Targeted News Service

OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 17 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:

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Oregon and Washington support Walla Walla basin water projects

WALLA WALLA - The Walla Walla basin is a complex watershed that crosses the border between Oregon and Washington. Its rivers and streams connect the two states, but the watershed is chronically short on water and struggles to meet the needs of local communities. Watershed restoration and water management projects are increasingly important to the basin and those efforts will soon receive new support ... Show Full Article OLYMPIA, Washington, Sept. 17 -- The Washington State Department of Ecology issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025: * * * Oregon and Washington support Walla Walla basin water projects WALLA WALLA - The Walla Walla basin is a complex watershed that crosses the border between Oregon and Washington. Its rivers and streams connect the two states, but the watershed is chronically short on water and struggles to meet the needs of local communities. Watershed restoration and water management projects are increasingly important to the basin and those efforts will soon receive new supportfrom both Washington and Oregon.

The Washington Department of Ecology is awarding $1.46 million in grants to 10 projects that address long-standing challenges like meeting water demands, managing floodplains, and restoring habitat. In addition, Oregon's recently signed House Bill 5006 provides a further $2.5 million to fund water projects in the basin.

"This investment underscores the power and value of collaboration to tackle difficult water supply challenges and build climate resilient ecosystems," said Ecology Director Casey Sixkiller. "By joining forces across state lines and partnering with local communities, we can strengthen water reliability, restore habitats, and manage our floodplains for the long term."

The work to bolster water supplies and improve habitat and floodplain management in the Walla Walla River Basin is a collaborative effort between Washington, Oregon, the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation (CTUIR), and an advisory committee representing agriculture, environmental interests, recreation and quality of life, economic development, and local governments.

"We're extremely pleased by the strong support we've seen for our work in the Walla Walla, despite the difficult budget conditions in both states this year. To ensure these precious dollars go as far as possible, Washington's funding will be complemented by matching funds from Oregon," Anton Chiono, CTUIR Habitat Conservation Project leader, said. "Together, these investments will be tremendously important to both our ongoing planning work, as well as our implementation of critical projects to improve water conditions for fish, farms, and people. This a great example of what we can accomplish by working together."

Chris Kowitz, North Central regional manager for the Oregon Department of Water Resources, explained that the combined investment in the Walla Walla basin by both states underscores the significant progress that has been made over the past few years.

"With the support of many basin partners, the two states and the CTUIR have been able to leverage funding to make meaningful progress on implementation of the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Strategy," Kowitz said. "The state of Oregon is committed to working with our colleagues in Washington on policy and infrastructure needs over the next biennium and beyond."

Annie Byerley, Walla Walla County Conservation District Manager, explained how the funding will allow the conservation district to contact landowners that may not be familiar with the conservation district or the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Strategy.

"The more opportunities we have to share water quantity concerns and information about the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Strategy with the community, the more the needle moves on conserving this resource," Byerley said. "Many community members likely don't realize the impact that they could have on water conservation. Water conservation is a basin wide problem, and it will take basin wide approach to address the problem."

All of the projects that received funding were identified as priorities in the Walla Walla Basin Watershed Strategy. The sponsors and projects receiving grant funds in 2025 from Ecology include:

[View table in the link at bottom.]

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Original text here: https://ecology.wa.gov/about-us/who-we-are/news/2025/sept-16-walla-walla-funding

W.Va. State Treasurer Pack Announces "Get a Life" Redesign, Presents First Community Volunteer Award During Financial Education Event in Putnam County

CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 17 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:

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Treasurer Pack Announces "Get a Life" Redesign, Presents First Community Volunteer Award During Financial Education Event in Putnam County

State Treasurer Larry Pack today unveiled a much-anticipated redesign of the Get a Life financial education budget activity for middle school students and presented the first Get a Life Community Volunteer Award to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce.

"After almost 20 years, we are excited to breathe new life into this ... Show Full Article CHARLESTON, West Virginia, Sept. 17 -- West Virginia State Treasurer Larry Pack issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025: * * * Treasurer Pack Announces "Get a Life" Redesign, Presents First Community Volunteer Award During Financial Education Event in Putnam County State Treasurer Larry Pack today unveiled a much-anticipated redesign of the Get a Life financial education budget activity for middle school students and presented the first Get a Life Community Volunteer Award to the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce. "After almost 20 years, we are excited to breathe new life into thisimportant program. Our redesign provides a much-needed facelift that will help re-engage students with new, fun options," Treasurer Pack said. "I would also like to congratulate the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce for being the first recipient of our Get a Life Community Volunteer Award. The Chamber does a great job partnering with my Office, Putnam County Schools and works to encourage local business leaders to volunteer for our financial education activities."

Treasurer Pack presented the award to Ashley Alford Glance, president of the Putnam County Chamber of Commerce, during a Get a Life financial education activity held at the U.S. Navy Reserve Center in Red House.

"The Get a Life program plays a crucial role in helping students understand the real-life impact of financial decisions and career planning, equipping them with skills that will serve them now and in the future," Alford Glance said. "We are incredibly grateful to be recognized for our involvement in this important initiative over the past 10 years. This work would not be possible without the dedication of our Putnam Chamber members who generously donate their time, and the strong partnership and continued commitment from Putnam County Schools."

For almost two decades, the State Treasurer's Office has empowered West Virginia students with personal financial education through this one-of-a-kind program. Students are given a realistic family budget and must visit various business stations and manage an expense ledger. The program teaches both basic math skills and problem-solving techniques.

Thanks to the redesign, this successful program now has a modern look with vibrant colors, coordinating images, and updated information. There are also new features such as a lucky leprechaun chance card, a spin wheel for students visiting the doctor's office, and a rebranded "Level Up" table for students to advance their careers. A unique feature of Get a Life is the ability for students to receive higher education with certifications or advanced degrees at the "Level Up" table, then choose a higher paying job in the second round of the activity.

In addition to the updated materials, there is a new, easy-to-navigate section of the wvtreasury.gov website highlighting Get a Life and other financial education resources. Now, schools and organizations can go online to request to host a Get a Life event, and volunteers can sign up to participate.

"Financial literacy is a vital life skill. I want all West Virginia students to have the opportunity to learn how to make good financial decisions," Treasurer Pack said.

In the 2024-2025 academic year, the Treasurer's financial education staff visited more than 140 middle schools and reached more than 16,000 students. Since it was created in 2008, Get a Life has helped tens of thousands of middle school students.

For more information on Get a Life and other educational resources available through the West Virginia State Treasurer's Office, visit www.WVTreasury.gov/Citizens/Financial-Education.

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Original text here: https://wvtreasury.gov/About/Press-Releases/details/treasurer-pack-announces-get-a-life-redesign-presents-first-community-volunteer-award-during-financial-education-event-in-putnam-county

Riverstone Logistics Relocating Headquarters and Establishing First South Carolina Operation in York County

COLUMBIA, South Carolina, Sept. 17 -- The South Carolina Department of Commerce posted the following news on Sept. 16, 2025:

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Riverstone Logistics relocating headquarters and establishing first South Carolina operation in York County

$16.4 million investment will create 159 new jobs

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Riverstone Logistics, a supply chain and logistics company, today announced it is relocating its headquarters and establishing its first South Carolina operation in York County. The company's $16.4 million investment will create 159 new jobs.

Founded in 2017, Riverstone Logistics specializes in final-mile ... Show Full Article

N.C. State Treasurer: $150 Million in Interest-Free Cashflow Loans Have Now Been Allocated

RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 17 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:

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$150 Million in Interest-Free Cashflow Loans Have Now Been Allocated

The Department of State Treasurer has successfully allocated nearly $150 million to communities in need in Western North Carolina. This money is meant as a way to help local governments get back on their feet as they wait for the federal government to send much needed relief dollars.

"Day one of my administration, and even before that, I knew helping those communities devastated by Hurricane Helene ... Show Full Article RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 17 -- The North Carolina State Treasurer issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025: * * * $150 Million in Interest-Free Cashflow Loans Have Now Been Allocated The Department of State Treasurer has successfully allocated nearly $150 million to communities in need in Western North Carolina. This money is meant as a way to help local governments get back on their feet as they wait for the federal government to send much needed relief dollars. "Day one of my administration, and even before that, I knew helping those communities devastated by Hurricane Heleneneeded to be a primary focus," said Treasurer Brad Briner. "Through two separate appropriations, the General Assembly tasked my team with getting interest-free loans to local governments in need, and in the quickest way possible. Nine months later, we have distributed three rounds of loans, which are already being put to good use."

This Cashflow loan program was created to help bridge the gap for communities who are waiting for federal dollars needed to help with rebuilding and cleanup efforts. Unlike traditional loans, local governments did not have to go through the complex process of applying for these. Instead, DST was able to use the local government's emergency request paperwork to calculate their loan needs and divide the money based on that. The only step local governments had to take was to approve acceptance of the money.

"This interest-free loan program, funded by the legislature, has gotten help to these devastated communities quickly. Everyone is looking for a return to normalcy here in the mountain communities, but it takes hard work and a lot of money to get that done," said Sen. Tim Moffit, a Republican representing Henderson, Polk and Rutherford counties. "Under Treasurer Briner's leadership, the Department of State Treasurer seamlessly launched a loan program and allocated these resources rapidly to jump-start recovery efforts."

"The magnitude of the storm cleanup in Avery County has placed a significant financial burden on the County. It has been nearly 12 months since the Hurricane and we are still waiting on nearly 50 million dollars in reimbursement funding," said Caleb Hogan, Finance Officer for Avery County. "The interest-free cash flow loans have provided critical relief by easing the immediate cash flow strain and allowing us to continue recovery efforts without delay."

You can see a breakdown of the communities who accepted the loans and the total amount of dollars they were given here. [View chart in the link at bottom.]

Local governments have five years to pay back Cashflow loans with no interest being charged.

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Original text here: https://www.nctreasurer.gov/news/press-releases/2025/09/16/150-million-interest-free-cashflow-loans-have-now-been-allocated

Minn. Gov. Walz Announces Upcoming Vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals

ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 17 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025:

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Governor Walz Announces Upcoming Vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals

Today, Governor Tim Walz announced two vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. These vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Louise Dovre Bjorkman and Randall J. Slieter. One vacancy is at-large, and the other seat is designated for Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. Governor Walz has asked a merit selection panel consisting of leadership in his administration, the chair ... Show Full Article ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Sept. 17 -- Gov. Tim Walz, D-Minnesota, issued the following news release on Sept. 16, 2025: * * * Governor Walz Announces Upcoming Vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals Today, Governor Tim Walz announced two vacancies on the Minnesota Court of Appeals. These vacancies will occur upon the retirement of the Honorable Louise Dovre Bjorkman and Randall J. Slieter. One vacancy is at-large, and the other seat is designated for Minnesota's Seventh Congressional District. Governor Walz has asked a merit selection panel consisting of leadership in his administration, the chairof the Commission on Judicial Selection, and the at-large members of the commission to solicit applicants, review candidates, and recommend finalists for appointment.

The panel is searching for fair, experienced, and civic-minded individuals to serve on the bench and offer their talents and services to Minnesota's judicial system. The Governor is seeking applicants who reflect Minnesota's full diversity.

The application process is now open for these vacancies. Individuals wishing to apply may request an application by contacting the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor via e-mail at Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us. Application materials are due by 4:00 pm on October 13 and should be addressed to Governor Tim Walz.

For those interested in learning more about the selection process for these vacancies, the Governor's Office will be hosting a webinar in conjunction with Chief Judge Jennifer Frisch and members of the Court of Appeals on Monday, September 22, at noon. Those interested in attending can register at the link here.

For more information about the judicial selection process, please visit the Governor's Judicial Appointments webpage.

For inquiries concerning the application process, please contact the Office of the Governor and Lt. Governor at Judicial.Selection@state.mn.us.

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Original text here: https://mn.gov/governor/newsroom/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/705877

ICYMI: Tenn. Gov. Lee, President Trump Meet in Oval Office to Discuss Strategic Mission to Address Crime in Memphis

NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 17 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Sept. 15, 2025:

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ICYMI: Gov. Lee, President Trump Meet in Oval Office to Discuss Strategic Mission to Address Crime in Memphis

Presidential Memorandum establishes Memphis Safe Task Force

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Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined President Donald J. Trump inside the Oval Office for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force, and to request that President Trump grant activation of the Tennessee National Guard under Title 32 orders. This public meeting is the ... Show Full Article NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Sept. 17 -- Gov. Bill Lee, R-Tennessee, issued the following news on Sept. 15, 2025: * * * ICYMI: Gov. Lee, President Trump Meet in Oval Office to Discuss Strategic Mission to Address Crime in Memphis Presidential Memorandum establishes Memphis Safe Task Force * Today, Tennessee Governor Bill Lee joined President Donald J. Trump inside the Oval Office for the signing of a Presidential Memorandum to establish the Memphis Safe Task Force, and to request that President Trump grant activation of the Tennessee National Guard under Title 32 orders. This public meeting is theresult of months of coordination with the Trump Administration to develop a multi-phased, strategic plan to leverage the full extent of both federal and state resources to fight crime in Memphis.

"Memphis is a remarkable community with great cultural significance that includes top global business and strong faith leaders, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to move this city forward," said Gov. Lee. "We've made significant investments to address crime throughout my seven years in office, and thanks to President Trump's leadership, the Memphis Safe Task Force will ensure we have every resource at our disposal to create significant change."

The Memphis Safe Task Force establishes strong coordination and shared resources between law enforcement agencies at all levels of government, including the Tennessee National Guard, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Drug Enforcement Agency, Tennessee Highway Patrol, Memphis Police Department, and others. On the ground, the task force will be led by the U.S. Marshals Service and will share intelligence, develop joint priorities, and maximize resources to enhance public safety in Memphis.

The task force will accelerate the positive momentum of Operation Viper - an ongoing FBI mission that has already arrested hundreds of the most violent offenders.

To further support the mission, Gov. Lee has authorized an additional surge of Tennessee Highway Patrol troopers into Shelby County. The largest force in Tennessee, more than 100 troopers are activated to support local law enforcement and keep Memphians safe, and THP continues to work closely with the Memphis Police Department through the Bluff City Task Force.

Through the Violent Crime Intervention Fund and Downtown Public Safety Grants, Tennessee has pledged an unprecedented $200 million to fight violent crime and make cities safer, and more than $40 million has been obligated across Shelby County to support local law enforcement agencies as they implement evidence-based programs, technologies and strategies to reduce crime.

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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/governor/news/2025/9/15/icymi--gov--lee--president-trump-meet-in-oval-office-to-discuss-strategic-mission-to-address-crime-in-memphis.html

After Pa. Gov. Shapiro Administration Expands PHARE Funding, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Begins Work to Build More Affordable Housing Across the Commonwealth

HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Sept. 17 -- Gov. Josh Shapiro, D-Pennsylvania, issued the following news release:

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After Shapiro Administration Expands PHARE Funding, Pennsylvania Housing Finance Agency Begins Work to Build More Affordable Housing Across the Commonwealth

Governor Shapiro's expansion of the Pennsylvania Housing Affordability and Rehabilitation Enhancement (PHARE) fund brings total funding this year to more than $85 million -- nearly doubling the Commonwealth's commitment to affordable housing compared to when he took office.

Over the last 13 years, PHARE funds have created or ... Show Full Article

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