Bar None Auction retirement sale features late-model CAT excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes, skid steer, trucks, trailers and support equipment

FRESNO, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After more than three decades serving California's Central Valley, Bill Nelson General Engineering Construction, Inc. is closing as owner Bill Nelson retires. The company's fleet - including late-model Caterpillar excavators, wheel loaders, backhoes and other construction equipment - to be sold by Bar None Auction on Friday, Oct. 30.

The online retirement auction will begin closing at 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time and features equipment exclusively from the longtime Fresno general engineering contractor's fleet.

Among the featured equipment are a 2023 Caterpillar 325 hydraulic excavator, 2023 Caterpillar 930M wheel loader, 2025 Caterpillar 420 loader backhoe and 2022 Caterpillar 279D3 skid steer loader, along with additional CAT excavators, wheel loaders and backhoes.

The auction also includes Freightliner trucks, water trucks, trailers, towable air compressors, Asphalt Zipper machines, compaction equipment and an extensive selection of buckets, compaction wheels, attachments and other contractor support equipment.

View the complete Bill Nelson General Engineering retirement auction catalog, equipment photos and bidding information at BarNoneAuction.com/Bill-Nelson.

A Central Valley Contractor's Next Chapter

Bill Nelson General Engineering has been part of the Central Valley construction industry for more than three decades, specializing in general engineering and infrastructure work including underground utilities, water and sewer systems, excavation, drainage and related public works projects.

During that time, the Fresno-based company has worked on infrastructure projects for municipalities and public agencies throughout the region.

With Nelson's retirement, the Oct. 30 auction marks both the conclusion of a long career in Central Valley construction and an opportunity for other contractors to put the company's equipment back to work.

Jeff Huber, Marketing Director of Bar None Auction remarked: "Retirement auctions like this are special because buyers have an opportunity to acquire equipment directly from an established working contractor who relied on that equipment to run their business. Mr. Nelson built a respected company over many years, and we're honored that he has entrusted Bar None Auction with conducting his retirement sale and finding the next owners for this equipment."

Late-Model Caterpillar Equipment Highlights the Sale

Highlights include:

- 2025 Caterpillar 420 loader backhoe

- 2023 Caterpillar 325 hydraulic excavator

- 2023 Caterpillar 930M wheel loader

- 2022 Caterpillar 279D3 skid steer loader

- Additional Caterpillar 325-series excavators

- Additional Caterpillar 930M wheel loaders

- Multiple Caterpillar 420-series loader backhoes

- Trucks, water trucks and trailers

- Air compressors, compaction equipment and Asphalt Zipper machines

- Caterpillar buckets, compaction wheels and other attachments and support equipment

The retirement sale is expected to draw interest from general engineering contractors, underground and utility contractors, grading and excavation companies, municipalities, agricultural operations and other heavy-equipment users throughout California and the western United States.

Equipment Preview and Inspection

Prospective bidders are encouraged to inspect the equipment prior to bidding. Preview will be held at the Bill Nelson General Engineering facility at 2741 E. Malaga Ave., Fresno, CA 93725:

Wednesday, Oct. 28 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

Thursday, Oct. 29 — 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The auction will be conducted online, allowing bidders throughout California and beyond to participate.

Auction Details

Bill Nelson General Engineering Retirement Auction

Date: Friday, Oct. 30, 2026

First Lots Close: 8:30 a.m. Pacific Time

Equipment Location: 2741 E. Malaga Ave., Fresno, CA 93725

Preview: Oct. 28–29, 8 a.m.–5 p.m.

Bidding: Online

Auction Company: Bar None Auction

View the complete auction catalog, equipment photos, auction terms and online bidding information at BarNoneAuction.com/Bill-Nelson.

About Bill Nelson General Engineering Construction, Inc.

Bill Nelson General Engineering Construction, Inc. is a Fresno-based general engineering contractor with more than three decades of experience serving California's Central Valley. The company has performed underground utility, water and sewer, excavation, drainage and related infrastructure work throughout the region.

About Bar None Auction

Founded in 1993, Bar None Auction conducts monthly public auctions specializing in heavy equipment, commercial and utility trucks, automobiles, and industrial support assets. Auctions are held nearly every week throughout the Western United States, with permanent facilities in Sacramento, CA; Fresno, CA; Fontana, CA; and Woodburn, OR. The company's leadership team brings more than a century of combined senior-level corporate experience extending beyond auction services, providing operational depth and industry expertise. Bar None Auction is a California corporation headquartered in Sacramento, California.

Media Contact:

Bar None Auction

Jeff Huber

Marketing Director

916-836-3477

[email protected] 

SOURCE Bar None Auction

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TORONTO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) ("Rock Tech" or the "Company") is pleased to announce the appointment of Andreas Rickert, founder of Phineo and a highly respected entrepreneur and business leader with an established network across German business, investment and philanthropic communities, as an external Strategic Advisor. The appointment strengthens Rock Tech's strategic network as it advances its business objectives and explores opportunities for long-term partnerships and investment.

Andreas Rickert's professional career includes, among others, positions at McKinsey and The World Bank. With extensive experience across business and investment environments, he brings a valuable combination of entrepreneurial perspective, trusted relationships and a strong commitment to supporting businesses and ideas that create meaningful, positive impact. In his advisory capacity, he will contribute to the company's strategic positioning, support engagement with relevant business stakeholders and help foster relationships with potential strategic partners.

The appointment reflects Rock Tech's ambition to build a business that combines commercial opportunity with a meaningful contribution to a more sustainable future. By strengthening its strategic network, the company aims to advance its long-term objectives and engage with partners who share its vision and values.

"Strong businesses are built not only on sound commercial fundamentals, but also on a clear sense of purpose and the impact they can create," said Mirco Wojnarowicz, CEO of Rock Tech. "We share with Andreas Rickert the conviction that business can be a powerful driver of positive change. His entrepreneurial experience, and broad reach across Germany's business and investment communities, and his commitment to supporting businesses with meaningful impact make him a strong strategic partner for us."

Andreas Rickert commented: "I believe the most compelling business opportunities are those that combine entrepreneurial ambition with the potential to make a meaningful difference. Rock Tech's vision and its contribution to a more sustainable future make it a compelling business to support. I look forward to contributing my experience and perspective as the company continues to pursue its ambitions."

Andreas Rickert will work with Rock Tech on an advisory basis, providing strategic counsel and supporting its engagement with potential investors and strategic partners in line with its business priorities.

On behalf of the Company,

Mirco Wojnarowicz

CEO

About Rock Tech Lithium

Rock Tech is enabling the battery age by making the battery industries in Europe and North America more independent and competitive. The Company's goal is to ensure the supply of high-quality, locally produced lithium – supporting a resilient, sustainable, and transparent value chain from mine to battery-grade material.

Rock Tech relies on responsible sourcing, state-of-the-art and proven technologies, and a clear focus on circular economy principles. The Company's lithium converter projects in Guben, Germany (24,000 tonnes LHM per year) and Ontario, Canada (approximately 30,000 tonnes per annum of lithium salts) form the foundation for a stable and regional supply to the battery and automotive industries. The Guben converter has been recognized as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

The raw materials for Rock Tech's converter projects are intended to be sourced exclusively from verifiably ESG-compliant suppliers. In Canada, Rock Tech relies, among other sources, on its wholly-owned Georgia Lake Project, which is intended to provide a stable and sustainable supply for the North American market and is being developed in close partnership with local Indigenous communities. By integrating recycled materials, the Company aims to close the local battery loop.

With its facilities, Rock Tech intends to contribute to battery-grade material sovereignty and the achievement of climate targets. The company works in partnership with industry, policymakers, and community groups, and is committed to open communication and the highest environmental standards. With its facilities, Rock Tech makes a central contribution to battery-grade material sovereignty and the achievement of climate targets. The company works in partnership with industry, policymakers, and community groups, and is committed to open communication and the highest environmental standards.

CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development, exploration opportunities, projects as well as the impact of Mr. Rickert's network on the Company's partnerships and investments and the Company's plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on several key assumptions and material factors. The forward-looking information also assumes favorable market conditions for lithium. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; changes in project plans; the risk that regulatory approvals may not be obtained on the anticipated timeline or at all; and risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

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FLORHAM PARK, N.J., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reworld®, a leader in sustainable waste solutions, proudly announces the appointment of Robert "Mickey" McKee to its Board of Directors, effective October 1, 2026. As the founder, President and Chief Executive Officer of Kodiak Gas Services, Inc. (NYSE: KGS), McKee brings more than two decades of experience building and scaling an energy infrastructure business, with deep expertise in operating large, mission-critical equipment fleets and creating long-term value in asset-intensive industries.

"Mickey built Kodiak from the ground up, and he knows firsthand what it takes to run essential infrastructure safely, reliably and profitably," said Azeez Mohammed, President and CEO of Reworld. "Having known Mickey for the past five years, I've seen firsthand how his growth-oriented mindset and ability to think outside the box translate into results. That combination of operational expertise, entrepreneurial vision and a focus on growth will make him a tremendous asset to our Board as we expand our capabilities and position Reworld for its next phase of growth."

McKee founded the Kodiak group of companies in 2010 and has served as President since its formation and as Chief Executive Officer since 2019. Under his direction, Kodiak has grown into one of the leading operators of contract compression infrastructure in the United States. He guided the company through its initial public offering in 2023 and its recent expansion into distributed power generation. Prior to founding Kodiak, McKee spent nearly a decade at CDM Resource Management, LLC, a provider of contract natural gas compression services, where he rose to Senior Vice President of Sales and Engineering, overseeing engineering and fleet management, vendor and OEM relationships, and sales and marketing for some of the company's highest-growth regions.

"Mickey brings a valuable combination of industry knowledge, business leadership and strategic insight to our Board," said Howard Lance, Chairman of the Reworld Board of Directors. "His perspective will help inform our strategic direction as Reworld continues to evolve and pursue new opportunities."

"Reworld plays an essential role in helping communities and businesses solve complex waste challenges, and I'm pleased to join the Board," said McKee. "I look forward to drawing on my experience in energy infrastructure and operations to help Reworld build on its momentum."

In addition to his executive leadership, McKee has served on the Kodiak Board of Directors since 2023. He holds a bachelor's degree in mechanical engineering from Tulane University.

About Reworld®

Reworld® is a leader in sustainable waste solutions, providing innovative and environmentally responsible services to a global community. Reworld is committed to advancing zero waste initiatives and supporting sustainability goals through state-of-the-art technologies that reimagine, reduce, reuse, recycle, recover and renew. For more information, visit www.reworldwaste.com.

Media Contacts

Coyne PR

[email protected] 

Jason Hahn

[email protected] 

SOURCE Reworld Holding Corporation

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RC Mowers unveils all-new RECONX autonomous mower, new brand identity, and all-season slope mower accessories at Equip Expo

GREEN BAY, Wis., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RC Mowers, a leading manufacturer of remote-controlled and autonomous robotic mowers, today made three announcements at Equip Expo: the debut of its all-new RECONX™ autonomous mower, a new brand identity with new names for its product lines, and a lineup of accessories that turns its slope mower into an all-season grounds maintenance machine.

The company is showcasing all three at Booth No. 7056 at the Kentucky Exposition Center in Louisville through Oct. 23.

"Our customers need equipment that helps them accomplish more with the crews they already have," said RC Mowers CEO Michael Brandt. "RECONX brings together everything we've learned over four years of developing, deploying, and supporting autonomous mowers in real commercial operations. The result is an entirely new platform, built to make commercial autonomous mowing more capable, more reliable, and easier to use."

RECONX: Next-generation autonomous mowing

RECONX is built from the ground up for demanding commercial environments, not adapted from a traditional zero-turn mower. Its all-new stand-on platform lets one operator manage up to three machines, increasing mowing capacity while freeing crews for trimming and detail work.

- Productivity: Each machine typically covers 4 to 5 acres per hour.

- Simple controls: A 10.1-inch touchscreen and dedicated mobile app handle mapping, machine controls, productivity data, and diagnostics, with fewer steps to create a mow plan and start mowing.

- Cutting flexibility: 60-inch and 72-inch decks with integrated CutShift™ technology cover cutting heights from 1.5 to 7 inches, no extra attachments required.

- Commercial build: A 40-horsepower Vanguard Big Block EFI engine, a 14-gallon fuel tank for all-day runtime, and a fabricated 7-gauge steel deck.

Designed for commercial properties, airports, municipalities, parks, solar fields, and other large properties, RECONX goes into production in spring 2027, starting at $39,986. RC Mowers will continue to offer and support its current sit-on autonomous mower through 2027.

"We're not building RECONX to participate in the autonomous mowing market," Brandt said. "We're building it to lead it."

A new look and new names

RC Mowers also introduced a refreshed brand identity and new names for its product lines. Its remote-controlled slope mower, formerly the R Series, is now REAPER™, the same proven machine owners already know. Its autonomous line, formerly the A Series, is now RECONX.

REAPER: An all-season machine

REAPER already mows 50-degree slopes in any direction while its operator stays up to 1,000 feet away. New accessories let it spray, plow, salt, cultivate, and haul, including:

- Broadcast sprayer: A 35-gallon tank with up to 10 feet of boom coverage and a 100-foot hose reel.

- Snowplow and salt spreader: A four-way articulating plow and a 300-pound-capacity spreader that work at the same time.

- Three-point hitch and soil cultivator: A Category 1 hitch and eight-tine cultivator for ground preparation.

- More accessories: Tool racks, chainsaw and can carrier mounts, a secondary fire extinguisher mount, a 4,500-pound winch kit, and LED lighting.

"Contractors shouldn't have to park an expensive piece of equipment when mowing season ends," Brandt said. "Other slope mowers hibernate in October. REAPER doesn't."

For more information about RC Mowers and its products, visit rcmowersusa.com.

About RC Mowers

RC Mowers designs and manufactures U.S.-made remote-controlled and autonomous robotic mowers, including REAPER™ slope mowers and RECONX™ autonomous mowers, that help businesses reduce labor demands, improve operator safety, and maintain large and hard-to-access green spaces more efficiently. Serving landscaping contractors, public works departments, municipal, state, and federal parks systems, and road departments, the company supports customers through a nationwide network of authorized dealers and service partners. Founded in 2018 and based near Green Bay, Wisconsin, RC Mowers is redefining the business of mowing. For more information, visit rcmowersusa.com.

SOURCE RC Mowers

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DURHAM, N.C., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Society of Automation (ISA) — the leading professional society for automation — announced that NineTenths Company has officially joined ISASecure®, the globally recognized certification program that validates conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards for industrial automation and control systems (IACS) cybersecurity.

NineTenths is a Saudi Arabia-based technology company specializing in advanced industrial solutions, including unmanned aerial systems (drones), robotics, infrastructure inspection, surveying, and operational technology (OT) cybersecurity. Serving industries including oil and gas, petrochemicals, energy, water and wastewater, manufacturing, and other critical infrastructure sectors, the company combines emerging technologies with engineering expertise to improve operational efficiency, security, and resilience. NineTenths uses ISA/IEC 62443 as a framework supporting its OT cybersecurity services, with capabilities aligned to cybersecurity management systems, risk-based assessments, zones and conduits, industrial system security requirements, and secure product development practices.

This new partnership with ISASecure will provide NineTenths with the opportunity to further strengthen its commitment to advancing operational technology (OT) cybersecurity across Saudi Arabia and the broader Gulf region. Building on its existing alignment with the internationally recognized ISA/IEC 62443 standards, ISASecure membership offers NineTenths opportunities to engage with global cybersecurity experts, industrial automation suppliers, and certification bodies while expanding its capabilities and enhancing operational resilience and cybersecurity readiness for clients.

"Serving government, public safety, construction, infrastructure, and energy sectors, our commitment to quality and safety is backed by internationally recognized certifications and manufacturer accreditations," said Naif AlZahrani, NineTenths vice president of operation. "Our continued focus on OT cybersecurity from mission to maintenance ensures protection for the full OT security lifecycle. We look forward to being part of ISASecure as we continue to support organizations across Saudi Arabia and the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in adopting cutting-edge technologies aligned with Saudi Vision 2030."

"It is an honor to welcome NineTenths into the ISASecure program," said Mark DeAngelo, ISASecure program manager. "We look forward to collaborating with NineTenths as we advance our mission of partnership, certification, and standards-based product development to help achieve a more secure world."

About ISASecure®

Founded in 2007 by the International Society of Automation (ISA), ISASecure® is a globally recognized certification program that provides assurance for the cybersecurity of industrial automation control systems (IACS). Through rigorous conformance to the ISA/IEC 62443 series of standards, ISASecure certifications validate that products and supplier practices meet internationally recognized benchmarks for OT security. ISASecure is a wholly owned subsidiary of ISA.

ISASecure's global ecosystem includes leaders such as Chevron, ExxonMobil, GSK, Saudi Aramco, Honeywell, Johnson Controls, Schneider Electric, Trane Technologies, and Yokogawa, among others.

For more information, visit isasecure.org.

About NineTenths

Founded in 2019, NineTenths is a Saudi Arabia-based technology company that helps organizations improve operational efficiency, reduce costs, and make accurate data-driven decisions across industrial sectors. NineTenths is powered by a team of skilled Saudi engineers, programmers, and research and development specialists. Their expertise enables the company to design, customize, and deploy advanced unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) solutions aligned with real-world operational requirements. NineTenths supports organizations in adopting cutting-edge technologies aligned with Saudi Vision 2030.

About ISA

The International Society of Automation (ISA) is a nonprofit professional association founded in 1945 to create a better world through automation. ISA's mission is to empower the global automation community through standards and knowledge sharing. ISA develops widely used global standards and conformity assessment programs, certifies professionals, provides education and training, publishes books and technical articles, hosts conferences and exhibits, and provides networking and career development programs for its members and customers around the world. Learn more at www.isa.org.

SOURCE The International Society of Automation

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SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Crest Data, an AI-first product engineering provider specializing in Observability and Cybersecurity for enterprises and technology innovators, today announced 15 new commercial plugins for Grafana, more than doubling its portfolio in the Grafana Marketplace to 25. The release coincides with Grafana Labs moving the Marketplace to general availability at ObservabilityCON 2026. The new plugins span cloud security, virtualization and data protection platforms, so IT, platform and security teams can monitor those systems in Grafana alongside the telemetry they already have, instead of switching between separate vendor consoles.

The Grafana Marketplace gives enterprises a trusted, commercial channel to discover, license and install production-grade plugins directly from the Grafana catalog.

As a founding Marketplace partner, Crest Data arrives at general availability with a broad portfolio of 25 native, agentless data source plugins that query their source systems through their APIs, with no exporters, no extra collection layer and no data ingestion costs. Built in partnership with Grafana Labs, every plugin ships with pre-built dashboards, so teams can unify security, network, virtualization, SaaS and storage monitoring in a single view.

"Crest Data has been developing integrations used by Fortune 100 customers for years, giving us a deep understanding of what enterprises need to meet their operational, security and compliance requirements," said Malhar Shah, co-founder and CEO at Crest Data. "Our plugins bring this experience to the community by unifying IT, platform and security monitoring in Grafana with coverage across the security, network, virtualization, SaaS and storage domains."

"Crest Data brings extensive experience across observability, security and compliance integrations, and we're delighted to have them as part of the Grafana Marketplace," said Ash Mazhari, VP of Corporate Development, Grafana Labs. "Crest Data is a leading contributor to the ecosystem, and we're already seeing strong traction for their plugins from organizations around the world. We look forward to seeing how Crest Data continues to expand what enterprises can achieve with Grafana."

Crest Data's full Grafana plugin portfolio includes:

- Security: FortiGate, Proofpoint Email Security, Zscaler ZIA, Zscaler ZPA, Cisco ASA, Cisco ISE, Tanium, Wiz, Qualys, Prisma Cloud, Tenable

- Network: Cisco Meraki, Akamai, Zscaler ZDX, Infoblox Universal DDI

- Virtualization: VMware vSphere, Citrix Cloud, Citrix DaaS

- SaaS: Tableau, Zoom, SharePoint, Conviva

- Storage and Data Protection: NetApp ONTAP, Dell PowerScale, Rubrik

To learn more about Crest Data's Grafana services, including Marketplace plugins, migrations, implementations, customizations and managed services, visit https://www.crestdata.ai/solutions/grafana/

About ObservabilityCON 2026

ObservabilityCON is Grafana Labs' flagship observability event, bringing together practitioners, experts and leaders to explore the latest innovations in observability and the fast-moving AI era. ObservabilityCON 2026 takes place at Pier 27 in San Francisco from Oct. 19–21, featuring three days of technical sessions, hands-on workshops, live demos, user success stories and opportunities to connect with the Grafana observability community.

About Crest Data

Crest Data is an AI-first product engineering provider specializing in Observability and Cybersecurity for enterprises and technology innovators. We design, build and operate intelligent platforms across security, observability, AI, cloud and data. Through deep engineering expertise and AI-led integrations and migrations, Crest Data helps organizations improve visibility, modernize technology platforms and build resilient, future-ready operations. Learn more at https://www.crestdata.ai/

SOURCE Crest Data

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Dean Tucci Appeals $43 Million CFPB Judgment: "A Dramatic Example of CFPB Over-Reaching"

PALATINE, Ill., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Businessman Dean Tucci is challenging a $43.24 million federal judgment in the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit, calling the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's (CFPB) case an extraordinary example of government overreach.

The judgment includes $2.1 million in consumer restitution and a staggering $41.1 million civil penalty.

"This is beyond ridiculous," said Tucci. "The CFPB sued a tax prep and accounting firm that was no longer in business that when operating employed tax attorneys, tax accountants, and IRS Enrolled Agents. When there was no one to legally defend the firm in court, they obtained a default judgment against the company – without ever having to prove any of their allegations and then pursued me personally for more than 5 years for a self-calculated ridiculous fine of $43 million on a business that did $2 million in sales over 3 years."

FDATR, was an acronym for Federal Debt and Tax Relief and provided tax prep and resolution services and also did a small portion of the business helping students prepare docs to get their student loans out of default.

"The company worked hand in hand with the Department of Education," Tucci said, "and provided students with help getting out of default and also assisted with wage garnishments and getting tax refunds released."

Tucci sold the company in 2017 to Kenneth Halverson. FDATR closed in May of 2019 and then dissolved in September 2020, before the CFPB filed suit.

"When I owned the company, the student loan doc prep portion of FDATR was never a money maker – the fees ranged from $99 to $600, Tucci stated, "but I decided to keep providing these services because it was helping students get their life back in order – plus it returned money to the Federal Government when they started to make payments again."

In November of 2020, the CFPB sued the closed FDATR, Inc.; Ken Halverson and Dean Tucci personally for alleged violations of the FTC Telemarketing Sales Rule banning advance fees put in place in 2010 for credit card debt settlement firms. However, the Rule specifically stated that Tax Prep firms were exempt – which FDATR was. The suit also alleged that FDATR was providing credit repair services because of one line on its website that stated you could improve your credit score if your student loan was moved out of default.

On November 20, 2020, the CFPB served the last owner of FDATR, Ken Halverson, at his home. 62 minutes after he was served he tragically died by suicide. In addition, when the CFPB served him, he was no longer an officer of the company as it was dissolved 2 months prior and Illinois law clearly states that you have to serve an officer or a registered agent of a dissolved company of which Halverson was neither.

"The CFPB then dropped the case against the now deceased Halverson and continued the lawsuit against the defunct company, but it had no one defending it, and I was told by the courts I couldn't represent the company because I no longer owned it. The CFPB also made claim that I ignored the matter, however, I was not legally able to do anything on the matter," Tucci stated.

The CFPB then obtained a default judgement against FDATR, again without ever proving any of its allegations of violating the TSR Advance Fee law and then spent the next 5 years looking to move the default judgement over to Tucci personally.

Tucci also challenges in his appeal the CFPB's reliance on customer database records to support its extraordinary monetary fine calculations.

Tucci stated, "Half of the $41 million fine was calculated for allegedly taking advance fees and the other half was for allegedly acting as a credit repair agency, however, each client signed a limited power of attorney for us to begin work and the first paragraph of that agreement clearly stated in writing the company did not provide debt relief services and would not correct entries on client credit reports."

According to the appellate arguments, the CFPB identified approximately 6,046 paying customers in the FDATR database, however, Tucci maintains that in his Appeal that they failed to establish what each customer actually purchased nor did they match it against any bank records.

"We sold tax prep and resolution services along with student loan doc prep services," Tucci stated, "in addition, the student loan doc prep clients made small monthly payments like $99 a month and most of the work was completed in 1-2 months but they calculated payments made after the services were completed as advance fees. In addition, every customer who paid for services received what they purchased and for the small amount that could not be helped, we refunded."

The CFPB did identify 20 complaints in the database of 6046 records – which amounted to 1/3 of 1 percent of its customers, however, not one FDATR client ever filed a complaint with the CFPB.

"This case has dragged on for almost 6 years, Tucci stated, and has cost enormous legal expenses and devastating reputational damage, and while the CFPB dropped cases against major banks like Chase, Bank of America and Capital One in the last year, they have still relentlessly gone after me."

"Forty-three million dollars. No trial. A dissolved company. A dead business partner. And they then put out a press release calling my appeal frivolous," Tucci stated.

Case: CFPB v. FDATR, Inc. and Dean Tucci, Seventh Circuit No. 25-2607.

For More Information on this case, contact [email protected]

Contact: News Releases 1

[email protected]

SOURCE Dean Tucci

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The new Rewards add-on brings churn prediction, industry benchmarking and next purchase prediction together, so brands can aim each campaign at the members who need it.

SAN ANTONIO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TrueLoyal today launched Advanced Analytics, an add-on to TrueLoyal Rewards that helps loyalty teams decide where to focus. It shows which members are going quiet, which are likely to buy again, and how a brand's program compares with other loyalty programs in its industry.

Most loyalty teams can report what their program did last quarter. What they can't easily do is see which members need an offer and which ones are coming back anyway. Offers go to the whole list, and part of that spend lands on members who were going to buy anyway. Advanced Analytics puts a prediction on every member profile, and those predictions show up as conditions in the campaign builder, so a team can turn a score into a campaign audience in the same place the program runs.

Advanced Analytics includes AI Churn Prediction, which labels each buying member by how likely they are to drift away, and Benchmarking, which gives each program a Loyalty Health Score compared to loyalty programs in the same industry based on publicly available data. Next purchase prediction estimates when each member is likely to buy again.

"A prediction is only useful if a team knows what to do with it, so we built Advanced Analytics around the campaigns a loyalty team already runs," said Caleb Fox, VP of Product at TrueLoyal. "The predictions sit on the member profile and go straight into the campaign builder, so the team can act on them right away."

"Mid-market brands can't afford to spread their loyalty budget evenly and hope," said Jacek Materna, CEO of TrueLoyal. "Advanced Analytics shows a team who to reach and when to reach them, and the team still decides the play."

Advanced Analytics is available now to TrueLoyal Rewards customers. To learn more, contact a TrueLoyal account representative or visit https://www.trueloyal.com/advanced-analytics.

About TrueLoyal

TrueLoyal is loyalty software for mid-market consumer brands that sell both online and in stores. TrueLoyal Rewards gives shoppers a reason to identify themselves when they buy and a reason to come back, and TrueLoyal Fan Club™ gives a brand's best customers a place to gather, create content and bring their friends. Learn more at trueloyal.com.

SOURCE TrueLoyal

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Experience Halloween Where It Began: Ireland Invites you to Celebrate the Season of Samhain

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As autumn descends across the island, Ireland invites the world to experience Halloween at its source. More than 2,000 years ago, the ancient Celtic festival of Samhain marked the transition from summer to winter and laid the foundations for the Halloween traditions celebrated around the world today.

Púca Festival in Meath and Derry Halloween in Northern Ireland are the two main festivals, forming the core of Ireland's Halloween celebrations.

Other Halloween events run from late October into November. From Limerick and Galway on the Wild Atlantic Way to counties Longford and Westmeath in the Hidden Heartlands and medieval Kilkenny in the Ancient East.

A notable Halloween celebration can be found in Galway, where the celebrated Macnas Halloween Parade captivates audiences with giant mythical figures, dazzling visual effects, live performance, and a uniquely Irish interpretation of Halloween tradition.

The Dublin City Bram Stoker Festival celebrates the world's most famous vampire, Dracula, and his Dublin-born creator. One of Dublin's biggest arts festivals, it delves into the city's Gothic history and heritage.

Ireland's Halloween celebrations blend ancient heritage with contemporary creativity, creating unique experiences that cannot be found anywhere else in the world. From family-friendly festivals to immersive cultural experiences, the season offers something for everyone seeking a memorable autumn escape.

The deep-rooted mythology lives on through these world-class festivals, torchlit traditions, storytelling, and spectacular seasonal experiences across the island.

From atmospheric forests and ancient passage tombs to vibrant towns and cities alive with music, folklore, and fire, visitors can immerse themselves in the rich heritage of the birthplace of Halloween.

When it comes to culinary experiences Halloween in Ireland is a feast for the senses, where ancient Samhain traditions are celebrated through seasonal flavors, harvest ingredients, and cherished food customs passed down through generations.

Experience the wonder of autumn in Ireland through landscapes, cultural traditions, and the unmistakable spirit of Halloween in its ancestral home.

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New service to Atlanta and Chicago will provide convenient connections to destinations across the country

SMYRNA, Tenn., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Contour Airlines is pleased to announce new nonstop jet service from DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ), beginning February 1, 2027, expanding travel options for the DuBois community and surrounding region. The new service will connect travelers to Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) daily and Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) five days per week.

The new routes will provide residents, business travelers, and visitors with convenient access to two major airport hubs, offering connections to destinations across the United States and around the world. With jet service available locally, travelers throughout the region will have greater access to business and leisure travel without the added drive to a larger airport.

"Contour Airlines is proud to bring new travel opportunities to DuBois and the surrounding communities," said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. "We understand how important reliable air service is to a region, whether it's helping local businesses connect with customers, making travel easier for residents, or welcoming visitors to the area. We look forward to serving the community and providing a comfortable, convenient travel experience."

Contour will operate the new routes with its fleet of 30-seat regional jet aircraft, featuring extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and inflight service. The aircraft provide a comfortable travel experience while connecting smaller communities with major destinations.

The addition of service to Atlanta and Chicago will strengthen the region's air travel options, making it easier for residents to reach destinations farther afield while supporting business travel and tourism. By connecting DuBois to two major hubs, Contour will help travelers begin their journeys closer to home while accessing a broader network of destinations.

"We are absolutely thrilled to welcome Contour Airlines to our community," said Kathy Blake, Assistant Manager of DuBois Regional Airport. "Introducing nonstop jet service to both Atlanta and Chicago is a true game-changer, giving local travelers seamless, direct access to two of the world's most connected aviation hubs. This service will provide the perfect combination of close-to-home convenience and global flexibility, making it easier than ever to start your journey locally and connect to hundreds of destinations worldwide."

Flight Schedule:

DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) – Atlanta (ATL)

DuBois Regional Airport (DUJ) – Chicago O'Hare (ORD)

For further details, please visit www.contourairlines.com or contact Customer Service at (888) 332-6686.

About Contour:

Contour Airlines offers a premium airline product that includes a complimentary snack and beverage service on all flights. Contour operates a growing fleet of regional jets featuring leather seating with expanded legroom in every row. Tickets are available for purchase on Contour's website at contourairlines.com, by calling the Contour call center at (888) 332-6686, and through local and online travel agencies. Travelers can also book seamless connections with Contour's interline partners; Alaska, American, Delta, JetBlue, and United.

SOURCE Contour Airlines

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