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Shapiro Administration Highlights 2026-27 Budget Investments in Innovation Economy Secured in 2026-27 Budget During Visit to Carnegie Foundry at CMU's Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on Aug. 14, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Highlights 2026-27 Budget Investments in Innovation Economy Secured in 2026-27 Budget During Visit to Carnegie Foundry at CMU's Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro invests $125 million through the newly created Innovate in PA 2.0 program.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, the Commonwealth has become a national leader on economic development, is the only state in the Northeast
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Community and Economic Development issued the following news on Aug. 14, 2026:
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Shapiro Administration Highlights 2026-27 Budget Investments in Innovation Economy Secured in 2026-27 Budget During Visit to Carnegie Foundry at CMU's Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh
The 2026-27 budget signed by Governor Josh Shapiro invests $125 million through the newly created Innovate in PA 2.0 program.
Under Governor Shapiro's leadership, the Commonwealth has become a national leader on economic development, is the only state in the Northeastwith a growing economy, and is the region's top state for business according to CNBC.
Since taking office in 2023, the Governor has already attracted over $41 billion in private-sector investment which has created more than 24,000 good-paying jobs.
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Pittsburgh, PA -- Today, Department of Community and Economic Development (DCED) Secretary Rick Siger joined Carnegie Foundry LLC at the National Robotics Engineering Center (NREC) at Carnegie Mellon University's Robotics Institute in Pittsburgh to highlight how the 2026-27 budget signed by the Governor will deliver $125 million to create the Innovate in PA 2.0 program and invest in Pennsylvania's robust innovation economy - particularly in the agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology industries.
The new Innovate in PA 2.0 program will provide capital to expand access to venture capital, accelerate commercialization of research and new technologies, create a statewide network for clinical trials in the life sciences, strengthen regional innovation ecosystems, and enhance the Commonwealth's innovation network to help companies succeed in Pennsylvania.
"Pennsylvania has long been a national leader in innovation, research, and technology," said DCED Secretary Rick Siger. "Since day one, Governor Shapiro has been clear that Pennsylvania is open for business, and over the past three years, Pennsylvania has invested in our innovation economy to support key sectors like agriculture, energy, life sciences, manufacturing, and robotics and technology. Investments like the Innovate in PA 2.0 program make Pennsylvania stronger by providing opportunities for job creation and technological advancement."
Carnegie Foundry LLC is a Pittsburgh-based robotics and artificial intelligence venture studio that builds companies transforming the physical and digital world. The venture studio provides business and technology consulting, creative ideation support for assistance in emerging and start-up companies, product development services, and business strategy consulting for companies of any size and at any stage. Partnering with NREC, a world leader in autonomous robotics commercialization at Carnegie Mellon University, the Carnegie Foundry offers specialized expertise, an innovative operating model, and partnership to the next generation of tech companies to help minimize engineering risks, reduce long lead times, and avoid high burn rates that are common points of failure for autonomation and robotics startups.
"We are grateful to have DCED Secretary Siger, Deputy Secretary Gilburg and other key leaders join us to see firsthand the cutting-edge AI and robotics technologies our team is commercializing to address urgent national issues, from financial fraud, to supply chain efficiency to the caregiving crisis and beyond," said Dr. Robert J. Szczerba, founder and CEO of Carnegie Foundry. Our technology partnership with a world leader like Carnegie Mellon University, as well the support of key investors like United States Steel, Matthews International and Barber National Institute has been a major factor in our ability to create three new deeptech companies to date. Pennsylvania offers an unparalleled opportunity for entrepreneurs to found and grow the kinds of innovative companies that can disrupt industries."
"Strategic investment by the Commonwealth 30 years ago was pivotal to our success in transitioning robotics technology to commercialization, resulting in several billions of dollars in net economic impact to the region," said Herman Herman, director of NREC. "The Innovate in PA 2.0 program will have an even larger impact, by further accelerating Pennsylvania's leadership in life sciences, AI and robotics. This program will help with the creation of new companies and jobs in these critical, growing areas."
"Thanks to forward-thinking leaders, our world-class universities, and a smart and dedicated workforce, Pittsburgh and Western Pennsylvania continue to be ground zero for tech innovation, like the incredible work done at CMU's Robotics Institute," said Senator Wayne Fontana. I was proud to vote to create PA 2.0 Program in this year's state budget and I look forward to seeing the amazing new developments that will sprout from our investment."
"Innovate in PA 2.0 is an investment that strengthens Pennsylvania's innovation economy by supporting entrepreneurs and creating new opportunities for good jobs and sustainable growth," said Representative Lindsay Powell. "We're making sure the next generation of groundbreaking companies can grow and succeed right here in the Commonwealth"
Investing in Pennsylvania's Innovation Economy
The Shapiro Administration recognizes that Pennsylvania has always been a national leader in discovery and innovation -- from Ben Franklin's lightning rod to the polio vaccine. The Commonwealth has been a key supporter of that innovation, encouraging Pennsylvanians' big ideas and funding many of our nation's firsts, including the first public-private technology partnerships in 1983 and the first Agricultural Innovation Grant Program under Governor Shapiro in 2023.
Since taking office, the Shapiro Administration has been laser-focused on supporting Pennsylvania's innovation ecosystem. Life sciences companies like Johnson & Johnson, Eli Lilly, Eurofins Lancaster Laboratories, B. Braun, and GSK have announced major expansions in Pennsylvania under Governor Shapiro's leadership, bringing new jobs and investments in research and development into the Commonwealth.
Spurring Economic Growth and Development in the Northeast's Top State for Business
Thanks to Governor Shapiro's leadership, the Commonwealth is a national leader in economic development. Pennsylvania is the only state in the Northeast with a growing economy and is the region's top state for business according to CNBC.
The Governor's 2026-27 budget builds on this momentum by investing even more in long-term economic growth and innovation, ensuring communities across the Commonwealth can compete and win:
* Maintains $10 million for the Agricultural Innovation Grant Program to continue driving innovation in Pennsylvania agriculture.
* $3.75 million increase in state funding for small minority-owned businesses across the Commonwealth through the Historically Disadvantaged Business Assistance Program.
* Maintains $20 million for main streets and small businesses through Main Street Matters to strengthen commercial corridors that are the heart of Pennsylvania's communities.
Learn more about the Shapiro Administration's efforts to support Pennsylvania's workers and businesses and spur the economy, to build a stronger, more competitive economy for all Pennsylvanians.
Read more about Governor Shapiro's 2026-27 budget (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-signs-bipartisan-2026-27-budget--securing-major), view the Governor's remarks as prepared (https://www.pa.gov/governor/newsroom/2026-press-releases/governor-shapiro-s-remarks-as-prepared-during-2026-27-budget-sig), or watch the Governor's delivered remarks (https://pacast.com/m?p=29731).
For more information about the Innovate in PA 2.0 program or DCED, visit the agency's website (https://dced.pa.gov/).
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Original text here: https://dced.pa.gov/newsroom/shapiro-administration-highlights-2026-27-budget-investments-in-innovation-economy-secured-in-2026-27-budget-during-visit-to-carnegie-foundry-at-cmus-robotics-institute-in-pittsburgh/
Pa. Conservation & Natural Resources Dept. Names New Assistant District Forester for Weiser State Forest
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Aug. 14, 2026:
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DCNR Names New Assistant District Forester for Weiser State Forest
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Jake Novitsky as the assistant district forester for Weiser State Forest, which spans Dauphin, Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, and Schuylkill counties.
"Jake is a passionate leader who regularly demonstrates his strong sense of commitment
... Show Full Article
HARRISBURG, Pennsylvania, Aug. 15 -- The Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources issued the following news on Aug. 14, 2026:
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DCNR Names New Assistant District Forester for Weiser State Forest
Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn today announced the appointment of Jake Novitsky as the assistant district forester for Weiser State Forest, which spans Dauphin, Carbon, Columbia, Lebanon, Montour, Northumberland, and Schuylkill counties.
"Jake is a passionate leader who regularly demonstrates his strong sense of commitmentto public service in his work," Dunn said. "We are proud of his efforts and are confident he will continue to be a strong guiding force in his new role as assistant district forester in the Weiser."
Novitsky assists leading operations for the nearly 30,000-acre forest district, which is primarily comprised of 16 tracts across the region and includes the Sheets Island Archipelago, a series of islands on the Susquehanna River. Weiser State Forest includes many recreational opportunities, including boating, camping, cross-country skiing, fishing, hiking, horseback riding, hunting, kayaking, mountain biking, picnicking, sightseeing, snowmobiling, and hang gliding.
"I am grateful for the opportunities I have had with DCNR so far, and I am excited for this new challenge to lead in this beautiful forest district," Novitsky said. "The Weiser is a beautiful place that our team works hard to steward. I look forward to working with the local community and leaders who support our public lands."
Novitsky, who had previously served as the fire forester for Weiser State Forest, was a recent recipient of a Governor's Award for Excellence for his contributions in an investigation to catch a serial arsonist. Novitsky has also supported federal fire investigations and is a crew leader in Pennsylvania's wildland firefighting efforts.
A Coaldale, Schuylkill County, native, Novitsky holds an associate degree in Wildlife Technology from Penn State Dubois and an undergraduate degree in Forest Management from Penn State. He began his career with DCNR as a forest technician in Delaware State Forest and later served as the district's recreation forester, prior to taking on his previous role as the fire forester for Weiser.
Novitsky credits his family with fostering his love of the outdoors. He enjoys fishing, hunting, hiking, riding all-terrain vehicles, and dirt biking when he isn't working.
Visit DCNR's website (https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/recreation/where-to-go/state-forests/find-a-forest/weiser) for more information about Weiser State Forest and check out DCNR's Calendar of Events (http://events.dcnr.pa.gov/) for the latest happenings on public lands.
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Original text here: https://www.pa.gov/agencies/dcnr/newsroom/dcnr-names-new-assistant-district-forester-for-weiser-state-fore
N.M. Higher Education Dept. Concludes Statewide Capital Outlay Tours and Hearings
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 15 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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Higher Education Department concludes statewide capital outlay tours and hearings
The New Mexico Higher Education Department has concluded its annual summer capital outlay tours and hearings, bringing together higher education leaders, state officials and members of the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee to evaluate critical infrastructure needs at colleges and universities across the state.
During the hearings, public colleges, universities, tribal colleges and special
... Show Full Article
SANTA FE, New Mexico, Aug. 15 -- The New Mexico Department of Higher Education issued the following news release:
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Higher Education Department concludes statewide capital outlay tours and hearings
The New Mexico Higher Education Department has concluded its annual summer capital outlay tours and hearings, bringing together higher education leaders, state officials and members of the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee to evaluate critical infrastructure needs at colleges and universities across the state.
During the hearings, public colleges, universities, tribal colleges and specialschools presented a combined $301.2 million state funding request in proposed capital projects to support modern learning environments, improve campus infrastructure, expand capacity, address deferred maintenance and demolition of facilities across New Mexico's higher education system.
Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez and members of the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee, including Chairman Luis Campos, traveled throughout the state to tour completed capital projects and hear presentations on future infrastructure priorities.
Tours took place in Albuquerque, Crownpoint, Farmington, Gadsden, Gallup, Grants, Portales, Ruidoso and Shiprock, with hearings hosted by Central New Mexico Community College, Eastern New Mexico University, Navajo Technical University, New Mexico State University and San Juan College.
"These annual tours give us the opportunity to see firsthand how capital investments are transforming campuses and creating better learning environments for students across New Mexico," said Higher Education Secretary Stephanie M. Rodriguez. "Meeting directly with campus leaders and students allows us to better understand their long-term infrastructure needs and develop funding recommendations that will strengthen higher education for generations to come."
The department will evaluate project requests and develop recommendations for consideration by the executive and legislative branches during the statewide capital outlay process.
Over the course of the statewide tour, committee members visited completed projects and met with institutional leaders to discuss future capital priorities, helping ensure funding recommendations reflect the diverse infrastructure needs of campuses across New Mexico.
"These hearings are a critical part of ensuring we make thoughtful, strategic investments in higher education infrastructure," said Luis Campos, Chairman of the Higher Education Capital Outlay Committee. "By hearing directly from our institutions and seeing their facilities firsthand, we can better prioritize projects that improve campus safety, enhance the student experience and support New Mexico's long-term educational and workforce goals."
For more information about the New Mexico Higher Education Department and its programs, visit hed.nm.gov.
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Original text here: https://hed.nm.gov/news/higher-education-department-concludes-statewide-capital-outlay-tours-and-hearings
N.J. Labor & Workfoce Development Dept. Posts the Names of Five Businesses With Outstanding Wage, Benefit and Tax Law Violations to Its Workplace Accountability in Labor List
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 15 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Posts the Names of Five Businesses with Outstanding Wage, Benefit and Tax Law Violations to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL)
In August, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) added the names of five new businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL), bringing the total number to 394 employers who are listed for failing to address their outstanding liabilities for violations of wage,
... Show Full Article
TRENTON, New Jersey, Aug. 15 -- The New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development issued the following news release:
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NJDOL Posts the Names of Five Businesses with Outstanding Wage, Benefit and Tax Law Violations to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL)
In August, the New Jersey Department of Labor and Workforce Development (NJDOL) added the names of five new businesses to its Workplace Accountability in Labor List (The WALL), bringing the total number to 394 employers who are listed for failing to address their outstanding liabilities for violations of wage,benefit, or tax laws. Any business whose name appears on The WALL is barred from public contracting with state, county, or local governments until they pay their liabilities in full.
The five businesses owe a total of $264,204.68 in unpaid contributions, penalties, and interest to the Unemployment Compensation Fund and State Disability Benefits Fund. Currently in the third year of the WALL initiative, there are now 394 businesses posted to The WALL that collectively owe $36.3 million -- either directly to their workers or to the state for unpaid taxes, contributions, fines, or penalties.
To date, NJDOL has recovered $1,007,181.56 in outstanding liabilities from businesses that have been posted to The WALL or have been warned their business would be added to The WALL if they did not resolve their outstanding liabilities.
The WALL is a powerful enforcement tool that enables the department to publicly name companies that shortchange their workers and skip required contributions to programs such as unemployment insurance and workers' compensation. The companies on the list have failed to resolve their outstanding fines and fees with NJDOL and the Treasury.
The initiative was established through bipartisan action (S-4226) in 2020 as part of an effort to combat worker misclassification and exploitation. It gives NJDOL power to protect fair-minded businesses across the state from employers that undercut their workers to gain a competitive edge.
Posting on The WALL is separate from -- and may be in addition to -- other accountability measures, such as public contractor debarment and business license suspension or revocation. State, county, municipal, and school procurement officers must cross-reference The WALL before awarding public contracts, as they do with the debarment list.
Businesses receive letters warning that their company's name will be posted to The WALL unless they remedy their outstanding liabilities; they are given 20 days from the date they receive notice to pay in full or challenge their pending placement on The WALL.
The WALL went live in September 2023 with 36 businesses listed. Additional businesses with outstanding violations are added monthly. In December 2025, the Department published the Office of Strategic Enforcement and Compliance Impact Report for 2023-2025, which provides a comprehensive overview of New Jersey's progress in key areas of labor law enforcement over the prior two years. The report details how critical initiatives like The WALL have effectively tackled wage violations and worker misclassification, recovering millions in owed wages and penalties for the state and workers.
The WALL website features improved accessibility and a streamlined user experience. The updated site includes a convenient search box to enable users to quickly find information on posted businesses, including names and posting dates, in addition to other key details. The WALL can be viewed or downloaded here (https://www.nj.gov/labor/ea/osec/wall.shtml).
Questions about The WALL should be directed to OSECInquiries@dol.nj.gov.
For a comprehensive list of questions and answers about The WALL, visit nj.gov/labor/wall.
Businesses added to The WALL in August are:
1. Fusion BPO Services Inc
2500 Plaza 5 Harborside Financial Center, Jersey City, NJ 07311
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-EA-000011-2026
Violation(s):
* The Unemployment Compensation Law - R.S.43:21-1 et seq
* The Temporary Disability Benefits Law - P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et al.)
* The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law - P.L.2008, c.17 (C.43:21-39.1 et al.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 05/26/2021
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $52,241.36
Date Posted on the WALL: 08/05/2026
2. Perez Roofing and Siding Limited Liability Company
436 Shady Ln., Howell, NJ 07731
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-EA-000012-2026
Violation(s):
* The Unemployment Compensation Law - R.S.43:21-1 et seq
* The Temporary Disability Benefits Law - P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et al.)
* The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law - P.L.2008, c.17 (C.43:21-39.1 et al.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 01/15/2020
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $52,245.27
Date Posted on the WALL: 08/05/2026
3. Jersey Street Productions, LLC
7 Mason Avenue, Lincoln Park, NJ 07035
2 Claridge Drive Apt 4DW, Verona, NJ 07044
297 Passaic Ave., Suite 1, Fairfield, NJ 07004
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-EA-000013-2026
Violation(s):
* The Unemployment Compensation Law - R.S.43:21-1 et seq
* The Temporary Disability Benefits Law - P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et al.)
* The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law - P.L.2008, c.17 (C.43:21-39.1 et al.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 11/08/2024
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $52,035.02
Date Posted on the WALL: 08/05/2026
4. T.A.P. Inspections LLC
25 Penn St., Penns Grove, NJ 08069
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-EA-000014-2026
Violation(s):
* The Unemployment Compensation Law - R.S.43:21-1 et seq
* The Temporary Disability Benefits Law - P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et al.)
* The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law - P.L.2008, c.17 (C.43:21-39.1 et al.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 09/24/2025
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $55,527.58
Date Posted on the WALL: 08/05/2026
5. Horeb Carpentry Inc.
816 Sheridan Ave., Elizabeth, NJ 07208
OSEC's Docket #: WALL-EA-000015-2026
Violation(s):
* The Unemployment Compensation Law - R.S.43:21-1 et seq
* The Temporary Disability Benefits Law - P.L.1948, c.110 (C.43:21-25 et al.)
* The Compensation for Family Temporary Disability Leave Law - P.L.2008, c.17 (C.43:21-39.1 et al.)
Date(s) of Final Judgment/Order: 12/31/2025
Total Liability Owed Under Final Judgement/Order: $52,155.45
Date Posted on the WALL: 08/05/2026
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Original text here: https://www.nj.gov/labor/lwdhome/press/2026/20260814_wall.shtml
Leadwood Wastewater Facility Makes Progress Toward Repairing Failing System: Mo. Natural Resources Dept.
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 15 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Leadwood wastewater facility makes progress toward repairing failing system: MoDNR
E. coli levels still high in Big River near facility
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According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Leadwood's wastewater facility is beginning to make progress toward repairing its failing treatment system. Recent sampling in the Big River upstream, at the facility's outfall and downstream, show E. coli levels are slightly improving. However, those levels are still high, indicating
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, Aug. 15 -- The Missouri Department of Natural Resources issued the following news release:
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Leadwood wastewater facility makes progress toward repairing failing system: MoDNR
E. coli levels still high in Big River near facility
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According to the Missouri Department of Natural Resources, Leadwood's wastewater facility is beginning to make progress toward repairing its failing treatment system. Recent sampling in the Big River upstream, at the facility's outfall and downstream, show E. coli levels are slightly improving. However, those levels are still high, indicatingthe facility is still unable to effectively treat the city's wastewater.
On Aug. 10, MoDNR continued its water sampling schedule in the Big River. Preliminary results from samples collected at the facility's outfall show E. coli levels at 1,732.9 colony forming units per 100 milliliters (CFU/100mL), down from >2,419.6. Sample results from other locations show E. coli at the time was 150.0 CFU/100mL at the Mounts Big River Access, 73.8 CFU/100mL at the Hunt Street Leadwood Access and 80.1 CFU/100mL at the Bone Hole Swimming Basin.
Until the treatment plant's capacity improves and starts attaining permitted effluent limits, people should heed the public health advisory signs posted at access points on the Big River from the Leadwood Access to Owl Creek Park in St. Francois County. The signs advise people to avoid water contact (swimming, wading, etc.) and to keep pets and livestock away from the water in that section of the Big River.
The department emphasizes that E. coli levels in natural water bodies can fluctuate dramatically over time, typically increasing after it has rained and decreasing when the weather is dry. Because of this phenomenon, people should always be careful when playing in and around lakes and streams.
In a concerted effort to address the facility's failing treatment equipment, the city is installing a replacement pump to move sludge and solids from the plant's clarifier to the sludge holding basin. Adding the new pump is designed to allow the plant to begin treating the wastewater more efficiently, which should help further reduce E. coli levels in the treated water the plant releases to the Big River. The city is also considering additional treatment options to further improve plant operations.
To find more permanent solutions, the department's Financial Assistance Center is working with the city to help identify emergency funds through the Department of Economic Development's Community Development Block Grant along with funds from the department for immediate repairs. The department is also working with the city on funding opportunities for long-term system upgrades with grants and loans to ultimately build a new treatment facility.
In the meantime, the department continues to make weekly site visits to monitor progress and to collect water quality samples.
"The department continues to work with the city and other partners to find both short-term and long-term solutions to Leadwood's wastewater treatment challenges, said Kurt Schaefer, director of the Department of Natural Resources. "We anticipate seeing improvements in the facility's operations, reflected in better sampling results in the Big River. This issue has developed over time, so it will take time to find and implement lasting solutions."
For background about this issue, see the previous department news release at: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/department-natural-resources-takes-action-address-failing-leadwood-wastewater-treatment-facility.
More information about the Leadwood wastewater treatment facility is available at dnr.mo.gov/water/business-industry-other-entities/sites-interest/leadwood-wastewater-treatment-facility.
General guidance on recreational water safety is also available from the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services at: Recreational Water Safety (https://health.mo.gov/prevention/environmental-factors/recreational-water-safety).
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Original text here: https://dnr.mo.gov/communications/news/leadwood-wastewater-facility-makes-progress-toward-repairing-failing-system-modnr
La. Health Dept. Encourages Talking to Students About the Risks of Vaping
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 15 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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LDH encourages talking to students about the risks of vaping
Nearly 1 in 4 Louisiana students vape, three times the national average
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Aug 14, 2026 - As students across the state return to the classroom, youth vaping remains a critical public health crisis. The 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey reports that 30% of high school students and 18% of middle school students currently vape, making Louisiana the third-highest state in the nation for high school vaping.
The
... Show Full Article
BATON ROUGE, Louisiana, Aug. 15 -- The Louisiana Department of Health issued the following news:
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LDH encourages talking to students about the risks of vaping
Nearly 1 in 4 Louisiana students vape, three times the national average
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Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Aug 14, 2026 - As students across the state return to the classroom, youth vaping remains a critical public health crisis. The 2023 Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey reports that 30% of high school students and 18% of middle school students currently vape, making Louisiana the third-highest state in the nation for high school vaping.
TheLouisiana Department of Health (LDH) is calling on parents, teachers, health care providers, and community partners to educate young people about the risks of vaping and protect their health.
According to the Louisiana Youth Tobacco Survey, youth vape at a rate four times higher than any other tobacco product, and half of youth tobacco users in Louisiana start by vaping, often beginning by age 13.
The toxic chemicals found in vaping products damage adolescent brain, lung, and heart development. Nicotine, delivered through vapes, pouches, or traditional cigarettes, permanently alters brain development, drives mental health struggles, and primes the brain for addiction.
Ease of access to tobacco is a major concern: 4 in 5 Louisiana youth report purchasing vape or nicotine products in gas stations or retail stores.
Social media platforms, product placement, and depictions of nicotine use in entertainment for younger audiences are proven catalysts for youth behavioral shifts. Nearly 70% of Louisiana youth reported seeing nicotine-related advertisements at retail stores or on social media.
Preventing youth vaping begins with family support and is reinforced by school education, community initiatives, and engagement with health care providers. To successfully reduce youth nicotine use, each sector must leverage its position in supporting students:
* Parents and caregivers: Shape early attitudes by discussing nicotine risks, exploring social influences, and recognizing the early signs of vaping.
* Schools: Establish comprehensive, vape-free environments that deter initiation and provide a safety net for students seeking to quit.
* Health care providers: Create confidential, clinically safe spaces to address nicotine use and directly connect youth with cessation tools.
* Communities: Build protective environments, enforce local retail policies, and deploy youth-focused resources.
To build a healthier state, Louisiana must create a vape-free environment. Louisianans have made great progress in the fight against tobacco, but more work is needed. By empowering families and communities to drive prevention and cessation, Louisiana can protect its youth and build a thriving, vape-free future.
Resources for youth
* Live Vape Free: Louisiana youth ages 13-17 can receive free and unlimited text-based counseling support. Enroll by texting "VAPEFREE" to 873373.
* Unfiltered Facts: This Louisiana youth prevention resource offers the education and tools necessary to empower youth to make informed health decisions about tobacco and nicotine.
Resources for parents
* Adult Advocate Program: Designed specifically for Louisiana families, this online module helps parents navigate conversations with teens about vaping and support through the quitting process.
* American Lung Association Vaping Conversation Guide: Evidence-based guidelines to support parents in initiating effective conversations with youth about vape use.
Resources for schools
* Vape-Free Schools Administrators Training: The online module guides school leaders in building vape-free campuses through clear policies, strong education standards, and accessible cessation support.
* Vape-Free Schools Toolkit: An online collection of resources designed to support K-12 Louisiana educators in integrating tobacco prevention education into their lessons.
Resources for health care providers
* Youth Vape Use -- Online Training for Health Care Providers: Health care providers learn best practice guidelines to screen, treat, and respond specifically to youth e-cigarette use. Providers will receive one hour of CME credits upon completion.
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Original text here: https://ldh.la.gov/news/back-to-school-vaping-prevention
Hawaii Health Dept. Authorizes Reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine in Kailua-Kona
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 15 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH AUTHORIZES REOPENING OF BAAN THAI FAMILY CUISINE IN KAILUA-KONA
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii -- The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch (FSB) authorized the reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine, issuing a green "pass" placard during a follow-up inspection on Aug. 14, 2026.
The food establishment, located at 75-5744 Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona is operated by Miyavadee Khamya.
DOH required the food establishment to complete the following corrective actions:
* Discard all contaminated
... Show Full Article
HONOLULU, Hawaii, Aug. 15 -- The Hawaii Department of Health issued the following news release:
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DOH AUTHORIZES REOPENING OF BAAN THAI FAMILY CUISINE IN KAILUA-KONA
KAILUA-KONA, Hawaii -- The Hawai'i Department of Health (DOH) Food Safety Branch (FSB) authorized the reopening of Baan Thai Family Cuisine, issuing a green "pass" placard during a follow-up inspection on Aug. 14, 2026.
The food establishment, located at 75-5744 Alii Drive in Kailua-Kona is operated by Miyavadee Khamya.
DOH required the food establishment to complete the following corrective actions:
* Discard all contaminatedfood products;
* Seal all holes and crevices;
* Have a professional pest control operator (PCO) service the establishment and submit the service report to the DOH;
* Thoroughly clean and disinfect all food-contact and non-food-contact surfaces;
* Remove unnecessary equipment and supplies;
* Retrain employees on proper food organization and date marking;
* Ensure all refrigeration units storing potentially hazardous food (PHF) maintain proper temperature;
* Have the mechanical dishwasher repaired; and
* Retrain employees on hand-washing sink use.
During the follow-up inspection, the DOH determined that all corrective actions had been completed.
The DOH FSB protects and promotes the health of Hawai'i residents and visitors through education of food industry workers and regulation of food establishments statewide. The branch conducts routine health inspections of food establishments where food products are prepared, manufactured, distributed, or sold.
For more information on the department's placarding program go to http://health.hawaii.gov/san/.
To view restaurant inspection reports, go to https://inspections.myhealthdepartment.com/soh.
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Original text here: https://health.hawaii.gov/news/newsroom/doh-authorizes-reopening-of-baan-thai-family-cuisine-in-kailua-kona/
