DENVER, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Onward Energy, a leading independent power producer, announced the appointment of Patrick Welch as Chief Executive Officer and Adam Heath as Chief Financial Officer, effective October 27, 2026. Welch will also join Onward's board of directors.

Welch has served as Onward's Chief Financial Officer since 2023 and is currently serving as Interim President and CEO. He has more than 34 years of energy and power experience, including 18 years in CFO roles at Atlantic Power, JP Energy Partners and Jonah Energy prior to joining Onward. Initially recruited to build a strong financial function in this high growth company, Welch has led the company through major financing transactions, building an enterprise risk management program, and developing talent and organizational structures that support scale.

"We are extremely pleased to have Pat take the helm of Onward Energy," said Barry Welch, Chairman of Onward Energy's Board of Directors, (no relation to Patrick Welch). "Pat is an accomplished energy executive with broad experience across the industry. His strategic leadership will guide Onward as it continues to grow its portfolio and deliver reliable power to customers and communities across the country. We look forward to Onward's continued success under Pat's leadership and partnership with the experienced executive team."

Onward also announced that Adam Heath, currently Onward's Vice President of Capital Markets and Financial Strategy, will succeed Patrick Welch as Chief Financial Officer. Heath has more than 19 years of experience in energy and infrastructure finance, including roles at Caithness Energy, RBC Capital Markets and WestLB AG. At Onward, he is responsible for managing the company's corporate and project financing activities, as well as treasury and risk management.

"Adam brings deep power industry experience and has done an outstanding job leading Onward's treasury and capital markets activities," said Patrick Welch. "He is well positioned to lead our finance organization as CFO. I am honored to take on the role of CEO and look forward to working more broadly with the talented employees at Onward Energy."

About Onward Energy

Onward Energy is an independent power producer that owns and operates a diverse, 6.6 GW portfolio of solar, wind, and natural gas generation projects. With 55 projects in 21 States, we are growing through operational excellence, commitment to communities, customers and stakeholders and prioritizing developing exceptional talent. More information is available at www.OnwardEnergy.com.

SOURCE Onward Energy

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Two-day visit comes as NABEP's production in the Petrozamora oil fields hit a record 115,000 barrels per day and a sixth drilling rig arrives.

CARACAS, Venezuela, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- U.S. State Department officials, including Chargé d'Affaires John M. Barrett, visited the oil fields of North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) in western and eastern Venezuela on Oct. 23 and 24 to see how quickly the company is growing production under its August agreement with the U.S. government.

On Friday, Daniel Kennedy, Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Energy and Critical Minerals, joined NABEP CEO Alejandro Betancourt and PDVSA leadership at the Bachaquero field on Lake Maracaibo. The group inspected the Bachaquero Lago 2 compression module and checked on Bachaquero 3 and Ceuta 4, two projects expected to add to NABEP's production there within four months. That same day, NABEP's production in the Petrozamora oil fields reached a record 115,000 barrels per day. Mr. Barrett followed the visit from Miraflores Palace in Caracas. On Saturday, he and Mr. Kennedy traveled to NABEP's JunÃn 10 block in the Orinoco Belt, where the company's new drilling rigs are at work.

"Less than two months after this historic agreement was announced, our partner NABEP has already ramped up its oil production and brought in new rigs from the United States," said Mr. Barrett. "American rigs are putting Venezuelans to work, and Venezuelan oil is strengthening America's energy security. Both of our countries are winning."

JunÃn 10, formerly known as JunÃn Sur, is where most of NABEP's new drilling is taking place. Three drilling rigs are working there today, and three more will start soon, including a sixth rig that recently arrived in Venezuela. NABEP also runs 13 workover rigs for well repair and maintenance, with 15 more on the way.

"Every barrel we produce is the work of Venezuelan hands," said Mr. Betancourt. "From the shores of Lake Maracaibo to the Orinoco Belt, thousands of NABEP workers are bringing these fields back to life. There are real challenges ahead. Some of these fields have been producing for decades, and others have never been drilled. No company knows this ground better than NABEP, and no one is better positioned to unlock what it can produce."

NABEP directly employs more than 5,000 people and supports over 10,000 contractor jobs across Venezuela. Over the past two years, the company has grown production from about 18,000 barrels per day to more than 200,000, funded by roughly $1 billion of its own investment. The same strategy is being used to fund its ongoing production push, with hundreds of millions of dollars more being reinvested every month. As of Oct. 19, NABEP's total hydrocarbon production across its fields reached 223,509 barrels of oil equivalent per day.

The visits come after NABEP's August agreement with the U.S. Departments of State and War to significantly expand oil production in Venezuela. NABEP holds the rights to commercialize more than 65 billion barrels of proven reserves in the country and is targeting production of more than 1 million barrels of oil per day in the near term.

About North American Blue Energy Partners

North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP) is an independent oil exploration and production company operating in North and Latin America, with offices in Caracas, Maracaibo and LecherÃa. NABEP is committed to the responsible development of energy resources, the safety of its people and the prosperity of the communities where it operates. www.nabep.net 

Media contact

[email protected]

SOURCE North American Blue Energy Partners (NABEP)

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Hillwood Communities and Base Power Partner to Advance Energy Resilience

First-of-its-kind collaboration brings opportunity for advanced energy technology to nearly 6,500 North Texas homes

DALLAS, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hillwood Communities, a nationally recognized leader in master-planned development, is partnering with Base Power to expand access to home battery backup beginning with nearly 6,500 homes across three North Texas communities, giving homeowners an opportunity to prepare for power outages while helping support the local power grid.

The collaboration pairs Hillwood's long-standing focus on stewardship and innovation with Base's distributed energy technology. The initial rollout will give eligible new and existing homeowners in Treeline by Hillwood in Justin, Pecan Square by Hillwood in Northlake and Harvest by Hillwood in Argyle and Northlake access to Base battery systems that protect homes during outages.

In areas where homeowners cannot choose their electricity provider, Base offers its service through agreements with local utilities and electric cooperatives. CoServ, one of Base's utility partners, serves the three initial Hillwood communities.

At full buildout of the initial three communities, approximately 9,500 homes will have access to the Base battery systems.

"From winter storms and extreme summer heat to tornadoes, North Texans know how quickly severe weather can disrupt daily life," said Andrew Pieper, senior vice president of Hillwood Communities. "Through this partnership, we're giving homeowners a cost-effective way to prepare for power outages while supporting the broader electric grid."

Base's technology connects individual home batteries into a coordinated energy resource that helps utilities meet demand. When the grid is up and running, the batteries can add capacity during high demand hours. When the grid goes down, Base members get the full benefit of whole home backup protection from BaseCore.

"We're building energy infrastructure that can add capacity where people live," said Zach Dell, co-founder and CEO of Base Power. "Hillwood's communities give us an opportunity to do that at scale. Together, we can put technology to work for thousands of households while supporting our grid."

The partnership plans to extend beyond the three initial communities to future homes served by CoServ in Landmark by Hillwood in Denton and Lantern by Hillwood in Pilot Point.

"Building strong communities means thinking about the needs of our residents over the long term," said Fred Balda, president of Hillwood Communities. "While we're focusing on North Texas now, this partnership will evolve throughout our development platform where feasible, including our investments in Austin, Houston, Florida and the Northeast as Base is ready to serve those markets."

Existing and future homeowners within designated Hillwood Communities will receive preferred pricing.

Homeowners can visit basepowercompany.com/hillwood and enter their address to check eligibility. Base manages enrollment, scheduling and installation directly with participating homeowners.

About Hillwood

Hillwood, a Perot company, is a premier commercial and residential real estate developer, investor and advisor of properties throughout North America and Europe. With a diverse portfolio of properties and home to many of the world's leading companies, Hillwood is committed to bringing long-term value to our customers, partners and the communities we serve.

Through its Communities division, Hillwood has delivered 50,000 single-family lots in master-planned communities across 13 states and Costa Rica. These communities continue to raise the bar in terms of quality, innovation, and the unmistakable sense of community that sets each property apart. Before laying the physical groundwork for any new residential development, Hillwood Communities takes the time to focus on the ideals that draw people together and the everyday interactions that strengthen those bonds. By purposefully designing trails, gathering spaces, and structural amenities to spark spontaneous encounters and foster shared interests, Hillwood Communities believes in the power of community. For more information, please visit www.hillwoodcommunities.com.

About Base Power

Founded in 2023 and headquartered in Austin, Texas, Base Power is an energy company building a grid for the future. The company's mission is to advance human prosperity through energy abundance â delivering reliable and affordable power for all.

SOURCE Hillwood Communities

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A World First, Beacon AI Flies Murdock Its AI Pilot Assistant System Aboard Operational USAF Tankers

Five flights, three airfields, three KC-46A Pegasus aircraft, and approx 20 hours of flight time, under an AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase with Air Mobility Command

SAN CARLOS, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon AI, a California-based aviation software technology company, announced the flight of Murdock, its AI pilot assistant system, aboard three operational U.S. Air Force KC-46A Pegasus aircraft over five flights and approximately 20 hours of flight time in August and September 2026, under a U.S. Air Force AFWERX Tactical Funding Increase (TACFI) contract with Air Mobility Command (AMC). The flights began during Emerald Flag at Eglin Air Force Base, Florida, and continued at two additional airfields, including a civil airport.

Beacon believes Murdock is the first commercially developed AI pilot assistant system to fly aboard multiple operational aircraft, providing advisory capabilities to aircrews in flight and used without modifying the aircraft's certified flight-critical systems.

Beacon built its connected aviation intelligence platform to adapt to different aircraft. Murdock is the in-cockpit element: a modular compute and crew-interface system that reads from certified avionics buses, advises the crew, and records every flight. It connects to Lighthouse, Beacon's cloud-based fleet data platform and web application, via satellite communication. Together, Murdock and Lighthouse generate the data used to build safety and efficiency features for aircraft operators and deploy them directly, turning reactive safety into proactive features.

An operational aircraft, not a testbed

Most advances in AI for aviation to date have been made on dedicated test aircraft, privately or government-owned. Murdock flew on aircraft already assigned to operational units, flown by fleet aircrews, connecting through an interface the Air Force already fields.

Fleet adoption is important for Beacon's data flywheel; flying the aircraft across multiple aircraft and airfields with different procedures and airspace is the first step. The main push is toward Fleet Learning, where flight data scales, improving features for everyone and making the platform more capable and helpful for operators.

Matt Cox, Co-Founder and CEO, Beacon AI

"The KC-46 flight is a massively important step, as it demonstrates capabilities that can provide value to crews today. The right way to bring a system like this into the cockpit is to do so progressively: put it in the hands of real crews on real missions, build on what it already does well, and expand its capabilities as operational experience and evidence support it. That work should not happen on only one aircraft or one mission set. Each platform can start building experience and delivering value now while contributing to a broader foundation of trust and reliability. And at every stage, the crew retains authority"

Tiffany Robinson, AFWERX Growth Stage Investment Lead

"This investment shows how AFWERX uses the Tactical Funding Increase program to align Department of the Air Force funding, matching investment and operational needs to advance promising technologies toward operational use," said Tiffany Robinson, AFWERX growth stage investment lead. "By supporting capabilities that improve decision-making and operational efficiency, we are advancing the Department of War's critical technology priorities and the Department of the Air Force's focus on accelerating capability delivery, modernizing the force and strengthening the industrial base."

Aviation autonomy 2.0 is hardware-lite

The first generation of aviation autonomy inherited many assumptions from self-driving cars: heavy hardware retrofits meant to take over flight control. A second approach has emerged: hardware-lite systems that augment the crew rather than replace or override them, working through software and data rather than actuators and flight controls.

These flights demonstrated Level 2 assistance in Beacon's framework, where the system advises, and the crew decides. Beacon calls this building R2-D2 for pilots. The governing principle remained the same on these flights: the crew retains authority. This approach aligns with how aviation is likely to modernize flight decks in the coming years, with humans and software working together as teammates.

Aviation's advances have come through defense first

In the 122 years since the first powered flight, most of aviation's foundational advances first reached the flight deck through military programs. Jet propulsion, swept wings, pressurized long-range transport, inertial navigation, fly-by-wire, and GPS all entered service on military aircraft before they became standard equipment on airliners. AI pilot assistance is following the same path for the same reason: the military flies the missions with the highest workload and the lowest tolerance for delay.

Path to an operational flight deck

Beacon reached this major milestone under an AFWERX TACFI OTA contract with AMC. This contract followed a SBIR Phase 2 with U.S. SOCOM. Beacon reached this point as a Series A company, having raised more than $20 million in venture capital financing.

Kevin Stamey, Former PEO Mobility Director, Beacon AI Advisor

"Beacon's recent flights on the KC-46 are not only a huge win for AMC but for the AF. Crewed aviation will remain for decades, yet missions are becoming more complex and longer, putting greater strain on pilots/crews. Beacon's AI pilot assistant will reduce crew workload, improve mission effectiveness, and make flying safer. These initial flights are just the beginning of an important and overdue capability in the cockpit."

From two tankers to a fleet

The commercial opportunity starts with a dual-use airframe. The KC-46 is a military derivative of the Boeing 767, and 1,361 767s have been delivered since 1982. The KC-46 integration creates a natural bridge from Air Force mobility aircraft to commercial 767 fleets.

AMC already operates more than 1,000 airlift and aerial refueling aircraft. The Air Force's officially planned KC-46 buy stands at 263 aircraft. The interface Murdock uses isn't unique to the tanker, which gives it a path to the rest of the mobility fleet.

The bigger opportunity is the aircraft class, not the type. Roughly 30,300 aircraft are in airline service worldwide today. None of them fly with AI pilot assistance.

Congressional interest

Flight safety has remained common ground for policymakers.

In its report on the Fiscal Year 2027 National Defense Authorization Act, the House Armed Services Committee noted that recent work by the Air Force and Special Operations Command showed that advisory and pilot-assist tools can improve situational awareness and decision-making without taking control of the aircraft. The committee added that such tools could help aircrew without changing certified flight-critical systems or replacing existing avionics, flight controls, or actuators. It directed the Secretary of Defense to brief the committee by February 1, 2027, on the Department's plan to evaluate and adopt them. [House Report 119-698]

The year before, the same committee encouraged the Navy, the Air Force, and Special Operations Command to prioritize light-hardware AI systems that assist aircrew in flight, citing flight safety and reduced human error. [House Report 119-231, Items of Special Interest]

What comes next

The next step is for Murdock to provide progressive assistance to aircrew throughout the flight lifecycle, from scheduling to debriefing. In Beacon's view, success depends on repetition and iteration based on user feedback.

Acknowledgments

Beacon acknowledges and appreciates the support of AFWERX, the Air Force Research Laboratory, Air Mobility Command, USSOCOM Science and Technology, U.S. Air Force Special Operations Command, and the 711th Human Performance Wing in reaching this milestone.

About Beacon AI

Beacon AI is a California-based aviation software company building a hardware-lite pilot-assistance platform to make flight safer and more efficient. Beacon's technology works alongside commercial and defense aircraft operators and flight crews using a software- and data-focused approach. This assistance-focused approach adds capability without requiring major replacement or redesign of installed avionics or flight-control systems. Murdock, 'R2-D2 for pilots', supports crews in the aircraft, while Lighthouse supports planning, operations, fleet management, and post-flight review. Beacon works across defense and commercial aviation and has 13 U.S. military contracts and three commercial airline engagements.

For more information, visit beaconai.co or follow Beacon AI on LinkedIn or X.

About AFRL

The Air Force Research Laboratory is the Department of the Air Force's primary scientific research and development center and one of six centers within Air Force Materiel Command. AFRL leads the discovery, development, and delivery of technologies for air, space, and the multidomain. With a workforce spanning seven mission areas at more than 40 locations worldwide, AFRL conducts research ranging from basic science to advanced technology development. For more information, visit afresearchlab.com.

About AFWERX

AFWERX, the innovation arm of the Department of the Air Force and a division within the Air Force Research Laboratory, partners with small businesses, startups, and nontraditional vendors to address challenges facing Airmen and Guardians. Headquartered at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, AFWERX strengthens the defense industrial base by expanding access to innovators, building partnerships and accelerating the transition of critical technologies to operational capability. In fiscal year 2025, AFWERX awarded more than 1,000 contracts totaling $1.37 billion and achieved 438 Phase III transitions valued at $8.1 billion. For more information, visit afwerx.com.

Acquisition adds forward-deployed expertise to connect strategy, capital, AI execution and measurable business outcomes.

GEORGETOWN, Texas, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dotwork, an AI-native enterprise operating platform, today announced its acquisition of Arcario Group, a consultancy specializing in enterprise operating models and transformation. The transaction closed October 23. Financial terms were not disclosed.

AI is accelerating execution, but most enterprises still manage strategy, funding and work across disconnected systems. Leaders struggle to see what investments actually cost, whether they produce results and where resources should move next.

Dotwork is building the enterprise steering layer for the AI era. Its graph-based Enterprise Operating Model connects existing systems rather than replacing them, linking strategy, capital, business capabilities, work, decisions and outcomes. Unlike tools centered on projects or workflows, Dotwork focuses on the decisions that drive performance, connecting plans to actual spending, preserving decision context and giving leaders and AI agents a shared understanding of the enterprise.

Arcario brings the expertise to activate that model. Its Connected Enterprise approach aligns people, processes, data and technology, while forward-deployed enterprise value architects work alongside customers to solve targeted problems and measure results.

Together, the companies help enterprises:

- Design: Identify gaps between strategic priorities, investments, business capabilities and execution.

- Activate: Connect existing financial and operational systems, then deploy targeted workflows and AI capabilities without replacing core technology.

- Steer: Track decisions, actual costs and outcomes, then adapt investments and execution as priorities change.

"The enterprise software industry has spent decades helping companies manage work, automate processes and analyze data. But who's helping the CEO, COO, CFO and CIO actually steer the business?" said Steve Elliott, founder and CEO of Dotwork. "AI makes deciding where to invest and how to measure results more important than ever. We're building Dotwork around those decisionsânot another workflow or dashboard. Arcario brings the expertise to make that operating model real."

Rather than requiring lengthy transformation programs or bespoke platforms, the combined teams can start with a high-value business problem, establish a reusable operating model and expand as results are demonstrated. Lessons from deployments will also inform repeatable Dotwork platform capabilities.

"Connecting enterprise strategy to what teams actually do has always been the hard part," said Konstantin Popov, founder and CEO of Arcario Group. "With Dotwork, we can move beyond recommendations to connect decisions, investments and executionâand show customers the value they're creating."

Arcario's leadership previously built an enterprise operating-model practice acquired by Cprime, where it scaled to support major enterprise transformations. Arcario becomes the foundation of Dotwork's services and forward-deployed engineering organization. Existing client engagements continue with their current teams. Konstantin joins Dotwork as Head of Transformation Services.

Learn more at dotwork.com/post/welcome-arcario.

About Dotwork

Dotwork is an AI-native enterprise operating platform connecting strategy, capital, work and outcomes through a living, graph-based Enterprise Operating Model. Founded by Steve Elliott, former founder and CEO of AgileCraft (acquired by Atlassian), Dotwork is headquartered in Georgetown, Texas. Learn more at dotwork.com.

About Arcario Group

Arcario Group helps enterprises build the Connected Enterprise, aligning people, processes, data and technology to improve execution and business outcomes. Learn more at arcariogroup.com.

SOURCE Dotwork

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SANTA ANA, Calif., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Regional Center of Orange County (RCOC) has honored the following seven Orange County businesses as champions for employees with developmental disabilities.

Discovery Cube (Santa Ana)

Grocery Outlet (Anaheim and Long Beach)

Lamppost Pizza (Orange)

Oakley (Irvine)

Heroes Hall â OC Fairgrounds & Event Center (Costa Mesa)

Provider Contract Food Services (Fullerton)

Walgreens (Anaheim)

Decades ago, few people with developmental disabilities were able to get paying work. Many who had jobs were employed in what were sometimes called "sheltered workshops." These types of workplace settings (which are no longer eligible for Regional Center funding) included only adults with disabilities and were isolated from the broader community.

"Now we take for granted that people with disabilities can and should be able to work alongside coworkers without disabilities," said RCOC Executive Director Larry Landauer. "But individuals we serve continue to face challenges, so it's important for us to recognize role-model employers like our honorees who know the benefits of including people with developmental disabilities in their workforces."

Several years ago, the RCOC Board of Directors adopted an Employment First policy that makes competitive integrated employment the first option for the working-age adults RCOC serves. This aligns with the state policy that also favors inclusive employment. Toward that end, RCOC and its network of service providers partner with businesses of all sizes, community organizations and government agencies throughout Orange County to identify job opportunities and then match individuals' skills, talents, abilities and interests with the right job and the right employer.

The businesses honored at this event received certificates from the offices of Assemblymember Diane Dixon, Assemblymember Cottie Petrie-Norris and Assemblymember Avelino Valencia.

For more information on the advantages of hiring adults with disabilities, visit RCOC's Employment First and RCOC's Employment for People with Developmental Disabilities web pages.

About Regional Center of Orange County: Regional Center of Orange County is the private, nonprofit organization contracted by the State of California to coordinate lifelong services and supports for more than 29,000 Orange County residents with developmental disabilities and their families. The Regional Center is the first stop for those seeking to obtain local services and supports to help them live safely and with dignity in the community. Developmental disabilities include intellectual disabilities, autism, epilepsy and cerebral palsy. Learn more at www.rcocdd.com.

SOURCE Regional Center of Orange County

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In a first-of-its-kind effort, a report released today by Plastic Pollution Coalition, Plastic People, and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment demonstrates microplastics contamination in human blood in 96% of the individuals tested. Entitled Microplastics in Me: Finding Plastics in Human Blood, the analysis found detectable levels of microplastics in 27 of 28 people sampled, including eight different types of plastic polymers. This is the first group of publicly identified individuals to reveal microplastics in their bodies. Another unique aspect of the survey is that the same samples were analysed in two different ways in different laboratories.

The 28 individuals who voluntarily had their blood tested are notable people involved in music, art, entertainment, media, politics, and public policy living in Canada and the United States. The individuals are from a variety of age groups, backgrounds and cities across North America. Each person's blood was drawn during an eight-month window in 2025â2026.

"Microplastics in Me" is a project of the Small Change Fund. Project partners include Plastic Pollution Coalition (PPC), Plastic People, and the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE), with analyses conducted at the University of New Mexico and University of Hawaiʻi at Manoa.

Read & Download the Report Here

Key findings of the report include:

- While the total concentrations and types of plastics in the participants' blood samples varied, scientists found plastic in the blood of all but one of the project's participants. Blood samples were analyzed using two different methods at two university laboratories: pyrolysis-gas chromatography-mass spectrometry (Py-GC-MS) at the University of New Mexico and flow cytometry (FC) at the University of Hawaii. The Py-GC-MS technique quantifies relative concentrations of plastic polymers present in blood samples but does not allow for counting of individual plastic particles. Conversely, the FC counts particles and includes information about the size of those particles but does not convey information about the types of polymers.

- In total, eight common types of plastic were found across the samples, including:

- ABS â Acrylonitrile butadiene styrene: Commonly used in appliance parts, automotive components, electronics housings, and toys.

- N6 â Nylon 6: Commonly used in carpets, clothing fibers, fishing line, mechanical parts, and packaging films.

- N66 â Nylon 6,6: Commonly used in cable ties and heat-resistant automotive or mechanical parts, textiles, and tire reinforcement.

- PE â Polyethylene: Commonly used in bottles, containers, films, packaging, and plastic bags.

- PET â Polyethylene terephthalate: Commonly used in beverage bottles, food packaging, and polyester fibers used in clothing.

- PS â Polystyrene: Commonly used in disposable foodware, foam products, laboratory supplies, and rigid packaging.

- PVC â Polyvinyl chloride: Commonly used in cable coverings, flooring, food packaging, medical tubing, pipes, and toys.

- SBR â Styrene-butadiene rubber: Commonly used in footwear, industrial rubber products, sealants, and tires.

- A wide range from 1,890 to 197,000 micro and nano plastic particles were found per microliter of blood across participants.

- On average, over 90% of particles detected in participants' blood samples were less than 500 nanometers in diameter. These very small plastic particles are believed to more rapidly enter the body and the bloodstream and brain in particular.

While the impact of finding microplastics in blood is still under investigation, research is mounting regarding possible links between plastic contamination of our bodies and negative health outcomes like heart disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and reproductive issues including infertility. This underscores the urgent need for increased research and regulatory focus on plastics as a human health concern.

"Surprise! There are 'microplastics in me,' and there are probably microplastics in you, too. Given the extent to which plastic pollutes our environment, food, air, and water, these results are not unexpected, but are still shocking and unacceptable. We must urgently stop plastic pollution at its sourceâstarting with plastic productionâand support real plastic-free nontoxic solutions. More research is needed to help us better understand how microplastics and other forms of plastic pollution affect human health, and how to protect ourselves from further harm." â Dianna Cohen, Artist, Co-Founder and Chief Vision Officer, Plastic Pollution Coalition

"These significant new results add to the growing evidence that microplastics contamination is widespread in people. It doesn't matter where you live, who you are or what you do for a living: this new type of pollution knows no borders. The reality that plastic pollution isn't just an environmental problem, but a growing concern for human health, needs to drive an urgent new agenda of research and regulatory reform." â Rick Smith, Canadian Author, Environmentalist, Non-profit leader, and Executive producer of the award-winning documentary Plastic People: The Hidden Crisis of Microplastics

"While we assuredly need more research on this topic for human and ecological health, we need action at the federal level to start crafting regulations geared towards limiting exposures. It takes decades for plastics to degrade into the environmental nanoplastics that we see clearly now in the human bodyâour grandchildren would appreciate it if we acted today." â Matthew Campen, PhD, University of New Mexico

"This important new analysis showing widespread microplastics contamination of human bodies underlines the urgent need for more focus on plastic pollution as a threat to human health. The scientific evidence linking microplastics and human ailments as diverse as cardiovascular problems and fertility issues is mounting. Accelerated research and regulatory attention is required." â Dr. Samantha Green, President of the Canadian Association of Physicians for the Environment (CAPE)

"For Métis, harvesting and sharing traditional foods and medicines is an important part of our culture and connection to the land. Learning that plastic pollution can be found in our waters, our food, and even our bodies is deeply concerning. I participated in this project to help raise awareness of the far-reaching impacts of plastic pollution, which affects all people and environments around the world. We need meaningful action to address this growing challenge while ensuring the rights and perspectives of Indigenous Peoples are respected." â Victoria Pruden, President of the Métis National Council (MNC)

"As a cancer survivor, I know all too well how our toxic environment causes 'Dis-ease' and that's why I created Cancer Schmancer. The negative impact of plastic on our lives is profound. We live in a Plasticine Age and this addiction to plastic is threatening the health of all life. Don't kid yourself or turn a blind eye to the facts: the air, the earth, and the sea have been seriously affected. This negative invention, plastic, is in our bodies, too. It's in our blood. The type of plastic found in my blood was Nylon 6âcommonly used in clothing and carpets. OMG! But we are not helpless; together we can do something about this, like cut back on plastic use and demand more alternative packaging. We have the power to change when it comes to plastic. If I have microplastics in my blood, you can bet you do too. I hope this new awareness will help you realize how pervasive and dangerous the plastic take over has become. We are the change makers." â Fran Drescher, Former President of SAG/AFTRA, Actor, and Founder and Visionary of Cancer Schmancer

For press inquires in Canada please contact: [email protected]

For press inquiries in the U.S. please contact: [email protected] 

SOURCE Plastic Pollution Coalition

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What Does Beta Bionics, Inc.'s 37% Stock Drop Mean for Investors? The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith Outlines Securities Fraud Class Action Lead Plaintiff Deadline

Suit alleges Beta Bionics, Inc. failed to disclose key facts to investors from July 30, 2025 through February 24, 2026; lead plaintiff deadline is November 3, 2026

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith today reported that a securities class action lawsuit is pending against Beta Bionics, Inc. ("Beta Bionics" or the "Company") (NASDAQ: BBNX) on behalf of investors who acquired its securities from July 30, 2025 through February 24, 2026. The Beta Bionics, Inc. case, Holtzman v. Beta Bionics, Inc., et al., was filed on September 4, 2026 in the U.S. District Court for the Central District of California (Case No. 8:26-cv-02612).

Investors with losses on Beta Bionics, Inc. securities can contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith about the Beta Bionics, Inc. lawsuit before the November 3, 2026 lead plaintiff deadline.

Key deadlines and dates for Beta Bionics, Inc. investors

- Lead plaintiff deadline: November 3, 2026

- Class period: July 30, 2025 through February 24, 2026

- Complaint filed: September 4, 2026

What happened?

On January 8, 2026, Beta Bionics released preliminary fourth quarter 2025 financial results, revealing that new patient starts would be "up at least 36%" â lower than analysts had estimated for the quarter.

On this news, Beta Bionics' stock price fell $11.85, or 37%, to close at $20.15 per share on January 9, 2026, thereby injuring investors.

What is the Beta Bionics, Inc. lawsuit about?

The Beta Bionics, Inc. securities lawsuit alleges that, between July 30, 2025 and February 24, 2026, defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements and failed to disclose material adverse facts about Beta Bionics, Inc.'s business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, the complaint alleges defendants failed to disclose that: (1) Defendants omitted mention of the FDA Form 483 and iLet's underlying safety issues, including that the Form 483 identified over 18,000 complaints including numerous life-threatening hypoglycemic events that the Company had "failed to investigate," or even report to the FDA, with no justification; (2) the Company's statements assuring investors that its remediation efforts were advanced and the FDA's issues were "very benign," failed to accurately describe the scope and severity of the FDA's observations which made remediation much more complex and extensive than Defendants indicated to investors; (3) that the Company "could have opened a CAPA and did not" was misleading where the FDA had in fact concluded that Beta Bionics had, without justification, failed to investigate clearly serious, life-threatening customer reports; and (4) as a result, defendants' positive statements about Beta Bionics, Inc.'s business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

"The lawsuit against Beta Bionics, Inc. alleges that, among other things, the Company failed to tell investors that Defendants omitted mention of the FDA Form 483 and iLet's underlying safety issues, including that the Form 483 identified over 18,000 complaints including numerous life-threatening hypoglycemic events that the Company had "failed to investigate," or even report to the FDA, with no justification. Beta Bionics, Inc. investors who bought during the class period may be able to pursue their losses, and the November 3, 2026 deadline is where that process begins," said Howard G. Smith of The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith.

Next steps for Beta Bionics, Inc. investors

Beta Bionics, Inc. investors who suffered losses may contact The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to learn about pursuing their claims.

Lead plaintiff motions in the Beta Bionics, Inc. class action are due to the Court by November 3, 2026. For more information, visit the firm's website, email [email protected], or call (215) 638-4847.

If you purchased Beta Bionics, Inc. securities during the class period, you may retain counsel of your choice, or you may take no action and remain an absent class member. No class has been certified in the Beta Bionics, Inc. case so far.

Common questions from Beta Bionics, Inc. investors

Who is eligible? Investors who acquired Beta Bionics, Inc. securities from July 30, 2025 through February 24, 2026 and suffered losses may qualify for the class in the Beta Bionics, Inc. shareholder lawsuit.

What is the deadline? Lead plaintiff motions in the Beta Bionics, Inc. case are due by November 3, 2026.

Can I recover without being lead plaintiff? Yes, Beta Bionics, Inc. investors may take no action and remain absent class members.

Does it cost anything? The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith works on contingency, meaning Beta Bionics, Inc. investors owe no attorneys' fees out of pocket. Any attorneys' fees and litigation expenses are paid solely from a recovery, if achieved, and require court approval.

About The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith has helped injured investors recover their money for more than 15 years. The firm prosecutes securities fraud, takeover, and derivative litigation against public companies and their officers, directors, and advisors in federal and state courts nationwide, and has helped clients recover hundreds of millions of dollars in losses. Clients speak directly with a lawyer, who will promptly answer any question.

Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome.

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Howard G. Smith

The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112

Bensalem, PA 19020

Email: [email protected] 

Telephone: (215) 638-4847

www.howardsmithlaw.com

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

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City of Le Mars, IA Expands Transload Center

LE MARS, Iowa, Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This Thursday, October 29, 10:00 AM at the City of Le Mars Industrial Park, representatives from the City of Le Mars, along with Iowa transportation officials, local economic partners, railroad, and trucking industries, will celebrate+ the expansion of the Le Mars Transload Center (LMTC) owned and operated by the Burlington Junction Railway (BJRY). The celebration will be held at the LMTC located at 1618 27th St. SW, Le Mars, Iowa.

Located within the City of Le Mars Industrial Park, adjacent to the Canadian National Railway and U.S. Highway 75, the expanded LMTC provides a location where new and expanding industries of all sizes can access direct rail services, whether or not they have rail at their company location, bringing new jobs and incremental tac revenue to the city of Le Mars. The expansion was funded in part by a 0% interest loan from the Iowa Department of Transportation Railroad Revolving Loan and Grant Program (RRLG).

Opened in 2015 as a joint effort between the City of Le Mars, BJRY and the Canadian National Railway, the transload facility and surrounding industrial park manage nearly 2,000 railcars per year. Increased demand for rail-to-truck transloading and third-party logistics services in the Le Mars area are requiring expansion of LMTC.

Area representatives agree that this expansion will be an asset to the LeMars community:

"Today's expansion of the Le Mars Transload Center is a testament to our city's commitment to economic growth and regional connectivity," explains Le Mars Mayor Rob Bixenman "We are proud to be a hub where industries of all sizes can thrive. This project reflects our continued investment in the future of Le Mars as a critical logistics and transportation center in the Midwest."

"Investing in Iowa infrastructure can unlock opportunities for both local businesses and global supply chains," says Iowa Department of Transportation Director Scott Marler. "We are excited to see this project in Le Mars come to life, and we remain focused on making lives better through transportation by enabling businesses to move goods efficiently and reliably throughout Iowa. The Iowa Department of Transportation is proud to partner with the community and the railway on this effort."

"CN is proud to partner with Burlington Junction Railway and the City of Le Mars to support economic growth in Iowa. By connecting local businesses to CN's extensive North American rail network, this expansion will create new opportunities for industries of all sizes, strengthen supply chains, and help Iowa businesses reach new markets. Together, we are investing in infrastructure that supports long-term growth and economic development across the region," says Sandra Ellis, Vice-President, Bulk & Business Development, CN.

"We continue to be excited about future growth in Le Mars, IA and how we can provide opportunities for the community and its companies," explains Peter Hoth, President and CEO, BJRY. "Our customers and Class I railroad partners are essential to that growth. We are dedicated to continuing providing our 'white glove' rail switching services to our customers and transload partners in Le Mars."

About the City of Le Mars

Le Mars, Iowa is known as "The Ice Cream Capital of the World." Officially designated as such in 1994, Le Mars has been the home to Wells Enterprises Inc., makers of Blue Bunny® brand ice cream and dairy products since the company's founding by Fred H. Wells, Jr., in 1913. Today more ice cream is produced in Le Mars, Iowa, by a single company than in any other city in the world.

Located in the northwest corner of Iowa, Le Mars is a progressive and aggressive city committed to an improved quality of life and a prosperous climate for economic development. With a population of 10,571 as of the 2020 census, Le Mars harbors a spirit of excellence and harmony that is prominent in the growth of businesses and industries that market products and services throughout the nation and abroad.

About IDOT

For more than a century, the Iowa Department of Transportation and predecessor agencies have promoted the growth and betterment of Iowa's transportation system. Headquartered in Ames, the agency continues to serve the transportation needs of Iowa and its citizens. The RRLG provides financial assistance to improve rail facilities that will create jobs, spur economic activity, and improve the rail transportation system in Iowa

About CN

CN powers the economy by safely transporting more than 300 million tons of natural resources, manufactured products, and finished goods throughout North America every year for its customers. With its nearly 20,000-mile rail network and related transportation services, CN connects Canada's Eastern and Western coasts with the U.S. Midwest and the U.S. Gulf Coast, contributing to sustainable trade and the prosperity of the communities in which it operates since 1919.

About BJRY

Based in Burlington, IA, the Burlington Junction Railway has been in operation since 1985 providing flexible and reliable shipping and receiving services by rail. It manages a wide variety of commodities such as wallboard, lumber, bulk liquids, dry bulk, machinery, steel rebar, specialty oversize shipments, and more. Its specialty services include switching, transloading, and locomotive servicing.

SOURCE City of Le Mars

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Gilded Dragonfly Gallery Opens as Brunswick's Newest Arts Destination

BRUNSWICK, Md., Oct. 27, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brunswick's emerging arts district continues to grow with the addition of Gilded Dragonfly Gallery. Founded by metalsmith and jewelry designer Jayme Marshall, the gallery showcases her handcrafted art jewelry alongside a curated collection of fine craft created by talented local artists. With its emphasis on exceptional craftsmanship, distinctive design, and the enduring value of handmade work, Gilded Dragonfly Gallery offers visitors a warm, welcoming space to discover one of a kind art. It also provides an opportunity to support independent makers and small creative businesses.

Marshall's journey into metalsmithing began as a personal creative passion and evolved over decades. After completing the Jewelry Certificate Program at the Maryland Institute College of Art in 2001 and honing her skills through workshops and continued study, she began selling her work while maintaining a thirty-two-year federal career in behavioral health program development. Upon retirement, she seized the opportunity to devote herself fully to her artistry and small business.

"Opening Gilded Dragonfly Gallery is the natural evolution of my creative path," said Jayme. "What I love most is the connection between artist and customer, between an idea and the finished piece."

Her die struck jewelry, made using antique impression dies that are more than a century old, is a highlight of the gallery's offerings. These pieces beautifully blend history, traditional metalsmithing, and contemporary design, bringing old-world motifs into the modern handmade landscape.

Choosing Brunswick was an easy decision for Marshall, who has lived in nearby Burkittsville for three decades and now keeps her metalsmithing studio in town. "Brunswick is in such an exciting moment of growth," she said. "I wanted to be part of the momentum and contribute to its creative energy."

Gilded Dragonfly Gallery looks forward to becoming a cornerstone of Brunswick's emerging arts scene, inviting visitors to experience craftsmanship up close, meet local artists, and discover meaningful handmade pieces that tell a story.

For more information and updates:

Website: https://gildeddragonflygallery.com/

Email: [email protected]

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gildeddragonflygallery/

ABOUT BRUNSWICK MAIN STREET

Brunswick Main Street is part of Main Street America, a program of the National Trust for Historic Preservation that supports communities in their efforts to revitalize struggling downtowns while retaining their unique, historic characters. Dedicated to the economic success of its downtown, Brunswick Main Street, created in 2004, works to revitalize the charm and history and show residents and visitors why Downtown Brunswick is a great place to live, work, shop and play. To learn more about Brunswick Main Street and how you can get involved, please visit https://brunswickmainstreet.org/.

ABOUT THE CITY OF BRUNSWICK

The City of Brunswick is located in south-western Frederick County along the Potomac River, the C & O National Historic Park, and the MARC train line. Proud of its historic contribution as a railroad and canal hub to Frederick County's growth and development, Brunswick continues to attract commercial and residential growth with its easy proximity to urban centers, beautiful natural resources, award-winning schools, and small-town charm. Visit the City's official website at https://brunswickmd.gov/.

SOURCE Brunswick Main Street

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