PUNTA GORDA, Fla., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Is building a custom home in Florida a smart long-term investment? That question is explored in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Home Building Expert Paul H Schaefer II of Sage Homes LLC in Punta Gorda, Florida. The article examines how design quality, energy efficiency, and storm-ready construction help custom homes in Punta Gorda and Charlotte County outperform production builds in both comfort and resale value.

According to the HelloNation feature, custom homes consistently demonstrate higher Punta Gorda custom home resale value because they combine personalization with durable, high-performance design. Unlike production homes built for speed and repetition, custom homes are tailored to individual lots and lifestyles, giving them long-term market appeal. Buyers recognize the difference in craftsmanship, functionality, and attention to Florida's coastal conditionsâfactors that directly impact value retention.

The article explains that location plays a major role in determining long-term home value. In Punta Gorda, canal and waterfront neighborhoods continue to attract buyers looking for both lifestyle and resilience. Homes built with hurricane-ready design, elevated foundations, and modern energy features are seen as smart investments. Paul H Schaefer II notes that these elements not only offer safety but also reduce insurance and energy costs, strengthening overall return on investment.

Energy efficiency is one of the biggest contributors to lasting value in the Florida housing market. Custom homes typically include advanced features such as spray-foam insulation, reflective roofing, low-E windows, and high-efficiency HVAC systems. These upgrades keep homes cooler during Florida's long summers while lowering monthly utility bills. The HelloNation article highlights that buyers are increasingly willing to pay more for homes that deliver measurable savings and greater year-round comfort.

Another advantage discussed in the article is adaptability. Custom builders in Punta Gorda frequently design layouts that evolve with the homeowner's needs. Features like wider doorways, zero-entry showers, and open floor plans make living easier for families of all ages and enhance resale potential. These flexible layouts help custom homes appeal to a broader range of future buyers, protecting long-term coastal home investment value.

By contrast, production homes often follow fixed designs that prioritize quantity over individuality. While they may offer quick occupancy and lower upfront costs, these homes can lose market distinction over time. The HelloNation feature explains that in communities where many houses share identical layouts, competition during resale can drive prices down. Custom homes, on the other hand, stand out with unique architectural details, high-end finishes, and thoughtful orientation to natural features such as canal access or sunset views.

Hurricane-ready construction is another hallmark of value for Florida homeowners. The article details how impact-rated windows, reinforced roofs, and elevated foundations provide long-term durability and lower insurance premiums. As storms become stronger and more frequent, buyers are prioritizing these safety features. Paul H Schaefer II emphasizes that a well-designed custom home merges aesthetic appeal with practical protection, making it a reliable investment in Florida's evolving climate.

While the upfront cost of building custom is higher, the long-term rewards often outweigh the expense. The HelloNation article underscores that a custom home's superior materials, energy performance, and tailored design result in less maintenance, lower monthly expenses, and higher resale returns. In Florida's competitive housing market, these qualities make custom homes stand out as both comfortable residences and financial assets.

The feature concludes that homeowners who think beyond immediate costs often see the greatest benefits. Custom homes in Punta Gorda offer a rare blend of livability and longevityâqualities that appeal to modern buyers seeking efficiency, safety, and individuality. As Florida's market continues to reward energy-smart, hurricane-safe homes, building custom remains one of the most stable and rewarding real estate choices available.

Is Building a Custom Home a Good Investment in Florida? features insights from Paul H Schaefer II, Home Building Expert of Punta Gorda, FL, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is a premier media platform that connects readers with trusted professionals and businesses across various industries. Through its innovative "edvertising" approach that blends educational content and storytelling, HelloNation delivers expert-driven articles that inform, inspire, and empower. Covering topics from home improvement and health to business strategy and lifestyle, HelloNation highlights leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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AI agents such as OpenAI's Dots, Meta's Muse, and Instinct have access to real-time quotes from Insurify's marketplace, preserving coverage information, protecting personal information, and keeping consumers in control.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Insurify, the leading online insurance marketplace and a pioneer in AI-powered insurance shopping, today announced the launch of its AI Agent Gateway to give consumers a faster, more efficient way to shop for insurance using their personal AI agents. The gateway connects AI agents directly to Insurify's marketplace, so a shopper's agent can gather and compare real-time quotes while preserving the information and safeguards essential to choosing coverage.

The launch builds on Insurify's introduction of the first ChatGPT plugin for insurance shopping. With the gateway, Insurify is setting consistent rules for how AI agents access its marketplace, handle consumer information, and present carrier quotes.

"People should be able to use the AI agent they choose to shop for insurance and have confidence in the information they receive," said Giorgos Zacharia, co-founder and co-CEO of Insurify. "We've built a way for agents to work with our marketplace that preserves coverage details, protects personal information, and keeps consumers in control. That gives carriers a foundation to reach customers through an important new distribution channel."

How the gateway works

The gateway is a set of live connections, each built for a different type of AI agent, from assistants that plug directly into outside services to agents that browse websites on a person's behalf. The gateway offers a supported option for each:

- A Model Context Protocol (MCP) server. A direct connection for AI assistants and apps that use MCP, an open standard many AI tools use to connect to outside services.

- WebMCP tools on Insurify.com. Tools built into Insurify.com that let AI agents working in a web browser complete shopping steps directly, rather than reading and clicking through each page. WebMCP is a proposed web standard for connecting websites to AI agents.

- A dedicated web interface for personal AI agents. An optimized version of Insurify's shopping experience built for agents that navigate websites on a consumer's behalf.

All interfaces connect to the same marketplace and follow the same consumer protections.

A consistent foundation for AI insurance shopping

Insurance decisions require more than a list of prices. Coverage limits, deductibles, eligibility requirements, and disclosures all affect whether a policy meets a consumer's needs. Those details must remain available, understandable, and accurate as shopping moves into AI conversations.

Insurify's gateway brings participating agents into a defined shopping experience with requirements for:

- Consumer consent. Consumers provide appropriate consent to control how their personal information is shared through the integration.

- Coverage transparency. Carrier quotes retain coverage details, attribution, and relevant disclosures, consistent with the traditional Insurify experience.

- Privacy and security. Consumer information is handled within Insurify's privacy and security safeguards.

- Identified agent access. Participating AI agents identify themselves and access the marketplace through an approved integration.

- A clear path to the carrier. Consumers can move directly to the carrier through Insurify's existing integrations to review coverage, get help if needed, and complete the binding process.

These requirements are designed to give consumers a consistent standard of information and protection regardless of which compatible AI agent they use, while preserving carrier control over how their products are represented and purchased.

"We see AI agents as an important way for people to shop for and compare insurance," Zacharia said. "Our responsibility is to make that experience work for both shoppers and carriers. We're inviting agent developers to build with us so consumers can benefit from these tools with the information and protections they need."

About Insurify:

Insurify is America's top-rated online insurance marketplace, offering a secure, spam-free way to compare and buy coverage. With a network of 120-plus carrier partners, Insurify empowers consumers to compare auto, home, pet, and renters insurance in minutes, online or with the help of a licensed agent. Since 2016, Insurify's AI-powered technology has served over 330 million insurance quotes across Insurify and its affiliates. By using Insurify, customers can save hundreds of dollars annually, with some saving up to 50% on their premiums. In 2025, Insurify launched Insurify Car, its own branded car insurance program, underwritten by partner carriers and managed on Insurify.com.

For more information, contact:

[email protected]

[email protected]

https://Insurify.com

SOURCE INSURIFY, Inc.

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CATAMARCA, Argentina--(BUSINESS WIRE)-- President of Argentina Javier Milei and Catamarca Governor Raúl Jalil today joined Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott to celebrate a major milestone for Argentina’s lithium industry, marking the official opening of Rio Tinto’s Fénix 1B expansion and Sal de Vida operation in Catamarca following a combined investment of around $1.4 billion.

Both projects achieved first production in the second quarter ahead of plan and are now ramping up production. They will add 25,000 tonnes of annual lithium carbonate equivalent (LCE) capacity once fully ramped up, strengthening Rio Tinto’s standing and Argentina’s position as a leading supplier of lithium for global markets.

The celebrations included a visit to Fénix by President Milei and Governor Jalil, hosted by Simon Trott, and an inauguration event recognising both projects with national and provincial authorities, employees, suppliers and representatives of local and Indigenous communities.

President of Argentina Javier Milei said: “The expansion of the Fénix project is a historic milestone that demonstrates the potential of Argentina’s mining sector. This was made possible by the country once again creating incentives for the production of resources that are essential to the modern world.

“We are proud that a company of this scale once again sees Argentina as a reliable partner and is investing in our country, validating the decisions we have taken over the past few years.”

Rio Tinto Chief Executive Simon Trott said: “Today is a proud moment for Rio Tinto and an important milestone for Argentina’s lithium industry, as we grow our position as a leading global supplier. It was a privilege to welcome President Milei, Governor Jalil and national and provincial authorities, and I thank them for joining us to recognise the work behind Fénix 1B and Sal de Vida.

“These two projects build on nearly three decades of lithium production in Catamarca and the expertise of our Argentine workforce. They demonstrate our industry-leading project delivery capability, as we execute with discipline towards our global target of 200,000 tonnes lithium carbonate equivalent annual production capacity by 2028.

“The delivery of these projects reflects the dedication of our people, the capabilities of Argentine suppliers and our partnerships with local communities and governments. Our focus now is on safely ramping up production, delivering reliable, high-quality lithium to our customers, and creating lasting value for our shareholders and Argentina.”

Fénix began operations in 1997 as Argentina’s first commercial lithium operation. The Fénix 1B expansion adds 10,000 tonnes of annual LCE capacity to the existing operation, increasing its total target of annual LCE capacity to approximately 40,000 tonnes.

Sal de Vida is a new lithium carbonate operation located approximately 20 kilometres northeast of Fénix, with a target of annual LCE capacity of 15,000 tonnes.

The projects form part of Rio Tinto’s growing lithium business in Argentina, which includes operations and projects across Catamarca, Jujuy and Salta, including the Rincon lithium project.

Rio Tinto’s growth in Argentina is strengthening the country’s supplier network. Around 70% of the approximately $4 billion in growth capital to be invested across our lithium operations in Argentina is expected to be spent with local suppliers.

View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20261028730364/en/

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NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Here are tonight’s NHL predictions and best bets.

Philadelphia Flyers at Washington Capitals

Philadelphia (+185) at Washington (-225) – Total 6 (Over, -120)

7:30 p.m. ET

The Flyers battled back from down 3-0 after 20 minutes and forced overtime thanks to Jamie Drysdale’s tying goal with 11 seconds left in regulation. They lost in overtime on Kent Johnson’s second goal of the game, 2:22 into the extra session. Now, 24 hours later, they go into Washington and face a well-rested Capitals team that has had three days off since their 4-3 overtime win over the Buffalo Sabres. Back-to-backs haven’t been favorable for the Flyers, who are 0-5 on the front and back end in back-to-backs (0-3 on the front, 0-2 on the back). The Caps have won five straight at home over the Flyers, and four of the five have been by two goals or more. Logan Thompson starts tonight for Washington. With Dan Vladar starting last night for the Flyers against Columbus, Joseph Woll will be between the pipes for Philly.

Two prop plays for me in this game. Washington’s Ryan Leonard has registered 2+ shots on goal in all 10 games this season and in 20 consecutive regular-season games (and 23 of 24) dating back to last season. Alex Tuch has points in each of his last seven and nine of ten against the Flyers. His linemate Jordan Kyrou is on a four-game assist streak and has points in six of his last eight games.

NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Ryan Leonard 2+ shots on goal (-152) – 3 units

Tuch/Kyrou 1+ point each (+158) – ½ unit

Calgary Flames at Edmonton Oilers

Calgary (+150) at Edmonton (-180) – Total 6.5 (Over, -118)

8:30 p.m. ET

The Calgary Flames enter tonight’s “Battle of Alberta” tied for the NHL’s longest current win streak (4 with Jersey), thanks in part to stellar goaltending and outstanding post-game interviews from Devin Cooley. Cooley has given up two or fewer goals in all four wins and now faces an Oilers team that Cooley has given up three and eight goals against (win and loss). The Flames have won each of the last two and three of the last four head-to-head meetings.

The Oilers have dropped two in a row, and three of their last four games have gone past regulation. Their shootout loss to Detroit on Monday was the first time Edmonton dropped back-to-back games this season. The money line value tonight is all on Calgary, but I have a hunch the win streak for the Flames comes to an end tonight (I don’t bet on hunches though).

I will target a couple of player props on the Flames. Defenseman Zayne Parekh has four points this season, all on the power play, and Edmonton ranks 26th on the penalty kill and 31st at home. Parekh for a power play point (+325) is on my card for tonight. Flames forward Joel Farabee has points in six consecutive games, and his linemate Matt Coronato has scored points in each of the last five games. Matvei Gridin scored goals in each of the Flames’ last two games and has two goals in his two career games versus the Oilers. Flames captain Mikael Backlund has registered 2+ shots on goal in 11 of his last 14 games against the Oilers.

On the Edmonton side, Connor McDavid has been treating the NHL as a video game. McDavid has points in all 12 games this season (34) and for just the third time this season he was held to just one point. In the two previous games after being held to a single point, Connor followed up with four- and five-point games. McDavid has also had great shots on goal numbers against the Flames in recent head-to-head meetings, putting up 8,7,6,5 and 5 in the last five contests. Calgary gives up the fourth most shots on goal per game (30.4) in the NHL. Leon Draisaitl is second in the NHL with 12 goals and has opened the scoring for Edmonton in five of their last seven games (should be six times; see Detroit game), has two goals in two games versus Cooley, goals in six of his last eight contests against the Flames and three multi-goal games in the last four meetings.

NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Zayne Parekh 1+ power play point (+325) – ¼ unit

Coronato/Farabee 1+ point each (+141) – ¼ unit

Matvei Gridin anytime goal (+325) – ¼ unit

Connor McDavid 4+ shots on goal (-102) – 2 units

Connor McDavid 5+ shots on goal (+205) – ¼ unit

Connor McDavid 6+ shots on goal (+425) – .10 units

Connor McDavid 2+ points (-130) – 1.5 units

Connor McDavid 3+ points (+220) – .15 units

McDavid 4+ shots/Backlund 2+ shots (+202) – ½ unit

Leon Draisaitl 1st Oilers goal (+400) – .10 units

Leon Draisaitl anytime goal (-110) – 1.5 units

Leon Draisaitl 2+ goals (+500) – .10 units

New Jersey Devils at Colorado Avalanche

New Jersey (+120) at Colorado (-145) – Total 6 (Over, -134)

9 p.m. ET

The Devils made Connor Hellebuyck a winner in his New Jersey debut last night with a 5-1 win at Dallas, but 24 hours later they play in Denver and have very little time to adjust to the altitude. With Hellebuyck starting last night, it will be Jake Allen between the pipes for New Jersey. In fact, Hellebuyck won’t even be on the bench tonight to serve as the backup. Allen was on the winning end when these two teams met eight days ago in Jersey (4-3 win). But this is a bad spot for the road team: back-to-back, with the second game in the thin air of Colorado. With that in mind, I’ve got the Avs to score the first goal of the first period and the first-period puck line (-1/2 goal).

Nick Roy returns to the Avalanche lineup for the first time since October 13. He plays on the second line with Brock Nelson and Gabe Landeskog. Roy has four goals and nine points in 11 career games against the Devils, and three goals on nine shots in six games against Jake Allen. Artturi Lehkonen scored twice when the two teams met eight days ago in Jersey (against Jake Allen) and now has seven goals in 10 games versus Allen. On the Devils side, it is hard to pass up the plus value on Arseny Gritsyuk to get a point. Gritsyuk has points in six straight and eight of nine.

NHL Predictions and Best Bets:

Colorado Avalanche 1st goal/1st period (+115) – ½ unit

Colorado Avalanche 1st period -1/2 goal (+160) – ½ unit

Colorado Avalanche Team Total Over 3.5 (-134) – 1 unit

Nick Roy 1+ assist (+310) – ¼ unit

Nick Roy anytime goal (+525) – ¼ unit

Arseny Gritsyuk 1+ point (+135) – ½ unit

Artturi Lehknonen anytime goal (+250) – ¼ unit

Lehknonen/Necas/MacKinnon each 2+ points (+1039) – .10 units

123NET Awarded $86 Million in Federal BEAD Funding for Michigan Broadband Infrastructure

SOUTHFIELD, Mich., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 123NET, a Michigan-based provider of fiber internet, colocation and voice services, has been awarded approximately $86 million through the Broadband Equity, Access and Deployment (BEAD) program to accelerate high-speed fiber-optic installation across multiple underserved communities throughout the state. 123NET is working with the Michigan High-Speed Internet Office (MIHI) to help close the digital divide.

Administered by the National Telecommunications and Information Administration as well as MIHI, BEAD is part of the federal government's effort to ensure all Americans have access to affordable, reliable broadband. 123NET collaborated with municipalities and community partners across Michigan to apply for funding that will deliver ultra-fast connectivity to 17,000 BEAD-funded addresses, contributing to a total network expansion reaching 49,300 addresses.

In addition to $920 million in federal funding, Michigan's private sector is contributing $550 million in matching funds to achieve the $1.5 billion investment. Michigan has the third-highest number of BEAD-eligible locations in the nation and expects to connect nearly 200,000 homes, businesses and institutions through the program.

"123NET is working alongside Michigan's public and private sectors to be part of the solution to combat the social, financial and geographic inequities that contribute to the digital divide," said Ken Fitzpatrick, Chief Executive Officer of 123NET. "The BEAD program and the funding it provides will create long-term, sustainable infrastructure for the digital services Michiganders need to achieve world-class connectivity."

123NET's funding supports multiple projects across Michigan, with 1,700 miles of fiber network being built in the following counties: Allegan, Barry, Calhoun, Eaton, Jackson, Kent, Kalamazoo, Macomb, Monroe, Oakland, Ottawa and Washtenaw.

"Expanding fiber to underserved communities creates a rising tide for everyone, from the small business owner who can finally compete in a digital economy to the student who can access resources that were previously out of reach. Our team is proud to be part of delivering that promise to Michigan," said Chuck Irvin, 123NET's Chief Technology and Information Officer.

"MIHI is excited for the opportunity to expand broadband access throughout the state," said Eric Frederick, the state's Chief Connectivity Officer. "MIHI is dedicated to ensuring every Michigander can leverage technology to improve their quality of life."

Achieving internet-for-all in Michigan requires overcoming high deployment costs, complex permitting processes and workforce shortages in the telecommunications sector. 123NET stands apart by owning and operating its entire network, eliminating the obstacles and complexities that third-party providers often face. The company has a proven history of efficiently building fiber and currently operates Michigan's largest fiber network.

Earlier this year, 123NET completed a large fiber network expansion via a ROBIN (Realizing Opportunity with Broadband Infrastructure Networks) grant in Allegan County. Thousands of Michiganders across the county now have access to high-quality, award-winning 123NET internet.

These new BEAD-funded projects are scheduled to begin in early 2027. Residents in these communities can reach out to 123NET (https://www.123.net/home-fiber-internet/) to sign up for notifications when service becomes available.

ABOUT 123NET

123NET is a Michigan-based Internet Service Provider (ISP) focused on equipping businesses with an industry-leading data center, network and voice services. Over a dozen Fortune 500 companies and thousands of Michigan businesses trust 123NET to provide them with world-class connectivity. Home of the Grand Rapids and Detroit Internet Exchanges, 123NET operates one of the largest carrier-neutral data centers and peers with technology leaders such as Google, AWS, GM and others.

BUILDING NETWORK TO MAKE MICHIGAN COMMUNITIES AND BUSINESSES THE BEST CONNECTED ON THE PLANET.

SOURCE 123NET

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Eric J. Dalton Named Healthcare Visionary of the Year for Second Consecutive Year

Back-to-back IE100 recognition follows a year of expanded leadership in specialized Dementia, Parkinson's and aging-in-place care

PEEKSKILL, N.Y., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eric J. Dalton, Vice President & Visionary of Angels on Call Homecare, has been named Healthcare Visionary of the Year in the 2026 IE100 Global Awards, marking the second consecutive year he has received the distinction.

Dalton was selected as the 2026 winner earlier this year, following his 2025 Healthcare Visionary of the Year recognition. Repeat honor comes after a year of continued growth in his work to advance a more specialized, clinically informed and person centered model of homecare one that places greater emphasis on neurological conditions, caregiver education, quality of life and long-term aging in place support.

"The future of healthcare is not confined to hospitals, health systems or laboratories," said Dalton. "It is also being built inside the home where people want to remain, where identity and independence matter, and where the quality of care can shape the quality of someone's life. Vision means nothing unless you are willing to build the systems that make that future real."

Since Dalton's first Healthcare Visionary of the Year recognition, Angels on Call Homecare has continued expanding the clinical infrastructure behind that vision.

The organization became the first U.S. homecare provider to achieve Certified Parkinson Disease Care (CPDC) accreditation and the only homecare provider combining CPDC accreditation with the Parkinson's Foundation's Community Partners in Parkinson's Care (CPPC) designation.

Its Dementia care model includes specialized accreditation in dementia excellence, an Alzheimer's Association-recognized training program, advanced clinical oversight and workforce education designed to move care beyond routine assistance toward preserving identity, supporting independence, increasing meaningful engagement and improving quality of life.

Angels on Call has also achieved Age-Friendly Health Systems - Committed to Care Excellence recognition and joined the CareScout Quality Network, while continuing to expand RN-led case management, specialized workforce development, family education and advanced aging in place support.

The organization's broader model reflects Dalton's belief that homecare should become more deeply integrated into the healthcare continuum not simply as custodial support, but as a setting where prevention, observation, education, clinical coordination and person-centered care can meaningfully influence outcomes.

Dalton's leadership has increasingly focused on stronger standards in Dementia and Parkinson's care, better caregiver competency, earlier long term care planning and care models built around what matters most to the individual. His work also emphasizes the importance of helping families understand that specialized homecare can play a larger role in preserving dignity, purpose and independence as care needs evolve.

"Eric has never viewed homecare as an industry that should simply react to change," said Robert Dalton, CEO & CFO of Angels on Call Homecare. "He believes we should help lead it. This second consecutive recognition reflects not only the strength of his vision, but the systems, programs and standards being built around it."

For Dalton, the repeat honor represents something larger than individual recognition.

"I don't want to be remembered for predicting where healthcare was going," Dalton said. "I want to be remembered for helping build what came next. If we do this right, families will expect a higher standard of care tomorrow because of what we are building today."

About Angels on Call Homecare

Founded in 2005, Angels on Call Homecare is a family-owned, New York State licensed homecare provider specializing in Dementia, Parkinson's disease and advanced aging-in-place support. Through nationally recognized clinical programs, specialized workforce education and person-centered innovation, Angels on Call is redefining the standard for specialized care at home.

Contact

Rob Dalton

[email protected]

(248) 794-7135

SOURCE Angels on Call Homecare

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Statement from California State Controller Malia M. Cohen on the Passing of Dolores Huerta

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Controller Malia M. Cohen issued a statement on the passing of Dolores Huerta, labor leader and civil rights activist:

"Dolores Huerta changed California and our nation by demanding dignity, fair wages and a voice for the workers who feed us. She organized, she persisted, and she opened doors for generations of women and leaders.

"I join Californians in mourning her passing and extend my deepest condolences to her family. We honor her by carrying forward her fight for justice and opportunity. ¡SÃ, se puede!"

As the chief fiscal officer of the fourth-largest economy in the world, California State Controller Malia M. Cohen independently oversees and manages the state's financial resources with integrity and transparency to build trust. Controller Cohen is responsible for accountability and disbursement of the state's financial resources. She has independent auditing authority over government agencies that spend state funds. The Controller is a member of numerous financing authorities, and fiscal and financial oversight entities including the Franchise Tax Board. She also serves on the boards for the nation's two largest public pension funds. Follow the California State Controller's Office on X, Facebook, and YouTube at @CAController and on Instagram at @CaliforniaController.

SOURCE California State Controller's Office

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The Inner Circle acknowledges Evan Augustine Dougherty, MD as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member

HINSDALE, Ill., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Prominently featured in The Inner Circle, Evan Augustine Dougherty, MD is acknowledged as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member for his contributions to Orthopaedic Trauma Surgery.

Evan Augustine Dougherty, MD, has established a distinguished career in orthopaedic surgery, earning recognition for his expertise in orthopaedic trauma care, complex fracture management, and reconstructive surgery. As an orthopaedic surgeon with Hinsdale Orthopaedics, a division of the Illinois Bone & Joint Institute, he is dedicated to helping patients recover from traumatic injuries and regain their quality of life through comprehensive, patient centered care.

Dr. Dougherty specializes in orthopaedic trauma, treating patients with complex fractures resulting from work related injuries, motor vehicle accidents, and other traumatic events. His expertise includes management of pelvic and acetabular fractures, revision surgery for improperly healed fractures, correction of limb length discrepancies, and treatment of complications such as nonunion, malunion, and infection. He provides care to patients across all age groups, from pediatric to geriatric populations.

He earned a Bachelor of Science in Biology with a minor in Spanish from Colorado College before receiving his Doctor of Medicine from West Virginia University School of Medicine. He completed a five-year residency in Orthopaedic Surgery at Loyola University Medical Center in Illinois, followed by a fellowship in Orthopaedic Trauma and Fracture Surgery at MetroHealth Medical Center in Cleveland, Ohio. He is board certified by the American Board of Orthopaedic Surgery.

Since joining Hinsdale Orthopaedics in 2015, Dr. Dougherty has become an integral member of the practice, providing advanced fracture and post traumatic care throughout the region. His fellowship training at a Level I trauma center provided extensive experience managing complex fractures and caring for poly traumatized patients with multiple injuries. Throughout his career, he has remained committed to delivering exceptional surgical care while helping patients overcome significant obstacles to recovery.

In addition to his clinical work, Dr. Dougherty is passionate about education and mentorship. He actively mentors orthopaedic medical students, podiatry trainees, and foot and ankle surgery specialists at Christ Hospital, helping prepare the next generation of healthcare professionals. His dedication to teaching reflects his commitment to advancing the field of orthopaedic surgery and improving patient care.

Dr. Dougherty maintains professional affiliations with the Orthopaedic Trauma Association, AO Trauma North America, the American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons, and the Alpha Omega Alpha Medical Honor Society, where he previously served as chapter president during medical school.

His professional achievements have been recognized through numerous honors, including Chicago Magazine Top Doctors recognition in 2021 and 2022, recognition for surgical expertise by Chicago Magazine in 2021, and a Modern Luxury Chicago honor in 2023.

Dr. Dougherty credits much of his success to the support of his parents, James and Merry Dougherty. He is also grateful for his wife, Jennanne, with whom he has shared 20 years of marriage, and their three children.

Looking ahead, he plans to continue mentoring future orthopaedic professionals while remaining focused on providing the highest level of care to patients recovering from traumatic injuries.

Guided by a philosophy centered on compassion, perseverance, and excellence, Dr. Dougherty remains committed to restoring patients to their prior level of activity and helping them reclaim their confidence, independence, and sense of self following injury.

Contact: Katherine Green, 516-825-5634, [email protected]

SOURCE The Inner Circle

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NEW YORK, Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- American News Group News Commentary - By the numbers, the fuel is the easy part. The Henry Hub spot price was $2.76 per MMBtu on October 27, according to U.S. Energy Information Administration data, and working gas in storage stood 35 Bcf above the five-year average in the week ended October 16. The pressure point for the AI buildout sits further down the chain, in the turbines, pipelines and grid rules needed to turn that gas into electricity for data centers. Global Market Insights estimates the global gas turbine market at $22.6 billion in 2025 and expects it to grow from $25.4 billion in 2026 to $64.8 billion by 2035, a CAGR of 11.2%. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT), Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI), Baker Hughes Company (NASDAQ: BKR), Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE).

Supply keeps climbing. The EIA said U.S. natural gas gross withdrawals reached a record 137 billion cubic feet per day in July 2026, driven primarily by increased output in the Permian Basin. In its October Short-Term Energy Outlook, the agency forecast U.S. dry natural gas production of 112.20 Bcf/d this year and 116.13 Bcf/d in 2027, and said it expects the Henry Hub spot price to average $3.16 per MMBtu in 2027, down 32 cents from 2026. The EIA also said inventories remain above the rolling five-year average in most months of its forecast.

Power is a different story. The EIA expects wholesale electricity prices in 2026 to average $52 per megawatthour across the 11 hubs it tracks, 11% higher than in 2025, and forecasts that wholesale prices in the PJM region will rise 41% this year compared with 2025, the largest increase across all regions. Getting new load connected is also drawing new rules. On October 26, the Board of Trustees of the North American Electric Reliability Corporation adopted foundational computational load Reliability Standards. NERC said the adoption is the first phase of its broader large loads action plan, part of accelerated efforts to address the reliability risks associated with rapidly growing computational loads. NERC will file the standards with the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission for approval.

Regulators are also looking at the pipe. On October 15, FERC unveiled a draft policy statement that proposes to no longer request air dispersion modeling from applicants for Natural Gas Act projects, part of a proposal to overhaul and accelerate its review of air quality effects for proposed natural gas projects. Comments on the draft are due by November 16, 2026.

Earnings reports from across the gas-to-power chain are landing fast this month, and the moves that follow can be sharp. The free Knowledge is Power guide from Stock Preachers, available at americannewsgroup.com/sp, shows how to read the news and the charts together.

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

EQT Corporation (NYSE: EQT)

EQT reported third-quarter results on October 27, including sales volume of 583 Bcfe, inclusive of 21 Bcfe of strategic curtailments, and net cash provided by operating activities of $1,083 million. The company launched an open season for its new 42-inch POWER Pipeline project, connecting its core Marcellus assets in Pennsylvania to growing demand at the Clarington hub in Ohio, and signed a 10-year LNG sales agreement with Lithuania's Ignitis Group. EQT also highlighted its announced acquisition of Range Resources Corporation, which it said will create America's largest and only vertically integrated natural gas producer.

"Our expanded resource base solidifies EQT as the operator of choice for premium, long-term supply arrangements and provides unique growth optionality underpinned by contractual demand," said Toby Z. Rice, President and CEO of EQT.

Kinder Morgan, Inc. (NYSE: KMI)

Kinder Morgan reported all-time record third-quarter results on October 21, with net income attributable to KMI of $764 million, up from $628 million a year earlier, and a natural gas expansion project backlog of $13.2 billion within an overall $14.4 billion backlog. The company said more than 75% of the total backlog is associated with projects supporting power generation and local distribution company demand. Its Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America reached a final investment decision on the approximately $4.2 billion Permian Link Project (KMI share approximately $1.6 billion), designed to provide approximately 2.8 Bcf/d of capacity to serve new power generation for an A-rated hyperscaler, and Kinder Morgan sanctioned two more phases of its Creekside Lateral Project after signing additional long-term, take-or-pay agreements with data center and industrial customers.

"Our natural gas business in particular is benefiting from increasing LNG exports, rising power demand, and industrial expansion and is capitalizing on significant opportunities for investment across our footprint," said Richard D. Kinder, Executive Chairman of Kinder Morgan.

Baker Hughes Company (NASDAQ: BKR)

Baker Hughes announced on October 27 a major integrated power generation order for a major U.S. technology company's development for advanced computing. The award includes 34 Frame 5 gas turbines, nine NovaLTâ¢16 turbines, generators and associated gears to provide approximately 1.1 GW of power generation to support high-performance computing infrastructure for AI model training, inference, and physical AI workloads. In its third-quarter results the same day, the company reported orders of $10.8 billion, including $5.9 billion of Industrial & Energy Technology orders, and a separate order of 18 Frame 5 gas turbine generator packages, representing approximately 500 megawatts of capacity, to support data center projects for a U.S. energy company.

"The AI revolution runs on energy, and Baker Hughes is building energy systems that will underpin the next era of industrial advancement," said Baker Hughes Chairman and CEO Lorenzo Simonelli.

Bloom Energy Corporation (NYSE: BE)

Bloom Energy reported record third-quarter revenue of $1,235.8 million on October 22, up 138.1% year over year, and raised its full-year 2026 revenue guidance to $4.4 billion to $4.6 billion, which the company said was its third increase to the outlook this year. Bloom's Energy Server is a solid-oxide fuel cell system that converts fuels including natural gas, biogas and hydrogen into electricity without combustion, according to its quarterly report, and the company counts data centers among the customers using its onsite power.

"What began with hyperscalers is rapidly moving across market segments because every business needs reliable power to grow," said KR Sridhar, Founder, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bloom Energy.

From the wellhead to the turbine, each link in the chain that turns natural gas into power for AI has reported news this month. Learn to read the setups behind moves like these with the free Stock Preachers guide, plus The Roadmap market reports, at americannewsgroup.com/sp.

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This article is independent news commentary. American News Group is wholly owned and operated by Market Equities Limited ("MEL"), a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. MEL has not been paid by any company mentioned in this article. MEL and its owners, operators, directors, and affiliates do not currently own any shares of the companies mentioned in this article, but reserve the right to, and will, buy and sell shares of those companies at any time without further notice. Natural gas price, storage, production and forecast data are from the U.S. Energy Information Administration, including its October 2026 Short-Term Energy Outlook and its weekly storage report for the week ended October 16, 2026; reliability standards information is from the North American Electric Reliability Corporation and regulatory information from the Federal Energy Regulatory Commission. The gas turbine market projection is from Global Market Insights Inc. Company figures are as reported in company releases and filings dated October 21 to October 27, 2026. Information is drawn from company news releases and filings, government and industry data, published reporting and third-party data believed to be reliable, but its accuracy is not guaranteed. Investing in securities carries risk, including the loss of some or all of your investment. This document is governed by the laws of Ireland.

SOURCE American News Group

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Data findings from 95,000+ K-12 stakeholders outline priorities: career-ready skills, AI engagement, and digital instruction

Key Insights:

- Parental Concern Spikes: 70% of K-12 parents worry kids are not learning future-ready skillsâup 17 points from 2023-24 and a 63% increase since 2020.

- Technology as a Strategic Driver: 85% of parents view effective instructional technology use as critical to their child's future success.

- Core Skills in Demand: 92% of parents prioritize critical thinking and problem-solving, while 86% cite effective communication.

- Accelerating AI Integration: 46% of high schoolers now learn AI tools through self-directed experimentation outside of school (up 16 points since 2023â24), outpacing in-school AI class activities (30%).

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 28, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Project Tomorrow, a leading national education nonprofit, has released What's Tech Got To Do With It?, its 23rd Annual Speak Up Report. Drawing on its large collection of authentic K12 stakeholder voices, Project Tomorrow's latest data reveals growing concern over career readiness and the evolving role of classroom technology.

Growing Demand for Future-Ready Skills

The 2026 Speak Up Research Project collected insights from more than 95,000 K-12 students, educators, administrators, and families across rural, urban and suburban schools. The concern over career-ready skills has increased by 63% since 2020.

What's tech got to do with it? 85% of parents say effective use of technology in instruction is important to their child's future success.

The report finds that schools are better positioned than ever to respond, but that access to technology alone isn't enough. With classroom infrastructure largely in place, the greatest opportunity now lies in supporting teachers in using technology effectively to build the skills families want.

"Parents are telling us their number one concern is that their children aren't learning the right skills to be successful," said Dr. Julie Evans, CEO of Project Tomorrow. "Technology isn't a substitute for traditional learning. However, when it's used effectively, it helps students develop durable skills, makes teachers more effective, and modernizes the learning experience in ways that could never have been done before. Students and families want classrooms that prepare them for 2027 and beyond, and not for 1977."

Key findings of the report:

- Universal Consensus on Essential Skills: Across rural, urban, and suburban communities, parents prioritize critical thinking (92%) and effective communication (86%).

- Teacher Effectiveness: 70% of teachers report technology makes learning more interactive, and 56% say it helps them personalize instruction. Rural teachers see the strongest benefits: 62% say tech helps students develop skills for lifelong, self-directed learning, compared with 45% of suburban teachers.

- Expanding AI Engagement: High school student involvement in AI learning activities rose 16 points in two years. Suburban students, who report the most experience with AI, also see the most potential (54% say it could explain things in ways that make more sense, vs. 42â43% elsewhere).

- Alignment Between Parents and Students: 48% of high school students want classes that connect to real-world job skills, and 76% of parents want instruction focused on problem-solving, rather than rote memorization. Notably, 48% of parents explicitly ask schools to "use technology purposefully."

Dr. Evans hosted a panel featuring four high school students at the 2026 Speak Up Congressional Briefing on edWeb to discuss safe and effective instructional technology use.

To download the full report or access the interactive digital dashboard visit https://www.tomorrow.org/2026-speak-upcongressional-briefing/.

About Project Tomorrow & Speak Up

The Speak Up Research Project is a national initiative of Project Tomorrow, an internationally recognized education nonprofit organization dedicated to ensuring that all students are prepared to become tomorrow's leaders, innovators and engaged citizens of the world. Each year, the Speak Up Research Project polls Kâ12 students, parents, and educators about the role of technology for learning in and out of school and the impact of new learning models on student outcomes and teacher effectiveness. The Speak Up dataset represents the largest collection of authentic, unfiltered stakeholder voices on digital learning. Since the fall of 2003, more than 6.4 million Kâ12 students, parents, teachers, librarians, principals, technology leaders, district administrators, communications officers and members of the community have shared their views and ideas through Speak Up. The Speak Up Research Project is facilitated in collaboration with our research sponsors Agile Education Marketing, ClassDojo for Districts, Edmentum, edWeb.net, and PowerSchool. Additionally, 29 education nonprofit organizations and associations provide outreach and thought leadership support for the Speak Up Project.

Learn more at https://www.tomorrow.org

Districts that value stakeholder voices and want to transform teaching and learning to be more innovative so that every student is well prepared for future success should participate in Speak Up surveys. Participation is free, and every participating district receives access to their local data alongside state level and national level comparative data to provide additional value and context. To join the Speak Up research initiative, visit https://www.tomorrow.org/projects/speak-up-2026/

Media Contact:

Alex Fairchild

[email protected] 

SOURCE Project Tomorrow

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