States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
MassDEP Fines Cleanup Contractor for Waste Violations in Gardner and Hanson
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 14 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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MassDEP Fines Cleanup Contractor for Waste Violations in Gardner and Hanson
MassDEP has assessed a $51,000 penalty to AMPM Restoration LLC for violating hazardous waste and waste site cleanup regulations.
In February 2024, the Gardner Fire Department reported that approximately 30 gallons of heating oil had leaked from a basement storage tank at a private residence. AMPM of Hanson was initially hired to clean up the spill. The company transported
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 14 -- The Massachusetts Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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MassDEP Fines Cleanup Contractor for Waste Violations in Gardner and Hanson
MassDEP has assessed a $51,000 penalty to AMPM Restoration LLC for violating hazardous waste and waste site cleanup regulations.
In February 2024, the Gardner Fire Department reported that approximately 30 gallons of heating oil had leaked from a basement storage tank at a private residence. AMPM of Hanson was initially hired to clean up the spill. The company transportedapproximately 70 partially filled drums of hazardous waste from the site to its unlicensed transfer facility in Hanson without a hazardous waste transporter license.
The company also did not respond to MassDEP's written request for information about how the waste was transported and disposed of.
Once the drums were removed, the Gardner homeowner hired a Licensed Site Professional (LSP), who informed MassDEP that AMPM had taken the drums from the residence. Under the LSP's oversight, the same drums of waste were later properly transported from AMPM's unlicensed facility and disposed of, with required documentation and manifests.
"Waste oil and debris generated during an oil spill cleanup must be transported by a licensed hauler to a permitted receiving facility," said Andrea Briggs, acting regional director of the MassDEP Central Regional Office in Worcester. "Failure to follow regulated procedures for managing hazardous waste endangers public health and safety."
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/massdep-fines-cleanup-contractor-for-waste-violations-in-gardner-and-hanson
Mass. Elementary & Secondary Education Dept.: Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast in Supporting Student Food Security & Local Food Systems
BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 14 -- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast in Supporting Student Food Security & Local Food Systems
Administration tours New Bedford Public Schools' state-of-the art Culinary and Nutrition Center
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New Bedford -- Following Governor Maura Healey's Massachusetts School Breakfast Week proclamation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration visited New Bedford Public Schools today to lift up the critical role school
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BOSTON, Massachusetts, March 14 -- The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Healey-Driscoll Administration Highlights Importance of School Breakfast in Supporting Student Food Security & Local Food Systems
Administration tours New Bedford Public Schools' state-of-the art Culinary and Nutrition Center
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New Bedford -- Following Governor Maura Healey's Massachusetts School Breakfast Week proclamation, the Healey-Driscoll Administration visited New Bedford Public Schools today to lift up the critical role schoolbreakfast programs play in supporting student success, reducing food insecurity and grocery costs for families, and strengthening the local food system across Massachusetts.
Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw, Department of Elementary and Secondary Education Food and Nutrition Programs Director Rob Leshin, Project Bread and state and local officials served "Grab and Go" breakfast at Taylor Elementary School and toured the district's new Culinary and Nutrition Center, a 17,000 square foot facility that opened in July 2025. The state-of-the art center includes a refrigerated food preparation area, commercial walk-in cooler and freezer, blast cooler and freezer, storage areas and a commercial cook kitchen.
"A healthy breakfast allows students to start the day focused, engaged and ready to learn," said Governor Healey. "School breakfast programs, such as New Bedford, not only prepare students to thrive in the classroom--they also help ease grocery costs for families. We're excited to see more students taking advantage of these meals and grateful to our school nutrition professionals who make them possible every day."
"New Bedford's Culinary Center is a win, win, win model - helping students access healthy food, providing jobs and supporting the local economy and food system," said Lieutenant Governor Kim Driscoll. "When kids have access to healthy food at school, they're better prepared to reach their full potential. We're proud to partner with districts across Massachusetts that are finding innovative ways to make breakfast accessible to more students."
Participation in school meals continues to grow after Governor Healey made state-supported universal free school meals permanent, making Massachusetts one of only nine states to provide school meals at no cost to all students. School breakfast programs now serve around 292,000 students each day, a 20 percent increase, representing an additional 48,000 students per day compared to the 2022-23 school year. Stable funding for universal free school meals has allowed school nutrition programs to plan ahead and invest in healthy meals that incorporate local produce.
The administration is committed to increasing school breakfast participation to make sure students have the fuel they need to stay alert and focused throughout the school day. The effort is also part of Governor Maura Healey's Anti-Hunger Task Force's work to mitigate President Trump's cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) and adopt long-term solutions to hunger. While more students are eating school breakfast, the number of students who eat lunch each day is still about double the number who eat breakfast. In fall 2024, 292,000 students ate breakfast daily while 595,000 ate lunch.
"While the federal government continues to attack nutrition programs, in Massachusetts we remain committed to expanding food access. It was wonderful to visit New Bedford's Culinary Center today and see what is possible when school communities come together with local food business to provide healthy and culturally appropriate meals to all students," said Acting Education Secretary Amy Kershaw. "Expanding access to school breakfast helps reduce food insecurity, supporting working families and ensures students have the energy they need to succeed in class."
"I am proud of Massachusetts' commitment to universal free school meals, including breakfast, which helps students be ready to learn," said Elementary and Secondary Education Commissioner Pedro Martinez. "I'm grateful for the important and innovative work of school nutrition staff and hope students are taking advantage of the free meals available to them."
New Bedford Public Schools' Food and Nutrition Services provided more than 1.2 million breakfasts throughout the 24-25 school year, as well as 1.9 million lunches, 65,000 afterschool meals and 519,000 pieces of produce as part of the USDA's Fresh Fruit and Vegetable Program. The city says its new central kitchen allows the school district to deliver better meals to students more efficiently and consistently across the district. The center has also enabled the district to serve as the school food vendor for local charter and private schools, as well as include more local products in the meals, working with local farmers and fishers.
"I'm very grateful to New Bedford's food service team who have achieved record student participation in recent years and go above and beyond to ensure the highest standards in our breakfast and lunch programs all across the city," said New Bedford Public Schools Superintendent Andrew O'Leary.
"School breakfast is critical not only for our children but also for the future of our city and the Commonwealth. The opening of the NBPS Central Kitchen in 2025 marked a new chapter for New Bedford's students and families, and serves as a testament to what Gateway Cities can achieve when invested in," said State Representative Antonio Cabral (D-New Bedford). "Thank you to Acting Secretary Kershaw and the Healey-Driscoll Administration for their partnership and for recognizing the incredible work happening right here in New Bedford."
Research consistently shows that students who eat breakfast perform better academically, have improved attendance, and experience fewer behavioral and social-emotional challenges. School breakfast programs also improve food security and protect against obesity and other negative health outcomes.
"When we invest in school breakfast, we invest in our children's health and our shared future. At Project Bread, we work to remove barriers between students and the food they need to succeed. One powerful example is Grab & Go breakfast, which makes free breakfast part of the school day instead of putting that responsibility on families," said Sarah Cluggish, Chief Program Officer of Project Bread, the leading statewide food security nonprofit. "These programs save families time and money, support better classroom experiences for students and teachers, and help ensure every child has a fair chance to thrive. We're proud to partner with districts like New Bedford through Breakfast After the Bell programs and to stand alongside the Healey-Driscoll administration in their commitment to ensuring every student in Massachusetts can access free school meals."
When Massachusetts made universal free school meals permanent, it required all schools participating in the federal National School Lunch Program to also provide breakfast for their students. Under state law, schools where 60 percent or more of students are eligible for free or reduced-price meals under the National School Lunch Program must offer all students a school breakfast after the beginning of the instructional day. This can happen through a variety of models, including breakfast in the classroom, "grab and go" breakfast, and "second chance" breakfast in the cafeteria. The administration works with districts to help them find the model that works best for them.
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Original text here: https://www.mass.gov/news/healey-driscoll-administration-highlights-importance-of-school-breakfast-in-supporting-student-food-security-local-food-systems
Kan. Health & Environment Dept.: Boil Water Advisory Issued for the White Cloud, Doniphan County
TOPEKA, Kansas, March 14 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Boil Water Advisory Issued for the White Cloud, Doniphan County
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of White Cloud public water supply system located in Doniphan County.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
* Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
* Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automatic
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TOPEKA, Kansas, March 14 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Boil Water Advisory Issued for the White Cloud, Doniphan County
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a boil water advisory for the City of White Cloud public water supply system located in Doniphan County.
Customers should observe the following precautions until further notice:
* Boil water for one minute prior to drinking or food preparation or use bottled water.
* Dispose of ice cubes and do not use ice from a household automaticicemaker.
* If your tap water appears dirty, flush the water lines by letting the water run until it clears.
* Disinfect dishes and other food contact surfaces by immersion for at least one minute in clean tap water that contains one teaspoon of unscented household bleach per gallon of water.
* Water used for bathing does not generally need to be boiled. Supervision of children is necessary while bathing so that water is not ingested. Persons with cuts or severe rashes may wish to consult their physicians.
The advisory took effect on March 13, 2026 and will remain in effect until the conditions that placed the system at risk of bacterial contamination are resolved. KDHE officials issued the advisory because of a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss of chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Regardless of whether the public water supplier or Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) announced a boil water advisory, only KDHE can issue the rescind order following testing at a certified laboratory.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at 785-850-7340, or KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit KDHE's PWS Consumer Information webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service
Restaurants and other food establishments that have questions about the impact of the boil water advisory on their business can contact the Kansas Department of Agriculture's food safety & lodging program at kda.fsl@ks.gov or call 785-564-6767.
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Original text here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1881
Ark. Agriculture Dept.: Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 14 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has adopted a policy aimed at protecting agricultural research from benefiting foreign competitors. In a unanimous decision on March 12, the board voted to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for any research that would benefit foreign countries such as Brazil, Argentina, or China.
"I was the first Governor in
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, March 14 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Votes to Protect Producer Funded Research From Foreign Competitors
The Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board has adopted a policy aimed at protecting agricultural research from benefiting foreign competitors. In a unanimous decision on March 12, the board voted to prohibit the use of state soybean checkoff dollars for any research that would benefit foreign countries such as Brazil, Argentina, or China.
"I was the first Governor inthe nation to kick communist China off our farmland and out of our state, and I remain committed to safeguarding Arkansas farmers from foreign interference," said Governor Sanders. "I fully support yesterday's decision by the Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board, because the research done by Arkansas' farmers should never fall into the hands of our foreign adversaries."
"Arkansas farmers invest in research to strengthen Arkansas agriculture, not to subsidize the competitive edge of foreign producers," said Brad Doyle, Arkansas Soybean Promotion Board Chair. "This policy reinforces our board's commitment to Arkansas soybean producers and aligns with the state's clear direction on protecting Arkansas agriculture."
"Arkansas agriculture will not allow foreign competitors to profit from Arkansas producer-funded research," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Farm security is national security, and this decision draws a clear line: Arkansas-funded research belongs to Arkansas farmers."
The Soybean Promotion Board exists to support the growth and competitiveness of the state's soybean sector and is funded by assessments on soybeans grown in Arkansas. In FY 2025, the board funded $3.4 million in research projects focused on topics from breeding and genetics to disease management. By restricting funding for projects that could be shared with foreign competitors, the board aims to ensure that Arkansas-developed varieties, traits, and research findings remain exclusively available to Arkansas and U.S. farmers.
This action aligns with the state's broader legislative efforts and a national push to strengthen protections against foreign adversaries. In 2023, Governor Sanders signed Act 636 into law, restricting certain foreign entities from owning agricultural land and increasing oversight of foreign involvement in the state's agriculture industry. That same year, Governor Sanders became the first governor in the country to remove Communist China from Arkansas farmland.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/arkansas-soybean-promotion-board-votes-to-protect-producer-funded-research-from-foreign-competitors/
Ariz. House Passes Bill to Put Medical Directives on Arizona IDs
PHOENIX, Arizona, March 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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House Passes Bill to Put Medical Directives on Arizona IDs
Rep. Powell's HB 2772 helps protect Arizonans' medical choices in an emergency
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The Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday passed House Bill 2772, sponsored by State Representative Khyl Powell, to make medical directive information easier to recognize in an emergency. The bill passed 49-2 with strong bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
HB 2772 allows Arizonans to indicate on their driver license
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PHOENIX, Arizona, March 14 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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House Passes Bill to Put Medical Directives on Arizona IDs
Rep. Powell's HB 2772 helps protect Arizonans' medical choices in an emergency
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The Arizona House of Representatives on Wednesday passed House Bill 2772, sponsored by State Representative Khyl Powell, to make medical directive information easier to recognize in an emergency. The bill passed 49-2 with strong bipartisan support and now moves to the Senate.
HB 2772 allows Arizonans to indicate on their driver licenseor nonoperating identification card that they have a qualifying health care directive, including a prehospital medical care directive. The bill also replaces Arizona's outdated medical code framework with a clearer medical indicator for people with qualifying adverse medical conditions.
The measure gives first responders, medical personnel, families, and others a clearer way to identify time-sensitive medical information while requiring license holders to confirm at renewal that the information remains current.
"HB 2772 protects a person's right to have lawful medical choices recognized when every second matters," said Representative Powell. "If someone has taken the time to make these decisions with family and medical professionals, the state should not make those wishes harder to find. For someone with a valid directive, this could be the difference between their wishes being honored or missed."
The bill strengthens a right already recognized under Arizona law by giving people a practical way to carry that information with them.
"An orange form sitting on a refrigerator at home does no good if the emergency happens somewhere else," Representative Powell said. "This bill puts that information where it can actually be seen."
HB 2772 also extends liability protections for good-faith reliance on the indicator and states legislative intent for the Arizona Department of Transportation to coordinate with the Arizona health care directives registry and improve public awareness.
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Khyl Powell is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 14 in Gilbert. He serves as Vice Chairman of the House Judiciary Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260313POWELLHB2772.pdf
Ala. Workforce Dept.: Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways Into Nursing Careers
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers
Alabama reached a historic milestone in workforce development with the approval of its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to register a nursing apprenticeship program. Tuskegee University, in partnership with Baptist Health System, now offers the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. This program, registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Tuskegee University Partnership Expands Access, Experience, and Paid Pathways into Nursing Careers
Alabama reached a historic milestone in workforce development with the approval of its first Historically Black College and University (HBCU) to register a nursing apprenticeship program. Tuskegee University, in partnership with Baptist Health System, now offers the Registered Nursing Apprenticeship Program. This program, registered through the Alabama Office of Apprenticeshipof the Alabama Department of Workforce, establishes a transformative pathway that integrates classroom instruction, paid on-the-job learning and clinical experience, and structured one-on-one mentorship for aspiring nurses at the university.
In addition to early workforce engagement, the program addresses financial barriers that often prevent students from completing nursing degrees. Baptist Health System serves as Tuskegee University's "last dollar" scholarship provider, covering remaining tuition or eligible school-related expenses not met through other financial aid. Apprentices will earn wages working on-the-job while completing clinical rotations across specialty departments which is a benefit not traditionally available to nursing students despite extensive clinical hour requirements.
"This apprenticeship represents a different way of thinking about how we prepare Alabama's healthcare workforce," said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. "By blending education with paid and structured on-the-job learning, we are expanding opportunity for students while helping healthcare employers build a strong, sustainable talent pipeline."
The student nurse apprenticeship program was created by efforts by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship, the Alabama Community College System, the Alabama Board of Nursing, and employers. Tuskegee University joins thirty other postsecondary education institutions in offering the program, marking them as the first four-year HBCU. By combining education with paid on-the-job learning, individualized mentorship, and financial support, this apprenticeship at Tuskegee University strengthens Alabama's healthcare workforce while expanding access to high-demand, high-quality careers.
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About the Student Nurse Apprenticeship Program
Alabama's Student Nurse Apprenticeship program launched in March 2022. Through this innovative model, student nurse apprentices can begin hands-on practice earlier in their academic careers. Apprentices are paired one-on-one with experienced nurse mentors, allowing them to gain meaningful, real-world experience with an individualized approach that significantly boosts student support and clinical readiness.
The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship and the Alabama Department of Workforce continue to work with education, healthcare, and industry partners statewide to expand apprenticeship opportunities that meet employer needs and create meaningful career pathways for Alabamians.
For more information about apprenticeship opportunities in Alabama, visit the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship's website at alapprentice.org.
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Original text here: https://adol.alabama.gov/2026/03/tuskegee-university-partnership-expands-access-experience/
Ala. Workforce Dept.: Alabama Office of Apprenticeship Partners With Vectorply Corporation to Expand Youth Pathways Into Registered Apprenticeship
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Alabama Office of Apprenticeship Partners with Vectorply Corporation to Expand Youth Pathways into Registered Apprenticeship
Vectorply Corporation, in partnership with Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, is launching a youth pathway into registered apprenticeship in Spring 2026. The program is supported by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship of the Alabama Department of Workforce, which serves as the registration agency. This opportunity creates early career
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 14 -- The Alabama Department of Workforce issued the following news release on March 13, 2026:
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Alabama Office of Apprenticeship Partners with Vectorply Corporation to Expand Youth Pathways into Registered Apprenticeship
Vectorply Corporation, in partnership with Central High School in Phenix City, Alabama, is launching a youth pathway into registered apprenticeship in Spring 2026. The program is supported by the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship of the Alabama Department of Workforce, which serves as the registration agency. This opportunity creates early careeropportunities for high school students ages 17 and older to enter advanced manufacturing careers.
Vectorply Corporation has joined trailblazing Alabama manufacturers committed to employing high school students in their registered apprenticeship. This apprenticeship is designed to prepare future operators to work in a highly complex manufacturing facility used to produce advanced composite reinforcement materials. These products are used across multiple industries, including marine, automotive, construction, and other high-performance applications.
Students participating in the program must be enrolled in an approved Career and Technical Education pathway including welding, masonry, construction technology, and modern manufacturing. The apprenticeship also provides students with paid, structured, on-the-job learning while they complete their education, and combines classroom instruction with hands-on learning to provide real-world experience, industry-recognized skills, and a direct pathway to long-term employment.
"Programs like this demonstrate how registered apprenticeship can begin earlier and work better for both students and employers," said Meredith Smith, Director of the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship. "By engaging youth at age 17 and older, Alabama companies are building a stronger, more sustainable workforce while giving students meaningful career opportunities."
Vectorply Corporation's participation reflects a growing interest among Alabama manufacturers in developing local talent and investing in the next generation of skilled workers.
"This program reflects who we are as a company--innovators who invest in people. By welcoming youth apprentices into our advanced manufacturing operations, we're opening doors to long-term careers while strengthening our local workforce. We're excited to show students what's possible in high-performance manufacturing and to grow Alabama talent for the next generation," said Trevor Humphrey, CEO and President of Vectorply Corporation.
Call for Additional Employer Partners
The Alabama Office of Apprenticeship is actively seeking additional employers interested in creating youth pathways into registered apprenticeship programs. Companies across manufacturing, construction, healthcare, and other high-demand industries are encouraged to explore how apprenticeship can support workforce development while creating early career opportunities for Alabama students.
Employers interested in partnering with the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship can learn more at alapprentice.org
The Alabama Department of Workforce and the Alabama Office of Apprenticeship continue to work with education, healthcare, and industry partners statewide to expand apprenticeship opportunities that meet employer needs and create meaningful career pathways for Alabamians.
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Original text here: https://adol.alabama.gov/2026/03/alabama-office-of-apprenticeship-partners-with-vectorply-corporation-to-expand-youth-pathways-into-registered-apprenticeship/
