Featured Stories
Statement From Va. A.G. Jones on Spotsylvania Circuit Court Opinion Denying Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia's Assault Weapons Ban
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 19 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 18, 2026:
* * *
Statement From Attorney General Jay Jones on Spotsylvania Circuit Court Opinion Denying Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia's Assault Weapons Ban
Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement after the Spotsylvania Circuit Court denied the plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction in Curtis v. Katz, a challenge to the assault weapons ban passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Spanberger.
"The Court's decision today in Curtis
... Show Full Article
RICHMOND, Virginia, June 19 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following news release on June 18, 2026:
* * *
Statement From Attorney General Jay Jones on Spotsylvania Circuit Court Opinion Denying Preliminary Injunction Against Virginia's Assault Weapons Ban
Attorney General Jay Jones released the following statement after the Spotsylvania Circuit Court denied the plaintiff's motion for a preliminary injunction in Curtis v. Katz, a challenge to the assault weapons ban passed by the General Assembly and signed into law by Governor Spanberger.
"The Court's decision today in Curtisv. Katz is an important step in ensuring that Virginia's assault weapons ban will go into effect on July 1.
The Commonwealth will defend against any appeal in this case and will continue to defend the assault weapons ban in every case to keep Virginians safe."
* * *
Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3047-statement-from-attorney-general-jay-jones-on-spotsylvania-circuit-court-opinion-denying-preliminary-injunction-against-virginias-assault-weapons-ban
N.Y. Comptroller: 'Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York, June 2026'
ALBANY, New York, June 19 (TNSLprt) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following report entitled "Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York, June 2026."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
I. Executive Summary
The $124.7 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget released in May (see Figure 1) continued the City's recent efforts to lay bare the substantial spending challenges it faces while identifying some recurring solutions to managing these challenges. In doing so, however, it pushes the necessary decisions to achieve structural balance into the future. The City states
... Show Full Article
ALBANY, New York, June 19 (TNSLprt) -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following report entitled "Review of the Financial Plan of the City of New York, June 2026."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
I. Executive Summary
The $124.7 billion fiscal year (FY) 2027 budget released in May (see Figure 1) continued the City's recent efforts to lay bare the substantial spending challenges it faces while identifying some recurring solutions to managing these challenges. In doing so, however, it pushes the necessary decisions to achieve structural balance into the future. The City statesin its latest financial plan that budget gaps will average $8.6 billion in fiscal years 2028 through 2030, highlighting the substantial differences in shortfalls that will need to be managed in the coming years. Overall, the FY 2027 budget has shrunk since February and is expected to grow very slowly when compared to FY 2026; however, a comparison of total spending obscures several important shifts in the budget that are important to understand to better assess the City's fiscal position.
After substantial additions to spending for underbudgeted expenses in February of this year, which the City initially planned to fund with a substantial 9.5 percent property tax increase, the City has reconstructed its effort to close its FY 2027 budget gap with the limited use of new and increased taxes. The removal of the property tax increase, which would have raised $3.7 billion in FY 2027, left a significant hole in the budget. The City partly addressed this by trying to slow planned spending growth--adding cost containment initiatives for fast growing costs to its Citywide Savings Program, which were initiated in earnest in February. The City was also successful in efforts to receive enhanced State aid for several existing expenses, including for statutory mandates, and $500 million in one-time unrestricted aid. Even with these changes, however, the City is also relying on a number of one-time actions that will postpone--but not allow it to avoid--structural changes to the budget that will eventually be needed.
The City has been transparent about these actions, which has led to the exposure and utilization of several budgetary cushions the City uses to manage its finances. While this approach should more clearly allow the public to understand the City's fiscal position, it also highlights that the room for error in achieving and maintaining budgetary balance is becoming narrower.
City tax revenue projections for FY 2027 ($84.4 billion) were revised upward by $4.2 billion since budget adoption in June and changes to projections in February are less conservative than in recent years. OSC anticipates that, barring a recession, the City's revenue projection for FY 2027 is reasonable but that it is unlikely to see the same adjustments upward as it has in past years, requiring resources from elsewhere to bridge the gap.
Efforts by the City to expand funding from the State were largely successful, with State actions leading to more than $2.7 billion to fund City spending for child care, education, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority (MTA), and public health measures in FY 2027. However, much of this spending will have to be renegotiated next year and the State may be reluctant to further expand cost sharing, given the support already provided for in this year's State Enacted Budget. The State also enabled the decoupling of business taxes ($723 million in FY 2027) and the pied-aterre tax ($500 million), which were already included in the City's latest financial plan.
Other tactics used in recent years to offset underbudgeting of major expenses as the fiscal year went along include a mix of contingency reserve drawdowns, payroll and fringe savings from actual headcount being under target, conservative projections for contractual services and the use of prepayments of future spending.
* * *
View full report at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/files/reports/osdc/pdf/report-4-2027.pdf
Minn. Employment & Economic Development Dept.: Jobs Growth Continued and Unemployment Rate Inched Down in May
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 19 (TNSxrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on June 18, 2026:
* * *
Jobs Growth Continued and Unemployment Rate Inched Down in May
Minnesota's unemployment rate inched down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4% in May, reflecting the state's progress toward closing a gap with the national unemployment rate (flat over the month at 4.3%) according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
"It's encouraging to see some progress amidst a mixed
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, June 19 (TNSxrep) -- The Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development issued the following news release on June 18, 2026:
* * *
Jobs Growth Continued and Unemployment Rate Inched Down in May
Minnesota's unemployment rate inched down one-tenth of a percentage point to 4.4% in May, reflecting the state's progress toward closing a gap with the national unemployment rate (flat over the month at 4.3%) according to data released today by the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED).
"It's encouraging to see some progress amidst a mixedeconomic picture both in the state and the nation as a whole," said DEED Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. "Minnesota continues to invest in upskilling our state's workforce and attracting and supporting business growth to maintain a diverse, resilient economy amidst these challenging conditions."
After seeing nearly flat jobs growth or losses in December through March, the state's over-the-month jobs growth in May outpaced the national rate for the second consecutive month, gaining 5,400 nonfarm jobs (up 0.2%) on a seasonally adjusted basis while the U.S. total nonfarm employment increased by 172,000 jobs (up 0.1). Minnesota's private sector gained 5,900 jobs (up 0.2%) and the U.S. private sector gained 120,000 jobs, also 0.1%.
The state's labor force participation rate ticked down two-tenths of a percentage point to 67.2% over the month, the sixth consecutive month of declines. The national rate held even at 61.8%. At 4.2% in May, the CPI inflation index outpaced state and local national wage growth rates for the second consecutive month.
Six supersectors in Minnesota gained jobs on a seasonally adjusted basis over the month, led by Leisure and Hospitality (2,400 jobs, up 0.9%) and Construction (2,100 jobs, up 1.4%). Two supersectors were flat. Financial Activities saw the largest decline (2,400 jobs, down 1.3%).
Over the year, Minnesota gained 19,669 payroll jobs (up 0.6%), while U.S. employment grew 0.3%. Minnesota's private sector also grew 0.6%, compared to 0.5% growth on the national level. Six supersectors in Minnesota gained jobs and five supersectors lost jobs. Education and Health Services saw the largest gains (16,718 jobs, up 2.7%), followed by Construction (7,639 jobs, up 5.1%). Supersectors that led in declines were Trade, Transportation, and Utilities (6,014 jobs, down 1.1%) and Financial Activities (5,848 jobs, down 3.1%).
At 32.7 hours per week, Minnesota's May average work week decreased one-tenth of an hour over-the-month and stayed steady over-the-year. Nationally, the average work week held at 34.2 hours over-the-month and increased one-tenth of an hour over the year.
Calculating seasonally adjusted two-month job changes:
* Minnesota lost 6,400 jobs in January-March, down 0.21%; the U.S. grew 0.04.
* Minnesota gained 19,000 jobs in February-April, up 0.63%; the U.S. grew 0.25%.
* Minnesota gained 23,900 jobs in March-May, up 0.79%; the U.S. grew 0.22%.
"It's a relief to see the unemployment rate and monthly jobs growth improve in May," said Angelina Nguyen, DEED Labor Market Information director. "Wage and labor force growth have yet to reverse course."
Visit the DEED website to view full state and national employment statistics (https://mn.gov/deed/data/current-econ-highlights/state-national-employment.jsp), monthly jobs numbers (https://mn.gov/deed/data/data-tools/current-employment-statistics/) and further analysis of this month's data (https://mn.gov/deed/assets/May%202026%20Employment%20Analysis_final_tcm1045-754485.docx). In addition, find related articles about job growth and labor market changes in the latest issue of Minnesota Employment Trends. Access resources to help Minnesotans prepare for and find employment now at CareerForce.MN.gov.
* * *
Original text here: https://mn.gov/deed/newscenter/press-releases/#/detail/appId/1/id/754588
Maine Secretary of State's Office Announces Ranked Choice Tabulations
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
* * *
Maine Secretary of State's Office announces ranked choice tabulations
The Elections division today completed ranked choice tabulations on five June 9, 2006 Primary Election races. Based on ranked choice tabulations, final results for each race are as follows:
Governor - Republican
* Winner: Bobby Charles
* Eliminated by round: 1-Libby, 2-Wessels, 3-Jones, 4-McCarthy, 5-Mason, 6-Bush Runner-up Midgley
Governor - Democrat
* Winner: Hannah Pingree
* Eliminated by round: 1-King, 2-Bellows, 3-Jackson
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
* * *
Maine Secretary of State's Office announces ranked choice tabulations
The Elections division today completed ranked choice tabulations on five June 9, 2006 Primary Election races. Based on ranked choice tabulations, final results for each race are as follows:
Governor - Republican
* Winner: Bobby Charles
* Eliminated by round: 1-Libby, 2-Wessels, 3-Jones, 4-McCarthy, 5-Mason, 6-Bush Runner-up Midgley
Governor - Democrat
* Winner: Hannah Pingree
* Eliminated by round: 1-King, 2-Bellows, 3-Jackson
Runner-Up: Shah
U.S. Congress CD2 - Democrat
* Winner: Matthew Dunlap
* Eliminated by round: 1-Loud, 2-Wood
Runner-Up: Baldacci
Senate District 4 - Republican (Bradford; Charleston, Corinna, Corinth, Dexter, Exeter, Garland, Glenburn, Hudson, Kenduskeag, Levant)
* Winner: Chad Perkins
* Eliminated by round: 1-Pierce, 2-Wood
Runner-Up: Guerin
House District 58 - Republican (Belgrade, Fayette, Rome, Vienna, Mount Vernon, New Sharon)
* Winner: Dexter Bridges
* Eliminated by round: 1-Harris
Runner-up: Bessey
In Ranked Choice Voting races, the winner must receive a majority - more than 50% - of the vote. For more information about how ranked-choice races are tabulated, visit the RCV Resources webpage.
Recount process: In Ranked Choice Voting races, only a candidate who received one of the top three rankings at the end of the penultimate round of ranked choice counting may request a recount, and they must file with the Department of the Secretary of State a written request within five business days after results are announced. Maine statute Title 21-A, Sec.737-A lays out a specific plan, process and any related costs for votes to be recounted. In a recount, representatives of each candidate and staff members from the Department of the Secretary of State manually review each paper ballot to determine the official vote tally.
Results are unofficial until the official tabulation of the votes cast is communicated to Governor Janet Mills. Official results will be available and posted on the Election Results page (https://www.maine.gov/sos/elections-voting/election-results-data) within 20 days after the election.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/maine-secretary-states-office-announces-ranked-choice-tabulations
Maine Secretary of State Issues Decision in Challenge to Albert Joy Nomination Petitions for Knox County Sheriff
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
* * *
Maine Secretary of State issues decision in challenge to Albert Joy nomination petitions for Knox County Sheriff
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a decision (https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/6-18-2026%20-%20Final%20Decision%20Knox%20County%20Sheriff.pdf) regarding a challenge to the nomination petitions filed by Albert Joy as a non-party candidate for Knox County Sheriff. Secretary Bellows has rejected the challenge, finding Mr. Joy eligible for the November
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- The Maine Secretary of State issued the following news release:
* * *
Maine Secretary of State issues decision in challenge to Albert Joy nomination petitions for Knox County Sheriff
Secretary of State Shenna Bellows issued a decision (https://www.maine.gov/sos/sites/maine.gov.sos/files/inline-files/6-18-2026%20-%20Final%20Decision%20Knox%20County%20Sheriff.pdf) regarding a challenge to the nomination petitions filed by Albert Joy as a non-party candidate for Knox County Sheriff. Secretary Bellows has rejected the challenge, finding Mr. Joy eligible for the Novemberballot.
The Secretary of State's Office received the written challenge from Daniel Landers alleging that Mr. Joy did not meet the statutory qualifications for the office of sheriff pursuant to Maine law. A hearing was held on Thursday, June 11 with Chief Deputy Secretary Katherine McBrien serving as the Presiding Officer at the hearing, and Assistant Attorney General Jon Bolton assisting as legal counsel. A recording on the hearing can be viewed on the Secretary of State's YouTube page: https://www.youtube.com/@mesecofstate.
The Secretary, upon review of the proceedings and evidence, the recommendation of the hearing officer and responses from Mr. Landers and Mr. Joy, found that the challenger did not meet the burden of proof required to disqualify Mr. Joy from the ballot. Mr. Joy will appear on the ballot in November for Knox County Sheriff as a nonparty candidate. The challenger may appeal the decision to Superior Court.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/sos/news/maine-secretary-state-issues-decision-challenge-albert-joy-nomination-petitions-knox-county
Maine Gov. Mills Radio Address: Millions in Critical Investments Are Coming to Rural Communities in Maine
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
* * *
Millions in Critical Investments are Coming to Rural Communities in Maine
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, rural Maine is my home. And I know firsthand that our rural communities have the people, the work ethic, and the ideas to build a stronger future. What they haven't always had is the investment that's necessary to turn that potential into real progress.
Well, this week I was proud to announce that 17 rural communities and organizations across Maine
... Show Full Article
AUGUSTA, Maine, June 19 -- Gov. Janet Mills, D-Maine, issued the following radio address:
* * *
Millions in Critical Investments are Coming to Rural Communities in Maine
Hello, this is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening.
You know, rural Maine is my home. And I know firsthand that our rural communities have the people, the work ethic, and the ideas to build a stronger future. What they haven't always had is the investment that's necessary to turn that potential into real progress.
Well, this week I was proud to announce that 17 rural communities and organizations across Mainehave been awarded nearly $16 million in federal grants from the Northern Border Regional Commission for some important economic development projects. The Northern Border Regional Commission, along with the state of Maine, provides targeted federal investment for economic and community development projects in counties that are in states along the northern border.
Since the Commission was formed through legislation sponsored by then-Congressman Michael Michaud in 2008, Maine has received more than $100 million for hundreds of projects in rural communities. The projects that will receive funding through these latest awards will enhance economic development and build workforce housing, expand childcare, and fund infrastructure improvements. For example:
* Brooksville will use its grant to build the town's first all-tide public pier landing and boat ramp at Betsy's Cove.
* Tree Street Youth in Lewiston will build a new neighborhood center with childcare, a community meeting space, and youth workforce training.
* Farmington will benefit from a grant to build a multi-use pedestrian and snowmobile bridge over the Sandy River, extending the Whistle Stop Trail to downtown.
* And the Northern Maine Development Commission will create "Aroostook Rising," a two-year project to recruit talented workers.
I recommended these projects for federal funding after a competitive review conducted by my Department of Economic and Community Development. And recently, the Commission--the Northern Border Regional Commission--also announced awards in Maine through its Forest Economy and Timber for Transit programs.
* Main Street Skowhegan will put that grant towards the construction of a riverfront boardwalk that connects downtown businesses and neighborhoods to the Kennebec River and the Skowhegan River Park.
* The City of Rockland will use its grant to rebuild the public landing pier and redesign the harbormaster building to resist future severe storms and flooding.
* And the Southern Aroostook Development Corporation will use its award to develop a modern forest products manufacturing facility in the Houlton Industrial Park.
Communities across rural Maine have the people and the potential to build a strong future. Now, they also have the resources to create good jobs, strengthen local businesses, build workforce housing, improve critical infrastructure, and expand industries that are so vital to our state.
This is Governor Janet Mills, and thank you for listening. And to all those who are celebrating this weekend, all fathers and father figures, Happy Father's Day.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.maine.gov/governor/mills/node/3889
Ark. Agriculture Dept.: Governor Sanders Announces $3.17 Million in Funding for 18 Projects to Improve Water Quality
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, June 19 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Sanders Announces $3.17 Million in Funding for 18 Projects to Improve Water Quality
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $3,175,000 through the 2026 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These funds will support statewide projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in the state's waterbodies through the Department's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program.
"Every Arkansas family should
... Show Full Article
LITTLE ROCK, Arkansas, June 19 -- The Arkansas Department of Agriculture issued the following news release:
* * *
Governor Sanders Announces $3.17 Million in Funding for 18 Projects to Improve Water Quality
The Arkansas Department of Agriculture has been awarded $3,175,000 through the 2026 Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). These funds will support statewide projects that reduce nonpoint source pollution in the state's waterbodies through the Department's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program.
"Every Arkansas family shouldhave access to safe, reliable water in their communities," said Governor Sanders. "That's why I am incredibly grateful to President Trump and EPA Administrator Lee Zeldin for this funding. Together, we can ensure that Arkansas' infrastructure is able to meet the increasing demand in our state while not sacrificing quality."
"Clean water is critical to the quality of life that we enjoy in Arkansas and is one of the most important investments that we can make in our state's future," said Arkansas Secretary of Agriculture Wes Ward. "These investments strengthen partnerships and help ensure that our rivers, lakes, and streams remain healthy for every Arkansan now and into the future."
"Protecting Arkansas' water takes strong partnerships, and these projects reflect the commitment of communities, conservation groups, and state and federal agencies working together and sharing resources," said Chris Colclasure, Director of the Department's Natural Resources Division. "This collective effort is what turns plans into actions to improve water quality for the benefit of every Arkansan."
Since 2023, the Department's Nonpoint Source Pollution Management Program has received $13,198,274 through the EPA's Clean Water Act Section 319(h) Grant Program. When combined with partner matching contributions, $23,692,205 has been invested in 48 projects across the state to improve water quality. Learn more about the program on the Department's website.
For this funding cycle, a total of $5,547,513 in project activity was identified, including $3,175,000 in federal funds and $2,372,513 in matching funds. This year's award will support 18 projects.
The following entities will receive sub-awards to implement projects that reduce sediment and nutrient loads, improve watershed resilience, expand water quality monitoring, and increase public education and outreach:
* Arkansas Game and Fish Commission will receive $225,000 to replace a failed low-water crossing in Gulf Mountain Wildlife Management Area to improve access and aquatic habitat.
* Audubon Arkansas will receive $146,772 to develop a nine-element watershed management plan using data analysis, modeling, and community engagement.
* Beaver Watershed Alliance will receive $350,622 to reduce sediment and nutrient loads in the Beaver Lake and Illinois River watersheds.
* City of North Little Rock will receive $54,000 to conduct education campaigns on nonpoint source pollution for municipal staff, officials, and the construction community.
* Clay County Conservation District will receive $137,890 to reduce nutrient and sediment runoff in priority Cache River tributaries.
* Conway Corporation will receive $120,000 to implement recommendations from the draft Brewer Lake Watershed Management Plan, including riparian restoration and water quality monitoring.
* Friends of Fourche Creek will receive $44,700 to increase watershed outreach and community engagement within the Fourche Creek watershed.
* Fulton County Conservation District will receive $348,664 to support landowners in applying best management practices (BMPs), establishing vegetative cover, and protecting riparian areas.
* Garland County Conservation District will receive $120,900 to reduce nonpoint source pollution in the Saline and Ouachita rivers through BMPs and outreach.
* H2Ozarks will receive $135,792 to advance low-impact development, public outreach, and workshops in the Kings River watershed.
* Illinois River Watershed Partnership will receive $222,593 to expand water quality monitoring and educational activities for students, educators, and citizen scientists.
* Izard County Conservation District will receive $148,800 to reduce erosion and sedimentation in the Middle White River watershed through landowner BMP adoption.
* Saline Watershed Alliance will receive $196,550 to stabilize streambanks, reduce erosion, improve aquatic habitat, and enhance water quality.
* St. Francis County Conservation District will receive $56,224 to support BMP implementation, workshops, field days, and landowner trainings.
* The Nature Conservancy will receive $321,049 to implement conservation-based drainage practices in the Cache River Watershed using GIS analysis, field surveys, and targeted BMPs.
* Van Buren County Conservation District will receive $24,000 to support voluntary BMP adoption, including no till and reduced till practices, through equipment purchase.
* Washington County Conservation District will receive $222,944 to install best management practices (BMPs) that address stormwater, nutrient runoff, and stream access issues.
* Watershed Conservation Resource Center will receive $298,500 to implement nature-based solutions and long-term restoration measures to reduce sediment and nutrient loads.
Projects were selected based on federal program requirements, priorities in the 2024-2029 Nonpoint Source Management Plan, and projected measurable improvements to water quality. Priority areas include pollutant load reductions, voluntary practices in targeted watersheds, restoring beneficial uses, expanding education and outreach, and building partner capacity.
* * *
Original text here: https://agriculture.arkansas.gov/news/governor-sanders-announces-3-17-million-in-funding-for-18-projects-to-improve-water-quality/
