Featured Stories
Minnesota DNR Accepting Comments on Environmental Documents for Skandia WMA Restoration Project
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 1 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Minnesota DNR accepting comments on environmental documents for Skandia WMA restoration project
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments until July 29 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposal to restore a channelized stream and create and restore wetland habitat within the Skandia Wildlife Management Area in Murray County. The channel within this segment of the WMA was historically straightened (channelized) to accommodate agricultural
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 1 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Minnesota DNR accepting comments on environmental documents for Skandia WMA restoration project
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources is accepting comments until July 29 on an Environmental Assessment Worksheet for a proposal to restore a channelized stream and create and restore wetland habitat within the Skandia Wildlife Management Area in Murray County. The channel within this segment of the WMA was historically straightened (channelized) to accommodate agriculturalactivities. The proposed project would restore stream meandering to improve water quality, habitat and floodplain connectivity.
The EAW was published in the June 30 edition of the EQB Monitor. A 30-day public review and comment period will be open through 4:30 p.m. Wednesday, July 29.
A copy of the EAW is available on the project page of the DNR website.
A hard copy of the EAW can be requested by calling 651-259-5101 and is available for public review at two libraries:
* DNR Library, 500 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155
* Balaton Public Library, 134 3rd St., Balaton, MN 56115
Comments can be submitted:
* Online at public comments for Skandia WMA restoration EAW
* By mail to Skandia EAW project manager, Environmental Review Unit, Ecological and Water Resources Division, Minnesota Department of Natural Resources, 500 Lafayette Road N., St. Paul, MN 55155.
Anyone who provides a mailing address or submits online comments will receive a copy of the subsequent decision document, which will include responses to comments. Because all comments and related information are part of the public record for this environmental review, commenters' names as well as email or postal addresses will be published and publicly available as they appear in the materials commenters submit.
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/06/30/minnesota-dnr-accepting-comments-environmental-documents-skandia-wma-restoration-project
Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Highlights Community Revitalization, Affordable Housing Creation During Day Trips: Community Connections Visit to Howard County
LANHAM, Maryland, July 1 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Highlights Community Revitalization, Affordable Housing Creation During Day Trips: Community Connections Visit to Howard County
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today met with Howard County leaders to discuss community preservation and affordable housing creation and highlighted investments in Ellicott City as part of the Department's
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LANHAM, Maryland, July 1 -- The Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Highlights Community Revitalization, Affordable Housing Creation During Day Trips: Community Connections Visit to Howard County
ELLICOTT CITY, Md. - Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development Secretary Jake Day today met with Howard County leaders to discuss community preservation and affordable housing creation and highlighted investments in Ellicott City as part of the Department'songoing county tour series.
The visit to Howard County on Tuesday was the latest in the Department's Day Trips: Community Connections series, the next iteration in its broader Day Trips initiative that started in 2023. This new phase, which began this spring, is designed to engage key community and civic partners closest to the work in housing, community revitalization, homeless solutions, business development, and more.
"Strong communities are built by listening, learning, and leading together," said Secretary Jake Day. "Our visit to Ellicott City renewed our strong ties with Howard County - a leader on housing and economic growth - and celebrated the impact of state investment firsthand as we create new opportunities for Marylanders to live and prosper in affordable, lovable, and just communities."
Secretary Day and Department staff held community roundtables at the Capitoline Center in Ellicott City with local government officials, non-profit leaders and community advocates focused on neighborhood revitalization and ways to create more affordable housing in Howard County. Key goals of these roundtable discussions included:
* Assessing the role of the Department and specifically, its Division of Neighborhood Revitalization, in assisting Howard County's preservation community with current projects and activities
* Evaluating the support provided by the State of Maryland, specifically the Department of Housing and Community Development, as well as exploring how the State can help with local reforms involving environmental regulations and other policies related to housing creation.
The visit closed with a tour of the Capitoline Center, formerly the Historic Ellicott City Courthouse building. The center now serves as a hub for tourism, economic support, and community gathering, while acknowledging the diverse heritage of Ellicott City.
Following the tour, Secretary Day presented a ceremonial check for $1.1 million to Howard County Executive Calvin Ball, representing two Fiscal Year 2027 State Revitalization Program awards supporting revitalization efforts in the area of the Capitoline Center. The two awards provided:
* $600,000 in Strategic Demolition funds to the Howard County Department of Planning and Zoning for the Court Avenue/Court Place placemaking project to create public green space adjacent to the future Center for Arts, Culture and History to include demolition of a vacant building and removal of impervious surfaces, and
* $500,000 in Strategic Demolition funds to the Society for the Preservation of Maryland Antiquities for the Historic Ellicott City Jail - Phase III to transform the vacant 19th century jail into a vibrant, publicly accessible community anchor in the Ellicott City National Historic District.
The awards are part of the Department's $77.3 million statewide community investment through the Fiscal Year 2027 State Revitalization Programs awards, announced on June 1.
"Howard County's historic courthouse and historic jail sit at the top of Capitoline Hill in Ellicott City, in the heart of one of Maryland's most cherished historic districts. While these buildings served as the seat of justice for nearly two centuries, we are taking bold action to revitalize them for generations to come," said Howard County Executive Calvin Ball. "I want to thank Secretary Jake Day and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for their continued investments in our historic districts, innovative policy solutions, and expanded housing opportunities. With these transformative grants, we are taking the next step forward as something new and exciting comes to our historic district."
Here's what community partners had to say about today's visit.
"We are watching high costs, low availability, and government limits, like a slow-moving tidal wave, engulf everyone who wants a home and everyone who is part of the community that builds homes. The Howard County Housing Commission is excited to partner with Secretary Day and Maryland DHCD to create more homes and bring down the cost of both owning and renting. By joining together with the County and homebuilders, we will be able to make space in Howard County for the new family that wants to buy, the senior that wants to rent, and everyone in between." - Peter Engel, Executive Director, Howard County Housing Commission
"Access to affordable housing creates opportunity. It allows children to succeed in school, families to achieve financial stability, and communities to thrive. Building more housing is only part of the solution. Families also need to be able to afford to live in those homes. We are grateful to Secretary Day and the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development for bringing partners together to have this important conversation. By working together, we can expand access to affordable housing and help more Maryland families build a stable future." - Tracy Broccolino, President of the Community Action Council of Howard County
"Strong neighborhoods are built through strong partnerships. Revitalization is most successful when state agencies, local governments, nonprofits, and community leaders come together around a shared vision. We're grateful to collaborate with the Maryland Department of Housing and Community Development and our local partners to strengthen communities, preserve the places that make those communities great, and create opportunities for residents today and in the future." - Laura Houston, Director of Revitalization Initiatives, Preservation Maryland
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/dhcd/2026/06/30/maryland-department-of-housing-and-community-development-highlights-community-revitalization-affordable-housing-creation-during-day-trips-community-connections-visit-to-howard-county/
Maine A.G. Frey Issues Statement on Supreme Court's Ruling on West Virginia vs. B.P.J.
AUGUSTA, Maine, July 1 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on West Virginia vs. B.P.J:
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Statement of Attorney General Aaron M. Frey on the Supreme Court's ruling on West Virginia v. B.P.J.
"Today's ruling, while predictable, is yet another disturbing affront to personal liberties by providing states with a license to discriminate.
The Court was clear that this decision had no bearing with respect to a state's choice to include transgender athletes and as such, will not implicate the Department of Justice's case against Maine.
We
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AUGUSTA, Maine, July 1 -- Maine Attorney General Aaron Frey issued the following statement on the U.S. Supreme Court ruling on West Virginia vs. B.P.J:
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Statement of Attorney General Aaron M. Frey on the Supreme Court's ruling on West Virginia v. B.P.J.
"Today's ruling, while predictable, is yet another disturbing affront to personal liberties by providing states with a license to discriminate.
The Court was clear that this decision had no bearing with respect to a state's choice to include transgender athletes and as such, will not implicate the Department of Justice's case against Maine.
Wewill continue to defend Maine's law."
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Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/ag/news-and-library/press-releases/statement-attorney-general-aaron-m-frey-supreme-courts-ruling-west
HAWAII A.G. DEPT. SECURES 53 MILLION EGGS AND $3.3 MILLION IN NATIONWIDE EGG PRICE-FIXING SETTLEMENT
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 1 --The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SECURES 53 MILLION EGGS AND $3.3 MILLION IN NATIONWIDE EGG PRICE-FIXING SETTLEMENT
Investigation Revealed Illegal Scheme by Nation's Largest Egg Producers to Manipulate Prices and Increase Costs for Consumers and Businesses
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Attorney General Anne Lopez today secured 53 million eggs for consumers nationwide and $3.3 million from some of the nation's largest egg producers for colluding behind the scenes to raise prices. A bipartisan
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 1 --The Hawaii Department of the Attorney General issued the following news release on June 29, 2026:
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DEPARTMENT OF THE ATTORNEY GENERAL SECURES 53 MILLION EGGS AND $3.3 MILLION IN NATIONWIDE EGG PRICE-FIXING SETTLEMENT
Investigation Revealed Illegal Scheme by Nation's Largest Egg Producers to Manipulate Prices and Increase Costs for Consumers and Businesses
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Attorney General Anne Lopez today secured 53 million eggs for consumers nationwide and $3.3 million from some of the nation's largest egg producers for colluding behind the scenes to raise prices. A bipartisanmultistate investigation conducted in partnership with the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) revealed that CalMaine Foods (Cal-Maine), Versova/Centrum (Versova), and Hickman's Egg Ranch (Hickman's) illegally coordinated for years to influence a daily price index for eggs, which artificially increased prices for retailers and consumers throughout the country. Of the 53 million eggs obtained through the settlement, the exact number of eggs to be distributed to Hawaii is still under review by the producers due to distribution logistics. Hawaii could receive approximately 1 million eggs, to be delivered directly to food banks serving Hawaii.
Attorney General Lopez and the coalition's investigation found that from approximately June 2022 to March 2025, the egg producers secretly communicated with each other to coordinate their bidding activity and influence the daily egg price quotes published by Urner Barry, a benchmark pricing service widely used in egg supply contracts. For example, in December 2022, Hickman's CEO emailed Versova and Cal-Maine executives urging them to submit "strong bids, early and often" to push prices higher. All three companies then submitted dozens of bids at higher prices, which led to Urner Barry increasing its price quotes. By manipulating the Urner Barry benchmark, the companies artificially inflated the price of eggs paid by retailers and consumers across the nation.
"When companies illegally manipulate prices, Hawaii families pay the price at the checkout counter," said Attorney General Lopez. "This settlement holds these producers accountable and helps ensure that essential food items remain accessible to families and communities in Hawaii and across the nation."
Under the settlement, all three companies must end their illegal coordination to manipulate prices, adopt compliance measures to prevent future violations, and fully cooperate with oversight by the states. The companies must designate antitrust compliance officers to monitor for violations of the settlement and report violations to the states and DOJ. The 53 million donated eggs will be provided at the companies' expense to food banks and nonprofit organizations across the participating states and must meet all food safety and regulatory standards. The companies will also pay a combined $3.3 million to the states.
Joining Attorney General Lopez and the DOJ in securing this settlement are the attorneys general of Arizona, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Iowa, Maryland, Minnesota, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, Vermont and Wisconsin.
The stipulation and order for each company can be viewed here: Cal-Maine, Versova, Hickman's Egg Ranch Inc.
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Original text here: https://ag.hawaii.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/06/News-Release-2026-37.pdf
Del. Gov. Meyer Signs FY2027 Budget Investing in Education, Affordability, and Opportunity
DOVER, Delaware, July 1 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Gov. Meyer Signs FY2027 Budget Investing in Education, Affordability, and Opportunity
Governor Matt Meyer today signed Delaware's Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, approving a plan that invests in public education, affordable housing, healthcare and the state workforce while lowering costs and expanding opportunity for Delaware families.
The FY2027 budget reflects the administration's priorities of investing in children, making Delaware more affordable, expanding access to housing
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DOVER, Delaware, July 1 -- Gov. Matt Meyer, D-Delaware, issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Gov. Meyer Signs FY2027 Budget Investing in Education, Affordability, and Opportunity
Governor Matt Meyer today signed Delaware's Fiscal Year 2027 operating budget, approving a plan that invests in public education, affordable housing, healthcare and the state workforce while lowering costs and expanding opportunity for Delaware families.
The FY2027 budget reflects the administration's priorities of investing in children, making Delaware more affordable, expanding access to housingand strengthening the state's economy. Developed in partnership with the General Assembly, the budget includes major investments in education, childcare, healthcare, housing, and the public workforce.
"Here in Delaware, we value our children's future, our workers, our healthcare, attainable housing, affordability, and opportunity," said Governor Meyer. "A budget is more than dollars and cents; it's a statement of our values. Together with the General Assembly, we've delivered a budget that helps make Delaware more affordable today while building a stronger future for tomorrow."
"Our budget is the culmination of months of hard work -- thousands of hours -- on the part of the members of the Joint Finance Committee and the many dedicated staff members who support our work," said Sen. Trey Paradee, chair of the Joint Finance Committee. "I want to thank Governor Matt Meyer for presenting us with a fantastic recommended budget earlier this year, giving us a great jumping off point. I also want to give my profound thanks to our Controller General Ruth Ann Miller, whose leadership and fortitude often goes unacknowledged. We thank her and her entire team for being such stalwart shepherds of our precious state resources."
"I am proud of the work that went into crafting this bill because it reflects both our values and our responsibility to be fiscally responsible. We have developed a budget that supports communities throughout Delaware while preserving strong reserve funds, reducing vacancies, and identifying cost savings to ensure long-term financial stability," said Rep. Kim Williams, co-chair of the Joint Finance Committee. "At the same time, we are making strong investments in public education, healthcare, state employees, retirees, and working families. From restoring Division II funding and advancing the Public Education Funding Commission's recommendations to increasing support for Direct Support Professionals and Purchase of Care, this budget makes strategic investments that will strengthen Delaware today and position us for success tomorrow."
The budget makes a historic investment of nearly $200 million in public education, strengthening classrooms while continuing Delaware's long-term commitment to modernizing its public school funding system so every child has the opportunity to succeed, regardless of where they live.
To help working families, the budget expands eligibility for the Purchase of Care program, allowing approximately 10% more children to access affordable childcare while providing additional support for childcare providers across Delaware.
The budget also strengthens Delaware's healthcare system by expanding access to care, increasing support for seniors and providing pay increases for direct care professionals serving Delawareans with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
The budget continues the administration's efforts to address housing affordability and investing in homelessness prevention. This budget builds upon the Governor's commitment to affordable housing, making this the largest housing investment by any Delaware administration in its first 17 months in office.
The FY2027 budget invests more than $150 million in Delaware's workforce, including a 3% pay increase for state employees and public education employees. Those investments support the teachers, first responders, transportation workers, and other public servants who deliver essential services in communities across the state.
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Original text here: https://news.delaware.gov/2026/06/30/gov-meyer-signs-fy2027-budget-investing-in-education-affordability-and-opportunity/
Commerce Awards CSP Tax Credits to 24 Kansas Non-Profit Organizations
TOPEKA, Kansas, July 1 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Commerce Awards CSP Tax Credits to 24 Kansas Non-Profit Organizations
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits to support significant fundraising efforts for 24 non-profit organizations across Kansas.
"Non-profit organizations throughout the state are doing the necessary work to tackle our communities' most pressing needs," Lieutenant Governor
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TOPEKA, Kansas, July 1 -- The Kansas Department of Commerce issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Commerce Awards CSP Tax Credits to 24 Kansas Non-Profit Organizations
Lieutenant Governor and Secretary of Commerce David Toland today announced that the Department of Commerce has awarded $4.13 million in Community Service Program (CSP) Tax Credits to support significant fundraising efforts for 24 non-profit organizations across Kansas.
"Non-profit organizations throughout the state are doing the necessary work to tackle our communities' most pressing needs," Lieutenant Governorand Secretary of Commerce David Toland said. "Through CSP Tax Credits, Commerce partners with these organizations -- and the donors that support them -- to fund projects that make a real, lasting difference for Kansas families."
The Community Service Tax Credit Program provides an opportunity for non-profit organizations and public health entities to improve their ability to undertake major capital campaigns involving community service, non-governmental crime prevention, youth apprenticeship and technical training, and healthcare services.
Under the program, the state authorizes nonprofit organizations to offer tax credits to donors who make contributions toward approved projects. Organizations in rural areas with populations less than 15,000 can receive a 70% credit, while communities with more than 15,000 population can receive a 50% credit.
"It's important that non-profit organizations in Kansas feel that they can grow and succeed here -- because they are part of our goal of ensuring our communities prosper and thrive," Assistant Secretary of Quality Places Matt Godinez said. "Through programs like CSP Tax Credits, we're able to assist the organizations who keep our communities and residents healthy, smart and safe."
Highlights from the latest round of funding include:
* Cedars, Inc., McPherson: Renovating to add 28 healthcare rooms across two homes, creating capacity to serve up to 66 seniors who require supportive healthcare services.
* Discover Mitchell County, Beloit: Building a childcare facility to provide care for young children between the ages of 0-5, and after-school care for kids up to 10 years old. The center will provide a place for 71 children.
* Elk County Preservation Society (ECPS), Howard: Creating a multi-use community space in the vacant Howard National Bank building, adding a community workspace, open space for pop-up retail and community meeting space.
* Heartland Community Foundation, WaKeeney: Restoring the former Kelly Theatre site into an open-air, multi-use community space, adding public restrooms for festivals and events held in the downtown area.
Community Service Program Tax Credits have been issued in Kansas since 1994. Program funds are one of many tools provided by Commerce that support nonprofits.
To view the complete list of 2026 awardees and their projects, click here (https://www.kansascommerce.gov/program/community-programs/csp/).
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Original text here: https://www.kansascommerce.gov/2026/06/commerce-awards-csp-tax-credits-to-24-kansas-non-profit-organizations/
Ark. Agriculture Dept.: Governor Sanders Names State Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Fidler to Lead Animal Health Division
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, July 1 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Governor Sanders Names State Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Fidler to Lead Animal Health Division
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Dr. Andrew Fidler will serve as Animal Health Director and State Veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025.
"Today's announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, and
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LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, July 1 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release on June 30, 2026:
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Governor Sanders Names State Veterinarian Dr. Andrew Fidler to Lead Animal Health Division
Governor Sarah Huckabee Sanders today announced that Dr. Andrew Fidler will serve as Animal Health Director and State Veterinarian within the Arkansas Department of Agriculture. Dr. Fidler has served as the State Veterinarian since October 2025.
"Today's announcement by Governor Sanders reflects our efforts to professionalize animal health services, reduce bureaucracy, andplace veterinary expertise at the center of animal health decision-making," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "Dr. Fidler's expertise will help us better serve producers, streamline processes, improve coordination, and protect Arkansas's animal agriculture sector which accounts for nearly 58 percent of all agricultural cash receipts in the state."
"The strength of Arkansas agriculture depends on the health and resilience of our livestock and poultry sectors," said Dr. Fidler. "I look forward to leading our top-notch staff in supporting resilient animal health systems and the animal industries that promote food security, economic prosperity, and public health for Arkansans and our partners."
As Director of Animal Health and State Veterinarian, Dr. Fidler will assist the Department in fulfilling its mission to safeguard human and animal health, assure food safety and quality, and promote Arkansas' livestock and poultry industries for the benefit of the state's citizens. He will work closely with producers, licensed veterinarians, and the public on animal health issues and disease prevention programs.
Dr. Fidler brings more than 15 years of experience in veterinary medicine, academia, and regulatory science. Prior to joining the Department, he served as Director of Pre-Clinical Sciences at the University of Arkansas Institute for Integrative and Innovative Research, advancing Health Tech and Food Tech innovation in partnership with academic and industry collaborators. He also spent seven years with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's Center for Veterinary Medicine, specializing in animal biotechnology and veterinary drug development.
Earlier in his career, Dr. Fidler held academic appointments at North Carolina State University and the University of Arkansas, and served in a leadership role with Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. He is a Diplomate (emeritus) of the American Board of Veterinary Practitioners in Dairy Practice, and holds degrees from Cornell University, the University of Tennessee, and North Carolina State University.
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Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/governor-sanders-names-state-veterinarian-dr-andrew-fidler-to-lead-animal-health-division/
