Featured Stories
Minn. Natural Resources Dept. Seeks Public Input on Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 28 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Minnesota DNR seeks public input on Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Leech Lake fisheries management to share their thoughts on a draft update of the fisheries management plan for the lake.
The Minnesota DNR last updated the Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan in 2021, and in the new plan, the agency is aiming to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the lake should be managed.
"We've
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 28 -- The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Minnesota DNR seeks public input on Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan
The Minnesota Department of Natural Resources invites people interested in Leech Lake fisheries management to share their thoughts on a draft update of the fisheries management plan for the lake.
The Minnesota DNR last updated the Leech Lake Fisheries Management Plan in 2021, and in the new plan, the agency is aiming to reflect current public values and attitudes about how the lake should be managed.
"We'vebuilt upon the successes of the previous plan by providing updates and recommendations on proposed goals, objectives, and actions aimed at preserving a quality fishery in Leech Lake," said Wade Massure, Minnesota DNR Walker area fisheries supervisor. "In the updated plan, we're looking to continue that success with a focus on balancing predator-prey relationships in the lake and expanding primary and secondary management species."
Balancing predator-prey relationships means maintaining adult walleye abundance at sustainable levels relative to the perch population, which is achieved through refinements in objectives and operational protocols. Expanding primary and secondary management species involves adding and refining objectives for muskellunge, northern pike, sunfish and crappie.
The updated master plan will be used to guide the management of Leech Lake fish populations. It will include management goals, objectives and actions for the lake for the next 10 years. If necessary, the updated plan will be evaluated and revised five years after adoption.
Review and comment on the plan
The public can obtain a digital copy of the draft update on the Minnesota DNR Leech Lake management webpage. Comments on the draft plan may be provided by:
* Using the online form on the Leech Lake management webpage.
* Emailing [email protected].
* Calling Walker area fisheries staff at 218-552-2330.
* Mailing comments to 07316 State 371 NW, Walker, Minnesota 56484.
The Minnesota DNR is accepting comments on the draft plan beginning today, until 11:59 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 20.
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About the lake
Leech Lake is a 112,000-acre lake and is the third largest lake located entirely within Minnesota. Leech Lake provides world-class angling opportunities year-round for walleye, yellow perch, muskellunge, northern pike, panfish, largemouth bass, smallmouth bass, among other popular species. Intensive monitoring of the fish populations occurs on an annual basis due to the popularity of this resource.
More information about Leech Lake is available on the Minnesota DNR website (https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/leechlake/index.html).
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Original text here: https://www.dnr.state.mn.us/news/2026/07/27/minnesota-dnr-seeks-public-input-leech-lake-fisheries-management-plan
California Celebrates Five Years Helping Students and Families Plan for School and Career Through Cradle-to-Career
SACRAMENTO, California, July 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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California celebrates five years helping students and families plan for school and career through Cradle-to-Career
What you need to know: Five years after it was established under the Newsom Administration, California's Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System is helping students, families, educators, and policymakers better understand the path from school to career. By securely connecting information across education, financial aid, workforce training, and employment, C2C
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SACRAMENTO, California, July 28 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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California celebrates five years helping students and families plan for school and career through Cradle-to-Career
What you need to know: Five years after it was established under the Newsom Administration, California's Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System is helping students, families, educators, and policymakers better understand the path from school to career. By securely connecting information across education, financial aid, workforce training, and employment, C2Cgives Californians better tools to make informed decisions about their futures, while helping the state strengthen its workforce and economy.
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Governor Gavin Newsom today celebrated the five-year anniversary of California's Cradle-to-Career (C2C) Data System, a first-in-the-nation initiative established under his administration to better connect education, workforce training, and employment.
Since its creation in 2021, C2C has become a cornerstone of the Governor's effort to strengthen California's education-to-workforce pipeline - giving students and families better information to plan for the future, while helping educators and state leaders identify ways to expand opportunity and prepare the workforce California needs.
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"Five years ago, we set out to better connect education with opportunity. Today, California's Cradle-to-Career Data System is helping students and families make informed decisions about school and careers, while giving us better tools to strengthen our workforce. This is about making opportunity more transparent, more equitable, and more accessible for every Californian."
- Governor Gavin Newsom
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Since taking office, Governor Newsom has made expanding educational opportunity, increasing college affordability, strengthening career education, and preparing Californians for good-paying jobs central priorities of his administration. This effort supports Governor Newsom's Executive Order N-30-25, which directs state departments to build a more efficient, effective, and engaged government.
"The Cradle-to-Career team has done incredible work over the last five years," said Government Operations Agency Secretary Nick Maduros. "Through their efforts, we're finally able to use state data to answer questions that were previously unknowable. Along the way, they've also helped connect California students to millions of dollars in additional aid. And they're just getting started."
"Five years ago, California committed to a bold vision of putting data insights into the hands of people across the state. We worked hard to connect information that was previously locked in silos. Now the information shows a connected picture: from TK through higher education, and from workforce training to jobs and opportunity," said Cradle-to-Career Executive Director Mary Ann Bates. "We committed to listen first, then build. Every data tool we have built relied on ideas from people across the state. And that's our vision for the next phase of C2C: A data system built by and for Californians."
Helping students access millions in available financial aid
Working with the ScholarShare Investment Board and the California Community Colleges Chancellor's Office, C2C identified 40,000 community college students eligible for more than $20 million in unclaimed scholarship funds.
Local colleges can now use that information to reach students directly and help them claim financial aid that can make college more affordable.
From separate systems to one connected one
Before C2C, information about education, financial aid, workforce training, and employment lived in separate state systems. Today, that information is securely connected, making it easier to answer questions that matter to students and families, including:
* How do students transition into and through higher education?
* Who enrolls in college? What types of degrees do students earn?
* How long does it take students to graduate?
* How much do working students earn while enrolled in college?
* What do graduates earn once they enter the workforce?
A first-of-its-kind Student Pathways Dashboard
In 2025, C2C launched the Student Pathways Dashboard, giving students, families, counselors, and educators access to information that helps answer real-life questions about college and careers.
Since launch, Californians have visited the dashboard to explore:
* College enrollment and completion
* Time to earn a degree
* Student earnings while enrolled
* Earnings after graduation
* Different pathways from education to employment
Built by and for Californians
C2C was designed alongside students, families, educators, researchers, and community organizations. From its logo to its public dashboards and engagement strategy, Californians helped shape the system to ensure it reflects the needs of the people who use it.
Largest expansion plan of data system set in motion
C2C is now expanding through partnerships with the California Workforce Development Board, Employment Training Panel, and Employment Development Department.
By adding more workforce and training information, the system will help California better understand how people move between education, training, and employment, giving state leaders stronger tools to improve workforce programs and meet the state's economic needs.
What's ahead
C2C's new strategic plan continues the Newsom Administration's commitment to strengthening California's education-to-workforce pipeline.
In the coming years, the system will:
* Launch new dashboards that follow students transferring from community colleges to four-year universities.
* Provide new insights into California's teacher workforce.
* Expand secure access for researchers.
* Show which education and training pathways lead to jobs and long-term opportunity.
Together, these efforts will give students, families, educators, researchers, policymakers, and communities better information to make decisions that strengthen California's future and ensure the state's workforce remains competitive.
The Cradle-to-Career Data System is California's official source of linked statewide information on how education and employment shape opportunity and well-being. It connects information across early education, TK-12 schools, higher education, financial aid, workforce training, and employment to help Californians make informed decisions and help the state build stronger pathways to opportunity. Learn more at c2c.ca.gov.
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Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/07/27/california-celebrates-five-years-helping-students-and-families-plan-for-school-and-career-through-cradle-to-career/
Ariz. DOT Joins Nationwide Campaign to Prevent Bridge Strikes
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 28 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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ADOT joins nationwide campaign to prevent bridge strikes
'Check Your Height, Know It's Right'
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The Arizona Department of Transportation is supporting a nationwide public safety campaign that aims to raise awareness about how drivers can safely pass under low clearance bridges and avoid preventable crashes.
The "Check Your Height, Know It's Right" campaign is a multi-state effort that encourages drivers to check that their vehicle is not too tall to safely fit under bridges that extend
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 28 -- The Arizona Department of Transportation issued the following news:
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ADOT joins nationwide campaign to prevent bridge strikes
'Check Your Height, Know It's Right'
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The Arizona Department of Transportation is supporting a nationwide public safety campaign that aims to raise awareness about how drivers can safely pass under low clearance bridges and avoid preventable crashes.
The "Check Your Height, Know It's Right" campaign is a multi-state effort that encourages drivers to check that their vehicle is not too tall to safely fit under bridges that extendover the highway.
These types of overhead collisions, known as bridge strikes, not only cause damage to vehicles and infrastructure, but also create traffic delays and put motorists and first responders at risk.
Drivers are responsible for knowing the height of their vehicle and paying attention to posted bridge heights. Drivers should always watch for and follow signage indicating bridge heights and not rely on directions provided by navigation devices or apps.
Costs to repair damage to highway infrastructure due to bridge strikes can add up quickly. During the last two fiscal years, ADOT's Insurance Recovery Team processed 14 bridge strike claims and recouped nearly $2.9 million from individuals or insurance firms responsible for damage to the highway system.
Crash data shows that drivers may not always consider vehicle height and related restrictions during operation. For example, a typical 26-foot moving truck may have a height ranging from 11 feet to 13 feet and 6 inches or taller.
Drivers should keep the following tips in mind to help prevent bridge strikes:
* Measure the vehicle height or check the sticker inside the vehicle for max height.
* Check the height of trailers and loads and properly secure loads before entering the highway.
* Do not rely on GPS: Stay alert for height warning signs before bridges and overpasses.
Drivers can check their route for certain restrictions before hitting the road on Arizona's Traveler Information site at AZ511.gov. Toggle on "Trucker Mode" at the bottom of the screen and click on the "truck restrictions" icon on the map to view if a route contains specific weight, length, width, height restrictions and other requirements.
If drivers inadvertently approach a low clearance bridge or overpass:
* Do not proceed.
* Stop on the shoulder if it's safe and practical.
* Turn hazard lights on.
* Call 911 and wait for assistance.
ADOT, along with several other state transportation agencies are adopting the "Check Your Height, Know It's Right" campaign with the support of The Eastern Transportation Coalition (TETC), a partnership of 19 states and Washington, D.C., focused on connecting public agencies across modes of travel to increase safety and efficiency. This initiative builds on TETC's 2025 corridor-wide campaign, which served as the vanguard for this multi-state collaborative work.
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Original text here: https://azdot.gov/news/adot-joins-nationwide-campaign-prevent-bridge-strikes
Wis. Natural Resources Dept. Announces 2025 Warden of the Year
MADISON, Wisconsin, July 28 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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DNR Announces 2025 Warden Of The Year
NEW LONDON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Lt. Jonathan Kaiser was named the 2025 Warden of the Year.
Known among the DNR Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection's conservation wardens as the go-to dependable teammate, Lt. Kaiser has spent his entire career perfecting the community policing model, and his performance is second to none.
He was presented the Haskell Noyes Warden of
... Show Full Article
MADISON, Wisconsin, July 28 -- The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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DNR Announces 2025 Warden Of The Year
NEW LONDON, Wis. - The Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources (DNR) today announced that Lt. Jonathan Kaiser was named the 2025 Warden of the Year.
Known among the DNR Division of Public Safety and Resource Protection's conservation wardens as the go-to dependable teammate, Lt. Kaiser has spent his entire career perfecting the community policing model, and his performance is second to none.
He was presented the Haskell Noyes Warden ofthe Year Award by its Milwaukee family sponsors in New London on July 25 at a ceremony attended by current and retired wardens, family and friends.
The Warden of the Year award is named after a prominent businessman and World War I officer - Haskell Noyes. Noyes was a pioneer Wisconsin conservationist who created the warden award to give credit for faithful and able service. The award includes a gold pocket watch with an inscription stating the timepiece honors warden efficiency for "Faithful and Able Service" to the state. For more than nine decades, the Noyes family has maintained the award, first presented to Ernie Swift in 1930.
Lt. Jeff Lautenslager, a colleague of Lt. Kaiser, nominated Warden Kaiser for the 2025 Warden of the Year.
"Jon's true passions are being a team player and going above any beyond the call to serve the public," Lautenslager said. "Jon's investigative skills, tenacity and commitment to the job are the reason he's been successful with many complex fish and game investigations. He is always at the top of the list in the state for criminal referrals, from deer poaching to environmental cases."
Warden Kaiser also has been instrumental with strengthening relations with local governmental agencies and works closely with internal DNR partners to handle some of the challenging and complex nuances of environmental cases.
"Jon's efforts in one recent investigation resulted in a successful arrest and prosecution for an individual that targeted our state parks to use drugs and steal park users' property from camp sites," Lautenslager said.
He is a "go-to warden" by veteran staff due to his expansive career knowledge, teaching abilities and willingness to lend a hand. "Jon spends countless hours teaching our new recruits and veteran field staff how to be successful and more efficient wardens," Lautenslager said.
Lautenslager also cited Kaiser's investment in the community, including serving as the court officer for years, which has strengthened the image and understanding of the DNR within the local courts system.
Always operating with a positive attitude, Kaiser is known as an outstanding team member who attends nearly every group check and calls for assistance from other wardens.
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Original text here: https://dnr.wisconsin.gov/newsroom/release/128436
Ala. Economic & Community Affairs Dept.: Gov. Ivey Awards Grants to Fund Equipment Upgrades at Four Law Enforcement Agencies
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 28 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey awards grants to fund equipment upgrades at four law enforcement agencies
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants worth a total of just over $176,000 to better equip four state and local law enforcement agencies.
"Our state's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve their communities," Gov. Kay Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these funds providing these officers with essential equipment updates to help them while they are protecting and
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 28 -- The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs issued the following news:
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Gov. Ivey awards grants to fund equipment upgrades at four law enforcement agencies
Gov. Kay Ivey has awarded grants worth a total of just over $176,000 to better equip four state and local law enforcement agencies.
"Our state's law enforcement officers put their lives on the line every day to serve their communities," Gov. Kay Ivey said. "I am pleased to award these funds providing these officers with essential equipment updates to help them while they are protecting andserving."
Below are the agencies awarded grants.
Alabama Law Enforcement Agency - $69,816. These funds will be used to provide personal protective and surveillance equipment to the ALEA officers serving in the Metro Area Crime Suppression Unit, which was created to address violent crime in Montgomery County.
Pell City - $61,307. The Pell City Police Department will use the funds for upgrades that will allow it to unlock suspect and witness cell phones on-site during crime investigations instead of depending on outside labs.
Clay County Commission - $25,000. The Clay County Sheriff's Department will use the funds to replace the touch-screen system for monitoring and operating the doors at the county jail.
Town of Sylvania - $20,000. This DeKalb County town's police department will use the funds to replace its outdated radio system.
The Alabama Department of Economic and Community Affairs is administering the grants with funds made available by the U.S. Department of Justice.
"Gov. Ivey has shown consistent support for providing law enforcement professionals with the tools they need to perform their duties effectively," ADECA Director Kenneth Boswell said. "ADECA is pleased to join with the governor to provide these funds to these agencies."
ADECA manages a range of programs that support law enforcement, economic development, recreation, energy conservation and water resource management.
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Original text here: https://adeca.alabama.gov/2026/07/27/gov-ivey-awards-grants-to-fund-equipment-upgrades-at-four-law-enforcement-agencies/
Okla. A.G. Drummond Demands Release of Overdue Insurance Examination Report
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 28 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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Drummond demands release of overdue insurance examination report
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today called on Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready to immediately release the Oklahoma Insurance Department's long-delayed examination report into insurance companies' roof-claim handling practices, saying Oklahoma homeowners deserve the transparency they were promised.
In a letter to Mulready, Drummond noted that after he filed a lawsuit against State Farm
... Show Full Article
OKLAHOMA CITY, Oklahoma, July 28 -- Oklahoma Attorney General Gentner Drummond issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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Drummond demands release of overdue insurance examination report
Attorney General Gentner Drummond today called on Insurance Commissioner Glen Mulready to immediately release the Oklahoma Insurance Department's long-delayed examination report into insurance companies' roof-claim handling practices, saying Oklahoma homeowners deserve the transparency they were promised.
In a letter to Mulready, Drummond noted that after he filed a lawsuit against State Farmover their alleged claims-handling scheme practices, Mulready announced that his office had been investigating insurers' market conduct for two years. Mulready pledged to publicly release the findings during the first quarter of 2026. More than six months later and into the third quarter of the year, the report has yet to be released.
"Oklahomans deserve answers, not excuses. The Insurance Commissioner made a promise and, once again, broke it, and every month of delay is a month insurance companies collect record high premiums," Drummond said. "He was elected to protect Oklahoma homeowners, not insurance company profits. Now, he's running out of time to do the right thing."
Drummond requested that Mulready publicly release the examination report, investigative findings and supporting workpapers by Friday.
Also in the letter, he further criticized the commissioner for repeatedly delaying a public hearing on insurance market competition while homeowners continue to face soaring insurance costs. Drummond first requested the hearing in an April 17 letter that outlined concerns about the unprecedented rise in homeowners insurance rates. By law, Mulready had 30 days to hold the hearing or to issue an order denying it. He denied the taxpayers request and, when Drummond called him out about it, Mulready drug his feet and has since announced plans for a September hearing.
"As Oklahoma's chief law officer, I have a statutory duty to protect the collective interests of Oklahomans," Drummond said. "Transparency is not optional. Hardworking Oklahomans are paying the price for the commissioner's refusal to comply with the law."
Drummond first sent a letter to the Commissioner nearly one year ago, demanding action to address Oklahoma's skyrocketing homeowners insurance premiums and the practices driving those increases.
Read the Letter (https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/july/Letter_%20Comm%20Mulready%20RE%20Release%20Rprt%2007.27.2026.pdf)
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INFODOC: https://oklahoma.gov/content/dam/ok/en/oag/news-documents/2026/july/Letter_%20Comm%20Mulready%20RE%20Release%20Rprt%2007.27.2026.pdf
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Original text here: https://oklahoma.gov/oag/news/newsroom/2026/july/drummond-demands-release-of-overdue-insurance-examination-report.html
N.J. A.G. Davenport: Gov. Sherrill to Nominate National Consumer Protection Expert Christopher L. Peterson to Lead Division of Consumer Affairs
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 28 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill to Nominate National Consumer Protection Expert Christopher L. Peterson to Lead Division of Consumer Affairs
Veteran Consumer Rights Champion Widely Recognized For His Work Combating Predatory Lending And Protecting Consumers and Military Service Members
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that Governor Mikie Sherrill will nominate consumer protection expert Christopher L. Peterson to serve as the Director of the New Jersey
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, July 28 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following news release on July 27, 2026:
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Governor Sherrill to Nominate National Consumer Protection Expert Christopher L. Peterson to Lead Division of Consumer Affairs
Veteran Consumer Rights Champion Widely Recognized For His Work Combating Predatory Lending And Protecting Consumers and Military Service Members
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today announced that Governor Mikie Sherrill will nominate consumer protection expert Christopher L. Peterson to serve as the Director of the New JerseyDivision of Consumer Affairs.
Peterson, a former senior official at the U.S. Consumer Financial Protection Bureau (CFPB) and nationally recognized legal scholar, helped shape the CFPB during its formative years and was also instrumental in strengthening and developing the federal Military Lending Act. He steps in to lead New Jersey's premier consumer protection agency in protecting consumers' rights, regulating the securities industry, and overseeing 51 professional boards.
"Chris Peterson has spent decades fighting for consumers through public service, congressional advocacy, and in the courtroom," said Governor Sherrill. "At a time when the CFPB has abandoned the consumers it should be protecting and New Jersey families are facing rising costs from Donald Trump's war in Iran and illegal tariffs, Chris's unparalleled experience protecting families from predatory practices will help ensure New Jersey remains at the forefront of consumer protection and continues standing up for residents no matter what is happening in Washington."
"Chris has a remarkable record of holding lawbreakers accountable and relentlessly pursuing economic justice for consumers and military families throughout his career," said Attorney General Davenport. "New Jersey has some of the strongest laws in the country to curb the illegal conduct that is deepening our affordability crisis, and Chris's vast experience shaping consumer protection policy and enforcing the law will ensure that the Division of Consumer Affairs can lead the country in protecting working families struggling to make ends meet."
Throughout his career, Peterson has helped build the legal and regulatory framework that protects consumers nationwide. As a senior advisor at the CFPB, Peterson played a key role in establishing the agency, working on its enforcement policy and strategy. He also helped develop and strengthen landmark consumer protection legislation, including the Military Lending Act, a law advancing stronger safeguards against predatory lending and unfair financial practices that harm service members and their families.
Peterson, who most recently served as the John J. Flynn Endowed Professor of Law at the University of Utah's S.J. Quinney College of Law, said he is eager to begin serving New Jersey residents in his new role.
"It is a privilege to join the Division of Consumer Affairs, and I am grateful for the opportunity to lead an efficient, accessible agency that strives to serve the public every day," said Peterson. "On day one, I will get to work to make life more affordable for New Jersey families by protecting consumers from scams and exploitation, and to ensure that our agency supports honest businesses while holding those who break our laws accountable."
Peterson will begin serving as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs on August 3, 2026, pending his formal nomination by Governor Sherrill to the position, which is subject to the advice and consent of the State Senate.
Jeremy E. Hollander has been serving as Acting Director of the Division of Consumer Affairs since January 2026, when he stepped in to lead the Division following the departure of Director Elizabeth M. Harris. Hollander will return to his position as Deputy Director of the Division's Office of Consumer Protection.
View Photo (http://www.njoag.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/07/Christopher-L-Peterson-scaled.jpg)
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/governor-sherrill-to-nominate-national-consumer-protection-expert-christopher-l-peterson-to-lead-division-of-consumer-affairs/
