KHLOÉ KARDASHIAN ANNOUNCES RETAIL EXPANSION INTO SEPHORA WITH HER GLOBALLY ACCLAIMED FRAGRANCE PORTFOLIO WITH LUXE BRANDS

The Entrepreneur Brings Her Fragrance Portfolio to the Premier Beauty Retailer This September

NEW YORK, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global icon Khloé Kardashian is set to expand her rapidly growing fragrance empire with an official launch at Sephora on September 14, 2026. In partnership with Luxe Brands, this major retail expansion brings Khloé's luxurious scent portfolio — XO Khloé, Almost Always, and the newly debuted XO BLUE — to Sephora customers across the United States and Canada.

The launch marks a defining milestone for the brand, reinforcing Kardashian's position as a dominant force in the global beauty industry. The brand will be featured in 1,300 Sephora US and Sephora Kohl's doors across the US and will serve as the exclusive retailer for Khloé Kardashian Fragrances in the Canadian market.

This North American debut with Sephora serves as a strategic springboard for rapid international scaling, establishing a blueprint to seamlessly extend the fragrance portfolio into the world's most dynamic beauty hubs—including Mexico, Brazil, India, and key markets across Asia. By leveraging Sephora's elevated retail framework and high-visibility media presence across the US and Canada to validate consumer demand, LUXE Brands and Khloé Kardashian are positioned to capitalize on rising global appetite for prestige fragrances.

"Sephora is such an iconic destination for beauty discovery, and I am so excited to bring my fragrance collection to their community," says Khloé Kardashian. "Creating these scents has been a deeply personal journey for me. I wanted to build a portfolio that offers a transportive and memorable experience and Sephora is the perfect partner to help tell that story."

"The Sephora expansion for Khloe's fragrance portfolio will be supported with a comprehensive 360-degree media campaign across key consumer touchpoints—from paid social and digital to out-of-home and strategic media partnerships" says Noreen Dodge Chief Marketing and Strategy Officer for LUXE Brands. The campaign will also leverage high-impact entertainment adjacencies, including video placements surrounding the new season of Hulu's The Kardashians, reinforcing that Khloé's fragrances are now available at SEPHORA while driving awareness, discovery, and engagement at scale.

The collection will be available on Sephora.com and in-store starting September 14, 2026.

About Khloé Kardashian

Khloé Kardashian is an entrepreneur, executive producer, and one of the most widely recognized figures in digital media. She serves as an Executive Producer for her family's global Hulu hit, The Kardashians, as well as her new Hulu series focusing on her inner circle, The Girls. Her podcast, Khloé in Wonder Land, delivers candid, unfiltered conversations to a global audience.

Expanding her business empire into the lifestyle and food sectors, Khloé recently launched Khloud Foods, a health-conscious, protein-packed snack brand. This venture reflects her ongoing commitment to wellness and addresses a gap she identified for clean, family-friendly snack options. In addition to her business ventures, she debuted her first solo fragrance, XO KHLOÉ, followed by Almost Always and her latest scent, XO BLUE, which have quickly become celebrated milestones in her career.

About LUXE Brands, Inc.

LUXE Brands, Inc. is a global, prestige beauty company dedicated to developing world-class beauty brands that inspire consumers around the world. With its corporate office in Florida and a creative hub in New York, LUXE Brands has earned numerous awards for its innovative approach to design, marketing, and brand building with a digital-first ethos.

LUXE's portfolio includes Ariana Grande, Khloé Kardashian, Nicki Minaj, Eau de Juice by Cosmopolitan, and a licensing partnership with General Motors on the Hummer brand.

About Sephora

Sephora is the world's leading global prestige beauty retail brand. With a mission to create an inviting beauty shopping experience and inspire fearlessness in its community, Sephora operates over 2,700 stores in 35 countries worldwide.

CONTACT: Emily Beagen Full Picture [email protected]

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Multi-Unit Legacy Owner Recognized for Excellence in Business and Building a Strong Work Environment

HARTLAND, Wis., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Franchise Association (IFA) today recognized Stephen Lutfi, owner of 17 Batteries Plus stores across Pheonix Arizona, as a 2026 Franchisee of the Year. Lutfi will be honored at the IFA Annual Convention in Washington, D.C., on Sept. 15. for being an outstanding franchise multi-unit owner. The IFA Franchisee of the Year awards are given to the top franchisees from IFA member brands across industries.

The Franchisee of the Year awards recognize leading franchise owners for their community involvement, fostering a strong workforce, assisting their fellow franchisees when called upon, and embodying the entrepreneurial spirit. Their outstanding performance and contributions help strengthen not only their business but also the entire franchise business model.

"Franchisees of the Year demonstrate what franchising is all about – individuals who have committed their lives and careers to the betterment of those around them, building something bigger than themselves," said Matt Haller, President and CEO of the International Franchise Association. "Through their leadership, they create jobs and build careers, give back to their communities, and support other franchisees, all while exemplifying the entrepreneurial spirit at the heart of franchising. We are proud to recognize Stephen Lutfi with IFA's highest honor for individual franchisees and celebrate his commitment to making a difference both within his business and beyond."

Some might say that Lutfi's franchising career began before he was born. With his father being well known in the QSR franchising space, his destiny was set at a very young age. Lutfi joined his father and family in 2012 and added Batteries Plus to his portfolio three years ago with an 11-unit purchase. They have since expanded to 17 locations with one more on the way. Lutfi's success can be attributed to his strong mentorship from his father who, in Lutfi's own words, "is a legend in the industry."

A big part of Lutfi's methodology is listening to his operators. With many of their locations being acquired rather than built, they have created a system reliant on the managers and operators that come with the purchase of the store. Lutfi prioritizes talking with all levels of employees, not just managers, in order to learn their goals on a personal level. This builds the environment where his team feels valued and supported, and they are encouraged to grow alongside him, which reinforces Batteries Plus's mission of service and quality. Lutfi exemplifies the very best in franchising, continuously standing out for his leadership, dedication to his team, and the strong culture he fosters within his stores.

"Lutfi represents everything we look for in our franchisees," said Joe Malmuth, CDO of Batteries Plus. "What sets him apart is his drive to build genuine relationships within every one of his locations, which strengthens their trust in his leadership decisions. We are proud to see his achievements recognized by the IFA."

There are approximately 832,000 franchise establishments across the U.S., providing nearly 8.8 million direct jobs and generating more than $907 billion in economic output. According to Oxford Economics, franchising on average provides higher wages and better benefits than non-franchised businesses, as well as greater entrepreneurial opportunities to minorities, women, veterans, and other underrepresented communities.

The recipients will be honored at a luncheon on Sept. 15, 2026, and throughout the IFA26 Advocacy Summit in Washington, D.C.

With over 800 locations open and in development across all 50 states and Puerto Rico, Batteries Plus serves as America's go-to battery and service provider. To explore the full range of services offered to both consumers and businesses, or to find a convenient Batteries Plus location near you, visit: www.batteriesplus.com.

ABOUT BATTERIES PLUS:

Batteries Plus is the nation's leading battery and power solutions service center, offering a comprehensive selection of products, technical expertise, and customized services through a nationwide network of over 800 locations open and in development. Headquartered in Hartland, Wisconsin, and owned by Freeman Spogli, Batteries Plus is dedicated to providing reliable, commercial and residential power solutions – including batteries, lighting, and repair services – to help organizations and customers minimize downtime and maximize efficiency. For more information about Batteries Plus and its franchising opportunities visit batteriesplusfranchise.com.

Media Contact: Liv Ceithaml, Fishman Public Relations, [email protected]

SOURCE Batteries Plus

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Twenty-three scholars will receive financial awards for research in artificial intelligence, patient care, competency-based assessments, and physician burnout

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) has selected a record number of 23 outstanding physicians to participate in its 2026-2027 Scholars Program™. Established in 2014, the one-year, part-time program supports early-career physicians and researchers in scholarship and leadership development focusing on initial and continuing board certification. Each ABMS Scholar receives a $15,000 financial award.

"The increasing number of applicants and grant recipients are clear indicators of the growing significance of research that addresses issues in board certification and physician assessment," said Greg Ogrinc, MD, MS, ABMS Senior Vice President, Certification Standards and Programs. "The work of these talented Scholars will generate new insights that will advance certification programs and improve patient care."

ABMS Scholars are selected based on the quality of their proposed research project, the relevance of their research to the ABMS mission and the certification community, and the ability to make considerable progress on the research project during the scholar year. Program participants remain at their home institutions, collaborate with self-selected mentors, and participate in monthly virtual sessions with research project overviews and updates to peers, research mentors, co-sponsoring Member Board leaders, subject matter experts, and ABMS Scholar alumni.

This ABMS Scholars cohort will begin in September 2026, and their term will culminate at the ABMS Conference 2027, when they will present their research findings before a national audience.

The 2026-2027 ABMS Scholars co-sponsors include the ABMS Research and Education Foundation (ABMS-REF) and the following ABMS Member Boards: Allergy and Immunology, Anesthesiology, Dermatology, Emergency Medicine, Internal Medicine (Foundation), Medical Genetics and Genomics, Ophthalmology, Orthopaedic Surgery, Pathology, Pediatrics, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation, Radiology, Surgery, and Urology.

The following are the 2026-2027 ABMS Scholars and their co-sponsoring organizations:

American Board of Medical Specialties Research and Education Foundation (ABMS—REF)

- Erin Finn, MD – University of North Carolina

Project: Developing and Validating a Competency-Based Assessment Tool for Point-of-Care Ultrasound (POCUS) in Heart Failure: The Modified CLUE Clinical Evaluation Exercise (mCLUE-CEX)

- Sadia Ilyas, MD – University of California San Diego

Project: Burden or Meaning? The Structural Features of Quality Improvement

Participation that Shape Physician Well-Being and Sustained Engagement

- Adam Johnson, MD, MPH – Duke University School of Medicine

Project: Empowering Clinicians to Evaluate Local Patient-Centered Outcomes in Chronic Limb-Threatening Ischemia Using Electronic Health Record Data

- Hyunjoo Ko, MD – Mount Sinai Hospital

Project: AI-Administered Constructed-Response Assessment of Clinical Reasoning in Anesthesiology

American Board of Allergy and Immunology

- Sydney O'Malley, MD – Mayo Clinic

Project: The Allergist/Immunologist Workforce and Health Equity: Geographic Distribution and Specialist Shortages Across Socioeconomic Strata in the United States

American Board of Anesthesiology

- Morgan Graves, MD – Mayo Clinic

Project: Using Failure to Achieve Planned Same-Day Discharge to Develop Competency-Based Perioperative Assessment: An EHR-Derived Case-Finding Framework

American Board of Dermatology

- Elizabeth Bailey, MD, MPH – Stanford University School of Medicine

Project: Development of Entrustable Professional Activities for Dermatology Residency

- Drew Saylor, MD, MPH, FAAD, FACMS – University of California San Francisco

Project: Pathology Concordance as a Competency Milestone: Developing a Concordance Assessment Tool and EPA Framework for Frozen Section Interpretation in Mohs Surgery Fellowship

American Board of Emergency Medicine

- The J. David Barry, MD Scholar is Destiny Folk, MD – Indiana University School of Medicine

Project: A National Evaluation of Burnout, Mistreatment, and In-Training Examination Performance Among Emergency Medicine Residents

American Board of Internal Medicine (Foundation)

- Carl Drake, MD, MPH, MHPE – Cedars-Sinai Medical Center

Project: From Practice to Performance: Leveraging the EHR to Explore Associations Between Medicine Residents' Clinical Experiences and Certification Outcomes

American Board of Medical Genetics and Genomics

- Annie Niehaus, MD – Stanford University School of Medicine

Project: Development of a real-time assessment framework and feedback platform for medical genetics and genomics (MGG) residency and fellowship programs based on entrustable professional activities (EPAs)

American Board of Ophthalmology

- Amy Zhang, MD – University of Michigan

Project: Initial Certification Timing, Pass Rate and Preparation Experiences in Ophthalmology Board Certification

American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery

- Tanio Dagher, MD – Johns Hopkins Hospital

Project: Assessing Orthopaedic Residents as Teachers: Development and Validation of an Instrument for Evaluating Intraoperative Teaching Skills

American Board of Pathology

- Robert Christian, MD – Oregon Health & Science University

Project: Feasibility and Efficacy Study of a Competency-Based Hospital Autopsy Assessment Tool

American Board of Pediatrics

- Georgina Pike Clegg, MD – University of Michigan

Project: Understanding Resident Experience with Workplace-Based Assessment Applications

American Board of Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation

- Zachary Carter, MD – Duke University School of Medicine

Project: Advance-Spine: An Interdisciplinary Value-Based Curriculum to Train Physicians to Implement Biopsychosocial Care Models

American Board of Radiology

- Warren Campbell IV, MD, PhD – University of Virginia Medical Center

Project: Quantifying Diagnostic Excellence: Utilizing AI Consensus Models on Trainee Preliminary Reports to Optimize Diagnostic Quality and Clinical Feedback for Radiology Residents

- Kofi Deh, PhD, DABR – Howard University

Project: Measuring What Certification Misses: AI-Assisted Clinical Reasoning Assessment and Opportunity Analysis in Medical Physics Residency Training

- Mary Mahoney, MD – Fox Chase Cancer Center

Project: Building Radiation Oncology Resident Confidence and Competency with a Comprehensive Transition to Practice Rotation

- Daniel Veyg, DO – Northwell Health North Shore University Hospital

Project: Development and Validation of an AI-Driven Adaptive Curriculum for Interventional Radiology Residency: A Competency-Based Approach to Personalized IR Education

American Board of Surgery

- Jacob Reich, MD – Intraoperative Performance Analytics Laboratory - Lenox Hill Hospital

Project: Measuring Surgical Performance Improvement Using OPI-based Scoring Before and After Robotic Simulation Exercises

- Phillip Jenkins, MD – Oregon Health & Science University

Project: Operationalizing Surgical Informatics Training: Competency Framework Development and Dual-Certification Pathway Evaluation at a Single Academic Center

American Board of Urology

- Robert Wang, MD – Massachusetts General Brigham

Project: Aligning Core Urology EPAs with Real-World Training and Practice Patterns

About ABMS 

Established in 1933, the American Board of Medical Specialties (ABMS) is responsible for the creation of standards overseeing physician certification in the United States. Dedicated to improving the quality of care to the patients, families and communities they serve, the 24 ABMS Member Boards develop educational and professional standards and programs of assessment to certify physicians and medical specialists. More than one million physicians and medical specialists are certified by one or more of the ABMS Member Boards in one or more of 38 specialties and 89 subspecialties. For more information about ABMS, abms.org or call (312) 436-2600. 

SOURCE American Board of Medical Specialties

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TEL AVIV, Israel and HANNOVER, Germany, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Electreon Wireless Ltd. (TASE: ELWS), a global leader in wireless charging solutions for electric vehicles, will present Electreon Lite DOT for the first time at IAA Transportation in Hannover from 14 to 20 September 2026 - a new stationary wireless charging solution for passenger cars and light commercial vehicles. Based on Electreon's proven, field-tested wireless charging technology, Lite DOT makes charging electric vehicles as simple as parking.

"The future of electric mobility is wireless, and it will soon be available in every parking space," says Oren Ezer, Chairman and CEO of Electreon. "With Lite DOT, we are introducing a new category to the market: powerful, modular charging that can be installed without any modifications to existing infrastructure. The strong interest from international automakers and leading suppliers demonstrates that the industry is ready for the next stage of development."

Simply park and charge automatically

Lite DOT simplifies the charging process for electric passenger cars and light commercial vehicles, including autonomous vehicles, making it more convenient and efficient for both fleet operators and private users. No more cumbersome handling of charging cables . Once the vehicle is parked, the system identifies it and charging starts automatically and immediately.

Lite DOT delivers up to 11 kilowatts (kW) of charging power, matching the current standard for private charging connections. The system can be installed safely both outdoors and inside garages. It operates efficiently and reliably in rain and snow, and at temperatures ranging from -30 to +50 degrees Celsius (-22 to +122 degrees Fahrenheit).

Lite DOT consists of a charging pad that is installed above ground on a parking space without the need for extensive excavation work, as well as a wall unit that can be mounted either on a garage wall or outdoors, for example on a pole, and the Electreon Flow driver mobile application. The solution is designed to operate with a vehicle-specific receiver supplied either by Electreon itself or by partners from the automotive industry.

Charging becomes part of regular parking times for electric fleets

Conventional charging solutions often still hinder the efficient and smooth operation of electric fleets. One key reason is the reliance on cables. Frequent plugging and unplugging, combined with daily handling and exposure to dirt and weather, and in many cases mistakenly being run over by the vehicles, makes charging cables and connectors among the most wear and tear maintenance-intensive components of conventional EV charging infrastructure.

"Fleet operators need flexible and scalable charging concepts that can be easily installed at their sites and parking facilities and integrated seamlessly into day-to-day operations," explains Dr Andreas Wendt, Managing Director of Electreon Germany. "Electreon Lite DOT offers exactly that and enables fleet operators to charge wirelessly during regular parking periods."

The future of electric mobility is wireless

The market launch of Lite DOT comes at a time when electric mobility continues to gain momentum worldwide and across Europe. In the first half of 2026 alone, registrations of electric vehicles in Europe increased by over 30 percent. According to estimates by the International Energy Agency (IEA), electric vehicles could account for around 40 percent of global new car sales by 2030, requiring approximately 150 million additional charging points by the end of the decade.

Whether wired technologies can be replaced by wireless solutions, the more convenient wireless alternative will prevail in the long term. Just as Wi-Fi replaced network cables and Bluetooth replaced other physical connections. Electreon is continuing to strengthen its position as a provider of wireless charging solutions with Lite DOT. Its presentation at IAA Transportation 2026 marks the beginning of the rollout of Electreon's new wireless charging product that underlines the company's vision: electric mobility should become as simple as parking itself – automated, efficient and cable-free.

About Electreon

Electreon is a global leader in wireless electric vehicle (EV) charging technology, providing integrated solutions for stationary, semi-dynamic, and dynamic (in-road) charging applications. Its product portfolio including LINE (dynamic charging), DASH (opportunity charging), DOT (charging while idle), and a vehicle-agnostic receiver platform supports a wide range of commercial fleet use cases, enabling charging to become a seamless part of daily operations.

With more than 20 projects across Europe, Asia, and North America, Electreon's technology eliminates the need for plugs and cables, enabling automated charging for buses, trucks, vans, passenger vehicles, and autonomous mobility solutions. Live deployments include the world's first wireless charging highway and the world's first 24/7 wireless charging bus depot.

Following the acquisition of InductEV in 2026, Electreon now holds nearly 400+ patents and offers one of the industry's most comprehensive wireless charging portfolios. The company is committed to advancing sustainable transportation by making wireless charging infrastructure an integral part of the future mobility ecosystem.

For more information visit Electreon's website

SOURCE Electreon Wireless Ltd

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DENVER, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Procare Solutions, a leader in AI-enabled child care management software, trusted by more than 40,000 centers nationwide, announced today it has acquired Playground, a modern, all-in-one child care management platform recognized for its intuitive design, top-rated customer support and AI-powered tools, including Camber, the first AI assistant purpose-built for child care.

"For more than three decades, Procare has delivered solutions that support the care, safety and education of young children," said Joe Gomes, President & CEO of Procare Solutions. "Our industry continues to evolve, and we must continue to invest in innovative solutions that support this mission. Playground brings the full scope of child care operations into a single platform, with integrated marketing and enrollment tools to help drive center growth, an AI assistant to ease administrative work and robust financial management for billing, subsidies and payroll. It is exactly the kind of forward-looking innovation we want to bring to our customers, and an important step in continuing to invest in what is next for child care."

"Playground was built to help child care leaders solve the challenges that matter most," said Daniel Andrews, Co-Founder & CEO of Playground. "Joining forces with Procare gives more centers nationwide access to the tools we have worked so hard to create, backed by the scale, reach and 30-year track record of a trusted industry leader. We are excited to scale this impact and enhance the thoughtful design, product focus and responsiveness our customers love."

"We're excited that Playground is now part of Procare's family of solutions. Whether customers currently use Procare's or Playground's software, nothing changes today. Our customers will continue to use the same products they use today, work with the same teams and operate exactly as they do now, with no action required," added Gomes.

Procare has continued to invest in innovation with the recent launch of RoomRunner, an AI-powered enrollment planning tool. The addition of Playground builds on that momentum, expanding Procare's capabilities and furthering its investment in the future of child care.

About Procare Solutions

Procare Solutions is a leading child care management software provider, trusted by more than 40,000 centers nationwide. For over 30 years, Procare Solutions has been dedicated to empowering early childhood educators by building solutions to enhance the care, safety and education of children. Procare Solutions is a business unit of Roper Technologies (Nasdaq: ROP), a constituent of the Nasdaq 100, S&P 500 and Fortune 500. For more information about Procare Solutions and its offerings, please visit www.ProcareSolutions.com.

About Playground

Playground is a modern, all-in-one child care management platform trusted by more than 5,000 child care programs nationwide. Known for its intuitive design, AI-powered tools, and top-rated customer support, Playground was founded by Daniel Andrews, Josh Andrews and Sasha Reiss and is headquartered in New York, New York.

SOURCE Procare Solutions

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DELRAY BEACH, Fla., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- According to MarketsandMarkets™, the global Network Automation Market will grow from USD 8.69 billion in 2026 to USD 14.42 billion by 2032, registering a compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 8.8% during the forecast period.

Browse market data 350 Tables and 60 Figures spread through 309 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Network Automation Market - Global Forecast to 2032"

Network Automation Market Size & Forecast:

- Market Size Available for Years: 2020–2032

- 2025 Market Size: USD 7.88 billion

- 2026 Market Size: USD 8.69 billion

- 2032 Projected Market Size: USD 14.42 billion

- CAGR (2026–2032): 8.8%

Network Automation Market Trends & Insights:

- The Asia Pacific region is projected to grow the fastest from 2026 to 2032.

- The services segment is expected to register the highest CAGR of 9.5%.

- The data center networks segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

- Orchestration automation is set to be the largest segment.

- The enterprise segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

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The increasing scale and diversity of network infrastructure are encouraging organizations to replace fragmented, manual operating processes with centralized and programmable approaches to network management.

Enterprises are managing a growing mix of data center, cloud, branch, edge, and virtualized infrastructure, increasing the number of configuration and operational activities that must be coordinated across the network. Automation helps organizations standardize these activities, accelerate service deployment, and improve consistency across distributed environments. The increasing use of APIs, orchestration platforms, infrastructure-as-code, and software-defined networking is further integrating network operations with broader IT management and application delivery processes. In addition, the growth of cloud-native workloads and AI-intensive computing is increasing demand for networks that can dynamically accommodate changing traffic patterns and resource requirements. Organizations are also moving toward proactive network operations through greater use of analytics, observability, predictive capabilities, and automated remediation. These developments are strengthening the role of network automation in improving operational agility and supporting scalable infrastructure, while integration with legacy environments and the availability of specialized technical expertise remain important considerations for adoption.

Based on network automation type, the AI-driven network automation segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

AI-driven network automation is expected to register the highest growth as organizations seek to move from predefined automation workflows toward more adaptive and intelligent network operations. Unlike conventional automation approaches that primarily execute predetermined tasks, AI-driven solutions can analyze network telemetry, identify unusual behavior, and support decisions related to configuration, performance, and resource utilization.

The integration of machine learning and advanced analytics enables network teams to identify potential issues earlier and prioritize corrective actions based on network conditions. AI-driven automation can also support automated root-cause analysis and remediation, reducing the time required to resolve operational incidents. As networks become increasingly distributed and generate larger volumes of operational data, these capabilities are becoming more relevant for maintaining performance across complex infrastructure. The growing adoption of AI-enabled observability and autonomous network management is therefore expected to accelerate demand for AI-driven network automation across enterprises and service providers.

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Based on end user, the enterprise segment is expected to hold the largest market share during the forecast period.

The enterprise segment is expected to maintain the largest share of the network automation market as organizations across industries continue to modernize their network infrastructure and streamline IT operations. Large enterprises increasingly operate across multiple offices, data centers, cloud environments, and remote locations, making consistent network management more challenging through manual processes. Network automation allows enterprises to standardize configuration and provisioning activities, reduce repetitive operational work, and improve visibility across distributed infrastructure. It also enables network teams to respond more rapidly to changing application and connectivity requirements while maintaining established policies and operational controls.

The increasing integration of network operations with cloud management, DevOps, IT service management, and security processes is further expanding enterprise use cases. Financial services, healthcare, manufacturing, retail, telecommunications, and government organizations are consequently adopting automation to improve infrastructure scalability and operational efficiency. As enterprises continue transitioning toward hybrid and software-defined environments, demand for network automation platforms and associated services is expected to remain strong.

Based on region, the Asia Pacific market is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period.

Asia Pacific is expected to record the highest growth in the network automation market, supported by rapid expansion of digital infrastructure and increasing investments in cloud, data centers, telecommunications, and enterprise connectivity. Organizations across major economies are modernizing network infrastructure to support growing digital workloads and increasingly distributed IT environments. The expansion of data center capacity and cloud services is creating a need for automated provisioning, configuration, and network optimization across large-scale infrastructure.

Telecommunications providers are also adopting software-driven network architectures to improve service deployment and manage increasingly complex network environments. In addition, the growing deployment of edge infrastructure and advanced enterprise applications is increasing the number of geographically distributed network resources that require centralized management. Countries such as China, India, Japan, and South Korea are contributing to regional expansion through investments in digital infrastructure and network modernization. As enterprises and service providers increasingly prioritize scalable operations and faster service delivery, the adoption of network automation solutions is expected to accelerate across the region.

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Top Companies in Network Automation Market:

The Top Companies in Network Automation Market include are Cisco (US), IBM (US), HPE (US), Huawei (China), Broadcom (US), Arista Networks (US), Nokia (Finland), Ericsson (Sweden), Extreme Networks (US), and Fujitsu (Japan).

Network Automation Market - Investment & funding + Merger & Acquisition

Investment Funding Context

The network automation market is attracting investment as enterprises and service providers seek to modernize increasingly distributed and complex network environments. Investment is increasingly focused on AI-driven network operations, network orchestration, cloud-native management, observability, intent-based networking, and autonomous network capabilities. Vendors are also strengthening automation portfolios through acquisitions and technology integrations that combine networking infrastructure with AI, analytics, security, and software capabilities. The completion of HPE's acquisition of Juniper Networks in July 2025 is a major example, creating a broader AI-native networking portfolio spanning hardware, software, security, and services. In parallel, vendors such as Nokia and Ericsson are expanding investments in AI-driven and closed-loop automation to support the transition toward autonomous networks.

Revenue Shift Context

The network automation market is gradually shifting from standalone configuration and provisioning tools toward integrated software platforms and services that automate the complete network operations lifecycle. Traditional automation remains important for provisioning, configuration, and repetitive network tasks; however, a growing proportion of value is moving toward orchestration, observability, AI-driven analytics, intent-based operations, and automated remediation. The integration of automation with cloud infrastructure, data center networking, SD-WAN, security, and IT service management is expanding the role of automation beyond individual network devices. This shift is also increasing the importance of software-led and subscription-based offerings, particularly as enterprises seek centralized management across hybrid and multi-vendor environments. AI-native networking is further accelerating this transition by enabling networks to analyze operational data and support increasingly autonomous decision-making.

Mergers and Acquisitions

Mergers and acquisitions in the network automation market are increasingly centered on AI-native networking, SD-WAN, network orchestration, observability, and autonomous operations. Large networking and technology companies are using acquisitions to expand their software capabilities and strengthen their positions across enterprise, data center, cloud, and telecommunications networks. HPE completed its acquisition of Juniper Networks in July 2025 for approximately USD 13.

Represented by The Button Law Firm, parents sue Arka Montessori of Risinger after surveillance footage captures 4-year-old boy harmed and physical fights encouraged by teacher

FORT WORTH, Texas, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fort Worth parents Heather and Richard Harris are suing Arka Montessori of Risinger, claiming surveillance cameras captured a teacher encouraging 4-year-old children to physically fight each other. The suit likens the incident at the daycare center to a "child fight club" in which their son was physically thrown to the ground like a "human ragdoll."

In April 2026, Heather Harris arrived at Arka Montessori to pick up her 4-year-old son and found him crying hysterically, uncontrollably, per the complaint. When the center told Harris her son got into a fight with another child, she demanded to view the surveillance footage from the classroom where the incident took place, per the suit. What Harris saw shocked her: a teacher encouraging a physical altercation between her son and another boy.

"Nothing prepared me for seeing my child aggressively handled and attacked by another child at a teacher's orders," says Harris. "My heart just shattered into pieces because I couldn't be there to protect my son from being harmed, all while he was being cared for by a daycare that I trusted."

Harris' lawsuit states that the boy was moved to a new classroom after his regular teacher left for the day. One of the children in the new classroom hit him on the back, causing a fight to break out. The children stopped fighting, and the teacher supervising the classroom called in a substitute teacher so that she could leave to use the restroom. Per the suit, the fight started again, and rather than calm the classroom, the substitute teacher grabbed Harris' son by the arm, shook him, and screamed in his face. While holding him by the arm, she swiped his leg out from under him, throwing the 4-year-old crashing down onto the hardwood floor, per the complaint.

The lawsuit alleges the substitute encouraged the other child, who happened to be her son, to hit and kick the boy. When the classroom's regular teacher returned to the room, she looked on without intervening. The boy was left with bruises, scratches, and post-traumatic headaches. He continues to struggle with anxiety and fear after his physical injuries healed, per the suit.

A state investigation into the incident at Arka Montessori found the daycare center violated multiple childcare safety laws. The Texas Health and Human Services Commission's Child-Car Licensing Division cited the center for using improper disciplinary methods and prohibited punishments, including grabbing, pulling, and yelling. It also cited the center for a caregiver's failure to intervene and protect a child while under her watch.

The lawsuit also states the incident involving the couple's son was not an isolated lapse in child safety at Arka Montessori. Since it opened in 2024, the school has been cited for 16 safety violations.

"No child should ever be treated this way by a daycare that promised to keep him safe," says Texas daycare injury lawyer Russell Button of The Button Law Firm, the firm representing the Harris family. "The video and the state's own findings show a daycare center that failed this little boy on the most basic level, and the warning signs were there long before he was hurt. Our goal with this lawsuit is to get answers for these parents and protect other children from this kind of harm."

The case is Heather Harris and Richard Harris, individually and as parents and next friends of U.H., a minor child vs. Arka Risinger Educators LLC d/b/a Arka Montessori Academy of Risinger, Cause No. 048-382076-26 in Tarrant County. A copy of the complaint can be found here.

About The Button Law Firm

The Button Law Firm (buttonlawfirm.com) is a Texas-based personal injury law firm dedicated to protecting children. The firm represents kids in daycare and child injury cases to help families achieve life-changing results and justice against bad daycare centers, schools, and companies that abuse children and neglect their safety. With offices in Dallas, Houston, and Midland, The Button Law Firm stands by families across the Lone Star State, working to hold negligent organizations accountable and make communities safer for every child.

SOURCE The Button Law Firm

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CME Group 100-Ounce Silver Futures Draw Significant Demand in First Weekend of 24/7 Trading

CHICAGO, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CME Group, the world's leading derivatives marketplace, today announced that 2,387 100-Ounce Silver futures contracts traded during the first weekend of 24/7 trading, representing over $15 million in notional value.

Silver's strong start follows the successful uptake of 24/7 trading in gold. Since 24/7 trading in 1-Ounce Gold futures launched on July 24, over 140,000 contracts have traded during weekend sessions. That represents more than $600 million in notional value and is the largest liquidity pool for weekend trading in Gold futures.

"Silver sits at the crossroads of precious and industrial metals, and our first weekend of 24/7 trading confirms participants want round-the-clock access to manage both investment exposure and real-world supply risk," said Jin Hennig, Managing Director and Global Head of Metals at CME Group. "Following the strong reception to our always-on gold futures, this innovation shows that our retail clients value the combination of right-sized products and 24/7 access across precious metals."

CME Group is already home to the world's leading benchmark futures contracts for gold and silver. The 1-Ounce Gold and 100-Ounce Silver futures are the smallest of CME Group's precious metals contracts, designed to meet demand from retail traders in a trusted, regulated marketplace. They provide the same monthly expiry structure as regular futures contracts, which assign a value to time and deliver key supply and demand signals to market participants.

Trading in CME Group's metals business set a new record in the first half of 2026, with a total of 1.3 million contracts traded daily driven by precious metals activity, up 55% year-on-year. A record $50 billion average notional traded each day across silver futures in the period.

100-Ounce Silver futures launched in February 2026, with 17,800 contracts ADV traded in the first half of 2026, representing approximately $130 million in notional value. They are financially-settled based on the daily settlement price of the global benchmark COMEX 5,000-Ounce Silver futures contract and are listed by and subject to the rules of COMEX. For more information, please visit here.

As the world's leading derivatives marketplace, CME Group (www.cmegroup.com) enables clients to trade futures, options, cash and OTC markets, optimize portfolios, and analyze data – empowering market participants worldwide to efficiently manage risk and capture opportunities. CME Group exchanges offer the widest range of global benchmark products across all major asset classes based on interest rates, equity indexes, foreign exchange, cryptocurrencies, energy, agricultural products and metals. The company offers futures and options on futures trading through the CME Globex platform, fixed income trading via BrokerTec and foreign exchange trading on the EBS platform. In addition, it operates one of the world's leading central counterparty clearing providers, CME Clearing.

CME Group, the Globe logo, CME, Chicago Mercantile Exchange, Globex, and E-mini are trademarks of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. CBOT and Chicago Board of Trade are trademarks of Board of Trade of the City of Chicago, Inc. NYMEX, New York Mercantile Exchange and ClearPort are trademarks of New York Mercantile Exchange, Inc. COMEX is a trademark of Commodity Exchange, Inc. BrokerTec is a trademark of BrokerTec Americas LLC and EBS is a trademark of EBS Group LTD. The S&P 500 Index is a product of S&P Dow Jones Indices LLC ("S&P DJI"). "S&P®", "S&P 500®", "SPY®", "SPX®", US 500 and The 500 are trademarks of Standard & Poor's Financial Services LLC; Dow Jones®, DJIA® and Dow Jones Industrial Average are service and/or trademarks of Dow Jones Trademark Holdings LLC. These trademarks have been licensed for use by Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. Futures contracts based on the S&P 500 Index are not sponsored, endorsed, marketed, or promoted by S&P DJI, and S&P DJI makes no representation regarding the advisability of investing in such products. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

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SOURCE CME Group

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Landmark partnership combines nationwide group purchasing power with advanced remote patient care programs to expand healthcare access across urban and rural communities.

ATLANTA and WILMINGTON, Del., Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PSMA Connect, a leading Healthcare Group Purchasing Organization (GPO), and HealthIQ Solutions, a leader in remote patient care management and clinical technology, today announced a new strategic provider alliance. This alliance unites PSMA Connect's extensive supply chain cost savings with HealthIQ Solutions' continuous remote patient monitoring programs to empower healthcare providers, optimize practice revenue, and improve clinical outcomes nationwide.

The joint initiative addresses two of the most pressing challenges facing healthcare practices today: escalating operational costs and the need for proactive, continuous care models. Through this partnership, medical practices and health systems gain access to significant volume-discounted pricing on essential medical-surgical supplies, equipment, pharmaceuticals, and vaccines, while simultaneously deploying turn-key Remote Patient Monitoring (RPM), Chronic Care Management (CCM), Advanced Primary Care Management (APCM) and specialized remote care solutions.

Bridging Care Access and Financial Sustainability

By aligning clinical innovation with revenue alignment, the alliance allows urban and rural providers to extend care far beyond traditional clinic walls. HealthIQ Solutions' data-driven platform augments episodic office visits with continuous clinical monitoring and predictive analytics, allowing providers to identify rising risks early and prevent unnecessary hospital readmissions. Combined with PSMA Connect's zero-cost, high-value purchasing portfolio, healthcare providers can immediately lower overhead while unlocking new, reimbursement streams.

"Our mission at PSMA Connect has always been to protect the operational health of medical providers so they can focus on delivering exceptional patient care," said Tim Lescalleet, President of PSMA Connect. "Partnering with HealthIQ Solutions enables us to offer our members far more than traditional supply chain savings. We are equipping practices with cutting-edge clinical tools that drive practice growth, enhance patient engagement, and significantly reduce operational expenses across the board."

"Healthcare delivery is undergoing a fundamental shift from reactive, office-bound care to proactive, continuous management," said Tim Roche, CEO of HealthIQ Solutions. "By aligning with PSMA Connect, we are breaking down barriers for providers in both underserved rural regions and high-density urban areas. Together, we provide a complete ecosystem—offering substantial savings on core medical supplies alongside a scalable clinical safety net that transforms patient outcomes and ensures long-term practice viability."

Key Benefits of the Alliance Include:

- Comprehensive Supply & Vaccine Savings: Access to deeply discounted manufacturer contracts for medical-surgical supplies, capital equipment, pharmaceutical items, and vaccines through PSMA Connect's primary distribution partnerships.

- Turn-Key Remote Patient Care: Seamless integration of cellular and Bluetooth-connected devices, automated compliance tracking, and predictive intelligence to deliver RPM, CCM, and APCM programs without upfront provider costs.

- Sustainable Revenue Alignment: Optimization of provider reimbursement to build recurring revenue streams while improving quality measures and performance scores.

- Expanded Rural & Urban Reach: Scalable care delivery models designed to overcome geographical access barriers and support chronic disease management in underserved populations.

About PSMA Connect

PSMA Connect is a leading Healthcare Group Purchasing Organization (GPO) dedicated to reducing purchasing costs and administrative burdens for healthcare facilities nationwide. Through strategic national distributor partnerships, PSMA Connect delivers contract pricing across medical supplies, pharmaceuticals, business services, and employee benefits with no membership fees or purchasing obligations. For more information, visit psmaconnect.com.

About HealthIQ Solutions

HealthIQ Solutions, is an innovative remote patient care management provider that transitions healthcare delivery from reactive, episodic treatment to proactive, continuous monitoring through data-driven technology, predictive intelligence, and scalable clinical support. By helping practices implement reimbursement programs, HealthIQ Solutions aligns clinical excellence with sustainable financial growth. For more information, visit healthiqsolutions.com.

Media Contacts:

PSMA Connect

Tim Lescalleet, President

Email: [email protected]

Website: psmaconnect.com

HealthIQ Solutions, LLC

Tim Roche, Founder & CEO

Email: [email protected]

Phone: (678) 777-3463

Website: healthiqsolutions.com

SOURCE HealthIQ Solutions, LLC

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Miral Invests AED 12 billion to Shape the Next Phase of Yas Island's Growth

A robust five-year pipeline of new developments and enhancements will expand world-class attractions, grow hotel capacity, and further strengthen Yas Island's global appeal

ABU DHABI, UAE, Sept. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Miral, Abu Dhabi's leading creator of immersive destinations and experiences, will be investing more than AED 12 billion across Yas Island over the next five years. The substantial investment will support a pipeline of new developments alongside expansions and enhancements to existing attractions, reinforcing Miral's commitment to Abu Dhabi's Tourism Strategy 2030 and further strengthening Yas Island's position as a leading global destination for leisure and entertainment.

To view the Multimedia News Release, please click:  

https://www.multivu.com/miral/9421351-en-miral-invests-aed-12-billion-next-phase-yas-islands-growth

This next phase of development reflects a clear focus on expanding Yas Island's existing world-class theme parks and attractions, as well as introducing new immersive rides and experiences, that respond to evolving visitor expectations. The investment will also grow the island's hospitality offering, adding new hotel rooms and elevating its accommodation portfolio.

H.E. Mohamed Khalifa Al Mubarak, Chairman of Miral, said, "This investment reflects our commitment to Abu Dhabi's long-term vision and our ambition to continue shaping one of the world's most dynamic tourism destinations. Yas Island has become a global success story, demonstrating how world class experiences contribute to economic growth, enhance quality of life, and strengthen Abu Dhabi's appeal to audiences from around the world.

Over the next five years, this investment will build on that momentum, introducing new experiences and expanding our hospitality and leisure offering to meet our evolving visitor expectations. As Abu Dhabi continues to strengthen its position as a global center for tourism and entertainment, we remain focused on creating lasting value for residents, visitors and future generations, while contributing to the emirate's sustainable growth and diversification ambitions."

The AED 12 billion investment, separate from the previously announced Disney project, marks an important step in shaping the long-term growth of Yas Island, building on its established appeal and continuing to enhance its diversity of experiences.

These projects are designed to further enrich the visitor experience, while also supporting job creation and skills development within the tourism sector, thereby fostering a vibrant and future-ready economy for the emirate.

This investment demonstrates Miral's continued ambition to shape the future of leisure and entertainment in Abu Dhabi and the region, signaling the evolution of Yas Island's world-class attractions and experiences that will captivate and delight visitors from around the globe for generations to come.

For more information, visit www.miral.ae

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