Targeted News Service

States, Cities and Counties

Mass. Elementary & Secondary Education Dept.: Healey-Driscoll Administration Recruits More Organizations to Serve as Summer Eats Meal Sponsors (1/31/26)

Md. Natural Resources Dept.: National Park Service Awards $100,000 to the State of Maryland for AgriTrails (1/31/26)

Md. State Education Dept.: Federal Funds Available to Serve Free Summer Meals for Youth (1/31/26)

Mo. A.G. Hanaway Files Suit Against U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau To Cease Counting Illegal Aliens, Requests Census Recount (1/31/26)

Mont. Public Health & Human Services Dept.: ParentingMontana.org Relaunches With New Design and Expanded Tools to Support Families (1/31/26)

N.H. Justice Dept.: Public Guidance on Vehicle Inspection Program Status (1/31/26)

NCSU and ECU Agricultural Research Projects Receive $1 Million in Grants From NCDA&CS to Boost State's Agricultural Economy (1/31/26)

States, Cities and Counties

Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties

Featured Stories

Tenn. Gov. Lee Issues Statement on NES Winter Storm Response

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Jan. 31 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2026:

* * *

Gov. Lee Issues Statement on NES Winter Storm Response

Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee issued the following statement on Nashville Electric Service's response to Winter Storm Fern:

"Tennesseans are facing an extremely challenging recovery process as a result of Winter Storm Fern, and they need a clear timeline for power restoration, transparency on the number of linemen deployed, and a better understanding of when work will be completed in their neighborhood.

I have shared my strong ... Show Full Article

Shapiro Administration Fights Hunger in Pennsylvania, Invests $4.1 Million in Food Recovery Infrastructure to Commonwealth Nonprofits

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 31 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection issued the following news on Jan. 30, 2026:

* * *

Shapiro Administration Fights Hunger in Pennsylvania, Invests $4.1 Million in Food Recovery Infrastructure to Commonwealth Nonprofits

The Food Recovery Infrastructure Grant Program helps with the costs of equipment used to store, prepare, and transport recovered safe, fresh, wholesome foods for redistribution

*

The Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP) is investing $4,125,923 in Commonwealth nonprofits, such as food banks, food pantries, ... Show Full Article

Mo. A.G. Hanaway Files Suit Against U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau To Cease Counting Illegal Aliens, Requests Census Recount

JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Jan. 31 -- Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway issued the following news release:

* * *

Missouri Attorney General Hanaway Files Suit Against U.S. Department of Commerce, Census Bureau To Cease Counting Illegal Aliens, Requests Census Recount

To defend our fundamental right to representation in government, Missouri Attorney General Catherine Hanaway filed the most significant election lawsuit in a generation. This first-in-the-nation suit was filed against the United States Department of Commerce (DOC) and the Census Bureau for unconstitutionally allowing illegal ... Show Full Article

Maine State Rep. McCabe Introduces Bill to Support Behavioral Health Care for Maine Youth

AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:

* * *

McCabe introduces bill to support behavioral health care for Maine youth

On Tuesday, Rep. Julie McCabe, D-Lewiston, introduced a measure before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would establish an emergency rate increase and a stabilization fund for children's residential care facilities in Maine.

LD 2125 would provide $1 million to the sustainability fund in order to help stabilize children's residential treatment providers that are in danger of closing.

"Over ... Show Full Article AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * McCabe introduces bill to support behavioral health care for Maine youth On Tuesday, Rep. Julie McCabe, D-Lewiston, introduced a measure before the Legislature's Health and Human Services Committee that would establish an emergency rate increase and a stabilization fund for children's residential care facilities in Maine. LD 2125 would provide $1 million to the sustainability fund in order to help stabilize children's residential treatment providers that are in danger of closing. "Overthe past two decades, countless behavioral health care providers, and with them hundreds of children's residential beds, have shuttered due to financial challenges. Because of this, children with complex behavioral and mental health needs have been forced to languish in emergency rooms and seek care out of the state," said McCabe. "Last summer, I walked through the emergency department floor at Central Maine Medical Center, where kids are forced to spend days, weeks and even months waiting for care. It is nothing short of heartbreaking."

Currently, there are six providers in Maine, but only two serve children and adolescents with intellectual or developmental disabilities. There are 130 licensed care beds in the state, with 76 children presently on the waitlist for residential care services. For the young Mainers who are able to access this care, only 23% receive treatment in their home county, meaning teenagers from Aroostook County may be treated in Lewiston, which would require parents to make a nearly eight-hour round trip to see their child. Additionally, 67 children are residing in facilities in other states, such as Florida and Missouri.

The Health and Human Services Committee will hold a work session on the bill in the coming weeks.

* * *

Rep. McCabe is serving her first term in the Maine House and represents House District 93, which includes part of Lewiston. She serves on the Health and Human Services Committee.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/mccabe-introduces-bill-support-behavioral-health-care-maine-youth

Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Doing Something About the High Cost of Living

AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:

* * *

Doing Something About the High Cost of Living

Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

Look, one of the biggest obstacles for many people today -- whether you're a new college graduate, or a young parent, or an older person on fixed income, perhaps -- one of the biggest obstacles is the high cost of living right now. From health care to housing and utilities, to the cost of a car or truck repair, to the price of groceries and life saving medicines, costs are just too high ... Show Full Article AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 31 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address: * * * Doing Something About the High Cost of Living Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening. Look, one of the biggest obstacles for many people today -- whether you're a new college graduate, or a young parent, or an older person on fixed income, perhaps -- one of the biggest obstacles is the high cost of living right now. From health care to housing and utilities, to the cost of a car or truck repair, to the price of groceries and life saving medicines, costs are just too highand Maine people, like millions across the country, are feeling it. Earlier this week, in my State of the State Address, I proposed that we do something about it.

Over the past seven years, on several occasions, with bipartisan support from the Legislature, we've been able to issue relief checks to Maine families on several occasions. We did this in recognition of tough times and in recognition that each family, each person, may have different needs. So once again, I'm proposing that we help Maine people breathe a little easier by sending them an Affordability Relief Check for $300 each, drawn from our record-high Rainy Day Fund, in order to offset, in some small way, the cost of goods and groceries that are increasing because of tariffs and other circumstances beyond our state's control.

And while we're at it, let's continue to tackle one of the most significant issues facing Maine people -- that's the high cost of housing. First, I'm proposing two new pilot programs backed by $17.5 million to build 530 new homes and apartments for middle class families. Second, I propose we increase our investments in our already very successful housing programs, like the Rural Rental Program by $52.5 million, which will in turn trigger at least $15 million in federal matching funds. Well, all told, those measures alone will result in 825 new homes all across Maine.

In my State of the State Address, I also proposed making Community College free in Maine permanently to ensure that the cost of two years of community college -- which, as we know, is the pathway to a good-paying career here in Maine -- so that cost will not increase. To date, more than 23,000 students have taken advantage of free Community College, with many more scheduled to achieve a degree or certificate over the next two years.

Take Tori Wile, who grew up in Gray building things with her grandfather in his woodworking shop. She's a person who wanted to be a builder but couldn't afford to go to college. But thanks to our free Community College program, Tori graduated with a degree in Building Construction Technology, and she even recently helped to build a new electrical lab. The free Community College program has made a life changing difference for thousands of people like Tori. It's time to make it permanent.

Well, these three proposals -- distributing relief checks, building homes, and making free community college permanent -- will provide both immediate and long-term cost relief.

There are other ways that we're fighting to hold down costs, like fully funding the state's share of education and funding revenue sharing to the towns so that more money goes back to them to pay police and firefighters, road crews, and local services -- so less of that cost is borne by the property taxpayers. While costs are rising across the country, we're going to continue to do what we can, where we can, to provide some relief to you, the people of Maine, to make it more affordable to live, work, and raise a family in our great state.

This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.

* * *

Originalt ext here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/news/radio_address/doing-something-about-high-cost-living-2026-01-30

Idaho Environmental Quality Dept. Awards $142,500 to Four Water Systems Across Idaho

BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 31 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:

* * *

DEQ awards $142,500 to four water systems across Idaho

The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $142,500 to four water systems to help evaluate deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades.

The following systems received funding:

City of Island Park:

The City of Island Park in Fremont County was awarded $45,000 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed ... Show Full Article BOISE, Idaho, Jan. 31 -- The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026: * * * DEQ awards $142,500 to four water systems across Idaho The Idaho Department of Environmental Quality (DEQ) awarded $142,500 to four water systems to help evaluate deficiencies and determine necessary upgrades. The following systems received funding: City of Island Park: The City of Island Park in Fremont County was awarded $45,000 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify neededimprovements. The total project cost is $90,000, and the remaining $45,000 will be funded by United States Department of Agriculture Rural Development and the City of Island Park.

Bee Line Water Association:

Bee Line Water Association in Boundary County was awarded $27,500 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The total project cost is $55,000 and the remaining $27,500 will be funded by Bee Line Water Association.

Gotham Bay Estates Homeowners Association:

Gotham Bay Estates Homeowners Association in Kootenai County was awarded $45,000 to prepare a drinking water planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current drinking water system and identify needed improvements. The total project cost is $101,500, and the remaining $56,500 will be funded by Gotham Bay Estates Homeowners Association.

Princeton-Hampton Sewer District:

Princeton-Hampton Sewer District in Latah County was awarded $25,000 to prepare a wastewater planning study and environmental review to evaluate the current wastewater system and identify needed improvements. The total project cost is $50,000 and the remaining $25,000 will be funded by Princeton-Hampton Sewer District.

Background:

DEQ's Planning Grant Program provides assistance to eligible wastewater and drinking water systems. These grants are used to develop engineering reports identifying the most cost-effective, environmentally sound method of upgrading a system to achieve and maintain compliance with state and federal standards. Grants cover up to 50% of eligible planning costs, with the remaining cost being the grant recipient's responsibility.

For more information about DEQ's Planning Grant Program and to learn more about this year's grant recipients, go to DEQ's Facility Planning Grants page (https://www.deq.idaho.gov/water-quality/grants-and-loans/facility-planning-grants/).

* * *

Original text here: https://www.deq.idaho.gov/deq-awards-142500-to-four-water-systems-across-idaho/

ICYMI: Pa. Gov. Shapiro Secures Largest Life Sciences Investment in PA History

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Jan. 31 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on Jan. 30, 2026:

* * *

ICYMI: Governor Shapiro Secures Largest Life Sciences Investment in PA History

"The decision by Lilly to build one of its four new U.S. factories in Lehigh County marks a significant win for Pennsylvania." - Philadelphia Inquirer

"We're creating high-quality jobs and collaborating across the region -- with suppliers, educators and workforce-development partners -- to make critical medicines in the U.S. That's our commitment -- to patients, to our new Pennsylvania ... Show Full Article

Existing Customer Login