States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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Va. Gov. Abigail Spanberger Statement Honoring Lives Lost in DCA Collision
RICHMOND, Virginia, Jan. 30 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following statement on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Governor Abigail Spanberger Statement Honoring Lives Lost in DCA Collision
Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly mid-air collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and Black Hawk PAT (Priority Air Transport) 25 near Washington National Airport.
"Our hearts remain with the families, friends, and loved ones of the 67 people lost one year ago today. Last night, I was grateful for the opportunity
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Jan. 30 -- Gov. Abigail Spanberger, D-Virginia, issued the following statement on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Governor Abigail Spanberger Statement Honoring Lives Lost in DCA Collision
Governor Abigail Spanberger today released the following statement marking the one-year anniversary of the deadly mid-air collision between American Eagle Flight 5342 and Black Hawk PAT (Priority Air Transport) 25 near Washington National Airport.
"Our hearts remain with the families, friends, and loved ones of the 67 people lost one year ago today. Last night, I was grateful for the opportunityto honor the lives of those lost, mourn with their loved ones, and recognize the unsung heroes who answered the call that day. Today, I join our entire Commonwealth in thanking the first responders who rushed to the scene and those who continue to support and comfort victims' families in their unimaginable grief.
"Congress and the Federal Aviation Administration must act decisively to make sure this kind of preventable tragedy never happens again. I appreciate the National Transportation Safety Board for their work and their decisive report, and I'm grateful to Virginia's congressional delegation -- particularly Representative Don Beyer and Senators Warner and Kaine -- for their leadership in demanding accountability from the Federal Aviation Administration and their continued efforts to make Virginia's and our nation's airspace safer."
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Original text here: https://www.governor.virginia.gov/newsroom/news-releases/2026/january-releases/name-1111907-en.html
Md. Agriculture Dept. Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Jan. 30 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
Up to 87.5% Cost-Share Available for Most Practices
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ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched a new public awareness campaign to educate farmers about the environmental and animal health benefits of fencing livestock out of streams and providing them with a clean, reliable water source. The campaign spotlights the department's full range
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Jan. 30 -- The Maryland Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Department Launches Outreach Campaign to Promote Stream Protection, Herd Health
Up to 87.5% Cost-Share Available for Most Practices
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ANNAPOLIS, MD (January 29, 2025) - The Maryland Department of Agriculture has launched a new public awareness campaign to educate farmers about the environmental and animal health benefits of fencing livestock out of streams and providing them with a clean, reliable water source. The campaign spotlights the department's full rangeof incentive programs to install stream protection practices that benefit herd health and help farmers comply with Maryland's livestock setback requirements for waterways. It will run throughout February and features a 30-second public service announcement airing on local news, cable, and broadcast networks, including Maryland Public Television. Social media messaging will also be shared across a range of digital platforms.
"Farmers who fence off their streams and install watering facilities in pastures report improved productivity and weight gain, fewer injuries, and cleaner waterways," said Maryland Agriculture Secretary Kevin Atticks. "If you own farmland next to a stream, contact your local soil conservation district for free technical assistance to install stream protection practices that comply with state setback requirements and enhance both your farm and the environment," he said.
The department's Conservation Grants Program offers financial incentives to support a range of practices that support healthy waterways and livestock. Free technical assistance to plan and install practices is provided by local soil conservation districts.
Eligible practices and programs include:
* Livestock Watering Facilities--Up to 87.5% cost-share
* Livestock Exclusion Fencing--Up to 87% cost-share
* Stream Crossings--Up to 87.5% cost-share
* Stream Buffers--Up to 100% cost-share and $2 for each tree planted.
* Conservation Buffer Initiative--Pays up to $4,500 an acre to install a riparian forest buffer with pasture fencing; new riparian forest buffers also qualify for a one-time bonus payment of $1,000/acre.
* Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP)--This federal-state partnership program pays attractive land rental rates to remove environmentally sensitive agricultural land out of production for 10-15 years and install conservation practices to protect streams. New riparian forest buffers also qualify for a one-time BONUS PAYMENT of $1,000/acre.
Farmers and agricultural landowners who want to learn more about the department's stream protection practices should visit the website. Free technical help and application assistance for most projects is available through local soil conservation districts.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mda/press-release/2026/01/29/department-launches-outreach-campaign-to-promote-stream-protection-herd-health/
Maine A.G. Frey Joins Multistate Coalition Condemning DOJ Threats Against Minnesota
AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 30 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Joins Multistate Coalition Condemning DOJ Threats Against Minnesota
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in denouncing the Department of Justice's (DOJ) latest attempt to coerce the State of Minnesota. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the coalition condemned the Trump administration's effort to exploit the situation in Minnesota to pressure
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Jan. 30 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Attorney General Aaron M. Frey Joins Multistate Coalition Condemning DOJ Threats Against Minnesota
Attorney General Aaron M. Frey today joined a coalition of 21 other attorneys general in denouncing the Department of Justice's (DOJ) latest attempt to coerce the State of Minnesota. In a letter to U.S. Attorney General Pam Bondi and Secretary of Homeland Security Kristi Noem, the coalition condemned the Trump administration's effort to exploit the situation in Minnesota to pressurestate leaders into turning over sensitive resident data and dismantling longstanding public safety policies. The attorneys general warn that these threats likely conflict with ongoing litigation and court-ordered protections.
"Incredibly, the Attorney General of the United States is using the mass deployment of armed federal agents to try and coerce Minnesota officials to give up confidential personal information of its residents that Courts have already protected from being released to the federal government," said Attorney General Frey. "What AG Bondi cannot obtain in a court of law, she has no shame in fighting to get through an invasion of masked, nameless, armed, and aggressive federal agents."
Attorney General Frey and the coalition sent today's letter in response to Attorney General Bondi's January 24 letter to Minnesota Governor Tim Walz, which accused the state of enabling widespread fraud and demanded a series of actions in exchange for the withdrawal of federal agents from Minnesota. The demands included requests that Minnesota turn over sensitive Medicaid and Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) data, dismantle critical local public safety policies, and grant the federal government access to Minnesota voter information.
The attorneys general warn that Attorney General Bondi's letter threatens the constitutional balance of power between the states and the federal government. They assert that the demands intrude on state sovereignty and are intended to coerce the state of Minnesota. With so many of DOJ's actions already blocked by courts across the country, the attorneys general argue that the administration is attempting to force an outcome that it could not achieve through the courts.
Attorney General Frey and the coalition make clear that their states will continue to stand firm against unlawful federal interference and will defend both state sovereignty and the rights of their residents. The coalition urges the administration to end its dangerous and unlawful campaign against Minnesota immediately and stand down its alarming demands.
Joining Attorney General Frey in sending this letter, which was led by New York Attorney General Letitia James, are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Massachusetts, Maryland, Michigan, New Jersey, New Mexico, Nevada, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, Wisconsin, and the District of Columbia.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/ag/news/article.shtml?id=13341392
Kan. Health & Environment Dept.: Stream Advisory Issued for the Northeast Portion of Lake Shawnee
TOPEKA, Kansas, Jan. 30 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Stream Advisory Issued for the Northeast Portion of Lake Shawnee
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the northeast section of Lake Shawnee at the inlet southeast of the public swimming area.
The stream advisory is due to a ruptured pressurized sewer pipe which has spilled sewage into the inlet. The county is aware of the problem and working to fix the pipe.
The advisory has been issued because potentially elevated
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Jan. 30 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Stream Advisory Issued for the Northeast Portion of Lake Shawnee
Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has issued a stream advisory for the northeast section of Lake Shawnee at the inlet southeast of the public swimming area.
The stream advisory is due to a ruptured pressurized sewer pipe which has spilled sewage into the inlet. The county is aware of the problem and working to fix the pipe.
The advisory has been issued because potentially elevatedlevels of E. coli bacteria and other contaminants may be present in Lake Shawnee. KDHE advises residents to avoid contact with water in this portion of the lake at this time.
KDHE will rescind the advisory once contact has been deemed safe.
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Original text here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1849
Kan. Health & Environment Dept.: Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Sumner Co RWD 6, Sumner County
TOPEKA, Kansas, Jan. 30 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Sumner Co RWD 6, Sumner County
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sumner Co RWD 6 public water supply system located in Sumner County. The advisory was issued because the rural water district's water supplier, City of Oxford, had a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a loss
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TOPEKA, Kansas, Jan. 30 -- The Kansas Department of Health and Environment issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Boil Water Advisory Rescinded for Sumner Co RWD 6, Sumner County
The Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE) has rescinded a boil water advisory for the Sumner Co RWD 6 public water supply system located in Sumner County. The advisory was issued because the rural water district's water supplier, City of Oxford, had a waterline break resulting in a loss of pressure in the distribution system. Failure to maintain adequate pressure may result in a lossof chlorine residuals and bacterial contamination.
Public water suppliers in Kansas take all measures necessary to notify customers quickly after a system failure or shutdown. Regardless of whether it's the supplier or KDHE that announces a boil water advisory, KDHE will issue the rescind notice following testing at a certified laboratory.
Laboratory testing of drinking water samples collected from the Sumner Co RWD 6 indicate no evidence of bacteriological contamination and all other conditions that placed the system at risk of contamination are deemed by KDHE officials to be resolved.
For consumer questions, please contact the water system at: 620-218-2089 or you may call KDHE at 785-296-5514. For consumer information please visit our webpage: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/468/Disruption-in-Water-Service.
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Original text here: https://www.kdhe.ks.gov/m/newsflash/Home/Detail/1850
Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Jack Kiley as At-Large Judge in Sixth Judicial Circuit
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Jan. 30 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Jack Kiley as At-Large Judge in Sixth Judicial Circuit
Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Jack Kiley as an At-Large Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Kiley is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Geisler. The appointment is effective February 27, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028. Pursuant to section 2f-14 of the Circuit Courts
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Jan. 30 -- The Illinois Supreme Court issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Illinois Supreme Court Appoints Jack Kiley as At-Large Judge in Sixth Judicial Circuit
Justice David K. Overstreet and the Illinois Supreme Court have announced the appointment of Jack Kiley as an At-Large Judge in the Sixth Judicial Circuit.
Mr. Kiley is being appointed to fill the vacancy created by the retirement of Judge Jeffrey Geisler. The appointment is effective February 27, 2026, and will conclude on December 4, 2028. Pursuant to section 2f-14 of the Circuit CourtsAct, this vacancy, as one of the first three after January 7, 2022, converts to a Resident Circuit Judge vacancy elected from Champaign County for the 2028 election.
Mr. Kiley is a partner at Kiley Klein, Ltd., (formerly Erickson, Davis, Murphy, Johnson & Walsh, Ltd.) where he has worked as a trial attorney for nearly 20 years representing clients in personal injury claims and civil disputes. He has served as a professional mediator and arbitrator in several cases and has served as the city attorney for his hometown of Shelbyville since 2013.
Mr. Kiley earned his Bachelor of Science degree from University of Illinois in UrbanaChampaign and his Juris Doctor from the DePaul University College of Law.
His professional affiliations include the Decatur Bar Association, where he is a former Director, the Shelby County Bar Association, and the Illinois State Bar Association.
Members of the judicial screening committee included Attorney John E. Thies (Chair) of Webber & Thies, Hon. Heidi Ladd (Ret.), Hon. Dan Flannell (Ret.), Hon. Tom Little (Ret.) and Attorney Renee Monfort of Heyl Royster.
The Sixth Judicial Circuit includes Champaign, DeWitt, Douglas, Macon, Moultrie, and Piatt Counties.
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/0bf18cde-3ded-402e-b3d2-199d91a6de83/Illinois%20Supreme%20Court%20Appoints%20Jack%20Kiley%20as%20At%20Large%20Judge%20in%20Sixth%20Judicial%20Circuit.pdf
Ariz. State Rep. Heap Introduces Legislation to Repeal Hobbs' "Solar First" Map, Which Prioritizes Massive Solar Farms Near Communities
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 30 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Rep. Heap Introduces Legislation to Repeal Hobbs' "Solar First" Map, Which Prioritizes Massive Solar Farms Near Communities
Arizona State Representative Ralph Heap today introduced House Bill 2975, directing the Arizona State Land Commissioner to immediately suspend the Department's "Solar Scores" map and engage stakeholders to develop comparable land-use maps for homebuilding and mining.
The Department's solar map has drawn criticism from multiple industries and raised serious
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PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 30 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on Jan. 29, 2026:
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Rep. Heap Introduces Legislation to Repeal Hobbs' "Solar First" Map, Which Prioritizes Massive Solar Farms Near Communities
Arizona State Representative Ralph Heap today introduced House Bill 2975, directing the Arizona State Land Commissioner to immediately suspend the Department's "Solar Scores" map and engage stakeholders to develop comparable land-use maps for homebuilding and mining.
The Department's solar map has drawn criticism from multiple industries and raised seriousconcerns about housing affordability.
Regarding the legislation, Representative Heap issued the following statement:
"State law requires the State Land Commissioner to manage trust land for its highest and best use in the best interests of the state. By designating a map for solar, but not other industries, the Hobbs administration is effectively declaring solar the preferred use of this land.
For many residents, these parcels are among the worst possible locations for utility-scale solar: near established residential neighborhoods, directly in the path of growth, and on land that could otherwise support new housing. At a time when housing affordability is a top concern for Arizonans--and when communities are increasingly frustrated with large wind and solar projects being placed in their backyards--Hobbs placing new renewable energy development in the heart of urban and suburban cores makes zero sense.
HB 2975 requires the State Land Department to suspend the map immediately, ensuring that renewable energy projects are not artificially prioritized near populated areas. The bill aligns with HB 2267, which establishes that new renewable energy projects located within four miles of residential communities are a public nuisance.
Governor Hobbs hasn't made affordability a priority. Instead, her administration is focused on handing out sweetheart deals to her friends in the renewable energy industry, who have already received $2.3 billion in ratepayer funds from Attorney General Kris Mayes. After three years in office, it is increasingly clear that the governor's priority to maintain restrictive growth boundaries around Phoenix serves to drive out homebuilding and limit competition and make surrounding land unattractive for anyone other than solar development."
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Ralph Heap is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 10 in Mesa. Follow him on X at @DrRalphHeap.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260129HEAPHB2975.pdf
