Featured Stories
Wyoming State Parks Announces Tentative Agreement for Star Plunge Operations
CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Aug. 1 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release:
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Wyoming State Parks Announces Tentative Agreement for Star Plunge Operations
Wyoming State Parks has reached a tentative agreement with C&W Enterprises, which will conclude the pending litigation regarding the Star Plunge in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The parties have jointly asked the court to cancel the summary judgment hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
The tentative settlement has been reached after State Parks recently concluded an appraisal process
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CHEYENNE, Wyoming, Aug. 1 -- The Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources has issued the following news release:
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Wyoming State Parks Announces Tentative Agreement for Star Plunge Operations
Wyoming State Parks has reached a tentative agreement with C&W Enterprises, which will conclude the pending litigation regarding the Star Plunge in Thermopolis, Wyoming. The parties have jointly asked the court to cancel the summary judgment hearing scheduled for Monday, Aug. 3, 2026.
The tentative settlement has been reached after State Parks recently concluded an appraisal processas mandated by Section 335 of Enrolled Act 27 of the Sixty-Eighth Legislature of the State of Wyoming, also known as the 2027 Budget Bill.
This settlement will conclude a process that began in 2008 when the long-term concession contract for operating the Star Plunge expired.
"Wyoming State Parks' mission is to improve communities and enrich lives. This agreement will allow the agency to reopen the Star Plunge with a new long-term concessionaire who intends to make significant investments in the aquatic facilities," said Dave Glenn, director of the Wyoming Department of State Parks and Cultural Resources. "We are excited to partner on the long-term enhancement and modernization of these facilities, to ensure a safe, exceptional, and affordable experience for Wyoming residents and visitors."
For more information about Wyoming State Parks, please visit WyoParks.Wyo.Gov.
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Original text here: https://wyospcr.wyo.gov/index.php/press-releases/1492-wyoming-state-parks-announces-tentative-agreement-for-star-plunge-operations
S.C. DOT Announces Completion of US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Aug. 1 -- The South Carolina Department of Transportation issued the following news on July 31, 2026:
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SCDOT announces Completion of US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County
The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced the completion of the US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County at a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The newly widened roadway is now open to traffic, marking a significant improvement for safety, mobility, and regional connectivity.
The $64.15 million project widened approximately 4.1 miles of US 17 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lane
... Show Full Article
COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Aug. 1 -- The South Carolina Department of Transportation issued the following news on July 31, 2026:
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SCDOT announces Completion of US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County
The South Carolina Department of Transportation announced the completion of the US 17 Widening Project in Jasper County at a ribbon cutting ceremony today. The newly widened roadway is now open to traffic, marking a significant improvement for safety, mobility, and regional connectivity.
The $64.15 million project widened approximately 4.1 miles of US 17 from a two-lane roadway to a four-lanedivided highway with a 36-foot grass median, extending from SC-315 to the Georgia state line.
Additional project improvements include:
* Adding new 6-foot-wide bike paths on both sides of US 17 to provide safer travel options for cyclists
* Installing a new traffic signal at the SC-315 intersection to improve traffic operations and safety
* Incorporating modern roadway design features to improve visibility and long-term reliability
Secretary Justin Powell said, "This strategic location between the Ports of Charleston and Savannah makes US 17 one of the most important transportation corridors in the Southeast. As both ports continue to grow and handle increasing volumes of cargo, the transportation network connecting them becomes even more critical. Various goods arriving at these ports do not stay there -- they move across South Carolina and throughout the nation, supplying manufacturers, retailers, businesses, and consumers from coast to coast."
In addition to the project strengthening a vital transportation link between the Lowcountry region and Georgia, it will improve access along the corridor and enhance hurricane evacuation routes.
The US 17 project was made possible through a partnership between SCDOT, the Lowcountry Area Transportation Study (LATS) and the Lowcountry Council of Governments.
Powell adds, "Communities thrive when people and goods can moved safely and efficiently. Every improvement we make today helps position South Carolina for continued success."
Although the project is substantially complete, crews will continue working over the next few weeks to address final project work items.
Drivers may continue to see traffic cones and occasional intermittent lane closures as crews complete the remaining work. Any traffic impacts are expected to be minimal.
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Original text here: https://www.scdot.org/inside/SCDOTPress/2026/_scdot-announces-completion-of-us-17-widening-project--in-jasper.html
R.I. A.G. Neronha, Coalition Sue Trump Administration to Block Rule That Would Undermine Affordable Care Act Protections
PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 1 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on July 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition sue Trump Administration to block rule that would undermine Affordable Care Act protections
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general and one governor in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to challenge a federal rule that once again illegally undermines the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and would make health insurance more expensive
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PROVIDENCE, Rhode Island, Aug. 1 -- Rhode Island Attorney General Peter F. Neronha issued the following news release on July 31, 2026:
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Attorney General Neronha, coalition sue Trump Administration to block rule that would undermine Affordable Care Act protections
Attorney General Peter F. Neronha today joined a coalition of 18 attorneys general and one governor in filing a lawsuit in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California to challenge a federal rule that once again illegally undermines the Affordable Care Act (ACA) and would make health insurance more expensiveand harder to obtain for millions of Americans.
The lawsuit seeks to block provisions of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) and Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services' (CMS) 2027 Notice of Benefit and Payment Parameters, a federal rule that sets standards for health plans offered in 2027. The coalition argues these and other provisions unlawfully undermine the ACA's goal of expanding access to affordable healthcare by increasing costs, reducing enrollment, and shifting financial burdens onto consumers, states, and healthcare providers.
"Once again, this Administration is intent on making life harder for everyday Americans," said Attorney General Neronha. "By forcing these changes, this Administration is increasing the cost of health care for patients, providers, and states, while leaving millions uninsured. At a time where Americans are struggling to meet the cost of living, making health care more expensive is irresponsible and inexcusable. We won on this issue before, and I am confident we will once again succeed in protecting access to health care for Rhode Islanders."
Congress enacted the ACA to expand access to affordable health insurance, and more than 23 million Americans currently receive coverage through its marketplaces. Now, the Administration's new rule would raise barriers to enrollment and drive up the costs of care. Among other harmful changes, the rule expands eligibility for catastrophic health insurance plans that are ineligible for premium tax credits, offer only limited coverage, and can leave consumers facing significantly higher out-of-pocket costs than standard ACA plans. The rule also allows catastrophic and bronze plans to exceed ACA limits on maximum annual out-of-pocket costs, increasing the financial burden on consumers, and attempts to reinstate several provisions that a federal court recently found to be unlawful. HHS estimates the new rule will cause two million people to lose coverage in 2027 alone and a total of five million by 2030.
Today's lawsuit follows the coalition's challenge to the Trump Administration's similar 2025 ACA Marketplace rule. In related litigation, a federal court last month vacated several provisions of the Administration's 2025 rule -- including provisions at issue in this case -- after finding that they violated the Administrative Procedure Act. The Administration's new rule setting standards for 2027 health plans brings back many of the same provisions and adds new changes that further undermine the ACA.
In today's lawsuit, the coalition argues that the new rule:
* Reimposes provisions that a federal court has already vacated -- including additional income verification requirements and penalties for consumers who do not complete tax-credit paperwork -- without addressing the court's legal concerns.
* Unlawfully expands eligibility for catastrophic health plans beyond the limits established by Congress in the ACA.
* Unlawfully allows catastrophic and bronze plans to exceed ACA limits on maximum annual out-of-pocket costs.
* Will increase costs, reduce enrollment, and shift financial burdens onto consumers, healthcare providers, and states.
* Was adopted without adequate explanation or a meaningful response to the coalition's comments, making it arbitrary and capricious under the Administrative Procedure Act.
Joining Attorney General Neronha in filing this lawsuit are the attorneys general of Arizona, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Illinois, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nevada, New Mexico, New York, Oregon, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, and Wisconsin, as well as the governor of Pennsylvania.
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Original text here: https://riag.ri.gov/press-releases/attorney-general-neronha-coalition-sue-trump-administration-block-rule-would
N.Y. DEC and AGM Announce Laurel Wilt Quarantine District Established in Suffolk County
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 1 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
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DEC and AGM Announce Laurel Wilt Quarantine District Established in Suffolk County
Prohibits Movement of Select Woody Materials to Slow the Spread of the Invasive Plant Disease
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The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) today announced that a laurel wilt quarantine district is in place for the towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven in Suffolk County following confirmation of the invasive
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 1 -- The New York State Department of Environmental Conservation issued the following news release:
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DEC and AGM Announce Laurel Wilt Quarantine District Established in Suffolk County
Prohibits Movement of Select Woody Materials to Slow the Spread of the Invasive Plant Disease
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The New York State Departments of Environmental Conservation (DEC) and Agriculture and Markets (AGM) today announced that a laurel wilt quarantine district is in place for the towns of Huntington, Babylon, Smithtown, Islip, and Brookhaven in Suffolk County following confirmation of the invasiveplant disease last year. To limit the spread of laurel wilt and protect vulnerable forest ecosystems across Long Island and throughout New York State, sassafras and spicebush woody material, as well as untreated firewood of any species, are prohibited from being moved out of the quarantine district.
"Laurel wilt poses a serious threat to New York State's native forests and shrublands," said DEC Commissioner Amanda Lefton. "Establishing this quarantine district is a critical step to slow the spread of this destructive disease and protect native sassafras and spicebush. DEC is working closely with partners and local communities to monitor affected areas and reduce the risk of moving infected material to new locations."
State Agriculture Commissioner Richard A. Ball said, "The Department is working closely with the Department of Environmental Conservation to implement this quarantine and ensure our nursery and landscaping industry is aware of these restrictions. Collaboration and compliance are critical to protecting our trees and shrubs in the laurel family, including sassafras and spicebush, and we are committed to preventing the spread of this disease that poses a significant threat to our ecosystems on Long Island and across New York State."
Laurel wilt is caused by the invasive fungus Harringtonia lauricola, which kills trees and shrubs in the laurel family, including sassafras and spicebush. The disease was confirmed in August 2025 at multiple locations in Suffolk County, marking the first detection of laurel wilt in New York State. To date, the disease is confirmed at 10 sites. Surveys conducted elsewhere in the region and at targeted locations upstate have not identified additional infection sites. The Suffolk County infection sites also mark the northernmost occurrence in the United States, with the disease having only previously been detected as far north as northwestern Kentucky.
Laurel wilt is spread primarily by the invasive redbay ambrosia beetle (Xyleborus glabratus), which carries the fungus on its body and infects the wood as it tunnels in to lay its eggs. The disease can spread long distances when infested wood is moved to new locations, allowing the beetles within to emerge and carry the fungus to new hosts. There is no treatment for laurel wilt, so preventing the movement of infected woody material is the only management option to reduce the risk of spread.
Sassafras and spicebush logs, branches, roots, and stumps, as well as untreated firewood of any species, may not leave the quarantine district unless the material is first heat-treated at an approved facility or chipped to less than one inch in width and length and kept on site for at least seven days. A DEC-issued Limited Transportation Permit may also be granted under specific conditions. Nursery-grown sassafras and spicebush from within the quarantine district may only be moved under permit and with a compliance agreement with AGM.
Laurel wilt causes rapid decline in sassafras and spicebush. Signs and symptoms include:
* Sudden wilting of leaves;
* Dark streaking of sapwood beneath the bark; and
* Small entry holes on the branches, trunk, or roots, which are sometimes surrounded by fine sawdust-like "toothpicks" pushed out from the bark.
Anyone who suspects signs of laurel wilt, please submit a report using DEC's Forest Health Reporting form (https://survey123.arcgis.com/share/b93220c4899c49598de0746b6d03a780) or by visiting NY iMapInvasives (https://www.nyimapinvasives.org/). For more information about laurel wilt or the quarantine district, including a map of the quarantine district boundaries, visit DEC's website (https://dec.ny.gov/nature/forests-trees/forest-health/laurel-wilt).
Help stop the spread of laurel wilt and other invasives by following DEC's firewood regulations and using local or heat-treated firewood. For more information, visit DEC's website (https://dec.ny.gov/nature/animals-fish-plants/invasive-species/terrestrial/firewood).
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Original text here: https://dec.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/7/dec-and-agm-announce-laurel-wilt-quarantine-district-established-in-suffolk-county
Mich. Treasury Dept. Reports Progress on 2026 Tax Returns, Launches Upgraded Call Center System
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 1 (TNSxrep) -- The Michigan Department of Treasury issued the following news on July 31, 2026:
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Michigan Treasury Reports Progress on 2026 Tax Returns, Launches Upgraded Call Center System
More Than 5.2 Million Returns Processed, $3.59 Billion in Refunds Issued
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The Michigan Department of Treasury today provided the latest updates related to the 2026 individual income tax filing season, addressed current processing timelines and outlined steps being taken to improve the taxpayer experience.
Treasury remains focused on processing the remainder of the individual
... Show Full Article
LANSING, Michigan, Aug. 1 (TNSxrep) -- The Michigan Department of Treasury issued the following news on July 31, 2026:
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Michigan Treasury Reports Progress on 2026 Tax Returns, Launches Upgraded Call Center System
More Than 5.2 Million Returns Processed, $3.59 Billion in Refunds Issued
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The Michigan Department of Treasury today provided the latest updates related to the 2026 individual income tax filing season, addressed current processing timelines and outlined steps being taken to improve the taxpayer experience.
Treasury remains focused on processing the remainder of the individualincome tax returns. As of July 28, 2026, the department has processed more than 5.20 million individual income tax returns and issued over $3.59 billion in refunds since the filing season opened on January 26.
For those who filed before the April 15 tax deadline, there are currently about 145,000 returns - representing roughly 122,000 taxpayers - that remain in the processing queue. Some will result in tax owed, receive adjustments or be provided refunds.
"We understand taxpayers' frustration with delayed return processing and the impact it has on families. We apologize for the inconvenience and uncertainty these delays have caused," said Deputy State Treasurer Kavita Kale. "The remaining returns, including refunds and balance due filings, require additional review to ensure accuracy, prevent fraud, and verify credit eligibility. Some are completed within days, while others may take several weeks depending on the information needed from the taxpayer or the actions required."
Call center demand has also been high, driven by the complexity of some filings, questions about adjustments, confusion related to amended or multiyear returns, and misinformation circulating online. In response, Treasury has taken significant steps to improve accessibility, transparency and taxpayer communication.
Most notably, on July 22 the Treasury implemented a major upgrade to the Individual Income Tax Contact Center by transitioning to the NiCE CXone phone system. The previous system, built on decades-old technology, could support only about 30 concurrent connections -- contributing to long waiting times, dropped calls and instances where taxpayers could not get through to a customer service representative.
Treasury listened closely to taxpayer concerns about these challenges, and CXone is a proven, modern solution already in use across other department divisions and state agencies.
Early results show the improvement has been substantial. Between July 22 and July 28:
* Treasury representatives answered 10,000 income tax calls, with an average answer time of 2 minutes and 35 seconds and an average 6 minute call duration to resolve issues on the first call.
* More than 49,000 taxpayers successfully used self-service options through phone prompts.
* The new callback feature allowed 11,000 taxpayers to receive a return phone call from Treasury without waiting on hold.
In addition to the phone system upgrade, Treasury continues expanding access through Michigan Treasury eServices, available 24/7 at Michigan.gov/MiTreasuryeServices. Taxpayers can view and send correspondence, check refund status, and access personal tax information without needing to call.
Treasury has also improved refund status messaging, published clearer guidance online, and updated notice letters based on feedback from taxpayers and professional partners. Staffing resources have been repositioned internally to increase returns processing capacity.
"We remain committed to making sure every return is processed and every refund is provided," Kale said.
Treasury transitioned from its 40-year-old legacy processing system to the modern GenTax platform. Migrating more than 5 million taxpayer accounts is a complex undertaking, and the department implemented a stability- first approach to ensure long-term accuracy and protection of taxpayer information.
This year's processing pace remains consistent with last year's performance.
For the latest developments about the 2026 individual income tax filing season, go to Michigan.gov/IncomeTax.
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Original text here: https://www.michigan.gov/treasury/news/2026/07/31/michigan-treasury-reports-progress-on-2026-tax-returns
Maine State Rep. Terry-Supported Property Tax Relief Measure is Now in Effect
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 1 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Terry-supported property tax relief measure is now in effect
A new law supported by Rep. Parnell Terry, D-Gorham, to help provide relief for the rising cost of property taxes is now in effect.
The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature in April, LD 2212, expands the Property Tax Fairness Credit by increasing the maximum benefit from $1,000 to $1,500 for eligible Mainers under 65.
"We are in the midst of a national affordability crisis, and one of the biggest things I hear from Gorham families
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, Aug. 1 -- The Maine House Democrats issued the following news release:
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Terry-supported property tax relief measure is now in effect
A new law supported by Rep. Parnell Terry, D-Gorham, to help provide relief for the rising cost of property taxes is now in effect.
The supplemental budget passed by the Legislature in April, LD 2212, expands the Property Tax Fairness Credit by increasing the maximum benefit from $1,000 to $1,500 for eligible Mainers under 65.
"We are in the midst of a national affordability crisis, and one of the biggest things I hear from Gorham familiesis that the skyrocketing cost of property taxes is putting real stress on their budgets," said Terry. "Expanding the Property Tax Fairness Credit will help put money back into the pockets of working families and hopefully provide a little bit more breathing room to pay their bills."
Mainers who do not owe state income tax, like individuals living on Social Security income, may still complete an abbreviated Form 1040ME to receive the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Sales Tax Fairness Credit. If the credit exceeds the amount of individual income tax due for this tax year, the excess amount of credit will be refunded to you.
Taxpayers filing a return only for the purposes of claiming the Property Tax Fairness Credit and the Sales Tax Fairness Credit can simply check Box A on the 1040ME and complete the Schedule PTFC/STFC form. Returns can also be filed or amended going back three tax years to claim the credit.
The supplemental budget also includes additional measures to help working families with the rising cost of essentials like gas and groceries, including $300 affordability relief checks that will be mailed to eligible Mainers over the next several weeks.
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Rep. Terry is serving his first term in the Maine House and represents part of Gorham. He is a member of the Inland Fisheries and Wildlife Committee and the Veterans and Legal Affairs Committee.
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/housedems/news/terry-supported-property-tax-relief-measure-now-effect
Calif. Gov. Newsom Announces California Will Raise Statewide Minimum Wage
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 1 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 31, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces California will raise statewide minimum wage
What you need to know: California's statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 an hour on January 1, 2027 -- nearly two-and-a-half times the federal minimum wage, which Donald Trump and Republicans continue to leave frozen at $7.25 an hour.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California's statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour beginning January 1, 2027 -- which is higher than
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, Aug. 1 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 31, 2026:
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Governor Newsom announces California will raise statewide minimum wage
What you need to know: California's statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 an hour on January 1, 2027 -- nearly two-and-a-half times the federal minimum wage, which Donald Trump and Republicans continue to leave frozen at $7.25 an hour.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today announced California's statewide minimum wage will increase to $17.40 per hour beginning January 1, 2027 -- which is higher thanany current statewide minimum wage in the nation and nearly two-and-a-half times the federal minimum wage, which Donald Trump and Republicans in Congress continue to leave frozen at $7.25 an hour despite mounting everyday cost pressures for working families.
The federal minimum wage has been $7.25 an hour since 2009 - more than 17 years. This is the longest the federal minimum wage has gone without an increase since it was adopted in 1938. And during those 17 years inflation has dramatically raised the cost of living for working families.
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"For years, Donald Trump and Republicans have blocked efforts to raise the federal minimum wage while handing tax breaks to billionaires and big corporations. California has chosen a different path -- one that rewards work, grows the economy, and puts working families first. We believe if you work hard, you deserve a decent paycheck. They think $7.25 an hour is enough. We don't."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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The increase is automatic under California law, which adjusts the minimum wage annually to keep pace with inflation.
Making California more affordable
California's minimum wage has grown from $12 an hour when Governor Newsom took office to $17.40 an hour starting on January 1, 2027. The wage increase is part of a broader agenda to make life more affordable for Californians.
Under Governor Newsom, California has:
* Become the first state in the nation to provide free breakfast and lunch to every public school student.
* Made preschool free for all four-year-olds via universal transitional kindergarten.
* Expanded access to free and low-cost child care for nearly 500,000 children.
Invested record funding in free summer school and before and after-school programs
* Launched the nation's first Golden State Start program, providing 400 free diapers to every newborn before leaving the hospital.
* Expanded Paid Family Leave, allowing lower-income workers to receive up to 90% of their wages while caring for a new child or sick loved one.
* Launched CalKIDS, the nation's largest children's "baby bonds" -- college and career savings accounts, automatically providing eligible children with up to $1,500 for higher education or career training.
* Capped security deposits at one month's rent, lowering move-in costs for renters.
* Banned hidden "junk fees" so Californians see the real price upfront.
* Delivering up to $60 billion in utility bill relief rebates.
* Created CalRx, bringing affordable generic drugs and $11 insulin to Californians.
* Expanded Medi-Cal to provide health coverage to more Californians than ever before.
* Raised the minimum wage to $20 per hour for fast-food workers and $25 per hour for health care workers.
* Expanded the California Earned Income Tax Credit and delivered the largest state tax rebate in American history, putting billions back into the pockets of working families.
Supporting workers is good for business
Those investments have helped build one of the strongest economies in the world. California is now the fourth-largest economy on the planet, leads the nation in new business formation, attracts more venture capital than any other state, and remains America's engine of innovation, manufacturing, agriculture, entertainment, and technology.
Since Governor Newsom took office, California's annual GDP has grown by more than $1.18 trillion, reaching $4.25 trillion in 2025. First-quarter 2026 economic output reached an annualized $4.4 trillion, following annual GDP gains exceeding $200 billion in each of the previous two years.
California continues to lead the nation where it matters most -- creating new businesses, attracting venture capital, driving technological innovation, expanding advanced manufacturing, growing high-tech industries, and producing more than any other state. In fact, the Golden State continues to be: #1 state for new business starts, #1 state for manufacturing, #1 state for venture capital funding, #1 state for high-tech business, and #1 state for agriculture.
California also remains home to more small businesses than Texas or Florida and continues to be America's startup capital -- with more than 4.3 million small businesses employing 7.6 million Californians.
When it comes to job creation during the first quarter, California added more than 131,000 jobs over the previous year -- the largest increase of any state. California posted the nation's second-fastest growth in the first quarter of 2026. Real GDP grew at a 3.7% annualized rate in Q1 2026.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/31/governor-newsom-announces-california-will-raise-statewide-minimum-wage/
