States, Cities and Counties
Here's a look at documents covering state government, cities and counties
Featured Stories
W.Va. State Treasurer Pack Announces Results of 3rd Annual West Virginia Term Deposit Auction
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 10 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Treasurer Pack Announces Results of 3rd Annual West Virginia Term Deposit Auction
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments, today announced that the 3rd Annual West Virginia Term Deposit Auction, held on Tuesday, March 31, resulted in $40 million invested in five West Virginia banks.
"The West Virginia Term Deposit Program is an innovative way to use state resources to invest funds in our local
... Show Full Article
CHARLESTON, West Virginia, April 10 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Treasurer Pack Announces Results of 3rd Annual West Virginia Term Deposit Auction
State Treasurer Larry Pack, who serves as Chairman of the West Virginia Board of Treasury Investments, today announced that the 3rd Annual West Virginia Term Deposit Auction, held on Tuesday, March 31, resulted in $40 million invested in five West Virginia banks.
"The West Virginia Term Deposit Program is an innovative way to use state resources to invest funds in our localcommunities," Treasurer Pack said. "By placing these deposits through a competitive bidding process, we ensure fairness for our taxpayers while also giving our state's financial institutions the opportunity to access a stable source of funds at favorable rates. These deposits can then be used throughout our communities to stimulate economic growth through home mortgages, auto loans and small business loans and credit."
The initiative, launched by the Board of Treasury Investments in 2023, invests state operating funds with West Virginia banks and financial institutions using a competitive bidding process.
The five banks that will benefit from the state investment include:
* WesBanco Bank, Inc.
* Jefferson Security Bank
* Citizens Bank of WV
* Huntington Bank
* CNB Bank, Inc.
The $40 million that would normally be invested in the Board of Treasury Investments will now be invested in those local banks. The banks can then use the money to serve their communities through mortgages, small business loans, and other investment opportunities.
"We know local banks are the lifeblood of our communities and this a way to acknowledge that importance. My staff is ready to work with our banks to ensure they continue to serve their residents and grow our local economies," Treasurer Pack said. "This is about helping our small town communities."
The Board of Treasury Investments is responsible for managing what is typically referred to as the Consolidated Fund, a group of investment accounts containing the short-term operating funds from various state and local government agencies.
To view the results of the 2026 West Virginia Term Deposit Auction, visit www.wvbti.gov/cdauction.
* * *
Original text here: https://wvtreasury.gov/About/Press-Releases/details/treasurer-pack-announces-results-of-3rd-annual-west-virginia-term-deposit-auction
Pa. Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Keystone Scholars Partners With PA One Book to Promote Early Reading and Financial Literacy
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 10 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Keystone Scholars Partners with PA One Book to Promote Early Reading and Financial Literacy
Pennsylvania One Book provides books to about 16,000 children statewide
*
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that Treasury's Keystone Scholars Program, which provides every Pennsylvania child born in 2019 and after a $100 scholarship to jumpstart their education savings, has partnered with Pennsylvania One Book to help promote financial
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, April 10 -- The Pennsylvania Treasurer issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Treasurer Stacy Garrity: Keystone Scholars Partners with PA One Book to Promote Early Reading and Financial Literacy
Pennsylvania One Book provides books to about 16,000 children statewide
*
Pennsylvania Treasurer Stacy Garrity today announced that Treasury's Keystone Scholars Program, which provides every Pennsylvania child born in 2019 and after a $100 scholarship to jumpstart their education savings, has partnered with Pennsylvania One Book to help promote financialliteracy for our youngest Pennsylvanians.
* * *
"Through our Keystone Scholars Program, the Pennsylvania Treasury is thrilled to team up with PA One Book to reach more young Pennsylvanians and their families. Together, we're inspiring kids to dive into reading and helping their families start saving early for their future education."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
* * *
PA One Book encourages families and communities to read together to promote early literacy.
PA One Book is an initiative of the Pennsylvania Department of Education's Office of Commonwealth Libraries (OCL). This year's selected book is "The Great Cookie Kerfuffle," written by Jessica Shaw and illustrated by Pauline Gregory. Approximately 16,000 copies are distributed statewide to libraries and early learning centers. Each book includes a book plate that shares information on how families can claim their child's $100 scholarship from Keystone Scholars.
OCL is hosting a virtual meeting with the author of "The Great Cookie Kerfuffle" on April 15 at 10 a.m. Families can register by visiting paonebook.powerlibrary.org.
* * *
"OCL is proud to lead the PA One Book Program with our colleagues from the Office of Child Development and Early Learning and our partners in early learning across the Commonwealth. We celebrate 20 years of this program connecting young children, caregivers, and their families with a shared reading experience. Early literacy is the foundation of the success of our Commonwealth and we're excited to share another story in the long list of One Book titles."
- Deputy Secretary for the Office of Commonwealth Libraries and State Librarian Susan Banks
* * *
More than 100,000 Keystone Scholars accounts have been claimed, totaling more than $10 million in scholarships.
Scholarships from Keystone Scholars are invested by Treasury and grow alongside the child. The money can be used after the child turns 18 for qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship and credentialing education expenses.
* * *
"Programs like Keystone Scholars can have a big, positive impact on families beyond the financial boost. They can help improve social-emotional development for children, reduce maternal depression and increase parental educational expectations."
- Pennsylvania State Treasurer Stacy Garrity
* * *
Research shows that even with a modest amount of savings, like Keystone Scholars provides, children are three times more likely to enroll in post-high school education and four times more likely to graduate.
Families should claim their child's scholarship from Keystone Scholars, and they are encouraged to continue saving on their own with the PA 529 College and Career Savings Program. Families who have claimed their Keystone Scholars accounts have already saved over $200 million in their own PA 529 accounts.
With a PA 529 account, families can steadily and strategically save in a tax-advantaged way for a wide variety of qualifying technical, collegiate, apprenticeship, credential and K-12 educational expenses. Assets in PA 529 accounts do not impact eligibility for Pennsylvania state financial aid.
To learn more about PA 529 and Keystone Scholars, or to claim your child's scholarship, visit pa529.com/keystone.
To learn more about PA One Book, visit paonebook.powerlibrary.org.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.patreasury.gov/newsroom/archive/2026/04-09-Keystone.html
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, Newton Police Renew Appeal for Answers in Rachael Garden's 1980 Disappearance
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 10 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, Newton Police Renew Appeal for Answers in Rachael Garden's 1980 Disappearance
Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, a renewed appeal for public assistance in the cold case disappearance of Rachael Garden.
"Forty-six years is a long time for a family to wait for answers. But for our investigators, the passage of time only
... Show Full Article
CONCORD, New Hampshire, April 10 -- New Hampshire Attorney General John Formella issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, Newton Police Renew Appeal for Answers in Rachael Garden's 1980 Disappearance
Attorney General John M. Formella and New Hampshire State Police Colonel Mark B. Hall announce, on behalf of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit, a renewed appeal for public assistance in the cold case disappearance of Rachael Garden.
"Forty-six years is a long time for a family to wait for answers. But for our investigators, the passage of time onlystrengthens our resolve," said Senior Assistant Attorney General R. Christopher Knowles, Chief of the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit. "We believe there are people who have information that could be the missing piece in this case. We urge them to come forward."
Fifteen-year-old Rachael Garden was last seen on March 22, 1980, while walking home from Rowe's Corner Market on Pond Street in Newton, New Hampshire. She has not been heard from since. Extensive searches have been conducted without any results, and circumstances surrounding her disappearance suggest that foul play was involved.
The New Hampshire Cold Case Unit and local authorities are actively investigating the circumstances surrounding her disappearance and are seeking new information that may lead to a resolution.
At the time of her disappearance, Rachael was wearing a two-tone blue ski parka, jeans, a plaid shirt with silver threads, and brown lace-up shoes. She was also carrying a dark blue tote bag with the word "Things" printed on it.
Authorities are urging anyone who may have seen or had contact with Rachael Garden on March 22, 1980, or who has any information regarding her disappearance or the individuals she was last seen with, to come forward.
Anyone with information about this case is urged to contact the New Hampshire Cold Case Unit directly via email, coldcaseunit@dos.nh.gov, or by phone at (603) 271-2663. All tips can remain anonymous.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.doj.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-cold-case-unit-newton-police-renew-appeal-answers-rachael-gardens-1980
Minnesota Department of Health Launches State's First Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 10 -- The Minnesota Department of Health issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Minnesota Department of Health launches state's first Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan
Plan aims to prevent, diagnose and treat viral hepatitis in Minnesota
*
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published its first-ever Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, outlining more than 100 actions aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating and responding to viral hepatitis A, B and C.
"Elimination," as defined by the World Health Organization, does not mean zero cases of hepatitis
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, April 10 -- The Minnesota Department of Health issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
Minnesota Department of Health launches state's first Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan
Plan aims to prevent, diagnose and treat viral hepatitis in Minnesota
*
The Minnesota Department of Health (MDH) published its first-ever Viral Hepatitis Elimination Plan, outlining more than 100 actions aimed at preventing, diagnosing, treating and responding to viral hepatitis A, B and C.
"Elimination," as defined by the World Health Organization, does not mean zero cases of hepatitisbut rather a 90% decrease in new infections and a 65% decrease in deaths. This plan aims to reach these milestones by 2030.
Viral hepatitis continues to be a notable public health issue in Minnesota. Hepatitis A causes short-term illness, but it can lead to hospitalization or even death. Hepatitis B and hepatitis C can cause lifelong disease, leading to long-term outcomes like liver cancer, liver failure and death.
"Preventing and treating viral hepatitis is essential to protecting the long-term health of Minnesotans across the state," said Jessica Hancock-Allen, director of the infectious disease division at MDH. "We're grateful to the partners who contributed to the development of the elimination plan, which represents our state's commitment to prevent, diagnose, treat and respond to viral hepatitis."
MDH developed the elimination plan as part of a partner coalition representing 21 agencies across Minnesota, including health care providers, community-based organizations, harm reduction service providers and the Department of Corrections. Partners met monthly for almost a year to create the plan for eliminating viral hepatitis in Minnesota. The outcome of this coalition work is an elimination plan that MDH is confident will move Minnesota toward hepatitis elimination.
The plan highlights Minnesota's existing strengths, including high rates of disease reporting, continuing education opportunities for health care providers, opt-out testing in state correctional settings, rapid hepatitis C screening in community-based organizations who serve high-risk populations and robust perinatal hepatitis B screening and surveillance.
The plan also identifies measures to prevent new viral hepatitis infections and improve access and adherence to treatment among people currently living with viral hepatitis. Coalition members emphasized that resources supporting individual and community-level health would reduce the rate of new infections and increase treatment uptake.
Challenges noted in the plan include connecting patients to care following an initial diagnosis, expanding hepatitis B and C treatment within primary care settings, improving access to and affordability of curative hepatitis C medications, and increasing public awareness of the necessity of treatment for improved long-term health outcomes.
MDH has already begun coordinating with partners to implement activities outlined in the plan. The plan will be updated annually to show progress toward its stated goals.
For more information, including prevention and Minnesota statistics, visit Hepatitis (https://www.health.state.mn.us/diseases/hepatitis/index.html).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.health.state.mn.us/news/pressrel/2026/hepatitis040926.html
Maine State Sen. Hickman Bill Strengthening the Right to Hunt and Fish Signed Into Law by Governor
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 10 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop:
* * *
Sen. Hickman bill strengthening the right to hunt and fish signed into law by Governor
On April 6, the Governor signed into law a bill introduced by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, which strengthens Mainers' right to food. The bill, LD 1343, "An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Fish and Wildlife," establishes a statutory right to hunt and fish pursuant to Maine's Constitution.
"I am most grateful to the Governor and my colleagues for seeing the value
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, April 10 -- The Maine Senate Democrats issued the following news on behalf of Maine State Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop:
* * *
Sen. Hickman bill strengthening the right to hunt and fish signed into law by Governor
On April 6, the Governor signed into law a bill introduced by Sen. Craig Hickman, D-Winthrop, which strengthens Mainers' right to food. The bill, LD 1343, "An Act to Protect the Right to Harvest Fish and Wildlife," establishes a statutory right to hunt and fish pursuant to Maine's Constitution.
"I am most grateful to the Governor and my colleagues for seeing the valuein strengthening the constitutional right that Maine voters passed in 2021," said Sen. Hickman. "We have made clear that harvesting food in all manners -- including hunting and fishing -- is a clearly protected constitutional and statutory right."
LD 1343 establishes that, pursuant to the right to food as declared in the Constitution of Maine, Article I, Section 25, the people of this state have a right to harvest fish and wildlife by hunting, fishing or trapping for their own nourishment, sustenance, bodily health or well-being, subject to applicable laws, rules and regulations.
The bill will take effect 90 days after the Legislature adjourns.
Sen. Hickman represents Senate District 14, which includes the towns of Chelsea, Farmingdale, Gardiner, Hallowell, Manchester, Monmouth, Pittston, Randolph, Readfield, Wayne, West Gardiner and Winthrop in Kennebec County.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.mainesenate.org/sen-hickman-bill-strengthening-the-right-to-hunt-and-fish-signed-into-law-by-governor/
California Stops Major Hospice Fraud Scheme in LA, Brings Criminal Charges to Hold Fraudsters Accountable
SACRAMENTO, California, April 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
California stops major hospice fraud scheme in LA, brings criminal charges to hold fraudsters accountable
What you need to know: Continuing California's crackdown on hospice fraud following President Trump's pardon of the man behind the biggest health care fraud in U.S. history, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today announced the state is bringing charges against organized crime groups that used stolen identities to defraud Medi-Cal hospice services in Los
... Show Full Article
SACRAMENTO, California, April 10 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on April 9, 2026:
* * *
California stops major hospice fraud scheme in LA, brings criminal charges to hold fraudsters accountable
What you need to know: Continuing California's crackdown on hospice fraud following President Trump's pardon of the man behind the biggest health care fraud in U.S. history, Governor Newsom and Attorney General Bonta today announced the state is bringing charges against organized crime groups that used stolen identities to defraud Medi-Cal hospice services in LosAngeles.
*
Governor Gavin Newsom today announced with Attorney General Rob Bonta that California is taking decisive action to dismantle a large-scale identity theft and hospice fraud scheme targeting the Medi-Cal program in Los Angeles.
This joint enforcement effort -- which began in 2024, prior to the Trump administration's regulation rollback following President Trump's pardon of the man behind the biggest health care fraud in U.S. history -- led by the California Department of Health Care Services (DHCS) and the California Department of Justice's Division of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse (DMFEA), underscores California's continuous commitment to protecting Medi-Cal members and safeguarding taxpayer dollars from fraud, waste, and abuse.
* * *
"For years, California has led the charge to protect public programs from fraud and abuse. We hold accountable to the fullest extent of the law anyone who tries to rip off taxpayers and take advantage of public programs, particularly those as sensitive as hospice care. I thank the Department of Health Care Services and the California DOJ's Department of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse for their swift work to bring these charges forward. Since these are state charges, Donald Trump cannot pardon these individuals in exchange for campaign donations."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
"This isn't a political game for us. This is about protecting taxpayer dollars, protecting programs sick and vulnerable Californians rely on, and protecting our state," said Attorney General Rob Bonta. "Over the life of this fraud scheme, not a single legitimate hospice service was ever provided, yet millions were billed in a brazen, calculated scheme that exploited the Medi-Cal system. This wasn't a mistake or a loophole; it was deliberate fraud. This kind of abuse undermines trust, drains critical resources, and threatens care for those who truly depend on it. This is a perfect example that we have taken a firm stand to investigate, prosecute, and shut down hospice fraud wherever it exists."
DHCS and DMFEA are bringing charges against transnational criminal networks that used stolen identities to fraudulently enroll individuals in Medi-Cal and bill for hospice services that were never provided.
The scheme involved 14 fraudulent hospice providers and resulted in more than $267 million in improper claims paid with state and federal funds.
The state acted swiftly to protect Medi-Cal and taxpayer dollars by:
* Using fraud detection systems to identify irregularities and trigger an immediate investigation, ensuring rapid containment before additional payments were made
* Stopping payments and suspending all fraudulent hospice providers
* Disenrolling thousands of fraudulent enrollments linked to stolen identities
* Revoking licenses for all identified fraudulent hospice providers in coordination with the California Department of Public Health
* Submitting criminal prosecution referrals to DMFEA
* Further updating system safeguards, including claim edits that automatically block any hospice claim unless a valid authorization form is on file and verified, ensuring the member has elected hospice care and preventing unauthorized or fraudulent billing before payment is released.
"This investigation demonstrates what California can accomplish when our state agencies work together with urgency and purpose," said California Health and Human Services Secretary Kim Johnson. "Protecting the millions of Californians who depend on Medi-Cal to meet their health needs is our priority, and we will not tolerate bad actors. DHCS moved swiftly to stop these payments, disenroll fraudulent accounts, and refer perpetrators for criminal prosecution. Our work is not done, and we will continue strengthening the safeguards that keep Medi-Cal sound and trustworthy for the people it was designed to serve."
"Fraud is a direct attack on the health and well being of Medi Cal members, and we will not hesitate to act," said DHCS Director Michelle Baass. "Our safeguards worked quickly and effectively--identifying suspicious activity, stopping improper payments in their tracks, and prompting immediate suspension of the providers involved. In coordination with the California Department of Justice's Division of Medi Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse, California's Medicaid Fraud Control Unit, we are pursuing full accountability while reinforcing our oversight systems to protect Medi-Cal members and the taxpayers who fund this program."
A multipronged approach to fraud prevention
California has spent years building one of the most comprehensive hospice fraud enforcement efforts in the country. Under Governor Newsom, the state established a multi-agency Hospice Fraud Task Force, strengthened program integrity oversight, and implemented a moratorium on new hospice licenses that remains in effect. Over 280 hospice licenses have been revoked over the past two years, an additional 300 providers are under investigation, and 284 criminals have been arrested, all while new licenses are paused.
DHCS' program integrity safeguards were critical in detecting and stopping this scheme. Our comprehensive strategy includes:
* Advanced data analytics that flag suspicious patterns before payments are made.
* Multidisciplinary audit and investigation teams operating in field offices statewide.
* Strict provider enrollment checks, including license verification and site visits.
* Enhanced identity checks for Medi-Cal applicants, including enhanced residency verification and multifactor authentication requirements in 2026.
* Policy authority and utilization management controls that allow DHCS review and approve hospice services, with expanded oversight taking effect July 2026.
* Ongoing collaboration with law enforcement and health plans to investigate and prevent fraud statewide.
Reporting suspected fraud: DHCS encourages anyone who suspects Medi-Cal fraud to report it immediately:
* Hotline: (800) 822-6222
* Email: fraud@dhcs.ca.gov
* Online: https://www.dhcs.ca.gov/individuals/Pages/StopMedi-CalFraud.aspx
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/04/09/california-stops-major-hospice-fraud-scheme-in-la-brings-criminal-charges-to-hold-fraudsters-accountable/
Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment Secure $2.2 Million Settlement After Lead Paint From Baltimore Tower Contaminated Surrounding Communities
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 10 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release on April 9, 2026, with Attorney General Anthony G. Brown:
* * *
Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment Secure $2.2 Million Settlement After Lead Paint from Baltimore Tower Contaminated Surrounding Communities
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, today announced a $2.2 million settlement and consent decree against the owner of a Baltimore broadcast tower and its contractor after lead paint chips and debris spread
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, April 10 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release on April 9, 2026, with Attorney General Anthony G. Brown:
* * *
Attorney General, Maryland Department of Environment Secure $2.2 Million Settlement After Lead Paint from Baltimore Tower Contaminated Surrounding Communities
Attorney General Anthony G. Brown and Maryland Department of Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain, today announced a $2.2 million settlement and consent decree against the owner of a Baltimore broadcast tower and its contractor after lead paint chips and debris spreadacross surrounding neighborhoods - reaching parks, playground, and daycares. The settlement resolves a civil lawsuit filed by the Office of the Attorney General on behalf of Maryland Department of Environment (MDE), and follows separate guilty pleas by the contractor and its principal on criminal environmental charges filed by Attorney General Brown's Environmental and Natural Resources Crimes Unit.
Television Tower, Inc. ("TTI") owns an approximately 1000-foot broadcast tower located near the 3700 block of Malden Avenue in Baltimore City. TTI is an entity composed of and representing local broadcast companies.
In May 2023, Attorney General Brown, on behalf of MDE, filed a civil complaint alleging that in May 2022, TTI, knowing the tower contained lead-based paint, hired Skyline Tower Painting, Inc. ("Skyline") to repaint the tower. Skyline was not accredited to provide lead paint abatement services in Maryland. The complaint further alleged that Skyline removed lead paint from the Tower by scraping and forceful power washing, with no controls or containment to prevent the spreading of lead-based paint chips in the surrounding neighborhoods such as Woodberry. The complaint further alleged that the work, conducted between May 28, 2022, and June 21, 2022, caused lead paint chips and debris to spread as far as a quarter to half a mile away.
"Our expectation is clear: work that risks public health must be done safely and in full compliance with the law. That did not happen here," said Attorney General Brown. "This settlement reflects our values--accountability, restoration, and a firm standard that environmental safety is not optional. We will enforce that standard."
"This settlement is about accountability and about protecting people. No family should have to worry that something as basic as playing outside could put their child at risk," said Governor Wes Moore. "We are committed to making this right--by cleaning up these neighborhoods, enforcing the law, and making sure this never happens again."
Lead-containing paint is a well-documented threat to public health. Repeated low-level exposure to lead can cause cumulative harm to the brain, nervous system, and development of young children. Children six and under are most vulnerable and the effects are irreversible. Beyond human health, lead contamination in soil and water can harm wildlife and move through the food chain compounding its impact on the ecosystem.
Although TTI and Skyline were ordered to stop the project and efforts have been ongoing to clean up debris in the surrounding neighborhood, more paint flakes have been found since the activities in 2022 due to unstabilized paint releasing from the tower. TTI has since obtained a new, lead-accredited contractor to finish the tower painting using a containment system that is specially designed for the tower, and Skyline is no longer involved in the project.
"We understand the impact this has had on the community, and it's important to say clearly that this should not have happened," said Secretary McIlwain. "This case underscores why strong environmental safeguards--and the careful handling of hazardous materials like lead--are so essential to protecting public health."
"This settlement and consent decree are about addressing harm done to our some of our youngest, most vulnerable residents at places they should be safe: parks, playgrounds, and daycares," said Mayor Brandon M. Scott. "For decades, the City has required property owners to mitigate the harm associated with lead paint, and we are committed to holding companies that fail to do so accountable. I am grateful to the Attorney General and all of the State and City partners who worked together to reach this outcome."
Attorney General Brown's complaint sought civil penalties for multiple alleged violations of Maryland environmental and public health law, including but not limited to failure to hire an accredited lead abatement contractor, various lead work practice violations by Skyline, improper disposal of solid waste, failure to make a hazardous waste determination, and discharge of a controlled hazardous substance into the environment and state waterways.
Under the $2.2 million settlement filed in Baltimore City Circuit Court today, and in accordance with the Consent Decree, TTI has agreed to:
* Complete all tower repainting work using proper containment systems and accredited contractors by June 30, 2026, with final replacement of the elevator carriage - which addresses remaining areas of flaking paint - by August 31, 2026;
* In addition to following their current ongoing cleanup protocols, conduct a final cleanup and inspection of the surrounding area upon completion of repainting, followed by at least three months of ongoing monitoring and response to any community complaints of paint flakes; and
* Repeat a soil sampling study to confirm no increase in lead soil levels attributable to tower flakes since MDE's 2023 study.
Skyline will permanently cease all lead abatement, painting, and surface remediation work in Maryland - with Skyline and its principals also prohibited from forming or controlling any company offering such services in the state.
* * *
Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mde/2026/04/09/attorney-general-maryland-department-of-environment-secure-2-2-million-settlement-after-lead-paint-from-baltimore-tower-contaminated-surrounding-communities/