States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
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Wash. State Ecology Dept.: Findings From the 2025 Report on Overburdened Communities Highly Impacted by Air Pollution
OLYMPIA, Washington, March 20 (TNSrep) -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Findings from the 2025 report on overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution
A look at community-level impacts of air pollution
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Air quality in Washington's communities most highly impacted by air pollution has improved in recent years, potentially because of lower wildfire activity and lighter traffic during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to a newly published report from Ecology and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
While
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OLYMPIA, Washington, March 20 (TNSrep) -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release:
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Findings from the 2025 report on overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution
A look at community-level impacts of air pollution
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Air quality in Washington's communities most highly impacted by air pollution has improved in recent years, potentially because of lower wildfire activity and lighter traffic during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. This is according to a newly published report from Ecology and the Washington State Department of Health (DOH).
Whilethe findings show there were fewer days with unhealthy air in these areas compared to data in a previous 2023 report, there remains disparities between those communities and the rest of the state. Though the entire state meets federal air quality standards, these differences in air quality continue to result in higher estimated rates of death and hospitalization in overburdened communities, compared to Washington averages.
Understanding the report
The 2025 report on overburdened communities highly impacted by air pollution is the second edition of this analysis, which is required under the Climate Commitment Act. Air pollution and health data were gathered in 16 of Washington's most highly impacted communities through 2024, which a team of scientists at Ecology and DOH compiled and analyzed throughout 2025. The team tracked the presence and health impacts associated with criteria air pollutants, like fine particulate matter (PM2.5) and ozone (O3). They also evaluated how greenhouse gas emissions from stationary sources, like factories, and from mobile sources, like cars, changed over time since the 2023 report. The findings of the 2025 report will inform Ecology's work in communities, grant opportunities, air monitoring strategy, and rulemaking related to the Climate Commitment Act.
Report highlights
On the whole, criteria air pollution levels decreased from 2022-2024 and were consistently below federal standards. However, the elevated levels of criteria air pollution in these communities still increase the risk of developing heart and lung diseases. Kirsten Dodroe, the report's lead author, says there are a couple of major factors that impacted air quality and health in all 16 communities.
"Wildfire smoke is a significant contributor to criteria air pollution in many of the communities included in this report," says Dodroe. "However, we observed relatively lower impacts from wildfire smoke in 2023 and 2024 as compared to the first report. This resulted in dramatically fewer days of unhealthy air quality in these 16 communities during the reporting period."
Examining the most recently available mobile source data from 2019 to 2021, Dodroe noted, "with fewer people commuting to work during the height of the pandemic, greenhouse gas emissions from vehicles were down by about 5% in these communities."
When asked if these air quality improvements may be temporary, Dodroe is careful not to speculate.
"This report certainly demonstrates the importance of lowering greenhouse gas emissions to slow the progression of climate change," says Dodroe. "Climate change both exacerbates the intensity of wildfire seasons and extreme heat events, which put community members at risk of developing heart and lung diseases associated with air pollution. We can reduce these risks by starting fewer accidental wildfires, and electrifying transit and home heating."
For a full breakdown of community highlights, visit the publication page for the report (https://apps.ecology.wa.gov/publications/SummaryPages/2502037.html) and scroll down to your area of interest.
The following is not an exhaustive list of all report findings:
* Between 2022 and 2024, overburdened communities highly impacted by criteria air pollution experienced as many as 8.3 days or as few as 0 days when air quality was considered "unhealthy for sensitive groups" or worse, for an average of 2.9 days of unhealthy air averaged across all 16 areas.
- This is down from an average of 7.5 days (range 4.3-12) in the previous reporting period (2020-2022).
* Criteria air pollutants that were monitored within overburdened community boundaries were below the limits of the National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS).
* According to 2024 Center for Disease Control data, the rates for chronic diseases like asthma, cardiovascular disease, COPD, diabetes, and stroke in the 16 overburdened communities outpace statewide rates.
* In Ecology's statistical models, yearly PM2.5 exposure in the 16 overburdened communities was associated with an estimated 430 deaths by any cause among adults ages 18-84 and 261 deaths among older adults ages 65-99.
- The highest estimated rates are seen in East Yakima, Lower Yakima Valley, and Spokane and Spokane Valley.
Visit Ecology's website to learn more about our ongoing work in overburdened communities.
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Original text here: https://ecology.wa.gov/blog/march-2026/findings-from-the-2025-report-on-overburdened-communities-highly-impacted-by-air-pollution
Va. Motor Vehicles Dept.: City of Richmond and Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office Launch "See and Be Seen" Campaign to Raise Awareness for Pedestrian Safety
RICHMOND, Virginia, March 20 -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news:
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City of Richmond and Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office Launch "See and Be Seen" Campaign to Raise Awareness for Pedestrian Safety
Following the tragic pedestrian deaths that have occurred since December 2025, the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Commonwealth's Highway Safety Office, are taking action with a high-visibility, citywide pedestrian safety campaign urging everyone to "See and Be Seen."
The multi-platform campaign will run on television,
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RICHMOND, Virginia, March 20 -- The Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news:
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City of Richmond and Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office Launch "See and Be Seen" Campaign to Raise Awareness for Pedestrian Safety
Following the tragic pedestrian deaths that have occurred since December 2025, the City of Richmond and the Virginia Department of Motor Vehicles (DMV), the Commonwealth's Highway Safety Office, are taking action with a high-visibility, citywide pedestrian safety campaign urging everyone to "See and Be Seen."
The multi-platform campaign will run on television,radio, digital platforms, and billboards across the city. Its message is simple, but lifesaving: drivers must slow down and look for people walking, biking, and rolling. The campaign also shares practical tips to help pedestrians in Richmond stay safe, visible, and alert.
"This is a moment for action," said Mayor Danny Avula. "We are combining education, enforcement, and engineering improvements to protect lives and make our streets safer for everyone. The safety of our neighbors and friends has to be a priority, and we need to do our part, especially when behind the wheel."
"Seeing and being seen isn't just a slogan, it's a lifesaving commitment," said DMV Commissioner Dr. Gerald F. Lackey, the Governor's Highway Safety Representative. "When we look out for one another, we prevent crashes, protect families, and build a safer Richmond."
In addition to the public awareness push, the City has fast-tracked targeted infrastructure upgrades. At 10th Street and Marshall Street, Richmond's Traffic Signal Shop installed a pilot of new audible pedestrian beacons that provide clear crossing messages and destination guidance for individuals with limited sight. From concept to activation, the project was completed in just 40 days, a testament to the City's urgency and commitment. If successful, the technology could expand to other high pedestrian traffic areas, prioritizing Richmond's high-injury network.
The campaign reinforces simple but powerful safety actions:
For Drivers:
* Slow down -- especially near crosswalks, schools, parks, and downtown corridors.
* Stop for pedestrians in marked and unmarked crosswalks.
* Look left, right, and left again before turning.
* Eliminate distractions -- put the phone away and focus on the road.
* Yield and be patient -- a few seconds can save a life.
* Never drive impaired -- choose a sober ride every time.
* Take driving seriously -- don't forget that driving is a huge responsibility, give it your full attention.
For Pedestrians:
* Use marked crosswalks and obey traffic signals.
* Make eye contact with drivers before stepping into the street.
* Stay alert -- avoid walking while distracted by your phone or headphones.
* Be visible at night by wearing bright or reflective clothing.
* Take advantage of pedestrian signals and audible cues at intersections.
The Virginia DMV Highway Safety Office is supporting City initiatives through public education efforts and strategic messaging designed to change behavior and reinforce safe habits behind the wheel and out on the street.
For more information about pedestrian safety resources, visit the City of Richmond's Vision Zero webpage.
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Original text here: https://www.dmv.virginia.gov/news/city-richmond-and-virginia-dmv-highway-safety-office-launch-see-and-be-seen-campaign-raise
State Board of Education Approves New Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K Through Grade 12 Education
JACKSON, Mississippi, March 20 -- The Mississippi State Board of Education issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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State Board of Education approves new Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) today approved the Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education, which updates the current strategic plan to incorporate new priorities for education while ensuring the state builds upon its historic academic achievements.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) developed this Strategic Plan
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JACKSON, Mississippi, March 20 -- The Mississippi State Board of Education issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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State Board of Education approves new Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education
The Mississippi State Board of Education (SBE) today approved the Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education, which updates the current strategic plan to incorporate new priorities for education while ensuring the state builds upon its historic academic achievements.
The Mississippi Department of Education (MDE) developed this Strategic Planafter gathering broad stakeholder input including a survey and focus group interviews with approximately 100 Mississippians in fall 2025. Participants represented a cross-section of the education community and included students, teachers, principals, superintendents, legislative representatives, business leaders, community college and university representatives, and education stakeholder group leaders.
The updated plan reflects Mississippi's ongoing commitment to building a world-class education system that equips every student with the knowledge and skills to succeed in college, careers, and life in Mississippi and the world. Goals 1-5 in the updated plan reflect the same priorities as the original strategic plan, and a new goal has been added focused on whole child support.
Updated Strategic Plan Goals
1. Every child has access to a high-quality early childhood program and is prepared for kindergarten
2. Every student develops strong literacy and mathematics skills in all grades
3. Every student graduates prepared for success in college, career, or military service
4. Every school and district demonstrates strong academic outcomes and continuous improvement
5. Every school is fully staffed with qualified, effective teachers and leaders
6. All students attend schools and districts with safe, engaging, and supportive environments
Additional actions in the updated plan include promoting consistent school attendance, integrating technology and career learning from pre-K through grade 12, developing school and district leaders, and providing a system of support for low-performing schools and districts.
The updated Mississippi Strategic Plan for Pre-K through Grade 12 Education will officially take effect on July 1, 2026, though MDE will start working immediately on creating and implementing initiatives to advance the goals of the updated plan.
"Mississippi students have earned national recognition for their gains over the past decade, proving that high expectations, strong instruction, and a commitment to equity improve outcomes," said Dr. Lance Evans, state superintendent of education. "The work ahead builds upon that momentum and demands the same focus and dedication of teachers, school leaders, families, community partners, and policymakers working together with a common purpose."
View the updated Strategic Plan: mdek12.org/mbe/strategicplan
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Original text here: https://mdek12.org/communications/2026/03/19/state-board-of-education-approves-new-mississippi-strategic-plan-for-pre-k-through-grade-12-education/
S.D. A.G. Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the America First Policy Institute's Attorneys General Council in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
"This is common-sense legislation to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring only U.S. citizens are registered to vote," said Attorney General Jackley. "I appreciate
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PIERRE, South Dakota, March 20 -- South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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Attorney General Jackley Urges U.S. Senate to Pass SAVE America Act
South Dakota Attorney General Marty Jackley joins the America First Policy Institute's Attorneys General Council in urging U.S. Senate leadership to pass the Safeguard American Voter Eligibility (SAVE) America Act.
"This is common-sense legislation to protect the integrity of our elections by ensuring only U.S. citizens are registered to vote," said Attorney General Jackley. "I appreciatethe efforts of South Dakota Sen. Thune, as the Senate Majority Leader, to bring this important issue to a vote."
Attorney General Jackley also promoted election integrity in this year's South Dakota Legislature. The Attorney General Jackley introduced Senate Bill 17, which prohibits a candidate or political committee from accepting contributions or loans made by a foreign national. The measure unanimously passed both the House and Senate and was signed into law by the Governor.
The SAVE America Act would:
* Ensure voting in federal elections is reserved for U.S. citizens by making the ID requirement enforceable.
* Establish a federal citizenship baseline without displacing state election administration.
* Require documentary proof of citizenship and applies equally to all registrants.
A copy of the letter can be found here: https://www.americafirstpolicy.com/assets/uploads/files/AFPI_AG_COUNCIL_SAVE_AMERICA_LETTER_03.2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://atg.sd.gov/OurOffice/Media/pressreleasesdetail.aspx?id=3035
Pa. Gov. Shapiro Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration's Dangerous Assault on Environmental Protections, Repeal of Efforts to Fight Climate Change
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 20 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration's Dangerous Assault on Environmental Protections, Repeal of Efforts to Fight Climate Change
In February, the U.S. EPA repealed a fundamental tenet of long-standing rule on environmental protections and placed Pennsylvanians at increased risk of harm associated with growing levels of pollution.
As the Trump Administration continues to ignore years of legal precedent, Governor Shapiro is pushing back
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 20 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Governor Shapiro Takes Legal Action Against Trump Administration's Dangerous Assault on Environmental Protections, Repeal of Efforts to Fight Climate Change
In February, the U.S. EPA repealed a fundamental tenet of long-standing rule on environmental protections and placed Pennsylvanians at increased risk of harm associated with growing levels of pollution.
As the Trump Administration continues to ignore years of legal precedent, Governor Shapiro is pushing backto protect the health of Pennsylvanians and combat climate change.
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Today, Governor Josh Shapiro filed a lawsuit challenging the Trump Administration's dangerous assault on environmental protection measures that keep pollution out of the air Pennsylvania families breathe.
The lawsuit, led by Massachusetts and California and joined by Governor Shapiro, 21 other states, and several cities and counties, challenges the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA)'s repeal of the 2009 Greenhouse Gas Endangerment Finding, which found that six greenhouse gases in the atmosphere -- carbon dioxide, methane, nitrous oxide, hydrofluorocarbons, perfluorocarbons, and sulfur hexafluoride -- threaten the public health and welfare of current and future generations.
The EPA's repeal on February 12th flies in the face of both science and the law. As a result of the Trump Administration's actions, Pennsylvanians face growing threats from increased air pollution and its associated health risks.
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"Pollution puts people's health at risk, makes severe weather worse, threatens our farmers' crops, and makes health care more expensive. By trying to roll back protections that keep pollution out of the air we breathe, the Trump Administration is once again throwing science out the window and putting Pennsylvanians' lives at risk - so I'm taking them to court to put a stop to it," said Governor Shapiro. "I will continue to stand up against this Administration's harmful actions and protect the health and safety of all 13 million Pennsylvanians."
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For more than a decade, greenhouse gases have been considered air pollutants covered by the Clean Air Act and by repealing this rule, EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin and the Trump Administration have unlawfully discarded years of precedent. Governor Shapiro's legal action seeks to reverse the EPA's repeal and continues his work to combat federal attempts to strip long-standing protections from Pennsylvanians.
Shapiro Administration's Work to Strengthen Environmental Protections
Before the endangerment finding rule was repealed, the Pennsylvania Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), and Pennsylvania Department of Health (DOH) sent a letter (https://files.dep.state.pa.us/AboutDEP/Testimony/2025/PA_DEP_DOH_DCNR_Federal_Comment_EPA_HQ_OAR_2025_0194_Endangerment_Finding_Reconsideration.pdf) to the EPA in September 2025, outlining their opposition to the repeal and detailing a lack of legal standing for such action.
In January 2025, Governor Shapiro unveiled his Lightning Plan, which includes strategic initiatives to reduce carbon emissions, lower utility bills, and create jobs. In his Plan, the Governor introduced PRESS, the Pennsylvania Reliable Energy Sustainability Standard, to combat climate change and enhance environmental protections by reducing air pollution and increasing investment in clean, renewable energy sources.
The Shapiro Administration secured over $76 million in federal funding in September 2024 to address the plugging of orphaned and abandoned oil and gas wells to reduce methane emissions that contribute to climate change.
In July 2024, Governor Shapiro announced his Administration secured nearly $400 million for the Reducing Industrial Sector Emissions in Pennsylvania (RISE PA project to fund efforts helping Pennsylvania companies lower climate emissions while creating good-paying jobs and supporting Pennsylvania's economy.
Since taking office, Governor Shapiro has been committed to supporting a healthy environment for every Pennsylvanian.
This lawsuit is led by Massachusetts Attorney General Andrea Campbell and California Attorney General Rob Bonta, and joined by the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, Oregon, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/gov-shapiro-takes-legal-action-against-the-epa
DNR Reminds Anglers Of New Opening Day For Inland Trout Harvest Season
MADISON, Wisconsin, March 20 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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DNR Reminds Anglers Of New Opening Day For Inland Trout Harvest Season
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2026-2027 inland trout season will open on April 4 and run through Oct. 15, 2026, increasing harvest opportunities throughout the state's inland streams, springs and spring ponds.
This year's trout harvest season opens a month earlier than prior seasons. Trout populations are strong across most Wisconsin waters
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MADISON, Wisconsin, March 20 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on March 18, 2026:
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DNR Reminds Anglers Of New Opening Day For Inland Trout Harvest Season
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) reminds anglers that the 2026-2027 inland trout season will open on April 4 and run through Oct. 15, 2026, increasing harvest opportunities throughout the state's inland streams, springs and spring ponds.
This year's trout harvest season opens a month earlier than prior seasons. Trout populations are strong across most Wisconsin watersand this additional month of harvest will provide anglers more fishing opportunities during a time of the year when other fishing seasons are generally closed. This season change was strongly supported by the public during the DNR and Wisconsin Conservation Congress 2025 Spring Hearings.
Anyone wishing to participate in this season will need a 2026-2027 general fishing license and inland trout stamp, which are both valid until March 31, 2027, and can be purchased through Go Wild or at one of many in-person license sales locations.
The DNR reminds anglers that there have been some changes to the trout daily bag and length limits this year, providing additional harvest opportunity on waters where trout populations are abundant and additional harvest is encouraged to meet management goals.
Consult the Guide to Wisconsin's 2026-2027 Trout Fishing Regulations for specifics. The earlier open harvest season for trout does not apply to inland lakes and ponds. For those waters, the traditional first Saturday in May opener still applies. In 2026, this season opens May 2. No changes have been made to the trout season dates or bag limits on Lake Superior, Lake Michigan, Green Bay or Green Bay tributaries.
As the season kicks off, anglers are reminded to be mindful of aquatic invasive species. To prevent the spread, anglers are encouraged to disinfect their gear and follow these guidelines:
* Inspect your waders, boots, watercraft and equipment.
* Remove any attached aquatic plants or animals (before launching, after loading and before transporting on a public highway).
* Drain all water from boats, motors, waders and other equipment.
* Never move live fish away from a waterbody.
* Dispose of unwanted bait in the trash.
* Buy minnows from a Wisconsin bait dealer. It's important to note that anglers may take leftover minnows away from any state water and use them again on that same water, and leftover minnows may be used on other waters only if no lake or river water or other fish were added to their container.
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Original text here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom
Alaska A.G. Cox Settles With Southeast Jewelry Store Over Fake Gold Quartz and Gold Nuggets
JUNEAU, Alaska, March 20 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Cox settles with Southeast Jewelry Store over Fake Gold Quartz and Gold Nuggets
(Ketchikan, AK) - Today, Attorney General Cox announced the settlement of the State's consumer-protection lawsuit against Soni Inc., a jewelry retail business which currently does business in Ketchikan under the name "Flawless Fine Jewelry," and one of its corporate officers, Sunita Lakhwani.
In 2023, Soni Inc. sold man-made facsimiles of naturally occurring gold quartz and
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JUNEAU, Alaska, March 20 -- Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox issued the following news release on March 19, 2026:
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Attorney General Cox settles with Southeast Jewelry Store over Fake Gold Quartz and Gold Nuggets
(Ketchikan, AK) - Today, Attorney General Cox announced the settlement of the State's consumer-protection lawsuit against Soni Inc., a jewelry retail business which currently does business in Ketchikan under the name "Flawless Fine Jewelry," and one of its corporate officers, Sunita Lakhwani.
In 2023, Soni Inc. sold man-made facsimiles of naturally occurring gold quartz andgold nuggets to undercover investigators. Soni Inc.'s employees stated that these objects had been mined in Alaska and included 24 karat pure gold. Some employees claimed that Soni Inc. made the jewelry in Alaska. In fact, Soni Inc. had obtained these objects from a California company called TT Jewelry. The "gold nuggets" sold to investigators were low-purity 14 karat gold shaped to resemble a gold nugget, and the objects sold to investigators as Alaskan "gold quartz" were pieces of quartz which had been infused with a low-purity alloy of gold, or in one case, contained no gold whatsoever.
"Alaska is known around the world for its gold--our mines, our mineral deposits, the history behind them," said Alaska Attorney General Stephen Cox. "When a business tells visitors that gold was mined here, people believe it. If that's not true, it's taking advantage of visitors--and trading on Alaska's name in the process. Enforcing our consumer protection laws here protects tourists, and it backs up the many honest Alaska businesses that are doing it right."
Under this settlement, the defendants will pay a total of $60,000 in disgorgement to the State and restitution to four individuals the State's investigation identified as victims of misrepresentations. Additionally, the settlement empowers the state's investigators to do on-the-spot audits to verify any future representations by Soni Inc. that the products it sells are made in Alaska or "Alaskan" or that gold quartz or gold nuggets it sells are natural.
* SOA v. Soni Inc. et al. - Consent Judgment (https://law.alaska.gov/pdf/press/260319-ConsentJudgment.pdf)
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Original text here: https://law.alaska.gov/press/releases/2026/031926-Flawless.html
