States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Mont. Department of Environmental Quality: State Mine Recognized Nationally for Reclamation and Safety
HELENA, Montana, June 12 -- The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Montana Mine Recognized Nationally for Reclamation and Safety
On Tuesday, May 19, mining company Navajo Transitional Energy Company was recognized by the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) for excellence at their coal mining operation, Spring Creek Mine, in Big Horn County. IMCC honored Navajo Transitional Energy Company at a banquet in French Lick, Indiana.
Navajo Transitional Energy Company was celebrated for their dedication to environmental protection through effective
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HELENA, Montana, June 12 -- The Montana Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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Montana Mine Recognized Nationally for Reclamation and Safety
On Tuesday, May 19, mining company Navajo Transitional Energy Company was recognized by the Interstate Mining Compact Commission (IMCC) for excellence at their coal mining operation, Spring Creek Mine, in Big Horn County. IMCC honored Navajo Transitional Energy Company at a banquet in French Lick, Indiana.
Navajo Transitional Energy Company was celebrated for their dedication to environmental protection through effectiveand efficient mining and reclamation practices at the Spring Creek Mine. The company was nominated and selected for its innovative reclamation work on Pit 6 where the company utilized a dragline and dozer operation to backfill the pit. The company's approach greatly expedited the reclamation effort for Pit 6. The company was also selected as this year's winner of the National Mine Safety and Health Training Award for the Coal Surface Mining industry category for their innovative approach to teaching common hazards and safety procedures to their employees.
The IMCC is a multi-state governmental organization supporting the natural resource and related environmental protection and mine safety and health interests of its member states. Montana's Department of Environmental Quality is a member of IMCC and Governor Greg Gianforte serves as the commissioner for Montana.
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Original text here: https://deq.mt.gov/News/pressrelease-folder/Spring-Creek-Award-2026
Ill. Gov. Pritzker Announces Rural King to Invest $75 Million in New Headquarters
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 12 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces Rural King to Invest $75 Million in New Headquarters
Company's expansion project will create 100 new jobs and retain more than 700 positions in Central Illinois
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MATTOON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Rural King will invest $75 million to construct a new Store Support Center Campus in Mattoon, where the company's leadership and support departments will be based,
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SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, June 12 -- Gov. JB Pritzker, D-Illinois, issued the following news release on June 10, 2026:
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Gov. Pritzker Announces Rural King to Invest $75 Million in New Headquarters
Company's expansion project will create 100 new jobs and retain more than 700 positions in Central Illinois
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MATTOON - Today, Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO) announced that Rural King will invest $75 million to construct a new Store Support Center Campus in Mattoon, where the company's leadership and support departments will be based,including merchandising, IT, finance, operations, marketing, human resources, legal, and other key business functions. The company broke ground on the project today, which will create 100 new full-time jobs and retain 719 existing full-time jobs in Coles County.
"With its new expansion, Rural King is building on its storied legacy in Illinois by creating new jobs and investing in the community and region," said Governor JB Pritzker. "Illinois is proud to collaborate with job creators who expand opportunities for our people while committing to growing in our state."
"For generations, Rural King has been an important part of the Mattoon community, and today's announcement reflects a continued commitment to the region's future," said Lieutenant Governor Juliana Stratton. "This investment will create new opportunities for Illinoisans and their families while reinforcing the economic vitality of Central Illinois. We are excited to see a homegrown Illinois company continue to expand while keeping its headquarters and legacy right here in the community where it began."
Rural King's expansion reflects the State's ongoing commitment to strengthening regional economies and supporting long-term growth in communities across downstate Illinois. Through intentional economic development programs and investments, Illinois continues to support businesses that are creating jobs, retaining talent, and investing in local communities.
"Our associates are the heartbeat of our company," said Rural King Owner & Chairman Alex Melvin. "As Rural King continues to grow, this new Store Support Center is an investment for our teams to ensure they have the space, resources, and technology needed to support our stores and customers while keeping our roots firmly planted in the community we call home. In addition to the Store Support Center, we are excited to develop an event center which will be available for the community to utilize for a variety of different purposes."
"Rural King's decision to expand and modernize its Store Support Center in Mattoon is a strong example of Illinois' continued success in strengthening and retaining homegrown businesses," said DCEO Director Kristin Richards. "Through strategic economic development tools, we are helping companies make long-term investments in Illinois communities, supporting job creation, strengthening regional economies, and ensuring that employers have the resources they need to compete and grow here at home."
In addition to support from the State's Economic Development for a Growing Economy (EDGE) program, the Illinois Department of Transportation (IDOT) is working with the City of Mattoon to provide grant funding through the agency's Economic Development Program to assist with extending Swords Drive north from Broadway to Dewitt Avenue, providing access to the new campus. Later this year, IDOT is anticipated to break ground on an $82 million reconstruction of the nearby Interstate 57 interchange with Illinois 16 to improve traffic flow and safety and increase clearances for freight and commercial vehicles - a project made possible by the Governor's Rebuild Illinois capital program.
"Under the leadership of Gov. Pritzker, IDOT is doing more than ever to get communities the resources and infrastructure they need to grow and prosper," said Illinois Transportation Secretary Gia Biagi. "We are proud of the collaboration on this project and look forward to more investment to come in Mattoon and Coles County."
"The City of Mattoon has had significant economic growth in the last few years bringing millions of dollars to the Mattoon area thanks to partners like Rural King," said Mattoon Mayor Rick Hall. "Rural King continues to be a critical corporate citizen to Mattoon and the State of Illinois as demonstrated in this New Headquarters Investment. We also thank the State of Illinois, and our local state and federal elected representative for their important contribution to this project."
Founded in Mattoon in 1960, Rural King is a third-generation, family-owned farm and home supply retailer, and by the end of 2026, they will operate more than 160 stores across 18 states. The company currently employs more than 9,500 associates across the country, including more than 400 employees at its existing Store Support Center and 270 employees at its attached distribution center and transportation hub in Mattoon.
"Rural King's expansion demonstrates the strength of Illinois' homegrown companies and the advantages of growing a business in our state," said Illinois Economic Development Corporation President and CEO Christy George. "This $75 million expansion will create new opportunities for Central Illinois families while reinforcing Mattoon as a strategic location for business operations. We are proud to support a company that has deep Illinois roots and remains committed to creating jobs and investing in the communities it serves."
"We want to thank Rural King's leadership team for their continued investment in Coles County," said Coles Together President & CEO Ronda Sauget. "Rural King's growth and expansion, headquartered in the City of Mattoon, is a prime example of successful supply chain logistics, warehouse, and distribution operations from the center of the U.S. with easy access to anywhere in North America. We are proud and look forward to working with this amazing community partner long into the future. Coles County is a prime tertiary market for business development activities with many employers experiencing the highest workforce productivity nationwide from this location. We warmly welcome the expansion of existing businesses and embrace the attraction of new firms to Coles County."
As part of the EDGE agreement with the State, Rural King has committed to making a $75 million investment, creating 100 new full-time jobs and retaining 719 jobs. A link to the full agreement can be found here. So far in 2026, companies participating in the EDGE program have committed to creating more than 5,000 new jobs and nearly $2.5 billion in investments.
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Original text here: https://www.illinois.gov/news/release.html?releaseid=32608
Ariz. Supreme Court: Comment Sought on Arizona Child Support Guidelines
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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Comment Sought on Arizona Child Support Guidelines
The Arizona Supreme Court's Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee seeks public feedback on the current Child Support Guidelines as part of ongoing quadrennial reviews. The Family Court (COFC) subcommittee will hold a public forum on July 22, 2026, to receive public comments and consider written comments submitted in advance of the meeting.
The Subcommittee is conducting its federally and state-mandated review of the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release:
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Comment Sought on Arizona Child Support Guidelines
The Arizona Supreme Court's Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee seeks public feedback on the current Child Support Guidelines as part of ongoing quadrennial reviews. The Family Court (COFC) subcommittee will hold a public forum on July 22, 2026, to receive public comments and consider written comments submitted in advance of the meeting.
The Subcommittee is conducting its federally and state-mandated review of the Arizona Child Support Guidelines.As part of this process, the Subcommittee will evaluate economic data, labor market trends, parenting-time considerations, and other factors affecting child support determinations in Arizona. The Subcommittee must also address issues referred to it by a report from the 2021 Committee for an Interim Review of the Child Support Guidelines.
The forum is intended to gather input before the review begins, which will help inform the Subcommittee's work. Members of the public and stakeholders will have the opportunity to share their perspectives based on the current Child Support Guidelines, submit written comments, and provide oral testimony to support the development of future recommendations.
Draft recommendations may be posted for public comment before being routed through the COFC other Arizona Supreme Court advisory committees, with final approval resting with the Arizona Judicial Council.
Meeting materials, registration information for speakers, and instructions for submitting written comments will be available on the Child Support Guidelines Review Webpage.
For more information on the Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee and upcoming public meetings, visit the Subcommittee's web page. COFC - Child Support Guidelines Review Subcommittee (https://www.azcourts.gov/cscommittees/CommitteeonFamilyCourt/COFC-ChildSupportGuidelinesReviewSubcommittee)
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Original text here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/News%20Release%20-%20Comment%20Sought%20on%20Arizona%20Child%20Support%20Guidelines.pdf
Ariz. State Senate Republicans: Legislature Approves President Petersen-Backed Bill Expanding Parental Rights in Education
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Legislature Approves President Petersen-Backed Bill Expanding Parental Rights in Education
Arizona students are one step closer to having greater access to faith-based education after the Legislature approved SB 1741, the Arizona Released Time Education Act, and transmitted the measure to Governor Katie Hobbs for her consideration. The legislation passed with Republican support and strengthens parental rights by allowing students to attend approved off-campus religious instruction
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Legislature Approves President Petersen-Backed Bill Expanding Parental Rights in Education
Arizona students are one step closer to having greater access to faith-based education after the Legislature approved SB 1741, the Arizona Released Time Education Act, and transmitted the measure to Governor Katie Hobbs for her consideration. The legislation passed with Republican support and strengthens parental rights by allowing students to attend approved off-campus religious instructionduring the school day with written parental consent.
Under SB 1741, sponsored by Senate President Warren Petersen, school districts and charter schools would be required to allow students to participate in released time courses if parents choose to enroll their children. Course providers must assume legal responsibility for participating students, provide transportation, maintain attendance records, and ensure students complete missed coursework. Religious instruction would take place off school property, at no cost to taxpayers or schools, and students could receive academic credit based on the same secular criteria used for similar courses.
"Parents have the fundamental right to direct the upbringing and education of their children, including their religious education," said President Petersen. "For generations, families have taught faith and values at home and in their communities. This legislation simply ensures government does not stand in the way when parents choose to incorporate religious instruction into their child's education. SB 1741 respects religious liberty, strengthens parental choice, and recognizes that parents, not bureaucrats, are best positioned to decide what is right for their children."
The Arizona Released Time Education Act establishes clear safeguards, including written parental consent, limits on instructional hours, provider accountability, and requirements that participating students remain responsible for completing their regular school assignments. The bill also protects equal treatment for released time providers while prohibiting schools from bearing the costs of the program.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/legislature-approves-president-petersen-backed-bill-expanding-parental-rights-in-education
Ariz. State Sen. Payne's Bill Protecting First Responder Cancer Benefits Heads to Governor
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Payne's Bill Protecting First Responder Cancer Benefits Heads to Governor
Senate Public Safety Chairman Kevin Payne is working to ensure Arizona firefighters receive the workers' compensation protections lawmakers originally intended under legislation that passed the Senate today and now heads to the governor's desk. SB 1215 addresses an ambiguity in state law that has created uncertainty surrounding occupational cancer claims filed by firefighters and other first responders.
SB
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Payne's Bill Protecting First Responder Cancer Benefits Heads to Governor
Senate Public Safety Chairman Kevin Payne is working to ensure Arizona firefighters receive the workers' compensation protections lawmakers originally intended under legislation that passed the Senate today and now heads to the governor's desk. SB 1215 addresses an ambiguity in state law that has created uncertainty surrounding occupational cancer claims filed by firefighters and other first responders.
SB1215 clarifies Arizona's presumptive cancer coverage laws for firefighters, fire investigators, and peace officers by ensuring the statute reflects the legislature's original intent regarding occupational cancer protections. The legislation applies retroactively to July 1, 2021, helping provide certainty for first responders and their families when seeking workers' compensation benefits for qualifying occupational cancers.
"Arizona firefighters knowingly expose themselves to dangerous carcinogens and toxic substances every time they answer a call, and they do it without hesitation because protecting the public comes first," said Senator Payne. "When a firefighter is diagnosed with cancer after years of service, they shouldn't have to fight an insurance company over a punctuation error in state law. Unfortunately, that's exactly what this loophole has allowed. SB 1215 restores the legislature's original intent and ensures firefighters receive the occupational cancer protections they were promised. These men and women have spent their careers putting their health and safety on the line for Arizona families. The least we can do is make sure they aren't denied the benefits they've earned because of a technicality. Arizona stands with our first responders, and this bill makes that crystal clear."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-paynes-bill-protecting-first-responder-cancer-benefits-heads-to-governor
Ariz. State Sen. Payne Advances School Safety Measure Improving Emergency Response Coordination
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Payne Advances School Safety Measure Improving Emergency Response Coordination
Senate Public Safety Chairman Kevin Payne is continuing his work to strengthen school safety across Arizona with legislation that passed the Senate today and now heads to the governor's desk. The measure is designed to improve coordination between schools and first responders so critical information can be shared quickly and securely during emergencies.
SB 1315 requires school districts and charter
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Payne Advances School Safety Measure Improving Emergency Response Coordination
Senate Public Safety Chairman Kevin Payne is continuing his work to strengthen school safety across Arizona with legislation that passed the Senate today and now heads to the governor's desk. The measure is designed to improve coordination between schools and first responders so critical information can be shared quickly and securely during emergencies.
SB 1315 requires school districts and charterschools that receive state or local funding for interoperable communications to establish and maintain systems that allow designated school personnel to communicate directly with law enforcement in real time during emergencies. The legislation also requires schools to provide current campus maps and building floor plans to local law enforcement agencies, conduct regular testing of communication systems, and report compliance to the Arizona Department of Education.
"School safety isn't something we can afford to treat as an afterthought," said Senator Payne. "Over the last several years, I've worked to secure funding for school safety interoperability systems because I've seen firsthand how important it is for schools and first responders to be able to communicate instantly during a crisis. When an emergency occurs, law enforcement officers shouldn't waste valuable time gathering information, locating buildings, or figuring out how to communicate with school personnel. They need immediate access to campus maps, floor plans, and real-time communication tools to respond quickly and effectively. SB 1315 builds on the investments we've already made and helps ensure that schools maintain these capabilities and keep critical information up to date. Every second matters in an emergency, and this legislation is about giving first responders every possible advantage in protecting students, teachers, and staff. Arizona families deserve to know we're doing everything we can to keep our schools safe."
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-payne-advances-school-safety-measure-improving-emergency-response-coordination
Ariz. State Sen. Finchem Measure Banning Internet Connectivity for Election Systems Clears Legislature
PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Finchem Measure Banning Internet Connectivity for Election Systems Clears Legislature
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem to secure Arizona elections by prohibiting internet connectivity on voting and tabulation equipment, strengthening chain-of-custody requirements, and increasing transparency at counting centers passed the Arizona Legislature today and is now being transmitted to the Governor.
SB 1037 requires all voting equipment and election management systems
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PHOENIX, Arizona, June 12 -- The Arizona State Senate Republican Caucus issued the following news release:
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Senator Finchem Measure Banning Internet Connectivity for Election Systems Clears Legislature
Legislation sponsored by Senator Mark Finchem to secure Arizona elections by prohibiting internet connectivity on voting and tabulation equipment, strengthening chain-of-custody requirements, and increasing transparency at counting centers passed the Arizona Legislature today and is now being transmitted to the Governor.
SB 1037 requires all voting equipment and election management systemsused in polling places, voting centers, and central counting facilities to operate without any hardware or software capable of direct or indirect internet connectivity, including through EMS gateway systems. The bill mandates tamper-proof seals on accessible ports, comprehensive chain-of-custody records documenting every individual who handles election equipment or data storage devices, continuous video surveillance of counting center activities with footage posted to county websites, unique user credentials updated each election cycle, detailed audit logs, and preservation of election records for 22 months.
These safeguards also position Arizona to comply with new federal cybersecurity requirements established under Section 6805 of the Fiscal Year 2026 National Defense Authorization Act. Enacted as part of the SECURE IT Act, the law directs the U.S. Election Assistance Commission to require comprehensive penetration testing of voting systems to identify and address cybersecurity vulnerabilities. Violations are subject to criminal penalties.
"Arizona voters have a right to elections that are secure, transparent, and protected from both foreign adversaries and administrative shortcuts," said Senator Finchem. "This Legislature has repeatedly drawn a clear line against connecting election systems to the internet because anything connected to the web can be hacked. Yet election officials have continued allowing indirect internet connectivity despite those concerns. SB 1037 closes those loopholes by requiring truly offline election systems, strengthening chain-of-custody protections, establishing clear audit trails, and increasing public transparency at counting centers. Confidence in our elections depends on voters knowing the process is secure, accountable, and beyond the reach of outside interference."
The measures included in SB 1037 would apply statewide to all jurisdictions using certified voting equipment. The bill now awaits action by the Governor.
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Original text here: https://www.azsenaterepublicans.gov/press-releases/senator-finchem-measure-banning-internet-connectivity-for-election-systems-clears-legislature
