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Va. A.G. Jones Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta Over Addictive Features That Harm Children
RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 18 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta over Addictive Features that Harm Children
Ahead of opening statements, Attorney General Jones today issued the following statement as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general began presenting their case against Meta, alleging the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falsely
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RICHMOND, Virginia, Aug. 18 -- Virginia Attorney General Jay Jones issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Jones Issues Statement at Start of Trial Against Meta over Addictive Features that Harm Children
Ahead of opening statements, Attorney General Jones today issued the following statement as a bipartisan coalition of attorneys general began presenting their case against Meta, alleging the social media giant knowingly designed and deployed harmful features on Facebook and Instagram that drive compulsive use of the platforms by children and teens, while falselyassuring parents and the public that its platforms were safe for young users.
"Meta built its platforms with features to intentionally addict children, and the negative impact on their mental health and well-being has been severed. Time and time again, and throughout the course of this lawsuit, we have watched Meta attempt to evade responsibility for the company's abuses. That ends now," said Attorney General Jones. "When you put profits above the health and safety of Virginians, this office will use every legal tool to hold you accountable. The Commonwealth will stand up for Virginians and bring necessary reforms that will help all users."
In October 2023, the state coalition filed suit against Meta following a multi-year nationwide investigation. The states allege Meta deliberately designed its platforms to exploit young users' vulnerabilities, foster compulsive use, and maximize the time young people spend on Facebook and Instagram. The attorneys general also allege Meta knew about harm to young users but deceived users, parents, and the public about the risks. The lawsuit further alleges Meta illegally collected personal information from children under 13 without their parents' consent, in violation of the federal Children's Online Privacy Protection Act.
Meta has repeatedly tried to prevent the states' case from reaching trial. In 2025, the court rejected Meta's attempt to dismiss key parts of the states' case, allowing claims related to allegedly addictive platform design and Meta's failure to warn young users and parents about known risks to move forward. After the court rejected Meta's motion to rule in their favor without a trial in June 2026, the company asked the district court and the 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals to stay the trial. Both courts rejected that request, clearing the way for the attorneys general to present their case at trial.
The trial opened before U.S. District Judge Yvonne Gonzalez Rogers in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of California and is expected to last six to eight weeks.
The states are asking the court to hold Meta accountable, stop unlawful practices, and require the company to follow laws designed to protect children and consumers. They are also seeking monetary penalties and other relief available under federal and state law.
The trial will be litigated by counsel from the attorney general offices of California, Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, with support from other coalition states.
The lawsuit also includes attorneys general from 25 other states: Arizona, Connecticut, Delaware, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Kansas, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Minnesota, Nebraska, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Washington, West Virginia, and Wisconsin.
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Original text here: https://www.oag.state.va.us/media-center/news-releases/3097-attorney-general-jones-issues-statement-at-start-of-trial-against-meta-over-addictive-features-that-harm-children
N.Y. Comptroller DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $309.7 Billion at End of First Quarter
ALBANY, New York, Aug. 18 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $309.7 Billion at End of First Quarter
The estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) was $309.7 billion at the end of the first quarter of State Fiscal Year 2026-27, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. Fund investments returned an estimated 6.12% for the quarter.
"The New York State Common Retirement Fund returned another strong quarter despite a host of factors including
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ALBANY, New York, Aug. 18 -- New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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DiNapoli: State Pension Fund Valued at $309.7 Billion at End of First Quarter
The estimated value of the New York State Common Retirement Fund (Fund) was $309.7 billion at the end of the first quarter of State Fiscal Year 2026-27, New York State Comptroller Thomas P. DiNapoli announced today. Fund investments returned an estimated 6.12% for the quarter.
"The New York State Common Retirement Fund returned another strong quarter despite a host of factors includingpersistent inflation, higher energy prices, and ongoing geopolitical conflicts," DiNapoli said. "Our disciplined investment strategy is focused on diversification, responsible risk management, and long-term stability so that we achieve the Fund's purpose of protecting the retirement security of our public workers, retirees, and their families."
The Fund's estimated value was $295.4 billion as of March 31, 2026, the end of the state's fiscal year. As of March 31, 2026, the Fund had 39.4% of its assets invested in publicly traded equities. The remaining Fund assets by allocation are invested in cash, bonds, and mortgages (22.9%), private equity (14.3%), real estate and real assets (14.3%), and credit, absolute return strategies, and opportunistic alternatives (9.1%).
The Fund's long-term expected rate of return is 5.9%.
DiNapoli's management of the Fund has received praise from two independent reviews released in 2026. First, a statutorily required fiduciary and conflict of interest review of the Fund released in January recognized the Fund for its exemplary investment oversight, risk management, and ethical governance. This review, conducted by Weaver and Tidwell LLP and required by state regulations, is part of the reforms that DiNapoli fought for when he became State Comptroller to provide the public with a clear, independent assessment of how the Fund is being managed and where improvements could be made.
Weaver's review found:
* The Fund operates under a strong governance framework with a rigorous system of internal controls and maintains a high level of operational transparency.
* DiNapoli manages the Fund with the highest ethical, professional, and conflict of interest standards, and acts for the sole benefit of the retirement system's members and beneficiaries.
* The Fund has a great deal of focus on the fees applied to each individual deal and whether the proposed fees fall within prevailing market norms.
* The Fund demonstrates a strategic asset allocation between public and private markets that closely aligns with its peer group.
* Fund staff are knowledgeable and dedicated and manage the Fund in the most efficient and effective manner possible.
The fiduciary review highlights that the Fund's high-funded status and conservative assumed rate of return put it in a stronger financial position to meet long-term obligations than its peers and is able to weather market volatility. The funded status was 96.8% as of March 31, 2026.
The second review was conducted separately by the New York State Department of Financial Services (DFS), the regulator of the Fund and the New York State and Local Retirement System. This review found the investment and risk teams are performing their duties professionally and competently while safeguarding the retirement security of the state pension fund's members.
DFS' review found:
* Total fund performance versus benchmarks over 3-, 5-, and 10-year periods "has been very good," and it highlights the pension fund's consistently healthy funded ratio as evidence of a well-managed portfolio and low risk to pensioners.
* No concerns "that the level of investment fees and expenses is excessive or about the diligence conducted in monitoring them and assuring accuracy."
After conducting numerous interviews and comprehensively examining risk reports, guidelines, asset allocation, asset-liabilities studies, liquidity management, investment due diligence and various other areas, DFS concluded "the NYSCRF investment and risk teams are professional and competent, and they take their fiduciary responsibilities of loyalty, care, and prudence seriously." DFS determined the consistency of a very healthy funded ratio over a 10-year period is indicative of a well-managed investment portfolio.
DiNapoli initiated quarterly performance reporting by the Fund in 2009 as part of his ongoing efforts to increase accountability and transparency.
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Original text here: https://www.osc.ny.gov/press/releases/2026/08/dinapoli-state-pension-fund-valued-3097-billion-end-first-quarter
N.J. A.G. Davenport Presses Case Against Meta as Historic Trial Begins
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Presses Case Against Meta as Historic Trial Begins
Joined by CA, CO, and KY, AG Davenport Alleges Meta Fueled Mental Health Crisis in a Generation of Children
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today issued the following statement ahead of the start of opening arguments in a landmark trial brought by a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general against Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) in the U.S. District Court for the Northern
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TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 18 -- New Jersey Attorney General Jennifer Davenport issued the following statement on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Attorney General Davenport Presses Case Against Meta as Historic Trial Begins
Joined by CA, CO, and KY, AG Davenport Alleges Meta Fueled Mental Health Crisis in a Generation of Children
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Attorney General Jennifer Davenport today issued the following statement ahead of the start of opening arguments in a landmark trial brought by a bipartisan coalition of state attorneys general against Meta Platforms, Inc. (Meta) in the U.S. District Court for the NorthernDistrict of California.
"New Jersey has co-led the nationwide investigation of Meta since 2021, spending thousands of hours investigating Meta's unlawful conduct. As we look forward to proving at trial, Meta has endangered the mental health of an entire generation of kids, with addictive features it knew would have these horrific effects," said Attorney General Davenport. "I cannot stress strongly enough how proud I am of the attorneys on our team and from around the country who are working round-the-clock to hold Meta accountable."
The lawsuit, filed in 2023, alleges that Meta, among other things, designed and deployed harmful features on Instagram and Facebook that drive excessive use by children and teens to their mental and physical detriment, distracting them during the school day and disrupting their ability to sleep at night, all the while misleading users, their families, and the public about the existence and severity of these risks.
Opening statements start tomorrow, August 18, in Oakland, California. In bringing this case to trial, Attorney General Davenport will be joined by California Attorney General Rob Bonta, Colorado Attorney General Phil Weiser, and Kentucky Attorney General Russell Coleman.
"Meta designed Facebook and Instagram to keep kids on the platforms longer and longer -- to the point of physical and mental harm. Exploiting our most vulnerable residents to boost corporate profits is not only morally wrong, it's also illegal," said Attorney General Bonta. "Alongside my colleagues from Colorado, Kentucky, and New Jersey, and with support from states across the country, we head into trial ready to hold Meta accountable. As the home of great innovators and Silicon Valley, California has a particular opportunity and obligation to be a catalyst for change."
"Nearly three years ago, we took action because we believed Meta was putting profits ahead of the health and safety of our kids. Now we are ready to present the evidence and make our case," said Attorney General Weiser. "Meta knew its platforms could harm young people, yet continued practices designed to keep them hooked--sacrificing sleep, being distracted in school, and even considering suicide-because more time online meant more money for Meta. At a time when young people are facing a serious mental health crisis, that is unacceptable. Powerful technology companies must follow the law, and when they don't, we will hold them accountable."
"This week, we're in court with the largest consumer protection lawsuit in American history. We'll show a jury that Meta concealed what it knew about the harm its products cause young people because looking away was more profitable," said Attorney General Coleman. "AGs are in the perfect position to get this done. We did it with the Tobacco Settlement in the 1990s. We did it with the companies behind the opioid crisis. We'll do it again with Meta."
Excessive time spent online is associated with depression, anxiety, eating disorders, susceptibility to addiction, and interference with daily life -- including learning. Additional time that young people spend online is associated with an increased severity in symptoms of depression. Increasing evidence shows that these companies are and have been aware of the adverse mental health consequences imposed on underage users.
The lawsuit alleges Meta illegally collected and used the data of children under the age of 13 who used its platforms, made decisions in designing its platforms that drove excessive use and put young users at risk, and lied to users, their families, and the public about the safety of its platforms. In doing so, the States allege, the corporation violated federal and state laws, including the Children's Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA) and the New Jersey Consumer Protection Act.
Attorney General Davenport and the coalition have secured decision after decision denying Meta's attempts to escape accountability. In 2024, the States successfully blocked an attempt by Meta to dismiss the coalition's lawsuit. In June, a court fully denied Meta's attempt to obtain summary judgment, which would have terminated this lawsuit. And just last week, the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Ninth Circuit dismissed Meta's appeal challenging this lawsuit based on Section 230 of the Communications Decency Act and denied Meta's motion to pause the trial.
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Original text here: https://www.njoag.gov/attorney-general-davenport-presses-case-against-meta-as-historic-trial-begins/
N.H. Banking Dept. Staff Members Attend NASCUS State System Summit
CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 18 -- The New Hampshire Banking Department issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Banking Department staff members attend NASCUS State System Summit
The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) held its State System Summit in Philadelphia from August 11-13.
The conference was attended by New Hampshire Banking Department Director of Chartered Institutions Division Jameson Randall, Chartered Institutions Division Deputy Director Matthew Duddy as well as two of the Department's Financial Examiners.
The Summit focused on how the
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CONCORD, New Hampshire, Aug. 18 -- The New Hampshire Banking Department issued the following news release:
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New Hampshire Banking Department staff members attend NASCUS State System Summit
The National Association of State Credit Union Supervisors (NASCUS) held its State System Summit in Philadelphia from August 11-13.
The conference was attended by New Hampshire Banking Department Director of Chartered Institutions Division Jameson Randall, Chartered Institutions Division Deputy Director Matthew Duddy as well as two of the Department's Financial Examiners.
The Summit focused on how thecredit union system can navigate rapid transformation in financial services and brought together regulators, credit union leaders, and industry experts to discuss forward-looking topics such as digital assets, fintech growth, evolving credit union authorities, and regulatory approaches that balance innovation with safety. Overall, the Summit is designed to spark meaningful dialogue, strengthen connections, and shape the future of the state credit union system.
"The NASCUS State Summit provided an excellent opportunity to connect with colleagues from other state regulatory agencies and key leaders in the credit union industry. Our discussions on emerging topics, including the expanding use of artificial intelligence tools, partnerships with FinTech providers, evolving technology and security risks, and stablecoin initiatives, along with concerns about potential deposit runoffs, strengthen our ability to protect New Hampshire consumers and effectively supervise our chartered institutions," Randall said. "Collaborating with fellow state agencies to review significant federal examination and supervisory developments enables us to continually refine and adapt our best practices in a rapidly changing financial and regulatory environment."
Subjects and trends discussed included the evolution of the American financial system, emerging technologies such as Artificial Intelligence, fraud and cybersecurity integration, macroeconomic pressures, and the growing impact of digital assets such as stablecoins. Overall, the event aims to help regulators and credit unions balance innovation with safety while preparing for the future of the credit union ecosystem.
Banking Department members in attendance noted that the Summit offered excellent learning opportunities and information that will help them in their day-to-day work, helping to ensure that Granite Staters are protected. Notable takeaways include increased awareness of current events and emerging issues within the credit union landscape and helping to deepen understanding of the challenges credit unions face as they work to remain competitive while also maintaining safety and soundness.
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Original text here: https://www.banking.nh.gov/news-and-media/new-hampshire-banking-department-staff-members-attend-nascus-state-system-summit
Governor Lee, Tenn. Environment & Conservation Dept. Announce $75 Million Loan for City of Columbia Water Infrastructure Improvements
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Governor Lee, TDEC Announce $75 Million Loan for City of Columbia Water Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $75 million loan for the City of Columbia to improve water infrastructure.
The City of Columbia loan comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. It will help expand the capacity of the Columbia Power
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NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Governor Lee, TDEC Announce $75 Million Loan for City of Columbia Water Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $75 million loan for the City of Columbia to improve water infrastructure.
The City of Columbia loan comes from the Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. It will help expand the capacity of the Columbia Powerand Water System's (CPWS) existing drinking water treatment plant by 12 million gallons per day. The loan has a 30-year term with 3.06 percent interest.
The loan is one of four approved by the Tennessee Local Development Authority, with loans for the City of Maynardville, Town of Pegram, and City of Pikeville totaling $82.5 million.
"In Tennessee, we are balancing record growth with a plan to protect our natural resources, and that requires infrastructure investments," Gov Lee said. "These funds make water quality improvement projects affordable for local governments and provide critical resources for Tennesseans across the state, and we're grateful for local leaders' partnership."
"Providing dependable, safe water service is one of the most important issues that local communicates face," said Salyers. "We are grateful to partner with local leaders to provide towns and cities the assistance they need to meet their water infrastructure needs."
The Duck River Watershed Planning Partnership at its July 13th meeting voted to affirm this CPWS project and include it in its final report and recommendations that will be submitted to the governor and legislative leaders later this year.
Through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program, communities, utility districts, and water and wastewater authorities can obtain loans with lower interest rates than through private financing. These low-interest-rate loans can vary from zero percent to below market rate, based on each community's economic health.
This fiscal year, TDEC has awarded $75,000,000 in drinking water loans and $6,021,500 in clean water loans to meet the state's infrastructure needs. During fiscal year 2026, TDEC awarded $12,152,711 in drinking water loans and $60,629,000 in clean water loans for a total of $72,781,711.
Tennessee's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $2.5 billion in low-interest loans since its inception in 1987. The state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $550 million in low-interest loans since its inception in 1996.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/8/17/governor-tdec-75-million-columbia-water-infrastructure-improvements.html
Governor Lee, Tenn. Environment & Conservation Dept. Announce $5 Million Loan for City of Pikeville Water Infrastructure Improvements
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Governor Lee, TDEC Announce $5 Million Loan for City of Pikeville Water Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $5,000,000 loan for the City of Pikeville to improve water infrastructure.
The City of Pikeville loan comes from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. It will help address the expansion of the city's
... Show Full Article
NASHVILLE, Tennessee, Aug. 18 -- The Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation issued the following news release on Aug. 17, 2026:
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Governor Lee, TDEC Announce $5 Million Loan for City of Pikeville Water Infrastructure Improvements
Tennessee Gov. Bill Lee and the Tennessee Department of Environment and Conservation (TDEC) Commissioner David Salyers today announced a $5,000,000 loan for the City of Pikeville to improve water infrastructure.
The City of Pikeville loan comes from the Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program. It will help address the expansion of the city'swastewater treatment plant from 0.254 to 0.366 million gallons per day. The loan has a 20-year term with 1.40 percent interest. The city received $1.45 million in principal forgiveness with the remainder of the loan amount to be paid back as principal.
The loan is one of four approved by the Tennessee Local Development Authority, with loans for the City of Columbia, City of Maynardville, and Town of Pegram totaling $82.5 million.
"In Tennessee, we are balancing record growth with a plan to protect our natural resources, and that requires infrastructure investments," Gov Lee said. "These funds make water quality improvement projects affordable for local governments and provide critical resources for Tennesseans across the state, and we're grateful for local leaders' partnership."
"Providing dependable, safe water service is one of the most important issues that local communicates face," said Salyers. "We are grateful to partner with local leaders to provide towns and cities the assistance they need to meet their water infrastructure needs."
Through the State Revolving Fund Loan Program, communities, utility districts, and water and wastewater authorities can obtain loans with lower interest rates than through private financing. These low-interest-rate loans can vary from zero percent to below market rate, based on each community's economic health.
This fiscal year, TDEC has awarded $75,000,000 in drinking water loans and $6,021,500 in clean water loans to meet the state's infrastructure needs. During fiscal year 2026, TDEC awarded $12,152,711 in drinking water loans and $60,629,000 in clean water loans for a total of $72,781,711.
Tennessee's Clean Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $2.5 billion in low-interest loans since its inception in 1987. The state's Drinking Water State Revolving Fund Loan Program has awarded more than $550 million in low-interest loans since its inception in 1996.
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Original text here: https://www.tn.gov/environment/news/2026/8/17/governor-tdec-5-million-pikeville-water-infrastructure-improvements.html
Chief Deputy Jackie Obusek Set to Retire From N.C. Insurance Dept.
RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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Chief Deputy Jackie Obusek set to retire from Department of Insurance
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the upcoming retirement of a longtime department leader who is recognized as one of the nation's top insurance regulators. Chief Deputy Commissioner Jackie Obusek will step down, effective Oct. 1.
Obusek's 30-year tenure will end a career dedicated to protecting North Carolina consumers and making sure insurance companies who operate in the
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RALEIGH, North Carolina, Aug. 18 -- The North Carolina Department of Insurance issued the following news release:
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Chief Deputy Jackie Obusek set to retire from Department of Insurance
North Carolina Insurance Commissioner Mike Causey today announced the upcoming retirement of a longtime department leader who is recognized as one of the nation's top insurance regulators. Chief Deputy Commissioner Jackie Obusek will step down, effective Oct. 1.
Obusek's 30-year tenure will end a career dedicated to protecting North Carolina consumers and making sure insurance companies who operate in thestate are financially sound.
"I am grateful for the dedication Jackie has given the department for 30 years," Commissioner Causey said. "Jackie's depth of financial experience and leadership will be missed."
Commissioner Causey continued: "Jackie has represented the department and me dozens of times and countless hours at national organizations, such as NAIC, the National Association of Insurance Commissioners, and NCOIL, the National Council of Insurance Legislators. Her experience, insights and opinions are sought after at every conference. While I will miss her work and her advice, I wish her well as she enters the next phase of her life."
"From my first day as a financial examiner to my final days as chief deputy commissioner, my 30-year career at the North Carolina Department of Insurance has been focused on consumer protection," Obusek said. "I want to thank the very dedicated professional North Carolina Department of Insurance team for their support. I also sincerely appreciate Commissioner Mike Causey for his leadership and for the opportunity to serve as his chief deputy."
Obusek joined the Department of Insurance in 1996, first as a financial examiner before taking on several financial regulatory leadership roles. She became a senior deputy commissioner in 2017, with the responsibility of overseeing several divisions, including financial analysis and licensing, financial examination, receiverships and liquidations and actuarial services. She also provided leadership for the state's captive insurance program.
In 2022, Obusek was appointed to the position of chief deputy commissioner. In 2023, the NAIC presented her with the Robert Dineen award, a top honor that recognizes outstanding service and contributions to state insurance regulation.
Obusek is a certified public accountant and holds a Bachelor of Science in accounting from East Carolina University.
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Original text here: https://www.ncdoi.gov/news/press-releases/2026/08/17/chief-deputy-jackie-obusek-set-retire-department-insurance
