States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Pa. Labor Dept.: As National Rate Increases, Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2 Percent in February
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 19 (TNSxrep) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
As National Rate Increases, Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2 Percent in February
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment situation report for February 2026.
Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was down one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 4.2 percent in February. Over that same period, the U.S. unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a point from January to 4.4 percent.
Over
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 19 (TNSxrep) -- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
As National Rate Increases, Pennsylvania Unemployment Rate Drops to 4.2 Percent in February
The Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) today released its preliminary employment situation report for February 2026.
Pennsylvania's unemployment rate was down one-tenth of a percentage point over the month to 4.2 percent in February. Over that same period, the U.S. unemployment rate increased one-tenth of a point from January to 4.4 percent.
Overthe year, Pennsylvania's rate again performs better than the national rate. The Commonwealth's unemployment rate was a tenth of a point above its February 2025 level of 4.1 percent, while the U.S. rate was up two-tenths from last February.
Pennsylvania's civilian labor force -- the estimated number of residents working or looking for work -- was up 5,000 over the month to 6,588,000 in February. Employment was up 7,000 and unemployment declined by 2,000 from January.
Pennsylvania's total nonfarm jobs were at 6,178,600 in February. Jobs decreased in eight of the 11 industry supersectors. The largest volume gain was in other services, up 1,100 over the month, while the largest declines were in trade, transportation & utilities and education & health services (-5,900 each). Over the year, jobs were up 18,800 with gains in seven of the 11 supersectors. The largest volume gain from last February was in education & health services (+28,500).
Additional information is available on the L&I website at www.dli.pa.gov or by following us on Facebook, X, and LinkedIn.
The above data are seasonally adjusted. Seasonally adjusted data provide the most valid month-to-month comparison. February 2026 data are preliminary and subject to revision.
* * *
Table: Current Labor Force Statistics
Table: Pennsylvania Nonagricultural Wage and Salary Employment
* * *
For a more detailed breakdown of seasonally adjusted jobs data at the sector level, please contact the Center for Workforce Information & Analysis at 1-877-4WF-DATA, or visit www.paworkstats.pa.gov
* * *
Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/newsroom/pennsylvania-unemployment-rate-drops-to-4-2-percent
Michael Neil, Tracy Winchester Do Not Qualify for State Primary Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
Michael Neil, Tracy Winchester Do Not Qualify for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Michael Neil and Tracy Winchester, Democratic candidates for Colorado State House of Representatives District 2, have not submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado House of Representatives are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30%
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
Michael Neil, Tracy Winchester Do Not Qualify for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Michael Neil and Tracy Winchester, Democratic candidates for Colorado State House of Representatives District 2, have not submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado House of Representatives are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30%of votes cast in the last election, whichever is smaller) in their district, a requirement outlined by 1-4-801(2)(b), C.R.S.
Michael Neil submitted 874 signatures, failing to meet the signature threshold.
Michael Neil petition verification summary:
Total number of reviewable signature lines submitted: 874
Total number of signatures required for placement on ballot: 1,000
Tracy Winchester submitted 979 signatures, failing to meet the signature threshold.
Tracy Winchester petition verification summary:
Total number of reviewable signature lines submitted: 979
Total number of signatures required for placement on ballot: 1,000
2026 State Primary petitioning candidates (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/primaryPetitionCandidates.html)
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260417NeilWinchester.html
Mich. Health & Human Services Dept. Awards Contract for Healthy Kids Dental to Delta Dental of Michigan
LANSING, Michigan, April 19 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
MDHHS awards contract for Healthy Kids Dental to Delta Dental of Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The program serves approximately 955,000 children under age 21 in Michigan.
Healthy Kids Dental is a dental benefit program for children enrolled in Medicaid. It covers services such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and sealants
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, April 19 -- The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
MDHHS awards contract for Healthy Kids Dental to Delta Dental of Michigan
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) has awarded the Healthy Kids Dental (HKD) contract to Delta Dental of Michigan. The program serves approximately 955,000 children under age 21 in Michigan.
Healthy Kids Dental is a dental benefit program for children enrolled in Medicaid. It covers services such as X-rays, cleanings, fillings, extractions and sealantsat no cost to families. The program provides access to a network of dental professionals across Michigan and promotes patient-centered best practices for children. The goal of the program is for children and their families to have a better understanding of the value of daily oral health and preventive dental care to support lifelong healthy habits.
"For more than 25 years, Michigan's Healthy Kids Dental program has helped improve the oral health of millions of children across the state," said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. "Oral health plays a critical role in overall health, and Michigan's Healthy Kids Dental Program is vital to supporting children's health, confidence and success in school."
"We are proud to help lead the Healthy Kids Dental program in partnership with the State of Michigan, supporting the nearly one million children who rely on the program," said Kush Shaqiri, senior vice president of government programs for Delta Dental of Michigan. "Delta Dental has championed the HKD program throughout its 25-year history, and we're honored to continue serving Michigan families."
The Department of Technology, Management and Budget issued a Request for Proposal on behalf of MDHHS in November 2025 seeking to further improve the quality and access to oral health services for enrollees served through Healthy Kids Dental. Bids were reviewed by a joint evaluation committee. The new contract will begin Thursday, Oct. 1. It is a five-year contract with three one-year extension options.
Additional information for beneficiaries, providers and other partners will be made available prior to Thursday, Oct. 1. More information about Healthy Kids Dental is available at HealthyKidsDental.org. Information on additional Medicaid benefits is available at Michigan.gov/MIBridges.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mdhhs/inside-mdhhs/newsroom/2026/04/17/hkd-contract
Mich. Education Dept.: New Standards Approved to Increase Quality in Educator Mentoring and Induction Programs
LANSING, Michigan, April 19 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
New Standards Approved to Increase Quality in Educator Mentoring and Induction Programs
Western Michigan University, MDE Partner to Retain School Staff
*
New standards approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for educator mentoring and induction programs will help the state improve teacher retention.
The standards are part of Michigan's efforts to address retention of educators, especially for certified teachers in areas of shortage. The standards outline
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, April 19 -- The Michigan Department of Education issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
New Standards Approved to Increase Quality in Educator Mentoring and Induction Programs
Western Michigan University, MDE Partner to Retain School Staff
*
New standards approved by the Michigan Department of Education (MDE) for educator mentoring and induction programs will help the state improve teacher retention.
The standards are part of Michigan's efforts to address retention of educators, especially for certified teachers in areas of shortage. The standards outlineguidelines to improve programs for mentoring and induction of new teachers, administrators and school counselors.
Strong mentoring and induction practices increase teacher retention and support Goal 7 of Michigan's Top 10 Strategic Education Plan, to increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. The new standards may be viewed on the Mentoring and Induction Standards webpage.
"Students benefit when strong mentorship and induction programs support certified educators, improve retention, and help address teacher shortages," said State Superintendent Dr. Glenn Maleyko. "Early in my career as a teacher and administrator, mentors played a critical role in my growth, giving me firsthand insight into their impact. I have also had the privilege of serving as a mentor, supporting new administrators as they develop and succeed."
Western Michigan University was awarded the state-funded Mentoring Standards, Curricula, and Professional Learning Creation Grant to assist MDE in creating standards, curricula and professional learning for mentors of new teachers, administrators and school counselors. As part of the process of creating the standards, Western's team reviewed mentoring and induction research and leadership standards from several states and educational organizations. An advisory board of 15 members--along with more than 300 other contributors consisting of teachers, school counselors, administrators, and representatives from educational organizations, higher education institutions and alternative route providers--were consulted on the project. The state accepted public comment before the standards were approved.
Teachers in the first three years of employment in classroom teaching are required to be assigned a mentor and receive an additional 15 days of professional learning under the mentoring and induction law. Further, the administrator educator evaluation law requires administrators to be assigned a mentor or coach during their first three years in a new administrator position.
These standards will help intermediate school districts and local education agencies, both traditional public school districts and public school academies, to better implement mentoring and induction programs to increase retention and improve professional practice of new practitioners and their mentors.
The standards are organized into three domains: foundations, structures and practices. Foundations and structures focus on helping program leadership establish an effective mentoring and induction program, while the practices section focuses on guiding mentors through supporting three populations of new practitioners--teachers, school counselors and administrators.
Curricula based on the standards, as well as professional learning modules for mentors, are being developed. The standards and other resources will support mentoring and induction programs and directly align with two associated grants, the Mentoring and Induction Evaluation Grant and District Support Grant.
View the standards on the Mentoring and Induction Standards webpage (https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/educator-retention-supports/mentoring-and-induction-supports/mentoring-and-induction-standards). For more information about mentoring and induction-related grants, visit the Mentoring and Induction Grants webpage (https://www.michigan.gov/mde/services/ed-serv/educator-retention-supports/mentoring-and-induction-supports/section-27h-mentoring-and-induction-grants).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/mde/news-and-information/press-releases/2026/04/17/new-standards-for-educator-mentoring-and-induction
IEDA Board approves tax Incentives for Four Companies and Grants for Manufacturing Investments
DES MOINES, Iowa, April 19 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
IEDA Board approves tax incentives for four companies and grants for manufacturing investments
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved tax credits for four manufacturing companies, supporting the creation of 87 jobs and generating $100.8 million in new capital investment for the state. The projects are located in Des Moines, Mediapolis, Waterloo and Webster City. In addition, 39 manufacturers across the state received Manufacturing 4.0 Technology
... Show Full Article
DES MOINES, Iowa, April 19 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
IEDA Board approves tax incentives for four companies and grants for manufacturing investments
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved tax credits for four manufacturing companies, supporting the creation of 87 jobs and generating $100.8 million in new capital investment for the state. The projects are located in Des Moines, Mediapolis, Waterloo and Webster City. In addition, 39 manufacturers across the state received Manufacturing 4.0 TechnologyInvestment grants.
Walsh Door & Security to add office space, automated equipment in Des Moines
Walsh Door & Security manufactures commercial doors, frames, hardware and electronic security solutions, serving large-scale construction projects across sectors including data centers, education, government and manufacturing. The company plans to expand its Des Moines facility with additional office space and investments in advanced manufacturing equipment. The $8.8 million capital investment is expected to create 30 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $35.11 per hour. The board awarded $440,000 in tax credits through the Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program.
Mediapolis manufacturer Afinitas plans expansion
HawkeyePedershaab Concrete Technologies Inc., doing business as Afinitas U.S. Inc., manufactures equipment for precast concrete products such as pipe, manholes and box culverts. The company plans a 30,000-square-foot addition in Mediapolis, along with facility reconfiguration and new automated machining and material handling systems. The $12 million capital investment is expected to create 15 jobs incented at a qualifying wage of $25.88 per hour. The board awarded $600,000 in tax credits through the BIG program.
Advanced Heat Treat Corp. to increase manufacturing capacity in Waterloo
Headquartered in Waterloo, Advanced Heat Treat Corp. provides commercial heat-treating services for manufacturing sectors, including agriculture, automotive, oil, energy and construction, improving the strength, durability and wear resistance of steel parts before they are assembled into finished equipment. The company plans an 18,000-square-foot expansion at its Burton Avenue site, including installation of a new furnace line with double the weight capacity and greater size capabilities to process larger parts. The $5 million capital investment will support growth at the facility. The board awarded $93,000 in tax credits through the BIG program.
Edible Garden to launch beverage production in Webster City
New Jersey-based Edible Garden AG Incorporated - a controlled environment agriculture company focused on organic, sustainably grown products and a Zero-Waste Inspired(R) approach to reducing food and packaging waste - plans to convert an existing facility in Webster City into a high-capacity beverage plant. Repurposing a former aquaculture shrimp facility, the project will produce shelf-stable, ready-to-drink plant- and dairy-based protein beverages through automated processing. The $75 million capital investment is expected to create 42 jobs, with 22 incented at a qualifying wage of $25.15. The board awarded $2.66 million in tax credits through the BIG program.
FY 2026 Manufacturing 4.0 funding awarded to 39 manufacturers
The Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program aims to enhance productivity, efficiency and competitiveness in Iowa's largest industry. The grants help small- and mid-size Iowa manufacturers invest in the adoption and integration of smart technologies. For this fiscal year, 39 companies received funding for a total of $1,977,066 in awards and total project cost of nearly $6.7 million. The total project cost reflects the total capital invested across these projects to adopt and integrate Manufacturing 4.0 technologies. For a full list of awards, download the Excel spreadsheet with the Manufacturing 4.0 awards (https://opportunityiowa.gov/media/8299).
Award recommendations for the Manufacturing 4.0 Technology Investment Program funds are made by a review committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
* * *
Original text here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-04-17/ieda-board-approves-tax-incentives-four-companies-and-grants-manufacturing-investments
Fla. State Board of Education Removes Sociology From General Education in the Florida College System
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 19 -- The Florida State Board of Education issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
State Board of Education Removes Sociology from General Education in the Florida College System
Naples, Fla., April 17, 2026 - Today, the Florida State Board of Education took decisive action to remove Sociology courses from the general education course lists across the Florida College System (FCS). With this action, the FCS is now fully aligned with the State University System Board of Governors, which recently removed Sociology courses from general education requirements
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, April 19 -- The Florida State Board of Education issued the following news on April 17, 2026:
* * *
State Board of Education Removes Sociology from General Education in the Florida College System
Naples, Fla., April 17, 2026 - Today, the Florida State Board of Education took decisive action to remove Sociology courses from the general education course lists across the Florida College System (FCS). With this action, the FCS is now fully aligned with the State University System Board of Governors, which recently removed Sociology courses from general education requirementsat Florida's public universities. Together, these decisions maintain a consistent statewide approach to general education courses.
"For years, we have watched Sociology drift further away from its academic purpose, moving from objective instruction toward the promotion of ideological viewpoints at the expense of true critical thinking," said Commissioner Anastasios Kamoutsas. "We made repeated efforts to steer Sociology back on course, but it remains a sinking ship. Florida will not lower its expectations for general education. Academic quality, rigor and foundational knowledge are non-negotiable. When a course fails to meet those standards, we will act."
"General education courses must be grounded in rigorous scholarship and the accurate teaching of history. They cannot be mired in ideology or used as vehicles for indoctrination," said Ryan Petty, Chair of the State Board of Education. "Today's action draws a firm line, we will ensure every general education course meets the standards set forth in law without exception."
In 2023, Senate Bill 266 created section 1007.55, Florida Statutes, outlining required content, principles and expectations for general education. The law emphasizes that undergraduate students should graduate as informed citizens by participating in rigorous general education courses that promote and preserve the constitutional republic through traditional, historically accurate and high-quality coursework. Senate Bill 266 also amended section 1007.25, F.S., to require general education courses remain free of identity politics, distortion of historical events and discriminatory content. More broadly, general education is intended to equip students with a strong foundation of knowledge, along with the skills and habits needed for effective, lifelong learning.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.fldoe.org/newsroom/latest-news/state-board-of-education-removes-sociology-from-general-education-in-the-florida-college-system.stml
Colton Jonjak Plahn Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
Colton Jonjak Plahn Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Colton Jonjak Plahn, Democratic candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 19 has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado House of Representatives are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30% of votes cast in the last election,
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, April 19 -- The Colorado Secretary of State issued the following news release on April 17, 2026:
* * *
Colton Jonjak Plahn Qualifies for State Primary Ballot
The Elections Division of the Colorado Secretary of State's Office announced today that Colton Jonjak Plahn, Democratic candidate for Colorado State House of Representatives District 19 has submitted the required number of signatures to appear on the June 30, 2026 State Primary ballot.
Candidates for Colorado House of Representatives are required to collect 1,000 signatures (or 30% of votes cast in the last election,whichever is smaller) in their district, a requirement outlined by 1-4-801(2)(b), C.R.S.
Colton Jonjak Plahn submitted 1,011 valid signatures, eclipsing the 1,000-signature threshold.
Colton Jonjak Plahn petition verification summary:
Number of qualified signatures submitted: 1,354
Number of entries rejected: 343
Number of entries accepted: 1,011
Number of valid signatures required: 1,000
2026 State Primary petitioning candidates (https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/elections/vote/primaryPetitionCandidates.html)
A record of all accepted and rejected signatures, including reasons for each rejection is on file with the Secretary of State.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.sos.state.co.us/pubs/newsRoom/pressReleases/2026/PR20260417Plahn.html
