All articles tagged with #state news
Missouri Secretary of State Denny Hoskins declined to certify a referendum petition aimed at forcing a statewide vote on the new congressional map, calling it unconstitutional and leaving the Missouri First map in effect; supporters plan to challenge the ruling in court.
State health officials say a northern Illinois resident in Winnebago County is the first potential hantavirus case of the year. The case is not connected to the MV Hondius cruise-ship outbreak, and the patient, who has mild symptoms, is recovering. IDPH is coordinating with local health departments and the CDC, and confirmatory testing at the CDC could take up to 10 days; North American hantavirus strains are not spread from person to person, and Illinois has had seven positive cases since 1993, most recently in March 2025.
Texas lawmakers have passed new regulations for youth camps, including safety measures and floodplain restrictions, in response to tragic flood-related deaths, with the aim of making camps safer and better prepared for emergencies.
Minnesota held its first lotteries for recreational cannabis business licenses nearly two years after legalization, marking a significant step in establishing a legal marijuana market. The lotteries included social equity applicants and general applicants, with winners needing to pass further checks before fully licensing and opening their businesses. The process aims to promote an equitable and safe cannabis industry, with tribes and applicants working towards finalizing licenses and opening stores.
A graphic designer's Kansas license plate design featuring iconic state images gained viral attention, but won't be utilized. The opportunity for Kansans to vote on new designs followed public backlash against a previously-released design that resembled New York's. The governor's office cited safety concerns, adaptability, and timeline constraints as reasons for not accepting constituent designs. The current designs incorporate feedback from citizens and adhere to law enforcement guidelines. The designer's design received widespread support and encompassed what most Kansans wanted.