Featured Stories
Wash. State Health Dept.: State Revokes, Suspends Licenses, Certifications, Registrations of Health Care Providers
OLYMPIA, Washington, Nov. 4 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
November 3, 2026
Olympia -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works with
... Show Full Article
OLYMPIA, Washington, Nov. 4 -- The Washington State Department of Health issued the following news release:
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State revokes, suspends licenses, certifications, registrations of health care providers
November 3, 2026
Olympia -- The Washington State Department of Health has revoked or suspended the licenses, certifications, or registrations of the following health care providers in our state. The department has also immediately suspended the credentials of people who have been prohibited from practicing in other states.
The department's Health Systems Quality Assurance Division works withboards, commissions and advisory committees to set licensing standards for more than 80 health care professions (e.g., dentists, nursing assistants, counselors).
Information about health care providers is on the agency's website. Click on "Health Care Provider Lookup" under the "Find it Fast" section of the Department of Health website (doh.wa.gov). The site includes information about a health care provider's license status, the expiration and renewal date of their credential, disciplinary actions and copies of legal documents issued after July 1998. This information is also available by calling 360-236-4700. Consumers who think a health care provider acted unprofessionally are also encouraged to call and report their complaint.
King County
In June 2026 the Board of Osteopathic Medicine and Surgery indefinitely suspended the osteopathic physician credential of Rachael Murphy (OP61251834) by default order. In March 2025, the department received a complaint alleging Murphy improperly prescribed medication to a patient. Murphy did not respond to the department's July 2025 letter of cooperation or to charges served in March 2026.
Thurston County
In May 2026 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Cheryl June Pagel (NC10082243) by default order. In September 2025, Adult Protective Services determined Pagel more likely than not financially exploited a vulnerable adult. The finding became final on Oct. 13, 2025, and Pagel was placed on the state's vulnerable adult abuse registry. Pagel did not respond after the department served her with charges.
In June 2026 the Department of Health indefinitely suspended the certified nursing assistant credential of Cynthia M. Pipes (NC60341132) by default order. In June 2023, Pipes tested positive for marijuana and a controlled substance. Pipes did not respond to the department's June 2024 letter of cooperation or to charges served in 2025.
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Original text here: https://doh.wa.gov/newsroom/state-revokes-suspends-licenses-certifications-registrations-health-care-providers-november-3-2026
TENN. FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RATE of INTEREST
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 4 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RATE of INTEREST
November 03, 2026
The Commissioner of Financial Institutions hereby announces that the maximum effective rate of interest per annum for home loans as set by the General Assembly in 2025, Public Chapter 290, for the month of December 2026 is 11.27 percent per annum.
The maximum effective rate of interest per annum for home loans shall be set at an amount equal to four (4) percentage points above the average prime offer
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Nov. 4 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES MAXIMUM EFFECTIVE RATE of INTEREST
November 03, 2026
The Commissioner of Financial Institutions hereby announces that the maximum effective rate of interest per annum for home loans as set by the General Assembly in 2025, Public Chapter 290, for the month of December 2026 is 11.27 percent per annum.
The maximum effective rate of interest per annum for home loans shall be set at an amount equal to four (4) percentage points above the average prime offerrate (APOR), as defined in 12 CFR 1026.35, that applies to a thirty-year fixed loan, as published by the Federal Financial Institutions Examination Council (FFIEC), or its successor federal entity. For the most recent APOR statistical data available preceding the date of this announcement, the calculated rate is 7.27 percent.
Persons affected by the maximum effective rate of interest for home loans as set forth in this notice should consult legal counsel as to the effect of the Depository Institutions Deregulation and Monetary Control Act of 1980 (P.L. 96-221 as amended by P.L. 96-399) and regulations pursuant to that Act promulgated by the Federal Home Loan Bank Board. State usury laws as they relate to certain loans made after March 31, 1980, may be preempted by this Act.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/tdfi/news/2026/11/3/commissioner-gonzales-announces-maximum-effective-rate-of-interest.html
TEDCO's Venture Funds Invest $500,000 in Space Phoenix Systems
COLUMBIA, Maryland, Nov. 4 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO's Venture Funds Invest $500,000 in Space Phoenix Systems
A Baltimore, based start-up company, that is developing reusable spacecraft for in space logistics
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COLUMBIA, Md., (November 2, 2026) -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a $500,000 investment in Space Phoenix Systems, a space logistics company developing spacecraft and related services to transport, test and return payloads from space. The investment was made through TEDCO's
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COLUMBIA, Maryland, Nov. 4 -- TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corp., issued the following news release:
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TEDCO's Venture Funds Invest $500,000 in Space Phoenix Systems
A Baltimore, based start-up company, that is developing reusable spacecraft for in space logistics
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COLUMBIA, Md., (November 2, 2026) -- TEDCO, Maryland's economic engine for technology companies, announced a $500,000 investment in Space Phoenix Systems, a space logistics company developing spacecraft and related services to transport, test and return payloads from space. The investment was made through TEDCO'sVentures Funds, which invests in Maryland-based technology companies with the goal of generating financial returns while supporting economic growth.
"Access to reliable upmass and downmass transportation for payloads is an important component of the developing space economy," said Andrew Parlock, CEO and co-founder of Space Phoenix Systems. "TEDCO's investment will support our continued work on spacecraft systems designed to transport payloads to and from low Earth orbit while allowing us to build the company here in Maryland."
Based in Baltimore, Maryland, Space Phoenix Systems is developing space logistics infrastructure to support the transportation, management, and return of payloads from orbit. The company's flagship spacecraft, Hermes, is being designed as a repairable, reusable platform engineered for rapid turnaround and repeatable missions.
"Space Phoenix Systems is working to address a technical challenge associated with testing, transporting and returning payloads from space," said Katherine Hill Ritchie, senior director of TEDCO's Venture Funds. "This investment reflects the Venture Funds' focus on early-stage Maryland companies developing technologies with market potential. We look forward to following the company's progress as it continues developing its platform."
TEDCO's Venture Funds is one of many investment opportunities that TEDCO offers to qualify for technology-based and life sciences start-ups across Maryland. For more information please visit, www.tedcomd.com/funding.
"It is no surprise that Maryland's entrepreneurs are developing technologies to address emerging needs across a range of industries," said Troy LeMaile-Stovall, CEO of TEDCO. "With our proximity to Washington, D.C., we are a hub for contractors looking to expand reach with federal contract opportunities like the Small Business Innovation Research Program--a reality that is emphasized by the state's recent ranking as ninth in the nation for the number of program awardees in 2024. Space Phoenix System's innovative technology is positioned to make an impact across the industry, and they are in one of the best locations to accelerate their progress."
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About TEDCO
TEDCO, the Maryland Technology Development Corporation, enhances economic empowerment growth through the fostering of an inclusive entrepreneurial innovation ecosystem. TEDCO identifies, invests in, and helps grow technology and life science-based companies in Maryland. Learn more at www.tedcomd.com.
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Original text here: https://www.tedcomd.com/press-release/tedcos-venture-funds-invest-500000-space-phoenix-systems
MDC Announces Fish Salvage Order Now in Effect at Willmore Park's North Lake in St. Louis
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 4 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news:
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MDC announces fish salvage order now in effect at Willmore Park's North Lake in St. Louis
11/03/2026
St. LOUIS, Mo.--The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in cooperation with the City of St. Louis, has authorized an Emergency Fish Salvage Order for North Lake at Willmore Park in St. Louis. The order is in effect immediately and continues through Feb. 1, 2027.
A recently discovered leak at Willmore Park's North Lake has lowered the water levels, making it difficult to sustain
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JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Nov. 4 -- The Missouri Department of Conservation issued the following news:
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MDC announces fish salvage order now in effect at Willmore Park's North Lake in St. Louis
11/03/2026
St. LOUIS, Mo.--The Missouri Department of Conservation (MDC), in cooperation with the City of St. Louis, has authorized an Emergency Fish Salvage Order for North Lake at Willmore Park in St. Louis. The order is in effect immediately and continues through Feb. 1, 2027.
A recently discovered leak at Willmore Park's North Lake has lowered the water levels, making it difficult to sustainfish populations. To salvage and make use of the lake's remaining fish, an Emergency Fish Salvage Order temporarily suspends fishing method restrictions, allowing anglers to take all fish species except endangered species listed in 3 CSR 10-4.111 of the Wildlife Code of Missouri.
In addition to methods already allowed at the lake, anglers may use gigs, snagging, grabbing, dip nets, throw nets, seines, and hand fishing. The order also temporarily suspends length, daily, and possession limits for all fish taken from North Lake, providing expanded opportunities for anglers. All fishing methods must comply with activities permitted and restrictions established by the City of St. Louis.
"Since the fish in the pond will not survive sustained low water levels, this emergency salvage action will enable anglers to make use of the existing fish community and will help ensure that these valuable resources do not go to waste," said MDC Fisheries Biologist John Schulte.
An investigation into the source of the water loss and potential solutions will begin in 2027, when the lake will be fully drained. Potential renovation options will also be explored.
The Emergency Fish Salvage Order will be in effect during Willmore Park's normal public access and fishing hours.
Anglers ages 16 through 64 must still hold a valid Missouri fishing permit to fish at the lake.
Willmore Park's North Lake is owned and managed by the City of St. Louis. MDC stocks the 1.5-acre lake and manages its fish populations through the St. Louis Urban Fishing Program. The park is located near the intersection of Jamison and Loughborough Avenues along River Des Peres.
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Original text here: https://mdc.mo.gov/newsroom/mdc-announces-fish-salvage-order-now-effect-willmore-parks-north-lake-st-louis
LGC Takes Next Steps to Determine Financial Futures of Ronda and Rowland
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 4 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release:
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November 3, 2026
LGC Takes Next Steps to Determine Financial Futures of Ronda and Rowland
Commission Also Approves Financing for Polk County Community Center
Raleigh, N.C.
The Local Government Commission (LGC) voted Tuesday to begin a formal process to determine whether two financially troubled North Carolina towns, Ronda (Wilkes County) and Rowland (Robeson County), can be financially rehabilitated or should ultimately be dissolved.
The Commission assumed financial control of
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 4 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release:
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November 3, 2026
LGC Takes Next Steps to Determine Financial Futures of Ronda and Rowland
Commission Also Approves Financing for Polk County Community Center
Raleigh, N.C.
The Local Government Commission (LGC) voted Tuesday to begin a formal process to determine whether two financially troubled North Carolina towns, Ronda (Wilkes County) and Rowland (Robeson County), can be financially rehabilitated or should ultimately be dissolved.
The Commission assumed financial control ofboth towns in October following serious financial management and operational concerns. Since then, LGC staff have secured access to the towns' bank accounts and financial records, established oversight of financial transactions, conducted site visits and processed payroll and urgent payments to maintain essential operations. Staff also are reviewing the towns' financial obligations and working with other state agencies and local governments.
"People in Ronda and Rowland deserve local governments that can pay their bills, manage taxpayer dollars responsibly and provide the services residents depend on," said State Treasurer Brad Briner, who chairs the LGC. "Our priority is to protect taxpayers and maintain essential services while we determine whether these towns have a financially sustainable path forward. These are difficult decisions, but we owe residents a thorough and responsible review of every option."
The Commission approved resolutions placing both towns into the statutory process for evaluating financially unsustainable municipalities. LGC staff also were authorized to prepare required reports examining municipal services, costs and revenues because of the financial and staffing hardships facing the towns.
The votes do not dissolve either town or determine whether either can be financially rehabilitated.
Ronda has experienced repeated budget violations, late audits and declining financial reserves. Its Water and Sewer Fund reported a net operating loss of approximately $225,000 in fiscal year 2025. The town's financial difficulties also have included cash shortages and outstanding obligations.
Rowland has experienced similar problems, including repeated budget violations, late audits and the unauthorized use of restricted grant funds. Its General Fund balance available fell to negative 16.48% of expenditures and transfers in fiscal year 2025.
State Treasurer Brad Briner chairs the LGC. The Commission is staffed by the Department of State Treasurer (DST) and has a statutory duty to approve most debt issued by units of local government and public authorities in North Carolina. The Commission examines whether the amount of money units borrow is adequate and reasonable for proposed projects and confirms the governmental units can reasonably afford to repay the debt. It also monitors the financial well-being of more than 1,100 local government units.
Polk County Community Center Financing Approved
The Commission also conditionally approved Polk County's request for $12 million in financing toward construction of a community center that will be operated by the YMCA of Greater Spartanburg. The approval is contingent on the project being approved by the Town of Columbus Town Council at its next meeting on November 19. The approximately $18.6 million project will be supported by borrowing, private donations and county cash.
Other Items Approved by the Commission
The Commission also approved the following financing requests and other matters:
* Archdale (located in Randolph County): Approximately $599,000 for police body cameras, in-car video systems and recording equipment.
* Asheville Housing Authority (Buncombe County): $9.75 million for construction of 319 Biltmore B, a 112-unit affordable housing development.
* Baptist Retirement Homes of North Carolina, Inc., operating as ThriveMore: $150 million to refinance existing debt and fund improvements at senior living communities, including memory care expansions and facility renovations.
* Belmont (Gaston County): $10.63 million for downtown property acquisition, two fire engines, City Hall renovations and planning for a new fire station.
* Blowing Rock (Watauga County): $535,000 for a property exchange that would provide land for a future public safety facility.
* Brunswick Regional Water and Sewer H2GO (Brunswick County): $56 million to construct a new administrative and field operations complex in Belville.
* Butner (Granville County): $800,000 in interest-free financing toward the purchase of a new fire truck.
* Charlotte (Mecklenburg County): $140 million to refinance existing debt associated with Spectrum Center improvements.
* Columbus County: $770,000 to purchase 11 vehicles for the Sheriff's Office. The county is on the Unit Assistance List and has ongoing financial reporting and reserve concerns.
* Durham County: Up to $30 million in bond anticipation notes and a $19.3 million State Revolving Fund loan for the Chin Page Road Pump Station and related sewer improvements.
* Fayetteville (Cumberland County): $26.5 million for construction of the McArthur Road Sports Complex and purchase of emergency vehicles and firefighting equipment.
* Guilford County: Approval of a lease financing agreement of up to $8 million for government office space in Greensboro.
* Henderson County: Up to $65 million to construct a new medical office building for UNC Health Pardee and $10 million to refinance debt associated with educational facilities.
* High Shoals (Gaston County): $300,000 to purchase a former fire and rescue building for Public Works operations.
* Kernersville (Forsyth County): Approximately $989,000 for Town Hall improvements and property purchases for future park expansion.
* Manteo (Dare County): $1 million toward a $2.5 million Town Hall renovation.
* Mecklenburg County: $45 million for solid waste facility improvements and equipment.
* Morehead City (Carteret County): $2.5 million for wastewater sludge processing improvements, including a solar dryer and equipment upgrades.
* Onslow Water and Sewer Authority (Onslow County): $75 million for water and wastewater system improvements.
* Pamlico County: $950,000 for jail security equipment and courthouse HVAC improvements.
* Perquimans County: Approximately $1 million for emergency medical equipment and Sheriff's Office vehicles.
* Piedmont Affordable Senior Housing Foundation: $125 million to acquire six senior living communities across Burke, Cabarrus, Henderson, Rockingham and Wilkes counties.
* Ramseur (Randolph County): $1.29 million for water and sewer meter replacements.
* Sterling Montessori Academy and Charter School (Wake County): $7 million to refinance existing debt and expand its facilities in Morrisville.
* Transylvania County: $40 million for construction and equipping of a new courthouse.
* Trinity (Randolph County): $1.35 million for a wastewater regionalization project that would redirect most of the city's wastewater to High Point for treatment.
* Wayne County: Approximately $2.88 million for the first phase of the Genoa Sewer Rehabilitation Project.
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Original text here: https://www.nctreasurer.gov/news/press-releases/2026/11/03/lgc-takes-next-steps-determine-financial-futures-ronda-and-rowland
Clyde McPhatter, Rock and Roll Pioneer, to Be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 4 -- The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources issued the following news release:
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November 3, 2026
Clyde McPhatter, Rock and Roll Pioneer, to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
RALEIGH
A Durham-born singer who was a pioneering figure in rhythm and blues and early rock and roll soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The marker commemorating the life and accomplishments of Clyde McPhatter will
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Nov. 4 -- The North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources issued the following news release:
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November 3, 2026
Clyde McPhatter, Rock and Roll Pioneer, to be Featured on N.C. Highway Historical Marker
RALEIGH
A Durham-born singer who was a pioneering figure in rhythm and blues and early rock and roll soon will be recognized with a North Carolina Highway Historical Marker. The N.C. Historical Marker Program is part of the N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources.
The marker commemorating the life and accomplishments of Clyde McPhatter willbe dedicated Monday, Nov. 16 at 3 p.m. at the intersection of Pettigrew and Mangum streets in Durham, N.C.
Born Nov. 15, 1932, in Durham, McPhatter grew up in a Baptist family where music played an important role in his life. He sang in the church choir as a child and became a soprano soloist by age 10. His family moved to New Jersey in the mid-1940s, and later to New York City, where he helped establish the Mount Lebanon Singers, a gospel group based in Harlem.
In 1950, McPhatter won Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater and soon joined Billy Ward and His Dominoes as the group's lead tenor. His distinctive, gospel-influenced singing helped the group reach national audiences through its rhythm and blues recordings. He left the Dominoes in 1953 to sign with Atlantic Records and form a new vocal group, The Drifters.
As the original lead singer of The Drifters, McPhatter recorded several successful songs, including "Money Honey," which helped establish the group nationally. His time with the group ended in 1954 when he entered military service. After leaving the Army, he began recording as a solo artist in 1955.
McPhatter achieved success as a solo performer during the 1950s and early 1960s with recordings including "Treasure of Love," "Without Love (There Is Nothing)" and "A Lover's Question." His singing blended gospel traditions with rhythm and blues, influencing the development of popular music and generations of performers.
As musical trends changed, McPhatter's commercial success declined. He spent part of his later career performing in the United Kingdom before returning to the United States. He died June 13, 1972, in Teaneck, N.J., at age 39.
McPhatter was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a solo artist in 1987 and as a member of The Drifters in 1988, becoming the first performer to receive the distinction twice. He also was featured on a U.S. postage stamp in 1993 and inducted into the North Carolina Music Hall of Fame in 2009.
For more information about the historical marker, please visit the Clyde McPhatter blog entry, or call (919) 814-6625.
The Highway Historical Marker Program is a collaboration between the N.C. departments of Natural and Cultural Resources and Transportation.
Clyde McPhatter link: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/blog/2026/10/20/clyde-mcphatter-ca-1932-1972-g-149
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About the North Carolina Department of Natural and Cultural Resources
The N.C. Department of Natural and Cultural Resources (DNCR) manages, promotes, and enhances the things that people love about North Carolina - its diverse arts and culture, rich history, and spectacular natural areas. At more than 100 sites across the state, the department enhances education, stimulates economic development, improves public health, expands accessibility, and strengthens community resiliency. For more information, please visit www.dncr.nc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.dncr.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/11/03/clyde-mcphatter-rock-and-roll-pioneer-be-featured-nc-highway-historical-marker
Ariz. Game & Fish Dept.: Three Forest Restoration Projects to Watch
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 4 -- The Arizona Department of Game and Fish issued the following news:
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Three forest restoration projects to watch
Nov. 3, 2026
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is making hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationists aware of three forest health and wildfire fuel-reduction projects that could affect outdoor activities in northern and northeastern Arizona.
The three projects, conducted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the U.S. Forest Service, will help reduce wildfire risk, improve forest and watershed
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Nov. 4 -- The Arizona Department of Game and Fish issued the following news:
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Three forest restoration projects to watch
Nov. 3, 2026
PHOENIX -- The Arizona Game and Fish Department (AZGFD) is making hunters, anglers and other outdoor recreationists aware of three forest health and wildfire fuel-reduction projects that could affect outdoor activities in northern and northeastern Arizona.
The three projects, conducted by the Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management (DFFM) and the U.S. Forest Service, will help reduce wildfire risk, improve forest and watershedhealth and support Arizona's forest products industry.
"There are no forest closures associated with these projects, but we ask folks to keep their distance from machinery and handcrews," said Matthew Wilcox, public information officer for DFFM. "Most importantly, we want hunters and other outdoor recreationists to know that there will be noise and machinery to consider in these areas."
The work falls under the Good Neighbor Authority (GNA) program, which allows DFFM to carry out forest restoration on federal lands. Together, the projects represent nearly 7,000 acres of restoration to Coconino, Prescott and Apache-Sitgreaves National Forests.
Here are details about each project:
Jotter 1: This 3,559-acre project is located on the Coconino National Forest, east of Interstate 17 and south of Stoneman Lake Road. Crews will selectively thin ponderosa pine, pinyon pine, and junipers to reduce overgrown vegetation and hazardous fuels. The project was designed to improve nearby watershed conditions, restore grasslands, and improve wildlife habitat. Work was scheduled to begin in mid-October and is expected to take approximately one year to complete.
Log Springs 1: This 1,700-acre project is located on the Prescott National Forest, west of the community of Cherry, in Yavapai County. The project uses heavy machinery to thin overgrown vegetation and reduce hazardous fuels. The work helps reduce the potential for high-intensity wildfire while improving overall forest health. The project was scheduled to begin in mid-October and is expected to continue through March 2028.
Brentwood: The Brentwood project is located on the Alpine Ranger District of the Apache-Sitgreaves National Forest and includes a 1,300-acre timber sale and nearly 400 acres of hand thinning. Brentwood is the first state and federal collaborative GNA project on the fApache-Sitgreaves. The project is expected to supply nearly 40,000 tons of timber to support rural Arizona's forest industry. The hand thinning portion helps to protect the Black River watershed and prepares the land for future prescribed fire. Work on this project starts in November and is scheduled through 2029.
For more information, see DFFM's news release (https://dffm.az.gov/news/arizona-department-forestry-and-fire-management-and-us-forest-service-collaborate-fuels).
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Original text here: https://www.azgfd.com/2026/11/03/three-forest-restoration-projects-to-watch/
