Vermont State

Indiana State

John Jamerson knows the value of farming land. He is one of the last remaining family members that lives on Lyles Station, the last Black farming settlement in Indiana. As Black farm land — and landowners — evaporate nationwide, Jamerson said maintaining his family’s farm, Legacy Taste of the Garden, is their way of building and continuing a legacy that has spanned nearly five generations.

The USDA Is Finally Paying Back Black Farmers. Some Say It’s Not Enough.

TravelNoire

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has reached a historic $2.2 billion settlement to compensate Black and other minority farmers who faced years of systemic discrimination in farm lending programs. This landmark agreement will address decades of unfair treatment. It will also provide financial assistance to those affected by discriminatory practices before January 2021.

USDA Announces $2 Billion Settlement For Black And Minority Farmers

WASHINGTON, DC—Farmers who experienced losses in 2022 due to almost any natural disaster have until the close of business today to apply for the Emergency Relief Program (ERP) through USDA. The deadline (August 14, 2024) comes ten months after local Farm Service Agency offices began accepting the applications amid...

Deadline Today for 2022 Emergency Relief Program Applications

New York City, NY

Three real estate investors have pleaded guilty to defrauding lenders out of more than $119 million in a multifamily mortgage fraud scheme. Fredrick Schulman, 72, of New York, Chaim "Eli" Puretz, 29, of New Jersey, and Moshe "Mark" Silber, 34, of New York, have all pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit wire fraud affecting a financial institution.

Three realtors plead guilty in multifamily mortgage fraud ring

Marijuana joints and buds, also known as "flower," are viewed on May 24, 2024, in Los Angeles. (Photo Illustration by Mario Tama/Getty Images) Lawmakers voted 4-1 on Tuesday to finalize a nearly 70% hike to the price of a medical marijuana business license. Sen. Red Dawn Foster, D-Pine Ridge, was...

Lawmakers make it official: Annual fees for medical pot businesses will jump 70%

The USDA announced changes to the Farm Service Agency’s Farm Loan Programs that take effect on September 25, 2024. The changes are intended to increase opportunities for farmers and ranchers to be financially viable. These improvements are part of the Enhancing Program Access and Delivery for Farm Loans rule.

USDA Updates Farm Loan Programs

Massachusetts State

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Dianna Carney

Sandy Paws Rescue Inc., a foster-based rescue in Massachusetts, has recently introduced a tiny six-pound dog named Alistair who is looking for his forever home. At only one year old, this little boy is a sweet dog who is thought to be a Maltese, "but we can’t make any guarantees that he would be suitable for those with allergies," explains the nonprofit animal rescue.

Meet The Tiny 6lb Dog Looking For Love

Administrator Isabel Casillas Guzman of the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) announced today the allocation of $7 million in PRIME grants to 28 awardees for 2024. The Program for Investment in Microentrepreneurs (PRIME) aims to support low-income microentrepreneurs through these grants. “The SBA’s PRIME grants support mission-oriented nonprofit organizations across...

SBA announces $7 million in PRIME grants for low-income microentrepreneurs

The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) has announced a historic $2 billion payout to Black farmers and other farmers of color who experienced discrimination when applying for the USDA’s farm loan programs. This financial assistance, which began reaching farmers in the past week, marks a significant milestone in the fight for justice that has spanned decades.

Historic $2B Payout to Black Farmers: A Victory After Decades of Struggle (video)

Quitman, MS

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Clarke County, MS

Mississippi News Group

Written with artificial intelligence assistance. Memory Smith, a former bookkeeper for Quitman High School, has been charged with embezzlement following an investigation by the State Auditor’s office.

Former High School Bookkeeper Charged with Embezzlement in Clarke County

Dania Beach, FL

Akeena

If you’ve recently shopped at the Walmart Neighborhood Market on East Sheridan Street in Dania Beach, you might want to double-check your purchases. A recent inspection by the Florida Department of Agriculture revealed some alarming issues, including moldy meat and improperly stored chicken.

Moldy Meat and Warm Chicken: Walmart Neighborhood Market  Faces Inspection Troubles in Florida

High Point, NC

Business Insider

Claudia Shivers, 49, started her business Queen Coffee Bean after being incarcerated. She hopes to create jobs in her community.

A formerly incarcerated woman struggled to find work. Now, she owns a coffee shop that she hopes will create jobs in her community.

The U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration (FMCSA) announced awards totaling nearly $3.5 million to 27 colleges and other commercial driver’s license (CDL) training programs through the agency’s Commercial Motor Vehicle Operator Safety Training (CMVOST) Grant Program. These grants will help improve roadway safety by providing additional training for current CDL holders and creating new pathways for career opportunities as drivers in the commercial motor vehicle industry.

U.S. Department of Transportation’s Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration Provides Millions to Boost Trucking Workforce Programs

On the heels of the 34th anniversary of the Americans with Disabilities Act and the 25th anniversary of the landmark Supreme Court decision on Olmstead v. L.C., the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) is taking policy actions to support community living for people with disabilities. Specifically, HUD published guidance that creates new alternative requirements and waivers that enable public housing agencies (PHAs) to better utilize Mainstream Vouchers to help persons with disabilities transition from and avoid institutional settings, in furtherance of the goals of Olmstead.

HUD Takes Action to Support Community Living for People with Disabilities

Florida State

Lake Panasoffkee, FL

Catfish Johnny’s, a beloved seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches and lively atmosphere, faced a temporary shutdown following a state inspection. This popular dining destination, which has delighted locals and tourists alike for 33 years, was briefly closed after the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) flagged multiple violations.

Florida’s Favorite Seafood Spot Closed After State Inspection

California State

Amazon has unveiled its first U.S. Disaster Relief Hub at its Southern California fulfillment center to address the increasing threat of wildfires. This new facility is set up to enhance the rapid distribution of essential relief supplies to communities affected by wildfires across the country. Strategically positioned near Amazon Air...

Amazon Announces First Disaster Relief Hub in Southern California

Oregon State

Oregon – Starting this September, several Oregon state parks are scheduled to see major renovations that will result in temporary closures and partial closures. Approved by the Oregon State Legislature in 2021, the $50 million in General Obligation (GO) Bonds fund the wider program that includes the planned closures by the Oregon State Parks & Recreation Department. By modernizing aged infrastructure and integrating new amenities like bathrooms and showers, these projects seek to improve tourist experiences.

Eight Oregon state parks set for closures as part of major modernization projects

Georgia State

Daily Coffee Press

According to officials with the Southern District of Georgia, two recently unsealed federal indictments have charged 23 defendants in a series of broad conspiracies involving the use of drones to smuggle methamphetamine, marijuana, and cell phones into state prisons in Georgia.

23 Defendants Charged in Federal Indictments for Drone-Smuggling Drug Operation in Georgia

One striking example is Barry Heitin, a 76-year-old retired lawyer from Arlington, Virginia. He lost $740,000 of his retirement savings to a sophisticated scam. Unfortunately, Barry's story is not unique. Scammers target those over 60. Elderly individuals face a rising threat - online fraud. Scammers target those over 60, exploiting...

Online Elder Fraud and Scams Targeting Seniors: Introducing Scammer Payback

Vermont’s workforce needs a boost. There are jobs to fill, and a social safety net to pay for. Today on the show, we're joined by Kevin Chu, executive director of the nonprofit think tank Vermont Futures Project. Their goal is to increase the state’s population to 802,000 – yes, a symbolic number – by 2035. That’s about 155,000 more people in the next 11 years. Plus, Vermont’s treasurer Mike Pieciak discussed the financial incentives for population growth.

Why a Vermont think tank wants to boost state population by 150,000

NewsBreak

State brings back popular business flood recovery grant program

The state has brought back a popular grant program for businesses affected by flooding. The Business Emergency Gap Assistance Program, or BEGAP, granted $19.4 million to...

State brings back popular business flood recovery grant program

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