States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Washington Secretary of State's Disaster Relief Center Disbursed Nearly $1 Million Following Historic Atmospheric River
OLYMPIA, Washington, May 19 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Washington Secretary of State's Disaster Relief Center disbursed nearly $1 million following historic atmospheric river
MOUNT VERNON - Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs presented two Washington state charities May 7 with nearly $500,000 received through the Washington state Combined Fund Drive's December 2025 special disaster relief campaign. The campaign disbursed $993,612 overall to date for Washington charities after the historic atmospheric river event.
Community Action of Skagit County
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OLYMPIA, Washington, May 19 -- The Washington Secretary of State issued the following news:
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Washington Secretary of State's Disaster Relief Center disbursed nearly $1 million following historic atmospheric river
MOUNT VERNON - Washington Secretary of State Steve Hobbs presented two Washington state charities May 7 with nearly $500,000 received through the Washington state Combined Fund Drive's December 2025 special disaster relief campaign. The campaign disbursed $993,612 overall to date for Washington charities after the historic atmospheric river event.
Community Action of Skagit Countyand the Whatcom Community Foundation respectively received $224,580 and $234,033 in donations for directly supporting flood relief efforts across Skagit and Whatcom counties.
"Time and time again, Washingtonians continue to answer the call when our neighbors need it most," said Hobbs. "I remain inspired at the selflessness of our state workers, retirees, and community members in stepping up to help response and recovery efforts."
The donations were pledged through payroll and one-time contributions from Washington state employees, credit card donations from Washington residents, and a $1 million contribution made by the Amazon Corporation's Disaster Relief program to the CFD's disaster relief center.
"Through the CFD, we were able to demonstrate the good that can be done in our community with public and private sector cooperation," said Hobbs. "Amazon's pledge was the largest single donation in the CFD's 41-year history."
Supplemented by donations pledged outside of the disaster relief center campaign, the following amounts were disbursed in May to donor-selected charities:
* Feed Needs in Shelton received $230,353
* The Salvation Army Northwest Division in Seattle received $228,354
* The American Red Cross and American Red Cross Disaster Relief Fund in Seattle received $73,626
* Soup Ladies in Buckley received $1,926
* Vision House in Renton received $512
* The Rainier Senior Center in Rainier received $224
"Traditionally, we have very small amounts of 'critical needs' funding to support our clients," said Bill Henkel, Community Action of Skagit County's executive director. "In the wake of the flood disaster, the magnitude of support has been instrumental in giving us the ability to provide deeper, more flexible, and targeted support to severely impacted families based on their specific needs."
The disaster relief center, a special function of the CFD, directs interested donors to verified and registered crisis-relief charities during periods of natural or humanitarian disasters that exceed a region's capacity to provide help. The disaster relief center does not endorse any specific charity but rather shares relevant and accurate information about the organizations to help inform donation decisions.
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Original text here: https://www.sos.wa.gov/about-office/news/2026/washington-secretary-states-disaster-relief-center-disbursed-nearly-1-million-following-historic
S.D. A.G. Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Expanded Medicaid Coverage If Federal Funding Declines
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Expanded Medicaid Coverage if Federal Funding Declines
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the State Legislature that would repeal expanded Medicaid coverage if federal funding for the expansion drops below 90 percent. The proposed amendment will be on the Nov. 3 general election
... Show Full Article
PIERRE, South Dakota, May 19 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Releases Final Ballot Explanation on Constitutional Amendment to Repeal Expanded Medicaid Coverage if Federal Funding Declines
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley has released the final ballot explanation for a Constitutional Amendment proposed by the State Legislature that would repeal expanded Medicaid coverage if federal funding for the expansion drops below 90 percent. The proposed amendment will be on the Nov. 3 general electionballot.
Attorney General Marty Jackley takes no position on any such proposal for purposes of the ballot explanation.
The sponsors of the proposed Constitutional Amendment were Rep. Will Mortenson and Sen. Casey Crabtree which was approved by the 2025 South Dakota Legislature.
The Attorney General's explanation was finalized after a review of all the comments received during the 10-day comment period on the Attorney General's draft explanation. No comments were received by the deadline.
Language for the final initiated ballot measure explanation can be found here (https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3083).
For more information regarding ballot measures, please visit the Secretary of State's website.
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3083
R.I. Gov. McKee Budget Amendment Secures $1.6 Million to Protect and Preserve Maternal Health Services at Newport Hospital Birthing Center
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 19 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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McKee Budget Amendment Secures $1.6 Million to Protect and Preserve Maternal Health Services at Newport Hospital Birthing Center
On Friday, the McKee Administration submitted a budget amendment to provide $1.6 million in additional funding to the Newport Hospital's Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. The funding is exclusive to the birthing center and contingent on the continued operation of the center.
The Governor's proposal comes in direct response to the financial
... Show Full Article
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 19 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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McKee Budget Amendment Secures $1.6 Million to Protect and Preserve Maternal Health Services at Newport Hospital Birthing Center
On Friday, the McKee Administration submitted a budget amendment to provide $1.6 million in additional funding to the Newport Hospital's Noreen Stonor Drexel Birthing Center. The funding is exclusive to the birthing center and contingent on the continued operation of the center.
The Governor's proposal comes in direct response to the financialchallenges identified by Brown University Health regarding the continued operation of the birthing center.
"My administration continues to prioritize women's health care, and that includes maternal health care," said Governor Dan McKee.
"We understand what a critical community resource the Newport Birthing Center is, and while our behind-the-scenes advocacy with Brown University Health helped keep the Newport Birthing Center open to date, this proposal puts additional state resources behind protecting access to local maternal health care services for Rhode Island families."
Recently, Brown University Health made public its call for $4.9 million in additional funding in order to keep the birthing center open.
The Governor's proposed amendment aligns with the bill submitted by Representative Lauren Carson (D-Dist. 75, Newport) that apportioned the $4.9 million between three pools--State General Revenue, Brown University Health, and philanthropy.
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/mckee-budget-amendment-secures-16-million-protect-and-preserve-maternal-health
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Multi-County Grand Jury Indicts Six in Walmart Check Cashing Scheme
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 19 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts six in Walmart check cashing scheme
The Multi-County Grand Jury has indicted six individuals in connection with a scheme to cash over $100,000 in fraudulent checks at Walmart Supercenters across Oklahoma.
The defendants are accused of using fraudulent checks, stolen identities and fraudulent temporary driver's licenses to obtain cash.
Caleb Ali, Erika Watson, Dominique Price, Amber Smith, Aaron Hensley and Jesus Martinez Jr.
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, May 19 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Multi-County Grand Jury indicts six in Walmart check cashing scheme
The Multi-County Grand Jury has indicted six individuals in connection with a scheme to cash over $100,000 in fraudulent checks at Walmart Supercenters across Oklahoma.
The defendants are accused of using fraudulent checks, stolen identities and fraudulent temporary driver's licenses to obtain cash.
Caleb Ali, Erika Watson, Dominique Price, Amber Smith, Aaron Hensley and Jesus Martinez Jr.face 10 felony counts ranging from conspiracy and forgery in the second degree to false personation.
"Schemes such as these harm businesses, drive up costs and end up hurting hardworking Oklahomans," Attorney General Gentner Drummond said. "My office will continue working to combat fraud and hold offenders accountable to the law."
According to the indictment, the defendants cashed dozens of bogus checks at Walmart Supercenters in Oklahoma City, Midwest City, Norman, Chandler, Glenpool, Edmond, Mustang, Yukon, Kingfisher, Broken Arrow, Moore, Claremore, Pryor, Sand Springs and Stillwater between December 2023 and August 2025.
Ali, Price, Smith and Martinez have prior convictions punishable by imprisonment.
Every person arrested or charged is presumed innocent unless and until convicted in a court of law.
Read the Indictment (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/may/Superseding%20Indictment%20CF-2026-236_Redacted.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/may/multi-county-grand-jury-indicts-six-in-walmart-check-cashing-scheme.html
N.Y. State Education Department Releases Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System Briefs
ALBANY, New York, May 19 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release:
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State Education Department Releases Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System Briefs
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) announced the development of a series of briefs designed to help districts and schools provide students with mental health services that support their well-being and academic success. The New York State Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System briefs were developed to meet the growing demand
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ALBANY, New York, May 19 -- The New York State Education Department issued the following news release:
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State Education Department Releases Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System Briefs
In recognition of May as Mental Health Awareness Month, the New York State Education Department (NYSED) announced the development of a series of briefs designed to help districts and schools provide students with mental health services that support their well-being and academic success. The New York State Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System briefs were developed to meet the growing demandfor schools to establish, strengthen, and sustain systems that promote student wellness through prevention, intervention, and ongoing support within the learning environment.
Board of Regents Chancellor Lester W. Young, Jr. said, "Academic success and student mental health are deeply interconnected, and schools play a critical role in ensuring students' needs are fully supported. Strong school-based mental health systems help create learning environments where students feel safe, valued, and prepared to fully engage in rigorous learning. These briefs will serve as an important resource for districts and schools as they strengthen their systems of care and build sustainable supports that promote student well-being and long-term success."
Commissioner Betty A. Rosa said, "Mental health in schools must be a priority, not an afterthought. Students learn best when their mental well-being is supported, and early intervention and coordinated services help ensure they can fully engage in learning and overcome challenges. A proactive approach is essential to helping young people thrive, and these briefs provide schools with a strong framework for connecting students and families with meaningful supports both in school and throughout their communities."
The briefs were created by NYSED's Office of Student Support Services, using the comprehensive school-based mental health systems model developed by the National Center for School Mental Health. This model provides a framework for student wellness that emphasizes prevention, equity, and coordinated systems of care, while also building long-term systems, rather than relying only on isolated programs or crisis response. The briefs are a resource for schools to use at their discretion and support local decision-making guided by district priorities, needs assessment data, and other applicable guidance.
Each of the six briefs focuses on a major component of a comprehensive school mental health system, providing an introductory framework on School Leadership; Mental Health Teaming; Family and Community Partnerships; School Climate; Promotion and Prevention; and Targeted and Intensive Interventions. The briefs can be used by district and school personnel responsible for school-based mental health supports for students and staff, including:
* District leadership (board of education members, superintendents, central office staff)
* Building leaders (principals and assistant principals)
* Student support staff (school counselors, school social workers, school psychologists, school nurses)
* MTSS, school improvement, and/or school climate teams
* Community-based mental health partners and school-community partnership teams
The New York State Comprehensive School-Based Mental Health System briefs were developed to align with the social-emotional competencies embedded within the New York State Portrait of a Graduate. The briefs are among many resources available from NYSED's Office of Student Support Services to assist schools in their development of inclusive, supportive school environments, with a whole-child approach to student health and well-being.
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Original text here: https://www.nysed.gov/news/2026/state-education-department-releases-comprehensive-school-based-mental-health-system-briefs
Ga. A.G. Carr Indicts Five in Statewide Medicaid Fraud Takedown
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 19 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Five in Statewide Medicaid Fraud Takedown
Defendants charged in Athens-Clarke, Gwinnett, Houston and Richmond counties
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Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division has secured indictments against five individuals as part of a focused initiative involving fraud committed against Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver programs. Altogether, the defendants are alleged to have stolen more than $41,000
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, May 19 -- Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr issued the following news release on May 18, 2026:
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Carr Indicts Five in Statewide Medicaid Fraud Takedown
Defendants charged in Athens-Clarke, Gwinnett, Houston and Richmond counties
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Georgia Attorney General Chris Carr today announced that his Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division has secured indictments against five individuals as part of a focused initiative involving fraud committed against Medicaid Home and Community-Based Waiver programs. Altogether, the defendants are alleged to have stolen more than $41,000from the Georgia Medicaid program, with indictments obtained in Athens-Clarke, Gwinnett, Houston and Richmond counties.
"Billing for hours never worked is one of the most pervasive forms of Medicaid fraud, and it will result in prosecution by our office," said Carr. "This isn't a victimless crime - it's draining taxpayer dollars and hurting patients. Here in Georgia, we won't look the other way - we're recovering every dollar and taking action against those who cheat the system."
These cases were investigated by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (HHS-OIG) and the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division.
Information about each indictment is included below.
Athens-Clarke County Indictment
Sherry Waldrop previously served as a personal care assistant for a Medicaid recipient enrolled in the self-directed care waiver option. As asserted in the indictment, after the patient cancelled her services, Waldrop continued reporting time for care that was not provided. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $10,596.06.
On May 5, 2026, the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division presented evidence to an Athens-Clarke County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Sherry Waldrop. The defendant is facing the following charges
Sherry Waldrop, 64, of Winterville:
* 10 counts of Medicaid Fraud
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/20260505-state-v-waldroppdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download) .
Gwinnett County Indictments
Siavash Jamshidi-Barzi was previously employed by Atlanta Elderly Home Care (Atlanta Elderly) as a personal care assistant. As asserted in the indictment, Jamshidi-Barzi submitted timesheets to Atlanta Elderly for periods in 2022 and 2023 for services he never provided. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program in excess of $6,500.00.
On May 7, 2026, the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division presented evidence to a Gwinnett County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Siavash Jamshidi-Barzi. The defendant is facing the following charges.
Siavash Jamshidi-Barzi, 62, of Sugar Hill:
* 2 counts of Theft by Taking
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/20260507-state-v-jamshidi-barzipdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download).
Sade Fisher provided care for a Medicaid recipient enrolled in the self-directed care waiver option. As asserted in the indictment, Fisher billed for services not rendered to the patient. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $10,594.90.
On May 14, 2026, the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division presented evidence to a Gwinnett County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Sade Fisher. The defendant is facing the following charges.
Sade Fisher, 32, of Duluth:
* 7 counts of Medicaid Fraud
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/20260514-state-v-fisherpdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download) .
Houston County Indictment
Tenesha Dykes provided care for a Medicaid recipient enrolled in the self-directed care waiver option. As asserted in the indictment, Dykes submitted timesheets for services not rendered to the patient. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $8,527.16.
On May 12, 2026, the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division presented evidence to a Houston County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Tenesha Dykes. The defendant is facing the following charges.
Tenesha Dykes, 47, of Warner Robins:
* 4 counts of Medicaid Fraud
* Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/20260513-state-v-dykespdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download).
Richmond County Indictment
Mikael Pettersend worked for Prime Care Home Care Services (Prime Care). As asserted in the indictment, Pettersend billed for services for a Medicaid patient who was no longer under his care. Overall, the defendant is alleged to have defrauded the Georgia Medicaid program of $4,871.00.
On May 12, 2026, the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division presented evidence to a Richmond County Grand Jury, resulting in the indictment* of Mikael Pettersend. The defendant is facing the following charges.
Mikael Pettersend, 44, of Augusta:
* 4 counts of Identity Fraud
* 1 count of Theft by Taking
Find a copy of the indictment here (https://law.georgia.gov/document/document/20260512-state-v-pettersendpdf--UNPUBLISHED-document--DO-NOT-SHARE-this-URL--/download).
No further information about the investigations or the indictments may be released at this time by the Attorney General's Office.
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About the Attorney General's Medicaid Fraud Division
Since Attorney General Chris Carr first took office, his Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division has secured more than 100 convictions for Medicaid fraud and the abuse, neglect and exploitation of older adults, resulting in nearly $26 million in restitution orders in criminal matters. Over this same period, Carr's Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division has obtained civil settlements and judgements totaling more than $138 million as a result of its efforts to safeguard the Georgia Medicaid program.
The Medicaid Fraud and Patient Protection Division receives 75 percent of its funding from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services under a grant award totaling $5,381,304 for Federal FY 2026. The remaining 25 percent, totaling $1,793,768, is funded by the State of Georgia.
*Members of the public should keep in mind that indictments contain only allegations against the individual against whom the indictment is sought. A defendant is presumed innocent until proven guilty, and it will be the government's burden at trial to prove the defendant guilty beyond a reasonable doubt of the allegations contained in the indictment.
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Original text here: https://law.georgia.gov/press-releases/2026-05-18/carr-indicts-five-statewide-medicaid-fraud-takedown
Ariz. DOT: Arizona Wallet Can Now Hold Vehicle Documents
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 19 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Arizona Wallet can now hold vehicle documents
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is adding features and functions to the most recent digital wallet option for Arizona residents. You can now add your vehicle registration and title directly to your Arizona Wallet.
This new feature allows you to view these documents anytime, get notified before the registration expires and link directly to AZMVDNow.gov to renew the registration. The alerts view on the home screen
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 19 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Arizona Wallet can now hold vehicle documents
The Arizona Department of Transportation Motor Vehicle Division is adding features and functions to the most recent digital wallet option for Arizona residents. You can now add your vehicle registration and title directly to your Arizona Wallet.
This new feature allows you to view these documents anytime, get notified before the registration expires and link directly to AZMVDNow.gov to renew the registration. The alerts view on the home screenalso keeps you informed about upcoming driver license expiration dates. This update will also notify you when a new vehicle is added to your account so you can choose whether to add it to your Arizona wallet or not.
Arizona is one of the first states to offer a digital wallet that can not only hold additional digital documents than an ID or driver license, but also alert you of certain dates and other reminders.
"ADOT MVD is happy to once again help get Arizona residents out of the line and safely on the road," said Michael Cryderman, ADOT MVD Director. "Arizona Wallet is another example of ADOT MVD being a leader in offering additional convenient functionality through smartphones and securely conducting business in this digital age."
The Arizona Wallet app is available to download on the App Store and Google Play. Once downloaded to your phone, follow the instructions to upload your driver license or ID to the Arizona Wallet.
Arizona Wallet is compliant with North American implementation guidelines and international standards, allowing it to be recognized and used nationally and even internationally going forward.
Arizonans can currently use and securely present a digital ID at over 250 TSA airport security checkpoints, the MVD online portal AZMVDNOW.gov and at participating retailers with the Smart ID Verifier app available on iPhone, or other digital readers.
Arizona residents should continue to keep their physical registration and insurance in the vehicle to use in other situations, including with law enforcement.
Arizona was the first state to offer four options to store and present a digital license or ID on a smartphone. Arizona first offered the Mobile ID (mID) in 2021, then in 2022 was the first state to offer ID in Apple Wallet. Google Wallet and Samsung Wallet for Android devices became available for Arizona driver licenses or ID cards in 2023. Then earlier this year, ADOT MVD collaborated with AstreaX to bring this new state controlled digital wallet to Arizonans.
To learn more about mobile options for Arizona driver licenses and state IDs, please visit azdot.gov/DigitalIDs.
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Original text here: https://azdot.gov/news/arizona-wallet-can-now-hold-vehicle-documents
