States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Pa. Senate Republicans: Picozzi, Hughes Legislation Supporting Philadelphia's 2026 World Cup & America 250 Celebrations Passes in the Senate
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 21 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Picozzi, Hughes Legislation Supporting Philadelphia's 2026 World Cup & America 250 Celebrations Passes in the Senate
Senate Bill 1218, sponsored by Senator Picozzi (5th District) and Senator Hughes(7th District)passed in the Pennsylvania Senate and is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation establishes a temporary 'Philadelphia 250 Permit', allowing bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues to extend operating hours by up to two hours during
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, March 21 -- The Pennsylvania Senate Republicans issued the following news release:
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Picozzi, Hughes Legislation Supporting Philadelphia's 2026 World Cup & America 250 Celebrations Passes in the Senate
Senate Bill 1218, sponsored by Senator Picozzi (5th District) and Senator Hughes(7th District)passed in the Pennsylvania Senate and is now headed to the House of Representatives for consideration.
The legislation establishes a temporary 'Philadelphia 250 Permit', allowing bars, restaurants, and nightlife venues to extend operating hours by up to two hours duringthe FIFA World Cup and America's 250th anniversary celebrations.
To maintain strong safety standards, participating businesses must complete the City of Philadelphia's comprehensive Enhanced Liberty Bell Safe Certification Program, demonstrating a commitment to the health and safety of both patrons and employees.
"This bill supports our local businesses while helping ensure a safe and welcoming experience for visitors and residents alike", said Picozzi. "It's a chance to drive up economic growth and showcase Philadelphia on a world stage. We're seeing a strong intergovernmental approach underway to make the most of this occasion".
Senate Bill 1218 reflects a bipartisan, bicameral effort to maximize economic opportunity while prioritizing public safety during this historic moment for Philadelphia and the entire Commonwealth.
"As the city prepares for a historic influx of visitors from around the country and world this year, we must ensure our local businesses feel the full economic impact of this momentous occasion," said Senator Hughes. "I'm pleased the Senate voted 49 to 1 on a bill that provides both opportunities and safeguards as we host fans from across the globe in June and July, while prioritizing our local small businesses and public safety."
The House of Representatives returns to session next week. The Senators are hopeful for quick movement on their legislation.
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Original text here: https://www.pasenategop.com/news/picozzi-hughes-legislation-supporting-philadelphias-2026-world-cup-america-250-celebrations-passes-in-the-senate/
Okla. A.G. Drummond: March - Transparency is Key to Building, Preserving Trust in Government
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 21 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on March 20, 2026:
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March: Transparency is key to building, preserving trust in government
Oklahoma means business when it comes to transparency in government. We must uphold strong and transparent government practices to allow Oklahomans to clearly see the work of their public servants and to have the power to hold them accountable.
During Sunshine Week and all throughout the year, I am committed to building trust in government through open meetings and open records. One of America's
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OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, March 21 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following statement on March 20, 2026:
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March: Transparency is key to building, preserving trust in government
Oklahoma means business when it comes to transparency in government. We must uphold strong and transparent government practices to allow Oklahomans to clearly see the work of their public servants and to have the power to hold them accountable.
During Sunshine Week and all throughout the year, I am committed to building trust in government through open meetings and open records. One of America'sFounding Fathers, James Madison, said, "Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives." Here, we see a great axiom: to maintain a free society, we must have a transparent government that does not hide knowledge of its dealings but gives it to our "governors"--the people whom we serve.
The American people deserve to know what their government is doing and how it is getting things done. Under my leadership, the Oklahoma Attorney General's Office has led the way in transparency, making tremendous strides toward opening our government for all to see.
As Attorney General, I have taken several steps to enforce the Open Records and Open Meetings Acts. I've also added a public access counselor to my office, who works with government agencies to ensure strict compliance with open meetings and open records. Since we created that position, the public access counselor has fielded 514 complaints and resolved 431 of them.
In addition, our state Legislature has armed us with a new tool. My office now has the authority to seek legal enforcement when government entities fail to comply with open record laws. For too long, bad actors have been denying you, the citizens, the right to access public records. Now, any Oklahoman can file a complaint with my office via an online form, and my Public Access Counselor Unit will review the complaint and provide expert analysis. If the issue can't be resolved, then we'll offer mediation services at no cost. I've been proud to work with the Legislature on this bill - and others - to strengthen our government transparency laws.
Finally, my office partners annually with the Oklahoma Press Association to offer training on the Open Records and Open Meetings Act in several cities across the state. Every year that I have been in office, we have offered these free seminars to make all citizens aware of these important laws. Knowledge is power, and I want our citizens to be empowered.
I encourage public officials at every level to follow Oklahoma's example. Shining maximum levels of light on the work of the government is key to building and preserving trust between citizens and their government. I will always fight for a government that operates with transparency and integrity and to ensure that public officials are held accountable to the people they serve.
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/generally-speaking/2026/march-transparency-is-key-to-building-preserving-trust-in-government.html
Maine State Sen. Lawrence Shares 2026 MDOT Work Plan for State Bridge and Road Projects
AUGUSTA, Maine, March 21 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot:
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Sen. Lawrence shares 2026 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects
Today, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, announced the details of Maine's three-year transportation infrastructure work plan, and what it means for Senate District 35. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation's strategy for road, bridge and other transportation upgrades and maintenance projects.
According to the Maine DOT, the three-year
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AUGUSTA, Maine, March 21 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot:
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Sen. Lawrence shares 2026 MDOT work plan for state bridge and road projects
Today, Sen. Mark Lawrence, D-Eliot, announced the details of Maine's three-year transportation infrastructure work plan, and what it means for Senate District 35. The plan is released annually with an outline of the Maine Department of Transportation's strategy for road, bridge and other transportation upgrades and maintenance projects.
According to the Maine DOT, the three-yearwork plan makes a $4.5 billion investment in the construction and maintenance of transportation infrastructure across the state. It includes 2,798 individual work items for the calendar years 2026, 2027 and 2028.
In 2026, the Maine DOT will undertake numerous projects to enhance transportation in Senate District 35, including improvements to bridges, new walking paths and new highway safety improvements.
"Roads and bridges in poor shape are a perennial concern for me and my constituents. That's why I was proud to support this investment and am pleased to see these planned projects come to District 35," said Sen. Lawrence. "These projects help us all get to work and school and allow local businesses to thrive. Let's be sure to drive cautiously this year as the work gets done."
The following breakdown is the planned capital and maintenance work by MDOT for communities in Senate District 35 in calendar year 2026:
Bicycle/Pedestrian
* Eliot: On-road sidewalk/trail on Beech Road, beginning 0.01 of a mile northeast of Route 103 and extending northeast 0.95 of a mile to Route 236.
* Kittery: On-road sidewalk/trail on Stevenson Road, beginning 0.05 of a mile west of Manson Road and extending west 0.41 of a mile.
* Kittery: On-road sidewalk/trail on Route 1, beginning at Route 236 and extending north 0.34 of a mile.
* York: Urban Partnership Initiative. On-road sidewalk/trail on Long Sands Road, beginning on Route 1A and extending northeast 1.54 miles.
Bridge and Structural Maintenance:
* Kittery: Improvements to Badger Island Bridge (#2031) over Piscataqua River, located 0.07 of a mile south of Water Street.
* Kittery: Inspection of Sarah Mildred Long Bridge (#3641) and I-95/Piscataqua River Bridge (#6330) located on the Maine-New Hampshire state line.
* Kittery: Painting of I-95/Piscataqua River Bridge (#6330) over Piscataqua River/Route 103, located on the Maine-New Hampshire state line.
* South Berwick: Improvements to Junction Bridge (#5944) over Great Works River, located 0.99 of a mile west of Witchrot Road.
* South Berwick: Improvements to Toll Bridge (#3017) over Salmon Falls River, located 0.27 of a mile northwest of Waterside Lane.
* York: Substructure rehabilitation of Scotland Bridge (#2750) over the York River, located 0.20 of a mile southwest of Route 91.
Department Buildings and Lots
* Kittery: Resurfacing of the lot located at the Kittery Interstate 95 Northbound Visitor Information Center.
Drainage Maintenance
* Eliot: Ditching on Route 103 in Eliot beginning at the intersection of Route 236 and extending 6.73 miles southeast to the Eliot-Kittery town line.
Highway Construction/Rehabilitation
* South Berwick: Reconstruction of Route 4, beginning 0.09 of a mile south of Harold L. Dow Highway and extending north 0.35 of a mile, including 0.27 of a mile on Route 236. Project funding is contingent on Congressionally Directed Spending approval.
* York: Rehabilitation work at the intersection of Lindsay Road, Route 1A and continuing up Long Sands Road.
Highway Safety and Spot Improvements
* Eliot: Improvements to the intersection of Route 236 and Route 101.
* Eliot: Improvements to the intersection of Route 236 and Route 103.
* Eliot: Improvements to the intersection of Route 236 and Depot Road.
* Eliot, Kittery: Improvements to Route 236 beginning 0.06 of a mile southeast of Dana Avenue and extending north 4.22 miles to Depot Road.
* York: Replacement of a large culvert (#1005361) on Route 1, located 0.13 of a mile north of Squire Lane.
Highway Transit - General
* Kittery: $150,000 for Metro Planning, expanding transportation options in the Seacoast region.
* Kittery: Feasibility study of the Seapoint Road in Kittery.
* Kittery: $40,000 in Transit Operating Assistance for Cooperative Alliance for Seacoast Transportation (COAST).
* Kittery: $1 million to development a transportation management plan for both short- and long-term closures of the Piscataqua River Bridge (#6330). Planning will consider traffic incident management and public outreach to minimize impacts to the traveling public.
* Kittery: Over $1 million for Transit Administrative Assistance for statewide non-urbanized transit.
View the entire 2026-2027-2028 Three-Year MDOT Work Plan at www.mainedot.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-lawrence-shares-2026-mdot-work-plan-for-state-bridge-and-road-projects/
IEDA Board Approves Assistance for Two Manufacturers, Three Startups, Two Quality-Of-Life Projects and Amended Reinvestment District Plans
DES MOINES, Iowa, March 21 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on March 20, 2026:
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IEDA Board approves assistance for two manufacturers, three startups, two quality-of-life projects and amended reinvestment district plans
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved assistance for two manufacturing companies, which will assist in the creation of 26 jobs and result in $5.38 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Adel and Waverly. The board also approved assistance for startups in Ames, Des Moines
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DES MOINES, Iowa, March 21 -- The Iowa Economic Development Authority issued the following news on March 20, 2026:
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IEDA Board approves assistance for two manufacturers, three startups, two quality-of-life projects and amended reinvestment district plans
Today, the Iowa Economic Development Authority (IEDA) Board approved assistance for two manufacturing companies, which will assist in the creation of 26 jobs and result in $5.38 million in new capital investment for the state. These projects are located in Adel and Waverly. The board also approved assistance for startups in Ames, Des Moinesand West Des Moines, while projects in Spencer and Webster City received awards through the Community Attraction and Tourism (CAT) program. In addition, reinvestment districts in Des Moines and Fort Dodge received approval for amended plans.
Refreshments Manufacturers of Iowa to establish beverage production facility in Adel
Refreshments Manufacturers of Iowa is a startup company focused on producing ready-to-drink canned cocktails and premium nonalcoholic mocktails for regional and national distribution. The company plans to acquire a 4.57-acre site in Adel and construct a 10,000-square-foot manufacturing facility where beverages will be mixed, canned and packaged under the brand Offline Cocktails. The $3.82 million capital investment is expected to create eight jobs, with three incented at a qualifying wage of $35.54 per hour. The board awarded $121,162 in tax credits through the Business Incentives for Growth (BIG) program.
United Equipment Accessories Inc. to expand operations in Waverly
Founded in 1952, United Equipment Accessories Inc. is a family-owned manufacturer of slip rings, rotary unions and hose and cable reels for industrial applications. The company plans to purchase a 33,400-square-foot industrial facility in Waverly and invest in site improvements, equipment relocation, new production equipment and assembly and test automation to support future growth. The $1.56 million capital investment is expected to create 18 jobs, including four incented at a qualifying wage of $28.52 per hour. The board awarded $32,310 in tax credits through the BIG program.
Awards made to three startups
Ames-based CodeValid, LLC created an AI-based system that automates functionality testing for software development teams to navigate increasingly complex code. By connecting business requirements to the underlying software code, the platform automatically writes and executes functional tests for new code changes, validating that features behave as expected and identifying bugs or regressions early. This reduces the need for teams to manually verify application behavior and significantly shortens the time spent on testing during the development process. The company was awarded a $50,000 Proof of Commercial Relevance (POCR) loan for IP development and evaluation, key personnel, product refinement, equipment and market planning and entry activities.
SureHost, LLC, a software company headquartered in Des Moines, focuses on supporting short-term rental hosts. The platform helps hosts to define property standards and confirm readiness prior to guest arrival, improving consistency and operational visibility across properties. The company was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for IP development and evaluation, proof of concept work, product refinement and market planning and entry activities.
Blueprint, LLC, based in West Des Moines, is a healthcare technology company that develops software to help navigators, caregivers and patients collaborate on the care journey. The company was awarded a $50,000 POCR loan for proof of concept work, product refinement and market planning and entry activities.
Award recommendations for these funds are made by the Technology Commercialization Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
CAT grants awarded to two projects
The City of Spencer was awarded $224,000 to construct a new splash pad at Riverview Park adjacent to the city's aquatic center. The project will include interactive water play features and pedestrian improvements to create a family-friendly recreation area within the park. Located near commercial districts and community gathering spaces, the splash pad will increase park use while supporting nearby restaurants, retail and service businesses. Total project cost is $1,122,158.
Local Initiative For Transformation, Webster City (LIFT WC) was awarded $104,926 for the Elks Ballroom project to finish the upper-level ballroom in the long-vacant historic Elks building in downtown Webster City. The project is the final phase of a seven-year, $3 million rehabilitation that included structural stabilization, exterior improvements, installation of an elevator and renovation of the main floor, which will house Wildcat Distilling Co. The ballroom is expected to host weddings, community events, meetings, live entertainment and nonprofit gatherings. Total project cost is $430,926.
The CAT program provides financial assistance to communities for the construction of recreational, cultural, educational or entertainment facilities that enhance the quality of life in Iowa. Award recommendations for these funds are made by the CAT Review Committee to the IEDA Board for approval.
Des Moines and Fort Dodge amended reinvestment district plans receive approval
Last year, the Iowa Legislature increased the total number of acres allowed in Iowa Reinvestment Districts approved after July 2020 from 75 to 125. IEDA opened a filing window for all existing eligible districts to apply for an expanded district and additional funds (that were not formally awarded). The City of Des Moines and City of Fort Dodge submitted amended district plans.
On October 18, 2024, the City of Des Moines was approved for a maximum benefit amount of $23.5 million for the Capital City Reinvestment District - which includes the Stadium Neighborhood, Western Gateway and Gray's Landing - with a commencement date established as January 1, 2028. The city proposed expanding the boundary approximately 50 acres south of East Village in the Market District. The amendment includes mixed-use development with retail, office, hospitality and housing opportunities. The board approved the amended Capital City Reinvestment District plan for an additional maximum benefit amount of $9.5 million, increasing the total maximum benefit amount in the district to $33 million. The projects within the expanded reinvestment district area represent a $289.2 million investment.
On April 22, 2022, the City of Fort Dodge was approved for a maximum benefit amount of $17 million for the Corridor Plaza Reinvestment District with a commencement date of July 1, 2023. The city plans to expand the boundary to include portions of the Central Village and Central River districts, connected by the 1.5-mile Cross-town Connector. The amendment includes downtown building rehabilitations and new mixed-use housing, public improvements and streetscape enhancements, hotel renovations and a new riverfront restaurant. Today, the amended Corridor Plaza Reinvestment District plan was approved for the additional maximum benefit amount of $3.5 million, increasing the total maximum benefit amount in the district to $20.5 million. The projects within the expanded district represent a $41.3 million investment.
The Iowa Reinvestment District Program is designed to assist communities in developing transformative projects that improve the quality of life, create and enhance unique opportunities, and substantially benefit the community, region and state. The program provides for up to $100 million in new state hotel/motel and sales tax revenues to be "reinvested" within approved districts in an Urban Renewal Area.
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Original text here: https://opportunityiowa.gov/press-release/2026-03-20/ieda-board-approves-assistance-two-manufacturers-three-startups-two-quality-life-projects-and
CDPH Warns of Serious Illness Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese Produced by RAW FARM
SACRAMENTO, California, March 21 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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CDPH Warns of Serious Illness linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese Produced by RAW FARM, LLC
CDPH reminds public to avoid risks of illness by choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products
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What You Need to Know: The California Department Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers and businesses not to eat, serve, or sell raw cheddar cheese manufactured and distributed by RAW FARM. This cheese is linked to an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157 in multiple
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SACRAMENTO, California, March 21 -- The California Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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CDPH Warns of Serious Illness linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese Produced by RAW FARM, LLC
CDPH reminds public to avoid risks of illness by choosing pasteurized milk and dairy products
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What You Need to Know: The California Department Public Health (CDPH) is advising consumers and businesses not to eat, serve, or sell raw cheddar cheese manufactured and distributed by RAW FARM. This cheese is linked to an ongoing outbreak of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157 in multiplestates. Raw milk and dairy products made with raw milk (such as raw cheese) can contain harmful germs that make people sick.
SACRAMENTO - CDPH is working with local health departments, the California Department of Food and Agriculture (CDFA) and federal partners to investigate an outbreak linked to the consumption of RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
As of March 13, 2026, seven individuals from three states have been infected with the outbreak strain of Shiga toxin-producing E. coli (STEC) O157, including five California residents. Four illnesses are in children under the age of five. Two individuals have been hospitalized, including one from California. No deaths or cases of hemolytic uremic syndrome (HUS), a severe complication of STEC infection that can cause organ failure and even death, have been reported.
Interviews with people who became ill indicate that RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese is the likely source of recent infections. A voluntary recall of RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese has been recommended by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA). However, as of March 18, 2026, RAW FARM has not voluntarily removed the cheese from the market.
What You Can Do
The best way to prevent getting sick from germs such as STEC O157 in raw dairy products (including cheeses) is to choose dairy products made with pasteurized milk.
* Consumers should not eat RAW FARM brand block or shredded raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.
* Businesses should not sell or serve RAW FARM brand block and shredded raw cheddar cheese while the investigation is ongoing.
* Consumers and businesses should wash and sanitize items and surfaces that may have come into contact with this cheese.
* Consumers should call their health care provider if they become sick with symptoms of STEC infection, especially after eating RAW FARM brand raw cheddar cheese.
Symptoms of STEC infection may include diarrhea (often bloody), vomiting and abdominal cramps. Symptoms usually start three to four days after a person is infected. Most people get better on their own within a week, but some people may develop severe diseases that require hospital care. Young children are at highest risk of getting HUS. Contact a medical provider if you suspect you or someone you know may have been infected.
For updated information on this STEC O157 outbreak, see the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) Food Safety Alert (E. Coli Outbreak Linked to Raw Cheddar Cheese | E. coli infection | CDC ) and FDA Public Health Advisory (Outbreak Investigation of E. coli O157:H7: Raw Cheddar Cheese (March 2026) | FDA).
For more information about STEC infections, visit CDPH's Shiga Toxin-Producing E. Coli (STEC) Infection
For more information regarding safety risks from consuming raw milk and dairy products, such as raw cheese, visit the CDPH Raw Milk and Raw Dairy Products web page.
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Original text here: https://www.cdph.ca.gov/Programs/OPA/Pages/NR26-012.aspx
Alabama Department of Public Health: Harmful If Swallowed - Protecting Kids From Adult Products
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 21 -- The Alabama Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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Harmful if Swallowed: Protecting Kids from Adult Products
Parents go to great lengths to protect their children. They block off staircases with gates and put covers on electrical outlets. They check safety ratings on car seats and strollers. They check the age limits and warning labels on toys. They make sure cribs are clear of pillows, loose blankets, and other unsafe items to protect babies from suffocation.
But sometimes, no matter how diligent they are, parents can forget about
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 21 -- The Alabama Department of Public Health issued the following news release:
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Harmful if Swallowed: Protecting Kids from Adult Products
Parents go to great lengths to protect their children. They block off staircases with gates and put covers on electrical outlets. They check safety ratings on car seats and strollers. They check the age limits and warning labels on toys. They make sure cribs are clear of pillows, loose blankets, and other unsafe items to protect babies from suffocation.
But sometimes, no matter how diligent they are, parents can forget aboutthe toxic substances that are hiding in plain sight, in things like vitamins and sodas. Things that are so much a part of their everyday lives, parents can't imagine them causing harm.
The Alabama Department of Public Health (ADPH) and the Alabama Poison Information Center (APIC) would like to share some information about common items that could potentially be harmful to children. These items are designed to add some pep to your step or to improve your health; however, if taken in the wrong amounts by the wrong person, they can lead to serious health complications.
Essential Oils
Essential oils are organic chemical compounds extracted from flowers, leaves, or bark. These substances are the chemical, physical, and aromatic embodiment of the plant from which they are taken. Essential oils, when used properly, are said to reduce stress, improve your mood, and help you relax.
Unfortunately, if ingested, these oils can cause a variety of health issues, especially in infants and young children who may be drawn to them because of their pleasing odor. Depending on the amount ingested, and the age of the person ingesting them, the effects can range from nausea and vomiting to drowsiness, seizures, and coma.
In its February 2025 Tox Update newsletter, APIC listed some common essential oils that can be particularly dangerous, including:
* Camphor: Often used in products like Vicks Vapo Rub to reduce inflammation and pain. Ingestion or inhalation of camphor can lead to nausea, vomiting, confusion, agitation, hallucinations, and seizures.
* Tea Tree Oil: Often used as a topical antiseptic. Contact with tea tree oil can cause skin irritation. If ingested, it can cause drowsiness, slurred speech, and acute respiratory distress syndrome.
* Oil of Wintergreen: Often used as a fragrance, a flavoring agent, and a topical preparation for inflammation (think Ben-Gay). This oil is especially tempting for children because of its minty smell and taste. Children are at a high risk of toxicity even if they ingest a small amount. Ingestion can cause nausea, vomiting, tinnitus, and severe toxicity can result in seizures, coma, and death.
To date in 2026, APIC reports 55 exposures to essential oils. They recorded a total of 291 exposures to essential oils in 2025.
If you have essential oils, or products such as those listed above, in your home, keep them in locked cabinets and out of reach. If your child ingests any of these products, do not induce vomiting, as this could increase their risk of aspiration (drawing the substance into their lungs) and other complications. Instead, you should immediately call the Alabama Poison Information Center at Children's of Alabama at 1-800-222-1222 for guidance and assistance.
Caffeine
Caffeine is a common stimulant taken from plants, usually found in coffee, sodas, and energy drinks. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration says adults can safely consume up to 400mg of caffeine per day, there are no specific guidelines for how much caffeine is safe for children. In January 2025, the Healthy Eating Research organization (a panel of experts from Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics, the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Heart Association) recommended that there is no safe amount of caffeine for children 18 and younger.
According to Johns Hopkins Medicine, the impacts of caffeine on children can vary based on the child's size and the amount of caffeine ingested. Too much caffeine can cause anxiety, increased heart rate and blood pressure, and acid reflux. In extremely high doses, caffeine can be toxic. Caffeine can also interact with medications or exacerbate existing medical conditions.
In 2025, APIC received 104 calls reporting exposures to energy drinks alone. Because the amount of caffeine contained in coffee, sodas, and energy drinks varies based on the brand, it is important for parents and caregivers to check the nutrition labels of the drinks their children consume. Special attention should be paid to the amount of servings contained in cans and bottles.
Vitamins
According to APIC, vitamins rank in the top 10 substance categories for pediatric exposures in Alabama. To date in 2026, APIC reports 254 exposures related to vitamins. APIC reported a total of 979 exposures in 2025.
Most exposures to vitamins are mild, even if taken in large amounts. An exception is vitamins containing iron, which can be dangerous. According to a report in the National Library of Medicine, children exposed to excess iron (commonly through vitamins and supplements) can experience complications ranging from diarrhea to decreased growth and impaired cognitive and motor development.
Parents and caregivers are advised to store vitamins in secure locations out of the reach of children. They are also advised to never refer to vitamins as "candy" in front of children, even when referencing vitamins in gummy form. Parents and caregivers should also be mindful of vitamin packaging that makes the product look like a sweet treat that appeals to children.
If an exposure to any of these products occurs, you should immediately call the Alabama Poison Information Center at Children's of Alabama at 1-800-222-1222 for help.
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Original text here: https://www.alabamapublichealth.gov/blog/2026/03/kids-adult-products.html
Ala. Commerce Secretary: Construction Partners to Invest $20 Million in New Dothan Headquarters
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 21 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce posted the following news:
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Construction Partners to invest $20 million in new Dothan headquarters
A homegrown Alabama success story is reinforcing its roots.
Construction Partners, Inc., the Dothan-born civil infrastructure company that has grown into a $3.5 billion publicly traded enterprise, announced plans to build a new $20 million corporate headquarters and data processing center in the Wiregrass city where it was founded nearly 25 years ago.
The investment will create capacity for more than 60 new professional
... Show Full Article
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, March 21 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce posted the following news:
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Construction Partners to invest $20 million in new Dothan headquarters
A homegrown Alabama success story is reinforcing its roots.
Construction Partners, Inc., the Dothan-born civil infrastructure company that has grown into a $3.5 billion publicly traded enterprise, announced plans to build a new $20 million corporate headquarters and data processing center in the Wiregrass city where it was founded nearly 25 years ago.
The investment will create capacity for more than 60 new professionalpositions--joining nearly 50 employees already working in the area--and consolidate executive leadership, administrative functions and advanced technology operations under one modern roof.
The facility represents not just physical expansion, but a strategic commitment to
centralizing the company's data processing capabilities for operations spanning eight Sunbelt states.
Alabama Secretary of Commerce Ellen McNair praised the economic significance of the expansion for the state's infrastructure and technology sectors.
"This project exemplifies the kind of innovation-driven growth that positions Alabama as a leader in infrastructure and technology," said McNair. "When a company reaches the national stage and chooses to invest in the community that helped build them, that's a testament to Alabama's competitive advantages."
Construction Partners' trajectory mirrors Alabama's broader economic evolution.
Founded in Dothan in 2001 as a local contractor, the company maintained its
headquarters through its transformation into a vertically integrated infrastructure
powerhouse operating across multiple states. Its specialization in roadway construction and maintenance--coupled with sophisticated data systems and operational efficiency--has positioned it as a significant player in Sunbelt infrastructure development.
Executive Chairman Ned N. Fleming, III reflected on the company's enduring
relationship with its hometown.
"For nearly 25 years, Dothan has been the home of Construction Partners," said
Fleming. "This new investment reaffirms our long-term commitment to the city that has always been our home."
The new headquarters will serve as more than a corporate office. Its centralized data processing center reflects the company's investment in technology infrastructure, data security and operational excellence--capabilities that require sophisticated technical expertise. This emphasis on high-tech operations positions Dothan as a regional hub for infrastructure technology and creates opportunities for Alabama's skilled workforce in data management, cybersecurity and systems administration.
Dothan Mayor Mark Saliba highlighted the project's impact on the local economy and the city's business ecosystem.
"Construction Partners is a true hometown success story," Saliba said. "This investment further strengthens our local economy and reinforces Dothan's position as a regional business hub."
Vice Chairman Charles E. Owens articulated the strategic importance of maintaining the company's headquarters in Dothan.
"Dothan is where Construction Partners was built, and it remains the center of our leadership and strategic direction," Owens said. "Maintaining and enhancing our headquarters here reflects our deep roots in this community and our confidence in its future."
State lawmakers recognized the announcement as evidence of Alabama's capacity to retain and grow homegrown enterprises.
State Sen. Donnie Chesteen noted that "a company founded in Dothan choosing to expand its headquarters here speaks volumes about the region's workforce and leadership," while state Rep. Steve Clouse called it "an investment not only in their future, but in Dothan's as well."
Construction on the facility is expected to begin soon, supporting Construction Partners' continued expansion across the Sunbelt region while solidifying Southeast Alabama's role in infrastructure innovation. The project adds to a growing portfolio of investments in Alabama's technical and professional workforce, demonstrating that the state's economic development strategy--built on education, infrastructure and strategic industry partnerships--continues to yield results in communities across the state.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/03/construction-partners-to-invest-20-million-in-new-dothan-headquarters/
