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N.Y. State Metropolitan Transportation Authority Adds Kings Highway F to Growing List of Accessible Subway Stations
NEW YORK, Aug. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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MTA Adds Kings Highway F to Growing List of Accessible Subway Stations
Three New Elevators Create Step-Free Path from Street to Platforms Delivered on Time and on Budget
Expanded Mezzanine and New Accessible Boarding Areas Improve Station Experience
46 Subway Stations Have Been Made Accessible Since 2020
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of a $72 million project to make the Kings Highway F subway station in
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NEW YORK, Aug. 20 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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MTA Adds Kings Highway F to Growing List of Accessible Subway Stations
Three New Elevators Create Step-Free Path from Street to Platforms Delivered on Time and on Budget
Expanded Mezzanine and New Accessible Boarding Areas Improve Station Experience
46 Subway Stations Have Been Made Accessible Since 2020
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The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) today announced the completion of a $72 million project to make the Kings Highway F subway station insouthern Brooklyn fully accessible. Three new elevators now provide a step-free path between the street, mezzanine and both platforms, adding Kings Highway to the MTA's growing accessible subway network.
One elevator connects the street with the mezzanine, while two additional elevators connect the mezzanine with the Manhattan-bound and Coney Island-bound platforms. The project also included the expansion and reconfiguration of the mezzanine, a new roofing system, concrete repairs, new lighting and a new fire alarm system. At the platform level, crews extended the canopies and reconstructed the accessible boarding area.
"With Kings Highway now completed, we're pushing 50 new ADA subway stations added to the map since 2020," said MTA Chair and CEO Janno Lieber. "That's more ADA projects completed or in construction than in the previous three decades of the ADA era. By the end of the current Capital Plan, 70% of all subway rides will start or end at an accessible station - huge progress."
"Gravesend is the latest community in Brooklyn to join the fast-growing list of neighborhoods with a fully accessible station, with many more on the way," said MTA Construction & Development President Jamie Torres-Springer. "We're delivering accessibility better, faster and cheaper -- and Kings Highway is a great example of how we're using public-private partnerships to make that happen."
"Every rider deserves a safe and reliable trip," said MTA Chief Accessibility Officer Quemuel Arroyo. "By providing a seamless, step-free path from street to platform, these upgrades make Kings Highway easier to navigate for all our customers especially those with disabilities, older adults, and families."
"The improvements made at Kings Highway including new elevators, better lighting and an expanded mezzanine are transformative for the riders who use this station every day," said New York City Transit President Demetrius Crichlow. "Ensuring the subway system is accessible to all, one station at a time, is critical to delivering the safe, reliable, and efficient service New Yorkers need and deserve."
Additional station upgrades included a new station agent booth, two new exit gates, Help Points, security cameras at the turnstiles and intercoms inside the elevators.
Since 2020, the MTA has made 46 subway stations accessible. Accessibility work is currently underway at 35 additional subway stations, while the fully funded 2025-2029 Capital Plan includes $7.1 billion to make at least 60 more subway stations accessible and replace 45 aging station elevators.
Kings Highway station opened in 1919 as the original southern terminal of the Culver Line. The elevated station has two island platforms and three tracks, with some F trains still beginning or ending their trips there during peak periods. The station provides connections to the B82 and B82 Select Bus Service.
Kings Highway is the fifth newly accessible station completed under the $692 million ADA Package 3, which includes eight full-station accessibility projects. Steinway St MR and Junius St 3 are currently under construction. The package is the first in MTA history to use a public-private partnership (P3) model, under which the contractor finances the work and is reimbursed in installments as the projects are completed and maintained to MTA standards.
The design-build team for the Kings Highway station upgrades includes Halmar and Forte, and the elevators were manufactured and installed by Otis.
"Accessibility isn't a luxury, it's a right," said New York State Senator Sam Sutton. "The ADA improvements at the Kings Highway station ensure this stop truly serves everyone in our community. I thank the MTA and NYC Transit for this investment, and I look forward to New Yorkers making full use of it for years to come."
"I'm proud to see our continued advocacy for better, more accessible transit deliver results at the Kings Highway f station," said Assembly Member Michael Novakhov. "These three new elevators are a long-awaited investment that will make a real difference for seniors, people with disabilities, families, and thousands of Southern Brooklyn riders. I thank the MTA for working with us to deliver this important improvement for our community."
"New Yorkers with disabilities are not defined or limited by their disabilities, but rather by development that does not, or rather I should say did not, take them into consideration," said NYC Council Member Simcha Felder. "Today's event marks an occasion where a past wrong is made right. These accessibility investments open our city and remove barriers for all New Yorkers, and it is a pleasure to be part of it."
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Original text here: https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-adds-kings-highway-f-growing-list-of-accessible-subway-stations
N.Y. Motor Vehicles Dept., Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announce Innovative Speed Awareness Billboard After Nearly 60,000 Tickets Issued During Statewide 'Speed Week 2' Enforcement
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 20 -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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DMV, Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announce Innovative Speed Awareness Billboard After Nearly 60,000 Tickets Issued During Statewide 'Speed Week 2' Enforcement
Billboard Accompanied by Traffic Camera to Show Speed of Passing Vehicles
Second Weeklong Speeding Crackdown Ran August 3 Through August 9
More Than 14,000 Tickets Issued in Week 1 Speed Enforcement in Early June
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The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced that law enforcement
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 20 -- The New York State Department of Motor Vehicles issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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DMV, Governor's Traffic Safety Committee Announce Innovative Speed Awareness Billboard After Nearly 60,000 Tickets Issued During Statewide 'Speed Week 2' Enforcement
Billboard Accompanied by Traffic Camera to Show Speed of Passing Vehicles
Second Weeklong Speeding Crackdown Ran August 3 Through August 9
More Than 14,000 Tickets Issued in Week 1 Speed Enforcement in Early June
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The Governor's Traffic Safety Committee (GTSC) today announced that law enforcementacross New York State issued nearly 60,000 tickets during the "Speed Week 2" enforcement campaign, including more than 16,000 for speeding and more than 1,500 arrests for impaired driving. GTSC is the state's highway safety office, coordinating traffic safety activities among DMV and 12 other member state agencies whose missions involve transportation and safety.
The enforcement campaign, which ran August 3 - 9, was a collaboration of law enforcement agencies throughout New York State to stop speeding and prevent avoidable crashes caused by unsafe speed. During that time, state and local law enforcement increased patrols to target speeding and other reckless driving behaviors.
The announcement came as NYS DMV Acting Commissioner and GTSC Chair Christian Jackstadt joined traffic safety partners and law enforcement to introduce a new billboard in Halfmoon, Saratoga County that includes a camera that shows drivers going by how fast they are traveling. The billboard is part of a larger, coordinated campaign going on statewide to raise awareness about the dangers and consequences of speeding.
"I thank our law enforcement partners for their unwavering commitment to keeping our roadways as safe as possible and those motorists who made responsible choices behind the wheel," said New York State Department of Motor Vehicles Acting Commissioner Christian Jackstadt. "Governor Hochul has been on the forefront of making our roadways more safe and this is yet another example of a whole-of-government approach to make New York a better place. Our message is simple: Speed kills! Slow down!"
Below is a breakdown of the total tickets that were issued August 3-9:
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Violation ... Number of Tickets
Impaired Driving ... 1,527
Distracted Driving ... 1,971
Move Over ... 631
Speeding ... 16,246
Seat Belt ... 1,781
Other Violations ... 36,659
Grand Total ... 58,815
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In 2024, according to data from the Institute for Traffic Safety Management & Research's (ITSMR) Traffic Safety Statistical Repository (TSSR), there were 34,042 police-reported, speed-related crashes in New York State, 315 of which involved a fatality, and more than 12,000 of which involved a personal injury. Preliminary TSSR data for 2025 shows more than 24,000 police-reported, speed-related crashes with 231 involving a fatality and 7,267 involving an injury.
New York State Police Superintendent Steven G. James said, "Speeding remains one of the most dangerous behaviors on our roadways, and these enforcement efforts send a clear message that it will not be tolerated. The New York State Police, together with our law enforcement partners across the state, will continue to target speeding, impaired driving and other reckless behaviors that put everyone at risk. Our goal is not simply to issue tickets, it is to change dangerous driving habits, prevent crashes and save lives. I urge every driver to slow down, stay alert and make responsible choices every time they get behind the wheel."
Ulster County Sheriff and President of the New York State Sheriffs' Association Juan Figueroa said, The results are in: most people were safe and courteous drivers during Speed Week. Unfortunately, there were still thousands of drivers who put us all at risk by speeding and driving recklessly. The Sheriffs of New York State want you to enjoy the rest of summer while obeying the speed limits and being safe on the roads.
Town of Brighton Police Department Chief and President of the New York State Association of Chiefs of Police David Catholdi said, "Thank you to all our officers. Thank you to all the men and women out there working to keep our communities safe. We continue to see too many crashes related to speeding and aggressive driving, and keeping our roads safe is a responsibility we all share. Everyone can do their part. Slow down, take your time, stay focused, and drive safely. Let's all do our part to make sure everyone gets where they're going safely. Safe roads start with all of us."
The prior speeding crack down, "Speed Week 1," was conducted from Monday, June 8, through Sunday, June 14. During that period, state and local law enforcement statewide issued a total of 56,578 tickets including 14,005 for speeding, 2,220 for distracted driving and 1,386 for impaired driving.
During both the June and August crackdowns, Nassau and Suffolk on Long Island led among counties in the number of tickets issued. During the most-recent enforcement, 6,665 tickets were issued in Nassau and 5,434 in Suffolk. Similarly, in June, 6,158 tickets were issued in Nassau and 5,367 in Suffolk. Last year, GTSC launched the "Drive Safe Long Island" campaign to specifically address speeding and other dangerous driving issues in the region. That effort includes a partnership with the Long Island Ducks baseball team to promote traffic safety at their games.
Speeding-related fatalities affect communities nationwide every year. In 2024, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation's National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), there were 11,288 speed-related traffic fatalities, accounting for 29 percent of all traffic fatalities. NHTSA also says young drivers have a higher chance of being involved in speeding-related crashes. In 2024, 39 percent of male drivers and 20 percent of female drivers in the 15- to 20-year-old age group involved in fatal traffic crashes were speeding.
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Original text here: https://dmv.ny.gov/news/dmv-governors-traffic-safety-committee-announce-innovative-speed-awareness-billboard-after
N.M. Public Safety Dept.: Sheriffs Praise Progress, Support Continued Modernization at State Law Enforcement Academy
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 20 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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Sheriffs praise progress, support continued modernization at New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy
New Mexico Department of Public Safety leadership, including representatives from the Law Enforcement Academy, recently attended the 2026 Sheriffs' Association Conference in Ruidoso, where they shared updates, heard directly from sheriffs, and strengthened partnerships focused on law enforcement training and support.
In her opening ceremony remarks, Deputy Cabinet Secretary Sylvia
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 20 -- The New Mexico Department of Public Safety issued the following news release:
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Sheriffs praise progress, support continued modernization at New Mexico Law Enforcement Academy
New Mexico Department of Public Safety leadership, including representatives from the Law Enforcement Academy, recently attended the 2026 Sheriffs' Association Conference in Ruidoso, where they shared updates, heard directly from sheriffs, and strengthened partnerships focused on law enforcement training and support.
In her opening ceremony remarks, Deputy Cabinet Secretary SylviaSerna emphasized the importance of collaboration across New Mexico's public-safety system. That commitment carried throughout the conference, as several sheriffs joined Serna, Law Enforcement Academy Director Fabian Valdez, and Deputy Directors Jessica Arballo and Jason Foster for a question-and-answer session focused on academy modernization, the department's Forensic Laboratories, and the Law Enforcement Records Bureau.
"No law-enforcement agency can succeed alone," said Serna. "State Police, sheriffs' offices, local agencies, courts, prosecutors, forensic professionals, and other partners all form a single public-safety system."
Serna highlighted ongoing efforts to strengthen academy training, modernize curricula, improve instructor standards, and ensure coursework reflects current law, constitutional standards, and real-world policing. She also discussed efforts to strengthen forensic laboratory capacity and records systems, including a new statewide missing-person portal expected to launch in 2027.
"We're committed to strengthening the support behind the badge, so New Mexico's law-enforcement professionals have the people, resources, information, and systems they need to serve their communities lawfully and effectively," said Serna.
Sheriffs back direction
Sheriffs expressed support for the academy's progress and for efforts already underway for modernization of the overall training curriculum and processes.
Santa Fe County Sheriff Adan Mendoza said his agency has been pleased with the preparation its cadets have recently received.
"We've sent multiple cadets through the DPS Academy, and we've been very satisfied with the training that they've come out with. There's very little follow-up training that we need to do with them," he said. "It seems like they're acclimated, they're ready to go - street ready. Putting in different aspects and different points of view, and different professions, like judges and attorneys (as instructors for the legal block) - will only benefit the cadets. I think it's a good thing.
"I would really encourage other sheriffs to engage with DPS and maybe go to the training academy to see what they're doing there."
The academy recently announced and implemented a new 68-hour legal training block focused on criminal and civil law applications. The training is part of the more than 700-plus hours of classroom and practical instruction required of police officers, with cadets from police and sheriff's departments along with the New Mexico State Police already completing the new block.
"That was one of the areas that we asked be addressed," said McKinley County Sheriff James Maiorano III of the legal block at the academy. (Previously) "When they (officers) got to court they didn't know how to testify on a traffic ticket, they didn't know how to do a police officer prosecuted case on a misdemeanor that the district attorney's office wasn't going to pick up.
"They've got to know how to prepare their evidence. They've got to know how to provide discovery, and then they need to know how to present their own case and testify to their case or possibly even question a witness for those petty misdemeanor cases. Seeing them being able to do that is at the top of our list."
Mora County Sheriff Americk Padilla agreed:
"The law is basically the foundation," he said. "The law is what law enforcement is founded on, as well as the Constitution. "I just had a conversation with the new director (of the academy) and others and like I told them, 'if we can come with 200 problems, and without one solution, we're failing ourselves, and we're failing the system.' I came into the discussion with some challenges and we discussed some solutions. That's what I like to see - brainstorming and strategizing a way that we will be able to fix it.
"Once you are out there, you're dealing with every day-life scenarios. If you're unable to take what you learn at the training facility out to the real world, we're just doing a disservice not only to our cadets, but to the community members or constituents as well, so those adjustments and problem-solving is very important."
With plans to modernize other classes/curriculums at the academy, county sheriffs in New Mexico are pleased overall with the direction.
"I supported the training bill that went to the legislature this last session so we could keep our reoccurring training up-to-date and get away from some of the same classes we've been taking for 20 years now," said Sierra County Sheriff Joshua Baker. "We need to keep moving in that direction."
As for the legal block, that transition has already taken place in partnership with Central New Mexico Community College, and Baker is excited about the progress.
"I think it's critical especially with the trends we're seeing, with the New Mexico Civil Rights Act and the increase in liabilities. Everything's getting filed under that now, and it's kind of the Wild West in the civil litigation area right now. I think the better trained and the better educated our officers are across the state, the more we can mitigate those liabilities."
Hidalgo County Sheriff William Chadborn added: "We must stay in touch with the new changes in the law, because if we don't, we can get in trouble. It's very important. Our deputies that just recently went through the training seem well prepared."
Lincoln County Sheriff Mike Wood, who attended the Santa Fe academy in the 1990s, said he was encouraged by the department's commitment to strengthening its training program.
"It was promising to hear the (Deputy Cabinet) Secretary say that they're working on the curriculum at the LEA. That's huge for us and for any agency in this state," said Wood. "To me, the Santa Fe Academy is hallowed ground - where it should be. We have not farmed it out or sent anybody to any other academy."
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Original text here: https://www.dps.nm.gov/blog/2026/08/19/14514/
N.C. Community College System: Public Voting Opens Sept. 1 for the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's Inaugural 'Startup Showdown'
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 20 -- North Carolina Community College System issued the following news:
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Public Voting Opens Sept. 1 for the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's Inaugural 'Startup Showdown'
North Carolina Community College System invites the public to help select the state's next entrepreneurial standouts, following completion of 'Shark Tank'-style pitch and accelerator program sponsored by Wells Fargo
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After months of intensive business training, mentorship and pitch coaching, 17 of North Carolina's most promising entrepreneurs are preparing to showcase their
... Show Full Article
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 20 -- North Carolina Community College System issued the following news:
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Public Voting Opens Sept. 1 for the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's Inaugural 'Startup Showdown'
North Carolina Community College System invites the public to help select the state's next entrepreneurial standouts, following completion of 'Shark Tank'-style pitch and accelerator program sponsored by Wells Fargo
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After months of intensive business training, mentorship and pitch coaching, 17 of North Carolina's most promising entrepreneurs are preparing to showcase theirventures through the inaugural Small Business Center Network (SBCN) Startup Showdown, the first statewide entrepreneurship accelerator launched by the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS). The competition will culminate this September with more than $60,000 in unrestricted startup funding awarded to the state's top entrepreneurs and their respective Small Business Center.
From Sept. 1-15, North Carolinians can help spotlight these founders by viewing their business pitches and participating in public voting measured through "likes" on finalists' professionally produced pitch videos (posted to the North Carolina Small Business Center Network's YouTube channel). This tally will contribute to each entrepreneur's final score, along with evaluations from a distinguished panel of judges. Winners will be announced at an invitation-only awards reception in Raleigh on Sept. 17.
Made possible through a funding partnership with the Wells Fargo Foundation, the Startup Showdown is a collaborative effort of the North Carolina Community College System, the Small Business Center Network and the North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation. The program was created to identify high-potential entrepreneurs, provide high-quality business education and connect founders with the mentorship, resources and visibility needed to transform innovative ideas into successful businesses. The inaugural cohort represents a cross-section of the state's entrepreneurial talent, with ventures spanning technology, advanced manufacturing, childcare, commercial and consumer products, health and wellness, and entertainment.
With Small Business Centers embedded at all 58 community colleges, the Network - which provides business counseling, educational programming and technical assistance to thousands of small businesses each year - is uniquely positioned to identify and support North Carolina's entrepreneurs.
"The Small Business Center Network has never been more important to North Carolina's entrepreneurial spirit than it is today. Forty years ago, as an SBC director, I witnessed firsthand the backbone of the American economy: individuals willing to take a risk to start or expand small businesses," said Dr. Bill Carver, Interim President at the System. "North Carolina owes State Director Anne Shaw a debt of gratitude for the leadership, energy and excitement she has brought to this Startup Showdown in partnership with Wells Fargo."
The interactive public voting period follows finalists' enrollment and successful completion of a training course designed to transform business concepts into investment-ready ventures. From June to July, the 17-member cohort completed rigorous entrepreneurial training through the nationally recognized REAL Entrepreneurship(R) Pitch It! curriculum, while receiving individualized coaching from Small Business Center directors. The program challenged participants to validate market demand, strengthen financial projections, refine business models and develop compelling investor-ready presentations.
"These entrepreneurs have invested months in strengthening their business models, testing their assumptions and preparing to share their vision with North Carolina," said Anne C. Shaw, state director of the North Carolina Small Business Center Network. "They have been supported throughout that journey by Small Business Center directors and counselors who understand their communities and are committed to helping small businesses succeed. Now, the public has an opportunity to learn about these founders and help us celebrate the entrepreneurial talent growing across our state."
Behind the scenes, the competition extends beyond public voting. During a private "Pitch Day" last weekend, each entrepreneur delivered a live, "Shark Tank"-style business presentation before judges with backgrounds in entrepreneurship, finance, higher education and small business development. The panel is now evaluating each venture using a comprehensive scoring process that considers a variety of business criteria. Public voting totals will serve as an additional component.
Finalists will reconvene on Sept. 17 for the invitation-only SBCN Startup Showdown Awards Reception, alongside investors, business executives, elected officials, community college leaders and economic development partners from across North Carolina. The evening will culminate with the announcement of the first-, second- and third-place winners, who will receive unrestricted startup prize funding provided by the Wells Fargo Foundation to launch their new business ventures.
Additional information about the showdown, finalists and awards reception is available (https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/sbcn-startup-showdown-awards-event/) through the North Carolina Community College System.
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About the North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN)
The North Carolina Small Business Center Network (SBCN) is one of the nation's largest state-funded small business assistance programs, operating through all 58 North Carolina community colleges and reaching every one of North Carolina's 100 counties. Through confidential business counseling, practical training, technical assistance and resource connections, SBCN helps aspiring and existing entrepreneurs start, grow and sustain successful businesses. By empowering small business owners in communities across the state, the Network plays a vital role in fostering innovation, creating jobs and strengthening North Carolina's economy.
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About the North Carolina Community College System (NCCCS)
The North Carolina Community College System is the state's primary engine for workforce development and the only public higher education system dedicated to providing affordable, accessible education and workforce training to all North Carolinians. Governed by the State Board of Community Colleges and supported by 58 community colleges across the state, the System serves more than 600,000 students annually and awards more than 60,000 degrees, diplomas, and certificates each year while partnering with employers to build the best workforce in the world.
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About the North Carolina Community College Foundation
The North Carolina Community Colleges Foundation (the Foundation) is a nonpartisan, nonprofit organization founded in 1986 to support the mission of the N.C. Community College System. The Foundation is governed by a diverse board of directors who, together with the executive director, steward the endowment; raise awareness and funds to develop and advance the System; manage several scholarship and award programs that honor excellence, and support public-private partnership programs that foster innovation. Going forward, the Foundation will lead a national campaign to drive more student, college, employer, and system success; and deliver more community, economic, and workforce development value for the state.
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Original text here: https://www.nccommunitycolleges.edu/news/public-voting-opens-sept-1/
Md. Environment Dept. Announces $40 Million in Funding for Water Main Replacements in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 20 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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Maryland Department of the Environment Announces $40 Million in Funding for Water Main Replacements in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
Projects Funding supports six critical water main replacement projects and local jobs
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The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced more than $40 million in funding to replace aging water mains across Prince George's and Montgomery counties, reinforcing the state's commitment to modernizing drinking water
... Show Full Article
BALTIMORE, Maryland, Aug. 20 -- The Maryland Department of the Environment issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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Maryland Department of the Environment Announces $40 Million in Funding for Water Main Replacements in Montgomery and Prince George's Counties
Projects Funding supports six critical water main replacement projects and local jobs
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The Maryland Department of the Environment today announced more than $40 million in funding to replace aging water mains across Prince George's and Montgomery counties, reinforcing the state's commitment to modernizing drinking watersystems and protecting public health.
The funding will support a system-wide WSSC Water program to rehabilitate or replace deteriorating water mains and house water service connections that have reached the end of their useful life. This measure is designed to reduce water main breaks, prevent service interruptions and ensure the continued delivery of high-quality drinking water to Maryland residents.
"These systems are out of sight and out of mind until something breaks," said Maryland Department of the Environment Secretary Serena McIlwain. "Updating aging water infrastructure is a proactive investment in the reliability and safety of the water that families in Prince George's and Montgomery counties depend on every day. We are preventing costly breaks and service disruptions."
WSSC serves 1.9 million customers in Prince George's and Montgomery counties, and operates more than 11,000 water and sewer mains. The following projects were approved for funding:
* Alexandria Drive Water Main Replacement: $4,052,354
* Annapolis Road Transmission Water Main Replacement: $6,236,011
* Carderock Springs Water Main Replacement: $7,742,198
* Dolphin Road Water Main Replacement: $5,500,000
* Furman Parkway Water Main Replacement: $10,190,015
* Kent Village Water Main Replacement: $6,784,369
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Original text here: https://news.maryland.gov/mde/2026/08/19/maryland-department-of-the-environment-announces-40-million-in-funding-for-water-main-replacements-in-montgomery-and-prince-georges-counties/
Ariz. State Rep. Cody Reim: Hobbs Waited Months to Act on Salt River Horses, Then Adopted Only Part of the Solution
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 20 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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Rep. Cody Reim: Hobbs Waited Months to Act on Salt River Horses, Then Adopted Only Part of the Solution
After months of pressure from Salt River horse advocates and lawmakers, Governor Katie Hobbs announced Tuesday that her administration will pause removals from the Salt River horse herd through 2027 and pursue a genetic study, adopting portions of legislation advanced earlier this year by State Representative Cody Reim while leaving stronger protections behind.
More than 70 meeting requests
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Aug. 20 -- The Arizona House Republicans issued the following news release:
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Rep. Cody Reim: Hobbs Waited Months to Act on Salt River Horses, Then Adopted Only Part of the Solution
After months of pressure from Salt River horse advocates and lawmakers, Governor Katie Hobbs announced Tuesday that her administration will pause removals from the Salt River horse herd through 2027 and pursue a genetic study, adopting portions of legislation advanced earlier this year by State Representative Cody Reim while leaving stronger protections behind.
More than 70 meeting requestswere submitted to the Governor's Office as horse advocates pressed the administration to intervene. Representative Reim also called on the Arizona Department of Agriculture earlier this year to use authority it already had to amend the herd management plan and contract.
"The people who fought for these horses earned this victory," said Representative Reim. "They made the calls, demanded meetings and kept the pressure on Governor Hobbs until doing nothing carried a political cost. Her administration had the authority to stop these removals months ago. She waited until August to do what we were asking her to do in April and May."
SB 1199, advanced by Representative Reim during the legislative session, would have imposed a threeyear moratorium on population-control removals while a peer-reviewed genetic study was completed. Horses could still be removed for urgent medical needs and veterinary care.
The bill also required genetic testing to include measures of "effective population size, allelic diversity and inbreeding coefficients." It required the Arizona Department of Agriculture to award the testing contract through competitive bidding, with preference for providers with demonstrated expertise in equine genetics.
Governor Hobbs' plan provides a shorter pause, does not state whether those genetic measures will be required, and routes the study through Arizona's public universities rather than the process prescribed in SB 1199.
"A genetic study is not enough by itself. The standards matter," Representative Reim said. "Will the Governor require effective population size, allelic diversity and inbreeding coefficients to be measured? Who sets the methodology? What equine-genetics qualifications will be required? SB 1199 answered those questions. Governor Hobbs has not."
Representative Reim also questioned the Governor's decision to place the study with the university system without the standards and procurement requirements contained in SB 1199.
"Governor Hobbs is giving herself political cover," Representative Reim said. "If advocates later challenge the methodology or the study is used to justify more removals, she can blame the universities. We wanted the standards, qualifications and accountability established in law before the study began."
The Governor's amended management plan pauses removals only through the end of 2027 and allows population targets for 2028 through 2030 to be reconsidered after the study. The plan can also be changed administratively. SB 1199 would have placed stronger protections in state law.
"Governor Hobbs can change a management plan today, and it can be changed again tomorrow," Representative Reim said. "The Salt River horses would be better protected now if the Governor had acted when we first raised this issue instead of waiting months and then adopting only part of our approach."
Representative Reim announced that he will convene a stakeholder meeting with Salt River horse advocates and constituents to hear directly from them about the Governor's actions and whether further protections are needed.
"Governor Hobbs does not get to decide by press release that this issue is settled," Representative Reim said. "I want to hear from the people who fought for these horses. If they believe her plan falls short, we will identify what is missing and be ready to act."
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Cody Reim is a Republican member of the Arizona House of Representatives serving Legislative District 3. Follow him on X at @codyreim247.
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Original text here: https://www.azleg.gov/press/house/57LEG/2R/260819REIMSALTRIVERHORSES.pdf
Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 20 -- The Illinois Courts issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Kathryn J. Cross as associate judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Cross received her undergraduate degree in 2008 from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois and her Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of Iowa
... Show Full Article
SPRINGFIELD, Illinois, Aug. 20 -- The Illinois Courts issued the following news release on Aug. 19, 2026:
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Administrative Director Declares Illinois Associate Judge Appointed in the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit
Marcia M. Meis, Director of the Administrative Office of the Illinois Courts, announced today that the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit judges voted to select Kathryn J. Cross as associate judge of the Seventeenth Judicial Circuit.
Ms. Cross received her undergraduate degree in 2008 from Monmouth College in Monmouth, Illinois and her Juris Doctor in 2011 from the University of Iowain Iowa City, Iowa.
Ms. Cross is currently affiliated with the Boone County Public Defender's Office in Belvidere, Illinois.
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Original text here: https://ilcourtsaudio.blob.core.windows.net/antilles-resources/resources/acb974ae-1402-4c88-b538-47bb38319a68/Director%20Declares%20Illinois%20Associate%20Judge%20Appointed%20in%20the%20Seventeenth%20Circuit.pdf
