Fresha Capital Emerges as a Powerful Go-To Growth Engine for the Global Beauty and Wellness Professionals

LONDON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Fresha, the world's leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, has reported strong performance from Fresha Capital, its embedded business financing programme developed in partnership with global financial technology platform Adyen. Since launching in early 2026, the programme has surpassed $20 million in loans issued to beauty and wellness businesses, with over 80% of borrowers returning for additional financing and renewal amounts increasing by approximately 50% on average. With more than $200 million in financing available to eligible partners, Fresha Capital is becoming an increasingly important part of the company's global financial services offering, helping businesses access the capital they need to invest, expand and manage their operations.

The programme's performance reflects growing demand for accessible financing within the beauty and wellness industry, where businesses often face challenges securing traditional loans despite maintaining established customer bases and consistent trading activity. Out of 135,000 businesses, from single-chair to large enterprises, more than 10,000 businesses are currently eligible for financing through Fresha Capital, which is fully embedded within Fresha's all-in-one business management platform. Beauty merchants can access financing directly through their Fresha account and monitor incoming and outgoing transactions through Fresha Wallet, bringing financial services into the same system they already use to manage appointments, payments, marketing, clients and daily operations.

Using advanced machine learning and artificial intelligence, Fresha Capital analyses existing business performance and payment data to help determine financing eligibility and generate pre-approved offers, removing much of the complexity traditionally associated with business lending. Eligible businesses can access financing directly through their Fresha account without lengthy applications, extensive paperwork or the need to approach a bank. Once an offer is accepted and approved, funding can be made available in seconds, giving businesses immediate access to capital when opportunities or unexpected financial pressures arise. This technology-driven approach enables Fresha to provide financing based on real trading activity, rather than relying solely on conventional, long-winded lending assessments.

Fresha Capital is available across established markets including the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, Sweden, Finland and the Netherlands. The company is continuing to expand its financial services offering across the European Union, most recently introducing Fresha Capital in France and Spain in September 2026. This international expansion comes as Fresha strengthens its position as the leading all-in-one software platform for the global beauty and wellness industry, extending its capabilities beyond traditional booking and business management to provide integrated financial services designed specifically for the sector.

Alongside its international expansion, Fresha is strengthening its financing capabilities to serve enterprise and multi-location beauty and wellness businesses. The company is developing financing options of up to $500,000, with longer repayment terms and greater flexibility to meet larger capital requirements. This will enable established salon groups and major brands to invest in new locations, equipment and infrastructure, positioning Fresha Capital as a powerful growth engine for the global beauty and wellness industry.

Unlike traditional business lending, Fresha Capital uses advanced artificial intelligence and machine learning to analyze existing payment and business performance data, enabling financing offers tailored to the individual needs and trading activity of each business. On average, financing offered through the programme represents approximately 65% of a business's monthly takings, providing access to capital proportionate to its existing operations. Analysis of more than $20 million in financing across 1,546 providers found that inventory purchases, day-to-day cash flow support, business renovations and equipment upgrades were among the most common reasons businesses accessed capital. Renovations and premises improvements alone accounted for approximately $1.94 million, highlighting the importance of accessible funding in an industry where continued investment in physical spaces, equipment and staff is essential.

The programme's impact is already evident among businesses using Fresha, including London-based barbershop SliderCuts, founded by internationally recognized barber and Fresha ambassador Mark Maciver. Known for working with high-profile clients including Stormzy, LeBron James and Anthony Joshua, Maciver faced significant financial pressure after renovation costs at his Hoxton barbershop escalated far beyond the original budget. With mounting expenses threatening the future of the business, he received a financing offer through Fresha Capital, providing the funding needed to keep SliderCuts operating. Speaking to The Times about receiving the offer, Mark Maciver, Founder of SliderCuts, said: "When that loan came through, it was like a miracle because I didn't even ask them. I was also calling them to say, 'Yo, is this real?'"

Maciver's experience demonstrates the importance of accessible financing when businesses face unexpected financial pressures or opportunities for investment. Beyond immediate funding requirements, research conducted through Fresha's Capital Feedback Project found that 75% of surveyed partners with sufficient cash flow would consider accessing Fresha Capital should the need arise. Combined with the programme's strong repeat borrowing rates, these findings indicate significant potential for continued adoption as Fresha expands its financial services offering internationally.

William Zeqiri, Founder and CEO of Fresha, said: "Fresha is building the most comprehensive operating system for the global beauty and wellness industry, and financial services are fundamental to that ambition. Seeing 80% of borrowers return for additional financing demonstrates the demand for this programme and the opportunity ahead of us. Through our partnership with Adyen, we're bringing sophisticated financial infrastructure directly into the hands of the businesses that need it, from independent professionals to major enterprise operators. Our ambition is to make Fresha the platform businesses turn to for everything they need to operate, invest and grow."

Fresha Capital is delivered in partnership with Adyen, combining Fresha's global network of beauty and wellness businesses with Adyen's financial technology infrastructure. The collaboration reflects the growing role of embedded finance in business software, where financial products are integrated directly into the platforms businesses already rely on rather than accessed through separate banking and lending providers. By bringing financing into its wider operating platform, Fresha is creating a more connected approach to business management, combining scheduling, payments, marketing, client relationships and financial services within a single system.

Dane Carmody, Head of Product at Fresha, said: "Fresha Capital was built to make business financing more accessible, using payment and performance data to provide funding that reflects how beauty and wellness businesses actually operate. The programme's strong adoption demonstrates the demand for financing that is built directly into the tools businesses already use. As we expand into new markets and develop larger financing options for enterprise partners, we're creating even more opportunities for businesses to access capital when they need it."

With continued international expansion, strong repeat borrowing rates and plans to introduce larger financing options for enterprise businesses, Fresha Capital is entering its next phase of growth. The programme is becoming a central part of Fresha's global financial services strategy, reinforcing the company's ambition to build the first truly all-in-one, 360-degree operating system for the global beauty and wellness industry.

About Fresha

Fresha is the world's leading AI-powered booking platform for beauty and wellness, trusted by over 140,000 partner businesses across more than 120 countries. Its fully integrated ecosystem spans scheduling, payments, marketing, team management and a global consumer marketplace, giving beauty and wellness businesses everything they need to operate, grow and scale. The Fresha Marketplace connects millions of consumers with salons, spas, barbershops and wellness studios worldwide, with over one million monthly downloads and more than $1.4 billion in monthly transaction value. To learn more, visit fresha.com.

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Winning image from Ole Bielfeldt uses a microscope objective and deconstructed printer to capture ink droplets in motion

MELVILLE, N.Y., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nikon Instruments Inc. today unveiled the winners of its 52nd annual Nikon Small World photomicrography competition, honoring the world's most remarkable images captured through the microscope. The first-place prize was awarded to Ole Bielfeldt, a student and experimental photographer based in Cologne, Germany, for his image of ink droplets suspended inside an inkjet printer as it prints. Captured using a self-constructed imaging rig, using a microscope objective, Bielfeldt's image sheds light on the previously unseen intricacies of a common process: printing words onto paper.

Bielfeldt is the creator behind macrofying, his photography and videography brand, where he combines photography, microscopy, and self-built equipment to showcase everyday objects in an unfamiliar manner. The winning image was guided by his search to answer a simple question: How does a printer place ink onto paper so precisely? At normal scale, the process happens too quickly and too routinely to notice. But under Bielfeldt's lens, tiny droplets travel through the air before landing on glossy paper, exposing the machinery, motion, and small imperfections hidden within a device many people use every day.

"I think it was super interesting because I didn't know how it really worked," Bielfeldt said of the printer's internal process. "It's like it was magic, and I didn't understand it, but now I do."

Capturing that moment required Bielfeldt to rethink both the printer and the imaging setup. His first attempts failed because the printhead moved too quickly to keep a small area in focus, and the droplets were too fast for his camera's shutter speed. Rather than turning to expensive equipment, he reverse-engineered the printer so the paper instead moved beneath a stationary printhead. Working in a dark room, he then used a flash to freeze the droplets in midair, allowing the brief burst of light to serve as the effective shutter.

"After trying and failing many times to capture the droplets in motion, I thought I would need some expensive equipment," Bielfeldt said. "But it turned out I already had everything I needed."

"Ole Bielfeldt's winning image embodies what makes Nikon Small World so powerful: the intersection of microscope imaging, ingenuity, and artistry," said Eric Flem, senior manager, communications and CRM at Nikon Instruments. "By using a microscope objective in a different way, he transformed a familiar object into something altogether new and previously unseen. It is a reminder that the microscope is not only a scientific tool but also a creative one, capable of expanding how we see and imagine the world around us."

Bielfeldt's path to the winning image began during the COVID-19 lockdown, when he found an old school microscope in his parents' attic and built an adapter from a tube and wood to connect it to the body of a camera borrowed from his father. Since then, he has continued to learn through experimentation, online research, and trial and error, building custom tools when an idea requires them. He also documents his process in behind-the-scenes videos, giving viewers a closer look at the problem-solving behind each image.

For Bielfeldt, the appeal of microscopy lies in the uncertainty of real subjects. He said he rejected the idea of using AI to generate his images, preferring the challenge of classic techniques such as focus stacking, Photoshop, and retouching to create a striking image from something that actually exists.

Second place was awarded to John-Oliver Dum for his image of a jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) with pollen.

Third place was awarded to Kaelin Wulf and Rachel Flannery for their image of neurons in an expanded mouse brain.

The 2026 Judging Panel included:

- Joe Dragavon, Ph.D., Director of the BioFrontiers Institute's Advanced Light Microscopy Core and Director of Core Facilities and Shared Instrumentation at the University of Colorado Boulder

- Quinten Geldhof, Technical designer at the Museum of Science in Boston, Massachusetts

- Corey S. Powell, Award-winning science writer, editor, and communicator

- Meredith Sagolla, Ph.D., Director of the Center for Advanced Light Microscopy and Electron Microscopy (CALM-EM) at Genentech

For additional information, please visit www.nikonsmallworld.com, or follow the conversation on Facebook, Twitter @NikonSmallWorld and Instagram @NikonSmallWorld.

NIKON SMALL WORLD WINNERS

1st Place

Ole Bielfeldt

macrofying

Cologne, Northrhine-Westfalia, Germany

Microscopic view of an inkjet printer depositing ink onto paper

Slow-Motion, Image Stacking

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

2nd Place

John-Oliver Dum

Medienbunker Produktion

Bendorf, Rheinland Pfalz, Germany

Jumping spider (Salticus scenicus) with pollen

Image Stacking

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

3rd Place

Kaelin Wulf & Ms. Rachel Flannery

Allen Institute

Department of Neural Dynamics

Seattle, Washington, USA

Neurons in an expanded mouse brain

Expansion Microscopy, Fluorescence, Light Sheet

5X (Objective Lens Magnification)

4th Place

Justin Theodore Benttinen

Benttinen Photography

Berkeley, California, USA

Tip of a ballpoint pen

Image Stacking, Reflected Light

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

5th Place

Mike Crutchley

Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales, United Kingdom

Inner structure of a closed daisy

Darkfield, Image Stacking

10X (Objective Lens Magnification)

6th Place

Eric Epstein

Brooklyn, New York, USA

Hemitrichia slime mold spore structures (fruiting bodies)

Image Stacking

10X (Objective Lens Magnification)

7th Place

Dr. Bruno Cisterna & Dr. Eric Vitriol

Medical College of Georgia at Augusta University

Department of Neuroscience & Regenerative Medicine

Augusta, Georgia, USA

Human neurons reprogrammed from skin cells growing in a microfluidic chamber

Confocal

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

8th Place

Dr. Marcel Clemens

Verona, Veneto, Italy

Pencil lead during exposure to a high-voltage electrical discharge

Image Stacking

10X (Objective Lens Magnification)

9th Place

Dr. Francisco Lázaro-Diéguez

Albert Einstein College of Medicine

Bronx, New York, USA

Dedifferentiated liver endothelial cell

Confocal

40X (Objective Lens Magnification)

10th Place

Michael Parra Puentes

Macrotipos

Bogotá, Cundinamarca, Colombia

A parasitoid wasp (𝐶𝑜𝑛𝑢𝑟𝑎 sp.) emerging from a butterfly chrysalis (𝑂𝑝𝑠𝑖𝑝ℎ𝑎𝑛𝑒𝑠 sp.)

Image Stacking

3.7X (Objective Lens Magnification)

11th Place

Svenja Carolin Kling

Scripps Institution of Oceanography

Center for Marine Biotechnology and Biomedicine

La Jolla, California, USA

20 day old sea urchin larva with blue fluorescent nuclei

Confocal

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

12th Place

Dr. Gonzalo Quiroga Artigas

CRBM-CNRS

Montpellier, Herault, France

A tardigrade molting and laying an egg in the old skin

Confocal

40X (Objective Lens Magnification)

13th Place

Sebastian Sparenga

McCrone Research Institute

Chicago, Illinois, USA

Recrystallized estrogen

Polarized Light

10X (Objective Lens Magnification)

14th Place

Mike Crutchley

Pembrokeshire, Southwest Wales, United Kingdom

Pilobolus fungi on sheep dung

Image Stacking

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

15th Place

Dr. Julien Resseguier

University of Oslo

Department of Biosciences

Oslo, Viken, Norway

Mouse trachea showing tiny hair-like cells that move mucus and nearby nerves (blue) associated with the muscles (yellow)

Confocal, Deconvolution, Fluorescence

60X (Objective Lens Magnification)

16th Place

Pierre Nouaux & Laurent Kodjabachian, Camille Boutin

Centre de Biologie Intégrative (CBI)

Toulouse, France, France

Embryonic Xenopus skin cells, showing cilia (green), centrioles (red), and cell membranes (white)

Confocal, Fluorescence

63X (Objective Lens Magnification)

17th Place

Dr. Gauri Kulkarni & NA

Wake Forest Institute for Regenerative Medicine (WFIRM)

Winston-Salem, North Carolina, USA

Lab-grown human intestinal tissue showing glowing, brick-like epithelial cell connections that form the intestine's protective barrier

Confocal

20X (Objective Lens Magnification)

18th Place

Bilal Akhtar

Institute of Molecular Biology

Department of RNA Biology

Mainz, Rheinland-Pfalz, Germany

14-day-old mouse hippocampal neurons showing nuclei (green) and synaptic proteins (red)

Confocal

40X (Objective Lens Magnification)

19th Place

Satu Paavonsalo & Dr.

PALO ALTO, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Epiphan Video today released read and write access for Epiphan MCP, its hosted Model Context Protocol (MCP) server for Epiphan Edge, making Pearl encoders agent-ready. Agent-ready AV is equipment that an AI assistant can check and control directly through an open standard, so routine work happens in a conversation. With Epiphan MCP, AV and IT teams can tell Claude or ChatGPT to start a recording, launch a stream, extend a scheduled event, apply a preset, or update firmware across their Pearl devices. The assistant asks the user to approve each action before it runs.

Teams can ask the assistant about device status, storage, recording state, and schedules in plain language, then act on the answer. A technician who spots a stopped recording or an offline stream can fix it in the same conversation, without opening a dashboard or walking to the room. "Epiphan MCP lets an AV team ask about every Pearl they manage and act on the answer," said George Birchall, CEO of Epiphan Video. "It also gives them a live picture of every room they run, and that is the evidence teams need to make their spaces work better. That's what agent-ready AV means to us."

With Epiphan MCP write access, teams can start, stop, pause, and resume recording on one channel or many; create stream destinations and start or stop streaming; create, extend, pause, and resume scheduled events in Epiphan CMS; apply a saved configuration preset to a group of devices; and reboot devices and update firmware.

Epiphan MCP connects through the same OAuth sign-in as Epiphan Cloud. During sign-in, the user picks one team, and the assistant sees only what that user's account can already see. Claude and ChatGPT ask the user to approve each write action, and the assistant can only do what the user's role in Epiphan Edge permits. Epiphan's documentation flags the actions that interrupt a recording or stream, such as reboots and firmware updates, so teams can schedule them for quiet hours.

"Letting an assistant change a device in a live room sets a high bar for safety," said Yusupha Touray, VP of Product at Epiphan Video. "The assistant can only do what the user's role in Epiphan Edge allows, and Claude and ChatGPT ask the user to approve each write action. Teams get the speed of an assistant and keep full control of their rooms."

Write access is available now on Epiphan Edge Premium plans for Pearl-2, Pearl Mini, Pearl Nano, and Pearl Nexus. Pause and resume recording require Pearl firmware 4.24.6 or later. EC20 cameras support reboot and firmware update through Epiphan MCP. Epiphan tests Epiphan MCP with Claude and ChatGPT.

Learn more at:

About Epiphan Video

Epiphan Video is the leader in AV hardware encoders, capture cards, cameras, and cloud services for live production, lecture capture, and broadcast. Founded in 2003, Epiphan has offices in Ottawa, Ontario, and Palo Alto, California.

Media contact

Ron Epstein

Sr Director of Public Relations and Communications

www.epiphan.com 

[email protected] 

SOURCE Epiphan Video

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Episode 1 Is Available Now on the GoPro Snow YouTube Channel, with New Episodes Every

Wednesday Through Nov. 25

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO) premiered "The Line Above," a six-part original series following professional skier, BASE jumper and GoPro Athlete Matthias "Super Frenchie" Giraud on his two-year mission to ski BASE jump from the north face of the Aiguille du Plan, a line that hangs over Chamonix in the French Alps.

On May 26, 2026, Giraud skied the 600-meter, 50-degree face, made two 60-meter rappels anchored in ice and finished with a ski BASE jump, skiing off the bottom serac and opening his parachute midair. First skied in 1977, the face has been descended only a handful of times. According to Giraud, no one had ever exited the line with a ski BASE jump.

Episode 1, "Becoming Super Frenchie," revisits Giraud's 2011 jump above Megève, where he skied off a cliff, triggered an avalanche and opened his parachute as it poured over the edge behind him; the helmet-cam clip became one of GoPro's first viral videos. The episode then follows his 2013 crash and three-day coma, his return to complete the same jump six years later and a series of ski BASE firsts in the Mont Blanc massif that set up the Aiguille du Plan.

"That 2011 jump changed my life," said Giraud. "After my accident, I had to rebuild everything, mentally more than technically. I learned that conditions are what they are, not what you want them to be. I'm 43 now, and it feels like everything before was training for this. I'm so excited to share my line on the Aiguille du Plan with the world."

"Few athletes have pushed GoPro cameras further than Matthias has over the past 16 years," said Rick Loughery, Senior Vice President of Global Marketing & Digital Commerce at GoPro. "'The Line Above' captures all of it, from setbacks to summits, and shows what it really takes to stand on top of a line like the Aiguille du Plan."

Availability

"The Line Above" is a GoPro and Thule production, directed by Stefan Laude of Fresh Films and written by Laude and Giraud, with footage from GoPro cameras ranging from the original HD HERO to the current lineup, including HERO13 Black, MAX2 and the new MISSION 1 PRO. Episode 1 is available now on the GoPro Snow YouTube channel, with new episodes every Wednesday through Nov. 25.

"The Line Above" is the latest series from GoPro Snow, following last winter's "Off the Record," which went behind the scenes of the 2026 Freeride World Tour season. GoPro, the tour's official camera, will partner with Freeride World Tour by Peak Performance on a new series coming soon.

Subscribe to GoPro Snow on YouTube and Instagram, and follow Matthias Giraud on Instagram to catch each new episode.

About GoPro, Inc. (NASDAQ: GPRO)

GoPro helps the world capture and share itself in immersive and exciting ways.

Connect with GoPro on Instagram, YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and GoPro's blog, The Current. Members of the press can access official logos and imagery on our press portal. For more information, visit https://gopro.com/en/us.

GoPro, HERO, MAX, MISSION and their respective logos are trademarks or registered trademarks of GoPro, Inc. in the United States and other countries. Other trademarks are the property of their respective owners.

Note on Forward-looking Statements

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Securities Act, including statements regarding the release schedule of "The Line Above" and a future content series with Freeride World Tour and Peak Performance. These statements are based on current expectations and are subject to risks and uncertainties, including production and scheduling changes and partner decisions, that could cause actual results to differ materially. GoPro undertakes no obligation to update these statements.

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Company to activate in five select race cities as part of multiyear partnership, culminating in Title Sponsorship of HYROX Houston

KATY, Texas, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After announcing its designation as an Official Retail Partner of Centr for Centr x HYROX competition gear earlier this year, Academy Sports + Outdoors ("Academy" or "Company") (Nasdaq: ASO), a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer is deepening its commitment to this growing fitness trend as an Official Partner of HYROX North America. As part of the multiyear partnership beginning in 2026, Academy will activate in five select race cities as part of the HYROX National Tour in Tampa, Dallas, Nashville, Atlanta and Houston, culminating in its Title Sponsorship of HYROX Houston in 2027.

Designed to complement Academy's brick and mortar line up of fitness gear, footwear, and supplements, the Company will engage communities and customers during the above-mentioned competitions. Academy is the destination for fun for athletes of all stages of their fitness journey – whether they're training for their first HYROX race or participating as a seasoned athlete.

"This is a proud moment for Academy Sports + Outdoors. HYROX has built one of the fastest-growing fitness communities in the world by making competitive racing accessible to everyone, which aligns with Academy's mission to provide fun for all," said David Good, Vice President, Marketing. "We're excited to work more closely with HYROX to bring races to customers and help competitors have fun."

Academy plans to host local events in lead-up to the races to build camaraderie and support HYROX's mission to create community around competition. And, when HYROX comes to Houston in spring 2027, Academy will be front and center providing support as Title Sponsor.

"As we introduce HYROX to new communities, having a deeply connected partner like Academy makes the difference. We're excited to have Academy join the HYROX team," said Head of Sales, Americas & Country Manager.

To learn more about HYROX visit Hyrox.com.

To learn more about Academy Sports + Outdoors visit Academy.com.

About Academy Sports + Outdoors

Academy is a leading full-line sporting goods and outdoor recreation retailer in the United States. Originally founded in 1938 as a family business in Texas, Academy has grown to more than 300 stores across 21 states and counting. Academy's mission is to provide "Fun for All" and Academy fulfills this mission with a localized merchandising strategy and value proposition that strongly connects with a broad range of consumers. Academy's product assortment focuses on key categories of outdoor, apparel, sports & recreation and footwear through both leading national brands and a portfolio of private label brands. For more information, visit www.academy.com.

Media inquiries:

Meredith Klein, Vice President of Communications

346.826.6615

meredith.klein@academy.com

Investor inquires:

Dan Aldridge, Vice President of Investor Relations

832.739.4102

[email protected]

SOURCE Academy Sports + Outdoors

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As Women's Sports Celebrate a Breakthrough Year, New WSF Research Shows 1 in 3 Girls Has Stopped Seeing Sport as 'For Someone Like Her' by High School

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- This evening, more than 700 athletes and industry leaders – Olympians, Paralympians, legendary icons, team owners, leagues, and brands – will gather at Cipriani Wall Street for the Women's Sports Foundation's (WSF®) Annual Salute gala to celebrate how far women's sports have come and invest in how far they still have to go, so that every girl and woman can play, compete and lead.

The premier night in women's sports since 1980, this year's Annual Salute honors Clara Wu Tsai, Nneka Ogwumike and Oksana Masters with the Foundation's signature awards, highlighting their powerful impact – from the boardroom to the league bargaining table, to the Paralympic podium and beyond.

Each year, the gala celebrates the gains women's sports have made – and holds up a clear view of what remains unfinished. This year's event coincides with the release of the WSF Sport Report™ 2026, the Foundation's first annual benchmark on the state of girls' and women's sports, which captures both sides of that picture: 93% of WSF's expert panel call this a breakthrough year for professional women's sports, while by high school, 1 in 3 girls no longer feels that sports are for someone like her.

"Equal access and opportunity for girls and women in sports is as relevant a need today as it was more than 50 years ago when I founded the Women's Sports Foundation," said sports icon and equality champion, Billie Jean King. "Title IX opened the doors to progress, but there is still more work to be done. As we celebrate the soaring popularity of women's sports tonight, we know we cannot become complacent – because girls who play become women who lead."

This year's Annual Salute awards include:

- Clara Wu Tsai – As Governor and owner of the New York Liberty, owner of the Brooklyn Nets, and Vice Chair of Brooklyn Sports & Entertainment, Wu Tsai has helped set a new benchmark for investment and opportunity in women's sports. In 2024, the Liberty won its first WNBA championship. Through the Wu Tsai Human Performance Alliance, she has brought together scientists and clinicians across seven universities to optimize wellness and human health and to address a glaring gap: only 6% of sports science studies focus exclusively on women athletes. Wu Tsai will receive the Billie Jean King Leadership Award, presented by Deloitte, in recognition of her transformative impact on the growth and future of women's sports. Read more here.

- Nneka Ogwumike – An 11-time WNBA All-Star, WNBA MVP and Champion, and seven-time All-WNBA selection, Nneka Ogwumike has continually redefined leadership on and off the court. The No. 1 overall pick out of Stanford, she has earned eight WNBA All-Defensive Team honors and made league history as the first five-time recipient of the Kim Perrot Sportsmanship Award. Now serving her fourth and final term as WNBPA President, Ogwumike is a powerful advocate for equality, opportunity, women's empowerment, and health and wellness. She will receive the Re-Writing the Game Award, presented by Gatorade, for using her position and platform to help shape the future of women's basketball and inspire the next generation to lead with purpose. Read more here.

- Oksana Masters – The most decorated U.S. Winter Paralympian of all time, Masters has amassed 24 medals, including 13 golds across eight Games and four sports. Born in Ukraine with radiation-induced birth defects and later undergoing the amputation of both legs above the knee, Masters has spent a lifetime refusing to let circumstance determine what she could become. When injuries forced her to change course, she adapted, reinvented herself, and found new ways to compete at the highest level. In 2026, she made history once again, adding four gold medals and a bronze to her remarkable record. Masters will receive the Wilma Rudolph Courage Award, presented by Delta Air Lines, for overcoming setbacks and making powerful comebacks, inspiring others to see possibility where the world too often sees limits. Read more here.

Beyond the awards, the evening will spotlight two recipients of WSF's direct support – a reminder that the Foundation's work spans from industry-level advocacy to the athletes and communities who need it most – across the entire sports ecosystem. Laru Beya Collective, a Far Rockaway-based nonprofit that uses surfing to expand access and opportunity for historically excluded youth, received a WSF Sports 4 Life grant, which supports community organizations working to expand access and opportunity for underserved girls to keep them playing. Chyna Taylor, a high school ice hockey player with elite potential, received support through WSF's Travel & Training Fund, which helps athletes pursue competitive opportunities they couldn't otherwise afford.

The evening will also celebrate the women from this year's Milano Cortina Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Team USA won 33 Olympic medals, with women winning or helping win 21 of them, and 38% of those medals were won by Travel & Training Fund recipients.

Since 1974, WSF has championed Title IX and demonstrated that sports participation – at every level – promotes better health, stronger leadership skills, and lasting social and economic benefits. By uniting athletes, organizations and supporters, the Annual Salute underscores how strategic investments and partnerships empower girls and women to thrive in classrooms, workplaces, and communities.

"Lasting progress in women's sports comes from building an ecosystem that supports and sustains it," said WSF CEO, Danette Leighton. "There is a clear throughline from Title IX to the extraordinary growth we are seeing today. The Women's Sports Foundation has been at the heart of that progress for more than 50 years – strengthening the pipeline, opening access and creating opportunities to carry that momentum forward for generations to come."

The Annual Salute gala is presented by WSF National Partners Bank of America, Delta Air Lines, ESPN, Gatorade, and NBC Sports, with additional support from Photo Activation Partner FanDuel and Reception Partner Ally Financial.

More information about the Annual Salute can be found here.

About the Women's Sports Foundation

The Women's Sports Foundation® (WSF®) exists to enable girls and women to reach their potential in sport and life. We are an ally, an advocate, and a catalyst for tomorrow's leaders. Founded by Billie Jean King in 1974, we are one of the first organizations to recognize the powerful connection between sport access, equity, and society. For over 50 years, WSF has been changing the game through its research, advocacy, and community programming, investing over $115 million to help girls and women play, compete, and lead – in sports and beyond – without barriers. A leader and champion of the entire women's sports ecosystem, WSF amplifies the vital societal and cultural impact that is made when girls and women play sports. When girls play, they lead, and we all win!® To learn more about the Women's Sports Foundation, please visit www.WomensSportsFoundation.org.

Media Contacts:

Kandice Miller

Women's Sports Foundation

479.409.7779

[email protected]

Patty Bifulco

Women's Sports Foundation

631.230.3322

[email protected]

SOURCE Women's Sports Foundation

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Recognition across AI, manufacturing, cybersecurity and industrial operations highlights Rockwell's breadth of expertise in helping customers drive productivity, resilience and innovation

MILWAUKEE, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), the world's largest company dedicated to industrial automation and digital transformation, today announced it has been recognized in 21 Gartner Hype Cycle reports spanning artificial intelligence (AI), manufacturing operations, industrial cybersecurity supply chain, private networks and industry-specific technologies.

The reports, published between April 2026 and July 2026, reflect growing interest in technologies that help industrial organizations improve productivity, strengthen resilience and accelerate digital transformation. Rockwell believes its inclusion across a broad range of reports underscores the company's ability to help customers connect data, people and processes to improve operational performance.

"As industrial organizations continue to navigate rapid advances in AI, automation and connected operations, they need trusted technologies that deliver measurable business outcomes," said Tessa Myers, SVP and chief revenue officer, Rockwell Automation. "We believe our recognition across 21 Gartner Hype Cycle reports reflects our commitment to helping customers apply innovative technologies to improve efficiency, reduce risk and unlock new opportunities for growth."

Rockwell Automation was recognized in the following Gartner Hype Cycle reports:

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for AI Services, 2026, 30 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Defense, 2026, 28 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for AI in Supply Chain, 2026, 24 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Physical AI, 2026, 16 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Edge Computing, 2026, 14 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Manufacturing Operations Strategy, 2026, 13 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for AI in Manufacturing, 2026, 9 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Discrete Manufacturing Technologies, 2026, 6 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Process Manufacturing Technologies, 2026, 1 July 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Industry Cloud Platforms, 2026, 26 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Intralogistics Smart Robots and Drones, 2026, 24 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for AI in Oil and Gas, 2026, 24 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Oil and Gas, 2026, 22 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for AI-Driven Trade Finance Transformation in Banking, 2026, 15 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Managing Operational Technology, 2026, 12 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Life Science Manufacturing, 2026, 9 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Private Networks for Industry, 2026, 9 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Digital Grid, 2026, 9 June 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for CPS Security, 2026, 29 May 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Supply Chain Execution and Logistics Technologies, 2026, 24 April 2026

- Gartner, Hype Cycle for Artificial Intelligence, 2025, 11 June 2025

For more information about Rockwell's industrial automation and digital transformation solutions, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark and HYPE CYCLE is a trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved. Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

About Rockwell Automation

Rockwell Automation, Inc. (NYSE: ROK), is a global leader in industrial automation and digital transformation. We connect the imaginations of people with the potential of technology to expand what is humanly possible, making the world more productive and more sustainable. Headquartered in Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Rockwell Automation employs approximately 26,000 problem solvers dedicated to our customers in more than 100 countries. To learn more about how we are bringing the Connected Enterprise® to life across industrial enterprises, visit www.rockwellautomation.com.

SOURCE Rockwell Automation, Inc.

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Mormoreto 2023 Marks the First U.S. Release of Marchesi Frescobaldi's Historic Cru from Castello Nipozzano

NIPOZZANO, Italy, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Marchesi Frescobaldi announced the arrival of Mormoreto 2023 Toscana IGT in the United States, bringing one of the estate's most distinctive and historic wines to the U.S. market. Produced at Castello Nipozzano in the hills of Chianti Rufina, Mormoreto is a refined expression of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot and Sangiovese, shaped by the estate's longstanding commitment to international varieties and their ability to express the character of the Nipozzano terroir.

The story of Mormoreto dates back more than 150 years, when the Frescobaldi family first planted Cabernet and Petit Verdot at Nipozzano, guided by the ambition to create a great wine capable of standing among the estate's most distinguished expressions. That vision came to fruition in 1983 with the first vintage of Cru Mormoreto. Since 2013, a small amount of Sangiovese has been incorporated into the blend, contributing additional elegance while connecting the wine to its Tuscan origins.

Located in the hills of Chianti Rufina, Castello Nipozzano is one of Marchesi Frescobaldi's historic estates and is known for wines that reflect the distinctive conditions of this mountainous area. Mormoreto's vineyard sits approximately 300 metres above sea level, with southwestern exposure and sandy soils that contribute to the wine's structure, freshness and aromatic complexity.

The 2023 vintage was shaped by contrasting weather conditions, with a mild, rainy start to the season followed by intense summer heat. Strong water reserves helped the vines withstand the warmer months, while cooler temperatures in late July supported balanced ripening. The resulting vintage combines depth, elegance and harmony.

The grapes were hand-harvested and carefully selected before fermentation. The wine then aged for 18 months in French oak barriques, followed by additional bottle aging to achieve greater balance and integration.

Mormoreto 2023 shows an intense ruby-red color with violet highlights. Aromas of blackberry, raspberry and blackcurrant are layered with notes of liquorice, cardamom, cocoa and coffee. Broad and concentrated on the palate, it offers silky tannins and a long, persistent finish.

With its first U.S. release, Mormoreto 2023 introduces American wine enthusiasts to a wine that represents more than four decades of Cru history and more than a century of Frescobaldi experimentation with Cabernet and Petit Verdot at Nipozzano. It joins the estate's portfolio as a distinctive expression of Tuscany that brings together international varieties, Sangiovese and the unique character of the Chianti Rufina hills.

Press Assets

Vintage Sheet HERE

Bottle Shot HERE

MARCHESI FRESCOBALDI

Marchesi Frescobaldi's mission is to understand and promote distinctive terroirs, contributing to their becoming inseparable components of the culture of Toscana. The thousand years of Frescobaldi family history constitute an unmatchable treasure of experience, knowledge, and traditions that have made it the embodiment of Toscana's very soul, and the visible expression of its extraordinary vocation for viticulture and of the fascinating variety of its production areas. Marchesi Frescobaldi's nine wine estates are: Castello Pomino (Pomino), Castello Nipozzano (Nipozzano), Tenuta Perano (Gaiole in Chianti), Tenuta Castiglioni (Montespertoli), Tenuta CastelGiocondo (Montalcino), Tenuta Ammiraglia (Magliano in Toscana), Remole (Sieci), Tenuta Calimaia (Montepulciano), and Gorgona. Located in growing areas of Tuscany long famed for production of extremely high-quality DOC, DOCG, and IGT wines, each estate stands out for its individual soils, environment, and history; Ornellaia and Masseto in Bolgheri, Tenuta Luce in Montalcino, Domaine Roy & Fils in Oregon and Attems in the Collio are the four other estates of the Marchesi Frescobaldi Group.

Media Contact

Flaminia Gubernari

Colangelo & Partner - Account Executive

[email protected]

Follow us on @marchesifrescobaldi

#MarchesiFrescobaldi

Discover more on | www.frescobaldi.com

SOURCE Marchesi Frescobaldi

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Non-China supply, US defense stockpiling and solar-glass demand reshape the 2025–2034 outlook, according to Polaris Market Research.

DOVER, Del., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The global antimony market was valued at USD 1.12 billion in 2025 and is projected to reach USD 1.85 billion by 2034, growing at a CAGR of 5.7% from 2026 to 2034, according to Polaris Market Research. With China's suspension of its ban on antimony exports to the United States scheduled to expire on November 27, 2026, buyers and manufacturers face an important decision point for supply planning, sourcing strategies and price risk management.

China's November Deadline Creates Two Supply Scenarios

China's suspension of the US-specific export ban does not remove its broader export licensing requirements for antimony. For international buyers, the November 27 deadline therefore raises questions about the availability and cost of material.

If the suspension is extended, buyers may get a clearer picture of supply availability and continue rebuilding inventories. However, China's export licensing rules and dominant share of global production may still affect prices and delivery times.

Without an extension, US buyers could lose access to Chinese antimony. This could increase demand for supplies from other sources and result in higher prices. The actual impact will depend on China's decision, available stock, market demand and how quickly other producers can increase supply.

Before the deadline, procurement teams can reduce risks by working with multiple suppliers and securing reliable contracts.

Key Demand Drivers

- Defense: Antimony is used in ammunition, specialized alloys and other defense applications. Growing interest in secure supplies is increasing attention on domestic production and sourcing. The US Defense Logistics Agency has raised its antimony acquisition targets for FY2026.

- Solar glass and batteries: In solar PV glass, antimony is used as a fining agent. Antimony alloys also strengthen lead-acid battery grids.

- Flame retardants: Antimony trioxide is widely used in flame-retardant systems for plastics, rubber and textiles.

Access the Full Report

Request a free sample to explore the antimony price forecast, supply trends and regional opportunities. Read the full Antimony market report from Polaris Market Research.

Supply Diversification Outside China

The antimony supply chain remains concentrated in a few countries, making alternative sources important for buyers. To reduce its dependence on imports, the United States is supporting domestic mining and processing projects. In Idaho, Perpetua Resources is developing the Stibnite project, the only identified US antimony reserve. Australia is also contributing to supply diversification. In February 2026, Nyrstar's Port Pirie smelter produced its first shipment of antimony metal, marking progress in expanding supply outside China.

These developments could improve supply options between 2027 and 2030. However, new projects need investment, infrastructure and time to increase production. Recycling may also help meet demand. To reduce the risk of disruptions buyers will continue to focus on alternative suppliers and reliable supply contracts.

Antimony Market Size and Segment Outlook

- By product: Antimony trioxide and other compounds held the largest product-form share, accounting for 57.24% of the antimony market in 2025.

- By application: Flame retardants held the largest application share at 54.38% in 2025. The glass and ceramics segment is projected to grow at the fastest rate, with a CAGR of 6.32% through 2034.

- By region: Asia Pacific was the largest regional market, accounting for 74.62% of revenue in 2025. North America is projected to be a fast-growing region, with a CAGR of 5.96% through 2034.

Analyst Perspective

"Whichever way Beijing decides on November 27, the direction for buyers is already set. Defense and energy users are now paying for supply security, not just the lowest price, and that is why North America is emerging as a fast-growing antimony market. Buyers who lock in non-China contracts before year-end will carry far less price risk into 2027," said Apurva Agarwal, Senior Analyst, Polaris Market Research.

Key Companies

- AMG Critical Materials N.V.

- Campine N.V.

- China Minmetals Corporation

- Hsikwangshan Twinkling Star Co., Ltd.

- Hunan Gold Corporation Limited

- Korea Zinc Co., Ltd.

- Larvotto Resources Ltd.

- Nihon Seiko Co., Ltd.

- Perpetua Resources

- United States Antimony Corporation

Related Reports: Flame Retardants Market | Lead-Acid Battery Market

About Polaris Market Research

Polaris Market Research is a global market research and consulting company that publishes 5,000+ reports across 20+ industry verticals. The company provides market insights, industry forecasts, competitive analysis, and strategic research to help businesses, investors, and decision-makers understand market dynamics, assess emerging trends, and identify growth opportunities. Its research covers market size, industry developments, technological advancements, regional trends and competitive landscapes, supporting informed business planning and strategic decision-making across diverse industries.

Polaris Market Research & Consulting, Inc.

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Europe: +44-748-134-3712

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE Polaris Market Research

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VERO BEACH, Fla., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Watercrest Senior Living Group has distinguished itself as the highest ranked senior living organization founded in the past two decades to earn the 2026 Fortune Top 25 Best Large Workplaces in Aging Services: Senior Housing and Care. Founded in 2012, Watercrest proudly ranks as No. 23 on the best workplaces list amongst the nation's long-established senior living organizations, an outstanding achievement as recognized by Fortune, a global leader in corporate ranking benchmarks.

The Fortune 2026 Best Workplaces in Aging Services rankings were determined in partnership with Great Place To Work®, the global authority on workplace culture and people analytics. Rankings were determined through an analysis of employee survey feedback representing more than 217,000 U.S. employees in the aging services industry. The evaluation recognizes organizations that demonstrate an exceptional associate experience, with employee feedback serving as the foundation for identifying workplaces where people feel valued, respected, and supported.

"Ranking among the Fortune Top 25 Best Workplaces in Aging Services is a significant accomplishment we are celebrating just 14 years into our founding of Watercrest," says Marc Vorkapich, Principal and CEO of Watercrest Senior Living Group. "Serving our associates is fundamental to serving our residents. By investing in our people, fostering trusted relationships, and living our Principles of Service, we cultivate a culture where compassion, excellence, and purpose are part of everything we do."

Achieving this distinction from Fortune adds to Watercrest's longstanding record of workplace excellence, including nine consecutive years of certification as a Great Place to Work®. At Watercrest, this recognition reflects a culture intentionally designed around the belief that exceptional resident care begins with associates who feel connected to a meaningful purpose. The company's "We Are Watercrest" movement further reinforces this shared commitment by celebrating the individual contributions of associates throughout the organization, encouraging team members to demonstrate Watercrest's core values in their daily interactions.

Watercrest Senior Living Group recently celebrated the fourteen-year anniversary of its founding when principals Marc Vorkapich, CEO and Joan Williams, CFO built Watercrest with a simple three-part mission: To Welcome, To Care, To Serve. That mission is anchored by six guiding principles of service that Watercrest holds its associates to at every community: serving a purpose greater than themselves, acting as trusted advisors, honoring our mothers and fathers, raising people up, creating meaningful and memorable experiences, and committing to excellence as the standard in everything they do.

About Watercrest Senior Living Group

Watercrest Senior Living Group was founded to honor our mothers and fathers, aspiring to become a beacon for quality in senior living by surpassing standards of care, service and associate training. Watercrest senior living communities are recognized for their luxury aesthetic, exceptional amenities, world-class care, and innovative memory care programming offering unparalleled service to seniors living with Alzheimer's and dementia. A nine-time certified Great Place to Work, Watercrest specializes in the development and operations of assisted living and memory care communities and the growth of servant leaders.  For information, visit www.watercrestseniorliving.com.

SOURCE Watercrest Senior Living Group

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