Featured Stories
TDEC Names Memphis Light, Gas, and Water a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Memphis Light, Gas, and Water a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Energy and Renewable Resources. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor's
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, July 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release:
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TDEC Names Memphis Light, Gas, and Water a Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award Recipient
2026 Marks the 40th year for program that recognizes a commitment to preserving Tennessee's natural resources
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The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation has named Memphis Light, Gas and Water (MLGW) as the recipient of the 2026 Governor's Environmental Stewardship Award for Energy and Renewable Resources. This year marks the 40th anniversary of the Governor'sEnvironmental Stewardship Awards which honors individuals, businesses, and other organizations for their commitment to preserving the state's natural resources.
The award for Energy and Renewable Resources recognizes advancing the use of alternative fuels and expanding energy efficiency.
MLGW, in partnership with the City of Memphis, Ameresco, and Ubicquia, completed a groundbreaking citywide conversion of more than 77,000 streetlights to high efficiency LEDs equipped with smart, cellular-based controls. The $47 million initiative represents one of the most ambitious smart lighting transformations in the Southeast and delivers major environmental, economic, and public safety benefits for residents across Memphis.
The upgraded LED system is already achieving approximately 55 percent annual energy savings, reducing electricity consumption by over 37,000 MWh each year and cutting more than 26,000 metric tons of greenhouse gas emissions annually. These reductions align directly with the Memphis Area Climate Action Plan goal of lowering emissions 51% below 2016 levels by 2035, while enabling the project to effectively pay for itself over time.
In addition to environmental gains, the new lighting improves visibility and strengthens public safety across neighborhoods, business corridors, and school zones for drivers and pedestrians.
Following Memphis's lead, the cities of Arlington, Bartlett, Collierville, and Millington partnered with MLGW to convert an additional 8,000 streetlights, demonstrating the scalability of the model. The project has earned national recognition, including the Smart 20 Award for Transformative City Infrastructure and commendation from the U.S. Department of Energy's Integrated Lighting Campaign for sustainability in lighting.
There are ten categories for the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards. Other recipients include:
* Agriculture and Forestry - Cumberland River Compact Building Green - iFixit
* Clean Air and Transportation Solutions - Clarksville-Montgomery County School System
* Environmental Education and Outreach - Clearloop and Jackson-Madison County School System
* Materials Management - Toyota Boshoku Tennessee LLC
* Natural Resources - Keep the Tennessee River Beautiful
* Pursuit of Excellence - OxyChem
* Sustainable Performance - Carlex Glass America, LLC
* Water Quality - Tennessee Wildlife Resource Agency
The Robert Sparks Walker Lifetime Achievement Award will be announced at the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards event in September.
For more information on the recipients and the awards program, visit the Governor's Environmental Stewardship Awards website (https://www.tn.gov/content/tn/environment/stewardship/gesa.html).
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/7/17/tdec-gesa2026-memphis-light-gas-water.html
Minn. State Auditor Julie Blaha Announces Redesign of OSA Website
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 18 -- The Minnesota State Auditor issued the following news release:
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State Auditor Julie Blaha Announces Redesign of OSA Website
Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha announced the launch of the Office of the State Auditor's (OSA) newly redesigned website, built to meet updated federal accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for web content and mobile applications.
The redesign improves accessibility and the user experience by making it easier for cities, counties, towns, special districts, fire relief associations,
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ST. PAUL, Minnesota, July 18 -- The Minnesota State Auditor issued the following news release:
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State Auditor Julie Blaha Announces Redesign of OSA Website
Minnesota State Auditor Julie Blaha announced the launch of the Office of the State Auditor's (OSA) newly redesigned website, built to meet updated federal accessibility requirements under Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) for web content and mobile applications.
The redesign improves accessibility and the user experience by making it easier for cities, counties, towns, special districts, fire relief associations,development authorities, CPA firms and the public to find relevant information.
"We really wanted to design an inclusive website that caters to the specific needs of the people who use it," said Chief Information Officer Kathy Fraser.
The OSA gathered feedback from local government officials, organizations and members of the public throughout the redesign process. Twenty-three participants completed card-sorting exercises that helped shape the site's organization, navigation and search functions.
"This redesign improves access to information and services while helping ensure our office meets the needs of Minnesotans," said State Auditor Julie Blaha.
Key Improvement Include:
* Improved accessibility
* Enhanced navigation and search
* Relevant content for target audiences
* Mobile-friendly design
* Consistent look and feel
The new website (https://www.osa.state.mn.us/) is now live.
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Original text here: https://www.osa.state.mn.us/news/updates/press-releases-articles/2026/state-auditor-julie-blaha-announces-redesign-of-osa-website-july-17-2026/
MTA Committee and Board Meetings to Be Held Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29
NEW YORK, July 18 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release:
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MTA Committee and Board Meetings to Be Held Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board and its committees will convene for meetings later this month. On Monday, July 27, starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, MTA Board committee chairs will convene meetings of the Bridges and Tunnels, New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, Capital Program, Finance, Audit, and Safety committees.
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NEW YORK, July 18 -- The New York State Metropolitan Transportation Authority issued the following news release:
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MTA Committee and Board Meetings to Be Held Monday, July 27, and Wednesday, July 29
The Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA) Board and its committees will convene for meetings later this month. On Monday, July 27, starting at 9:00 a.m. and continuing throughout the day, MTA Board committee chairs will convene meetings of the Bridges and Tunnels, New York City Transit, Long Island Rail Road, Metro-North Railroad, Capital Program, Finance, Audit, and Safety committees.On Wednesday, July 29, there will be a meeting of the full MTA Board at 9:00 a.m.
MTA Board and Committee meetings will provide an opportunity for the public to weigh in on Authority business from either the MTA's 2 Broadway headquarters or a remote location. Speakers will be allotted up to two minutes each and need to register, either online or in person at 2 Broadway. There will be 30 minutes of public comment scheduled at Committee meetings, and 60 minutes at the Board meeting. Any additional speakers who cannot be accommodated within the scheduled time will have the opportunity to provide video comments that will be sent to members of the board and posted online. Remarks must be related to action items or subjects identified in the meeting work plan or materials for that meeting.
Members of the public who attend committee and board meetings are required to adhere to the MTA's Code of Conduct.
For details on meeting schedules and procedures for public participation, to watch meeting livestreams and access meeting materials, the public is encouraged to visit MTA Board Meeting, July 2026 (https://www.mta.info/transparency/board-and-committee-meetings/july-2026).
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Original text here: https://www.mta.info/press-release/mta-committee-and-board-meetings-be-held-monday-july-27-and-wednesday-july-29
Hawaii Health Dept. Issues Red Placard to Subway Kunia in Waipahu
HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 18 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH ISSUES RED PLACARD TO SUBWAY KUNIA IN WAIPAHU
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a red placard and immediately shut down Subway Kunia, located at 94-535 Kupuohi St. in Waipahu, due to insufficient refrigeration to safely maintain foods requiring Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS).
The food establishment, operated by World Subs Inc., received a red placard on July 17 and must remain closed until DOH conducts a follow-up inspection and determines all critical violations have
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HONOLULU, Hawaii, July 18 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH ISSUES RED PLACARD TO SUBWAY KUNIA IN WAIPAHU
The Hawaii Department of Health (DOH) issued a red placard and immediately shut down Subway Kunia, located at 94-535 Kupuohi St. in Waipahu, due to insufficient refrigeration to safely maintain foods requiring Time/Temperature Control for Safety (TCS).
The food establishment, operated by World Subs Inc., received a red placard on July 17 and must remain closed until DOH conducts a follow-up inspection and determines all critical violations havebeen corrected. The establishment may not prepare, serve or distribute food to the public, including for off-site events, until it is authorized to reopen.
During a routine inspection conducted on July 17, 2026, the DOH inspector observed the following critical violation:
* Improper cold-holding temperatures. All four refrigeration units on-site, including the walk-in refrigerator, were operating above required temperatures.
DOH is requiring the food establishment to complete the following corrective action before it can reopen:
* Refrigeration units must be capable of maintaining foods at 41 degrees Fahrenheit or below.
The next follow-up inspection is scheduled for Tuesday, July 21, 2026.
The DOH Food Safety Branch protects and promotes the health of Hawaii residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed or sold.
For more information on the department's placarding program, visit: http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-issues-red-placard-to-subway-kunia-in-waipahu/
Ariz. Supreme Court Clarifies When Attorney-Client Privilege Applies to Third Parties
PHOENIX, Arizona, July 18 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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Arizona Supreme Court Clarifies When Attorney-Client Privilege Applies to Third Parties
The Arizona Supreme Court today issued an opinion that clarifies when conversations involving a lawyer, a client, and a third person are protected by the attorney-client privilege.
The Court explained that the attorney-client privilege exists to encourage honest communications between lawyers and their clients. But when a third person is involved in those communications, the privilege does not
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PHOENIX, Arizona, July 18 -- The Arizona Supreme Court issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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Arizona Supreme Court Clarifies When Attorney-Client Privilege Applies to Third Parties
The Arizona Supreme Court today issued an opinion that clarifies when conversations involving a lawyer, a client, and a third person are protected by the attorney-client privilege.
The Court explained that the attorney-client privilege exists to encourage honest communications between lawyers and their clients. But when a third person is involved in those communications, the privilege does notautomatically apply.
The case involves a divorce between Cristina and Kerr Gelvin. During the divorce, Cristina Gelvin asked her lawyers to include her mother in communications about the case. She and her mother signed agreements stating that they intended those communications to remain confidential.
The Court held that communications involving a third party are protected only when that person's involvement is objectively necessary to help the lawyer and client communicate or provide legal representation. Examples may include a translator, a parent helping a minor child, or an expert whose assistance is needed.
The Court also ruled that a client cannot create attorney-client privilege simply by signing an agreement saying a third party should be included in confidential communications. Instead, the person claiming the privilege has the burden of showing that the third party's involvement was necessary.
In reaching its decision, the Court overruled part of a previous Arizona Court of Appeals decision, Accomazzo v. Kemp, because it gave too much weight to a client's expectation of confidentiality and improperly shifted the burden to the party challenging the privilege.
Because parties and courts relied on the earlier decision, the Court also decided that its new rule will apply only going forward.
The Court sent the case back to the trial court for further proceedings consistent with its opinion.
Justice Clint Bolick wrote the opinion for a unanimous Court.
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Original text here: https://www.azcourts.gov/Portals/0/NewsReleaseArizonaSupremeCourtClarifiesWhenAttorney-ClientPrivilegeAppliestoThirdParties.pdf
Ala. Labor Dept.: State Jobs Count Hits a New Record High
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Labor issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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Alabama Jobs Count Hits a New Record High
Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed announced today that wage and salary employment increased by 21,100 over the year to 2,224,200, a new record high, with gains in the leisure and hospitality sector (+7,500), the construction sector (+5,600), and the government sector (+5,300), among others.
"We are adding jobs every month, and breaking records," said Reed. "This reflects continued employer confidence in Alabama's
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Labor issued the following news release on July 17, 2026:
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Alabama Jobs Count Hits a New Record High
Alabama Department of Workforce Secretary Greg Reed announced today that wage and salary employment increased by 21,100 over the year to 2,224,200, a new record high, with gains in the leisure and hospitality sector (+7,500), the construction sector (+5,600), and the government sector (+5,300), among others.
"We are adding jobs every month, and breaking records," said Reed. "This reflects continued employer confidence in Alabama'seconomy and we are committed to building on that momentum. Alabama is a great place to do business and we're proud to work alongside our business community in delivering quality jobs for our workforce."
Alabama's labor force participation rate for June is 57.1%. The percentage of prime-age workers increased to 79.6%, over the year. Prime-age workers are those aged 25-54 years.
61.7% of those who are not being counted in the workforce participation rate are 55 years of age and over.
Alabama's preliminary, seasonally adjusted June unemployment rate is 3.2%, up from May 2026's rate of 3.0%. June's rate is above June 2025's rate of 2.9%. The rate represents 76,641 unemployed persons, compared to 72,046 in May and 67,728 in June 2025.
The number of people counted as employed decreased by 12,759 over the year to 2,294,118. The civilian labor force also decreased to 2,370,759, with 3,846 fewer people joining over the year.
Counties with the lowest unemployment rates are: Shelby and Chambers Counties at 3.2%, Morgan, Limestone, Elmore, and Blount Counties at 3.3%, and St. Clair, Marshall, Madison, and Lawrence Counties at 3.4%. Counties with the highest unemployment rates are: Perry County at 7.7%, Greene and Monroe Counties at 6.9%, and Wilcox County at 6.4%.
Major cities with the lowest unemployment rates are: Pelham at 2.9%, Vestavia Hills and Trussville at 3.0%, and Madison, Hoover, and Alabaster at 3.1%. Major cities with the highest unemployment rates are: Prichard at 7.0%, Selma at 6.0%, and Anniston at 5.3%.
"Seasonal adjustment" refers to BLS's practice of anticipating certain trends in the labor force, such as hiring during the holidays or the surge in the labor force when students graduate in the spring, and removing their effects to the civilian labor force.
The Current Population (CPS), or the household survey, is conducted by the Census Bureau and identifies members of the work force and measures how many people are working or looking for work.
The establishment survey, which is conducted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), a division of the U.S. Department of Labor, surveys employers to measure how many jobs are in the economy. This is also referred to as wage and salary employment.
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Original text here: https://adol.alabama.gov/2026/07/alabama-jobs-count-hits-a-new-record-high/
Ala. Commerce Dept.: Tuscaloosa County Lands $2.3 Million SEEDS Grant to Ready Airport Industrial Park Site for New Investment
MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Tuscaloosa County lands $2.3 million SEEDS grant to ready Airport Industrial Park site for new investment
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- A 230-acre property that has sat underused for years inside the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park is about to become one of the region's most competitive sites for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and other high-wage industry -- thanks to a $2.3 million grant.
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority received the Site Evaluation and Economic Development
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MONTGOMERY, Alabama, July 18 -- The Alabama Department of Commerce issued the following news:
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Tuscaloosa County lands $2.3 million SEEDS grant to ready Airport Industrial Park site for new investment
TUSCALOOSA, Alabama -- A 230-acre property that has sat underused for years inside the Tuscaloosa County Airport Industrial Park is about to become one of the region's most competitive sites for advanced manufacturing, aerospace and other high-wage industry -- thanks to a $2.3 million grant.
The Tuscaloosa County Economic Development Authority received the Site Evaluation and Economic DevelopmentStrategy (SEEDS) award from the Alabama Department of Commerce, which administers the program in partnership with the Economic Development Partnership of Alabama.
Combined with local matching funds, the total investment in the site will exceed $4.6 million, transforming the long-limited property into a shovel-ready asset ready to compete for major projects.
"Alabama continues to lead because we invest in the fundamentals that make growth possible, including ready sites, skilled people and the infrastructure to support serious industry," said Governor Kay Ivey. "This SEEDS grant will turn a long-underused property into a shovel-ready asset that positions Tuscaloosa County to compete for the advanced manufacturing and aerospace projects of tomorrow."
The S.D. Allen site has long been considered one of the Airport Industrial Park's most promising properties, offering substantial acreage, a strong location and access to existing infrastructure. But persistent site deficiencies had kept it from reaching its full potential. Once complete, the SEEDS-funded work will consolidate the property into a contiguous, shovel-ready site.
"The SEEDS program exists to help communities like Tuscaloosa County turn potential into performance," stated Ellen McNair, Secretary of the Alabama Department of Commerce. "This funding addresses the site-readiness challenges that have held back one of the county's best industrial properties, and it reflects what we hear from companies looking to locate in Alabama: they need sites that are truly ready to build on, and a workforce with the skill and work ethic to back it up. Tuscaloosa County has both, and this investment will help them compete at the highest level."
Tim Parker, TCEDA chairman, said the funding reflects a broader partnership between state and local government aimed at strengthening the region's competitive position.
"Preparing for tomorrow's opportunities requires investing today," Parker said. "This grant, combined with the commitment of our local governments, will transform an underutilized property into one of Tuscaloosa County's most competitive industrial sites. We are thankful to Governor Ivey, Secretary McNair, and the Alabama Department of Commerce for recognizing the importance of this project, and to the Tuscaloosa County Commission and our municipal partners for their continued commitment to building a stronger economic future for our community."
Site work is expected to be complete by the end of 2027, positioning the property to enter the market right as manufacturers across multiple sectors continue to look South for shovel-ready locations backed by a proven workforce. For Tuscaloosa County, the investment is less about catching up than it is about closing the gap between a site's potential and its readiness -- and doing it with the kind of state-local partnership that has become a hallmark of Alabama's economic development strategy.
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Original text here: https://www.madeinalabama.com/2026/07/tuscaloosa-county-lands-2-3-million-seeds-grant-to-ready-airport-industrial-park-site-for-new-investment/
