Featured Stories
Va. A.G. Jones Alleges Nexstar/Tegna Are Violating Court Order
RICHMOND, Virginia, July 24 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Alleges Nexstar/Tegna are Violating Court Order
Virginia joins bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general in asking the court to clarify terms of hold-separate order
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Attorney General Jay Jones joined a bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general in alleging that Tegna Inc. (Tegna) and Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nexstar) are in apparent violation of the court's hold-separate order following the preliminary injunction issued earlier this year
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RICHMOND, Virginia, July 24 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Alleges Nexstar/Tegna are Violating Court Order
Virginia joins bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general in asking the court to clarify terms of hold-separate order
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Attorney General Jay Jones joined a bipartisan coalition of 13 attorneys general in alleging that Tegna Inc. (Tegna) and Nexstar Media Group, Inc. (Nexstar) are in apparent violation of the court's hold-separate order following the preliminary injunction issued earlier this yeardemanding the broadcasting titans stop the merger process while the case proceeds. A Nexstar/Tegna merger would be expected to create the largest broadcast station group in the United States, put more broadcast programming in the hands of fewer people, cut local jobs, increase cable bills, and significantly impact the delivery of news and other media content to Americans nationwide.
In the latest motion, the attorneys general allege that Nexstar's personnel continuing to sit on Tegna's Board of Directors violates the court order because it enables Nexstar to improperly control Tegna, and prevents the companies from operating independently while the lawsuit proceeds.
"Freedom of the press is a cornerstone of our democracy, and the reality is the free press is under attack. Fewer local newsrooms mean fewer opportunities for the pursuit of the truth and reduced public accountability. This merger further jeopardizes journalistic integrity and independence of our media at time when it is needed most," said Attorney General Jay Jones. "This office will continue to fight for consumers and for the people who rely on local news stations in communities across the Commonwealth."
If allowed to proceed, this multibillion-dollar deal would combine the nation's largest and third-largest television-station conglomerates, creating a titan covering 80% of U.S. television households. Alarmingly, in the weeks leading up to the merger's closing, reports detailed Nexstar's firing of long-standing journalists in Los Angeles, Chicago, and New York.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3083-attorney-general-jones-alleges-nexstar-tegna-are-violating-court-order
Pa. Labor Dept.: Shapiro Administration Highlights $75 Million Increase in Workforce Development Investments Over Three Years During Perry County Agricultural Pre-Apprenticeship Visit
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issued the following news on July 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Highlights $75 Million Increase in Workforce Development Investments Over Three Years During Perry County Agricultural Pre-Apprenticeship Visit
Governor Shapiro's bipartisan 2026-27 budget increases career and technical education funding by $10 million, bringing Pennsylvania's annual investment in workforce development -- including CTE, vo-tech, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships -- to $193 million, a 60 percent increase since he
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HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, July 24 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Labor and Industry issued the following news on July 23, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Highlights $75 Million Increase in Workforce Development Investments Over Three Years During Perry County Agricultural Pre-Apprenticeship Visit
Governor Shapiro's bipartisan 2026-27 budget increases career and technical education funding by $10 million, bringing Pennsylvania's annual investment in workforce development -- including CTE, vo-tech, apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships -- to $193 million, a 60 percent increase since hetook office.
Since January 2023, Pennsylvania has registered 266 new apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs, with nearly 44,000 Pennsylvanians participating in these proven career pathways.
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LANDISBURG, Pa. - Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry (L&I) Secretary Nancy A. Walker visited the LEAF Project Home Farm in Perry County today, where young Pennsylvanians are earning paychecks and building agricultural skills through a state-registered pre-apprenticeship program, to highlight how Governor Josh Shapiro's newly-signed bipartisan 2026-27 budget is expanding workforce training and creating pathways to good-paying careers.
Students from LEAF Project Home Farm in Perry County harvest garlic in greenhouse.
During the visit, pre-apprentices and youth crew members demonstrated how that training translates into real-world experience, from vegetable production and pest management to post-harvest food safety, budgeting, marketing and food distribution. Their work reflect Governor Shapiro's commitment to respecting every path to success and helping Pennsylvanians turn hands-on learning into meaningful careers.
Governor Shapiro's bipartisan 2026-27 budget builds on that commitment by increasing career and technical education funding by $10 million. With that increase, Pennsylvania's annual investment in workforce development initiatives -- including CTE, vo-tech, registered apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships -- has grown from $118 million before Governor Shapiro took office to $193 million today, a 60 percent increase.
"Governor Shapiro understands that Pennsylvania's economic future depends on preparing people for the jobs of today and tomorrow," said Secretary Walker. "At LEAF, young people are earning a paycheck while learning how to grow food, operate a business, solve problems and lead a team. That is what effective workforce development looks like: real experience, recognized skills and a pathway to a meaningful career."
In July 2025, the Shapiro Administration awarded the LEAF Project $144,644 through L&I's Supporting Pennsylvania's Agriculture Sector through Apprenticeships and Pre-Apprenticeship grant initiative. The funding supports paid employment, leadership development and hands-on agricultural training for young people ages 14 to 18. Since its founding in 2013, LEAF has employed 191 people and provided more than 98,000 hours of youth workforce training.
"Every day, I get the privilege of working alongside motivated, inspired, and hardworking young people who are feeding their community while developing their leadership skills - and seeing themselves as an essential part of our community and the food system," said Heidi Witmer, LEAF Founder and Executive Director. "Employment-based apprenticeships like LEAF open doors for talented youth, especially those from non-farming families, to see themselves as leaders in Pennsylvania's food system. This is how we cultivate the next generation of leaders."
LEAF is an early host site for Pasa Sustainable Agriculture's state-registered Diversified Vegetable Pre-Apprenticeship. Pasa Sustainable Agriculture is a Pennsylvania-based nonprofit that supports sustainable farms and equitable food systems through farmer-led education, research, technical assistance and community partnerships.
Pasa provides the program's curriculum and administrative support, while host organizations such as LEAF recruit, employ, train and supervise participants. Since Governor Shapiro took office in 2023, the Shapiro Administration has invested nearly $1 million in Pasa Sustainable Agriculture through two L&I apprenticeship grants, helping expand agricultural training, strengthen host-site partnerships and connect more Pennsylvanians with career pathways in farming and the food system.
"Apprenticeships and pre-apprenticeships are an important tool in building the next generation of the agricultural workforce in Pennsylvania," said Dan Dalton, PASA Director for Technical Assistance, Training, Outreach & Development. "Through structured, certified training programs we are able to provide apprentices and pre-apprentices with comprehensive training experiences that prepare them for the challenges and opportunities of modern, diversified agricultural production."
Registered pre-apprenticeships provide structured instruction, hands-on experience and supportive services that prepare participants to enter registered apprenticeships, continue their education or pursue employment. Established in 2016, L&I's Apprenticeship and Training Office guides and promotes the expansion and compliance of registered apprenticeship and pre-apprenticeship programs across Pennsylvania.
For more information on the Pennsylvania Department of Labor & Industry, please visit the website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli.html).
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dli/newsroom/shapiro-administration-highlights-record--193-million-investment
N.Y. DOT Announces Completion of $5.6 Million Paving Project in Cattaraugus County
ALBANY, New York, July 24 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $5.6 Million Paving Project in Cattaraugus County
Milling and Resurfacing Completed on 25 Lane miles of the Southern Tier Expressway in Cattaraugus County
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New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of a $5.6 million paving project on the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86) in Cattaraugus County. The work improved approximately
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ALBANY, New York, July 24 -- The New York State Department of Transportation issued the following news release on July 23, 2026:
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State Department of Transportation Announces Completion of $5.6 Million Paving Project in Cattaraugus County
Milling and Resurfacing Completed on 25 Lane miles of the Southern Tier Expressway in Cattaraugus County
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New York State Department of Transportation Commissioner Marie Therese Dominguez today announced the completion of a $5.6 million paving project on the Southern Tier Expressway (Interstate 86) in Cattaraugus County. The work improved approximately25 lane miles between the Town of Carrollton and the City of Salamanca and was completed to enhance safety, reliability, and mobility along a critical Western New York transportation corridor.
"Every investment in our transportation network is an investment in New York's future," Commissioner Dominguez said. "Governor Hochul's historic investment in infrastructure is preserving critical highways like the Southern Tier Expressway, strengthening an essential corridor that supports the Southern Tier's economy, tourism industry and quality of life."
Work on the corridor included milling and resurfacing to remove the existing, deteriorated pavement and restore the driving surface, improving overall ride quality along the corridor. All work was completed on budget and ahead of schedule while maintaining traffic flow along this key interstate route.
The project also included construction of a new ADA-compliant pedestrian and bicycle access ramp at the Salamanca Trail crossing on Old Broad Street in the City of Salamanca, improving accessibility for trail users.
The roadway, which lies within the Seneca Nation of Indians Allegany Territory, serves as a vital corridor for residents, commercial traffic and visitors traveling to destinations including Allegany State Park, Seneca Allegany Resort & Casino and St. Bonaventure University.
Senator Charles Schumer said, "I-86 is a major corridor for Western New Yorkers in Cattaraugus County. I'm proud that millions from my Bipartisan Infrastructure & Jobs Law helped repave more than 25 lane miles between the Town of Carrollton and the City of Salamanca. This investment will help keep the region moving, connecting people to Allegany State Park, St. Bonaventure University, and more. I'm grateful for Governor Hochul's work ensuring federal dollars are put to good use, paving the way for a safer future for Western New York."
Senator Kirsten Gillibrand said, "Investing in infrastructure like the Interstate 86 paving project keeps Western New York families safe and our regional economy moving forward. By restoring this stretch of highway, we are ensuring that residents, businesses, and visitors can travel safely and reliably through Cattaraugus County. I applaud the New York State Department of Transportation for their hard work and dedication to strengthening our state's transportation network."
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About the Department of Transportation
It is the mission of the New York State Department of Transportation to provide a safe, reliable, equitable, and resilient transportation system that connects communities, enhances quality of life, protects the environment, and supports the economic well-being of New York State.
Lives are on the line; slow down and move over for highway workers!
For more information, find us on Facebook, follow us on X or Instagram, or visit our website. For up-to-date travel information, call 511, visit www.511NY.org or download the free 511NY mobile app.
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Original text here: https://www.dot.ny.gov/news/press-releases/2026/2026-07-23
N.M. Economic Development Dept.: State Support Incentivizes Business Development in 11 New Mexico Counties
SANTA FE, New Mexico, July 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State support incentivizes business development in 11 New Mexico counties
Twelve projects spanning eleven New Mexico counties will receive a share of over $263,000 in economic development grants to create jobs, support local businesses and strengthen both rural and urban communities.
Through the Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) program, Economic Development New Mexico awards annual grants for projects that create jobs, enhance the tax base and incentivize
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SANTA FE, New Mexico, July 24 -- The New Mexico Department of Economic Development issued the following news release:
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State support incentivizes business development in 11 New Mexico counties
Twelve projects spanning eleven New Mexico counties will receive a share of over $263,000 in economic development grants to create jobs, support local businesses and strengthen both rural and urban communities.
Through the Local Economic Assistance & Development Support (LEADS) program, Economic Development New Mexico awards annual grants for projects that create jobs, enhance the tax base and incentivizebusiness development.
"LEADS Grants offer us a unique opportunity to invest directly into communities, large and small," said Economic Development Secretary Rob Black. "These projects lead to real, tangible improvements that strengthen local businesses, attract new employers and enhance the experience of residents and visitors alike."
The grants will fund programs across seven rural and frontier communities and five urban areas in the following categories: retention and expansion, technology, entrepreneurship, startup growth, workforce development, real estate development and business attraction. Awards range from $19,500 to $25,000 each.
"The LEADS grant will accelerate the growth of our local farmers' market and the community as a whole," said Jodi Diaz, executive director, RCCDC. "This investment allows the RCCDC to move forward with expansions and much-needed improvements, creating an even better space to support local vendors and bring people together."
"The LEADS award allows Nambe Pueblo Development Corporation to activate a long-vacant industrial building as the first commercial home of a deep-tech company graduating from LANL's entrepreneurship fellowship," said Kristen Thomson, Nambe Pueblo Development Corporation executive director. "It's proof that Pueblo land is where world-class research becomes New Mexico industry."
"The LEADS Grant was the catalyst that transformed our site readiness vision into real, measurable impact," said Mike Espiritu, president and CEO, Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corporation. "By preparing land to a true shovel-ready standard, we positioned Roswell to attract Amazon and Equipment-Share -- projects that delivered millions in capital investment and created high-quality jobs that strengthen our region's economic future."
The awarded projects for fiscal year 2027 are:
Albuquerque Regional Economic Alliance (Bernalillo County) -- The project will develop site advancement packages to enhance business attraction and economic competitiveness. Key activities include research, workforce analysis, infrastructure assessments and funding gap identification.
Aztec Chamber of Commerce (San Juan County) -- The chamber will launch a Business Retention and Expansion (BRE) program and hire a contractor to survey local businesses, conduct one-on-one visits for insights and produce a report on their needs, barriers and growth opportunities.
Cibola County Economic Development Foundation (Cibola County) -- They will conduct a feasibility study and develop a plan for a Regional Workforce Innovation Hub & Entrepreneurship Center in Grants, assessing viability, workforce alignment, facility needs and economic opportunities.
Greater Gallup EDC (McKinley) -- The project enhances business attraction and industrial development in Gallup-McKinley County through an integrated BRE, focusing on advanced manufacturing, energy, logistics and recycling. It includes outreach, site selection and partner engagement to support the TradePort Master Plan.
Los Alamos Chamber of Commerce (Los Alamos County) -- The Subsidized Marketing Program: Hands-On Guided Marketing Strategies Assistance for Small Businesses provides direct marketing expertise to help businesses implement specific marketing tasks, process learning and possible AI use for content creation.
Mesilla Valley Economic Dev. Corp. (Dona Ana County) -- The project enhances the "AutomateUp" initiative by expanding skillset development and industry certifications for employees, career-advancing individuals and students. It targets key industries in the NMBorderplex region, particularly advanced manufacturing and high-tech trades, while offering flexible learning paths like pre-apprenticeships.
Middle Rio Grande Economic Development Association (Socorro County) -- The organization will purchase and install retail furniture and equipment to create a welcoming environment. It will also include branding and marketing efforts to promote the storefront and participating businesses.
Nambe Pueblo Development Corp. (Santa Fe County) -- The project will fulfill the final requirement for manufacturing occupancy standards for the warehouse and attached office space. A contractor will deliver design, permitting, installation, testing and commissioning of a code-compliant fire alarm system to return the manufacturing facility to active commercial use.
Roosevelt County Community Development Corp (Roosevelt County) -- This project will enhance the Portales farmers market with new lighting, tables and benches to improve safety and aesthetics, creating a welcoming environment for vendors and visitors while boosting attendance and local economic activity.
Roswell-Chaves County Economic Development Corp. (Chaves County) -- The RCCEDC, in partnership with the City of Roswell, will develop a shovel-ready site in Chaves County during FY 2027. This project includes a Phase I Environmental Site Assessment and a geotechnical study to prepare the site for commercial or industrial development, which will be submitted to EDNM's site-readiness program.
Sandoval Economic Alliance (Sandoval County) -- The "Sandoval Workforce" pillar creates a centralized database to connect companies in aerospace, biotech and defense with educational institutions, ensuring training matches real-time demand. The Sandoval Tribal Site Readiness Partnership offers services to the ten Pueblos and two Tribal Nations to identify infrastructure gaps and prepare tribal lands for investment.
City of Santa Fe (Santa Fe County) -- The project aims to create a governance and engagement framework for the city's Go Local Go Different initiative, enhancing coordination and economic activity in commercial corridors and business districts. A contractor will assist with stakeholder engagement and implementation planning, delivering a framework, sustainability recommendations and an implementation roadmap.
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Original text here: https://www.edd.newmexico.gov/press-releases/state-support-incentivizes-business-development-in-11-new-mexico-counties/
N.H. Insurance Dept. Highlights Major Accomplishments From 2026 Legislative Session
CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 24 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Highlights Major Accomplishments from 2026 Legislative Session
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is highlighting a successful 2026 legislative session that resulted in all five Department-requested measures being signed into law. The legislation advances health care transparency, strengthens the state's insurance regulatory framework, supports property resiliency, and improves access to insurance information and innovative coverage
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, July 24 -- The New Hampshire Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Insurance Department Highlights Major Accomplishments from 2026 Legislative Session
The New Hampshire Insurance Department (NHID) is highlighting a successful 2026 legislative session that resulted in all five Department-requested measures being signed into law. The legislation advances health care transparency, strengthens the state's insurance regulatory framework, supports property resiliency, and improves access to insurance information and innovative coverageoptions.
"The Department's success this session reflects the careful research, collaboration, and sustained legislative engagement that went into each proposal," said Insurance Commissioner D.J. Bettencourt. "These new laws will strengthen New Hampshire's insurance markets, improve transparency, and deliver meaningful protections and benefits for Granite Staters."
The NHID submitted three legislative requests for the 2026 session, each of which was approved by the Legislature and signed into law by Governor Kelly Ayotte. Two additional Department-requested measures carried over from the 2025 session were also enacted, giving the NHID a 100 percent success rate on its requested legislation.
House Bill 297 provides self-funded employer health benefit plans with access to their claims data, giving employers additional information to better understand health care utilization and costs. The bill was signed into law on June 19th and takes effect on August 18th.
House Bill 705 advances health care cost transparency in New Hampshire. Certain provisions became effective when the bill was signed on March 16th, while the remaining provisions will take effect following the finalization of applicable federal rules.
House Bill 1194 establishes credits for certain assessments paid by insurers and makes related changes concerning the application of criminal gambling statutes. The bill was signed on July 15th and takes effect on September 13th.
House Bill 1197 makes technical corrections to New Hampshire insurance laws to improve statutory clarity, consistency, and administration. The bill was signed on July 2nd and takes effect on January 1st, 2027.
Senate Bill 562 establishes a home damage mitigation and resiliency program intended to help strengthen properties against damage and support a more resilient insurance market. The bill was signed on July 2nd and takes effect on August 31st.
In addition to advancing its requested legislation, the NHID worked closely with lawmakers to revise and strengthen several other insurance-related bills during the legislative process. These efforts helped ensure that the final measures aligned with the Department's mission, protected consumers, and addressed practical needs within the insurance industry.
Those measures include Senate Bill 548, which establishes standards for contracts between health carriers and providers; Senate Bill 610, which authorizes the Insurance Commissioner to approve innovative short-term or long-term care insurance policies; Senate Bill 614, which establishes multiple-caregiver self-insured risk coverage arrangements for nonprofit and for-profit providers and servicers; and House Bill 1268, which includes provisions addressing pharmacy benefit managers, managed care laws, prescription drug pricing options, and pharmacy benefit manager business practices.
"These accomplishments demonstrate the value of working constructively with legislators, consumers, providers, employers, and the insurance industry," said Deputy Insurance Commissioner Keith Nyhan. "The resulting laws provide clearer standards, expand opportunities for innovation, and reinforce the NHID's commitment to transparent and effective insurance regulation for Granite Staters."
The New Hampshire Insurance Department Can Help
The New Hampshire Insurance Department's mission is to promote and protect the public good by ensuring the existence of a safe and competitive insurance marketplace through the development and enforcement of the insurance laws of the State of New Hampshire. Contact us with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your insurance coverage at 800-852-3416 or 603-271-2261, or by email at consumerservices@ins.nh.gov. For more information, visit https://insurance.nh.gov/.
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Original text here: https://www.insurance.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-insurance-department-highlights-major-accomplishments-2026-legislative
Minn. Agriculture Dept. Offering Free Nitrate Testing at Farmfest
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 24 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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MDA Offering Free Nitrate Testing at Farmfest
High levels in private wells can pose serious health risks
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Attendees at Farmfest 2026 are encouraged to stop by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) exhibit for information on a wide range of agriculture programs and resources--including a free, onsite nitrate testing clinic for private well users. The annual event runs Aug. 4-6 at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
Nitrate levels above 1 mg/L are considered elevated,
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 24 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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MDA Offering Free Nitrate Testing at Farmfest
High levels in private wells can pose serious health risks
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Attendees at Farmfest 2026 are encouraged to stop by the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's (MDA) exhibit for information on a wide range of agriculture programs and resources--including a free, onsite nitrate testing clinic for private well users. The annual event runs Aug. 4-6 at the Historic Gilfillan Estate near Redwood Falls.
Nitrate levels above 1 mg/L are considered elevated,and those above 10 mg/L are known to be harmful, especially for infants and pregnant women. Recent studies also suggest that exposure to nitrate in drinking water over long periods even below 10 mg/L may increase the risk of prematurity, birth defects, thyroid problems, and colorectal cancer.
Nitrate contamination is one of the most common threats to rural drinking water. It is invisible, odorless, and tasteless and more likely in areas with sandy soils, karst terrain, or fractured bedrock, where contaminants can move quickly underground. Wells that are shallow, aging, or damaged face the highest risk.
Unlike municipal water systems--which are monitored, treated, and regulated--it is up to private well owners to test. A quick nitrate test is one of the most effective steps families can take to understand their drinking water and protect their health.
Nitrate levels can change over time, even in wells that have been safe in the past. Because groundwater conditions shift gradually and can be influenced by weather, soil type, and land use, the only reliable way to know your current water quality is to test regularly.
How to collect your water sample the day you attend Farmfest:
* Run cold tap 5-10 minutes.
* Collect one cup of water in any clean, sealable container.
* Keep it chilled if possible and make the MDA booth your first stop.
Testing takes less than five minutes, and results are provided directly to the participant. No personal information is collected.
In addition to the nitrate clinic, visitors to the MDA booth can learn about several programs, including Rural Finance Authority loan programs, MDA grant opportunities, rural mental health resources, the Minnesota Ag Weather Network, and the Minnesota Agricultural Water Quality Certification Program (MAWQCP).
If you can't attend Farmfest, the MDA and partner organizations test about 2,500 well samples each year at free nitrate testing clinics across Minnesota. These clinics help well users understand their water quality, track changes over time, and consider treatment options when needed.
Protecting Minnesota's water resources has been a defining priority of the Walz administration, reflected in sustained support for practical, locally driven conservation. A cornerstone of that work is MAWQCP, which has certified more than 1.3 million acres of farmland in practices that reduce runoff, protect waterways, and strengthen long term soil health. This progress demonstrates the administration's commitment to safeguarding Minnesota's natural resources while supporting farmers and rural communities.
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-offering-free-nitrate-testing-farmfest
Colo. Transportation Dept.: Haxtun Municipal Airport Named 2026 Colorado Airport of the Year
DENVER, Colorado, July 24 -- The Colorado Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Haxtun Municipal Airport Named 2026 Colorado Airport of the Year
Watkins - The Colorado Division of Aeronautics is proud to announce that Haxtun Municipal Airport (17V) has been named the 2026 Colorado Airport of the Year in recognition of its outstanding contributions to our state's aviation system through innovative partnerships and excellence in project management.
The honor was formally presented during the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference, held June 10
... Show Full Article
DENVER, Colorado, July 24 -- The Colorado Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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Haxtun Municipal Airport Named 2026 Colorado Airport of the Year
Watkins - The Colorado Division of Aeronautics is proud to announce that Haxtun Municipal Airport (17V) has been named the 2026 Colorado Airport of the Year in recognition of its outstanding contributions to our state's aviation system through innovative partnerships and excellence in project management.
The honor was formally presented during the Colorado Airport Operators Association (CAOA) Spring Conference, held June 10to 12 in Pueblo.
Despite serving a community of fewer than 1,000 residents and operating on a modest budget, the Town of Haxtun views 17V as a vital community asset. Under the dedicated leadership of Town Superintendent Ron Carpenter, Haxtun has masterfully leveraged state aviation grants across four major upgrade projects.
"Haxtun is a shining example of how vision, collaboration, and dedicated stewardship can make a profound impact," said David Ulane, director of the Colorado Division of Aeronautics. "This award highlights that even the smallest airports are essential for their communities."
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About Haxtun Municipal Airport (17V)
Located two nautical miles southeast of Haxtun, Colorado, in Phillips County and serves as a critical gateway for Northeast Colorado, providing essential access for general aviation and emergency medical services in a rural setting. According to the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study, the airport continues to serve as an important local asset, contributing to the regional connectivity and safety infrastructure of the state's aviation system.
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About the Colorado Division of Aeronautics
The Colorado Division of Aeronautics, under the Colorado Department of Transportation, supports the state's 76 public-use airports. The division's mission is to promote the safe and efficient operation of the Colorado Aviation System, which supports over 348,000 jobs and contributes $68.9 billion in annual business revenue to the state's economy. Visit Colorado-Aeronautics.org to learn more about the 2025 Colorado Aviation Economic Impact Study.
Under the Direction of the Colorado Aeronautical Board, the Colorado Department of Transportation's Division of Aeronautics supports Colorado's multi-modal transportation system by advancing a safe, efficient, and effective statewide aviation system through collaboration, investment and advocacy. In partnership with the Federal Aviation Administration, 76 public-use airports and a diverse group of aviation system users, the Division also works to promote aviation safety and education through the efficient administration of the Colorado Aviation Fund. For more information, visit Colorado-Aeronautics.org or check us out on YouTube, like us on Facebook and follow us on X.
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Original text here: https://www.codot.gov/news/2026/july2026news/haxtun-municipal-airport-named-2026-colorado-airport-of-the-year
