States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wyoming Submits Application to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Rural Health Transformation Program
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 6 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Wyoming Submits Application to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Rural Health Transformation Program
The State of Wyoming has announced the submission of its application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal initiative to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities across the country.
"Wyoming is taking full advantage of the Rural Health Transformation Program championed under
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 6 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release:
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Wyoming Submits Application to Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services for Rural Health Transformation Program
The State of Wyoming has announced the submission of its application to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) for the $50 billion Rural Health Transformation Program, a federal initiative to strengthen healthcare access and outcomes in rural communities across the country.
"Wyoming is taking full advantage of the Rural Health Transformation Program championed underPresident Trump," Governor Mark Gordon said. "Our application reflects a clear vision for Wyoming's healthcare future. Just as we have done with other transitory federal programs, we recognize this money is not forever and it is taxpayer money. So the investments we make must stand the test of time and not further burden our grandchildren. Rural states like Wyoming need the tools to build solutions that work here at home. These funds will help us transform care for Wyoming families and keep critical services local, where they belong."
The application outlines Wyoming's plan to use the funding to address the State's biggest health challenges identified by rural Wyoming communities through 11 local town hall meetings and prioritized through an online survey with over 1,300 responses. The top five priorities from the public were:
Improve the financial viability of small, rural hospitals to provide basic services to their communities.
Expand affordable health insurance options.
Recruit and retain primary care physicians, in order to improve access and build longer relationships with patients.
Train and recruit more nurses and related direct care workforce (e.g. nursing assistants) in order to improve staffing at hospitals and long-term care facilities.
Strengthen obstetric/gynecological, labor/delivery and related services so women can deliver babies safely.
To address these priorities, the application details four key initiatives, including:
Improving access to basic medical care. By getting the state's rural hospitals and EMS systems in Wyoming to focus on the basics and consolidating them around stable funding, Wyoming can improve their sustainability for rural communities. One of Wyoming's main goals is to improve access to maternity care so mothers can deliver babies safely and closer to home.
Building up our health workforce. Wyoming's proposal will expand educational opportunities for nurses, paramedics and other health workers, with the goal of laying out clear career pathways so people starting in entry-level jobs can see a real future for themselves in the state.
Improving people's health. By improving people's diets and promoting exercise and physical activity, Wyoming hopes to make a dent in diabetes and cardiovascular disease.
Using technology to improve chronic disease management and bring care closer to home. By giving health providers the right tools and the right incentives, Wyoming can improve how medical care is delivered to rural residents.
"This application reflects Wyoming's dedication to building a sustainable and innovative rural health system that addresses our communities' needs," Stefan Johansson, director of the Department of Health said. "We look forward to a favorable response from CMS to help us achieve these objectives."
The Rural Health Transformation Program is established by Section 71401 of H.R. 1 and will distribute $10 billion annually for five years. Fifty percent of the funds will be distributed equally among all states with approved applications, while the other half will be allocated by CMS based on a variety of factors.
Wyoming's application was developed with input from key stakeholders, including community members, rural hospitals, community health centers, and other providers, to ensure a comprehensive and collaborative approach.
CMS is expected to announce the awardees by December 31, 2025.
For more information, please visit https://health.wyo.gov/admin/rural-health-transformation-program/.
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Original text here: https://governor.wyo.gov/news-releases/wyoming-submits-application-to-centers-for-medicare-and-medicaid-services-for-rural-health-transformation-program
W.Va. Secretary of State: BUSINESS OWNERS - Beware of 2026 Annual Report Solicitations From Third Parties
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 6 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news release on Nov. 4, 2025:
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BUSINESS OWNERS: Beware of 2026 Annual Report solicitations from third parties
WV Secretary of State Kris Warner is issuing an important notice to West Virginia business owners regarding third-party solicitations to file 2026 Annual Reports on their behalf.
According to Secretary Warner, the solicitations have the appearance of an official government form, but are not government approved, reviewed, or official notices in any manner. These are advertisements
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CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Nov. 6 -- West Virginia Secretary of State Mac Warner issued the following news release on Nov. 4, 2025:
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BUSINESS OWNERS: Beware of 2026 Annual Report solicitations from third parties
WV Secretary of State Kris Warner is issuing an important notice to West Virginia business owners regarding third-party solicitations to file 2026 Annual Reports on their behalf.
According to Secretary Warner, the solicitations have the appearance of an official government form, but are not government approved, reviewed, or official notices in any manner. These are advertisementsfrom private third-party vendors.
Warner urges business owners to read the fine print in the solicitations. Third-party providers have been reported to charge businesses more than eight times the statutory $25 fee and often advertise the wrong deadline for state compliance.
Business owners can use free tools provided by the Secretary of State's Office to avail themselves of the most convenient and least costly filing method directly at Business4.WV.gov.
"I can assure everyone that these third-party solicitations are not from my office and not from the state of West Virginia," said Secretary Warner. "We have modernized the business registration process in West Virginia. Now, nearly 98% of all businesses file their Annual Report online. You do not have to hire an outside vendor to file your Annual Report."
Businesses may contact the WV Secretary of State's Business Division at (304) 558-8000 for assistance.
Importantly, the 2026 Annual Report filing period does NOT begin until January 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2026.
Secretary Warner encourages all business owners to be wary of any suspicious solicitations received by U.S. Mail or online requesting sensitive financial or personal information. He also advised business owners to confirm that the vendor is properly registered to conduct business in the state of West Virginia prior to contracting for non-government services. If any business receives a suspicious solicitation from a non-government entity, please take care to research the sender and confirm it is legitimate.
The WV Secretary of State's Office also offers two fee-waiver programs for individuals that qualify and are registering an LLC or Corporation. Individuals under the age of 30 are eligible for the Young Entrepreneur Waiver, which waives the initial registration fee for their business. The Veteran Owned Business Waiver covers registration costs and waives the the first four years of filing fees for veterans, active-duty military, and military spouses.
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Original text here: https://sos.wv.gov/news/Pages/11-04-25-A.aspx
Sen. Nangle Introduces Bill to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine, Nov. 6 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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Sen. Nangle introduces bill to support victims of trafficking in Maine
Legislation aims to protect critical services threatened by federal funding delays
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When the 132nd Maine Legislature reconvenes in January, Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, will introduce legislation to sustain essential services for survivors of human trafficking in Maine. The bill, "An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts," was approved for
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AUGUSTA, Maine, Nov. 6 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham:
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Sen. Nangle introduces bill to support victims of trafficking in Maine
Legislation aims to protect critical services threatened by federal funding delays
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When the 132nd Maine Legislature reconvenes in January, Sen. Tim Nangle, D-Windham, will introduce legislation to sustain essential services for survivors of human trafficking in Maine. The bill, "An Act to Support Victims of Trafficking in Maine in Response to Federal Funding Cuts," was approved forintroduction in the Legislature's Second Regular Session by a majority of the Legislative Council at its October 23 meeting. All Democratic members of the Council voted in favor, while all Republican members opposed admitting the bill.
"Survivors of trafficking need stability, safety and support -- not uncertainty caused by federal funding gaps," said Sen. Nangle. "It's clear we can't count on the current administration in Washington to keep these vital programs going, so it's up to us here in Maine to step up and ensure survivors continue receiving the compassionate, expert care they deserve."
The bill would provide one-time state funding to maintain the work of Preble Street's Anti-Trafficking Services program, Maine's largest program serving survivors of human trafficking. The measure would aim to replace federal funding from the U.S. Department of Justice's Office for Victims of Crime, which has been unexpectedly halted.
Since 2013, Preble Street's Anti-Trafficking Services program has provided support to nearly 1,000 survivors of both sex and labor trafficking in Maine, including those forced into commercial sex work, domestic service, agricultural labor and other industries. The program offers intensive case management, housing support, medical and mental health referrals, legal advocacy, recovery connections and survivor leadership opportunities. It also works closely with law enforcement, healthcare providers and community partners across the state to strengthen awareness and coordination.
New legislation in the Second Regular Session of the Maine Legislature must be approved for introduction by the Legislative Council, which is made up of the Democratic and Republican leaders in the Maine Senate and House of Representatives.
The Legislature is set to reconvene for the Second Regular Session on Wednesday, January 7, 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-nangle-introduces-bill-to-support-victims-of-trafficking-in-maine/
R.I. Gov. McKee Issues Statement on Partial SNAP Benefits
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 6 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, posted the following statement on Nov. 5, 2025:
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"Despite initial reporting that all recipients would receive a uniform 50% of their regular monthly benefit, this will not be the case, as the formula that USDA is requiring states to follow is more complicated. After the 50% benefit reduction, the formula subtracts 30% of a household's net monthly income from the already reduced benefit allotment. Under that formula, payments will vary by household, based on income and benefit level.
"After manufacturing this crisis,
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Nov. 6 -- Gov. Daniel J. McKee, D-Rhode Island, posted the following statement on Nov. 5, 2025:
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"Despite initial reporting that all recipients would receive a uniform 50% of their regular monthly benefit, this will not be the case, as the formula that USDA is requiring states to follow is more complicated. After the 50% benefit reduction, the formula subtracts 30% of a household's net monthly income from the already reduced benefit allotment. Under that formula, payments will vary by household, based on income and benefit level.
"After manufacturing this crisis,the President Trump and his administration continue to present states with barriers to easily implement these critical benefits.
"Our team at the RI Department of Human Services is moving quickly to make accurate calculations in compliance with the federal regulations. We understand how important these benefits are to Rhode Islanders, and we are working urgently to move this process forward. We will continue to keep Rhode Islanders updated."
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Original text here: https://governor.ri.gov/press-releases/governor-mckee-issues-statement-partial-snap-benefits
Ohio State Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards With Distinction
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 6 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Nov. 5, 2025:
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Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards with Distinction
Recent financial audits of the following entities by Auditor of State Keith Faber have returned clean audit reports. Their record keeping has qualified them for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction:
* City of Fairfield (Butler County)
* West Chester Township (Butler County)
* City of Beachwood (Cuyahoga County)
* City of Berea (Cuyahoga County)
* City of Brooklyn (Cuyahoga County)
* Delaware
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COLUMBUS, Ohio, Nov. 6 -- Ohio State Auditor Keith Faber issued the following news release on Nov. 5, 2025:
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Auditor Faber Announces Qualifiers for Auditor of State Awards with Distinction
Recent financial audits of the following entities by Auditor of State Keith Faber have returned clean audit reports. Their record keeping has qualified them for the Auditor of State Award with Distinction:
* City of Fairfield (Butler County)
* West Chester Township (Butler County)
* City of Beachwood (Cuyahoga County)
* City of Berea (Cuyahoga County)
* City of Brooklyn (Cuyahoga County)
* DelawareCounty (Delaware County)
* Erie County (Erie County)
* City of Dublin (Franklin County)
* City of Grove City (Franklin County)
* Westerville School District Library (Franklin County)
* City of Fairborn (Greene County)
* City of Xenia (Greene County)
* City of Montgomery (Hamilton County)
* City of Wyoming (Hamilton County)
* City of Findlay (Hancock County)
* Hancock County (Hancock County)
* City of Steubenville (Jefferson County)
* City of Willoughby (Lake County)
* Toledo Lucas County Public Library (Lucas County)
* City of Trotwood (Montgomery County)
* Montgomery County Transportation Improvement District (Montgomery County)
* Muskingum County (Muskingum County)
* City of Aurora (Portage County)
* City of Kent (Portage County)
* City of Mason (Warren County)
* Deerfield Township (Warren County)
* Warren County (Warren County)
* City of Rossford (Wood County)
"By keeping accurate financial records, governing bodies demonstrate their commitment to efficient, effective, and transparent service," Auditor Faber said. "This award honors public entities that have put in the hard work to keep their finances in order."
The Auditor's Office presents the Auditor of State Award with Distinction to local governments and school districts upon the completion of a financial audit. Entities that receive the award meet the following criteria of a "clean" audit report:
* The entity must file financial reports with the Auditor of State's office by the statutory due date, without extension, via the Hinkle System, on a GAAP accounting basis and prepare a CAFR (Comprehensive Annual Financial Report);
* The audit report does not contain any findings for recovery, material citations, material weaknesses, significant deficiencies, Uniform Guidance (Single Audit) findings or questioned costs;
* The entity's management letter contains no comments related to:
- Ethics referrals
- Questioned costs less than the threshold per the Uniform Guidance
- Lack of timely report submission
- Bank reconciliation issues
- Failure to obtain a timely Single Audit in accordance with Uniform Guidance
- Findings for recovery less than $500
- Public meetings or public records issues
* The entity has no other financial or other concerns
The full reports are available online at ohioauditor.gov/auditsearch/search.aspx.
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The Auditor of State's office, one of five independently elected statewide offices in Ohio, is responsible for auditing more than 5,900 state and local government agencies. Under the direction of Auditor Keith Faber, the office also provides financial services to local governments, investigates and prevents fraud in public agencies, and promotes transparency in government.
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Original text here: http://ohioauditor.gov/news/pressreleases/Details/7718
Md. Natural Resources Dept.: Board of Public Works Approves $3.1 Million for Parkland, Improvements, and Land Conservation in Five Maryland Counties
ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 6 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Nov. 5, 2025:
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Board of Public Works Approves $3.1 Million for Parkland, Improvements, and Land Conservation in Five Maryland Counties
Board also approves dedication of Howard Heritage Trail at Freedman's State Historical Park
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The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.1 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and a land trust for parkland, recreational improvements, and land conservation in Anne Arundel, Howard, Queen Anne's,
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ANNAPOLIS, Maryland, Nov. 6 -- The Maryland Department of Natural Resources issued the following news on Nov. 5, 2025:
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Board of Public Works Approves $3.1 Million for Parkland, Improvements, and Land Conservation in Five Maryland Counties
Board also approves dedication of Howard Heritage Trail at Freedman's State Historical Park
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The Board of Public Works today approved more than $3.1 million in grants from the Maryland Department of Natural Resources to local governments and a land trust for parkland, recreational improvements, and land conservation in Anne Arundel, Howard, Queen Anne's,Talbot, and Worcester Counties.
Additionally, the Board approved the renaming of the Howard Heritage Trail at the soon-to-open Freedman's State Historical Park in Montgomery County in honor of the Howard family. Gov. Wes Moore, chairing the Board meeting, gave special thanks for the trail renaming and recognized the park that will serve as a testament to the remarkable achievements of Enoch George Howard and his family. Howard emancipated himself and his family from slavery in the mid-1800s after earning money through his agricultural ingenuity along the Patuxent River in modern-day Montgomery County. He established a Black school, purchased the land where he was formerly enslaved, and helped develop a freed Black community in the area. Once open, Freedman's State Historical Park will share details of his family's story and the lasting legacy they left in Maryland.
Nearly $1.5 million in Program Open Space - Local funding was approved for three projects:
* Anne Arundel County will acquire 21.8 acres of land to expand Bell Branch Park in Gambrills. Sports fields are planned for the new area.
* Howard County will use funds to repave roads, paths and parking lots at Schooley Mill Park in Highland.
* Worcester County will construct a new parking area at Showell Park in Berlin to better accommodate visitors.
Additionally, the Board approved over $1 million in Rural Legacy Program funding for Queen Anne's County to acquire conservation easements on two adjacent properties totaling 222 acres in the Lands End Rural Legacy Area. These two easements will preserve productive agricultural fields and forested lands that support Forest Interior Dwelling Species of birds, which require large blocks of forested land for successful nesting. The easements will also protect 1,880 feet of forested buffers along Island Creek in the Chester River watershed.
Two more conservation easements - Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) permanent easements totaling 172 acres - were approved for acquisition with $636,000 of Program Open Space funding. The first is an 18-acre easement in Queen Anne's County protecting over 3,000 feet of forested buffers along a tributary to the Wye East River. The second CREP easement is in Talbot County and was negotiated by the Eastern Shore Land Conservancy. This easement will protect 154 acres, of which 97 acres are included by way of landowner donation, and includes forested land that will serve as a buffer along Island Creek, which is a significant waterway in the Choptank River watershed.
All projects funded are listed in the Board of Public Works November 5, 2025 meeting agenda. The three-member Board of Public Works is composed of Gov. Moore, Treasurer Dereck E. Davis and Comptroller Brooke E. Lierman.
Program Open Space - Local provides funding for county and municipal governments for the planning, acquisition, and development of recreational land or facilities. Established under the Department of Natural Resources in 1969, Program Open Space (divided into Local and Stateside programs), along with other state land conservation programs, symbolizes Maryland's long-term commitment to conserving our natural resources while providing exceptional outdoor recreation opportunities for all citizens. The program is funded by a property transfer tax.
The Rural Legacy Program, created in 1997, conserves large working landscapes across 36 locally designated areas throughout Maryland. The Rural Legacy Program, along with the Maryland Agricultural Land Preservation Foundation, have recently earned the State of Maryland national recognition from the American Farmland Trust.
Since 2009, Maryland's permanent conservation easement option with the Conservation Reserve Enhancement Program (CREP) has acquired, from willing landowners, conservation easements that require continued maintenance of Conservation Reserve Program practices after the expiration of the federal contracts.
More news on grants approved for Program Open Space Local, Local Parks and Playgrounds Infrastructure, Rural Legacy, and Conservation Reserve Enhancement Permanent Easement programs is available on the Maryland Department of Natural Resources' Land News webpage.
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dnr/2025/11/05/board-of-public-works-approves-3-1-million-for-parkland-improvements-and-land-conservation-in-five-maryland-counties/
MDC, KC's Native Pitch, and Deep Roots Install 5,600 Native Plants at Truman Sports Complex Ahead of FIFA World Cup
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 6 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Nov. 5, 2025:
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MDC, KC's Native Pitch, and Deep Roots install 5,600 native plants at Truman Sports Complex ahead of FIFA World Cup
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In June 2026, visitors from around the world will flock to Kansas City as FIFA World Cup matches come to Missouri. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, almost 100 volunteers got to work preparing for the international event by planting native Missouri plants at the Truman Sports Complex, home of Kansas City Chiefs football and Royals baseball. The perimeter
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 6 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news on Nov. 5, 2025:
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MDC, KC's Native Pitch, and Deep Roots install 5,600 native plants at Truman Sports Complex ahead of FIFA World Cup
KANSAS CITY, Mo. - In June 2026, visitors from around the world will flock to Kansas City as FIFA World Cup matches come to Missouri. On Tuesday, Nov. 4, almost 100 volunteers got to work preparing for the international event by planting native Missouri plants at the Truman Sports Complex, home of Kansas City Chiefs football and Royals baseball. The perimeterof the complex was seeded with native grasses earlier in the year, and now an additional 5,600 native plants and wildflowers will bloom across 8,700 square feet of land at the site.
The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC) provided funding for this project as part of Kansas City's Native Pitch, an initiative run by Tim Collins to beautify the city through native plants and show off what makes Missouri special to World Cup attendees. MDC will also provide interpretive signage explaining the initiative to visitors.
"This was an idea to use native plants to present Kansas City to the world during the World Cup," said Collins. "And in turn, we can use the World Cup as a way to showcase what native plants can be as part of the environment and part of landscaping."
Maria Landoni, owner of local design studio Sur Landscape Architecture, donated her expertise to design the plant beds and wildflower placement. Deep Roots KC, a local nonprofit, also partnered on the initiative.
"I want to see Kansas City on the screen and make it recognizable, and native plants do just that," said Cydney Ross, outdoor education manager with Deep Roots KC. "They are also a love letter to our native pollinators. What you plant matters."
Little bluestem, prairie dropseed, purple coneflower, lanceleaf coreopsis, purple poppy mallow, and black-eyed Susans will bloom brightly come springtime. These native plants are well acclimated to Missouri's climate, send out sturdy and deep root systems that help the soil, and require less maintenance due to their natural affinity for the area.
"We appreciate the Jackson County Sports Complex Authority for partnering with us, and for our many community partners that came together to make this happen," said Andy Carmack, a private lands conservationist with MDC. "This is a great opportunity to get more native plants in the city and inspire the public to consider them in their own landscaping."
For more information on adding native plants to your property, visit https://mdc.mo.gov/trees-plants/native-plants-your-landscape.
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Original text here: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-kcs-native-pitch-deep-roots-install-5600-native-plants-truman-sports-complex-ahead
