Featured Stories
Tenn. Financial Institutions Commissioner Gonzales Announces Weekly Formula Rate August 25, 2026
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 26 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE AUGUST 25, 2026
Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 10.75 percent per annum.
The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 6.75 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on August 24, 2026.
Commissioner Gonzales said the rate remains in effect until the average
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 26 -- Tennessee Department of Financial Institutions Commissioner Greg Gonzales issued the following news:
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COMMISSIONER GONZALES ANNOUNCES WEEKLY FORMULA RATE AUGUST 25, 2026
Commissioner of Financial Institutions Greg Gonzales announced today that the maximum effective formula rate of interest in Tennessee is 10.75 percent per annum.
The rate is based on a ceiling of 4 percent over the weekly average prime loan rate of 6.75 percent as published by the Federal Reserve on August 24, 2026.
Commissioner Gonzales said the rate remains in effect until the averageprime loan rate as announced by the Federal Reserve Bank changes.
Chapter 464, Public Acts of 1983, the legislation regulating interest rates in Tennessee, requires that the commissioner of Financial Institutions make an announcement weekly of the formula rate of interest.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/tdfi/news/2026/8/25/commissioner-gonzales-announces-weekly-formula-rate-august-25--2026.html
N.C. Insurance Dept.: Two Mecklenburg County Residents Charged in Insurance Fraud Scheme
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Aug. 25, 2026:
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Two Mecklenburg County residents charged in insurance fraud scheme
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Christopher Bernard Hammonds, 40, of 4637 Lynn Lee Circle, Charlotte, and Ashely Marie Sowers, 35, of 607 Glasgow Road, Charlotte. Both were charged with insurance fraud. Sowers was also charged with obtaining property by false pretense. Hammonds was also charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense.
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release on Aug. 25, 2026:
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Two Mecklenburg County residents charged in insurance fraud scheme
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the arrest of Christopher Bernard Hammonds, 40, of 4637 Lynn Lee Circle, Charlotte, and Ashely Marie Sowers, 35, of 607 Glasgow Road, Charlotte. Both were charged with insurance fraud. Sowers was also charged with obtaining property by false pretense. Hammonds was also charged with attempting to obtain property by false pretense.All the charges are felonies.
Special agents with the Department of Insurance's Criminal Investigations Division accuse Sowers of obtaining $889.06 for a rental vehicle after telling N.C. Farm Bureau Mutual Insurance Co. that her vehicle, which was involved in a crash on June 24, was undriveable because its rear bumper became detached and was towed by Hammonds of BMG Towing to an impound lot.
Hammonds is accused of attempting to obtain $6,875 from the insurance company by submitting an invoice which included 35 days of storage at a daily rate of $75. According to arrest warrants, license plate readers revealed that the vehicle was spotted multiple occasions during that time outside the impoundment lot.
In addition, photos indicated that the vehicle's rear bumper appeared to be intact.
According to arrest warrants, law enforcement agencies cited a driver of the vehicle twice during the time the invoice claimed the car was in storage.
Sowers and Hammonds were each released under a $2,500 secured bond.
Commissioner Mike Causey encourages North Carolinians to help keep insurance premiums low by reporting suspicious fraud. "We cannot turn a blind eye to a crime that syphons billions of dollars from taxpayers each year," said Commissioner Causey. "Insurance fraud must be reported to help hold down future rate increases."
If you suspect insurance fraud or other white-collar crimes, please report it. You may anonymously report fraud by calling the N.C. Department of Insurance Criminal Investigations Division at 919-807-6840 or toll free from anywhere in North Carolina at 888-680-7684. Information is also available at www.ncdoi.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdoi.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/25/two-mecklenburg-county-residents-charged-insurance-fraud-scheme
N.C. Commerce Dept.: Governor Stein Announces $53 Million Funding Opportunity for Western North Carolina Workforce Housing
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Aug. 25, 2026:
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Governor Stein Announces $53 Million Funding Opportunity for Western North Carolina Workforce Housing
Renew NC launches Hurricane Helene recovery program to expand affordable homeownership
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Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $53.38 million in federal funding available to develop workforce housing units for homeownership across western North
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 26 -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Aug. 25, 2026:
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Governor Stein Announces $53 Million Funding Opportunity for Western North Carolina Workforce Housing
Renew NC launches Hurricane Helene recovery program to expand affordable homeownership
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Today the North Carolina Department of Commerce's Division of Community Revitalization (DCR) announced a Notice of Funding Opportunity (NOFO) that makes $53.38 million in federal funding available to develop workforce housing units for homeownership across western NorthCarolina.
"This $53 million investment will expand access to affordable housing across western North Carolina as the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene," said Governor Josh Stein. "It's a critical step toward helping our neighbors rebuild in the places they call home."
The Renew NC Workforce Housing for Ownership (WHFO) Program is intended to address an urgent need within HUD-identified Most Impacted and Distressed (MID) counties to provide more opportunities for affordable homeownership. The WHFO Program will fund projects in Ashe, Avery, Buncombe, Burke, Caldwell, Cleveland, Haywood, Henderson, Madison, McDowell, Mitchell, Polk, Rutherford, Transylvania, Watauga, and Yancey counties.
Having additional housing options for the local workforce enables and incentivizes a broader segment of households to remain in western North Carolina as recovery from Hurricane Helene continues. Under WHFO guidelines, "workforce" refers to households earning up to 80% of the area median income.
"Retaining a strong workforce depends on access to affordable housing," said N.C. Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "Through the Workforce Housing for Ownership Program, we will help increase the supply of housing available to working families and foster more resilient local economies as communities recover from Helene."
Eligible applicants include:
* For-profit housing developers
* Non-profit housing developers, including CHDOs and CBDOs
* Community Land Trusts (CLTs)
* Public housing authorities and local units of government
* Joint ventures among eligible entities demonstrating sufficient development capacity and financial oversight
* Other applicant types approved at DCR's discretion that demonstrate the ability to develop, own, or manage affordable housing in compliance with CDBG-DR and WHFO requirements
Proposals will be competitively scored based on applicant capacity, community need, soundness of development approach, leveraged resources, and projected long-term outcomes. Projects will be ranked by score, with awards made to top-ranking proposals subject to threshold compliance, project readiness, and fund availability.
Award amounts will range from $2 million to $5 million per project. Eligible property types must:
* Be designed for for-sale residential use;
* Meet all applicable construction, accessibility, environmental, zoning, broadband, and energy efficiency requirements;
* Qualify as real property under North Carolina law, including being permanently affixed to land and transferable by deed; and
* Exclude manufactured or mobile homes located within any flood zone (including 100-year, 500-year, or non-encroachment areas), as these are ineligible for funding.
All projects must directly support Hurricane Helene recovery efforts and comply with federal HUD regulations.
"By supporting affordable homeownership for our workforce, we are ensuring that the people who serve our mountain towns every single day have safe, high-quality places to call home," said Stephanie McGarrah, Deputy Secretary for Community Revitalization.
The application window opens on August 25, 2026, and closes at 5:00 p.m. on December 13, 2026. To view the complete NOFO, eligibility criteria, scoring details, and application materials, visit commercerecovery.nc.gov. Potential applicants are strongly encouraged to complete an online prescreening prior to submission to evaluate project readiness.
Renew NC is North Carolina's long-term disaster recovery initiative, committed to rebuilding Hurricane Helene-impacted communities stronger and more resilient to future storms. Administered through the NC Department of Commerce Division of Community Revitalization, Renew NC is supported by a $1.4 billion Community Development Block Grant Disaster Recovery (CDBG-DR) grant from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD).
Additional Renew NC Recovery Programs
Currently, Renew NC is accepting applications for the Community Infrastructure Program and the Multi-Family Construction and Repair (MCR) Program: Non-LIHTC. The Infrastructure Program provides competitive grants for projects that improve community hazard resilience, while the MCR Program expands affordable rental options (five or more units) in areas affected by Hurricane Helene.
To learn more or apply, visit commercerecovery.nc.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/25/governor-stein-announces-53-million-funding-opportunity-western-north-carolina-workforce-housing
Minn. Agriculture Dept. Leads Multifaceted Efforts to Slow the Spread of EAB
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 26 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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The MDA Leads Multifaceted Efforts to Slow the Spread of EAB
Over a billion ash trees in Minnesota are at risk
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Minnesotans continue to lead the fight against emerald ash borer (EAB). The invasive insect that tunnels into ash trees causing mortality was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. Since then, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), with state, federal, and local partners, alongside thousands of Minnesotans have worked to manage this invasive pest. Management efforts in
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Aug. 26 -- The Minnesota Department of Agriculture issued the following news:
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The MDA Leads Multifaceted Efforts to Slow the Spread of EAB
Over a billion ash trees in Minnesota are at risk
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Minnesotans continue to lead the fight against emerald ash borer (EAB). The invasive insect that tunnels into ash trees causing mortality was first discovered in Minnesota in 2009. Since then, the Minnesota Department of Agriculture (MDA), with state, federal, and local partners, alongside thousands of Minnesotans have worked to manage this invasive pest. Management efforts inMinnesota are vital, as there are more ash trees here than any other state. The loss of ash trees carries especially serious environmental and economic impacts in Minnesota.
Eliminating EAB is not feasible, instead the goal is to slow the spread. Slowing the spread helps communities avoid the sudden loss of ash trees and gives local governments, landowners, and forest managers more time to plan and respond. The MDA leads a coordinated effort that includes surveying for new infestations, releasing biological control insects that target EAB, and educating the public on ways to avoid moving the pest. Together, these steps are essential to preserving Minnesota's urban and rural forests.
Survey
Early detection is one of the strongest tools to slow the spread of EAB. Surveys are conducted along the leading edge of infestations and on high-risk travel corridors. The Walz-Flanagan Administration places a significant emphasis on minimizing the impact of EAB, allocating essential funds to early detection. With extra grant funds from the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources (DNR) the MDA has been able to conduct over 200 additional early detection surveys in cities across the state leading to numerous new community detections. MDA staff also engage communities in management workshops to boost the number of people looking for EAB. Early detection of EAB in new areas allows communities time to prepare, by removing trees, planning for replacement, and slowing the spread into nearby areas.
EAB biological control
The goal of biological control is to introduce natural enemies of EAB to reduce pest populations. Three species of parasitoid wasps are released in Minnesota to attack EAB. Since 2010, 700,000 wasps have been released at 56 EAB-infested sites across Minnesota. These wasps do not sting people or damage trees; they simply attack EAB. Research on the impact to EAB populations is ongoing, but early results show promise. The long-term goal is for these wasps to establish self-sustaining populations that help keep EAB numbers lower over time, especially in forests where removing thousands of trees is not feasible.
Public education
Humans are actually the number one way that invasive species are spread. This is often due to accidentally transporting the species on other objects, such as firewood. The MDA has made a significant effort to change public behavior to limit the spread of EAB. There are two main ways the public can help -- by not moving firewood and by reporting suspicious insects or signs of EAB infestations to Report a Pest.
Looking ahead
For many years, combined management efforts and environmental conditions have led to EAB spreading slower here than expected. That's no longer the case. Sixty Minnesota counties are now considered EAB-infested, mostly in the central and southern parts of the state. However, in recent years infestations have started to creep north. The increased rate of spread and northern movement is unfortunate but not a surprise given rising winter low temperatures.
Limited research is available on how EAB populations will be affected by cold winters as they continue to spread into northern Minnesota. It is possible that they will spread slower due to colder temperatures. However, even at a slower spread rate, EAB creates significant challenges in northern Minnesota where black ash trees blanket much of the forest. Forest managers have an uphill battle to find ways to use all the inevitable ash waste as well as make plans for replacement species.
Although EAB has proven to be a pest of significant concern and poses many challenges in Minnesota, the experts at the MDA, University of Minnesota, DNR, U.S. Department of Agriculture, other partner agencies, organizations, and diligent members of the public have done a lot of successful work to slow the spread. Through continued hard work and scientific research, management efforts can improve and mitigate some of the economic and environmental harm to Minnesota forests.
More information
Listen to the Minnesota Department of Agriculture's latest episode of Smarty Plants for an in-depth discussion of EAB in Minnesota over the last 17 years.
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Original text here: https://www.mda.state.mn.us/mda-leads-multifaceted-efforts-slow-spread-eab
MDEQ Recognizes 2026 EnHance Members
JACKSON, Mississippi, Aug. 26 -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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MDEQ Recognizes 2026 enHance Members
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is recognizing 10 organizations from across the state as members of its 2026 enHance Environmental Stewardship Program. enHance is a voluntary stewardship program that recognizes committed environmental leaders who accomplish goals beyond the standard regulatory requirements.
The enHance Class of 2026 has nine renewing members and one new member (see attached enHance member summaries),
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JACKSON, Mississippi, Aug. 26 -- The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality issued the following news release:
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MDEQ Recognizes 2026 enHance Members
The Mississippi Department of Environmental Quality is recognizing 10 organizations from across the state as members of its 2026 enHance Environmental Stewardship Program. enHance is a voluntary stewardship program that recognizes committed environmental leaders who accomplish goals beyond the standard regulatory requirements.
The enHance Class of 2026 has nine renewing members and one new member (see attached enHance member summaries),including: The University of Mississippi (University), PACCAR Engine Company (Columbus), Advanced Distributer Products LLC (Grenada), Eaton Aerospace LLC (Jackson), Nissan North America Inc., Canton Manufacturing Facility (Canton), Rankin County School District (Brandon), Ridgeland, City of (Ridgeland), The Goodyear Tire and Rubber Company (Tupelo), Toyota Motor Manufacturing Mississippi, Inc. (Blue Springs), US Navy, Naval Construction Battalion Center (Gulfport).
"MDEQ through it's enHance program builds partnerships with businesses, organizations and communities that are going beyond regulatory requirements to make a meaningful difference," said Chris Wells, MDEQ Executive Director. "The accomplishments of our enHance members demonstrate how thoughtful environmental stewardship can reduce waste, prevent pollution and advance sustainability across Mississippi. We are proud to recognize their commitment, innovation and continued efforts to achieve meaningful environmental improvements throughout our state."
Since 2009, enHance members have implemented projects that have produced the following impressive results:
* The elimination of over 2.4 million pounds of hazardous waste
* The reduction, reuse or recycling of over 1.6 million tons of solid waste
* The conservation of more than 374 million gallons of water
* The reduction of more than 6 billion kilowatt hours of annual energy use and over 21
million MMBTUs of total annual energy savings
* The reduction of over 7 million tons in total air emissions, the equivalent of a reduction of CO2 of almost 9 million metric tons
* Total costs savings of almost $12 million
The enHance program is open to manufacturers, local governments, institutions and other eligible organizations. Applications for the enHance Class of 2027 will be accepted through Nov. 30, 2026. To learn more or apply, visit enhance.ms.
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Original text here: https://www.mdeq.ms.gov/mdeq-recognizes-2026-enhance-members/
Hawaii State Education Dept.: New School Year Brings More Choices, New Menu Items for Hawai'i Public School Students
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 26 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news:
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New school year brings more choices, new menu items for Hawai'i public school students
As Hawaii public schools welcome students back, school cafeterias are offering more choices at mealtime, including new breakfast and lunch options featuring local ingredients and flavors.
This school year, students statewide will have two lunch entree choices -- one featuring an animal protein and one vegetarian option. While some schools offered multiple entree choices last year, the expanded selection
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 26 -- The Hawaii State Department of Education issued the following news:
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New school year brings more choices, new menu items for Hawai'i public school students
As Hawaii public schools welcome students back, school cafeterias are offering more choices at mealtime, including new breakfast and lunch options featuring local ingredients and flavors.
This school year, students statewide will have two lunch entree choices -- one featuring an animal protein and one vegetarian option. While some schools offered multiple entree choices last year, the expanded selectionwill now be available statewide.
"This year, we have two entree choices at lunch, so students can choose what they'd like to eat And that's really important so that we're reaching as many students as possible and giving them the learning experience about different kinds of foods," said Anneliese Tanner, school food services administrator for the Hawaii State Department of Education. "That way, if our students don't like one item, they have another choice and can always find something to eat."
The Department also is introducing new dishes and expanding the regular menu as part of its ongoing effort to incorporate more Hawaii-grown ingredients and locally inspired flavors into school meals. In partnership with Kapiolani Community College's Culinary Institute of the Pacific and the Culinary Institute of America, the Department has been redeveloping menu offerings with a focus on local ingredients and student preferences.
New and expanded menu offerings this school year include:
Breakfast:
* Uala swirl bun
* Aina breakfast hash
* Banana pancake with haupia sauce
Lunch:
* Loco moco with ulu gravy
* Chicken papaya soup
* Island chicken wrap
* Honey ginger chicken or tofu
* Aina pizza
* Tofu salad
* Ramen salad
* Local rainbow salad
* Local bok choy as a side
The Department will also continue offering poi as a regular statewide menu item, following its expansion into school meals last school year. Other dishes that were introduced as special monthly offerings, including rainbow salad and chicken papaya soup, will also become part of the regular menu rotation.
Students have helped shape the new offerings by tasting dishes and providing feedback during the menu redevelopment process. Culinary teams used their input to refine recipes, and select dishes were piloted over the summer ahead of their statewide introduction.
At Kalihi Waena Elementary, students were among those who got an early taste of the new uala swirl bun, made with local sweet potato.
"It was very delicious, and I would like to try it again," said fifth-grader Zyrah Batara.
Her classmate Troy Paleafei also enjoyed the new breakfast offering. "It has one of the best buns ever with the white sauce and with the sweet potato," he said.
For fifth-grader Naylast Suda, the uala swirl bun was an exciting new item to try. "It was good and it was my first time trying that," Suda said. "When I tasted it, it was so good because I love trying new things."
The expanded menu builds on the Department's efforts to increase local purchasing and introduce students to foods that reflect Hawaii's culture and agriculture.
Current Hawaii-grown ingredients featured in school meals include papaya, oranges, pumpkin, pineapple, banana, breadfruit, green onions, bok choy, cucumber, lettuce, sweet potato and taro.
"We're working with a variety of vendors, with small farms and big farms, so that we can bring as much local produce and local products to our students as possible," Tanner said.
The Department is also working to regionalize some purchases, including sourcing local beef for school meals from farms on the same island as the schools they serve.
The new school year also brings expanded access to free school meals. More students from ALICE (Asset Limited, Income Constrained, Employed) families will qualify for free meals, helping ensure more Hawaii public school students have access to breakfast and lunch during the school day.
Hawaii's public schools serve more than 100,000 meals each day, making the Department of Education one of the state's largest food purchasers. Through expanded partnerships with local farmers and vendors, the Department continues to increase the amount of Hawaii-grown food served in school cafeterias.
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Original text here: https://hawaiipublicschools.org/2026-new-school-year-brings-more-choices-new-menu-items/
Gov. Evers, DHS Release Statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 26 -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued the following news release:
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Gov. Evers, DHS Release Statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan
Outlines five priority areas for public health agencies and partners to reduce injury and violence
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Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan today, outlining five areas for reducing injuries, experiences of violence, and violent deaths in Wisconsin. The plan marks the first statewide injury and violence prevention
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, Aug. 26 -- The Wisconsin Department of Health Services issued the following news release:
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Gov. Evers, DHS Release Statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan
Outlines five priority areas for public health agencies and partners to reduce injury and violence
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Gov. Evers and the Wisconsin Department of Health Services (DHS) launched a statewide Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan today, outlining five areas for reducing injuries, experiences of violence, and violent deaths in Wisconsin. The plan marks the first statewide injury and violence preventionplan in over a decade and was developed alongside state partners and focus groups.
"There's always more work we can do to reduce crime and violence and help make kids, families, and communities across Wisconsin safer," said Gov. Evers. "For the first time in over ten years, we have a plan that represents the shared vision for injury and violence prevention in Wisconsin and provides a roadmap to continue this important work over the next five years."
The Wisconsin Injury and Violence Prevention Strategic Plan focuses on five topics of highest priority to Wisconsinites:
1. Child maltreatment and abuse
2. Intimate partner assault
3. Intentional firearm injuries
4. Unintentional drug overdoses
5. Self-harm and suicide
The plan comes at a time when Wisconsin has seen a decline in violent deaths, driven mainly by decreases in homicides. Since 2022, Wisconsin has experienced a 19% decrease in homicides overall, with a 25% decline in firearm homicides, mirroring trends at the national level. For the first time since 2018, overall firearm deaths in Wisconsin decreased in 2023 and 2024. During that time, Wisconsin experienced an 11% decrease in overall firearm deaths, compared to an 8% decline nationwide.
"In public health, a core piece of what we do is bring together partners from across the state to develop solutions and advance work which will continually improve health and well-being in every corner of Wisconsin," said DHS Secretary Kirsten Johnson. "This comprehensive plan aligns with the incredible work going on in communities across the state."
Intimate partner violence remains a major driver in homicides of women in Wisconsin. In 2023, intimate partner violence was a contributing factor in at least 49% of homicide deaths of women in our state.
Under the Evers' Administration, Wisconsin has made significant investments in injury and violence prevention, including establishing a statewide Office of Violence Prevention in the Department of Administration, hiring the office's first director, and launching a violence prevention grant program that has awarded $15 million in funding through 73 grants to school districts, law enforcement agencies, nonprofits, firearms dealers, and government agencies across Wisconsin. Earlier this year, Gov. Evers also announced a partnership with the Milwaukee Bucks to raise awareness and prevent domestic violence across Wisconsin.
"Every day, organizations and individuals work to protect against hazards that cause injury, harm, or death. This plan, alongside the work of schools, law enforcement, nonprofits, and more is one part of the broad, coordinated work to keep our communities safer," said Paula Tran, state health officer and administrator of the Division of Public Health. "This unique opportunity brings our partners together to collaborate and explore new ways to address complicated issues, and we are excited by its potential to shape a safer Wisconsin for all of us."
View the full strategic plan (PDF)
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Original text here: https://www.dhs.wisconsin.gov/news/releases/082526.htm
