Partnership combines complementary expertise, expanded resources, and broader

reach to better serve clients across key markets

ROCHESTER, N.Y. and CHICAGO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- CPL, a full-service design firm serving public and private sector clients across the U.S., has acquired Bailey Edward, an Illinois-based architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm. The acquisition strengthens CPL's presence in Chicago and across the Midwest while expanding capabilities in education, government, healthcare, research, community, and cultural practices.

The addition of Bailey Edward's 50 professionals adds significant depth to CPL's multidisciplinary team. With greater technical capacity and specialized knowledge, the combined firm will be equipped to take on a wider range of project needs while delivering the responsive, locally focused experience clients expect.

"Bailey Edward has built an exceptional reputation throughout Illinois, backed by an impressive portfolio of work," said Chris Colby, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, President and Chief Operating Officer, CPL. "We're excited to pair that foundation with CPL's broader resources and create new opportunities for both organizations."

Beyond the strategic fit, CPL and Bailey Edward share a similar approach to practice, grounded in collaboration, integrated thinking, and a commitment to meaningful outcomes. That alignment will enable more comprehensive solutions throughout Illinois and beyond.

"This partnership positions us to pursue larger, more complex work while building on what has made Bailey Edward successful for decades," said Ellen Bailey Dickson, President and CEO of Bailey Edward. "Joining CPL gives our people new avenues to grow and brings even more possibilities to the work ahead."

Clients of both firms will continue working with the same project teams and trusted points of contact throughout the transition, ensuring continuity as the organizations come together.

"Bringing our teams together gives us more expertise around the table and more ways to approach each project," said Robin Edward Whitehurst, Managing Principal of Bailey Edward. "That broader perspective will make our work stronger and help us deliver even greater value for the people and the communities we serve."

The acquisition marks another milestone in CPL's long-term growth strategy, extending the firm's reach and building greater scale in markets where both organizations see strong potential for continued growth.

About CPL

Founded in 1975, CPL is a 500+ person multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, and planning firm with professionals across 25 cities and eight states. Together, they deliver inspiring design services and enrich the communities they serve. CPL serves public and private clients across the Community & Culture, Healthcare, Higher Education, Infrastructure, K-12 Education, and Science & Technology market sectors – providing architectural, interior design, civil engineering, buildings and structural engineering, planning, landscape architecture and 3D/virtual design services. Visit www.CPLteam.com to learn more.

About Bailey Edward

Founded in 1991, Bailey Edward is a multi-disciplinary architecture, engineering, interior design, and planning firm serving public and private clients across 24 states. With offices in Chicago, Champaign, and Fox River Grove, the firm brings integrated design expertise to the Education, Government, Healthcare, Science + Technology, Community, and Cultural markets. Bailey Edward is known for its collaborative approach, responsive service, and commitment to creating thoughtful, high-performing spaces that strengthen the communities they serve.

SOURCE CPL Architecture | Engineering | Planning

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VIVAIA Opens First Florida Store at The Florida Mall in Orlando

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Global comfort-first footwear brand VIVAIA continues its U.S. retail expansion with the opening of its first Florida store at The Florida Mall in Orlando, FL following its West Coast debut at Westfield Valley Fair in San Jose, California earlier this month.

The 1,138-square-foot store features VIVAIA's latest retail concept, offering a bright, welcoming space where customers can explore the brand's signature comfort firsthand. The opening follows VIVAIA surpassing 100 stores worldwide in 2026.

The store will showcase VIVAIA's signature styles alongside RE:WORK, the first Fall/Winter 2026 collection under Creative Director Alan Buanne, combining a fresh fashion perspective with the brand's signature comfort.

Featured styles include:

Square-Toe Lace-Up Satin Sneakerina (Cristina): Worn by Bella Hadid and Lola Tung, Cristina blends a ballet-inspired silhouette with the ease of a sneaker. Crafted in smooth satin with a lightweight, flexible triple-layer sole, the style can also be paired with the VIVAIA × NYCB Jewels Ribbon Laces & Charm Set (Seraphine) for a customizable finishing touch.

Square-Toe Jogger Sneakerina (Carol): Worn by Bella Hadid and a bestseller since its spring debut, Carol features a flexible Bubble outsole designed for all-day comfort. More than 17,800 pairs have sold in 2026 to date, with new seasonal colorways including Wildweave, Black, and Amber Brown.

Square-Toe Mary Janes (Margot Mary Jane): VIVAIA's most iconic style, worn by Selena Gomez and JENNIE, combines its signature Mary Jane silhouette with a comfort-focused insole.

Unisex Slip-On Mesh Sneakers (Allday): Worn by Kelly Rutherford, the bestselling Allday Sneaker features a breathable mesh upper and easy slip-on design, delivering all-day comfort for travel and everyday wear.

Round-Toe Clog Mules (Buna): A new slip-on clog mule with a cushioned footbed, roomy 97mm toe box and anti-slip outsole. Machine-washable and easy to wear, it is designed for everything from working from home to more relaxed office days.

Nylon Travel Loafers (Avoir): Avoir reworks the classic loafer in soft, wear-resistant recycled nylon. Lightweight, foldable and finished with a storage bag, it is designed for work trips and daily commutes.

VIVAIA The Florida Mall

#422, The Florida Mall, 8001 S Orange Blossom Trail, Orlando, FL 32809

About VIVAIA

VIVAIA is a global footwear brand founded in 2020, dedicated to supporting everyday life with eco-friendly comfort and style. Today, the brand provides a wide range of comfortable and on-trend footwear DTC across more than 61 countries and regions worldwide and continues to partner with global suppliers to design our shoes with recycled and sustainably produced materials.

SOURCE VIVAIA

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Daniel Edney, MD, State Health Officer for Mississippi, Announced as Next ASTHO President

Edney plans to focus presidency on maternal and infant health, rural health and promoting the important work of states and territories

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Association of State and Territorial Health Officials (ASTHO) named Daniel Edney, MD, as the organization's 84th president. Dr. Edney, state health officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health, succeeds Manisha Juthani, MD, commissioner of the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

Dr. Edney brings more than three decades of clinical experience and public health leadership to the role. Since becoming Mississippi's state health officer in 2022, Dr. Edney has led efforts to strengthen the state's public health system and improve the health of its residents, which includes initiatives focused on maternal health and chronic disease prevention.

"It has been one of the greatest privileges of my career to serve alongside my fellow state and territorial health officials through ASTHO," says Daniel Edney, MD, ASTHO president and state health officer for the Mississippi State Department of Health. "Our nation's public health leaders face increasingly complex challenges, but we also have tremendous opportunities to strengthen our public health system through collaboration, innovation and a shared commitment to improving the health of every community. I am honored to serve as ASTHO president and look forward to working with my colleagues to advance policies and partnerships that support a healthier nation."

"It is a real privilege to welcome Dr. Edney as ASTHO's next president," says ASTHO CEO Joseph Kanter, MD, MPH. "He brings a remarkable depth of experience—not only as a visionary state health leader guiding Mississippi through critical public health milestones, but also as a frontline clinician deeply committed to tackling complex challenges like the opioid crisis. His dedication to patient care, combined with his fierce advocacy for the health of communities, makes him an extraordinary choice to lead ASTHO. I look forward to working hand in hand with him as we continue to advance and strengthen public health for communities across the nation."

Dr. Edney joined the Mississippi State Department of Health in 2021 as its first chief medical officer before becoming deputy state health officer and later state health officer in August 2022. Prior to entering public service, he spent more than three decades practicing internal medicine in Vicksburg.

A board-certified physician in internal medicine with a subspeciality in addiction medicine, Dr. Edney earned his undergraduate degree from William Carey University and his medical degree from the University of Mississippi School of Medicine. He completed his internship and residency in internal medicine at the University of Virginia before returning to Mississippi, where he has practiced primary care since 1991.

Throughout his career, Dr. Edney has championed efforts to address substance use disorders, drawing on his frontline experience during the opioid crisis. Since 2013, he has focused on treating substance use disorders and supporting recovery efforts throughout Mississippi.

Dr. Edney has served as president of the Mississippi State Medical Association and is a Fellow of the American College of Physicians, a Laureate of the Mississippi Chapter of the American College of Physicians and a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine.

Puthiery Va, DO, director for the Maine Center for Disease Control and Prevention will serve as ASTHO president-elect.

ASTHO is the national nonprofit organization representing the public health agencies of the United States, the U.S. territories and freely associated states, and Washington, D.C., as well as the more than 100,000 public health professionals these agencies employ. ASTHO members, the chief health officials of these jurisdictions, are dedicated to formulating and influencing sound public health policy and to ensuring excellence in public health practice.

SOURCE Association of State and Territorial Health Officials

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WILMINGTON, Mass., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) today announced that it has received notice of an unsolicited mini-tender offer by Tutanota LLC ("Tutanota") to purchase up to 100,000 shares of ADI common stock at a price of $525.00 per share in cash. The offer price of $525.00 per share is conditioned on, among other things, the closing price per share of ADI common stock exceeding $525.00 per share on the last trading day before the offer expires. Although the offer price is currently above the market price of ADI common stock, this condition means that, unless it is waived by Tutanota, tendering ADI shareholders whose shares are purchased in the offer would receive a price below the market price of ADI common stock at the time the offer closes. If the condition is not satisfied, Tutanota is not obligated to purchase any shares. The shares subject to Tutanota's offer represent less than 0.03% of ADI's shares of common stock outstanding as of the October 12, 2026 offer date.

ADI recommends that shareholders do not tender their shares in response to Tutanota's offer because the offer requires that the closing stock price for ADI's common stock exceed the offer price, and it is subject to numerous additional conditions, including Tutanota obtaining financing for the offer, which Tutanota indicates it does not currently have. There is no guarantee the conditions of the offer will be satisfied. Under the terms of the offer, Tutanota can extend the offer and delay payment beyond the expiration date of the offer, currently scheduled for 5:00 p.m., New York City time, on Monday, November 16, 2026. The offer states that Tutanota expects to extend the offer for successive periods of 45 to 180 days until ADI's stock price exceeds $525.00 per share, during which time shareholders who have tendered may be unable to sell their tendered shares unless they withdraw them. Per the terms of the offer, shareholders who tender (or have already tendered) their shares can withdraw them prior to the expiration of the offer.

ADI does not endorse Tutanota's unsolicited mini-tender offer and is not affiliated or associated in any way with Tutanota, its mini-tender offer, or its offer documentation.

Tutanota has made similar mini-tender offers for shares of other publicly traded companies. A mini-tender offer is an offer that would result in the bidder holding not more than 5 percent of a company's outstanding shares, thereby avoiding many disclosure and procedural requirements of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC") that apply to offers for more than 5 percent of a company's outstanding shares. As a result, mini-tender offers do not provide investors with the same level of protections as provided for larger tender offers under U.S. securities laws.

The SEC has cautioned investors that some bidders making mini-tender offers at below-market prices are "hoping that they will catch investors off guard if the investors do not compare the offer price to the current market price." More on the SEC's guidance to investors on mini-tender offers is available at SEC.gov | Mini-Tender Offers: Tips for Investors.

ADI urges investors to obtain current market quotations for their shares, to consult with their broker or financial advisor and to exercise caution with respect to Tutanota's offer. ADI recommends that shareholders who have not responded to Tutanota's offer take no action. Shareholders who have already tendered their shares may withdraw them at any time prior to the expiration of the offer, in accordance with Tutanota's offer documentation. Tutanota may extend the offering period at its discretion.

ADI encourages brokers and dealers, as well as other market participants, to review the SEC's letter regarding broker-dealer mini-tender offer dissemination and disclosure at Letter to SIA re: Broker-Dealer Mini-Tender Offer Dissemination and Disclosures and the NASD Notice to Members 99-53 issued in July 1999 regarding guidance to members forwarding mini-tender offers to their customers, which can be found at https://www.finra.org/sites/default/files/NoticeDocument/p004221.pdf.

ADI requests that a copy of this news release be included with all distributions of materials relating to Tutanota's mini-tender offer related to shares of ADI common stock.

About Analog Devices, Inc.

Analog Devices, Inc. (NASDAQ: ADI) is a global semiconductor leader that bridges the physical and digital worlds to enable breakthroughs at the Intelligent Edge. ADI combines analog, digital, AI, and software technologies into solutions that combat climate change, reliably connect humans and the world, and help drive advancements in automation and robotics, mobility, healthcare, energy and data centers. With revenue of more than $11 billion in FY25, ADI ensures today's innovators stay Ahead of What's Possible. Learn more at www.analog.com and on LinkedIn and X. 

CONTACT:

Jeff Ambrosi

Senior Director, Investor Relations

Analog Devices

[email protected]

(781) 461-3282

Ferda Millan

Global PR and External Communications

Analog Devices

[email protected]

(408) 373-1854

SOURCE Analog Devices, Inc.

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Participating organizations reported placement of 83,500 animals in foster care during the three-month challenge

FRANKLIN, Tenn., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Foster 50 Challenge is a national initiative to help animal shelters and foster-based rescues increase foster participation, with the ambition to make an impact across all 50 states. Today, the Foster 50 coalition – led by PEDIGREE Foundation and including Maddie's Fund, Adopt a Pet, MuttNation Foundation, ASPCA, The Association for Animal Welfare Advancement, Mutual Rescue and Outcomes for Pets Consulting – is announcing the recipients of the 2026 Foster 50 Challenge Grants, with $240,000 being awarded to 43 animal well-being organizations.

Across the country, animal shelters and foster-based organizations are working tirelessly to care for pets in need and help them find loving homes. Meanwhile, the need for support continues to grow. According to Shelter Animals Count, 2025 ended with more dogs and cats in shelters than when it began, and mid-year data from 2026 shows a similar trend, with more dogs and cats entering shelters than leaving. Fostering offers a powerful way for communities to help, giving pets a temporary home while opening up valuable shelter space for other pets in need. Ultimately, fostering paves the way for more adoptions by giving pets a chance to thrive in a home environment and helping shelters learn more about their personalities to find the right adoptive families.

That's why the Foster 50 coalition conducted Year Two of the Foster 50 Challenge this summer. More than 300 shelters and rescues signed up to build and strengthen their foster programming during the three-month challenge, with free resources and support from the Foster 50 coalition along the way. At the same time, pet lovers across the country rallied and became foster volunteers in their communities, a collaborative effort that led to powerful results. Participating organizations reported the following impact from the three-month challenge:

- More than 83,500 animals placed into foster homes, reflecting a 14% increase from the start of the challenge.

- 108,200 animals adopted from participating shelters and rescues during the challenge period, including animals adopted directly from shelters and those that spent time in foster care.

- Nearly 19,000 community members become new foster caregivers – more than doubling last year's challenge.

- The number of animals staying 60+ days in shelters dropped by 28.5%.

- Among organizations with annual intakes over 5,000, the number of long-stay animals dropped by 34%.

"Fostering is one of the most impactful ways we can help get dogs and cats out of shelters, into environments where they can thrive and ultimately get adopted into forever homes," said Deb Fair, Executive Director of PEDIGREE Foundation. "What's so powerful about Foster 50 is the collaboration of the coalition partners around a shared goal, while empowering shelters and rescues with resources, support and funding to build stronger foster programs for the long term. Seeing nearly 19,000 new foster volunteers step up this year shows how much is possible when organizations come together to rally shelters, rescues and animal lovers to join the movement."

"The community response to this challenge was incredible," said Mary Ippoliti-Smith, Maddie's Fund Executive Leadership Team. "The public plays an important role in supporting pets to help them get adopted. By taking a pet out of the shelter, even for a short time, foster caregivers can help them reveal their true personality. In fact, research shows that dogs are 14 times more likely to be adopted after a foster sleepover. Congratulations to all participating organizations and their communities!"

The 2026 Foster 50 Challenge Grants

PEDIGREE Foundation and Maddie's Fund each awarded $100,000 in grant funding – doubling their giving from Year One of the program – to help the recipients expand, improve and innovate their existing foster programming or launch new foster programs.

Adopt a Pet awarded four Senior Pet Data Grants of $5,000 each, totaling $20,000, to collect additional data on fostering and senior pets. Adopt a Pet will share the findings to help more organizations make informed decisions about fostering senior pets.

MuttNation Foundation awarded $20,000 across four Love Harder Grants of $5,000 each, focusing on dogs that tend to have a harder time getting adopted, such as seniors, pit mixes, large breeds and dogs with disabilities.

To view the full list of 2026 grant recipients and learn more about Foster 50, visit pedigreefoundation.org/Foster50.

About PEDIGREE Foundation

We believe every dog deserves a loving, forever home. PEDIGREE Foundation is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization working to help end pet homelessness. Nearly 3 million dogs end up in shelters and rescues every year, and nearly half never find a home. The foundation was established in 2008 by Mars Petcare, maker of PEDIGREE® food for dogs, to help increase dog adoption rates. We've awarded more than 6,400 grants and over $15.3 million to U.S. and Canadian shelters and rescues that help dogs in need and have helped more than one million dogs through grants support. Since launching our Canadian grant program in 2022, we have provided more than $465,000 CAD to local shelters and rescues and Disaster Relief Grants across Canada. At PEDIGREE Foundation, we're working toward a day when all dogs are safe, welcomed, cared for, well fed and loved. See how you can help at PedigreeFoundation.org.

Contact:

Samantha Barron

WOI Communications

[email protected] 

SOURCE Mars, Incorporated

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Preliminary clinical observations highlight a potential approach to addressing androgenetic and traction alopecia

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Induction Therapies®, innovators in aesthetics and advanced microneedling technology, and Collagen P.I.N.®, in partnership with renowned aesthetic physician Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera, announced a new clinical case series exploring the combination of scalp microneedling and topical plant-derived exosome therapy for two forms of nonscarring hair loss: androgenetic alopecia and traction alopecia.

The case series evaluated two patients treated with the Collagen P.I.N. microneedling device and Induction Therapies' PRX⁸ Plant-Exo Stimulation Serum over three monthly sessions. The protocol involved microneedling at a depth of 0.5 mm, followed by topical application of the exosomes with patients applying the formulation daily between treatments.

"Hair loss can significantly impact patients, driving interest in new approaches to scalp health and hair restoration," said Dr. Shino Bay Aguilera. "This case series offers preliminary insights into combining microneedling with topical plant-derived exosome therapy and underscores the need for further research."

Following treatment, a 29-year-old male with androgenetic alopecia reported reduced shedding and increased fine, vellus hairs along the frontal scalp, with physician-observed improvements in hair density and coverage. A 29-year-old female with early traction alopecia reported reduced shedding along the part line and increased vellus hairs in the bitemporal region. At one-month follow-up, continued improvement was reported and observed in both affected areas. No adverse events were reported in either patient.

"At Induction Therapies, we are committed to advancing aesthetic innovation and exploring new applications for microneedling technology," said Angelia Inscoe, Founder of Induction Therapies® and Collagen P.I.N. "These findings represent an exciting opportunity to further explore how Collagen P.I.N. microneedling and PRX⁸ Plant-Exo Stimulation Serum may work together as part of an innovative approach to hair restoration. We look forward to continued research into this combination and its potential to expand the options available to patients experiencing hair loss."

As a two-patient case series, these findings are preliminary and do not establish treatment efficacy. Further research is needed to evaluate outcomes in larger patient populations.

The full case study can be found here. For more information, please visit inductiontherapies.com and collagenpin.com.

About Induction Therapies® | Collagen P.I.N.®

Induction Therapies is a clinically driven aesthetics company redefining how treatments, skincare, and outcomes work together. Founded by industry veteran and serial entrepreneur, Angelia Inscoe, the brand was built on a simple but often overlooked truth: meaningful results don't come from a single product or procedure — they come from a system.

At the center of this philosophy is the Collagen P.I.N.® microneedling device, the first of its kind to introduce an industry-leading 36-pin needle cartridge and precision depth up to 3.0mm, expanding what microneedling can achieve in both performance and versatility. Engineered to create more microchannels with greater control, it delivers enhanced collagen stimulation, deeper product absorption, and more consistent, high-performance outcomes.

SOURCE Collagen P.I.N.

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The brand brings its reimagined shopping experience back to the Northborough community, blending 120 years of menswear expertise with a modern approach to style and service

NEW YORK, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Jos. A. Bank, a trusted destination for menswear, rentals and expert tailoring, announced today its return to Northborough Crossing in Northborough, Massachusetts, with the opening of a new store featuring the brand's reimagined retail concept. The location marks a return to a familiar community while introducing a fresh shopping experience that builds on Jos. A. Bank's 120 years of menswear expertise.

Situated near the intersection of Routes 9 and 20, Northborough Crossing serves shoppers from communities throughout the surrounding region. The new 4,442-square-foot store is the second Jos. A. Bank location to feature the redesigned concept, following its debut in Peachtree City, Georgia last week.

Designed around how customers shop today, the updated environment puts product and personalized service front and center. More intentional merchandising, clearer sightlines, and styled displays make it easier for customers to explore the assortment, discover versatile wardrobe options, and work with knowledgeable consultants to find the right fit.

"We're excited to return to Northborough Crossing and reconnect with a community that has been part of the Jos. A. Bank story," said Karla Gray, Chief Operating Officer of Tailored Brands. "What makes this opening especially meaningful is the opportunity to welcome customers back with a completely reimagined shopping experience. We've brought together the quality, craftsmanship, and personal service our customers know with a modern store environment designed to make shopping easier and more enjoyable."

Jos. A. Bank will celebrate the new store with a Grand Opening event on Friday, October 30, starting at 10:00 a.m. Representatives from Tailored Brands' nonprofit partners Fisher House Foundation, K9s For Warriors, Semper Fi & America's Fund, and Soldiers' Angels will join local leaders and the Jos. A. Bank team for the celebration.

Grand opening festivities will continue on Saturday, October 31, with WZLX-FM broadcasting live from the store from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. The event will feature music, games, prizes and Jos. A. Bank gift card giveaways.

The new Jos. A. Bank store is located at 8116 Shops Way, Northborough, MA 01532. Store hours are 10:00 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Sunday. For more information, visit josbank.com.

About Jos. A. Bank

Established in 1905, Jos. A. Bank is a leading destination for classically styled tailored and polished menswear. For more than 120 years, the brand has built its reputation on quality, craftsmanship, fit and personalized service, offering a versatile assortment of tailored clothing, sportswear, footwear and accessories for life's most important moments and every day. Jos. A. Bank serves customers through stores nationwide and online at josbank.com.

About Tailored Brands, Inc.

Tailored Brands is a leading omnichannel specialty retailer of menswear, including suits, formalwear, and a broad selection of business casual offerings. We help our customers love the way they look for their most important moments. The company delivers personalized products and services through our convenient network of stores and e-commerce sites. Our brands include Men's Wearhouse, Jos. A. Bank, Moores, and K&G Fashion Superstore.

For additional information on Tailored Brands, please visit the Company's websites at www.tailoredbrands.com, www.josbank.com, www.menswearhouse.com, www.mooresclothing.ca or www.kgstores.com.

SOURCE Tailored Brands

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Unlike traditional pharmacogenetics programs that just send a report, Blue Genes acts in real time inside the claims flow, protecting workers and holding down plan costs

ALBANY, N.Y. and PHOENIX, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Blue Genes Lab, a leading pharmacogenetics (PGx) provider with a groundbreaking approach to using genetic data to protect patients and reduce costs for payers at the moment it matters, today announced that it has been endorsed by the New York Labor Health Care Alliance (NYLHCA) for use by its 79 member unions representing 150,000 members and dependents.

"Our mission is twofold: safeguarding the health of the men and women who build and service New York and protecting the funds that support them," explained Stephen O'Sick, Executive Director of the NYLHCA. "Utilizing Blue Genes, we block unsafe or ineffective medications ranging from opioids to GLP-1s and behavioral health drugs, completely behind the scenes, requiring no changes from members or prescribers."

Unlike other pharmacogenetics programs, also known as pharmacogenomics, Blue Genes Lab works in the claims flow, checking drugs against a member's genetic profile the moment a prescription is submitted. Within milliseconds, unsafe or ineffective drugs are identified, the member is notified and the claim is stopped. Blue Genes checks for drug-gene interactions for more than 500 medications, including 65 ultra-high-cost specialty drugs and GLP-1s.

Despite the long-established clinical benefits of pharmacogenetics, adoption across the industry remains limited. This is largely because traditional approaches are confusing and inconvenient for members and are outside the prescriber workflow. As a result, while other programs send a report that can get lost in a portal, mailbox and fax machine, Blue Genes acts the moment it matters — before the prescription is filled or the claim is paid.

Blue Genes has overcome these obstacles to adoption by making PGx both clinically rigorous and friction free. The member takes a one-time at-home mouth-swab for a lifetime of protection; there is nothing to remember, nothing new for the pharmacy, and nothing added to the physician's workflow. It is automatic and instant.

For maximum safety and savings, Blue Genes concentrates on high-cost, high-impact prescriptions where genetics can change the outcome. GLP-1s are a clear example: Blue Genes stops likely non-response before a plan pays and before a member spends months on a drug that will not work. Alternatives Blue Genes recommends are formulary-aware, so they never disrupt existing payer contracts.

"We are honored to receive this endorsement and earn the trust of labor organizations nationwide," said Blue Genes Lab CEO Nick Glimcher. "The science behind pharmacogenetics is well established, and we are proud to be able to make PGx effective to protect union workers and the benefit funds they count on."

About Blue Genes Lab

Blue Genes Lab's patent-pending technology integrates pharmacogenetics where the decision actually gets made — the moment a prescription is submitted. We check it against the patient's own biology and answer in about 300 milliseconds, before the drug is filled and before the claim is paid. This improves the safety and efficacy of drugs and reduces healthcare costs, without disrupting the provider workflow. Visit BlueGenesLabs.com to learn more.

SOURCE Blue Genes Lab

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Frost's expanded Rockets relationship and first professional women's sports team partnership signals a deeper investment in Houston sports, fans and communities

HOUSTON, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost Bank today announced an expanded partnership with the Houston Rockets and a new partnership with the Houston Comets, becoming the Official Bank of both teams. The designation marks Frost's first partnership with a professional women's sports team and expands its longstanding relationship with the Rockets.

The expanded partnership builds on nearly a decade of collaboration with the Rockets, reflecting a shared commitment to creating meaningful fan experiences, investing in Houston communities and supporting the next chapter of sports in one of America's most passionate cities.

As women's sports continue to reach new levels of visibility, fandom and cultural influence, Frost's partnership with the Comets represents a significant milestone for the bank and reinforces its commitment to supporting opportunities that bring people together and strengthen local communities.

"Houston brings together hardworking people, diverse perspectives, and a collaborative spirit that creates opportunities for everyone," said Richard Mann, Frost's Houston region president. "As women's sports continue to gain momentum, our partnership with the Comets and expanded relationship with the Rockets reflects Frost's continued investment in Houston, its fans and its future. Together, we will create meaningful experiences while supporting initiatives that strengthen the communities we serve."

Partnership Highlights

- Financial Literacy and Community Impact – Frost will work alongside both the Rockets and Comets to develop community-focused financial literacy initiatives designed to help more Houstonians build financial confidence and achieve their financial goals.

- Frost Fridays Fan Experiences – Frost will bring its popular Frost Fridays series to select Rockets and Comets home games, featuring unique fan experiences, giveaways, and custom activations designed to engage with fans throughout the season.

- Presenting Partner for Tentpole Moments Across Both Leagues – Frost will serve as a presenting partner of the "For the Cup" series during the NBA Cup and WNBA Commissioner's Cup across Rockets and Comets platforms and fan experiences.

- Enhanced Frost Legends Club – The partnership includes the launch of Frost Legends Club, creating an upgraded experience for guests at Rockets and Comets games and arena events.

"The return of the Houston Comets marks a historic moment for our city, our fans, and the future of women's sports," said Gretchen Sheirr, President of Business Operations. "For many Houstonians, the Comets represent cherished memories and a championship legacy. For a new generation, they symbolize what is possible. We're grateful to Frost for embracing this exciting new chapter and for its continued commitment to our organization. As a longtime Rockets partner and now a founding partner of the Comets, Frost shares our belief in honoring tradition while investing in the future. Together, we look forward to creating exceptional experiences, giving back to our community, and building memories that will inspire Houston for years to come."

Additional partnership and community programming details will be announced throughout the season.

For more information about Frost, visit FrostBank.com. For more information about the Houston Rockets and Houston Comets, visit Rockets.com and HoustonComets.com.

About Frost

Frost is the banking, investments and insurance subsidiary of Cullen/Frost Bankers, Inc. (NYSE: CFR), a financial holding company with $53.9 billion in assets at June 30, 2026. One of the 50 largest U.S. banks by asset size, Frost provides a full range of banking, investments and insurance services to businesses and individuals in the Austin, Corpus Christi, Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, Permian Basin, Rio Grande Valley and San Antonio regions. Founded in 1868, Frost has helped Texans with their financial needs during three centuries. For more information, visit FrostBank.com.

About Houston Rockets/Houston Comets

In October 2017, Tilman J. Fertitta assumed ownership of the National Basketball Association's Houston Rockets and operation of the team's home arena, Toyota Center, located in downtown Houston. In May 2026, the Women's National Basketball Association approved the relocation of the Connecticut Sun to Houston for the 2027 season, marking the return of the Houston Comets. The Rockets, who originated in San Diego and moved to Houston in 1971, are entering their 60th season as an NBA franchise and won back-to-back championships in 1993-94 and 1994-95. The Comets were one of the original eight WNBA franchises and won the league's first four championships from 1997-2000. Through the Clutch City Foundation, the Rockets and Comets utilize the power of basketball to transform lives and positively impact the Houston community. For more information, please visit Rockets.com and HoustonComets.com.

SOURCE Frost Bank

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Vector Solutions Launches Skills Intelligence to Give Manufacturers a Real-Time View of Workforce Readiness

New AI-native solution connects skills visibility with training to help manufacturers close skills gaps, build frontline readiness, and keep production moving

TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Vector Solutions, the leading AI-enabled performance platform that enhances safety, compliance, and workforce readiness for critical industries, announced the launch of Skills Intelligence, a new workforce readiness solution that gives manufacturers a clear view of what their employees can do, rather than relying only on training completion.

The launch comes as manufacturers face growing pressure to build and retain the capabilities needed to keep operations running. Nearly 40% of skills used on the job are expected to change by 2030, and 45% of manufacturers already cite attracting and retaining a quality workforce as a top business challenge. Yet Vector's 2026 market research found that roughly 9 in 10 manufacturers still track workforce skills through spreadsheets, paper, or disconnected systems, making it difficult to see where critical capabilities exist or where gaps could put production at risk.

Skills Intelligence closes that visibility gap by showing proficiency levels and workforce coverage across roles, teams, sites, and shifts. Built on an AI-native platform, the solution helps manufacturers turn existing workforce and skills data into a clearer, more actionable view of readiness. Leaders can quickly identify who is qualified to perform specific work, find coverage for an unexpected absence, spot single points of failure, and determine where cross-training or development is needed. Unlike systems that rely on course completion as a proxy for readiness, Skills Intelligence tracks capabilities validated through an organization's own approval and sign-off processes.

"Manufacturers can't solve today's workforce challenges through hiring alone," said Clare Epstein, General Manager of Commercial at Vector Solutions. "They need to develop the talent they already have, giving employees clear opportunities to build new skills, advance, and apply those skills where they're needed most. At the same time, leaders need confidence that workforce development translates to readiness on the floor. By combining AI with a clear view of validated workforce capabilities, Skills Intelligence helps manufacturers better understand where skills exist, where gaps remain, and where to focus development, creating a stronger connection between workforce development and operational performance."

Built specifically for manufacturers, Skills Intelligence enables organizations to:

- See proven capabilities across the workforce: A visual skills matrix shows proficiency levels across employees, roles, teams, sites, and shifts.

- Find qualified employees quickly: Capability Search identifies workers with the right skill at the required proficiency level across shifts and locations.

- Catch workforce vulnerabilities earlier: Skills Gap views surface areas with limited coverage and single points of failure so teams can cross-train before an absence, retirement, or turnover disrupts operations.

- Close skills gaps from the same workflow: Leaders can assign training or request skill validation directly from the skills matrix.

- Move beyond spreadsheets faster: An AI-powered import wizard converts existing skills matrices, job checklists, and other documents into structured jobs, skills, and proficiency scales in minutes.

- Create a clearer path to grow: Team members can see the skills they need to build to prepare for future roles.

- Stay audit ready: A documented sign-off trail for every validated skill to be used in customer audits, regulatory reviews, and internal quality checks.

"Knowing who has completed training and who is ready to perform a job are two different things," said Dr. Charity True, Manufacturing Training Manager, NS BlueScope, CPNA. "We need a clear, current view of the skills across our workforce so we can make better decisions about staffing, cross-training, and where we need to build additional depth. Vector's Skills Intelligence is a solution shaped around the realities manufacturing teams face every day, designed to make skills management more intuitive without adding complexity to existing workflows."

For manufacturers using Vector's Convergence LMS, Skills Intelligence creates a closed loop from identifying a skills gap to taking action. Leaders can see where capabilities are missing, assign relevant training to help close the gap, and initiate skill validation from the same workflow, connecting workforce visibility directly to development and readiness on the floor.

The solution was developed in partnership with several manufacturing design partners whose feedback helped shape the product around the day-to-day workforce challenges facing plant managers, training leaders, and frontline supervisors.

"Building workforce readiness means giving employees a clearer understanding of where they can grow while making sure the business has the skills it needs for the future," said Eric Emrick, Training Manager, Fairbanks Morse Defense. "We focused on making that connection practical, giving leaders better visibility into workforce capabilities while creating clearer paths for employees to develop new skills and advance. Skills Intelligence brings those pieces together in a way that reflects the realities companies are navigating every day."

Skills Intelligence is available as an add-on for existing Convergence LMS customers, bundled with the LMS for new customers, or as a standalone solution for manufacturers.

To learn more about Vector Solutions Skills Intelligence, click here or request a demo.

ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS for INDUSTRIAL

Vector Solutions for Industrial is the leading Safety, Compliance, and Workforce Readiness Platform for organizations in industrial manufacturing, food and beverage manufacturing, pulp and paper, chemical processing, and facilities management. By integrating workflows, reporting, and training, the Vector platform helps reduce recordable incidents, simplifies compliance, and delivers a safer, workforce-ready organization. Connecting training management, EHS oversight, compliance tracking, and performance tools into one solution, Vector helps streamline operations, save time, and drive measurable results. Serving thousands of clients, Vector empowers safer, more efficient workplaces.

ABOUT VECTOR SOLUTIONS

Vector Solutions is the leading AI-enabled Performance Platform Powering Safe, Compliant, and Efficient Operations for the world's most critical industries. Embedded into daily workflows to drive improvements in compliance, safety, performance, and preparedness, our software includes operational and workforce readiness, training management, industry-focused online course libraries, EHS management, workforce scheduling, asset management, evaluation and performance management, and more. With more than 24,000 clients, Vector powers the outcomes that matter most—saving time, ensuring compliance, embedding knowledge, reducing downtime, and safeguarding lives. For more information, visit www.vectorsolutions.com.

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SOURCE Vector Solutions

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