States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Wis. DNR Seeks Public Input On 2026-2036 Fisheries Management Strategic Plan
MADISON, Wisconsin, April 28 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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DNR Seeks Public Input On 2026-2036 Fisheries Management Strategic Plan
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently drafting a new Fisheries Management Strategic Plan and is seeking public input. This plan will aim to provide direction on how Wisconsin's fisheries resources are managed and sustained over the next 10 years.
The DNR is responsible for managing and sustaining Wisconsin's extensive fisheries resources, including over 160 fish
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MADISON, Wisconsin, April 28 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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DNR Seeks Public Input On 2026-2036 Fisheries Management Strategic Plan
The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) is currently drafting a new Fisheries Management Strategic Plan and is seeking public input. This plan will aim to provide direction on how Wisconsin's fisheries resources are managed and sustained over the next 10 years.
The DNR is responsible for managing and sustaining Wisconsin's extensive fisheries resources, including over 160 fishspecies, 15,000 lakes, 42,000 miles of perennial streams and rivers, two Great Lakes and 260 miles of the Mississippi River.
Managing these systems effectively requires planning to achieve goals related to providing high-quality and sustainable fisheries.
The updated Fisheries Management Strategic Plan will outline management objectives and outcomes that will benefit fisheries, their ecosystems and everyone who interacts with them.
Members of the public can share their preferences on the potential management outcomes in the strategic plan until May 10, 2026.
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Original text here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/122411
Pa. Human Services Dept.: Shapiro Administration Invests $25 Million for Medical Supplies, Equipment and Facility Improvements as Part of First Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunity
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news on April 27, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $25 Million for Medical Supplies, Equipment and Facility Improvements as Part of First Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunity
Pennsylvania was awarded $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its approved five-year RHTP to support access to health care in rural communities.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) today announced the first funding opportunity through the Rural Health Transformation
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 28 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services issued the following news on April 27, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Invests $25 Million for Medical Supplies, Equipment and Facility Improvements as Part of First Rural Health Transformation Funding Opportunity
Pennsylvania was awarded $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its approved five-year RHTP to support access to health care in rural communities.
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The Pennsylvania Department of Human Services (PA DHS) today announced the first funding opportunity through the Rural Health TransformationPlan (RHTP), making $25 million available to qualified entities including hospitals, healthcare providers, and rural health facilities operating in areas eligible for the funding based on the federal government's parameters. This initial funding opportunity will support purchase of supplies and equipment as well as renovations and structural improvements, and funded projects will receive up to $1 million to support these initiatives. Applications for this opportunity can be submitted beginning May 1 through June 1, 2026 via a Rapid Response Stabilization Program Payment Certification.
"After years of gathering feedback and hearing from local leaders across Pennsylvania, we are excited to begin mobilizing resources to support health in rural communities," said PA DHS Secretary Dr. Val Arkoosh. "This funding opportunity will be the first of many, so please stay tuned for additional opportunities focused on EMS, maternal health, digital infrastructure, workforce, and more coming this year."
Pennsylvania was awarded $193 million in federal funding for the first year of its approved five-year RHTP. Years One and Two of the grant will primarily focus on rapid response funding initiatives, while the majority of the plan is built around regional oversight and recommendations for funding. More information about upcoming rapid response funding opportunities is available here.
The Shapiro Administration's RHTP was informed by extensive feedback and experiences of stakeholders across rural Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania's Departments of Human Services and Health, along with Aging, Insurance, and Drug and Alcohol Programs worked collaboratively with rural stakeholders, community and educational leaders, County Commissioners, and the Pennsylvania General Assembly for more than two years, hosting listening sessions, regional rural health summits, and, most recently, open feedback opportunities specific to this funding opportunity.
Based on the feedback received, the Shapiro Administration drafted a comprehensive RHTP in line with the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services' primary goals. The Commonwealth's RHTP initiatives focus on:
* Technology and Infrastructure, including the use of consumer-facing applications that support easy access to primary and specialty care
* Workforce, including supporting incentives like upfront scholarships, mentoring, short-term housing, and stipends based on a five-year commitment to service in rural communities
* Maternal Health Services to provide comprehensive care management and navigation between prenatal and postpartum care, behavioral health, and other services to support safe and healthy pregnancies and parenting
* Behavioral Health Services like expanding 988 services and continuing public education on crisis response services
* Aging and Access to facilitate safe transitions from hospitalization to care at home and support quality of care in rural long-term care facilities
* EMS and Transportation to modernize rural EMS infrastructure to improve efficiency and sustainability
RHTP funding comes from the Rural Health Transformation Fund, which was established by the federal budget reconciliation bill last summer. The law included a five-year, $50 billion nationwide grant designed to support rural health. Under federal law, RHTP funds cannot replace existing federal dollars that may be cut or lost due to other program changes.
Funding was allocated by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) based on rules established by Congress dictating that $100 million per year will be distributed to each approved applicant state with opportunities to receive up to an additional $100 million per year based on state characteristics including rural population, land area, amount of uncompensated care, and the grant submission itself, to be awarded at discretion of the HHS leadership. Unspent funds from states and territories will be reallocated back into the program, so there will be opportunities to pursue additional funding based on program and initiative performance.
For more information on the RHTP and rural health initiatives in Pennsylvania, visit dhs.pa.gov/ruralhealth.
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This project is supported by the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) as part of a financial assistance award totaling $193,294,053.98, pending approval of revised budget, with 100 percent funded by CMS/HHS. The contents are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of, nor an endorsement, by CMS/HHS, or the U.S. Government.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dhs/newsroom/shapiro-admin-invests--25-million-for-rural-health-
Okla. A.G. Drummond Secures Bond Denial for Hao Chen Amid 18 Felony Charges
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, April 28 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on April 27, 2026:
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Drummond secures bond denial for Hao Chen amid 18 felony charges
Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued today the following statement after an Oklahoma County judge granted the state's motion to deny bond for Hao Chen:
"Today's ruling reflects the serious nature of the charges facing Hao Chen. The court's decision to deny bond entirely recognizes that an individual accused of running a billion-dollar criminal operation and facing 18 felony counts poses a
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, April 28 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on April 27, 2026:
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Drummond secures bond denial for Hao Chen amid 18 felony charges
Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued today the following statement after an Oklahoma County judge granted the state's motion to deny bond for Hao Chen:
"Today's ruling reflects the serious nature of the charges facing Hao Chen. The court's decision to deny bond entirely recognizes that an individual accused of running a billion-dollar criminal operation and facing 18 felony counts poses asignificant risk to our community.
We are committed to seeing this case through and will continue to work diligently to hold all those responsible for this illegal operation fully accountable under the law."
Chen was taken into custody today and is being held without bond. He is accused of leading a sophisticated criminal enterprise and was arrested in January as part of Operation Blunt Force. The operation resulted in 20 arrests across multiple states.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/april/drummond-secures-bond-denial-for-hao-chen-amid-18-felony-charges.html
North Dakota Attorney General Issued an Opinion to the Office of the State Tax Commissioner
BISMARCK, North Dakota, April 28 -- North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued the following opinion on April 27, 2026:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Office of the State Tax Commissioner
Request: Whether the Office of the State Tax Commissioner violated N.D.C.C. Sec.44-04-18 by refusing to disclose whether specific businesses had sales and use tax permits.
Conclusion: The State Tax Commissioner did not violate the open records law by refusing to disclose whether specific businesses held sales and used tax permits. The information requested is confidential
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BISMARCK, North Dakota, April 28 -- North Dakota Attorney General Drew Wrigley issued the following opinion on April 27, 2026:
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The North Dakota Attorney General issued an opinion to the Office of the State Tax Commissioner
Request: Whether the Office of the State Tax Commissioner violated N.D.C.C. Sec.44-04-18 by refusing to disclose whether specific businesses had sales and use tax permits.
Conclusion: The State Tax Commissioner did not violate the open records law by refusing to disclose whether specific businesses held sales and used tax permits. The information requested is confidentialunder N.D.C.C. Sec.57-39.2-23(1)(a).
Link to opinion (https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/2026-O-09.pdf)
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Original text here: https://attorneygeneral.nd.gov/the-north-dakota-attorney-general-issued-an-opinion-to-the-grand-forks-police-department-2/
N.H. Gov. Ayotte: State Announces Investigation Into Vail's Not-So-Epic Sales Tax
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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State Announces Investigation into Vail's Not-So-Epic Sales Tax
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced that the State, through the Office of the Attorney General, has opened an investigation into Vail Resorts' implementation of a sales tax in the State of New Hampshire while selling their "Epic Pass" to Granite Staters.
"New Hampshire is proud to have no sales tax, and we're not going to let an out-of-state company try to sneak one in," said Governor Ayotte. "The
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 28 -- Gov. Kelly Ayotte, R-New Hampshire, issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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State Announces Investigation into Vail's Not-So-Epic Sales Tax
Today, Governor Kelly Ayotte announced that the State, through the Office of the Attorney General, has opened an investigation into Vail Resorts' implementation of a sales tax in the State of New Hampshire while selling their "Epic Pass" to Granite Staters.
"New Hampshire is proud to have no sales tax, and we're not going to let an out-of-state company try to sneak one in," said Governor Ayotte. "TheAttorney General will thoroughly investigate Vail Resorts' attempt to charge a sales tax on Granite State skiers. We'll continue to ensure New Hampshire is America's best place to ski -- sales tax-free."
Vail Resorts owns and operates Wildcat Mountain, Attitash, and Crotched Mountain. The company also operates Mount Sunapee under a leasing agreement with the State of New Hampshire. In March of this year, the company disclosed in an investor presentation that it would begin charging a "blended" sales tax rate of 3.2% on all multi-resort Epic pass products, which appears to include those sold in (and even those potentially only used in) New Hampshire.
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Original text here: https://www.governor.nh.gov/news/state-announces-investigation-vails-not-so-epic-sales-tax
N.C. Health Dept.: Data Shows All-Time-Low Infant Mortality in NC, Sharp Decrease in Overdose-Related Deaths
RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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New Data Shows All-Time-Low Infant Mortality in NC, Sharp Decrease in Overdose-Related Deaths
The latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows major improvements in the health and well-being of people across the state. The newly released 2024 death data (https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/data/provisional/index.htm) shows North Carolina's infant mortality rate declined to the lowest rate in state history,
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, April 28 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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New Data Shows All-Time-Low Infant Mortality in NC, Sharp Decrease in Overdose-Related Deaths
The latest data from the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services shows major improvements in the health and well-being of people across the state. The newly released 2024 death data (https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/data/provisional/index.htm) shows North Carolina's infant mortality rate declined to the lowest rate in state history,and overdose-related deaths decreased by more than a third in the same time frame. During this same year, the state marked major investments in health with Medicaid expansion, historic behavioral health funding from the North Carolina General Assembly, and national opioid settlement funding.
"As Attorney General, I held big opioid drug companies accountable for their roles in sparking an addiction epidemic that harmed communities across the state, and we secured $1.5 billion to reinvest in those communities to help folks get the care they need while keeping drugs off the streets," said Governor Josh Stein. "Medicaid expansion is also enabling more people to get the health care they need. This sharp decline in overdose-related deaths is a clear demonstration of the investments North Carolina has made to keep people safe and healthy."
"The decrease in deaths in North Carolina marks progress in building healthier communities and is a testament to what we can accomplish when we work together," said North Carolina Health and Human Services Secretary Dev Sangvai. "We are moving in the right direction in improving health outcomes in North Carolina, but we know there is more work to be done. We are committed to increasing access and affordability so that everyone gets the care they need when they need it."
North Carolina's infant mortality rate declined 8.7% from 2023 to 2024, from 6.9 to 6.3 deaths per 1,000 live births. The improvement was driven by a 14.9% decline in neonatal deaths, meaning more babies are surviving the earliest and most vulnerable weeks of life.
This historic decline highlights how Medicaid expansion continues to improve health outcomes for children and families in North Carolina. Just over two years since North Carolina became the 41st state to expand Medicaid, more than 700,000 people have gained health care coverage, giving more people access to necessary and critical care and ultimately leading to healthier pregnancies. Studies show states that have expanded Medicaid have better maternal and infant outcomes than states that have not. Extending Medicaid coverage for pregnant women from 60 days to one year postpartum is another effort focused on improving maternal and infant health outcomes in our state.
Despite the historically low infant mortality rate and declines across most racial/ethnic groups, unacceptable disparities persist. Non-Hispanic Black infants had mortality rates nearly three times higher than non-Hispanic white infants. We are continuing our work to improve these disparities through public health efforts that include the "I Gave Birth" campaign, NC Maternal Mental Health MATTERS, the Rural Health Transformation Program, and North Carolina's Perinatal Health Strategic Plan.
Separately, the latest data also shows a sharp decline in overdose deaths, which fell 34% from 4,442 deaths in 2023 to 2,934 in 2024. This is the first decline since 2019. This decline reflects a large reduction in opioid-related overdose deaths, which fell 38.3% from 3,656 in 2023 to 2,254 in 2024. While these rates declined in all major demographic groups, the largest declines were among Hispanic and Black residents.
Several strategies have contributed to this decline. Along with Medicaid expansion, expanded efforts for naloxone distribution across the state have also played a key role. In 2024, NCDHHS distributed more than 150,000 doses of the overdose reversal medication to community-based organizations across the state. Other efforts include increasing access to evidence-based treatment like medications for opioid use disorder (MOUD), developing mobile opioid treatment programs, increasing community-based behavioral health urgent care facilities, and ensuring low-barrier access to wraparound health services across the state. NCDHHS has also partnered with local jails to provide MOUD for individuals during and after incarceration.
Additionally, former Attorney General and now Governor Josh Stein led a national, bipartisan coalition of state Attorneys General to hold pharmaceutical companies accountable for their roles in the overdose crisis. As part of the settlements, North Carolina received more than $1.4 billion, with funds directly supporting state efforts to prevent substance misuse, reduce harms, and treat substance use disorders as well as track and measure impact. Governor Stein has also successfully lobbied Congress to invest $300 million to fight international drug trafficking and championed the Stop Counterfeit Pills Act to address the growing risks of illicit counterfeit pills.
In 2023, the North Carolina General Assembly made a historic investment in mental health, with funds targeted for expanding and improving mental health care in North Carolina. This funding has been used to directly strengthen the crisis system, enhance services for children and youth, support people involved in the justice system, and build a stronger behavioral health workforce.
Other key points from the 2024 death data include:
* Statewide deaths declined for the third year in a row following the pandemic peak (106,155 in 2024, down 1.6% from 2023 and far below 118,040 in 2021).
* Cancer became the leading cause of death for the first time since 2019.
* Chronic diseases like cancer, heart disease, diabetes, and obesity remain the primary causes of death in North Carolina.
* Unintentional injuries like drug overdoses, traffic crashes, and falls were among the top five causes of death statewide.
"We are encouraged by the declines in overdose-related deaths and infant mortality rates in North Carolina, which coincide with recent investments in our health system," said Dr. Kelly Kimple, NCDHHS Director of the Division of Public Health. "However, other trends show that there is still work to be done, and our department remains committed to improving health outcomes for everyone who calls North Carolina home."
NCDHHS remains steadfast in its commitment to create a healthier North Carolina for all and ensuring every person in North Carolina has access to the right care, when and where they need it. For more information, visit the NCDHHS State Center for Health Statistics infant mortality data webpage (https://schs.dph.ncdhhs.gov/data/vital/ims/2024/index.htm) and the North Carolina Overdose Epidemic Data dashboard (https://www.dph.ncdhhs.gov/programs/chronic-disease-and-injury/injury-and-violence-prevention-branch/north-carolina-overdose-epidemic-data).
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Original text here: https://www.ncdhhs.gov/news/press-releases/2026/04/27/new-data-shows-all-time-low-infant-mortality-nc-sharp-decrease-overdose-related-deaths
Arizona Republicans Advance Responsible Balanced Budget Delivering Historic Tax Relief and Affordability for Arizonans
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 28 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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Arizona Republicans Advance Responsible Balanced Budget Delivering Historic Tax Relief and Affordability for Arizonans
Arizona Senate and House Republicans are introducing state budget bills today that deliver one of the largest tax cuts in Arizona history while fully funding the core services Arizonans expect. The proposal provides immediate cost-of-living relief for families, seniors, workers, and small businesses facing high costs, all within a responsible and balanced budget
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, April 28 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release on April 27, 2026:
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Arizona Republicans Advance Responsible Balanced Budget Delivering Historic Tax Relief and Affordability for Arizonans
Arizona Senate and House Republicans are introducing state budget bills today that deliver one of the largest tax cuts in Arizona history while fully funding the core services Arizonans expect. The proposal provides immediate cost-of-living relief for families, seniors, workers, and small businesses facing high costs, all within a responsible and balanced budgetthat spends about $800 million less than Governor Hobbs' plan.
The budget package aligns state tax law with President Trump's tax cuts in the current year and keeps Republicans' promise that no Arizona taxpayer will have to refile 2025 taxes. The plan eliminates state taxes on tips and overtime pay, increases dependent tax relief for parents, creates a new childcare expense deduction, strengthens retirement tax relief for seniors, supports small businesses and helps working families keep more of what they earn. This $1.45 billion tax relief package targets those struggling with persistent inflation and cost-of-living pressures. Arizona is currently the only known state advancing the full Trump tax cuts package into state law.
Unlike Hobbs' proposal, the Republican budget is built on realistic revenue numbers and does not rely on uncertain or speculative revenue sources, inflated projections, tax increases, or new discretionary spending. It funds core services, education, public safety, and child welfare and preserves the voter-protected State Land Trust that supports K-12 education for future generations.
"Arizona Republicans are delivering one of the largest tax cuts in state history, and our proposal has the votes to pass both chambers," said Senate President Warren Petersen. "For months, Governor Hobbs told us full conformity to federal tax relief, including tax cuts for tipped workers, hourly employees, seniors, and small business owners, was impossible. It's not. Under President Trump, Washington delivered relief for working Americans, and Arizona Republicans are making sure our taxpayers receive those same Trump tax cuts here at home. Republicans balanced the budget with honest numbers, protected core priorities, and provided real relief for families still struggling with higher costs. Arizona is leading the nation as the only state we are aware of advancing the full Trump tax cuts into law. Despite the Governor's stunts, Republicans stayed at work and got the job done for our citizens."
Republicans moved early this year to align state tax law and provide certainty during filing season, but Governor Hobbs vetoed that effort. Lawmakers then sent a second bill to align state law with forms issued by her own Department of Revenue, and she vetoed that bill too. When budget talks turned to the numbers, Hobbs walked away from negotiations rather than address the massive gap between her spending plan and available revenue. She then imposed a moratorium on unrelated bills to deflect attention from her decision to walk away from negotiations, prolonging the session and stalling action on other priorities that matter to Arizonans.
"House and Senate Republicans put forward a serious budget built on facts, not wishful thinking," said House Speaker Steve Montenegro. "It delivers major tax relief, eases cost pressures on Arizona families, fully funds core state services, and spends far less than the Governor's proposal. It does not rely on gimmicks, inflated projections, or money that may never show up to balance the budget. In divided government, responsible leadership means facing the math, making hard choices, and protecting taxpayers.
Republicans have done that, putting a workable budget on the table and giving Arizona a clear path to finish the session responsibly. The proposal is ready to move, and so is the Legislature. It is time to pass the bills and deliver for Arizona." The budget bills are scheduled to be heard Tuesday at 10:00 a.m. in a joint hearing of the Senate and House Appropriations Committees in House Hearing Room 1.
A joint video statement from Speaker Montenegro and President Petersen on the Republican budget plan is available here: https://youtu.be/OEToM0xq2jo.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260427JOINTGOPBUDGET.pdf
