Pennsylvania Announces The Great Cookie Kerfuffle as the 2026 PA One Book Selection
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Pennsylvania Announces The Great Cookie Kerfuffle as the 2026 PA One Book Selection
PA One Book is a statewide initiative encouraging families, libraries, early learning programs, and community partners to come together around a shared reading experience.
The Great Cookie Kerfuffle teaches readers about competing interests and finding common ground; highlights the value of cooperation, problem-solving, and community; and offers families a fun and meaningful story to
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Feb. 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Pennsylvania Announces The Great Cookie Kerfuffle as the 2026 PA One Book Selection
PA One Book is a statewide initiative encouraging families, libraries, early learning programs, and community partners to come together around a shared reading experience.
The Great Cookie Kerfuffle teaches readers about competing interests and finding common ground; highlights the value of cooperation, problem-solving, and community; and offers families a fun and meaningful story toenjoy and talk about together.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL) today announced The Great Cookie Kerfuffle, written by Jessica Shaw and illustrated by Pauline Gregory, as the 2026 selection for Pennsylvania One Book -- a statewide initiative encouraging families, libraries, early learning programs, and community partners to come together around a shared reading experience.
Through PA One Book each year, OCL selects a single high-quality children's book to support early literacy development, family engagement, and joyful shared reading experiences for young children across the Commonwealth.
"Early learning is the keystone of a bright future, and the Shapiro Administration is committed to ensuring that every child in Pennsylvania has the opportunity to develop a lifelong love of reading," said Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. "We encourage caregivers, educators, and families across Pennsylvania to share this story that demonstrates solving problems together when perspectives and ideas differ. Through initiatives like the PA One Book project, we continue to make early literacy a priority."
Governor Josh Shapiro has made historic investments to give every Pennsylvania learner the freedom to chart their own course -- ensuring schools and libraries have the resources they need to help students succeed and families have access to affordable early learning opportunities. Signed into law by Governor Shapiro in November, updates to the Public School Code expand early literacy in schools across the Commonwealth by requiring all public schools to adopt evidence-based reading curriculum and identify and provide targeted assistance to students with reading deficiencies.
His 2025-26 budget also boosted funding for Pennsylvania's public libraries by $5 million and $433,000 for library services for the visually impaired -- also known as Library of Accessible Media for Pennsylvanians.
In Pennsylvania, 444 public libraries operate 637 service outlets, including main libraries, branches, and bookmobiles, providing trusted, welcoming spaces for residents. Last year, OCL released "The Future Role of Public Libraries in Pennsylvania" report, which found Pennsylvanians overwhelmingly support public investment to ensure the Commonwealth's libraries remain financially strong. Nearly all Pennsylvanians value their libraries, with 93% identifying them as trusted sources of information and 95% reporting that they feel welcome in their local library.
"OCL is proud to lead the PA One Book Program with our colleagues from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and our partners in early learning across the Commonwealth," said Deputy Secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and State Librarian Susan Banks. "We celebrate 20 years of this program connecting young children, caregivers, and their families with a shared reading experience. Early literacy is the foundation of the success of our Commonwealth and we're excited to share another story in the long list of One Book titles."
The Great Cookie Kerfuffle is a lively and engaging picture book filled with humor and expressive illustrations that explore what happens when different ideas collide. Through a playful story about competing interests and finding common ground, the book highlights the value of cooperation, problem-solving, and community, offering families a fun and meaningful story to enjoy and talk about together.
The 2026 selection was made by the PA One Book Committee, a cross-sector group of partners committed to supporting young children and families. Committee members represent the Office of Commonwealth Libraries, Office of Child Development and Early Learning (OCDEL), Pennsylvania Center for the Book, The Pennsylvania Key, Tuscarora Intermediate Unit 11, Center for Schools & Communities, Early Intervention Technical Assistance, Parent to Parent of Pennsylvania, Pennsylvania Treasury, Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation, North Central Library District, the Free Library of Philadelphia, as well as a parent leader.
As part of the program, libraries and certified early learning programs across Pennsylvania will receive copies of The Great Cookie Kerfuffle, and downloadable activity sheets will be available on the PA One Book website, along with additional activities aligned to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Standards.
This year, PA One Book collaborated with Keystone Scholars to strengthen the connection between early literacy, family engagement, and long-term educational opportunity by helping families access information about free college savings accounts for children born or adopted in Pennsylvania. Together, PA One Book and Keystone Scholars will support families as they build both strong early learning foundations and hopeful futures. In addition, PA One Book launched a new partnership with the Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation, which is generously purchasing additional copies of the 2026 selection to distribute to children across the Commonwealth, further extending access to high quality early literacy experiences for Pennsylvania families.
To celebrate the 2026 selection, PA One Book will host a virtual author event on April 15. Additional details, including registration information, will be shared soon on the PA One Book website.
PDE has made it a top priority to help kids learn how to read through structured literacy - a systematic approach to reading instruction that provides a strong core of foundational skills in English. In January, the Pennsylvania Department of Education (PDE) hosted four webinars for school leaders focused on structured literacy resources and guidance. More than 1,000 participants attended these sessions, demonstrating the field's deep commitment to structured literacy. PDE's Structured Literacy landing page has also become a central hub for the field. Since its launch, it has received more than 36,000 views and over 10,000 unique visitors.
Additionally, the Department worked with the Reading Council to create a list of resources designed to help educators translate research into effective classroom practice - no matter where they are in their literacy journey. Educators can find a wealth of structured literacy resources on the PDE Standards Aligned System (SAS) website, including free and on-demand professional development, and Act 48 and Act 45-approved courses, which keep Pennsylvania teacher and administrative certificates active.
Funding for this project is provided in part by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act, as administered by OCL, and additional funding is provided by OCDEL, Pennsylvania Kiwanis Foundation, and Pennsylvania Treasury.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/pennsylvania-announces-the-great-cookie-kerfuffle-as-the-2026-pa-one-book-selection
La. Insurance Dept.: Contractor Issued Cease-and-Desist Order and Arrested for Fraudulent Activities
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Feb. 28 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Contractor Issued Cease-and-Desist Order and Arrested for Fraudulent Activities
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple recently issued a Cease-and-Desist Order to Jon Andersen for allegedly falsifying documents while applying for a new contractor's license. Andersen was later arrested in Jefferson Parish on February 25 on charges of fraud, filing false public records and forgery.
Commissioner Temple issued the order after determining Andersen and his New Orleans-based
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BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Feb. 28 -- The Louisiana Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Contractor Issued Cease-and-Desist Order and Arrested for Fraudulent Activities
Insurance Commissioner Tim Temple recently issued a Cease-and-Desist Order to Jon Andersen for allegedly falsifying documents while applying for a new contractor's license. Andersen was later arrested in Jefferson Parish on February 25 on charges of fraud, filing false public records and forgery.
Commissioner Temple issued the order after determining Andersen and his New Orleans-basedcompany, Andersen Design + Build LLC, violated Louisiana insurance and unfair trade practice laws designed to protect the citizens of Louisiana when he doctored inspection records to apply for a new license while his current license was revoked.
Andersen, whose license was revoked in July 2025, applied for a new contractor's license for Andersen Design + Build LLC, at the Jefferson Parish Government office on Jan. 28, 2026. Andersen submitted the paperwork along with the Andersen Design + Build LLC contractor's license.
He also presented two fraudulent certificates of insurance showing proof of commercial liability and workers' compensation.
"A contractor's license is not just a piece of paper," Commissioner Temple said. "It is a testament to professionalism and commitment to industry standards. By forging these records, this individual violated the trust of Louisiana consumers. Insurance fraud contributes to insurance costs and creates a financial burden on hardworking families. The LDI is working closely with the Louisiana State Licensing Board for Contractors and our law enforcement partners to aggressively investigate and take action against bad actors who attempt to defraud the system for personal gain."
Andersen, who was served with the Cease-and-Desist Order on February 13, has 30 days from the time of service to request an administrative appeal or the action becomes final. A copy of the C&D is available here (https://ldi.la.gov/docs/default-source/documents/publicaffairs/pressreleases/jon-andersen-cease-and-desist-order.pdf?sfvrsn=c4315852_6).
The LDI encourages Louisiana residents to report suspected fraud by calling 1-800-259-5300 or contacting us online.
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About the Louisiana Department of Insurance: The Louisiana Department of Insurance works to improve competition in the state's insurance market while assisting individuals and businesses with the information and resources they need to be informed consumers of insurance. As a regulator, the LDI enforces the laws that provide a fair and stable marketplace and makes certain that insurers comply with the laws in place to protect policyholders. You can contact the LDI by downloading our LDIConnect mobile app on the Apple App Store or Google Play Store, calling us at 800-259-5300 or visiting www.ldi.la.gov.
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Original text here: https://ldi.la.gov/news/press-releases/2-27-26-contractor-issued-cease-and-desist-order-and-arrested-for-fraudulent-activities
Ariz. House Republicans: Legislative Leaders Condemn Federal Receivership Order for Arizona Prison Health Care
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 28 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Legislative Leaders Condemn Federal Receivership Order for Arizona Prison Health Care
Receivership Risks Open-Ended Taxpayer Costs, Less Accountability, and No Clear End Date
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Speaker of the Arizona House Steve Montenegro and President of the Arizona Senate Warren Petersen today issued the following joint statement on behalf of the Arizona Legislature in response to the February 19, 2026 order in Jensen v. Thornell appointing a federal receiver over health care services in
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 28 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Legislative Leaders Condemn Federal Receivership Order for Arizona Prison Health Care
Receivership Risks Open-Ended Taxpayer Costs, Less Accountability, and No Clear End Date
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Speaker of the Arizona House Steve Montenegro and President of the Arizona Senate Warren Petersen today issued the following joint statement on behalf of the Arizona Legislature in response to the February 19, 2026 order in Jensen v. Thornell appointing a federal receiver over health care services inArizona's nine state-run prisons: "The Arizona State Legislature unequivocally condemns the federal court's order placing Arizona's prison health care system into receivership.
This is a serious overreach. It strips control from Arizona voters and their elected representatives, places a core state responsibility in the hands of an unelected receiver with no clear end date, and exposes taxpayers to open-ended costs. At a time when many law-abiding Arizonans are struggling to afford doctor visits, prescription drugs, and basic coverage, it is deeply troubling that a federal judge is now positioned to mandate a level of health care for convicted criminals that exceeds what many taxpayers themselves can access or afford.
The Jensen case, filed in 2012, addresses longstanding problems in medical and mental health care for inmates in Arizona's state prisons. Arizona has never denied shortcomings. In recent years, the Legislature has funded the state to take concrete steps to improve care, including increasing full-time equivalent health care staffing from about 800 positions at the time of the 2022 findings to about 1,340 as of November 2025, investing more than $1.3 billion in prison health care services over the past three years, and expanding mental health programming, inpatient capacity, and specialized treatment initiatives.
Arizona has also continued to implement the Court's 2023 injunction while already bearing major litigation-related costs, including more than $4.2 million for court-appointed monitors and $2.1 million in plaintiffs' attorneys' fees through December 2025. Health care spending has risen from $148 million in FY 2016 to $437 million in FY 2025.
Even so, the court's order sweeps aside these efforts and the state's appeal of the 2025 staffing plan, now pending before the Ninth Circuit under the Prison Litigation Reform Act. It gives the receiver broad authority over a major state function, including the potential to override state laws governing the privatization of prison health care and AHCCCS reimbursement rates. That means more costs, less accountability, and no sunset.
Arizona's prison health care system must meet constitutional standards. But the way to get there is through accountable state government, not indefinite federal control. When decisions are removed from elected leaders, the public loses oversight, and taxpayers lose any meaningful check on spending.
We are encouraged that Director Thornell has likewise made clear that this ruling is without merit and will be challenged on appeal.
The Arizona Legislature supports ADCRR's announced appeal and urges all branches of Arizona government to vigorously defend the state's authority to manage its own institutions while continuing the reforms already underway.
Arizonans deserve a prison health care system that is constitutionally adequate and fiscally responsible. We will continue to monitor developments closely and advocate for solutions that respect both the Eighth and Tenth Amendments."
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260227JOINTRESPONSEADCRR.pdf
Ariz. A.G. Mayes Announces Indictment Of Three Men On Sex Trafficking, Racketeering, And Fraud Charges
PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 28 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictment Of Three Men On Sex Trafficking, Racketeering, And Fraud Charges
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that three Phoenix men have been indicted by the State Grand Jury on charges including sex trafficking, conspiracy, illegal conducting of an enterprise, participation in a criminal street gang and criminal syndicate, money laundering, fraudulent schemes, and pandering.
Defendants Steven Christopher Moore, Giovantea Hendrix,
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Feb. 28 -- Arizona Attorney General Kris Mayes issued the following news release on Feb. 27, 2026:
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Attorney General Mayes Announces Indictment Of Three Men On Sex Trafficking, Racketeering, And Fraud Charges
Attorney General Kris Mayes announced today that three Phoenix men have been indicted by the State Grand Jury on charges including sex trafficking, conspiracy, illegal conducting of an enterprise, participation in a criminal street gang and criminal syndicate, money laundering, fraudulent schemes, and pandering.
Defendants Steven Christopher Moore, Giovantea Hendrix,and Keith Wilson are accused of operating as members of a criminal enterprise known as the Money Dream Team (MDT) and the West Side City Crips street gang from September 2018 through June 2025.
The indictment alleges the three men trafficked two adult women, laundered proceeds from criminal activity, and engaged in multiple fraud schemes. Wilson faces additional charges for allegedly defrauding the federal Paycheck Protection Program, defrauding Local First Arizona, and a pandering charge for conduct alleged to have occurred as recently as February 2025.
The case was filed in Maricopa County Superior Court (CR: 2026-006155). All defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt by a jury.
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Original text here: https://www.azag.gov/press-release/attorney-general-mayes-announces-indictment-three-men-sex-trafficking-racketeering
