States, Cities and Counties
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State review period extended to mid-January 2026 for Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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State review period extended to mid-January 2026 for Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project
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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been granted additional time by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to complete its review of a federal request to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor, extending the decision deadline from Jan. 5, 2026, to Jan. 19, 2026.
According to the Corps' Draft Environmental
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Dec. 30 -- The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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State review period extended to mid-January 2026 for Wilmington Harbor 403 Dredging Project
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The North Carolina Department of Environmental Quality's Division of Coastal Management (DCM) has been granted additional time by the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) to complete its review of a federal request to deepen and widen the Wilmington Harbor, extending the decision deadline from Jan. 5, 2026, to Jan. 19, 2026.
According to the Corps' Draft EnvironmentalImpact Statement (Opens in new window), the project would deepen and widen portions of the Wilmington Harbor navigation channel to improve efficiency and accommodate larger vessels.
On Nov. 17, DCM hosted a public hearing in Wilmington where more than 20 residents offered comments and about 50 people attended. The public comment period closed Dec. 20.
DCM is reviewing USACE Wilmington District's federal consistency request for the Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project (Opens in new window), pursuant to the Coastal Zone Management Act (CZMA). A federal consistency determination is DCM's finding that a proposed project meets the enforceable policies of the North Carolina Coastal Management Program (CMP) to the maximum extent practicable. DCM will decide whether to concur, concur with conditions, or object to the Corps' determination for the proposed project in Brunswick and New Hanover counties.
* Concurrence \- DCM agrees that the proposed federal action or federally permitted activity is consistent with the enforceable policies of the state's approved CMP. The project may proceed as proposed from a CZMA consistency standpoint.
* Conditional concurrence \- DCM agrees that the activity is consistent, provided specific conditions are met. These conditions typically require changes to the project, mitigation measures or adherence to additional requirements to ensure consistency with the state's enforceable coastal policies. The project may proceed only if the conditions are implemented.
* Objection \- DCM determines that the proposed activity is not consistent with the enforceable policies of the state's CMP. An objection generally prevents the federal permit or approval from being issued unless DCM and the project proponent negotiate a resolution that would allow the project to go forward. The project proponent may be entitled to certain mediation/appeal privileges with the Office for Coastal Management (Opens in new window).
Information about the consistency determination may be viewed online (Opens in new window). Notice of DCM's decision may be requested by emailing federalconsistencycomments@deq.nc.gov. Please put " Federal Consistency: USACE Wilmington Harbor 403 Navigation Project Decision " in the subject line.
Related Topics:
* NCDENR
* Coastal Management
* NCDEQ
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Original text here: https://www.deq.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2025/12/30/state-review-period-extended-mid-january-2026-wilmington-harbor-403-dredging-project
Governor Morrisey Grants State Employees Extended New Year's Holiday
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Grants State Employees Extended New Year's Holiday
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued a proclamation (link is external) granting West Virginia state employees the full day off on Friday, January 2nd. State employees automatically receive a half-day off under West Virginia State Rules on Wednesday, December 31st, and a full day off on Thursday, January 1st, according to West Virginia Code.
"The dedication of our state employees is truly remarkable,"
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Grants State Employees Extended New Year's Holiday
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey has issued a proclamation (link is external) granting West Virginia state employees the full day off on Friday, January 2nd. State employees automatically receive a half-day off under West Virginia State Rules on Wednesday, December 31st, and a full day off on Thursday, January 1st, according to West Virginia Code.
"The dedication of our state employees is truly remarkable,"said Governor Morrisey. "They work tirelessly year-round serving the people of West Virginia with professionalism and heart. I hope they are all able to use this extended time off to ring in the New Year with their loved ones and enjoy a well-deserved break."
The order grants this time off without charge against accrued annual leave. This action applies only to employees of the State of West Virginia and does not affect private businesses, local governments, or other entities.
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Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-morrisey-grants-state-employees-extended-new-years-holiday
Governor Morrisey Announces Appointments to the West Virginia Veterans Council and Board of Pharmacy
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Announces Appointments to the West Virginia Veterans Council and Board of Pharmacy
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced new appointments to the West Virginia Veterans Council and the Board of Pharmacy.
West Virginia Veterans Council - Sheriff Bobby Eggleton
Sheriff Bobby Eggleton graduated from Hurricane High School in 1983 and then enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he spent four years on active duty and two on reserve duty. In 1994,
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Patrick Morrisey, R-West Virginia, issued the following news:
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Governor Morrisey Announces Appointments to the West Virginia Veterans Council and Board of Pharmacy
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CHARLESTON, W.Va. - Governor Patrick Morrisey today announced new appointments to the West Virginia Veterans Council and the Board of Pharmacy.
West Virginia Veterans Council - Sheriff Bobby Eggleton
Sheriff Bobby Eggleton graduated from Hurricane High School in 1983 and then enlisted in the Marine Corps, where he spent four years on active duty and two on reserve duty. In 1994,he joined the Charleston Police Department. During his 20 years of service, Eggleton held many positions including Patrol officer, Detective, FBI Sniper Task Force, Criminal Investigation Division I, and Special Events Coordinator to the Chief of Police. At the Charleston Police Department, Eggleton became Assistant Chief of Detectives and was promoted to Commander of the Special Enforcement Division. After retiring from the Charleston Police Department, he was appointed Chief of Police of the Winfield Police Dept. Winfield, WV. After two years, Eggleton was hired as Chief of Police for the city of Nitro, WV, and was then elected as Sheriff of Putnam County in January 2021.
West Virginia Veterans Council - Kelvin Upson
Kelvin Upson is a Senior Cyber Professional and Systems Engineer with 24 years of military senior leadership and management experience. He is the Cyber Supply Chain Risk Management Engineering Lead for the V2X Company and has held a senior cyber engineering role at Raytheon for 5 years. Upson is also a Certified Advanced Instructor with the University of Phoenix, where he teaches courses in the areas of network defense and cyber security. His extensive knowledge and experience in leadership, management, education, information technology, risk management and cyber security provides a sound background for serving on the WV Veteran's Advisory Council.
Upson served 24 years with the U.S. Navy, where he started as a helicopter pilot in 1993. He reported to the USS Kitty Hawk and served as the Assistant Strike Operations Officer and UNIX System Administrator. In 1999, Upson served on the USS Coronado, the Navy's Sea Based Battle Lab, as the Automated Data Processing Systems Director. Upson transferred to the National Reconnaissance Office in 2001 and served as the IT Program Manager for a Global Wide Area Network. In November 2003, he served on the USS Dwight D Eisenhower as the Combat Systems Information Officer in charge of the communications suite and Information Assurance. He then served as a strategic planner for the Chief of Naval Operations in the areas of Information Operations, Computer Network Operations, Strategic Communications, and Information Assurance. In 2008, Upson reported to Space and Missile Systems Center in Los Angeles, California as the Chief of Networking for a major Department of Defense satellite program. In 2009, he served overseas in Baghdad, Iraq as the Director of Theater Operations responsible for all satellite, radio, network, and voice communications across the entire Joint Area of Operations. He then transitioned to Norfolk Virginia as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Communications at the Strike Force Training Atlantic responsible for training Atlantic Fleet Strike and Amphibious Readiness Groups for major combat operations. In 2012, Upson was the Cyber Requirements Lead for the Joint Chiefs of Staff at the Pentagon, where he oversaw the worldwide implementation of the Global Mission Network Transport project providing Internet Protocol services for the wide area network telecommunications. In 2015, Upson transitioned into the private sector and has served in senior cybersecurity and information technology roles. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for Jefferson Security Bank providing strategic guidance and oversight in the areas of cybersecurity, information technology and data management services.
West Virginia Veterans Council - Gary Roberts
Gary Roberts is a United States Marine Corps veteran with six years of active-duty service and a distinguished record of leadership in both military and civilian roles. He currently serves as a County Commissioner in Nicholas County, where he brings a professional, results-driven approach to local governance, fiscal responsibility, and community development. Roberts previously served as Commandant of his local Marine Corps League detachment and holds a bachelor's in business management and a master's degree in public administration.
Roberts is a member of the Appalachian Leadership Institute, having been selected as one of only five representatives from West Virginia for the current cohort. He is strongly committed to veteran advocacy and veterans' rights, working to ensure that those who served the nation receive the care, support, and benefits they have earned. In addition to his public service, Roberts has been deeply involved in community initiatives throughout Nicholas County, supporting local organizations, youth programs, and efforts that strengthen the region's overall quality of life. His combined experience in military service, civic leadership, and professional administration reflects his dedication to advancing the well-being of communities across the Mountain State.
Board of Pharmacy - Brian E. Sayre, PharmD
Brian E. Sayre received his Bachelor of Science degree in chemistry and biology from Davis & Elkins College, and his Doctor of Pharmacy degree from West Virginia University School of Pharmacy. After earning his Pharmacy degree, Sayre completed his pharmacy practice residency at the Charleston Area Medical Center in Charleston, WV. Dr. Sayre practiced in ambulatory care at a rural community health center where he also served as the pharmacy manager. In 2006, Dr. Sayre returned to Charleston Area Medical Center and worked as the Pharmacy Operations Director until 2010 when he was promoted to the Health System Director of Pharmacy. In 2024, Dr. Sayre was promoted to Vice President of Pharmacy Services for Vandalia Health, Inc.
Dr. Sayre has been active in research and has coauthored several papers in the field of drug stability. He is a Six Sigma green belt and has led many successful projects throughout Charleston Area Medical Center for performance improvement and cost savings. In his free time, Dr. Sayre is an avid outdoorsman, who enjoys fishing, hunting and boating with his wife and daughter and is the superintendent at his local church.
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Original text here: https://governor.wv.gov/article/governor-morrisey-announces-appointments-west-virginia-veterans-council-and-board-pharmacy
Gov. Henry McMaster Appoints Saluda County Auditor
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, posted the following news:
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Gov. Henry McMaster Appoints Saluda County Auditor
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-41 appointing Alena Beth Dorsey as Saluda County Auditor following the resignation of current Auditor Memmus Forrest, effective December 31, 2025.
Dorsey is a resident of Saluda, S.C., and currently serves as associate auditor in the Saluda County Auditor's Office.
Forrest, a resident of Saluda, S.C., has served as the Saluda County Auditor since 2014.
Dorsey
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Henry McMaster, R-South Carolina, posted the following news:
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Gov. Henry McMaster Appoints Saluda County Auditor
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COLUMBIA, S.C. - Governor Henry McMaster has issued Executive Order 2025-41 appointing Alena Beth Dorsey as Saluda County Auditor following the resignation of current Auditor Memmus Forrest, effective December 31, 2025.
Dorsey is a resident of Saluda, S.C., and currently serves as associate auditor in the Saluda County Auditor's Office.
Forrest, a resident of Saluda, S.C., has served as the Saluda County Auditor since 2014.
Dorseywill serve until a successor qualifies as provided by law.
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Original text here: https://governor.sc.gov/news/2025-12/gov-henry-mcmaster-appoints-saluda-county-auditor
Controlled Substances in Penitentiary, Protection of Youth From Illegal Substances, AI Adult Pornographic Images Part of S.D. A.G. Jackley's Legislative Package
PIERRE, South Dakota, Dec. 30 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Controlled Substances in Penitentiary, Protection of Youth From Illegal Substances, AI Adult Pornographic Images Part of Attorney General Jackley's Legislative Package
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces three issues that his office has worked on throughout 2025 - controlled substances in the state penitentiary, protection of youth from illegal substances, and Artificial Intelligence-generated pornographic images, are centerpieces of his legislative bill package
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PIERRE, South Dakota, Dec. 30 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release:
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Controlled Substances in Penitentiary, Protection of Youth From Illegal Substances, AI Adult Pornographic Images Part of Attorney General Jackley's Legislative Package
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley announces three issues that his office has worked on throughout 2025 - controlled substances in the state penitentiary, protection of youth from illegal substances, and Artificial Intelligence-generated pornographic images, are centerpieces of his legislative bill packagethat will be introduced in the 2026 South Dakota Legislature.
"These issues require stronger legislative action, and it is my duty as Attorney General to bring these bills to the Legislature for its consideration," said Attorney General Jackley.
The proposed bills would:
1) Controlled Substances Within the Penitentiary
Revise provisions related to possession and ingestion of controlled substances within the penitentiary system.
The Attorney General's Office this year investigated eight prison inmate drug overdose deaths and has filed charges in three of the cases. Attorney General Jackley said controlled substances coming into the penitentiary continue to be a problem that must be addressed.
"We need tougher laws to stop the use and delivery of controlled substances into our penitentiary system," said Attorney General Jackley. "Strengthening our laws will enhance the deterrent effect and better protect both correctional officers and inmates."
2) Protecting Minors, Young Adults from Illegal Substances
Revise provisions regulating delta-8 tetrahydrocannabinol, THC-O acetate, and hexahydrocannabinol for those under the age of twenty-one.
Attorney General Jackley announced in September charges had been filed against five vape shop owners for the sale of illegal products.
"Our investigations discovered dangerous substances that need age restrictions to better protect our minors and young adults, much like we do with tobacco and alcohol," said Attorney General Jackley.
3) AI Generated Pornographic Images
Revise a provision related to criminal invasion of privacy, prohibit the creation and distribution of digitally fabricated pornographic material of a non-consenting individual.
"In 2024, my legislation that dealt with AI-generated pornographic images involving minors was approved by the Legislature and signed by the Governor," said Attorney General Jackley. "Recent investigations have shown the need to further protect non-consenting adults falling victim to similar AI generated pornography."
Attorney General Jackley plans to introduce a total of 10 bills during this session which starts Jan. 13, 2026. Announcements on additional bills will be made as the bills are filed.
Once filed, the Attorney General's bills can be found here (https://us7.unblock-websites.com/index.php?q=mqzY06hqZ2HWnM6by5vYnJOmqdaaYM2o2JK1nafYmqOgZ6bMoZyrYZpp).
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=2974
Arkansas Awarded $209 Million for FY26 through President Trump's Rural Health Transformation Program
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Arkansas Awarded $209 Million for FY26 through President Trump's Rural Health Transformation Program
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Arkansas has received $208,779,396 for Fiscal Year 2026 to strengthen rural health through President Trump's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established by the President's One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Governor Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) submitted the
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Sarah Huckabee Sanders, R-Arkansas, issued the following news release:
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Arkansas Awarded $209 Million for FY26 through President Trump's Rural Health Transformation Program
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LITTLE ROCK, Ark. - Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Arkansas has received $208,779,396 for Fiscal Year 2026 to strengthen rural health through President Trump's Rural Health Transformation Program (RHTP), established by the President's One, Big, Beautiful Bill. Governor Sanders and the Arkansas Department of Finance and Administration (DFA) submitted thestate's application for funding on October 31.
"Today's announcement shows that President Trump and his administration place a priority on improving rural health and Making America Healthy Again," said Governor Sanders. "Our state went above and beyond in the application process to secure an outsized portion of the funds available through the Rural Health Transformation Program because we know that Arkansas' smaller communities deserve just as much support as any other region of our state. I'm excited to get to work quickly on Arkansas' innovative approach to this program and deliver the care our people deserve."
Through the Rural Health Transformation Program, CMS will distribute a total of $50 billion to all 50 states over the next five years, focused on strengthening rural healthcare. The amounts announced today by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, including Arkansas' $208,779,396 award, are the first-year, initial awards. Additional awards out of the $50 billion total fund will be announced in future rounds.
Arkansas' application incorporated feedback from stakeholders across the state, including physicians, nurses, pharmacists, hospitals, and other healthcare providers, as well as higher education institutions and community-based non-profits. Governor Sanders also established an online portal where more than 300 ideas for uses of the funding were submitted from across the state. Members of the Arkansas General Assembly provided feedback throughout the development of the state's application.
The state's application focused on four overarching initiatives:
* Healthy Eating, Active Recreation, and Transformation (HEART), a program focused on improving health outcomes and access to preventative care by creating a coordinated, community-driven approach to nutrition, physical activity, and chronic disease management.
* Promoting Access Coordination and Transformation (PACT), which integrates specialty care, preventative screenings, telehealth, and trauma-ready services into rural communities while fostering locally-driven clinically integrated networks to improve efficiency, data sharing, and regional collaboration.
* Recruitment Innovation Skills and Education for Arkansas (RISE AR), which strengthens the rural healthcare workforce through expanded physician residencies and other clinical training programs, provides incentives to recruit and retain healthcare professionals in rural Arkansas, and provides training to ensure leaders and board members of local hospitals and clinics are prepared for the transformation required in rural healthcare.
* Telehealth Health Monitoring and Response Innovation for Vital Expansion (THRIVE), which will leverage AI to provide coordinated patient records across delivery systems and fund telehealth platforms, technology-enabled monitoring for chronic diseases, such as diabetes and high blood pressure, and the modernization of emergency medical transport and services.
Funding amounts for each specific initiative will be announced at a later date.
Governor Sanders has supported several priorities to improve the health of Arkansans, including signing the Healthy Moms, Healthy Babies Act earlier this year, directing $45 million to promote maternal health. Additionally, as part of her comprehensive strategy to combat food insecurity, she signed SB59 this past legislative session, requiring all Arkansas public schools to provide one free breakfast to students per school day, regardless of their federal eligibility for free meals, and, earlier this summer, Governor Sanders announced the launch of a farm-to-school pilot program, created by her faith-based initiatives office to provide students with fresh, nutritious produce while at school.
Additionally, Governor Sanders worked to ban taxpayer-funded soft drinks and candy from the state's food stamp program and remove cell phones, bell-to-bell, in every Arkansas school. Governor Sanders and her husband, Bryan, also established the Natural State Initiative at the beginning of her administration to promote Arkansas' outdoor recreation industry and get kids off screens and outdoors.
Arkansas' application to CMS for the Rural Health Transformation Program can be downloaded here.
The full list of CMS awards can be found here.
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Original text here: https://governor.arkansas.gov/news_post/arkansas-awarded-209-million-for-fy26-through-president-trumps-rural-health-transformation-program/
Acting Governor Way Ends State of Emergency Following Winter Storm
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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Acting Governor Way Ends State of Emergency Following Winter Storm
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TRENTON - Acting Governor Way today lifted the State of Emergency declared through Executive Order No. 409 on December 26, 2025 due to the impacts of a potentially significant winter storm with hazardous weather conditions, including snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet.
With the signing of Executive Order No. 410, the State of Emergency will be terminated effective Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
For a copy of
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Dec. 30 -- Gov. Phil Murphy, D-New Jersey, issued the following news release:
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Acting Governor Way Ends State of Emergency Following Winter Storm
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TRENTON - Acting Governor Way today lifted the State of Emergency declared through Executive Order No. 409 on December 26, 2025 due to the impacts of a potentially significant winter storm with hazardous weather conditions, including snowfall, freezing rain, and sleet.
With the signing of Executive Order No. 410, the State of Emergency will be terminated effective Tuesday, December 30, 2025 at 3:00 p.m.
For a copy ofExecutive Order No. 410, please click here.
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Original text here: https://nj.gov/governor/news/news/562025/approved/20251230a.shtml
