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What They are Saying: National Leaders and Lawmakers Celebrate Calif. Gov. Newsom's Signature on Landmark Child Safety Chatbot and Social Media Laws
SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026:
* * *
What they are saying: National leaders and lawmakers celebrate Governor Newsom's signature on landmark child safety chatbot and social media laws
SACRAMENTO -Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic bipartisan legislation strengthening California's nation-leading child safety chatbot and social media laws.
The new landmark laws will create the nation's strongest companion chatbot regulations in the nation, ban addictive features such as autoplay and algorithmic ... Show Full Article SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * What they are saying: National leaders and lawmakers celebrate Governor Newsom's signature on landmark child safety chatbot and social media laws SACRAMENTO -Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic bipartisan legislation strengthening California's nation-leading child safety chatbot and social media laws. The new landmark laws will create the nation's strongest companion chatbot regulations in the nation, ban addictive features such as autoplay and algorithmicfeeds based on user history and profile. New legislation will also protect kids from targeted advertising and online exploitation and abuse.
Here's what leaders are saying about the historic legislation to protect kids online:
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton: "I'm glad to see California take steps to protect children from the harms of social media and chatbots. More states should follow their lead."
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda): "As a parent first and a lawmaker second, I know we owe our children a safer digital world, and I am deeply grateful for Governor Newsom's partnership in this fight. For years, tech platforms have prioritized profits over young lives. Adam's Law fundamentally shifts that balance, delivering vital protections that put California families above corporate bottom lines."
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach): "California families are suffering and are in need of relief. AB 1709 and AB 2 are the most impactful social media protections bills in the nation. They not only stop the harm against children, but they are also rooted in prevention. Through the Governor's leadership, we are creating a model policy that can be cut and pasted throughout the country. And ideally force the federal government to provide oversight."
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland): "As a parent, I want to be able to trust that the products my kids use are designed with their safety in mind -- and every parent deserves that peace of mind. Adam's Law gives California families stronger protections and makes clear that when it comes to our kids, safety has to come first. I'm so proud to see this become law, and even prouder of what it will mean for kids and families across California."
Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego): "We cannot make the same mistakes that were made with social media. California is taking bold action to protect our children and set an example for the rest of the country. I am so grateful to my legislative partners Assemblymembers Bauer-Kahan and Wicks for their collaboration, to the Raine Family for their incredible strength and advocacy, and to the Governor for making these protections law. Adam's Law will save the lives of children here in California and across the country as it becomes a national model."
Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay): "Ensuring data privacy and protection is vital to our children's well-being, dignity, and right to learn. No child should be put at risk of big tech taking advantage of their personal data for financial -- or any kind of gain. As generative AI and other tech are now mainstays in our classrooms, AB 1159 creates clear, common-sense protections for California's children and students PK-University. I am grateful to Governor Newsom for including it in his nation-leading protections for kids, and for putting them first."
Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom): "Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. As a parent and former school board member, I have seen first-hand the impacts that screens and social media have had on our kids. I was proud to author AB 2071 to ensure our public schools develop a plan to expand digital wellness instruction so our students can learn best practices for using technology in a way that supports their physical health, mental health, and social connections."
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks): "With the aggressive advances in technology that we are seeing, this can feel like a very scary time. As AI continues to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, it is more important than ever that we prepare the next generation with the skills needed to protect themselves and others. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 2298 to ensure California's students are equipped with the skills to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cybersecurity threats."
Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park): "Protecting our children in this digital age is more important than ever. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, our laws must keep up to ensure predators cannot use new tools and platforms to harm our children. Fighting human trafficking and exploitation has long been at the heart of my work, and the End Child Exploitation Act builds on that commitment by strengthening California's laws to confront new and emerging forms of abuse. My bill, SB 1276, is a critical step forward to holding online child predators accountable. I thank Governor Newsom for signing my bill and standing with us in putting the safety of California's children first."
Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles): "There's no reason TK and kindergarteners should be forced onto screens in school or at home. Our public school-screen obsession is causing serious cognitive damage to the next generation and I'm grateful the Governor has embraced the need to rethink this whole paradigm. More work must be done and I look forward to working with my fellow concerned parent colleagues in the Legislature to make more changes next year."
Marc Berkman, CEO, Organization for Social Media Safety: "With this package, Governor Newsom has made California the national leader in protecting children on social media, taking on the industry's addictive designs and profit-over-safety practices that have harmed millions of California children. We are deeply grateful for the Governor's leadership and for the bipartisan legislators who carried these bills, including AB 1709, which restricts addictive design features for users under 16 and which the Organization for Social Media Safety was proud to sponsor. These laws are an extraordinary foundation, and as social media and AI evolve, we look forward to ongoing work with California's leaders to keep education, research, and policy ahead of the risks and make every child safer."
John Bennett, Director of the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), a project of California Common Cause: "A strong democracy depends on young people being able to grow up in a safe world with the ability to learn and thrive. In recent years, social media and AI have too often intruded on kids' lives -- fueling addiction and mental health struggles that get in the way of them growing into strong, contributing members of society. We applaud Governor Newsom and the tenacity of legislators for getting these meaningful reforms across the finish line."
LaVita Tuff, Policy Director at Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA): "The bills being signed by Governor Newsom today are massive steps forward to protect California's children from the all-too-clear risks of AI and addictive social media, while also holding Big Tech accountable for the harm their products cause our kids. MAMA parents across the state advocated relentlessly for policies to safeguard our kids from social media's addictive features and from so-called 'companion' chatbots, and today we celebrate that our voices are being heard. We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued leadership on children's online safety and to all the California legislators who sponsored, championed and voted for these crucial pieces of legislation."
Ted Lempert, President of Children Now: "AI without safety guardrails has shown itself to be extremely harmful for kids, with children frequently fed dangerous advice and manipulative content from chatbots posing as friends. Adam's Law (SB 1119), the AI toy moratorium (SB 867) and the other bills signed today are strong steps towards making kids' interactions with AI safer, and we commend Governor Newsom and the Legislature for taking this bold action to protect our children."
Jessica Heldman, Executive Director, Children's Advocacy Institute: "By signing AB 2 and taking the profit out of social media hurting kids, Governor Newsom has distinguished himself and California as the unquestioned leaders in fighting harmful social media companies. And by signing AB 1946 he has likewise placed California at the forefront of helping child victims of sexual exploitation knowingly facilitated by social media companies. These two bills represent a landmark achievement in child protection, and Governor Newsom's signature cements his place as a champion for children and parents alike."
Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO, Common Sense Media: "Today is a huge victory for kids and parents across California. The momentum in this fight has shifted, and it shifted here, in the tech companies' home state. Governor Newsom and our champions in the Legislature are sending a clear message that experimenting on children can no longer be the business model for technology in this state. California is leading, and the rest of the country will follow. Our gratitude to the Governor and to every parent who raised their voice to get us to this day."
* * *
This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform - working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/10/what-they-are-saying-national-leaders-and-lawmakers-celebrate-governor-newsoms-signature-on-landmark-child-safety-chatbot-and-social-media-laws/
* * *
What they are saying: National leaders and lawmakers celebrate Governor Newsom's signature on landmark child safety chatbot and social media laws
SACRAMENTO -Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic bipartisan legislation strengthening California's nation-leading child safety chatbot and social media laws.
The new landmark laws will create the nation's strongest companion chatbot regulations in the nation, ban addictive features such as autoplay and algorithmic ... Show Full Article SACRAMENTO, California, Sept. 11 -- Gov. Gavin Newsom, D-California, issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * What they are saying: National leaders and lawmakers celebrate Governor Newsom's signature on landmark child safety chatbot and social media laws SACRAMENTO -Today, Governor Gavin Newsom signed historic bipartisan legislation strengthening California's nation-leading child safety chatbot and social media laws. The new landmark laws will create the nation's strongest companion chatbot regulations in the nation, ban addictive features such as autoplay and algorithmicfeeds based on user history and profile. New legislation will also protect kids from targeted advertising and online exploitation and abuse.
Here's what leaders are saying about the historic legislation to protect kids online:
Secretary Hillary Rodham Clinton: "I'm glad to see California take steps to protect children from the harms of social media and chatbots. More states should follow their lead."
Assemblymember Rebecca Bauer-Kahan (D-Orinda): "As a parent first and a lawmaker second, I know we owe our children a safer digital world, and I am deeply grateful for Governor Newsom's partnership in this fight. For years, tech platforms have prioritized profits over young lives. Adam's Law fundamentally shifts that balance, delivering vital protections that put California families above corporate bottom lines."
Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal (D-Long Beach): "California families are suffering and are in need of relief. AB 1709 and AB 2 are the most impactful social media protections bills in the nation. They not only stop the harm against children, but they are also rooted in prevention. Through the Governor's leadership, we are creating a model policy that can be cut and pasted throughout the country. And ideally force the federal government to provide oversight."
Assemblymember Buffy Wicks (D-Oakland): "As a parent, I want to be able to trust that the products my kids use are designed with their safety in mind -- and every parent deserves that peace of mind. Adam's Law gives California families stronger protections and makes clear that when it comes to our kids, safety has to come first. I'm so proud to see this become law, and even prouder of what it will mean for kids and families across California."
Senator Steve Padilla (D-San Diego): "We cannot make the same mistakes that were made with social media. California is taking bold action to protect our children and set an example for the rest of the country. I am so grateful to my legislative partners Assemblymembers Bauer-Kahan and Wicks for their collaboration, to the Raine Family for their incredible strength and advocacy, and to the Governor for making these protections law. Adam's Law will save the lives of children here in California and across the country as it becomes a national model."
Assemblymember Dawn Addis (D-Morro Bay): "Ensuring data privacy and protection is vital to our children's well-being, dignity, and right to learn. No child should be put at risk of big tech taking advantage of their personal data for financial -- or any kind of gain. As generative AI and other tech are now mainstays in our classrooms, AB 1159 creates clear, common-sense protections for California's children and students PK-University. I am grateful to Governor Newsom for including it in his nation-leading protections for kids, and for putting them first."
Assemblymember Josh Hoover (R-Folsom): "Protecting kids online is not a partisan issue. As a parent and former school board member, I have seen first-hand the impacts that screens and social media have had on our kids. I was proud to author AB 2071 to ensure our public schools develop a plan to expand digital wellness instruction so our students can learn best practices for using technology in a way that supports their physical health, mental health, and social connections."
Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin (D-Thousand Oaks): "With the aggressive advances in technology that we are seeing, this can feel like a very scary time. As AI continues to reshape the cybersecurity landscape, it is more important than ever that we prepare the next generation with the skills needed to protect themselves and others. I applaud Governor Newsom for signing AB 2298 to ensure California's students are equipped with the skills to prevent, detect, and respond to evolving cybersecurity threats."
Senator Susan Rubio (D-Baldwin Park): "Protecting our children in this digital age is more important than ever. As technology continues to advance at an unprecedented pace, our laws must keep up to ensure predators cannot use new tools and platforms to harm our children. Fighting human trafficking and exploitation has long been at the heart of my work, and the End Child Exploitation Act builds on that commitment by strengthening California's laws to confront new and emerging forms of abuse. My bill, SB 1276, is a critical step forward to holding online child predators accountable. I thank Governor Newsom for signing my bill and standing with us in putting the safety of California's children first."
Senator Henry Stern (D-Los Angeles): "There's no reason TK and kindergarteners should be forced onto screens in school or at home. Our public school-screen obsession is causing serious cognitive damage to the next generation and I'm grateful the Governor has embraced the need to rethink this whole paradigm. More work must be done and I look forward to working with my fellow concerned parent colleagues in the Legislature to make more changes next year."
Marc Berkman, CEO, Organization for Social Media Safety: "With this package, Governor Newsom has made California the national leader in protecting children on social media, taking on the industry's addictive designs and profit-over-safety practices that have harmed millions of California children. We are deeply grateful for the Governor's leadership and for the bipartisan legislators who carried these bills, including AB 1709, which restricts addictive design features for users under 16 and which the Organization for Social Media Safety was proud to sponsor. These laws are an extraordinary foundation, and as social media and AI evolve, we look forward to ongoing work with California's leaders to keep education, research, and policy ahead of the risks and make every child safer."
John Bennett, Director of the California Initiative for Technology and Democracy (CITED), a project of California Common Cause: "A strong democracy depends on young people being able to grow up in a safe world with the ability to learn and thrive. In recent years, social media and AI have too often intruded on kids' lives -- fueling addiction and mental health struggles that get in the way of them growing into strong, contributing members of society. We applaud Governor Newsom and the tenacity of legislators for getting these meaningful reforms across the finish line."
LaVita Tuff, Policy Director at Mothers Against Media Addiction (MAMA): "The bills being signed by Governor Newsom today are massive steps forward to protect California's children from the all-too-clear risks of AI and addictive social media, while also holding Big Tech accountable for the harm their products cause our kids. MAMA parents across the state advocated relentlessly for policies to safeguard our kids from social media's addictive features and from so-called 'companion' chatbots, and today we celebrate that our voices are being heard. We are deeply grateful to Governor Newsom for his continued leadership on children's online safety and to all the California legislators who sponsored, championed and voted for these crucial pieces of legislation."
Ted Lempert, President of Children Now: "AI without safety guardrails has shown itself to be extremely harmful for kids, with children frequently fed dangerous advice and manipulative content from chatbots posing as friends. Adam's Law (SB 1119), the AI toy moratorium (SB 867) and the other bills signed today are strong steps towards making kids' interactions with AI safer, and we commend Governor Newsom and the Legislature for taking this bold action to protect our children."
Jessica Heldman, Executive Director, Children's Advocacy Institute: "By signing AB 2 and taking the profit out of social media hurting kids, Governor Newsom has distinguished himself and California as the unquestioned leaders in fighting harmful social media companies. And by signing AB 1946 he has likewise placed California at the forefront of helping child victims of sexual exploitation knowingly facilitated by social media companies. These two bills represent a landmark achievement in child protection, and Governor Newsom's signature cements his place as a champion for children and parents alike."
Jim Steyer, Founder and CEO, Common Sense Media: "Today is a huge victory for kids and parents across California. The momentum in this fight has shifted, and it shifted here, in the tech companies' home state. Governor Newsom and our champions in the Legislature are sending a clear message that experimenting on children can no longer be the business model for technology in this state. California is leading, and the rest of the country will follow. Our gratitude to the Governor and to every parent who raised their voice to get us to this day."
* * *
This is the biggest reform of the California mental health system in decades and will finally equip partners to deliver the results all Californians need and deserve. Treatment centers will prioritize mental health and substance use support in the community like never before. Now, it's time to roll up our sleeves and begin implementing this critical reform - working closely with city and county leaders to ensure we see results.
- Governor Gavin Newsom
* * *
Original text here: https://www.gov.ca.gov/2026/09/10/what-they-are-saying-national-leaders-and-lawmakers-celebrate-governor-newsoms-signature-on-landmark-child-safety-chatbot-and-social-media-laws/
New York State and New York City Health Departments Endorse 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026:
* * *
New York State and New York City Health Departments Endorse 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
As Respiratory Virus Season Approaches, New York's Top Health Officials Recommend New Yorkers Roll Up Their Sleeves for Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines
Immunization Is One of the Most Effective Ways for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves From Getting Sick During Respiratory Virus Season
-
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2026) - The New York State ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * New York State and New York City Health Departments Endorse 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations As Respiratory Virus Season Approaches, New York's Top Health Officials Recommend New Yorkers Roll Up Their Sleeves for Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines Immunization Is One of the Most Effective Ways for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves From Getting Sick During Respiratory Virus Season - ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2026) - The New York StateDepartment of Health and the New York City Health Department today announced their endorsement of recommendations for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 immunizations ahead of respiratory virus season. New York State and New York City health officials encourage providers to follow the Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in collaboration with the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project. These recommendations are based on peer-reviewed scientific data from nearly 300 studies and represent evidence-based medicine.
"As the State's doctor, I want to remind everyone that vaccines are the best protection against serious illness from respiratory infections. Last year, there were 27,000 hospitalizations for flu, 14,000 for RSV and 13,000 for COVID in the state. People with certain health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, heart, or lung conditions have higher risk. Vaccines safely prepare our immune systems to recognize and resist diseases," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "New York State remains committed to ensuring providers have the latest evidence-based guidance and that families have access to recommended immunizations that help keep communities healthy."
NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said, "Each respiratory virus season, we see increased levels of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 infections, and New Yorkers deserve the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to protecting their family's health. The respiratory virus immunization recommendations put forth by the medical associations are a critical step toward safeguarding the health of New York families. This past winter, New York City saw a sharp increase in reported flu cases in late November and December. By endorsing this guidance, which is based on the latest scientific research, we are empowering healthcare providers and communities to take proactive measures against preventable illnesses, ensuring healthier lives throughout the holiday season and beyond."
Immunization during respiratory virus season is one of the most effective ways for New Yorkers to protect themselves from serious illness, especially young children, older adults, those with certain risk factors, and pregnant people. Everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. An RSV immunization is recommended for infants at birth and those under 8 months if their pregnant parent did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, children 8 to 19 months in certain risk groups, adults 50 to 74 years in certain risk groups and all adults 75 years of age and older if they have not received RSV vaccine previously, and pregnant people in their first eligible pregnancy. Most people 6 months and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for young children (6 to 23 months), children and adults with risk factors that put them at high risk of severe disease, older adults, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people.
The recommended vaccines continue to be covered by private health insurance plans, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, and public health insurance coverage. Healthcare providers are encouraged to offer all recommended respiratory virus season vaccines to eligible patients. Practices that are unable to provide vaccinations on-site should ensure patients receive timely referrals to vaccination providers. When referring patients for vaccination, providers are encouraged to follow up with their patients to ensure they receive all recommended vaccines and doses.
The New York State Department of Health collects, compiles, and analyzes information on New York State respiratory activity year-round and produces a weekly Respiratory Surveillance Report (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/) during the respiratory season (October through the following May).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/2026-09-10_respiratory_virus_season_immunization_recommendations.htm
* * *
New York State and New York City Health Departments Endorse 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations
As Respiratory Virus Season Approaches, New York's Top Health Officials Recommend New Yorkers Roll Up Their Sleeves for Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines
Immunization Is One of the Most Effective Ways for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves From Getting Sick During Respiratory Virus Season
-
ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2026) - The New York State ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 -- The New York State Department of Health issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * New York State and New York City Health Departments Endorse 2026-2027 Respiratory Virus Season Immunization Recommendations As Respiratory Virus Season Approaches, New York's Top Health Officials Recommend New Yorkers Roll Up Their Sleeves for Flu, RSV and COVID-19 Vaccines Immunization Is One of the Most Effective Ways for New Yorkers to Protect Themselves From Getting Sick During Respiratory Virus Season - ALBANY, N.Y. (September 10, 2026) - The New York StateDepartment of Health and the New York City Health Department today announced their endorsement of recommendations for flu, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) and COVID-19 immunizations ahead of respiratory virus season. New York State and New York City health officials encourage providers to follow the Respiratory Virus Immunization Recommendations released by the American Academy of Pediatrics, American Academy of Family Physicians, American College of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, and the Infectious Diseases Society of America, in collaboration with the American Medical Association and the Vaccine Integrity Project. These recommendations are based on peer-reviewed scientific data from nearly 300 studies and represent evidence-based medicine.
"As the State's doctor, I want to remind everyone that vaccines are the best protection against serious illness from respiratory infections. Last year, there were 27,000 hospitalizations for flu, 14,000 for RSV and 13,000 for COVID in the state. People with certain health conditions, like asthma, diabetes, heart, or lung conditions have higher risk. Vaccines safely prepare our immune systems to recognize and resist diseases," State Health Commissioner Dr. James McDonald said. "New York State remains committed to ensuring providers have the latest evidence-based guidance and that families have access to recommended immunizations that help keep communities healthy."
NYC Health Commissioner Dr. Alister F. Martin said, "Each respiratory virus season, we see increased levels of flu, RSV, and COVID-19 infections, and New Yorkers deserve the most accurate and reliable information available when it comes to protecting their family's health. The respiratory virus immunization recommendations put forth by the medical associations are a critical step toward safeguarding the health of New York families. This past winter, New York City saw a sharp increase in reported flu cases in late November and December. By endorsing this guidance, which is based on the latest scientific research, we are empowering healthcare providers and communities to take proactive measures against preventable illnesses, ensuring healthier lives throughout the holiday season and beyond."
Immunization during respiratory virus season is one of the most effective ways for New Yorkers to protect themselves from serious illness, especially young children, older adults, those with certain risk factors, and pregnant people. Everyone 6 months and older should receive an annual flu vaccine. An RSV immunization is recommended for infants at birth and those under 8 months if their pregnant parent did not receive an RSV vaccine during pregnancy, children 8 to 19 months in certain risk groups, adults 50 to 74 years in certain risk groups and all adults 75 years of age and older if they have not received RSV vaccine previously, and pregnant people in their first eligible pregnancy. Most people 6 months and older should receive a COVID-19 vaccine. This is especially important for young children (6 to 23 months), children and adults with risk factors that put them at high risk of severe disease, older adults, pregnant people, and immunocompromised people.
The recommended vaccines continue to be covered by private health insurance plans, the Vaccines for Children (VFC) Program, and public health insurance coverage. Healthcare providers are encouraged to offer all recommended respiratory virus season vaccines to eligible patients. Practices that are unable to provide vaccinations on-site should ensure patients receive timely referrals to vaccination providers. When referring patients for vaccination, providers are encouraged to follow up with their patients to ensure they receive all recommended vaccines and doses.
The New York State Department of Health collects, compiles, and analyzes information on New York State respiratory activity year-round and produces a weekly Respiratory Surveillance Report (https://www.health.ny.gov/diseases/communicable/influenza/surveillance/) during the respiratory season (October through the following May).
* * *
Original text here: https://www.health.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/2026-09-10_respiratory_virus_season_immunization_recommendations.htm
N.Y. State Comptroller Audit: 'Waterloo Central School District - Building Access'
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. S9-26-8) on Aug. 28, 2026, entitled "Waterloo Central School District - Building Access."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did Waterloo Central School District (District) officials properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices?
Audit Period
July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025
We extended our audit period to April 20, 2026 to review access activity logs.
Understanding the Audit Area
Building access controls are essential for enhancing security ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. S9-26-8) on Aug. 28, 2026, entitled "Waterloo Central School District - Building Access." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did Waterloo Central School District (District) officials properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices? Audit Period July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025 We extended our audit period to April 20, 2026 to review access activity logs. Understanding the Audit Area Building access controls are essential for enhancing securityand enabling school officials to manage and monitor entry points within educational institutions. These systems authenticate a user through devices such as key fobs, keycards, badges or similar technologies, helping to ensure only authorized individuals can enter school buildings. By limiting access in this way, schools can better safeguard their facilities and maintain a safe and secure environment for students, teachers, staff and visitors.
The District utilizes a building access management system (system) with 1,170 active building access accounts (accounts), including 491 devices issued to current employees and 679 issued to non-employees, of which 491 are shared devices.1 The District's five buildings each have a single public point of entry. Employees may also access the buildings through additional secured entry points, which require a device for entry.
Audit Summary
District officials did not properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices (badges). As a result, there was a potential risk for unauthorized access to the District school buildings, compromising building security and safety for students, teachers, staff and visitors. Specifically, of the accounts we reviewed, the District had active, but unneeded, accounts with assigned badges in the system:
* 106 individuals, including 86 employees and 20 non-employees, had two or more active badges, including eight employees and two non-employees with three or more active badges.
* 56 badges (8 percent) of 679 non-employee accounts were unneeded.
* District officials could not locate 37 out of 78 (47 percent) requested badges.
Although District officials had a written procedure for adding accounts in the system for employees and non-employees, no one regularly monitored or reviewed active accounts to determine whether they were needed. Furthermore, these issues occurred because District officials did not develop written policies and procedures that clearly assign roles and define the responsibilities for managing and monitoring accounts or issuing badges.
This report includes four recommendations that, if implemented, will help District officials improve management and monitoring of building access accounts and badges. District officials generally agreed with our recommendations and their response is included in Appendix B.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the State Comptroller's authority as set forth in Article 3 of New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Board of Education (Board) has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. A written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the findings and recommendations in this report must be prepared and provided to OSC within 90 days, pursuant to Section 35 of GML, Section 2116-a (3)(c) of the New York State Education Law and Section 170.12 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. To the extent practicable, implementation of the CAP must begin by the end of the next fiscal year. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The CAP should be posted on the District's website for public review.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/school-district/2026/08/28/waterloo-central-school-district-building-access-s9-26-8
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did Waterloo Central School District (District) officials properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices?
Audit Period
July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025
We extended our audit period to April 20, 2026 to review access activity logs.
Understanding the Audit Area
Building access controls are essential for enhancing security ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. S9-26-8) on Aug. 28, 2026, entitled "Waterloo Central School District - Building Access." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did Waterloo Central School District (District) officials properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices? Audit Period July 1, 2024 - November 30, 2025 We extended our audit period to April 20, 2026 to review access activity logs. Understanding the Audit Area Building access controls are essential for enhancing securityand enabling school officials to manage and monitor entry points within educational institutions. These systems authenticate a user through devices such as key fobs, keycards, badges or similar technologies, helping to ensure only authorized individuals can enter school buildings. By limiting access in this way, schools can better safeguard their facilities and maintain a safe and secure environment for students, teachers, staff and visitors.
The District utilizes a building access management system (system) with 1,170 active building access accounts (accounts), including 491 devices issued to current employees and 679 issued to non-employees, of which 491 are shared devices.1 The District's five buildings each have a single public point of entry. Employees may also access the buildings through additional secured entry points, which require a device for entry.
Audit Summary
District officials did not properly manage and monitor building access accounts and devices (badges). As a result, there was a potential risk for unauthorized access to the District school buildings, compromising building security and safety for students, teachers, staff and visitors. Specifically, of the accounts we reviewed, the District had active, but unneeded, accounts with assigned badges in the system:
* 106 individuals, including 86 employees and 20 non-employees, had two or more active badges, including eight employees and two non-employees with three or more active badges.
* 56 badges (8 percent) of 679 non-employee accounts were unneeded.
* District officials could not locate 37 out of 78 (47 percent) requested badges.
Although District officials had a written procedure for adding accounts in the system for employees and non-employees, no one regularly monitored or reviewed active accounts to determine whether they were needed. Furthermore, these issues occurred because District officials did not develop written policies and procedures that clearly assign roles and define the responsibilities for managing and monitoring accounts or issuing badges.
This report includes four recommendations that, if implemented, will help District officials improve management and monitoring of building access accounts and badges. District officials generally agreed with our recommendations and their response is included in Appendix B.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the State Comptroller's authority as set forth in Article 3 of New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Board of Education (Board) has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. A written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the findings and recommendations in this report must be prepared and provided to OSC within 90 days, pursuant to Section 35 of GML, Section 2116-a (3)(c) of the New York State Education Law and Section 170.12 of the Regulations of the Commissioner of Education. To the extent practicable, implementation of the CAP must begin by the end of the next fiscal year. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The CAP should be posted on the District's website for public review.
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The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/school-district/2026/08/28/waterloo-central-school-district-building-access-s9-26-8
N.Y. State Comptroller Audit: 'North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department - Investments'
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-57) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department - Investments."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department (Department) officials establish written policies and procedures for investing Department funds?
Audit Period
January 1, 2024 - March 24, 2026
We extended the audit period back to July 1, 2008 to review the Department's investment records.
Understanding the Audit Area
Fire department ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-57) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department - Investments." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department (Department) officials establish written policies and procedures for investing Department funds? Audit Period January 1, 2024 - March 24, 2026 We extended the audit period back to July 1, 2008 to review the Department's investment records. Understanding the Audit Area Fire departmentofficials should establish written investment policies and procedures to ensure department funds are invested safely and prudently and are readily available to meet operational needs. Effective cash management and investment policies and procedures help promote accountability, transparency and sound stewardship of department resources.
As of December 31, 2025, the Department had approximately $58,000 in cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately $39,000 was invested in certificates of deposits that are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured.
Audit Summary
Department officials did not adopt a written investment policy or establish procedures to govern the investment of Department funds or provide a framework to help ensure funds were invested safely and prudently and that the Department's resources were not exposed to unnecessary financial risk.
During the audit period, the Department invested $77,200 with a local tax preparer/insurance agent who issued promissory notes that promised an 8 percent annual return. Without written investment policies and procedures, officials lacked formal guidance for evaluating investment risks and determining whether the investment was appropriate for the Department. The individual whom the Department invested their funds with subsequently filed for bankruptcy in April 2023 and was convicted of operating a Ponzi scheme involving more than $50 million. Although the Department recovered $6,442 through the bankruptcy proceedings, it lost $45,758 of its principal investment and never received a return on the investment.
This report includes two recommendations that, if implemented, will strengthen the Department's investment practices and help safeguard its financial resources. Department officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they will take corrective action.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the Office of the New York State Comptroller's (OSC's) authority as set forth in Article 3 of the New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Board has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. The Board is encouraged to prepare a written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the recommendations in this report and forward it to OSC within 90 days. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The Board is encouraged to make the CAP available for public review.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-company-or-department/2026/09/04/north-brookfield-volunteer-fire-department-investments-2026m
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department (Department) officials establish written policies and procedures for investing Department funds?
Audit Period
January 1, 2024 - March 24, 2026
We extended the audit period back to July 1, 2008 to review the Department's investment records.
Understanding the Audit Area
Fire department ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-57) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department - Investments." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did North Brookfield Volunteer Fire Department (Department) officials establish written policies and procedures for investing Department funds? Audit Period January 1, 2024 - March 24, 2026 We extended the audit period back to July 1, 2008 to review the Department's investment records. Understanding the Audit Area Fire departmentofficials should establish written investment policies and procedures to ensure department funds are invested safely and prudently and are readily available to meet operational needs. Effective cash management and investment policies and procedures help promote accountability, transparency and sound stewardship of department resources.
As of December 31, 2025, the Department had approximately $58,000 in cash and cash equivalents, of which approximately $39,000 was invested in certificates of deposits that are Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation insured.
Audit Summary
Department officials did not adopt a written investment policy or establish procedures to govern the investment of Department funds or provide a framework to help ensure funds were invested safely and prudently and that the Department's resources were not exposed to unnecessary financial risk.
During the audit period, the Department invested $77,200 with a local tax preparer/insurance agent who issued promissory notes that promised an 8 percent annual return. Without written investment policies and procedures, officials lacked formal guidance for evaluating investment risks and determining whether the investment was appropriate for the Department. The individual whom the Department invested their funds with subsequently filed for bankruptcy in April 2023 and was convicted of operating a Ponzi scheme involving more than $50 million. Although the Department recovered $6,442 through the bankruptcy proceedings, it lost $45,758 of its principal investment and never received a return on the investment.
This report includes two recommendations that, if implemented, will strengthen the Department's investment practices and help safeguard its financial resources. Department officials agreed with our recommendations and indicated they will take corrective action.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the Office of the New York State Comptroller's (OSC's) authority as set forth in Article 3 of the New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Board has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. The Board is encouraged to prepare a written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the recommendations in this report and forward it to OSC within 90 days. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The Board is encouraged to make the CAP available for public review.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/fire-company-or-department/2026/09/04/north-brookfield-volunteer-fire-department-investments-2026m
N.Y. State Comptroller Audit: 'City of Olean - Financial Management'
ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-40) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "City of Olean - Financial Management."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did City of Olean (City) officials properly manage the City's fund balance, and did the City Auditor (Auditor) properly record and report financial activity?
Audit Period
June 1, 2020 - February 6, 2026
Understanding the Audit Area
A city council, in conjunction with city officials, is responsible for maintaining a city's fiscal health by effectively ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-40) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "City of Olean - Financial Management." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did City of Olean (City) officials properly manage the City's fund balance, and did the City Auditor (Auditor) properly record and report financial activity? Audit Period June 1, 2020 - February 6, 2026 Understanding the Audit Area A city council, in conjunction with city officials, is responsible for maintaining a city's fiscal health by effectivelymanaging fund balance and ensuring financial activity is accurately recorded and reported. Fund balance represents the difference between accumulated revenues and expenditures over time and is an important indicator of a city's financial condition. Maintaining reasonable levels of unrestricted fund balance helps provide financial stability, address unforeseen expenditures or revenue shortfalls, maintain essential services, support favorable credit ratings and reduce the needs for sudden increases in taxes or user fees.
City officials are also responsible for maintaining complete, accurate and current accounting records and financial reports. Reliable financial information enables officials to monitor a city's financial condition, make informed fiscal and operational decisions, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and promote transparency and accountability to taxpayers and maintain public trust.
The City's fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31. At the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the City reported a combined total of approximately $6.7 million in unrestricted fund balance in its general, water and sewer funds. Combined budgeted appropriations for these funds totaled approximately $29.3 million.
Audit Summary
City officials1 did not properly manage the City's fund balance or ensure that financial activity was accurately recorded and reported. As a result, City officials did not always consistently maintain unrestricted fund balance in accordance with the City's fund balance policy (Policy), and the City's accounting records and financial reports were inaccurate. As a result, officials did not have reliable financial information to effectively monitor the City's financial condition and make informed financial decisions.
City officials did not always maintain unrestricted fund balance levels in accordance with the Policy's established fund balance levels, in part, because the City Council (Council) could not agree on what corrective actions to take. Also, the Policy did not establish procedures for restoring fund balance when levels declined. In addition, the City's budgeting practices caused fund balance levels to fluctuate and fall below Policy thresholds.
The City's inaccurate accounting records and financial reports made it difficult for officials to manage fund balance. The Auditor used improper accounting practices, including netting revenues and expenditures and recording transactions in incorrect accounts, which resulted in significant misstatements in the City's accounting records and financial reports. As a result, City officials did not have reliable financial information with which to monitor the city's financial condition and fund balance.
From the 2020-21 through 2024-25 fiscal years, the general fund's unrestricted fund balance decreased by approximately $454,000 (16 percent) and fell below Policy thresholds in the 2021-22 through 2024-25 fiscal years. The water fund's unrestricted fund balance also fluctuated consistently and remained below Policy thresholds during the 2021-22 through 2023-24 fiscal years. If not corrected, the City's fund balance levels could be depleted.
City officials also did not develop comprehensive multiyear financial and capital plans to assess the long-term effects of budgeting practices, capital needs and fund balance levels. Without these plans, officials did not have important tools for maintaining reasonable fund balance levels and planning for current and future financial needs.
Lastly, the Auditor did not ensure that required financial reports were accurate or filed in a timely manner. The Auditor filed the City's Annual Financial Reports (AFRs) for the 2020-21 through 2022-23 fiscal years between 27 and 187 days late. Although the Auditor filed the 2023-24 and 2024-25 AFRs on time, he knowingly submitted them with inaccuracies. These deficiencies diminished transparency and accountability and increased the risk that officials would make improper financial decisions that were based on inaccurate financial information and were not in the best interests of taxpayers.
The report includes 10 recommendations that, if implemented, will strengthen the City's management of fund balance, improve the accuracy and reliability of accounting records and financial reporting, enhance long-term financial planning and promote informed decision making, transparency and accountability. City officials agreed with our recommendations and their response is included in Appendix B.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the Office of the New York State Comptroller's (OSC's) authority as set forth in Article 3 of the New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Council has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. A written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the findings and recommendations in this report should be prepared and provided to OSC within 90 days, pursuant to GML Section 35. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The Council is encouraged to make the CAP available for public review in the City Clerk's office.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/city/2026/09/04/city-olean-financial-management-2026m-40
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Audit Objective
Did City of Olean (City) officials properly manage the City's fund balance, and did the City Auditor (Auditor) properly record and report financial activity?
Audit Period
June 1, 2020 - February 6, 2026
Understanding the Audit Area
A city council, in conjunction with city officials, is responsible for maintaining a city's fiscal health by effectively ... Show Full Article ALBANY, New York, Sept. 11 (TNSLrpt) -- The office of the New York State Comptroller issued the following audit report (No. 2026M-40) on Sept. 4, 2026, entitled "City of Olean - Financial Management." Here are excerpts: * * * Audit Objective Did City of Olean (City) officials properly manage the City's fund balance, and did the City Auditor (Auditor) properly record and report financial activity? Audit Period June 1, 2020 - February 6, 2026 Understanding the Audit Area A city council, in conjunction with city officials, is responsible for maintaining a city's fiscal health by effectivelymanaging fund balance and ensuring financial activity is accurately recorded and reported. Fund balance represents the difference between accumulated revenues and expenditures over time and is an important indicator of a city's financial condition. Maintaining reasonable levels of unrestricted fund balance helps provide financial stability, address unforeseen expenditures or revenue shortfalls, maintain essential services, support favorable credit ratings and reduce the needs for sudden increases in taxes or user fees.
City officials are also responsible for maintaining complete, accurate and current accounting records and financial reports. Reliable financial information enables officials to monitor a city's financial condition, make informed fiscal and operational decisions, ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and promote transparency and accountability to taxpayers and maintain public trust.
The City's fiscal year runs from June 1 to May 31. At the end of the 2024-25 fiscal year, the City reported a combined total of approximately $6.7 million in unrestricted fund balance in its general, water and sewer funds. Combined budgeted appropriations for these funds totaled approximately $29.3 million.
Audit Summary
City officials1 did not properly manage the City's fund balance or ensure that financial activity was accurately recorded and reported. As a result, City officials did not always consistently maintain unrestricted fund balance in accordance with the City's fund balance policy (Policy), and the City's accounting records and financial reports were inaccurate. As a result, officials did not have reliable financial information to effectively monitor the City's financial condition and make informed financial decisions.
City officials did not always maintain unrestricted fund balance levels in accordance with the Policy's established fund balance levels, in part, because the City Council (Council) could not agree on what corrective actions to take. Also, the Policy did not establish procedures for restoring fund balance when levels declined. In addition, the City's budgeting practices caused fund balance levels to fluctuate and fall below Policy thresholds.
The City's inaccurate accounting records and financial reports made it difficult for officials to manage fund balance. The Auditor used improper accounting practices, including netting revenues and expenditures and recording transactions in incorrect accounts, which resulted in significant misstatements in the City's accounting records and financial reports. As a result, City officials did not have reliable financial information with which to monitor the city's financial condition and fund balance.
From the 2020-21 through 2024-25 fiscal years, the general fund's unrestricted fund balance decreased by approximately $454,000 (16 percent) and fell below Policy thresholds in the 2021-22 through 2024-25 fiscal years. The water fund's unrestricted fund balance also fluctuated consistently and remained below Policy thresholds during the 2021-22 through 2023-24 fiscal years. If not corrected, the City's fund balance levels could be depleted.
City officials also did not develop comprehensive multiyear financial and capital plans to assess the long-term effects of budgeting practices, capital needs and fund balance levels. Without these plans, officials did not have important tools for maintaining reasonable fund balance levels and planning for current and future financial needs.
Lastly, the Auditor did not ensure that required financial reports were accurate or filed in a timely manner. The Auditor filed the City's Annual Financial Reports (AFRs) for the 2020-21 through 2022-23 fiscal years between 27 and 187 days late. Although the Auditor filed the 2023-24 and 2024-25 AFRs on time, he knowingly submitted them with inaccuracies. These deficiencies diminished transparency and accountability and increased the risk that officials would make improper financial decisions that were based on inaccurate financial information and were not in the best interests of taxpayers.
The report includes 10 recommendations that, if implemented, will strengthen the City's management of fund balance, improve the accuracy and reliability of accounting records and financial reporting, enhance long-term financial planning and promote informed decision making, transparency and accountability. City officials agreed with our recommendations and their response is included in Appendix B.
This audit was conducted pursuant to Article V, Section 1 of the State Constitution and the Office of the New York State Comptroller's (OSC's) authority as set forth in Article 3 of the New York State General Municipal Law (GML). The audit's methodology and standards are included in Appendix C.
The Council has the responsibility to initiate corrective action. A written corrective action plan (CAP) that addresses the findings and recommendations in this report should be prepared and provided to OSC within 90 days, pursuant to GML Section 35. For more information on preparing and filing the CAP, please refer to the OSC brochure, Responding to an OSC Audit Report, which was provided with the draft audit report. The Council is encouraged to make the CAP available for public review in the City Clerk's office.
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.osc.ny.gov/local-government/audits/city/2026/09/04/city-olean-financial-management-2026m-40
N.C. Commerce Dept.: North Carolina Breaks Into Top 10 States for Innovation
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 11 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026:
* * *
North Carolina Breaks Into Top 10 States for Innovation
2026 "Tracking Innovation" report marks the state's first top-10 ranking for overall innovation capacity and identifies opportunities for further growth
-
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, today released the 2026 Tracking Innovation report, the tenth edition since 2000. The report shows North Carolina has broken ... Show Full Article RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 11 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * North Carolina Breaks Into Top 10 States for Innovation 2026 "Tracking Innovation" report marks the state's first top-10 ranking for overall innovation capacity and identifies opportunities for further growth - The North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, today released the 2026 Tracking Innovation report, the tenth edition since 2000. The report shows North Carolina has brokeninto the nation's top 10 states for overall innovation capacity for the first time, ranking 9th among states based on the 41 measures included in the report. The state's innovation economy has also improved faster than the U.S. overall since the early 2000s.
"North Carolina's ability to innovate is a critical part of our economic strength and future competitiveness," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "Our First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan is focused on building on these strengths to drive innovation, economic growth and opportunity in every region of North Carolina. This report shows where we are making progress and where we can do more to ensure communities across the state can participate in and benefit from an innovation-driven economy."
The 2026 Tracking Innovation report evaluates North Carolina's performance against other states and the nation on 41 measures of innovation. The report identifies areas of strength as well as opportunities to further strengthen the state's innovation economy, including expanding innovation capacity across more regions of North Carolina.
"Innovation is a critical force multiplier that raises the standard of living of North Carolinians and an accelerator that helps create new industries, keep existing ones globally competitive, advance national security, and drive future economic growth and well-being," said Greg Copenhaver, Acting Chair of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation. "Innovative regions are better equipped to resist and recover from economic shocks, and North Carolina's ability to thrive in an increasingly dynamic, global economy depends on how much we infuse innovation throughout our state."
North Carolina continues to show strength or gains on several key innovation measures:
* Academic R&D expenditures and academic article output remain long-standing strengths, with North Carolina ranked fifth among states in both categories.
* University academic license income and startup formation have increased by 149 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively, since 2000--well ahead of the U.S. average, particularly for academic license income, which has declined nationally.
* Federal non-dilutive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding for North Carolina early-stage technology companies has increased seven times faster than the U.S. average since 2000, maintaining the state's position above the national average.
* Knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) business establishments have increased by 111 percent since 2000, nearly double the U.S. rate. KTI establishments pay average wages roughly twice those of all establishments.
* The share of North Carolina's workforce in science and engineering occupations has increased by 83 percent since 2003, faster than the national rate and above the U.S. average.
* Gender and ethnic diversity in KTI industries remains well above the U.S. average, as it has since 2001.
* In-migration of college-educated adults has increased at three times the U.S. rate since 2005, reflecting growing opportunities for workers who contribute to the innovation economy.
* Innovation strengths are spreading geographically, with more North Carolina counties performing above the U.S. average across a greater number of measures.
The report also identifies areas where North Carolina can strengthen its innovation capacity, including expanding innovation activity into more regions of the state and broadening the state's strengths across a wider range of high-tech sectors. The report also highlights disparities in broadband and internet device access across the state and finds that elementary and secondary public school current expenditures lag national averages and those of nearly all states.
The report notes that North Carolina must also increase the pace of improvements in economic growth, wages and workforce incomes, which continue to lag the national average, as the state experiences rapid population growth. Ensuring that economic gains are broadly shared--including in rural and economically distressed communities--will be important to keeping reductions in poverty and increases in household income in step with the state's overall economic expansion.
The full Tracking Innovation report is available online (https://www.commerce.nc.gov/tracking-innovation-2026/download?attachment). Requests for additional information or presentations should be directed to the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation Executive Staff. More information about the Board is available at https://www.commerce.nc.gov/about-us/boards-commissions/board-science-technology-innovation.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/10/north-carolina-breaks-top-10-states-innovation
* * *
North Carolina Breaks Into Top 10 States for Innovation
2026 "Tracking Innovation" report marks the state's first top-10 ranking for overall innovation capacity and identifies opportunities for further growth
-
The North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, today released the 2026 Tracking Innovation report, the tenth edition since 2000. The report shows North Carolina has broken ... Show Full Article RALEIGH, North Carolina, Sept. 11 (TNSrep) -- The North Carolina Department of Commerce issued the following news release on Sept. 10, 2026: * * * North Carolina Breaks Into Top 10 States for Innovation 2026 "Tracking Innovation" report marks the state's first top-10 ranking for overall innovation capacity and identifies opportunities for further growth - The North Carolina Department of Commerce, on behalf of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation, today released the 2026 Tracking Innovation report, the tenth edition since 2000. The report shows North Carolina has brokeninto the nation's top 10 states for overall innovation capacity for the first time, ranking 9th among states based on the 41 measures included in the report. The state's innovation economy has also improved faster than the U.S. overall since the early 2000s.
"North Carolina's ability to innovate is a critical part of our economic strength and future competitiveness," said North Carolina Commerce Secretary Lee Lilley. "Our First in Opportunity Strategic Economic Development Plan is focused on building on these strengths to drive innovation, economic growth and opportunity in every region of North Carolina. This report shows where we are making progress and where we can do more to ensure communities across the state can participate in and benefit from an innovation-driven economy."
The 2026 Tracking Innovation report evaluates North Carolina's performance against other states and the nation on 41 measures of innovation. The report identifies areas of strength as well as opportunities to further strengthen the state's innovation economy, including expanding innovation capacity across more regions of North Carolina.
"Innovation is a critical force multiplier that raises the standard of living of North Carolinians and an accelerator that helps create new industries, keep existing ones globally competitive, advance national security, and drive future economic growth and well-being," said Greg Copenhaver, Acting Chair of the North Carolina Board of Science, Technology & Innovation. "Innovative regions are better equipped to resist and recover from economic shocks, and North Carolina's ability to thrive in an increasingly dynamic, global economy depends on how much we infuse innovation throughout our state."
North Carolina continues to show strength or gains on several key innovation measures:
* Academic R&D expenditures and academic article output remain long-standing strengths, with North Carolina ranked fifth among states in both categories.
* University academic license income and startup formation have increased by 149 percent and 9.8 percent, respectively, since 2000--well ahead of the U.S. average, particularly for academic license income, which has declined nationally.
* Federal non-dilutive Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) and Small Business Technology Transfer (STTR) funding for North Carolina early-stage technology companies has increased seven times faster than the U.S. average since 2000, maintaining the state's position above the national average.
* Knowledge- and technology-intensive (KTI) business establishments have increased by 111 percent since 2000, nearly double the U.S. rate. KTI establishments pay average wages roughly twice those of all establishments.
* The share of North Carolina's workforce in science and engineering occupations has increased by 83 percent since 2003, faster than the national rate and above the U.S. average.
* Gender and ethnic diversity in KTI industries remains well above the U.S. average, as it has since 2001.
* In-migration of college-educated adults has increased at three times the U.S. rate since 2005, reflecting growing opportunities for workers who contribute to the innovation economy.
* Innovation strengths are spreading geographically, with more North Carolina counties performing above the U.S. average across a greater number of measures.
The report also identifies areas where North Carolina can strengthen its innovation capacity, including expanding innovation activity into more regions of the state and broadening the state's strengths across a wider range of high-tech sectors. The report also highlights disparities in broadband and internet device access across the state and finds that elementary and secondary public school current expenditures lag national averages and those of nearly all states.
The report notes that North Carolina must also increase the pace of improvements in economic growth, wages and workforce incomes, which continue to lag the national average, as the state experiences rapid population growth. Ensuring that economic gains are broadly shared--including in rural and economically distressed communities--will be important to keeping reductions in poverty and increases in household income in step with the state's overall economic expansion.
The full Tracking Innovation report is available online (https://www.commerce.nc.gov/tracking-innovation-2026/download?attachment). Requests for additional information or presentations should be directed to the Board of Science, Technology & Innovation Executive Staff. More information about the Board is available at https://www.commerce.nc.gov/about-us/boards-commissions/board-science-technology-innovation.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.commerce.nc.gov/news/press-releases/2026/09/10/north-carolina-breaks-top-10-states-innovation
Ga. Dept. of Audits & Accounts: 'Stewart County Board of Education FY25'
ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 11 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Stewart County Board of Education FY25."
Here are excerpts:
* * *
Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Shonda Green, Superintendent and Members of the Stewart County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities and ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 11 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Stewart County Board of Education FY25." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Shonda Green, Superintendent and Members of the Stewart County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities andeach major fund of the Stewart County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities and each major fund of the School District as of June 30, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Management's Discussion and Analysis and required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 31, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
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The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34341?_gl=1*1v3rr2z*_ga*MTMwMTc1NTEyMC4xNzgxNzEwMzE4*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODkxMjA0NzgkbzE1JGcxJHQxNzg5MTIwNjU2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODkxMjA0NzgkbzE1JGcxJHQxNzg5MTIwNjU2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..
Here are excerpts:
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Independent Auditor's Report
The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia
Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia
Members of the State Board of Education
and
Dr. Shonda Green, Superintendent and Members of the Stewart County Board of Education
Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements
Opinions
We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities and ... Show Full Article ATLANTA, Georgia, Sept. 11 -- The Georgia Department of Audits and Accounts issued the following report entitled "Stewart County Board of Education FY25." Here are excerpts: * * * Independent Auditor's Report The Honorable Brian P. Kemp, Governor of Georgia Members of the General Assembly of the State of Georgia Members of the State Board of Education and Dr. Shonda Green, Superintendent and Members of the Stewart County Board of Education Report on the Audit of the Financial Statements Opinions We have audited the accompanying financial statements of the governmental activities andeach major fund of the Stewart County Board of Education (School District) as of and for the year ended June 30, 2025, and the related notes to the financial statements, which collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements as listed in the table of contents.
In our opinion, the financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the respective financial position of the governmental activities and each major fund of the School District as of June 30, 2025, and the respective changes in financial position for the year then ended in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America.
Basis for Opinions
We conducted our audit in accordance with auditing standards generally accepted in the United States of America (GAAS) and the standards applicable to financial audits contained in Government Auditing Standards issued by the Comptroller General of the United States. Our responsibilities under those standards are further described in the Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements section of our report.
We are required to be independent of the School District and to meet our other ethical responsibilities, in accordance with the relevant ethical requirements relating to our audit. We believe that the audit evidence we have obtained is sufficient and appropriate to provide a basis for our audit opinions.
Emphasis of Matter
As described in Note 2 to the financial statements, in 2025, the School District adopted new accounting guidance, Governmental Accounting Standards Board (GASB) Statement No. 101, Compensated Absences. The School District restated beginning balances for the effect of GASB Statement No. 101. Our opinions are not modified with respect to this matter.
Responsibilities of Management for the Financial Statements
Management is responsible for the preparation and fair presentation of the financial statements in accordance with accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America, and for the design, implementation, and maintenance of internal control relevant to the preparation and fair presentation of financial statements that are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error.
In preparing the financial statements, management is required to evaluate whether there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for twelve months beyond the financial statement date, including any currently known information that may raise substantial doubt shortly thereafter.
Auditor's Responsibilities for the Audit of the Financial Statements
Our objectives are to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements as a whole are free from material misstatement, whether due to fraud or error, and to issue an auditor's report that includes our opinions.
Reasonable assurance is a high level of assurance but is not absolute assurance and therefore is not a guarantee that an audit conducted in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards will always detect a material misstatement when it exists. The risk of not detecting a material misstatement resulting from fraud is higher than for one resulting from error, as fraud may involve collusion, forgery, intentional omissions, misrepresentations, or the override of internal control. Misstatements are considered material if there is a substantial likelihood that, individually or in the aggregate, they would influence the judgment made by a reasonable user based on the financial statements.
In performing an audit in accordance with GAAS and Government Auditing Standards, we:
* Exercise professional judgment and maintain professional skepticism throughout the audit.
* Identify and assess the risks of material misstatement of the financial statements, whether due to fraud or error, and design and perform audit procedures responsive to those risks. Such procedures include examining, on a test basis, evidence regarding the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements.
* Obtain an understanding of internal control relevant to the audit in order to design audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control. Accordingly, no such opinion is expressed.
* Evaluate the appropriateness of accounting policies used and the reasonableness of significant accounting estimates made by management, as well as evaluate the overall presentation of the financial statements.
* Conclude whether, in our judgment, there are conditions or events, considered in the aggregate, that raise substantial doubt about the School District's ability to continue as a going concern for a reasonable period of time.
We are required to communicate with those charged with governance regarding, among other matters, the planned scope and timing of the audit, significant audit findings, and certain internal control related matters that we identified during the audit.
Required Supplementary Information
Accounting principles generally accepted in the United States of America require that the Management's Discussion and Analysis and required supplementary information listed in the table of contents be presented to supplement the basic financial statements. Such information is the responsibility of management and, although not a part of the basic financial statements, is required by the Governmental Accounting Standards Board, who considers it to be an essential part of financial reporting for placing the basic financial statements in an appropriate operational, economic, or historical context. We have applied certain limited procedures to the required supplementary information in accordance with GAAS, which consisted of inquiries of management about the methods of preparing the information and comparing the information for consistency with management's responses to our inquiries, the basic financial statements, and other knowledge we obtained during our audit of the basic financial statements. We do not express an opinion or provide any assurance on the information because the limited procedures do not provide us with sufficient evidence to express an opinion or provide any assurance.
Supplementary Information
Our audit was conducted for the purpose of forming opinions on the financial statements that collectively comprise the School District's basic financial statements. The accompanying supplementary information, as listed in the table of contents, is presented for the purposes of additional analysis and is not a required part of the basic financial statements. The Schedule of Expenditures of Federal Awards is presented for purposes of additional analysis as required by Title 2 U.S. Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 200, Uniform Administrative Requirements, Cost Principles, and Audit Requirements for Federal Awards, and is also not a required part of the basic financial statements.
The supplementary information is the responsibility of management and was derived from and relates directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements. Such information has been subjected to the auditing procedures applied in the audit of the basic financial statements and certain additional procedures, including comparing and reconciling such information directly to the underlying accounting and other records used to prepare the basic financial statements or to the basic financial statements themselves, and other additional procedures in accordance with GAAS. In our opinion, the information is fairly stated, in all material respects, in relation to the basic financial statements as a whole.
Other Reporting Required by Government Auditing Standards
In accordance with Government Auditing Standards, we have also issued our report dated August 31, 2026 on our consideration of the School District's internal control over financial reporting and on our tests of its compliance with certain provisions of laws, regulations, contracts, and grant agreements and other matters. The purpose of that report is solely to describe the scope of our testing of internal control over financial reporting and compliance and the results of that testing, and not to provide an opinion on the effectiveness of the School District's internal control over financial reporting or on compliance. That report is an integral part of an audit performed in accordance with Government Auditing Standards in considering the School District's internal control over financial reporting and compliance.
A copy of this report has been filed as a permanent record and made available to the press of the State, as provided for by Official Code of Georgia Annotated section 50-6-24.
Respectfully submitted,
Greg S. Griffin
State Auditor
* * *
The report is posted at: https://www.audits.ga.gov/ReportSearch/download/34341?_gl=1*1v3rr2z*_ga*MTMwMTc1NTEyMC4xNzgxNzEwMzE4*_ga_65FL79Y113*czE3ODkxMjA0NzgkbzE1JGcxJHQxNzg5MTIwNjU2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..*_ga_8Z4RV13R5J*czE3ODkxMjA0NzgkbzE1JGcxJHQxNzg5MTIwNjU2JGo2MCRsMCRoMA..