Idaho State Superintendent of Schools Sherri Ybarra is asking state lawmakers to increase funding for public schools by 6.8% in the new fiscal year, including money for teacher pay increases. Under Gov. Butch Otter's proposed budget, public schools would receive a 6% boost in funding.

The New Mexico State Land Office's most recent oil and natural gas lease sale attracted bids worth more than $17 million, bringing fiscal year earnings-to-date to almost $122 million, only $1 million below an all-time record set in 2012. The office offered nearly two dozen tracts covering more than 5,600 acres in Chaves and Lea counties.

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration's inspections and imposition of rising penalties have continued even as the White House's deregulatory agenda continues. The average penalty per serious violation grew to $3,645 per violation in fiscal year 2017, up from $3,415 during 2016.

The Illinois State Board of Education has voted to ask state lawmakers for over $7.9 billion in extra funding for the next fiscal year, nearly doubling current spending to more than $15.6 billion. If approved, officials say the funding would provide districts with 90% of the money they need to provide all students with a quality education.