Targeted News Service

States, Cities and Counties

N.C. Insurance Dept.: Commissioner Causey Joins Gov. Stein in Letter to Congress Supporting Key Change to Federal Flood Insurance Program for Coastal Homeowners (11/15/25)

N.H. Education Dept.: New Hampshire Adapts to Changing Student Population (11/15/25)

N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $291.4 Billion at End of Second Quarter (11/15/25)

N.Y. State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal & School Audits (11/15/25)

Okla. A.G. Drummond Cautions Wildlife Department to Rescind Policy Against Tribal Hunters (11/15/25)

Pa. Conservation & Natural Resources Dept.: In Harrisburg, Shapiro Administration Plants 33 Trees as Part of $500,000 Statewide Community Investment (11/15/25)

Pa. Education Dept.: Pennsylvania Releases 2024-25 School Assessment Results (11/15/25)

Pa. Gov. Shapiro Highlights 2025-26 Budget Wins for Pennsylvania Communities in TV Interviews in Every Media Market in the Commonwealth (11/15/25)

Pa. Gov. Shapiro Joins WMMR's Camp Out for Hunger, Highlights Actions to Protect SNAP Recipients, New Food Security and Agriculture Investments in State Budget (11/15/25)

Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: PA 529 Investment Plan Earns Third Consecutive Gold Rating From Morningstar, Remains Top-Tier Plan in the Country (11/15/25)

R.I. Gov. McKee, First Lady Announce Municipal Beautification Mini Grant Awardees (11/15/25)

Wyo. Gov. Gordon Highlights 'The Essentials' Budget and Wyoming's Competitive Edge at Wyoming Business Alliance Event (11/15/25)

States, Cities and Counties

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

Featured Stories

Wyo. Gov. Gordon Highlights 'The Essentials' Budget and Wyoming's Competitive Edge at Wyoming Business Alliance Event

CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Nov. 15 -- Gov. Mark Gordon, R-Wyoming, issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:

* * *

Governor Highlights "The Essentials" Budget and Wyoming's Competitive Edge at Wyoming Business Alliance event

Speaking to business leaders at the Wyoming Business Alliance's Governor's Business Forum in Laramie today, Governor Mark Gordon (R-Wy) outlined his forthcoming budget "The Essentials" and called for a continued, practical focus on workforce, energy, education, water, tourism, and rural healthcare to secure Wyoming's future.

"How are we working to make sure that our state ... Show Full Article

Pa. Education Dept.: Pennsylvania Releases 2024-25 School Assessment Results

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Nov. 14, 2025:

* * *

Pennsylvania Releases 2024-25 School Assessment Results

Graduation rates rose for the third consecutive year.

PSSA Math proficiency rates rose for the second consecutive year.

Regular attendance rose for the second consecutive year, despite regular attendance rates decreasing nationally since 2023.

Schools that used the Shapiro Admin's free benchmarking tool during the school year on average performed 5.5% better than schools that did not.

*

The Pennsylvania Department ... Show Full Article HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Nov. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Education issued the following news on Nov. 14, 2025: * * * Pennsylvania Releases 2024-25 School Assessment Results Graduation rates rose for the third consecutive year. PSSA Math proficiency rates rose for the second consecutive year. Regular attendance rose for the second consecutive year, despite regular attendance rates decreasing nationally since 2023. Schools that used the Shapiro Admin's free benchmarking tool during the school year on average performed 5.5% better than schools that did not. * The Pennsylvania Departmentof Education (PDE) today released the results of the 2024-25 administration of state assessments, including the Pennsylvania System for School Assessment (PSSA), Pennsylvania Alternate System of Assessment (PASA), Pennsylvania Keystone Exams, and Access for English Language Learners.

"Assessments give educators information they need to understand student progress and to direct support where it is needed most," said Acting Secretary of Education Dr. Carrie Rowe. "This year, the data shows that Pennsylvania's targeted investments in education have resulted in more students attending school regularly, graduating on time, and leaving school equipped with the skills to choose a good career and chart their own course in life. While we see progress, we are focused on raising these scores by working closely with Pennsylvania school districts to ensure teachers have access to the best possible training and professional development, increasing support for structured literacy in our classrooms, raising awareness of the effectiveness of the PA Firefly benchmarking tool, and examining whether or not Pennsylvania's current state standards - some of which have not been updated in more than a decade - still align with the skills and knowledge students really need to succeed in the classroom and beyond."

PSSA proficiency rates in Math increased for the second consecutive year from 40.2 percent to 41.7 percent. PSSA proficiency rates in English Language Arts decreased from 53.9 percent to 49.9 percent. Due to the adoption of updated Science standards adopted in Pennsylvania, assessment scores in Science were waived, and only participation rates were reported.

Keystone Algebra proficiency rates increased from 41.6 percent to 44.3 percent over the past year. Both Keystone Literature and Biology assessments saw a 1.1 percent decrease, from 63.2 percent to 62.1 percent and 50.5 percent to 49.4 percent, respectively.

English learner growth and attainment increased from 31.7 percent in 2023-24 to 32.4 percent in 2024-25, the largest improvement historically seen in Pennsylvania.

PDE also released today the 2024-25 metrics from the Future Ready PA Index, a collection of school progress measures related to school and student success. The Index includes a range of assessment, on-track, and readiness indicators, to more accurately report student learning, growth, and success in the classroom and beyond.

Highlights include: four-year graduation rates increased from 87.6 percent in 2023-24 to 88.0 percent in 2024-25, the third consecutive year of increase; regular attendance increased to 79.6 percent, the second consecutive year of increase, despite regular attendance rates decreasing nationally since 2023; and the Career Standards Benchmark remained stable at 91.3 percent.

Data showed that schools that administered PA Firefly or Classroom Diagnostic Tools (CDT) at least once prior to online testing had an average overall proficiency 5.5% higher than schools that did not. Created as part of the Shapiro Administration's efforts to help teachers spend less time testing and more time teaching, PA Firefly is a free, fully online benchmark tool teachers can use to help assess how well students are mastering material that will be tested on state assessments before the end of the school year. PA Firefly is the only benchmark tool aligned to Pennsylvania standards.

PSSAs are administered in grades 3-8 for English Language Arts and Mathematics, as well as grades 5 and 8 for Science & Technology. PASAs are alternate exams for qualifying students with Individualized Education Plans (IEP). Keystones are end-of-course exams in Algebra I, Literature, and Biology. Access for English Language Learners is a summative English language proficiency assessment taken annually by K-12 English learners.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/education/newsroom/pennsylvania-releases-2024-25-school-assessment-results

N.Y. State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal & School Audits

ALBANY, New York, Nov. 15 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025:

* * *

State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal & School Audits

New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the following local government and school audits were issued.

Serven Volunteer Fire Company - Board Oversight (Seneca County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-company-or-department/2025/10/31/serven-volunteer-fire-company-board-oversight-2024m-97)

The board did not ensure financial activities were properly recorded and ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Nov. 15 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Nov. 13, 2025: * * * State Comptroller DiNapoli Releases Municipal & School Audits New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli today announced the following local government and school audits were issued. Serven Volunteer Fire Company - Board Oversight (Seneca County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-company-or-department/2025/10/31/serven-volunteer-fire-company-board-oversight-2024m-97) The board did not ensure financial activities were properly recorded andreported and resources were adequately safeguarded, which increased the risk that errors or irregularities could occur and remain undetected and uncorrected. The board did not ensure that the bylaws were adequate or enforce their limited financial provisions, establish supplemental financial policies or procedures, conduct a thorough audit of bills or conduct an annual audit of the treasurer's books and records. The treasurer did not solely receive and deposit all money as required and allowed a member to handle hall rental revenue.

Border City Fire District - Board Oversight (Seneca County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-district/2025/10/31/border-city-fire-district-board-oversight-2024m-137)

The board did not provide adequate oversight of the district's financial operations. As a result, the former district fire department chief, who was also a director of the Border City Hose Company, entered into an unauthorized contract with a private corporation and kept an unauthorized bank account into which he inappropriately deposited and withdrew district money. The board did not ensure all goods and services were procured in compliance with state law, district policies or in the best interest of taxpayers. The board did not oversee the chief or ensure the treasurer received, accounted for and dispersed all district money.

Border City Hose Company - Financial Oversight (Seneca County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-company-or-department/2025/10/31/border-city-hose-company-financial-oversight-2025m-39)

Company officers did not provide oversight of company financial operations by performing even the limited oversight responsibilities outlined in the company's bylaws. Certain officers hindered the treasurer's ability to perform his fiscal responsibilities by designating themselves as recipients and custodians of most company money. As a result, company money was not always properly accounted for, and a director, who was also the Border City Fire District Fire Department chief, inappropriately used company funds for his personal benefit.

Henderson Fire District - Financial Activities (Jefferson County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-district/2025/10/31/henderson-fire-district-financial-activities-2025m-67)

The board did not adequately monitor financial activities or ensure the treasurer maintained appropriate records and reports. Auditors determined the treasurer did not prepare accurate and timely bank reconciliations for the general fund checking account and did not reconcile the three interest-bearing savings and money market accounts. The treasurer did not provide the board with a detailed listing of all funds received and disbursed during the month or balance sheet reports. The treasurer also did not file annual financial reports with the State Comptroller's Office for 2019 through 2024.

Canisteo-Greenwood Central School District - Claims Auditing (Steuben County) (https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/school-district/2025/10/31/canisteo-greenwood-central-school-district-claims-auditing-2025m-84)

The claims auditor did not properly audit all claims prior to payment. Of the 2,943 claims totaling $23.7 million, auditors reviewed 202 claims totaling $1.4 million and determined that 105 claims totaling approximately $804,000 should not have been approved by the claims auditor for payment. While auditors were able to determine that each of the 202 claims was for a proper district purpose, the board had no assurance that claims approved by the claims auditor complied with its written policies and that each purchase was for a proper district purpose.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2025/11/state-comptroller-dinapoli-releases-municipal-school-audits-0

N.H. Education Dept.: New Hampshire Adapts to Changing Student Population

CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 15 -- The New Hampshire Department of Education issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:

* * *

New Hampshire adapts to changing student population

State adequacy aid hits highest per-pupil level

*

The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) today released its official statewide student enrollment data for the fall of 2025, showing a continued decline in student enrollment throughout the past several decades.

According to the new data, there are now 160,323 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools compared to 162,660 ... Show Full Article CONCORD, New Hampshire, Nov. 15 -- The New Hampshire Department of Education issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025: * * * New Hampshire adapts to changing student population State adequacy aid hits highest per-pupil level * The New Hampshire Department of Education (NHED) today released its official statewide student enrollment data for the fall of 2025, showing a continued decline in student enrollment throughout the past several decades. According to the new data, there are now 160,323 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools compared to 162,660at the start of the 2024-2025 school year. For comparison, there were more than 205,000 students enrolled in New Hampshire public and public charter schools 20 years ago during the 2005-2006 school year.

This shift in enrollment aligns with long-term demographic changes, including a smaller school-age population driven by declining birth rates, which have fallen from about 14,000 annually in the early 2000s to roughly 11,000-12,000 annually today.

"New Hampshire's public schools are navigating a continued decline in student enrollment," said Commissioner of Education Caitlin D. Davis. "These shifts may require school districts to make thoughtful adjustments as they work to prepare and finalize their budgets in March for the next school year. The Department will continue to support school leaders as they respond to enrollment changes and work with their taxpayers to understand the impacts of these changes on local budgets."

Alongside the official enrollment report, NHED also released State adequacy aid estimates for the 2026-2027 school year, which highlight the State's continued investment in public education. Per-pupil State adequacy funding is projected to reach its highest level ever, accompanied by increased support for special education to a record level under the budget signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte this summer.

The current State adequacy formula was largely agreed upon by a bipartisan Legislature in the 2023 biennial budget, with new fiscal disparity grants added this year to support municipalities with the lowest property values per pupil. Districts receive a base adequacy grant for students who attend their schools, with higher differentials for students with disabilities, free and reduced lunch, and English language learners. Extraordinary needs grants, also included in the formula, provide grants to districts with the lowest property values and the highest percentage of students in poverty. The State average grant per pupil is approximately $7,100, with Claremont slated to receive an estimated $13,443 per pupil, Berlin receiving $14,469 per pupil, Newport $14,419 per pupil, Franklin $12,312 per pupil, and Manchester $11,029 per pupil.

Each year on November 15, NHED releases State adequacy aid estimates to help districts prepare their budgets for the following year. Today's release provides the FY 2027 State adequacy estimates for districts to use in developing their 2026-2027 budgets, which voters will consider in March 2026.

New Hampshire Education Funding by the Numbers:

* Per-pupil estimated State adequacy is at an all-time high with an average of $7,132 - a more than 30% increase over the last 10 years.

* The State will also invest a record $49.9 million in special education - a more than 130% increase from 10 years ago.

* Next year's overall State adequacy funding estimates reflect the continued trend of declining student enrollment statewide, a lower percentage of students eligible for free and reduced lunch, and higher property values.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.education.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-adapts-changing-student-population

LCRA, City of San Saba Award $25,000 Grant for Improvements to Baseball Field at Mill Pond Park

AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025:

* * *

LCRA, City of San Saba award $25,000 grant for improvements to baseball field at Mill Pond Park

Project will expand dugouts, add storage and repair field, sprinklers and fencing

*

SAN SABA, Texas - The San Saba All Sports Booster Club soon will make upgrades to the community baseball field at Mill Pond Park, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of San Saba.

The community grant, along with $6,400 in matching funds from the booster ... Show Full Article AUSTIN, Texas, Nov. 15 -- The Lower Colorado River Authority issued the following news release on Nov. 14, 2025: * * * LCRA, City of San Saba award $25,000 grant for improvements to baseball field at Mill Pond Park Project will expand dugouts, add storage and repair field, sprinklers and fencing * SAN SABA, Texas - The San Saba All Sports Booster Club soon will make upgrades to the community baseball field at Mill Pond Park, thanks to a $25,000 grant from the Lower Colorado River Authority and the City of San Saba. The community grant, along with $6,400 in matching funds from the boosterclub, will support repairs and upgrades that include extending both dugouts to protective barrier fencing for added safety, adding a storage room to the home dugout, repairing the sprinkler system for reliable irrigation, reconditioning the infield with new base settings and providing a rebuilt pitcher's mound and turf restoration.

"Our high school teams use this field, and in recent seasons our youth and pony league programs have relied on it too," said Ashley Johnson, president of the San Saba All Sports Booster Club. "With more teams than fields and a longer youth season, safety and playability are top priorities. This grant lets us fix critical items like fencing, sprinklers and infield work all at once so kids can practice and play on a safer, better surface."

The field is owned by the City of San Saba and is maintained by San Saba ISD. The planned upgrades will reduce hazards and improve field conditions to support frequent practices, games and tournaments.

"As a volunteer booster organization, raising this much on our own would have taken multiple years," Johnson said. "This is our first grant, and it accelerates needed repairs that benefit today's high school athletes and the younger players coming up. It also opens doors for future improvements as our programs grow."

This is one of 41 grants awarded recently through LCRA Community Grants. These grants are awarded twice a year as part of LCRA's effort to give back to communities in its wholesale electric, water and transmission service areas. The City of San Saba is one of LCRA's wholesale electric customers and is a partner in the Community Grants program.

Applications for the next round of grants will be accepted in January. More information is available at lcra.org/cdpp.

* * *

About LCRA

The Lower Colorado River Authority serves customers and communities throughout Texas by managing the lower Colorado River; generating and transmitting electric power; providing a clean, reliable water supply; and offering outdoor adventures at more than 40 parks along the Colorado River from the Texas Hill Country to the Gulf Coast. LCRA and its employees are committed to fulfilling our mission to enhance the quality of life of the Texans we serve through water stewardship, energy and community service. LCRA was created by the Texas Legislature in 1934 and receives no state appropriations.

* * *

Original text here: https://www.lcra.org/news/news-releases/lcra-city-of-san-saba-award-25000-grant-for-improvements-to-baseball-field-at-mill-pond-park/

Del. A.G. Jennings' Statement on Federal Permit to Purchase Ruling

DOVER, Delaware, Nov. 15 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following statement:

* * *

AG Jennings' statement on federal permit to purchase ruling

Attorney General Kathy Jennings released the following statement Friday evening after Judge Maryellen Noreika of the District of Delaware denied a gun lobby motion for a preliminary injunction against Delaware's permit to purchase law--a handgun training and licensing law supported by roughly 70% of Delawareans, including more than 60% of gun owners.

* * *

I'm grateful to our team and to our partners in Freshfields who argued ... Show Full Article DOVER, Delaware, Nov. 15 -- Delaware Attorney General Kathy Jennings issued the following statement: * * * AG Jennings' statement on federal permit to purchase ruling Attorney General Kathy Jennings released the following statement Friday evening after Judge Maryellen Noreika of the District of Delaware denied a gun lobby motion for a preliminary injunction against Delaware's permit to purchase law--a handgun training and licensing law supported by roughly 70% of Delawareans, including more than 60% of gun owners. * * * I'm grateful to our team and to our partners in Freshfields who arguedthis case, and to the Court for its consideration.

This is not just a win for the State--it's a win for everyone who has been impacted by gun homicide, gun suicide, or gun trafficking. Tonight in this country the leading cause of death for children and teens will be guns; permit to purchase is the gold standard for evidence-based policies to change that.

It's too soon to declare mission accomplished--but this is a good night for common sense gun safety policy.

* * *

Jennings blasted the gun lobby last week for misleading and inaccurate claims made in its filings, and for attempting to circumvent a pending motion to dismiss and a court order in a substantively identical case.

Following the denial of the plaintiffs' motion today, Delaware's permit to purchase statute will take effect as scheduled on Sunday, November 16, 2025. Information about obtaining a permit to purchase a handgun in Delaware pursuant to the statute may be found at the Delaware State Police's Permit to Purchase website (https://dsp.delaware.gov/permit-to-purchase).

States with a permit to purchase laws have 25% lower gun homicide rates than those without, 50% lower gun suicide rates than those without, and reduce gun trafficking by 75%. Case studies have demonstrated the impact of permit to purchase: in Connecticut, gun homicides fell by 40% and gun suicides fell by 15% after handgun permitting took effect. Conversely, in Missouri, gun homicides rose by 27% and gun suicide rose by 16% following the repeal of permit to purchase.

* * *

Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2025/11/14/ag-jennings-statement-on-federal-permit-to-purchase-ruling/

Colo. PUC Issues Weekly Meeting Agenda for Nov. 19, 2025

DENVER, Colorado, Nov. 15 -- The Colorado Public Utilities Commission issued the following weekly meeting agenda:

* * *

Consent Items

TRANSPORTATION

1. PROCEEDING NO. 25A-0422BP Green Ride Boulder &/or Boulder Shuttle &/or Green Ride Charter Services

IN THE MATTER OF THE APPLICATION OF FLATIRONS TRANSPORTATION LLC DOING BUSINESS AS GREEN RIDE CHARTER SERVICES FOR A PERMIT TO OPERATE AS A CONTRACT CARRIER BY MOTOR VEHICLE FOR HIRE.

Filing Date and Party: 10/08/2025 Green Ride Boulder &/or Boulder Shuttle &/or Green Ride Charter Services

Description: Application for a permit to operate as ... Show Full Article

Existing Customer Login