States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
Okla. A.G. Drummond: Baseless ClassWallet Lawsuit Continues to Waste Tax Dollars
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Dec. 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Dec. 12, 2025:
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Drummond: Baseless ClassWallet lawsuit continues to waste tax dollars
Attorney General Gentner Drummond late yesterday filed a motion to withdraw from the ongoing ClassWallet litigation, a step prompted by ClassWallet's decision to move for dismissal. Drummond said the development underscores what he has argued from the beginning: the lawsuit is frivolous, destined for dismissal and unsupported by any credible evidence.
"This lawsuit was baseless from the
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, Dec. 13 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on Dec. 12, 2025:
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Drummond: Baseless ClassWallet lawsuit continues to waste tax dollars
Attorney General Gentner Drummond late yesterday filed a motion to withdraw from the ongoing ClassWallet litigation, a step prompted by ClassWallet's decision to move for dismissal. Drummond said the development underscores what he has argued from the beginning: the lawsuit is frivolous, destined for dismissal and unsupported by any credible evidence.
"This lawsuit was baseless from theoutset," Drummond said. "ClassWallet has been incorrectly blamed for the failures of the Stitt administration, whose irresponsible appointments and lack of oversight led to questionable expenditures and processes surrounding $31 million in funds intended to help families with their educational expenses during the pandemic. Every credible review of this matter has made that clear. The only question now is why hardworking Oklahomans should have to continue funding these pointless and expensive lawsuits -- tax dollars that could instead be invested in our schools and infrastructure."
The ClassWallet litigation reaffirmed the findings of both federal and state auditors, which determined that state officials were responsible for the misuse of hundreds of thousands of dollars in federal relief funding, not the vendor. The results of these comprehensive audits clearly and unequivocally attributed these failures to Stitt's administration.
Despite the clarity and repetition of these findings, Stitt's office has continued to pour exorbitant sums into multiple failed lawsuits on the matter, Drummond said.
"If the Governor were truly concerned about recovering misused dollars, he would hold accountable those actually responsible for the oversight, starting with his own office and his hand-picked Secretary of Education," he stated. "Instead, he insists on spending excessive amounts of state dollars on lawsuits he has already been told he cannot win."
Drummond said the likely outcome is the same now as it has been since the litigation began. "No one will be shocked when this case is dismissed," he stated. "But unfortunately, the state of Oklahoma and its hardworking taxpayers will have lost hundreds of thousands of dollars on this charade of a lawsuit."
Read the Motion (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2025/december/Motion%20to%20Withdraw%20-%20Classwallet.pdf)
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2025/december/drummond-baseless-classwallet-lawsuit-continues-to-waste-tax-dollars.html
N.H. A.G. Formella: Dismissal of Challenge to Absentee Ballot Identification Law
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Dec. 13 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Dismissal of Challenge to Absentee Ballot Identification Law
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Rockingham County Superior Court has dismissed Robertson et al. v. Scanlan et al., a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of RSA 657:17-c, the State's absentee ballot identification verification law. The court's order notes that the identification requirement for absentee voters "aligns the requirements to obtain an absentee ballot with the requirements to
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Dec. 13 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release:
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Dismissal of Challenge to Absentee Ballot Identification Law
Attorney General John M. Formella announces that the Rockingham County Superior Court has dismissed Robertson et al. v. Scanlan et al., a lawsuit challenging the constitutionality of RSA 657:17-c, the State's absentee ballot identification verification law. The court's order notes that the identification requirement for absentee voters "aligns the requirements to obtain an absentee ballot with the requirements toobtain an in-person ballot."
The plaintiffs argued that the statute imposed unconstitutional burdens on absentee voters and created unequal treatment compared to in-person voters. The Court rejected those claims and upheld the law in its entirety.
"We appreciate the Court's recognition that the identification requirements for absentee voters are reasonable, constitutional, and consistent with New Hampshire's long-standing election practices," said Attorney General Formella. "This decision confirms that the Legislature acted within its authority to strengthen the integrity and consistency of our election system. I also want to acknowledge the excellent work of our Civil Litigation Unit in defending the statute."
In a detailed written order, the Court also determined that:
* RSA 657:17-c imposes only "reasonable, nondiscriminatory" obligations on absentee voters.
* The law "does not unreasonably burden the right to vote."
* The Legislature acted within its constitutional authority in establishing uniform identification standards to support secure and consistent election administration.
The Court also rejected the plaintiffs' arguments related to alleged disparate impacts, concluding that the requirements apply uniformly to all absentee voters and reflect existing, longstanding identification procedures used at the polls.
"New Hampshire's election system has always been grounded in secure processes and equal treatment for all voters," said Secretary of State David M. Scanlan. "The Court's ruling confirms that applying the same identification expectations across absentee and in-person voting is both reasonable and necessary for maintaining public confidence."
RSA 657:17-c, enacted earlier this year as Senate Bill 287 and signed into law by Governor Ayotte on August 1, requires absentee voters to provide a photocopy or digital image of a valid form of identification--or to complete a voter identity affidavit--when returning their absentee ballot application. This is the same standard required for in-person voters, who must present an acceptable form of photo identification or execute a voter affidavit at the polling place.
The Court noted that this framework maintains accessibility by offering multiple options for compliance and reinforces uniformity across voting methods.
* order-dismissing-complaint.pdf (https://www.doj.nh.gov/sites/g/files/ehbemt721/files/inline-documents/sonh/order-dismissing-complaint.pdf)
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Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/dismissal-challenge-absentee-ballot-identification-law
Governor Lamont Activates Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol Sunday and Monday
HARTFORD, Connecticut, Dec. 13 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Activates Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol Sunday and Monday
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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and remaining in effect until noon on Monday, December 15, 2025, due to a blast of arctic air that will impact the state, including windchill temperatures during the overnight hours that are expected to be at or below zero.
The purpose
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HARTFORD, Connecticut, Dec. 13 -- Gov. Ned Lamont, D-Connecticut, issued the following news release:
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Governor Lamont Activates Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol Sunday and Monday
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(HARTFORD, CT) - Governor Ned Lamont today announced that he is activating Connecticut's Severe Cold Weather Protocol beginning at noon on Sunday, December 14, 2025, and remaining in effect until noon on Monday, December 15, 2025, due to a blast of arctic air that will impact the state, including windchill temperatures during the overnight hours that are expected to be at or below zero.
The purposeof the protocol is to ensure that the most vulnerable populations receive protection from the severe cold, which could be life threatening if exposed to the elements for extended periods of time. While enacted, a system is set up for state agencies and municipalities to coordinate with United Way 2-1-1 and Connecticut's network of shelters to make sure that anyone in need can receive shelter from the outdoors, including transportation to shelters.
Anyone in need of shelter or a warming center is urged to visit 211ct.org or call 2-1-1 to find available locations. Transportation can be provided if necessary.
"The winter season hasn't even officially begun and we've already been experiencing significantly cold temperatures that can be dangerous to anyone spending long periods of time outdoors," Governor Lamont said. "This protocol helps ensure that shelters and warming centers are available across the state to anyone in need. I appreciate our nonprofit and municipal partners who are working with us to ensure that these services are available."
The following actions are implemented while the protocol is enacted:
* The Connecticut Department of Emergency Services and Public Protection's Division of Emergency Management and Homeland Security uses its WebEOC communications network, which is an internet-based system that enables local, regional, and state emergency management officials and first responders to share up-to-date information about a variety of situations and conditions. The system is used to monitor capacity at shelters across the state, enabling 2-1-1 to act as a clearinghouse to assist in finding shelter space for those who need it. Local officials, working through WebEOC, can alert 2-1-1 and the state when they open temporary shelters or warming centers.
* The Connecticut Department of Social Services, Connecticut Department of Housing, and Connecticut Department of Mental Health and Addiction Services coordinate with 2-1-1 and the Connecticut Coalition to End Homelessness, along with community-based providers, to provide transportation for people seeking shelter.
For emergency management news and resources, visit the state's CT Prepares website at ct.gov/ctprepares.
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Original text here: https://portal.ct.gov/governor/news/press-releases/2025/12-2025/governor-lamont-activates-severe-cold-weather-protocol-sunday-and-monday
Florida Auditor General: Palm Beach State College
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following operational audit (No. 2026-058) on December 5, 2025, entitled "Palm Beach State College."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of Palm Beach State College (College) focused on selected College processes and administrative activities and included a follow-up on findings noted in our report No. 2023-058. Our operational audit disclosed the following:
Finding 1: College controls over guaranteed maximum price construction contracts and related payments could be enhanced.
Finding 2:
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following operational audit (No. 2026-058) on December 5, 2025, entitled "Palm Beach State College."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of Palm Beach State College (College) focused on selected College processes and administrative activities and included a follow-up on findings noted in our report No. 2023-058. Our operational audit disclosed the following:
Finding 1: College controls over guaranteed maximum price construction contracts and related payments could be enhanced.
Finding 2:College textbook affordability procedures continue to need improvement.
Finding 3: Contrary to State law, the College assessed distance learning course fees for 109 courses, including 273 course sections that generated distance learning fee revenue totaling $136,720, without listing the courses and fees in the Statewide Internet-based catalog of distance learning courses.
Finding 4: College controls over credit card expense approvals and cancellations could be enhanced to promote accountability.
Finding 5: Contrary to Board policies and College procedures, performance appraisals were not always timely completed for College personnel.
BACKGROUND
Palm Beach State College (College) is under the general direction and control of the Florida Department of Education, Division of Florida Colleges, and is governed by State law and State Board of Education rules. A board of trustees (Board) governs and operates the College. The Board constitutes a corporation and is composed of 5 members appointed by the Governor and confirmed by the Senate.
The Student Body President also is a member. The College President serves as the Executive Officer and the Corporate Secretary of the Board and is responsible for the operation and administration of the College.
The College has campuses in Belle Glade, Boca Raton, Lake Worth, Loxahatchee Groves, and Palm Beach Gardens, Florida. Additionally, credit and noncredit classes are offered in public schools and other locations throughout Palm Beach County.
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The report is posted at: https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2026-058.pdf
[Category: TNSStaRep]
Florida Auditor General: Monroe County District School Board
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following comprehensive financial report and federal single audit (No. 2026-057) on December 5, 2025, entitled "Monroe County District School Board."
Here are excerpts:
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December 5, 2025
Dear Chairman, School Board Members, and Citizens of Monroe County:
We are pleased to submit to you the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (the "ACFR") of the District School Board of Monroe County (the "District"). State law requires that schools districts publish, after the close of each fiscal year, a complete set
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following comprehensive financial report and federal single audit (No. 2026-057) on December 5, 2025, entitled "Monroe County District School Board."
Here are excerpts:
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December 5, 2025
Dear Chairman, School Board Members, and Citizens of Monroe County:
We are pleased to submit to you the Annual Comprehensive Financial Report (the "ACFR") of the District School Board of Monroe County (the "District"). State law requires that schools districts publish, after the close of each fiscal year, a complete setof financial statements presented in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAP), and audited in accordance with governmental auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America by a license certified public accountant. Responsibility for the accuracy, completeness and fairness of the information presented, including all disclosures, rests with the District's management. This report will provide the stakeholders of the school district with comprehensive financial data in a format enabling them to gain an understanding of the financial affairs and standing of the District.
This report consists of management's representations concerning the finances of the District. Consequently, management assumes full responsibility for the completeness and reliability of all the information presented in this report. To provide a reasonable basis for making these representations, management of the District has established a comprehensive internal control framework that is designed both to protect District assets from loss, theft, or misuse and to compile sufficient reliable information for the preparation of the District's financial statements in conformity with GAAP. Because the cost of internal controls should not outweigh their benefits, the District's comprehensive framework of internal controls has been designed to provide reasonable rather than absolute assurance that the financial statements will be free from material misstatement. As management, we assert that, to the best of our knowledge and belief, this financial report is complete and reliable in all material respects.
The State of Florida Auditor General has independently audited the District's financial statements. The goal of the independent audit is to provide reasonable assurance that the financial statements of the District for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, are free of material misstatement. The independent audit involved examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements; assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management; and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. The independent auditor concluded that there was a reasonable basis for rendering an unmodified opinion that the District's basic financial statements for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2025, are fairly presented in conformity with GAAP. The State of Florida Auditor General's report is presented as the first component of the financial section of this report. The independent audit of the financial statements of the District was part of a broader, Federally mandated "Single Audit" designed to meet the special needs of federal grantor agencies. The District is required to undergo an annual Single Audit in conformity with the provisions of the Single Audit Act of 1996 and Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations, Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards (Uniform Guidance). The standards governing Single Audit engagements require the independent auditor to report not only on the fair presentation of the basic financial statements, but also on the audited government's internal controls and compliance with legal requirements, with special emphasis on internal controls and legal requirements involving the administration of Federal awards.
Information related to this Single Audit, including the Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards, Schedule of Findings and Questioned costs, Summary Schedule of Prior Audit Findings, and the independent auditor's reports on internal control over financial reporting and on compliance with applicable requirements, are included in the Single Audit section.
GAAP require that management provide a narrative introduction, overview, and analysis to accompany the basic financial statements in the form of Management's Discussion and Analysis (MD&A). This letter of transmittal is designed to complement MD&A and should be read in conjunction with it. The District's MD&A can be found immediately following the independent auditor's report.
Profile of the School District
The District and its governing body (School District) were created pursuant to Section 4, Article IX of the Constitution of the State of Florida. The District is an independent taxing and reporting entity managed, controlled, operated, administered, and supervised by District school officials in accordance with Chapter 1001.30, Florida Statutes. The District consists of five elected officials responsible for the adoption of policies, which govern the operation of public schools in Monroe County. The Superintendent of Schools (Superintendent) is responsible for the administration and management of the schools within the applicable parameters of Florida Statutes, State Board of Education (SBE) rules, and School Board policies. The Superintendent is also specifically delegated the responsibility of maintaining a uniform system of records and accounts in the District by Section SBE Rule 6A-1.001, Florida Administrative Code.
The geographic boundaries of the District are those of Monroe County. The County is comprised of a string of subtropical islands that stretch more than one hundred miles into the Atlantic Ocean covering approximately 983 square miles of land mass. These islands are connected in a chain-like fashion to the mainland by a series of 42 bridges. The County seat, Key West, is approximately 150 miles southwest of Miami and 90 miles north of Cuba. The County operates under a constitution adopted in 1823 and has a current estimated population of 84,700 persons. Within its borders are five municipalities: Islamorada, Key Colony Beach, Key West, Layton, and Marathon.
This report contains the audited financial statements of all operations over which the School Board is financially accountable. Various component units were evaluated to determine whether they should be considered as part of the District's reporting entity. Accordingly, included are all funds of the District, the Monroe County School Board Leasing Corporation, and seven charter schools. The Monroe County School Board Leasing Corporation was formed by the School Board to be lessor in connection with financing the acquisition and/or construction of certain educational facilities. The charter schools are public schools operating under performance contracts with the District.
During the 2024-2025 fiscal year, the District operated 10 schools, including 3 elementary schools, 4 K-8 schools, a combination middle high school, 2 high schools; sponsored 7 charter schools that are component units of the District and reported serving approximately 8,993 unweighted full-time equivalent students. For the 2025-2026 fiscal year, no significant increase of unweighted full-time equivalent students is expected.
The District receives a substantial portion of its operating funds through a State funding formula that is intended to equalize funding received from the State and local property tax between districts within the State.
Charter schools operating through a contract with the District are provided with their proportionate share of these funds, based on the number of reported full-time equivalent students enrolled at the charter school.
The District serves students from infants through adults. Students in the District represent a diverse community of learners, including a variety of ethnic and cultural backgrounds. The student population breaks down as follows: 42.5 percent Hispanic, 38.6 percent White,14.1 percent Black, 1.2 percent Asian and 3.6 percent are others. In addition to the various educational programs offered to K-12 students, the District offers pre-kindergarten services including: programs for babies of teen parents who are progressing toward achieving high school diplomas; pre-kindergarten programs for three and four year old disabled students; programs for eligible low income and at risk students; and voluntary pre-kindergarten services for four year-old students.
The District also offers programs for adults to learn the necessary skills in order to enter the workforce or increase opportunities for advancement in current positions. In addition, students from foreign countries have the opportunity to learn communication skills through the District's English for Speakers of Other Languages (ESOL) programs, and all citizens can take fee-supported courses to increase personal development in various subjects.
The annual budget serves as the foundation for the District's financial planning and control. The District establishes and maintains budgetary controls, the objective of which is to ensure compliance with legal provisions embodied in the annual appropriated budget approved by the District. Activities of all governmental fund types are included in the annual appropriated budget. The level of budgetary control (that is, the level at which expenditures cannot exceed the appropriated amount) is established at the object level for all funds.
Budgetary information is integrated into the accounting system; and, to facilitate budgetary control, budget balances are encumbered when purchase orders are issued. Appropriations lapse at year-end and encumbrances outstanding are honored in the subsequent year's appropriations.
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The report is posted at: https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2026-057.pdf
[Category: TNSStaRep]
Florida Auditor General: Manatee County District School Board
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following operational audit (No. 2026-055) on December 4, 2025, entitled "Manatee County District School Board."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of the Manatee County School District (District) focused on selected District processes and administrative activities and included a follow-up on findings noted in our report No. 2023-017. Our operational audit disclosed the following:
Finding 1: District records did not always demonstrate that impact fee proceeds were used only for authorized
... Show Full Article
TALLAHASSEE, Florida, Dec. 13 (TNSLrpt) -- The Florida Auditor General released the following operational audit (No. 2026-055) on December 4, 2025, entitled "Manatee County District School Board."
Here are excerpts:
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SUMMARY
This operational audit of the Manatee County School District (District) focused on selected District processes and administrative activities and included a follow-up on findings noted in our report No. 2023-017. Our operational audit disclosed the following:
Finding 1: District records did not always demonstrate that impact fee proceeds were used only for authorizedpurposes, resulting in questioned costs totaling $853,316.
Finding 2: Purchasing cards were not always promptly canceled when cardholders separated from District employment.
Finding 3: District controls over vendor information changes need improvement.
Finding 4: Some unnecessary information technology user access privileges existed that increased the risk for unauthorized transactions to occur.
BACKGROUND
The Manatee County School District (District) is part of the State system of public education under the general direction of the Florida Department of Education and is governed by State law and State Board of Education rules. Geographic boundaries of the District correspond with those of Manatee County.
The governing body of the District is the Manatee County District School Board (Board), which is composed of five elected members. The appointed Superintendent of Schools is the Executive Officer of the Board. During the 2024-25 fiscal year, the District operated 54 elementary, middle, high, and specialized schools; sponsored 16 charter schools; and reported 57,074 unweighted full-time equivalent students.
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The report is posted at: https://flauditor.gov/pages/pdf_files/2026-055.pdf
[Category: TNSStaRep]
DCNR Names New Park Manager for Chapman State Park in Warren County
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 13 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 12, 2025:
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DCNR Names New Park Manager for Chapman State Park in Warren County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Michael Plish as the manager for Chapman State Park in Warren County.
"Michael's passion for protecting natural resources and commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to Chapman and the outdoor recreation community in the region," Dunn said. "We
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Dec. 13 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Dec. 12, 2025:
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DCNR Names New Park Manager for Chapman State Park in Warren County
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Michael Plish as the manager for Chapman State Park in Warren County.
"Michael's passion for protecting natural resources and commitment to public service will be a tremendous asset to Chapman and the outdoor recreation community in the region," Dunn said. "Welook forward to seeing positive results from his mindful approach to stewardship and his collaborative approach to leadership."
Plish oversees the 862-acre park, which includes 68-acre Chapman Lake on the West Branch of Tionesta Creek. Chapman is adjacent to state game lands, and the Allegheny National Forest, serving as an oasis of recreational facilities in a vast area of wilderness. The park is known for being the host site of Warren County Winterfest, the largest winter event in the Pennsylvania Wilds region.
"It has been really great coming back here and having the opportunity to manage this beautiful park and the great staff," Plish said. "I welcome everyone to experience the beauty here at Chapman and in the surrounding area. This is an amazing outdoor recreation destination throughout the year."
Plish holds an undergraduate degree in environmental science from Clarion University. He credits a college professor with steering him to apply to the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps, where he gained hands on experience working on conservation projects with DCNR staff and its environmental partners.
Plish applied to DCNR's manager trainee program while with the Pennsylvania Outdoor Corps and was selected to the program. He spent time working at Chapman, Little Pine Sinnemahoning, and Sizerville state parks before spending three years as the assistant manager at Gifford Pinchot State Park.
Plish is a Moon Township, Allegheny County, native, and he enjoys spending time with his wife, Rebecca, and cat, Nala. An outdoor recreation enthusiast, Plish enjoys biking, hiking, and kayaking, and he is planning to give winter sports a try during his time at Chapman.
Visit DCNR's website for more information about Chapman State Park and check out DCNR's Calendar of Events for the latest happenings on public lands.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-names-new-park-manager-for-chapman-state-park-in-warren-cou
