States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
W.Va. State Treasurer Pack Releases Hope Scholarship Parent Satisfaction Survey for 2025-2026 School Year
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 27 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release:
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Treasurer Pack Releases Hope Scholarship Parent Satisfaction Survey for 2025-2026 School Year
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, is encouraging Hope Scholarship participants who were enrolled in the program for the 2025-2026 school year to fill out a Parent Satisfaction Survey, which is required by state law.
"Since I took office, it has been our goal to better understand why parents are choosing the Hope Scholarship for their
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, May 27 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release:
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Treasurer Pack Releases Hope Scholarship Parent Satisfaction Survey for 2025-2026 School Year
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the Hope Scholarship Board, is encouraging Hope Scholarship participants who were enrolled in the program for the 2025-2026 school year to fill out a Parent Satisfaction Survey, which is required by state law.
"Since I took office, it has been our goal to better understand why parents are choosing the Hope Scholarship for theirchildren," Treasurer Pack said. "It is clear parents are taking advantage of additional options within our education system to find the best fit for their child's unique needs - and we want to learn more about that. We truly believe this data can be beneficial to conversations we are having with policy makers, the media, and the public."
Each participating family should respond to the 13-question survey one time instead of once per student. The survey includes 12 multiple choice questions and one open-ended question for families to provide detailed feedback of their experience with the Hope Scholarship Program.
The survey was distributed to Hope families via email on Tuesday, May 26. Data from the survey will be included in the 2025-2026 Hope Scholarship Annual Report which is completed by the end of the calendar year.
Since January, more than 24,000 students have started Hope Scholarship applications for the 2026-2027 school year. Of the 24,095 applications, more than 13,000 are returning Hope Scholarship recipients who submitted their Continuing Participation Confirmations. More than 11,000 are new students who applied for the program.
Treasurer Pack announced in March that all West Virginia children in grades K-12, including existing private school and traditional homeschool students who have not previously been eligible for the Hope Scholarship Program, are now eligible to apply to participate in the State's Education Savings Account program that provides funding to students exercising school choice in lieu of attending public school full-time.
The application deadline for new students to receive full funding for the Hope Scholarship for the 2026-2027 academic year is Monday, June 15. Applications are available online at www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov.
A student application submitted within the following dates will receive the associated level of Hope Scholarship funding:
* March 2-June 15: 100% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
* June 16-Sept. 15: 75% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
* Sept. 16-Nov. 30: 50% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
* Dec. 1-Feb. 28: 25% of Hope Scholarship annual award amount.
Current Hope Scholarship students who wish to renew their participation in the program during the 2026-2027 school year have until June 15 to submit their Continuing Participation Confirmations.
The Hope Scholarship award amount varies each school year depending on the amount of state aid funding per pupil provided to county boards of education for public school students. The scholarship amount for the 2026-2027 school year $5,435.62. Scholarship funds will now be distributed on a quarterly basis.
For more information on the Hope Scholarship, visit www.HopeScholarshipWV.gov.
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Original text here: https://wvtreasury.gov/About/Press-Releases/details/treasurer-pack-releases-hope-scholarship-parent-satisfaction-survey-for-2025-2026-school-year
R.I. Gov. McKee and Bipartisan New England States Urge FERC to Reject Profit Increase for Transmission Owners
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 27 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Governor McKee and Bipartisan New England States Urge FERC to Reject Profit Increase for Transmission Owners
All six New England governors submit joint statement opposing major profit increase for transmission utilities
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Governor Dan McKee joined with a bipartisan group of New England governors to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject a proposal by New England transmission owners to significantly increase their allowed profits at the expense
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 27 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Governor McKee and Bipartisan New England States Urge FERC to Reject Profit Increase for Transmission Owners
All six New England governors submit joint statement opposing major profit increase for transmission utilities
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Governor Dan McKee joined with a bipartisan group of New England governors to urge the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission (FERC) to reject a proposal by New England transmission owners to significantly increase their allowed profits at the expenseof ratepayers. Governor McKee joined Massachusetts Governor Maura Healey, Connecticut Governor Ned Lamont, Maine Governor Janet Mills, New Hampshire Governor Kelly Ayotte, and Vermont Governor Phil Scott in a joint statement filed with FERC.
"We fear this unreasonable increase in transmission rates will needlessly burden the region's households and businesses, impair our economic competitiveness, and undermine our efforts to deploy transmission investment that is needed to maintain reliability, improve affordability, and access additional electricity supplies," said the Governors. "We therefore urge the Commission to scrutinize--and ultimately reject--this proposal, paying particular attention to its ratepayer impacts. We further urge the Commission to ensure that any future proposed changes to the NETOs' ROE only be approved if they carefully balance and reflect current financial market conditions, regional economic realities, and the overarching need to protect ratepayers from unjustified cost increases."
On April 30, New England transmission owners filed a proposal with FERC requesting an increase in their base return on equity (ROE) percentage from 9.57%, the rate FERC just recently ordered in a March 19 decision, to 11.39% for transmission investment in the New England region. In this March decision, FERC ordered the transmission utilities to cut their allowed ROE and issue more than $1 billion in refunds to customers, after years of advocacy by New England states. Transmission rates in New England are more than double the average in other organized markets.
The McKee Administration is also working to lower local electricity costs through Rhode Island Energy's ongoing distribution rate case before the state's Public Utilities Commission. In that proceeding, the Division of Public Utilities and Carriers has recommended the lowest allowed ROE for the state's electric utility in decades, helping ensure utility costs are carefully controlled for Rhode Island ratepayers.
The full statement is available here [files.constantcontact.com].
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-and-bipartisan-new-england-states-urge-ferc-reject-profit-increase
R.I. Gov. McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Serve as Chairperson of Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 27 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Governor McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Serve as Chairperson of Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission
Today, Governor Dan McKee announced his nomination of Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH, to serve as chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
In 2024, Reddish was nominated by Governor McKee and later confirmed to serve as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office. In this role, she was responsible for coordinating
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, May 27 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Governor McKee Nominates Michelle Reddish to Serve as Chairperson of Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission
Today, Governor Dan McKee announced his nomination of Michelle A. Reddish, MS, MPH, to serve as chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission (CCC).
In 2024, Reddish was nominated by Governor McKee and later confirmed to serve as the first administrator of the Rhode Island Cannabis Office. In this role, she was responsible for coordinatingwith the CCC on the oversight and administration of cannabis use across Rhode Island.
Reddish has played a central role in building Rhode Island's cannabis regulatory framework, supporting the promulgation of comprehensive adult-use cannabis regulations, and formally establishing the Cannabis Office as the operational arm of the Cannabis Control Commission.
She administered the initial adult-use cannabis retail license application period, supported statewide technical assistance efforts for prospective applicants, and helped oversee the transition of regulatory oversight of hemp and hemp-derived products to the Commission.
Reddish has also demonstrated a willingness to be flexible and adaptive to help ensure Rhode Island develops a strong and diverse marketplace. Her work has helped guide the implementation of one of the State's most complex new regulatory structures, grounded in public health, safety, and transparency.
"In just two years, Michelle has demonstrated a deep understanding of Rhode Island's cannabis landscape and how we can continue to effectively and safely regulate it," said Governor McKee. "I'm confident her time leading the state's Cannabis Office--combined with her significant expertise in regulatory compliance, development, and technological advancement--will serve her well in this new role."
The CCC is responsible for the regulation, licensing, and enforcement requirements regarding regulated cannabis establishments and exercises all powers necessary for the implementation, administration, and enforcement of cannabis regulation and policy for both medical and adult-use cannabis.
Prior to her time in Rhode Island, Reddish served as the Chief Operating Officer at the Oklahoma Medical Marijuana Authority (OMMA), the independent state agency regulating Oklahoma's medical marijuana program. She also worked as OMMA's Chief Regulatory Officer for Compliance.
Reddish earned her master's degree in occupational health and safety from Tulane University's School of Public Health and Tropical Medicine and also received a master's degree in cell and molecular biology from Tulane. She earned her master's degree in healthcare management from the University of New Orleans.
"I am deeply honored and grateful to be nominated by Governor McKee as Chairperson of the Rhode Island Cannabis Control Commission. I'm proud to continue contributing to the growth and success of Rhode Island and its cannabis industry," said Reddish. "I remain committed to supporting safety, transparency, and equity, and I'm sincerely thankful for the trust placed in me. I look forward to the work ahead and this next chapter."
Reddish's name has been submitted to the Senate for advice and consent. If confirmed by the Rhode Island Senate, Reddish would replace former chairperson Kim Ahern, who stepped down in October 2025 (https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-announces-chairperson-kim-ahern-conclude-tenure-rhode-island-cannabis).
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-nominates-michelle-reddish-serve-chairperson-rhode-island-cannabis
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 27 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed veteran federal prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney of Montclair, New Jersey, to serve as the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
Created in 1998, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) is responsible for conducting full and fair investigations to ensure successful criminal prosecutions, civil
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, May 27 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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Veteran Federal Prosecutor Named to Serve as Insurance Fraud Prosecutor
Attorney General Jennifer Davenport announced today that Gov. Mikie Sherrill has appointed veteran federal prosecutor Bernard J. Cooney of Montclair, New Jersey, to serve as the New Jersey Insurance Fraud Prosecutor.
Created in 1998, the Office of the Insurance Fraud Prosecutor (OIFP) is responsible for conducting full and fair investigations to ensure successful criminal prosecutions, civiladjudications, licensing sanctions or other appropriate dispositions in matters alleging insurance fraud.
"Bernard Cooney's career in public service makes him the ideal candidate to take over the Office of Insurance Fraud Prosecutor," said Governor Sherrill. "His deep experience in pursuing criminal and civil cases involving healthcare fraud, white collar crime, and financial fraud aligns extremely well with the strategic mission of the OIFP. He takes the helm of an agency that is already working hard to root out insurance abuse and fraud and keep costs low for the people of New Jersey."
"The people of New Jersey are fortunate to have an experienced public servant like Bernard Cooney in this important role," said Attorney General Davenport. "Bernard Cooney brings a proven record of experience and accomplishment to his new position. He will build on the success the OIFP has built in rooting out and prosecuting anyone attempting to illegally use the insurance business to line their own pockets."
Cooney worked as an assistant U.S. Attorney - District of New Jersey from June 2013 to March 2022, and from May 2023 to March 2025. At the U.S. Attorney's Office, he served as the chief of the Health Care Fraud Unit from July 2024 to March 2025, supervising a unit of 12 attorneys dedicated to criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of complex health care fraud schemes and violations of the Anti-Kickback Statute, the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act, and the False Claims Act. As an Assistant U.S. Attorney, he investigated and prosecuted health care fraud and national security matters. He also served as the office's International Mutual Legal Assistance Treaty (MLAT) Coordinator and worked for the office's National Security Unit, where he investigated and prosecuted theft of trade secrets, sanctions evasion, terrorism, and other national security matters.
His service at the U.S. Attorney's Office also included working as the chief of the Government Fraud Unit, supervising eight attorneys responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of government program fraud, including Paycheck Protection Program loan fraud, bank fraud, money laundering, and False Claims Act violations.
As Acting Chief of the Opioid Abuse Prevention & Enforcement Unit he supervised a team of attorneys and paraprofessionals responsible for criminal and civil investigations and prosecutions of improper diversion of opioids and other prescription drugs and related health care fraud offenses, including fraud against the government and private health insurance plans, kickback schemes, and False Claims Act violations. He also served on the Health Care Fraud Unit and the Narcotics/Organized Crime Drug Enforcement Task Force.
From March 2022 to May 2023, Cooney worked for the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA), where he was ultimately promoted to Principal Counsel, Enforcement Department. Cooney investigated and prosecuted violations of securities industry rules, regulations, and laws; advised investigative and examination staff on regulatory violations; effectively negotiated settlements; drafted settlement documents, complaints, and internal memoranda.
"It is an honor to be nominated to this position and join the men and women who are working so hard to prevent fraud in our insurance systems," said Cooney. "I look forward to joining the team and continuing this important work."
Most recently, Cooney was a partner with the firm Clark Guldin in Montclair, New Jersey, handling white collar criminal defense, government investigations, and complex commercial litigation. He earned his bachelor's degree from St. Joseph's University in Philadelphia and his law degree at Benjamin N. Cardozo School of Law in New York.
The OIFP serves as the focal point for the coordination of all criminal, civil and administrative prosecutions of Medicaid and insurance fraud. The office also coordinates all insurance-related anti-fraud activities of state and local departments and agencies. Cooney must be confirmed by the New Jersey State Senate. He has been serving as Acting Insurance Fraud Prosecutor since May 18, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/veteran-federal-prosecutor-named-to-serve-as-insurance-fraud-prosecutor/
N.H. A.G. Formella: State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 27 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) have reached a settlement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in the Town of Hanover.
A NHDES compliance inspection revealed
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, May 27 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on May 26, 2026:
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State Settles Hazardous Waste Handling Violations by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the New Hampshire Department of Justice and the Department of Environmental Services (NHDES) have reached a settlement with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers' Cold Regions Research and Engineering Laboratory (CRREL) in the Town of Hanover.
A NHDES compliance inspection revealednumerous violations of the Hazardous Waste Management Act, RSA 147-A, and associated administrative rules, associated with CRREL's management of waste streams generated from a groundwater treatment process to address legacy trichlorethylene (TCE) contamination at the facility.
NHDES cited CRREL for failing to properly perform hazardous waste determinations related to byproducts of the groundwater treatment process, shipping hazardous waste as non-hazardous, as well as other waste storage and reporting violations.
Following corrective action to remedy the violations, CRREL agreed to enter into an Administrative Order by Consent and to pay a $200,000 civil forfeiture to the State.
"Compliance with our Hazardous Waste laws and regulations is critical to the continued safety of the public and protection of our natural resources. We hold all generators and handlers of hazardous waste, including the federal government, to strict compliance with the law," said Attorney General Formella. "Civil penalties like this one are an important tool to deter noncompliance. We will continue to enforce our state environmental laws and hold violators accountable."
The civil forfeiture will be deposited in the New Hampshire hazardous waste cleanup fund under RSA 147-B as required by law.
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/state-settles-hazardous-waste-handling-violations-us-army-corps-engineers-cold
LCRA Awards $25,000 Grant to Fulton VFD
AUSTIN, Texas, May 27 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Fulton VFD
New utility task vehicle will improve wildfire response in Aransas County
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department a $25,000 grant for a utility task vehicle and 100-gallon skid unit.
* The UTV will better equip first responders to navigate hard-to-reach areas and enhance emergency response capabilities.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applications
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, May 27 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release:
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LCRA awards $25,000 grant to Fulton VFD
New utility task vehicle will improve wildfire response in Aransas County
Key Takeaways
* LCRA awards the Fulton Volunteer Fire Department a $25,000 grant for a utility task vehicle and 100-gallon skid unit.
* The UTV will better equip first responders to navigate hard-to-reach areas and enhance emergency response capabilities.
* The grant is one of 41 being awarded through LCRA's Community Grants program through June. LCRA will accept applicationsin July for the next round of grants.
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FULTON, Texas - The Fulton Volunteer Fire Department soon will add a much-needed utility task vehicle to its fleet, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority.
The LCRA Community Grant, along with $20,715 in matching funds from the VFD, will enable first responders to get to areas where larger fire trucks cannot go. Aransas County has a growing number of housing developments being constructed in lower-lying marsh areas, increasing the need for an agile, more versatile vehicle for emergency responses.
"This UTV is going to be an absolute game changer," said Cody Morales, Fulton VFD fire chief. "Our area is changing. More homes are being built and brush is being cleared out, so having a smaller unit that can get behind houses and in between trees without too much damage is important. Our larger brush trucks can't get to some of the lower-lying marsh areas, and even when they can, sometimes they're knocking down trees trying to get where they need to be."
The UTV also will be equipped with a skid unit with a 100-gallon tank and a specialized stretcher, known as a Stokes basket, for medical emergencies and evacuations in difficult-to-reach areas.
"The Stokes Basket will allow us to provide medical service more quickly, which could be for one of our downed firefighters or a community member," Morales said.
Fulton VFD serves Aransas County, Fulton, Rockport and surrounding counties through mutual aid.
"We're a small department in one of the smallest counties in Texas," Morales said. "Without this grant we would be saving up for about three to five years to pay for this equipment. We are a 100% volunteer department, and we respond to between 400 and 500 calls each year. This grant from LCRA is going to make a huge difference to our volunteers and the community."
This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas.
Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in July. More information is available at www.lcra.org/grants.
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About LCRA
The Lower Colorado River Authority serves communities across Texas by managing the lower Colorado River, generating and transmitting wholesale electric power, providing clean water supplies, operating telecommunications infrastructure, and owning parks for outdoor recreation. LCRA delivers power, water and infrastructure that support the region's growth and quality of life. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. Created by the Texas Legislature in 1934, LCRA receives no state appropriations.
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Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-awards-25000-grant-to-fulton-vfd/
Ariz. State Senate Republicans Send Bill Cracking Down on Squatters to Governor
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senate Republicans Send Bill Cracking Down on Squatters to Governor
Arizona Senate Republicans are advancing stronger protections for homeowners with legislation designed to speed up the removal of unlawful occupants from private property. SB 1426, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers, just cleared the legislature today and is headed to the governor's desk.
SB 1426 creates a clearer and faster process for homeowners to remove unlawful occupants from their property. The bill outlines
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, May 27 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senate Republicans Send Bill Cracking Down on Squatters to Governor
Arizona Senate Republicans are advancing stronger protections for homeowners with legislation designed to speed up the removal of unlawful occupants from private property. SB 1426, sponsored by Senator Wendy Rogers, just cleared the legislature today and is headed to the governor's desk.
SB 1426 creates a clearer and faster process for homeowners to remove unlawful occupants from their property. The bill outlineswhen someone can be considered an unauthorized occupant, including individuals who are not tenants, immediate family members, or parties to an agreement with the property owner.
It also allows courts to issue writs of restitution immediately after a judgment in qualifying cases, allowing homeowners to regain possession of their property without unnecessary delays. SB 1426 further directs the Arizona Supreme Court to establish expedited procedures for resolving these cases while preserving all existing protections and remedies under Arizona's Residential Landlord and Tenant Act.
"Private property rights are not a suggestion; they are a cornerstone of our freedoms," said Senator Rogers. "If someone breaks into your home, moves into your property, and refuses to leave, the law should stand with the homeowner, not the unlawful occupant. That's just common sense. This bill has been years in the making, and we've worked tirelessly with stakeholders, lawmakers, and law enforcement to get it right. The overwhelming support we've received, including from members of law enforcement who deal with these situations firsthand, shows just how badly these reforms are needed. Arizonans shouldn't have to spend months fighting to reclaim property they already own. SB 1426 cuts through the red tape, closes loopholes that have been exploited for too long, and puts homeowners back where they belong--in control of their property. I'm proud to see this legislation finally reach the governor's desk and hopeful she will sign it into law so Arizona families can receive the protections they deserve."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senate-republicans-send-bill-cracking-down-on-squatters-to-governor
