CARMEL, Ind., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CNO Financial Group, Inc. (NYSE: CNO) today reported its third quarter 2026 financial results:

- Raising 2026 operating earnings per share (EPS) guidance with the midpoint up 9% from our prior guidance.

- Net income was $161 million, or $1.71 per diluted share, and net operating income(1)  was $179 million, or $1.90 per diluted share. Significant items related to the comprehensive annual actuarial review had a $44.9 million net favorable impact on both net income and net operating income.

- Operating EPS grew 47% in the quarter and 43% year-to-date.

- Return on equity (ROE) of 16.4%; Operating ROE(5) of 14.1%, excluding significant items(5).

- Book value per share of $25.34; Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive loss,(2) of $41.29, up 8%.

- Total new annualized premiums (NAP)(4) up for a 17th consecutive quarter; Continued growth in asset accumulation products.

- Consumer and Worksite delivered their 15th and 17th consecutive quarters of producing agent count growth, respectively.

- On October 1, 2026, closed a 3rd reinsurance transaction with CNO's wholly owned Bermuda affiliate, reinsuring approximately $270 million of inforce graded benefit life statutory reserves from Colonial Penn.

"CNO delivered an excellent quarter, with operating earnings per share up 47% and our 17th consecutive quarter of sales growth," said Gary C. Bhojwani, chief executive officer.

"Our momentum reflects disciplined execution across the business and continued improvement in profitability. Based on these results, we are raising our full-year operating earnings per share guidance. We also executed our 3rd reinsurance transaction with our Bermuda affiliate, supporting our focus on serving middle-income households. We remain committed to driving sustained, profitable growth and creating long-term value for our shareholders."

FINANCIAL SUMMARY

Quarter End

(Amounts in millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Net operating income, a non-GAAP(a) financial measure, is used consistently by CNO's management to evaluate the operating performance of the Company and is a measure commonly used in the life insurance industry. It differs from net income primarily because it excludes the non-operating items as defined in note (1), which are primarily non-economic accounting impacts and other non-operating items.  Management believes an analysis of net operating income is important in understanding the profitability and operating trends of the Company's business.  Net income is the most directly comparable GAAP measure.

Significant items positively impacted both net income and net operating income(1) by $44.9 million, or $0.48 per diluted share, in 3Q26 compared to $32.2 million, or $0.33 per diluted share, in 3Q25.  Significant items are detailed in note (6).

FINANCIAL SUMMARY (continued)

Management vs. GAAP Measures

(Dollars in millions, except per share data)

(Unaudited)

Shareholders' equity, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), and book value per share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss), are non-GAAP measures that are utilized by management to view the business without the effect of accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) which is primarily attributable to fluctuations in interest rates associated with fixed maturities, available for sale.  Management views the business in this manner because the Company has the ability and generally, the intent, to hold investments to maturity and meaningful trends can be more easily identified without the fluctuations.  In addition, shareholders' equity excludes net operating loss carryforwards in our non-GAAP return on equity measures as such assets are not discounted and, accordingly, will not provide a return to shareholders until after it is realized as a reduction to taxes that would otherwise be paid.  Management believes that excluding this value from the equity component of this measure enhances the understanding of the effect these non-discounted assets have on operating returns.

___________________________________________________________________________________________________ 

Non-Operating Items

Net realized investment losses in 3Q26 were $48.3 million, including the unfavorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $5.4 million. Net realized investment losses in 3Q25 were $8.8 million, including the favorable change in the allowance for credit losses of $8.0 million.

During 3Q26 and 3Q25, we recognized a decrease in earnings of $16.4 million and an increase of $5.8 million, respectively, due to the net change in market value of investments.

During 3Q26 and 3Q25, we recognized an increase in earnings of $69.7 million and a decrease of $18.1 million, respectively, resulting from changes in the estimated fair value of embedded derivative liabilities and market risk benefits related to our fixed indexed annuities.  Such amounts include the impacts of changes in market interest rates and equity impacts used to determine the estimated fair values of the embedded derivatives and market risk benefits and the unfavorable impact resulting from our comprehensive annual actuarial review of $11.2 million and $14.3 million in 3Q26 and 3Q25, respectively.

During 3Q26 and 3Q25, we incurred $10.1 million and $7.2 million, respectively, of expense related to TechMod, our technology modernization initiative that began in 2025.

During 3Q26, other non-operating items primarily included a $10.0 million mark-to-market change in the agent deferred compensation plan liability, which was impacted by changes in the underlying actuarial assumptions used to value the liability.  We recognize the mark-to-market change in the estimated value of this liability through earnings as assumptions change.

During 3Q25, we recognized a $96.7 million non-operating charge for the impairment of goodwill and other assets related to the acquisitions of Web Benefits Design and DirectPath in 2019 and 2021, respectively. This reflected macroeconomic uncertainty and market conditions including the decline in the value of comparable publicly traded companies and revised financial projections for the business.

During 3Q26, we recognized a $22.1 million valuation allowance on deferred tax assets associated with capital loss carryforwards. The valuation allowance reflects realized capital losses generated primarily from asset sales in anticipation of executing the internal reinsurance transaction on October 1, 2026, portfolio optimization activities, and from capital loss allocations from partnership investments together with a reduction in unrealized capital gains available to support realization of those losses as interest rates increased.

Statutory (based on non-GAAP measures) and GAAP Capital Information

The consolidated statutory risk-based capital ratio of our U.S. based insurance subsidiaries was estimated at 374% at September 30, 2026, reflecting estimated 3Q26 statutory operating gain of $21.9 million.  There were no company dividends paid to the holding company during 3Q26.

During 3Q26, we repurchased $60.0 million of common stock under our securities repurchase program.  We repurchased 1.1 million common shares at an average cost of $54.52 per share.  As of September 30, 2026, we had 91.7 million shares outstanding and had authority to repurchase up to an additional $240.4 million of our common stock.  During 3Q26, dividends paid on common stock totaled $16.5 million.

Unrestricted cash and investments held by our holding company were $230.7 million at September 30, 2026 compared to $351.4 million at December 31, 2025.

Book value per common share was $25.34 at September 30, 2026 compared to $27.92 at December 31, 2025.  Book value per diluted share, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss) (2), was $41.29 at September 30, 2026 compared to $38.81 at December 31, 2025. 

The debt-to-capital ratio was 36.5% and 33.6% at September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively.  Our debt-to-total capital ratio, excluding accumulated other comprehensive income (loss)(3), was 25.7% and 26.2% at September 30, 2026 and December 31, 2025, respectively. 

Return on equity for the trailing four quarters ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 was 16.4% and 12.5%, respectively.  Operating return on equity, excluding significant items(5), for the trailing four quarters ended September 30, 2026 and 2025 was 14.1% and 11.2%, respectively.

In this news release, CNO includes non-GAAP measures to enhance investors' understanding of management's view of the business.  The non-GAAP measures are not a substitute for GAAP, but rather a supplement to increase transparency by providing a broader perspective.  CNO's definitions of non-GAAP measures may differ from other companies' definitions.  More detailed information including various GAAP and non-GAAP measurements are located at CNOinc.com in the Investors section under SEC Filings.

CAUTION REGARDING FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of federal securities laws.  These prospective statements reflect management's current expectations, but are not guarantees of future performance.  Accordingly, please refer to CNO's cautionary statement regarding forward-looking statements, and the business environment in which the Company operates, contained in the Company's Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025 and any subsequent Form 10-Q or Form 10-K on file with the Securities and Exchange Commission and on the Company's website at CNOinc.com in the Investors section.  CNO specifically disclaims any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statement because of new information, future developments or otherwise.

EARNINGS RELEASE CONFERENCE CALL WEBCAST:

The Company will host a conference call to discuss results on October 30, 2026 at 11:00 a.m. Eastern Time.

Research investment targets lung cancer, asthma, COPD and emerging respiratory threats

CHICAGO, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, the American Lung Association Research Institute announced it has invested $21 million in research and related scientific activities. Over the last 10 years, the Lung Association has invested a total of $193 million in direct research funding, as well as the infrastructure and scientific support needed to advance research and accelerate impact.

"The American Lung Association is the only voluntary health organization dedicated exclusively to the more than fifty diseases that affect lung health and improving air quality, and research is essential to advancing the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of lung disease," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "We are proud to continue to invest in high-quality research with the potential to improve lung health for everyone."

The Lung Association is committed to funding science that will improve lung health and prevent lung disease. This year, the organization invested a total of $21 million in research and related scientific activities, which includes more than $11 million in direct research funding for 120 research projects across its Awards and Grants Program, Airways Clinical Research Centers Network and Accelerator Program.

Research funded by the American Lung Association is more important than ever.

- More than 35 million people in the United States are living with chronic lung disease like asthma and chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD);

- This year, there will be an estimated 226,650 people diagnosed with lung cancer; and

- There are up to 44 million cases of acute respiratory diseases like pneumonia, influenza, RSV and COVID-19 each year in the U.S.

- Across the U.S., 152 million people are living in a place that received a failing grade for air pollution, which means they are breathing unhealthy air that may impact their lung health.

The Research Institute supports both established and early career scientists. Funding was awarded across several research categories addressing many aspects of lung disease, including allergic respiratory diseases, emerging respiratory pathogens, interstitial lung disease, indoor air quality, lung cancer, public policy and more.

Three recent grantees include:

- Lung Cancer Discovery Award â James Kim, MD, PhD, The University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center. Dr. Kim's project titled, "Epithelial to Neuronal Transition as a Driver of SCLC Brain Metastasis," is studying how small cell lung cancer (SCLC) spreads to the brain, where treatment options are limited. This research could identify new targets for therapies that prevent or slow brain metastases with the potential to improve outcomes for people with this aggressive disease.

- Indoor Air Research Award â Mary Berlik Rice, MD, MPH, Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health. Dr. Rice's project titled, "Purifying Indoor Air of Biological and Chemical Pollutants to Enhance Respiratory Health in Eosinophilic COPD," examines if cleaner indoor air helps people with COPD breathe easier. The study is testing whether HEPA air purifiers reduce harmful pollutants in the home and improve lung function, symptoms, airway inflammation and walking ability for people with this disease.

- Innovation Award â Filiz Korkmaz, PhD, The University of Iowa. Dr. Korkmaz's project titled, "Mechanisms of Lung Repair through LOX-1+ Neutrophils and B Cell Crosstalk," examines how specialized immune cells play an important role in protecting the lungs from damage during pneumonia. By uncovering how these cells reduce inflammation and promote healing, this research could identify new therapies that improve recovery after serious lung infections.

Each funded project undergoes a rigorous scientific peer-review process to evaluate its scientific merit and potential impact. In addition to funding individual researchers, the American Lung Association Research Institute supports the Airways Clinical Research Centers (ACRC) Network, the nation's largest nonprofit network of clinical research centers dedicated to asthma and COPD research.

The American Lung Association is currently accepting applications for its 2027â2028 research awards and grants cycle. For details about current funding opportunities, visit Lung.org/awards. To learn more about the newly funded researchers and the full American Lung Association Research Team, visit Lung.org/research-team.

About the American Lung Association

The American Lung Association is the leading organization working to save lives by improving lung health and preventing lung disease through education, advocacy and research. The work of the American Lung Association is focused on four strategic imperatives: to defeat lung cancer; to champion clean air for all; to improve the quality of life for those with lung disease and their families; and to create a tobacco-free future. For more information about the American Lung Association, which has a 4-star rating from Charity Navigator and is a Platinum-Level GuideStar Member, call 1-800-LUNGUSA (1-800-586-4872) or visit: Lung.org. To support the work of the American Lung Association, find a local event at Lung.org/events. 

CONTACT: Jill Dale | American Lung Association

P: 312-940-7001E: [email protected]

SOURCE American Lung Association

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MORTON GROVE, Ill., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lifeway Foods, Inc. (Nasdaq: LWAY) ("Lifeway" or "the Company"), the leading U.S. supplier of kefir and fermented probiotic foods, today announced it will report financial results for the third quarter ended September 30, 2026 on November 12, 2026 after market close.

A live conference call and Q&A session with management, discussing these results with additional comments and details will be made available through the "Investor Relations" section of the Company's website at https://lifewaykefir.com/webinars-reports/ at 4:30 p.m. ET on November 12, 2026. Those interested in participating in the live call can dial 1-877-407-9716 or 1-201-493-6779. The webcast will be archived and available for replay.

About Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Lifeway Foods, Inc. is the brand that introduced kefir to generations of American consumers. For 40 years, Lifeway has defined authentic, real kefir in the U.S. market while building the expertise, consumer trust and scale that support its category leadership. The Company has earned recognition as one of TIME's America's Growth Leaders, one of Fortune's Fastest-Growing Companies, Dairy Foods' 2025 Processor of the Year, one of Forbes' Best Small Companies and an honoree on Inc.'s 2025 Best in Business list in the Best Challenger Brands category. In addition to its drinkable kefir portfolio, Lifeway produces Farmer Cheese â a 40-year legacy line now expanding to mass retail â Kefir Butter, Muscle Matesâ¢, a variety of cheeses and ProBugs® for kids. Lifeway products are sold across the United States, Mexico, the United Arab Emirates, Central America and the Caribbean. Learn more at lifewayfoods.com.

Contact:

Derek Miller 

Vice President of Communications, Lifeway Foods

Email: [email protected] 

General inquiries:

Lifeway Foods, Inc.

Phone: 847-967-1010

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Lifeway Foods, Inc.

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TUSTIN, Calif., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Avid Bioservices, the U.S. leader in mid-scale biologics manufacturing, has received the City of Tustin's Business Recognition Award in the Industrial & Manufacturing â Life Sciences category. The recognition affirms Avid's market-defining role in strengthening domestic supply and setting the standard for flexible biologics capacity.

Council Member Ryan Gallagher presented the award in October of 2026 to Kenneth Bilenberg, Group President and CEO of Avid, in the city where the company's story began. Tustin has been central to Avid's growth, and today the company's local teams lead the way in advancing biologics from process development through commercial supply.

"The U.S. needs more mid-scale biologics capacity, and Avid is the clear market leader," said Bilenberg. "With Tustin as our base and an outstanding track record behind us, we set the standard for helping biopharmaceutical partners bring life-changing therapies to patients worldwide. We thank the City for recognizing Avid."

"Our Business Recognition Luncheon celebrates world-class businesses like Avid Bioservices that invest in Tustin, create quality jobs, and contribute to our city's economic vibrancy. As Mayor, it is a privilege to represent a community that has been home to Avid for more than 30 years, and I look forward to their continued success and contributions for years to come," Austin Lumbard, Mayor of Tustin.

Avid is shaping the biomanufacturing workforce of tomorrow. In collaboration with local universities and regional training programs, the company is continually developing the next generation of biologics talent needed to accelerate the reshoring of innovation and manufacturing in the United States. Students from these programs are already joining Avid in full-time roles, reinforcing the company's leadership in building the talent behind the mid-scale market.

About Avid Bioservices

Avid Bioservices is a leading U.S.-based mammalian cell-culture contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) providing integrated cell line development, process development, analytical development and CGMP biologics manufacturing from DNA to IND through commercial supply.  www.avidbio.com 

SOURCE Avid Bioservices

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WESTMINSTER, Colo., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL), the leading global provider in sustainable aluminum packaging for beverage, personal care and household products, will present at the Baird 2026 Global Industrial Conference on November 12, 2026.

Ron Lewis, chief executive officer, and Dan Rabbitt, senior vice president and chief financial officer, are scheduled to speak at 7:55 a.m. Central Time. To listen to the presentation via live webcast, visit the following link: Ball Corporation Live Webcast

About Ball Corporation

Ball Corporation (NYSE: BALL) is the global leader in sustainable aluminum packaging solutions, serving a robust portfolio of customers in the beverage, personal care and household products industries. With 16,000 employees in more than 65 manufacturing plants and facilities worldwide, Ball reported 2025 net sales of $13.16 billion. For more information, visit Ball.com and connect with us on LinkedIn.

SOURCE Ball Corporation

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HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bristow Group Inc. (NYSE: VTOL, the "Company"), a leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services, today declared a cash dividend of $0.125 per share of common stock. The quarterly cash dividend announced today is payable on November 27, 2026, to shareholders of record at the close of business on November 13, 2026.

While the Company intends to pay regular quarterly cash dividends for the foreseeable future, all subsequent dividends, and the establishment of record and payment dates, are subject to final determination by the Company's Board of Directors each quarter after its review of the Company's financial performance.

About Bristow Group

Bristow Group Inc. is a leading global provider of mission-critical aviation services for government entities, offshore energy companies and other customers around the world. Our business is comprised of three operating segments: Offshore Energy Services (OES), Government Services and Other Services. Through the use of helicopters, fixed-wing aircraft, unmanned aerial systems (UAS) and highly skilled personnel, we provide aviation services such as personnel transportation, offshore energy logistics, search and rescue (SAR), special missions, intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance (ISR) operations, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) services, medevac, unmanned systems, on-demand cargo logistics (ODC) and other specialized aviation solutions. We are also involved in various advanced air mobility (AAM) initiatives and emerging next-generation aviation technologies.

Our diversified customer and revenue mix, coupled with our broad geographic footprint, supports a durable and balanced business profile. We currently have a presence in Australia, Benin, Brazil, Canada, Chile, Djibouti, the Dutch Caribbean, the Falkland Islands, Ireland, Kenya, the Marshall Islands, the Netherlands, Nigeria, Norway, the Philippines, Spain, Suriname, Trinidad, the United Kingdom ("UK") and the United States ("U.S.").

To learn more, visit our website at www.bristowgroup.com.

SOURCE Bristow Group

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KLX ENERGY SERVICES ANNOUNCES APPOINTMENT OF FRANKLIN S. EDMONDS, JR. AND E. DIRK HALLEN TO BOARD OF DIRECTORS

HOUSTON, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KLX Energy Services Holdings, Inc. (NASDAQ: KLXE) ("KLX" or the "Company") today announced the appointment of Franklin S. Edmonds, Jr. and E. Dirk Hallen to its Board of Directors (the "Board") as independent directors, effective October 29, 2026. They succeed John Collins and Tom McCaffrey who have resigned from the Board. Messrs. Edmonds and Hallen will both serve on the Board's Nominating and Governance Committee. Additionally, Mr. Edmonds will serve on the Audit Committee and Mr. Hallen will serve on the Compensation Committee.

"We are pleased to welcome Frank and Dirk to the KLX Board," said Chris Baker, President and Chief Executive Officer of KLX. "Frank's extensive background in investments, capital allocation and corporate governance, together with Dirk's substantial oilfield services, operational and strategic experience, will bring valuable and complementary perspectives to the Board as we continue to execute our business strategy and enhance long-term value for our shareholders."

Mr. Baker added, "On behalf of the Board and the Company, I thank John Collins and Tom McCaffrey for their many years of dedicated service and leadership. Their contributions have helped guide the Company during a challenging transition through the Covid era and a transformational capital rebalancing, and we are grateful for the lasting impact they have made. We wish them both continued success in their future endeavors."

Franklin S. Edmonds, Jr.

Franklin S. Edmonds, Jr. brings more than three decades of experience across public and private investments, capital markets, corporate governance and strategic oversight. He served as an independent director and member of the Strategic Review Committee of Atkore Inc. (NYSE: ATKR) before its sale to Prysmian S.p.A in October 2026. He serves as a board member and investor in a number of privately held businesses and real estate ventures. From 2013 to 2019, Mr. Edmonds was as Co-Managing Partner and Head of Research at Panning Capital Management. He previously served as a Partner at King Street Capital, where he was one of five partners, served on the firm's Global Investment Committee and managed its global research team. Earlier in his career, he held investment positions with Oak Hill Advisors and Lehman Brothers. Mr. Edmonds currently serves on the board of the University of Virginia Investment Management Company, as Chair of the Jefferson Scholars Foundation and as a board member of the University of Virginia's Darden Graduate School of Business. He earned J.D. and M.B.A. degrees from the University of Virginia School of Law and the Darden Graduate School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts degree in American Studies from the University of Virginia.

E. Dirk Hallen

E. Dirk Hallen has more than 12 years of experience in completions-focused oilfield services, spanning frac sand, proppant logistics and pressure pumping, along with a background in strategy consulting, corporate transactions and business transformation. From 2024 to 2026, Mr. Hallen served as Chief Executive Officer and a director of HC Minerals, which was spun out of Hi-Crush Inc. to hold their Northern White sand and rail logistics platform before the assets were sold to Iron Oak Energy in 2025. From 2020 to 2024, he was Chief Executive Officer and a director of Hi-Crush Inc., an integrated provider of frac sand and logistics services for North American oil and gas completions. Mr. Hallen was tasked with leading Hi-Crush following its emergence from bankruptcy in 2020, focusing on reducing costs, driving operational excellence, improving safety performance, and accelerating growth. That turnaround culminated in the 2024 sale of the majority of the company's assets to Atlas Energy Solutions. As Hi-Crush's designee, he also served on the board of PropX, a provider of last-mile containerized proppant delivery solutions, through its sale to Liberty Energy in 2021. Previously, Mr. Hallen co-founded Pronghorn Logistics, a provider of outsourced frac sand supply-chain services to E&P operators, and served as its Chief Executive Officer from 2017 until Hi-Crush acquired it in 2019. Prior to that, he held senior roles at RockPile Energy Services, an oilfield services provider acquired by Keane Group in 2017. Earlier in his career, he was a management consultant in the energy practice of Booz & Company. Mr. Hallen holds an M.B.A. from the McCombs School of Business at The University of Texas at Austin and a B.S. from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

About KLX Energy Services

KLX is a growth-oriented provider of diversified oilfield services to leading onshore oil and natural gas exploration and production companies operating in both conventional and unconventional plays in all of the active major basins throughout the United States. The Company delivers mission critical oilfield services focused on drilling, completion, production, and intervention activities for technically demanding wells from over 60 service and support facilities located throughout the United States. KLX's complementary suite of proprietary products and specialized services is supported by technically skilled personnel and a broad portfolio of innovative in-house manufacturing, repair and maintenance capabilities. More information is available at www.klx.com.

Forward Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the federal securities laws. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of various risks and uncertainties. Readers are encouraged to review the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission for a discussion of factors that could affect future results.

Contacts:

KLX Energy Services

Geoffrey C. Stanford, SVP, Interim CFO & CAO

832-930-8066

[email protected]

Dennard Lascar Investor Relations

Ken Dennard / Natalie Hairston

(713) 529-6600

[email protected]

SOURCE KLX Energy Services Holdings, Inc.

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Conference presentation highlights how four institutions are implementing the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework across diverse academic environments

PHOENIX, Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- University of Phoenix Associate Dean, College of General Studies, Susan Hadley, Ph.D., will present with education leaders from Boise State University, Johns Hopkins University and the Medical University of South Carolina at the American Association of Colleges and Universities (AAC&U) Conference on AI and Higher Education, Oct. 28-30 in Atlanta, Georgia about how their institutions are implementing the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework.

Cross-institution collaboration on AI literacy

The presentation, "One Framework, Four Missions: Implementing the Digital Education Council's AI Literacy Framework Across Diverse Institutions," will share how four institutions that participated in AAC&U's 2025-2026 Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum have implemented the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework within their academic environments.

The AAC&U Conference on AI and Higher Education convenes higher education leaders to examine evidence-based approaches to responsible artificial intelligence adoption and institutional strategy.

University of Phoenix approach to AI integration

Dr. Hadley's portion of the presentation will highlight how work accomplished as a part of AAC&U's Institute on AI, Pedagogy, and the Curriculum contributed to broader institutional adoption of the framework. She will also discuss how the University uses the framework to guide AI skills integration across programs and courses, with aligned approaches to assessment of student learning.

"At University of Phoenix, our work with the Digital Education Council AI Literacy Framework began by integrating foundational AI literacy skills into the Phoenix Success Series and has since helped inform a broader institutional approach to AI skills integration," said Hadley. "This presentation provides an opportunity to share our approach, lessons learned, and next steps as we continue intentionally embedding AI literacy across the student learning experience."

University of Phoenix has adopted a comprehensive approach to artificial intelligence that spans curriculum, student support and institutional operations. As part of its academic AI framework, the University is embedding AI skills into academic programs, providing students with opportunities to build AI literacy, expanding AI-enabled learning support resources, and promoting responsible and ethical AI use. The approach is designed to help working adult learners develop practical AI skills that align with evolving workforce needs.

About Susan Hadley, Ph.D.

As Associate Dean for the College of General Studies at University of Phoenix, Hadley oversees the Bachelor of Arts in English degree program and the non-STEM general education catalog, including first-year student experience courses. She has more than 20 years of experience in higher education, serving in dean-level leadership roles, as a faculty member across degree levels, and as a consultant to colleges and universities on academic program structure and design, accreditation, and academic policies and procedures. Hadley earned a doctorate in psychology from Saybrook University, a Master of Arts in English from Emporia State University, a Bachelor of Arts in English from Hastings College, and a Bachelor of Science in Business Management from Bellevue University.

About University of Phoenix

University of Phoenix is Built for Real Life. 50 Years Strong. The University innovates to help working adults enhance their careers and develop skills in a rapidly changing world through flexible online learning, relevant courses, academic AI pillars, and skills-mapped curriculum for associate, bachelor's and master's degree programs. Active students and alumni have access to Career Services for Life® resources including career guidance and tools. For more information, visit phoenix.edu.

SOURCE University of Phoenix

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- Persistent Systems purchases new building in Fort Collins to house growing regional headquarters supporting U.S. Army and Air Force

- Commercial real estate acquisition of 30,600-square-foot Class A Fuse Building financed by J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking

FORT COLLINS, Colo., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Persistent Systems, LLC ("Persistent"), a leader in advanced networking solutions, hosted a ribbon-cutting ceremony with Sen. John Hickenlooper (D-CO) at the company's new Colorado regional headquarters in Fort Collins, Colorado.

The company acquired the Fuse Building, a 30,600-square-foot Class A office facility at 3528 Precision Drive, in a commercial real estate transaction financed by J.P. Morgan Commercial Banking. The building will serve as a permanent base for the field service and program teams that support U.S. Air Force missions and the 4th Infantry Division at Fort Carson, Colorado throughout the Army's Next Generation Command and Control (NGC2) effort.

Persistent leased its first Fort Collins office back in 2015, and since then, its local team has more than doubled in size. Purchasing the Fuse Building moves the company from tenant to owner and consolidates its Fort Collins Operations.

"Colorado businesses are driving innovation, creating good-paying jobs, and strengthening our national security," said Senator John Hickenlooper. "We're thrilled to see Persistent put down deeper roots in Fort Collins, growing its local workforce while developing technology that helps our servicemembers and keeps our country safe."

Persistent's office expansion reflects a broader vision for America's STEM future and is the company's direct link to the units it supports. Field service engineers, customer support specialists, and program managers based at the facility deploy regularly to Fort Carson, where they work side by side with 4th Infantry Division Soldiers to field NGC2, the Army's effort to link every level of command, from division headquarters to the individual Soldier, on a single data network. As the Army moves to field new capability faster, that proximity matters: the people who support the network work alongside the units that use it.

The Wave Relay® MANET, a highly scalable, self-forming, and self-healing network designed to perform under high mobility without towers or fixed infrastructure, serves as the transport layer for the 4th Infantry Division's NGC2 network, carrying data, voice, and video between Soldiers, command posts, unmanned systems, and sensors.

"The people in this building are the ones who show up at Fort Carson when a unit needs help, and they have earned a home of their own," said Dr. Herbert Rubens, Founder and CEO of Persistent Systems. "Owning this building is a long-term commitment to Colorado, to our team, and to the American Warfighter. After 19 years in business, we are just getting started."

The Fuse Building sits on 1.6 acres in Harmony Technology Park, along the Harmony Corridor at the center of Northern Colorado's technology sector, just over a mile from Interstate 25. Designed and built by Brinkman Construction as its own headquarters, the two-story, steel-structure facility houses Persistent's field service, customer support, program management, and engineering staff.

With the building under its ownership, Persistent has the space and stability to keep expanding its Colorado teams as its work with the Army and Air Force grows.

About Persistent Systems, LLC

Persistent Systems, LLC, a leader in defense technology, has been engineering secure Mobile Ad Hoc Networking (MANET) solutions since 2007, enabling joint forces and multinational coalitions to communicate, collaborate, and achieve mission success. Persistent created the Wave Relay® Ecosystem, a unified data network for unmanned systems, sensors, and software, empowering warfighters to accomplish tactical objectives across the operational area. Built on the company's Wave Relay MANET and Cloud Relay⢠technologies, this ecosystem delivers a global data fabric for military, first responders, and commercial users. Persistent has offices in New York City, Colorado, North Carolina, Montana, North Dakota, and Wyoming.

SOURCE Persistent Systems, LLC

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Financial services veteran to succeed retiring Jeffrey Swanhorst

RICHFIELD, Minn., Oct. 29, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Richfield-based AgriBank announced the appointment of Matthew Basler as CEO, effective Feb. 22, 2027. A longtime leader at Bank of America, Basler most recently served as Managing Director and Global Head of Asia Pacific Capital Markets, based in Hong Kong.

Basler will succeed Jeffrey Swanhorst, who previously announced his plans to retire in July 2027 following 44 years with Farm Credit. Swanhorst will serve as a senior advisor from Feb. 22 until his retirement to support the transition.

"Matthew brings more than three decades of leadership experience spanning investment banking, capital markets and credit," said AgriBank Board Chair Chris Roberts. "His broad and deep experience positions him to build on AgriBank's strong foundation and lead us into the future."

The appointment follows an extensive search conducted by the AgriBank Board of Directors with support from Spencer Stuart.

"I am excited to lead a mission-based organization, especially one committed to the success of rural America," said Basler, who grew up in Ohio with family ties to agriculture. "Earlier in my career, I spent more than a decade advising Farm Credit System institutions, including AgriBank. I look forward to building upon my longstanding relationships across the Farm Credit System. Helping our Association-owners deliver needed funding and financial solutions to U.S. farmers, ranchers and other borrowers will remain our top priority."

In Hong Kong, Basler co-led a team responsible for the origination and execution of a broad range of capital markets products from 2020 to 2026. He previously was a managing director and group head of Financial Institution Capital Markets at Bank of America in New York.

About AgriBank

AgriBank is part of the customer-owned, nationwide Farm Credit System. Under Farm Credit's cooperative structure, AgriBank is primarily owned by local Farm Credit Associations, which provide financial products and services to rural communities and agriculture. AgriBank obtains funds and provides funding and financial solutions to those Associations. AgriBank and those Associations compose the AgriBank District. The District covers a 15-state area stretching from Wyoming to Ohio and Minnesota to Arkansas. For more information, visit www.AgriBank.com.

SOURCE AgriBank

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