Xenia Hotels & Resorts President and COO Barry Bloom joins Fort Hospitality's President Keith Space and JF Capital's Founder & CEO Jonathan Falik for a conversation on where luxury hotel capital is heading in 2027

ORLANDO, Fla., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) today announced new sessions for INSPIRE 2026, its flagship North American luxury hospitality conference, taking place December 15–16 at JW Marriott Orlando Bonnet Creek Resort & Spa. The latest additions bring owners, investors, developers and brand leaders to the stage to address the capital, development and margin decisions that will shape luxury hospitality in 2027.

Closing the Encore Summit Stage program on December 16, Barry Bloom, President and Chief Operating Officer of Xenia Hotels & Resorts, and Keith Space, President of Fort Hospitality, will sit down for a fireside chat, Owning Luxury in 2027: Value, Risk and What Comes Next, moderated by Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital. As the final conversation of the conference, the session will give an ownership perspective on what luxury means heading into the new year, from what guests will pay for and where costs are pressuring margins to how owners are underwriting new investment and what they expect from operators and brands.

"Every owner is going into 2027 asking the same two questions: what will the luxury guest pay for, and what will it cost to deliver it?" said Jonathan Falik, CEO of JF Capital. "Barry and Keith answer those questions from the ownership seat every day. Ending INSPIRE with their view of the year ahead means everyone in the room leaves knowing where capital is heading and what it will reward."

Other new sessions include:

- Value Creation Roadmap: Where Smart Capital Is Moving in Luxury Hotels brings together Lily Hu, EVP Business Strategy, Crescent Hotels & Resorts, Sonia Egyhazy, VP Luxury Hotel & Mixed-Use Development, Accor, and Kristina D'Amico, Vice President, Hotels Asset Management, JLL Hotels & Hospitality Group. Carolina Lacerda, Executive Director, Transactions & Corporate Finance, EY-Parthenon, moderates.

- Building the Brand: Luxury Development in 2027 features Shafi Syed, Global Head, Hotel Development and Acquisitions, Equinox Hotels, FeiFei Wang, Feasibility and Development, Mandarin Oriental, and Rika Lisslo, VP Lifestyle & Residential Development U.S. & Canada, Hilton, moderated by Dr. Clay B. Dickinson, Managing Director, Horwath HTL and Professor at FIU.

- Quiet Margins: Protecting Profit Without Touching Guest Experience applies the discipline of quiet luxury to operations, separating what the best operators cut, automate or restructure from the savings that quietly erode a brand. Panelists include John C. Tolbert, Senior Vice President, BRE Hotels & Resorts, Zach Demuth, Head of Strategic Growth & Asset Management, Eight Form, Matthew Boettcher, Senior Vice President, Evolution Hospitality, and Susie Park, EVP, Global Hotel Asset Management, CBRE, with Darrin Phillips, CEO and Founder, Top Shelf Project Management, moderating.

- Luxury Branded Residences & The Future of Design Identity looks at how branded residences are shaping the way luxury brands define themselves through design, with Anna Masello, Marketing & Real Estate Branding Director, The One Atelier, Anne Billaz, CEO, Lagardere Active Enterprises, and Fernando De Nunez, CEO & Founder, Vertical Developments. John Lancet, Senior Managing Director, Practice Leader – Southeast and Caribbean Regions, HVS, moderates.

The new sessions join a program that already includes a fireside chat with Tina Edmundson, President of Luxury at Marriott International, a conversation with Carolyne Doyon, President and CEO of Club Med North America and Caribbean, and sessions on AI, wellness, culture and guest experience.

Registration for INSPIRE 2026 is now open. Visit ilha.org/inspire to learn more and secure a place.

About the International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA)

The International Luxury Hotel Association (ILHA) is the leading trade association uniting the world of luxury hospitality across its three core pillars: real estate, hospitality, and travel. With a global community of more than 1 million professionals and a think tank of over 300 industry leaders, ILHA drives the conversations, partnerships, and innovations shaping the future of luxury experiences. Its ILHA INSPIRE flagship event brings together senior leaders from across the industry for high-level networking, insights, and collaboration, alongside a year-round content platform connecting owners, operators, developers, and brands. For more information, visit https://ilha.org/

SOURCE International Luxury Hotel Association

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The article explains key responsibilities, costs, and service expectations for managing vacation rental cabins in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

BLUE RIDGE, Ga., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should homeowners know before entrusting their vacation rental cabin to someone else? HelloNation has published an article that answers this question with guidance from Real Estate Expert Nathan Fitts of Nathan Fitts & Team in Blue Ridge, Georgia.

The HelloNation article explains that cabin property management involves a wide range of responsibilities that go beyond simple oversight. In Blue Ridge, GA, managing a vacation rental cabin typically includes guest turnover, cleaning coordination, and handling vendor payments. The article emphasizes that understanding these services helps homeowners avoid confusion and better protect their investment.

The article describes how a property manager often serves as the central point of contact for both owners and guests. This includes responding to guest needs, coordinating cleaning between stays, and ensuring smooth guest turnover during busy seasons. For owners of a vacation rental cabin, this level of support can reduce daily stress while maintaining consistent service quality.

Costs are another important consideration highlighted in the article. Cabin property management fees in Blue Ridge, GA, can vary depending on property size, service level, and rental demand. Some property manager agreements involve a flat monthly rate, while others are based on a percentage of booking income. The article notes that homeowners should carefully review contracts to understand what services are included, especially for maintenance scheduling and cleaning coordination, and which may involve additional charges.

Routine inspections are presented as a critical part of maintaining a vacation rental cabin. The article explains that routine inspections should occur regularly, often monthly or after guest turnover. These inspections allow a property manager to identify issues early, reducing the likelihood of costly repairs and ensuring a positive guest experience. Proper documentation of routine inspections also helps owners stay informed about the condition of their property.

Maintenance scheduling is another core responsibility outlined in the article. From HVAC servicing to landscaping, maintenance scheduling ensures the cabin remains safe and appealing year-round. The article explains that a property manager may coordinate both routine and unexpected repairs, working with trusted vendors and tracking completed work. In Blue Ridge, GA, where seasonal changes can affect property conditions, consistent maintenance scheduling is especially important.

The article also highlights the importance of efficient guest turnover. Preparing a vacation rental cabin between stays requires timely cleaning coordination, restocking supplies, and addressing any issues left by previous guests. A reliable property manager ensures that each guest arrives to a clean and well-maintained space, which can improve reviews and encourage repeat bookings.

Another key takeaway is the value of transparency. The article advises homeowners to ask detailed questions about how a property manager handles routine inspections, maintenance scheduling, and guest communication. Clear expectations about cabin property management services help prevent misunderstandings and ensure the property is consistently monitored.

Real Estate Expert Nathan Fitts provides insights that help homeowners better balance convenience with quality service. The article explains that effective cabin property management in Blue Ridge, GA, supports both the owner's financial goals and the guest's overall experience.

Understanding Cabin Rental Management in Blue Ridge, Georgia features insights from Nathan Fitts, Owner of Nathan Fitts & Team, a real estate expert in Blue Ridge, Georgia, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

HelloNation is America's Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

SOURCE HelloNation

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Experienced executive to lead company's next phase of retail, digital commerce and strategic growth

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Trends International, LLC, a leading publisher and manufacturer of licensed posters, calendars, stickers, wall art and social stationery products, today announced that Kenneth Smith has been appointed President and Chief Executive Officer, effective May 2026.

Smith will spearhead the company's overall strategic direction and growth initiatives across its retail, wholesale, e-commerce, licensing and direct-to-consumer businesses. In his role, Smith will oversee Trends International and its portfolio of digital businesses, including Art.com and AllPosters.com.

Smith's appointment comes as Trends International enters a new phase of expansion focused on broadening its retail presence, accelerating e-commerce, strengthening strategic customer relationships, developing new products and licenses, and pursuing partnerships and business opportunities.

"I am honored to lead Trends International and build on the strong foundation established by the company, its founders and its talented employees," said Kenneth Smith, "We have an exceptional portfolio of brands, licenses, products and customer relationships, and we see significant opportunities to grow the business. Our focus will be on strengthening our retail partnerships, accelerating our digital businesses, developing innovative products and creating new strategic opportunities that deliver value for our customers, consumers, licensors and partners."

Expanding Retail and Digital Footprint

Under Smith's leadership, Trends International will continue to invest in its core retail business while broadening its digital commerce capabilities.

The company is focused on deepening relationships with major retailers, expanding distribution, improving merchandising, and developing new product platforms designed to create incremental sales opportunities.

Trends will also continue to build Trends Digital, bringing together the company's e-commerce capabilities and creating a platform for future digital growth and potential e-commerce acquisitions.

The company's digital portfolio includes Art.com and AllPosters.com, providing consumers with access to millions of images, posters, prints, wall art, and complementary décor.

"Trends has a tremendous opportunity to build upon its heritage while positioning the company for the future," Smith said. "We are focused on growth, but equally important is how we achieve that growth — through strong customer partnerships, disciplined execution, innovation and a culture that empowers our people to succeed."

Strategic Priorities

Smith's leadership agenda includes several key areas of focus:

- Retail growth — Expand relationships and sales with major national retailers and specialty channels.

- Product innovation — Develop new product formats, displays and seasonal programs that create incremental retail opportunities.

- Digital commerce — Accelerate the growth of Trends Digital, Art.com and AllPosters.com.

- Strategic partnerships — Forge new licensing, brand and business partnerships that expand the company's market opportunity.

- Operational excellence — Improve organizational alignment, processes, technology, and execution across the company's businesses.

- Talent and culture — Build a high-performing organization focused on accountability, innovation, customer service and sustainable growth.

"Kenneth brings a strong combination of leadership, customer focus and business development experience to Trends International," said Phil St. Jean, Founder and Co-Executive Chairman of Trends International. "His vision for the company and his commitment to our customers, employees and partners make him the right leader for this next chapter. We are excited about what the future holds for Trends International and its businesses."

About Kenneth Smith

Kenneth Smith is an experienced business executive with a background in sales leadership, strategic account development, business development, customer relationships, and organizational transformation. Throughout his career, Smith has focused on developing strategic growth initiatives, building high-performing teams, and creating long-term partnerships with major customers and business partners.

As president and chief executive officer of Trends International, Smith is responsible for the company's overall strategy, growth, organizational leadership and business performance.

About Trends International

Trends International, LLC is a leading publisher and manufacturer of licensed posters, calendars, stickers, wall art and social stationery products. Established in 1987, Trends built its business around strong partnerships between licensors, retailers and licensees. Today, the company delivers a broad portfolio of licensed and proprietary products distributed through major retail, specialty, and digital channels.

Art.com, acquired by Trends International in 2023, is a leading online specialty retailer of high-quality wall art and complementary décor. The business offers millions of images and products through its digital commerce platform and interactive visualization tools.

AllPosters.com, part of the Trends International family of businesses, offers consumers a broad selection of posters, prints and wall décor.

For more information about Trends International, Art.com, AllPosters.com or Kenneth Smith, contact:

SOURCE Trends International

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Financing for repeat borrower Agador Spartacus Development will support 279 build-to-rent homes across two adjacent communities

THOUSAND OAKS, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Anchor Loans, a leading private real estate lender and a Pretium majority-owned portfolio company, today announced the closing of $58.5 million in vertical construction financing for two build-to-rent communities in Deltona, Florida, being developed by repeat borrower Agador Spartacus Development.

The financings include approximately $30.2 million for Magnolia Cottages at Deltona, a 153-home community, and $28.3 million for Magnolia Villas at Deltona, a 126-home community. Located on adjacent parcels, the projects will add a combined 279 rental homes, including a mix of cottages, duplexes and townhomes. Both communities are planned with dog parks and clubhouse amenities.

Located between Orlando and Daytona Beach, the communities offer convenient access to major employment centers across Central Florida, including the nearby Howland Job Zone, home to healthcare, logistics and retail employers.

The transactions expand Anchor's relationship with Agador, a Miami-based, vertically integrated real estate company with an established portfolio of build-to-rent communities in Florida. Anchor has previously financed Agador projects including Magnolia at Lake Hamilton, a $35.4 million multifamily financing in Winter Haven, and Lake Ella Estates, a $36.8 million financing for a 132-home build-to-rent community in Lady Lake.

"Strong real estate credit starts with understanding both the asset and the sponsor," said Paul Stockamore, Chief Lending Officer at Anchor Loans. "Agador brings a demonstrated track record, meaningful equity investment and deep experience in the Florida market. Combined with the fundamentals of these projects and our experience financing the sponsor, those factors gave us conviction in the credit and the ability to structure financing for both communities."

"Having a lender that understands our business and can execute on two communities at once makes a real difference. We're grateful for Anchor's continued partnership and excited to deliver Magnolia Cottages and Magnolia Villas to Deltona," said Samy Cohen, Principal at Agador Spartacus Development.

About Anchor Loans

Anchor Loans, including Anchor Nationwide Loans, LLC, is the nation's leading provider of financing solutions for residential real estate investors and developers. Founded in 1998, Anchor has funded over $23 billion for more than 38,000 projects across 48 states. Through a comprehensive platform supporting residential investment, development, and housing creation, Anchor delivers flexible capital solutions backed by deep real estate expertise and advanced credit capabilities. As part of the Pretium ecosystem, Anchor leverages institutional strength and an integrated housing platform to serve clients ranging from entrepreneurial investors to institutional-scale developers.

For more information, visit www.anchorloans.com.

About Pretium

Pretium is a specialized investment firm focused on U.S. residential real estate, residential credit, and corporate credit. Pretium was founded in 2012 and has built an integrated analytical and operational ecosystem within the U.S. housing, residential credit, and corporate credit markets, and believes that its insight and experience within these markets create a strategic advantage over other investment managers. Pretium's platform has over $67 billion in assets and employs approximately 6,500 people across 45+ offices, including its New York headquarters, Miami, London, Abu Dhabi, Bangalore, Seoul, and Sydney. Please visit www.pretium.com for additional information.

ANCHOR LOANS, LP; EQUAL HOUSING LENDER. NMLS ID: 2289894; 112 Lakeview Canyon Road, 200, Thousand Oaks, CA 91362; (888) 719-5299

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CIRCUIT OF THE AMERICAS AND TECOVAS TEAM UP TO UNVEIL THE "WORLD'S LARGEST COWBOY HAT" AHEAD OF THE FORMULA 1 UNITED STATES GRAND PRIX

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, Circuit of The Americas (COTA) and leading Austin-based Westernwear brand Tecovas proudly announced they are teaming up to unveil the "World's Largest Cowboy Hat" at The Circuit. Having worked together for 4 years, the two local Texas icons are bringing the world-renowned Cowboy Hat symbol of the West to life on the grandest of scales at the beloved track that is host to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, MotoGP, NASCAR, and the FIA World Endurance Championship.

The monumental hat, a to-scale recreation of Tecovas' own Cattleman Cowboy Hat, was officially certified by the Guinness World Records team onsite at the track on October 19, 2026. This historic milestone will take place ahead of the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix the following week, setting the ultimate Texas stage before the fastest racing cars in motorsport take to the track.

World's Largest Cowboy Hat

- Size: 

- 43' wide x 47' long x 17' tall (hat structure, not including piers)

- Design Details: 

- Fiberglass + foam around a steel frame

- Fiberglass is textured to replicate that of the Tecovas Cattleman hat and the paint is color matched to their natural shade.

- Features the COTA signature track outline to look like iron brand that we imprint on all of our COTA Cowboy hats and Tecovas branding matched to look like an iron brand

- Features hat band + steel horseshoe charm

- Under-Hat Bar Features: Fully operational bar located underneath the hat; all ticketholders can access this area from when gates open til they close Thursday-Sunday of race weekend.

"The World's Largest Cowboy Hat belongs in Texas, and there's no better place to welcome fans from around the world with a statement this big," said Bobby Epstein, Chairman of Circuit of The Americas. "This is a beautiful piece of art with a practical purpose- a place for fans to gather, enjoy some shade, and experience a little Texas hospitality. Tecovas shares our hometown pride and appreciation for craftsmanship, and we're grateful for their partnership in bringing this larger-than-life attraction to COTA."

Tecovas has been a proud partner with COTA at the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix since 2023, and this record-breaking installation marks a massive expansion of the brand's commitment to "radical hospitality" to racing fans. To celebrate the new landmark, COTA and Tecovas will be hosting the second annual "Haturday" on October 24th during the Formula 1 Grand Prix weekend, offering fans exclusive activations and an unforgettable race-day experience.

"There is a natural synergy between racing and the West—both require a respect for skill, resilience, and wide-open possibility," said David Lafitte, CEO at Tecovas. "Creating the 'World's Largest Cowboy Hat' alongside our long-time partners at COTA is a massive celebration of our Austin roots and the bold spirit of Texas. We are thrilled to offer fans an unforgettable hospitality experience that perfectly blends our Western heritage with the global energy of elite motorsport."

Racing fans, concertgoers, and enthusiasts will be able to marvel at the "World's Largest Cowboy Hat" during the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix and well beyond, as it becomes a new, staple fixture of the legendary track.

About Circuit of The Americas Circuit of The Americas is one of the premier destinations for sports and entertainment in the US. Located on more than 1,500 acres in Texas, COTA is the first and only purpose-built Formula 1 circuit in the United States and home to the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix, MotoGP, NASCAR, FIA World Endurance Championship and major concerts and events throughout the year. Beyond the track, the property continues to grow with karting, mini golf, driving experiences, concerts throughout the year at Germania Insurance Amphitheater, the iconic COTA Observation Tower, T11 Car Community, and COTALAND, Austin's first and only family adventure theme park.

About Tecovas Founded in Austin, TX in 2015, Tecovas is America's leading Western lifestyle brand. From handcrafted boots to apparel, workwear, and accessories, Tecovas serves a wider West with radical hospitality. Find us at Tecovas.com, retail stores nationwide, and select retail partners.

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WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Lumicell, Inc., a leader in fluorescence-guided imaging technology for cancer detection, today announced the promotion of Marnie Curbow to Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. Curbow, who previously served as the company's Chief Commercial Officer, will lead Lumicell as it enters its next phase of commercial growth, focuses on future product development, and works to expand the impact of its innovative technology in cancer surgery.

Curbow joined Lumicell in October 2025 as Vice President of Sales and was promoted to Chief Commercial Officer, where she assumed responsibility for sales, marketing, reimbursement, and clinical applications. In less than a year, she has played a pivotal role in building Lumicell's commercial organization, strengthening its go-to-market strategy, and establishing the foundation for continued growth. Her appointment as CEO reflects the breadth of her leadership and the company's confidence in her ability to guide Lumicell through its next stage of development.

"Marnie has made an extraordinary impact at Lumicell in a remarkably short period of time," said Dr. Andrey Zarur, Chairman of the Board of Lumicell. "She joined us with a deep understanding of breast oncology and a proven record of commercial leadership, but she quickly demonstrated that her capabilities extend far beyond any single function. She has earned the trust of our employees, clinical partners, and leadership team through her ability to set a clear direction, move decisively, and bring people together around our mission. The Board is confident that Marnie is the right leader to take Lumicell forward as we enter this important next chapter."

Curbow brings nearly two decades of experience spanning breast oncology, surgery, diagnostics, and therapeutics. Throughout her career, she has helped build and scale commercial organizations and bring innovative technologies to market. Prior to joining Lumicell, she served as GM & VP Sales Diagnostics for the Americas at Rhinomed, where she launched a novel diagnostic and secured a SPARK accelerator award from BARDA. Her breadth of clinical and commercial experience across the breast cancer continuum provides a distinctive perspective as Lumicell continues to advance its technology and expand its reach.

"I am deeply honored to lead Lumicell at this pivotal moment in the company's journey," said Marnie Curbow, Chief Executive Officer of Lumicell. "What drew me to Lumicell was the extraordinary potential of our technology and the strength of the people behind it. Since joining the company, I have seen firsthand the dedication of our team and the tremendous commitment of the surgeons and clinical partners who share our vision for improving cancer surgery. We have built a strong foundation, and now it is time to accelerate. Together, we will continue to advance our commercial momentum, deepen our partnerships across the clinical community, and pursue new opportunities to bring real-time visualization to cancer surgery. I am excited about what we can accomplish together for surgeons and, most importantly, for patients."

Lumicell's fluorescence-guided surgery system is designed to help surgeons identify residual cancer during lumpectomy surgery. The company's technology received FDA approval in April 2024 and is currently implemented in hospitals across the United States.

Under Curbow's leadership, Lumicell will continue to focus on advancing the adoption of pegulicianine fluorescence-guided surgery (pFGS), strengthening its commercial and clinical partnerships, expanding the current investor base and pursuing opportunities to expand the application of its technology across additional solid tumor indications.

About Lumicell

Lumicell is a privately held life sciences company revolutionizing the intraoperative detection of cancer with its real-time fluorescence imaging technology. Lumicell's proprietary technology is FDA-approved for use in the treatment of breast cancer and is also being explored for further development across a wide variety of solid tumor indications. For more information, please visit www.Lumicell.com and www.Lumisystem.com. Follow the company on Facebook, Instagram, X, and LinkedIn.

This press release contains "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the "safe harbor" provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. The forward-looking statements contained in this press release reflect Lumicell's current views about future events and are subject to numerous known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions, and changes in circumstances that may cause its actual results to differ significantly from those expressed in any forward-looking statement. These forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the regulatory process to approve pharmaceutical drugs or medical devices.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

Indications for Use

LUMISIGHT, an optical imaging agent, and Lumicell DVS, a fluorescence imaging device, are indicated for fluorescence imaging in adults with breast cancer as an adjunct for the intraoperative detection of cancerous tissue within the resection cavity following removal of the primary specimen during lumpectomy surgery.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

What is LUMISIGHT (pegulicianine) and Lumicell DVS?

- LUMISIGHT (pegulicianine), an optical imaging agent, and Lumicell DVS, a fluorescence imaging device, are used in adults with breast cancer to help detect any remaining cancerous tissue at the surgical site following removal of the primary specimen during a lumpectomy procedure.

What is the most important information I should know about LUMISIGHT?

- Hypersensitivity Reactions: LUMISIGHT may cause serious hypersensitivity reactions, including anaphylaxis. Anaphylaxis has occurred in 4/726 (0.6%) of patients in clinical studies. Tell your doctor if you have any history of hypersensitivity reactions to pegulicianine or to contrast media or products containing polyethylene glycol (PEG). Your healthcare provider should have emergency resuscitation drugs, equipment, and trained personnel available during the use of LUMISIGHT. Healthcare providers should monitor all patients for hypersensitivity reactions and if one is suspected, immediately discontinue the injection and initiate appropriate therapy.

- The most common side effects (≥1%) include hypersensitivity and an abnormal color in urine.

What additional important information should I know about LUMISIGHT and Lumicell DVS?

- Adjunctive Use: Lumicell DVS is for use as part of the lumpectomy procedure and is not a replacement for the standard of care procedures and pathology.

- Risk of Misdiagnosis: The absence of a signal in surgery does not rule out cancer. Additionally, a positive signal may be seen in non-cancerous tissue.

- Interference from Dyes Used for Sentinel Lymph Node Mapping: Your healthcare provider should avoid use of dyes before imaging the lumpectomy cavity in patients who have received LUMISIGHT.

- Other Risks: Using the Lumicell DVS handheld probe may cause tissue damage or infection.

You are encouraged to report negative side effects of prescription drugs to the FDA. Visit MedWatch or call 1-800-FDA-1088. Please see the LUMISIGHT Prescribing Information, including Boxed Warning, and Lumicell DVS Instructions for Use. For complete product information visit www.LumiSystem.com.

Rx only

SOURCE Lumicell, Inc.

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Additional studies ranging from GLP-1 to dementia draw on a Helix GenoSphere™ resource that now includes over 620,000 paired EHR + Claims + Genomics records.

SAN MATEO, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Helix, the leading enterprise precision medicine company, will present three-year outcomes from population genomic screening at the opening plenary session of the American Society of Human Genetics 2026 Annual Meeting, taking place October 20-24 in Montreal, Canada.

The talk draws on data from the Helix Research Network® (HRN), the world's largest precision health network. Its 17 health systems are making genomics standard of care across all service lines, and every partner offers CDC Tier 1 primary screening to all patients who enroll in research. The study shows how surfacing previously undiagnosed genetic risk can improve screening and preventive care across diverse health systems.

Research breakthroughs across the Helix Research Network span a wide range of therapeutic areas, such as liver disease, dementia, heart disease and kidney disease. Multiple platform presentations and posters demonstrate the power of creating a learning system of health systems, at-scale, across North America. These include the ability to identify new insights, translate them into the clinic, and measure outcomes in the real-world.

"The Helix Research Network® combines large-scale genomic research with the ability to put findings into clinical practice and measure real-world outcomes," said William Lee, Ph.D., Chief Science and Product Officer at Helix. "We're excited to demonstrate how Helix is accelerating the translation of novel approaches into the clinic and the ability to pragmatically measure those outcomes in the real world."

Clinical findings and presentations will be shared at the times below:

Plenary Session: CDCT1 Screening in 527K participants: A 3-year outcomes study

Tuesday, October 20, from 5:57-6:15 p.m. ET in Room 517/Level 5

Featured Plenary Talk presented by: Cassie Hajek, MD, FACP, FACMG, Medical Director

Distinct genetic architectures of kidney function decline quantified by multi-state Markov analysis of 3.4 million serial eGFR measurements across 13 health systems

Wednesday, October 21, from 11:45 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. ET in Room 516BC/Level 5

Platform Presentation by: Matt Levy, PhD, Staff Research Scientist

Rare GLP1R variants selectively attenuate weight loss with semaglutide but not tirzepatide, implicating GIP receptor agonism as a compensatory mechanism

Thursday, October 22, from 1:45-2:00 p.m. ET in Room 520ABDE/Level 5

Platform Presentation by: Kelly Schiabor Barrett, PhD, Senior Staff Scientist

Poster 8202T: APOE genotype shapes the trajectory from mild cognitive impairment to dementia in a large clinical genomics cohort

Thursday, October 22, from 4:15-6:15 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Poster presented by: Lisa McEwen, PhD, Head of Clinicogenomics Data

Poster 6006T: ApoB isoform-specific mechanisms of liver disease in heterozygous pLoF carriers across three population cohorts

Thursday, October 22, from 4:15-6:15 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Poster presented by: Megan Ramaker, PhD, Senior Research Scientist

Poster 2002F: Cumulative pharmacogenomic variant burden associated with polypharmacy, treatment inefficacy, and adverse drug events

Friday, October 23, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Poster presented by: Teresa Kruisselbrink, MS, Director Medical Affairs

Poster 8093F: Plasma proteomic signatures of kidney disease within APOL1 genotype strata in a population genomic screening program

Friday, October 23, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Poster presented by: Lorena Mora-Blanco, PhD, Associate Director, Laboratory R&D

Poster 8294F: Plasma proteomics highlights a preclinical cardiomyopathy signature in pathogenic variant carriers without clinical diagnosis

Friday, October 23, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Poster presented by: Liz Cirulli, PhD, Associate Director Research

Late-breaking poster:

Poster 4005F: CYP2C19 pharmacogenomic testing and intervention reverses excess hospitalization trend for patients taking clopidogrel

Friday, October 23, from 2:30-4:30 p.m. ET in the Exhibit & Poster Hall

Late-Breaking Poster presented by: Natalie Telis, PhD, Staff Research Scientist

To join Helix at ASHG and learn more, please visit booth #1200.

About Helix:

Helix is the leading enterprise genomics platform. The company transforms health systems and enables life science organizations to leverage the power of genomics across their enterprise, creating strategic value and fueling future growth. The Helix Research Network® – the largest precision health network in the world – accelerates genomic discoveries and translates them into real-world clinical impact. Learn more at www.helix.com.

Media Contact:

[email protected]

SOURCE Helix

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WASHINGTON, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tigerlily Foundation will mark a milestone 20 years of impact on Saturday, October 24, 2026, with two signature events at the Grand Hyatt Washington: the 4th Annual BEACON Symposium and the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball.

Together, the events will capture the full scope of Tigerlily's mission: advancing patient-led solutions during the day and honoring the community that has powered two decades of progress in the evening.

Founded by Maimah Karmo following her own breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily Foundation has grown into a national and global movement advancing patient advocacy, health equity and systemic change for women before, during and after cancer.

"For 20 years, Tigerlily has been driven by the belief that patients should not simply have a seat at the table, but a voice in shaping what happens next. BEACON represents that work in action, bringing patients and healthcare leaders together to turn lived experience into solutions, while the EmPOWER Ball gives us a moment to honor the extraordinary community that has carried this mission forward. As we celebrate 20 years, we are not only reflecting on how far we've come. We are looking ahead to what we can build together next."

— Maimah Karmo, Founder, President and CEO, Tigerlily Foundation

From Access to Action: Patients Leading Healthcare Transformation

Tigerlily Foundation's 4th Annual BEACON Symposium: Transformation with Patients Leading in Healthcare will take place on Saturday, October 24, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. ET at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC, under the theme "From Access to Action: Scaling Patient-Led Solutions for an Equitable Future."

BEACON brings patient advocates, healthcare leaders, providers and experts in science together to co-create solutions that move healthcare closer to truly patient-centered and equitable care. This year's program will examine building more equitable, community-centered clinical trials and understanding how drug pricing policies can impact patients and access. Collaborative discussions will give participants opportunities to move beyond identifying challenges and contribute to potential solutions.

Maimah Karmo, President and CEO of Tigerlily Foundation, will serve as moderator, with Kimberly Aldridge, PhD, Healthcare Executive and Patient Advocate, serving as Mistress of Ceremonies.

Celebrating 20 Years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation

Later that evening, Tigerlily Foundation will commemorate its 20th anniversary with the 20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball, beginning at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, October 24, 2026, at the Grand Hyatt Washington in Washington, DC.

The black-tie-optional celebration will bring together patients, survivors, advocates, healthcare leaders, partners and supporters to honor 20 years of Beauty, Strength and Transformation and the people who have helped shape Tigerlily Foundation's journey.

More than a celebration, the EmPOWER Ball will recognize two decades of advocacy, education, community engagement and work to advance health equity, while looking ahead to the next chapter of Tigerlily's mission and impact.

Karmo will serve as host of the milestone celebration, with Lesli Foster, WUSA9 Evening Anchor, serving as Master of Ceremonies.

One Day. Two Signature Events. One Mission.

The pairing of BEACON and the EmPOWER Ball represents the full arc of Tigerlily Foundation's work: listening to patients, transforming lived experience into action, building solutions alongside healthcare stakeholders, and celebrating the people who make progress possible.

As Tigerlily Foundation enters its next chapter, October 24 will serve not only as a celebration of what has been accomplished, but as a call to continue building a future where patients are not simply included in healthcare conversations, but recognized as leaders in shaping research, policy, access and care.

About Tigerlily Foundation

Tigerlily Foundation is a national patient advocacy organization committed to transforming the lives of women and families impacted by cancer and other serious health conditions. Founded by Maimah Karmo following her own breast cancer diagnosis as a young woman, Tigerlily has grown into a powerful force for health equity, working to break down barriers, eliminate disparities, amplify patient voices, and ensure that every individual has access to the education, support, and quality care they deserve.

At the heart of Tigerlily's mission is the belief that every voice matters, every patient deserves to be heard, and access to lifesaving care should never depend on who you are or where you live. Through education, advocacy, clinical trial awareness, policy engagement, patient support, and strategic partnerships, Tigerlily empowers individuals and communities to take an active role in their health while driving meaningful change across the healthcare system.

Through signature initiatives including the ANGEL Advocate Program, SPARK Clinical Trials, ONE in a MILLION, HEAL Policy Center of Excellence, and IGNITE Community Engagement, Tigerlily transforms lived experiences into powerful advocacy, strengthens communities, and advances lasting systemic change.

Because at Tigerlily Foundation, advocacy is more than raising awareness. It's about turning voices into action, breaking barriers, and creating a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Media Note:

Interviews with Maimah Karmo, Tigerlily Foundation leaders, patient advocates, event speakers and select honorees may be available upon request. Media interested in covering the BEACON Symposium or EmPOWER Ball should contact Julie Annen [email protected]

Learn more and register for BEACON 2026

20th Anniversary EmPOWER Ball information and tickets

Media Contact

Julie Annen

Senior Director, Strategic Communications and Marketing | Director RISE CoE | Tigerlily Foundation

[email protected]

SOURCE TIGERLILY FOUNDATION

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LINCOLN, Neb., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ameritas is expanding support for financial professionals through ongoing investments in recruiting, business development and comprehensive planning resources designed to help advisors grow their businesses and better serve clients.

As part of its growth strategy, Ameritas is expanding its advisor recruiting and business development capabilities to help connect financial professionals with the resources, technology and support available through Ameritas Investment Company, LLC (AIC) and Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC (AAS).

"Today's financial professionals are looking for more than products and platforms," said Jeremy Robson, president of AIC and AAS. "They want a firm that helps them deliver comprehensive planning solutions while maintaining independence and flexibility to serve clients in the way they believe is best."

Ameritas supports advisors with a broad range of capabilities, including wealth management, protection planning, retirement income strategies and business planning solutions. The company believes financial professionals are increasingly seeking integrated approaches that help clients address both investment and protection needs through a coordinated financial strategy.

"As client needs become more complex, financial professionals want access to a broader range of planning resources and support," Robson said. "Our focus is on helping advisors grow their businesses while continuing to deliver personalized service and guidance to their clients."

Through AIC and AAS, Ameritas supports more than 550 financial professionals nationwide and oversees $22.2 billion in customer assets and $13.7 billion in assets under management as of Dec. 31, 2025. AIC and AAS also ranked among the nation's top 20 independent broker-dealers in wealth management by annual revenue in Financial Planning's IBD Elite 2026 survey.

Ameritas has continued to expand its presence within the independent broker-dealer and registered investment advisor marketplace through educational programs, thought leadership and industry partnerships.

"Competitive products and technology are important, but relationships remain at the center of our business," Robson said. "We are committed to providing financial professionals with direct access to leadership, experienced support teams and the resources they need to help their clients succeed."

To learn more about Ameritas' financial professional experience and growth strategy, watch The Building Blocks of Long-Term Success for Financial Professionals featuring Robson. To view the entire Ameritas Investment Advisory and Brokerage playlist, visit our YouTube channel.

About Ameritas

Ameritas is a marketing name for Ameritas Mutual Holding Company and its affiliated subsidiary companies, including Ameritas Life Insurance Corp, Ameritas Investment Company, LLC, Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC and Ameritas Life Insurance Corp. of New York. Founded in 1887, Ameritas and its subsidiaries offer a wide range of insurance and financial products and services to individuals, families and businesses. These products and services include life insurance; annuities; individual disability income insurance; group dental, vision and hearing care insurance; retirement plans; investments; asset management; and public finance. Securities offered through Ameritas Investment Company, LLC, member FINRA/SIPC, and investment advisory services offered through Ameritas Advisory Services, LLC. Visit ameritas.com to learn more.

Contact:

Derek Rayment, Sr. Media Relations Specialist

Ameritas Life Insurance Corp.

[email protected]

SOURCE Ameritas

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Dangers of Social Media

Big Social Media has had a particularly rough two months of press. Almost daily, articles have graced the front pages of newspapers highlighting grave social media-related dangers affecting our families.  We hope that parents and educators do not become overwhelmed by the sheer breadth of these reports, but rather that all this evidence serves as an urgent wake-up call that social media is a risky activity for children.

Starting off the back-to-school season, the Wall Street Journal recently released a report finding that videos about drugs, pornography, and other adult content regularly appear on the feeds of TikTok accounts purporting to be owned by young children.  Unfortunately, we were not surprised.   The Organization for Social Media Safety, the first consumer protection organization focused exclusively on social media, does ongoing safety testing of all major social media platforms. We have identified significant volumes of problematic content on children’s social media accounts. In addition to sexually explicit and drug-related material, this includes thousands of posts classifiable as cyberbullying, sexual harassment, fraud, and violence, among others.  On TikTok, we have even found this type of content with the Restricted Mode engaged, a setting which the platform markets as a way for parents to limit content that may not be appropriate for all audiences.  

This subject matter is not merely inappropriate, rather it is downright dangerous with empirical evidence clarifying the risks.  Children who have viewed drug-related content on social media are more likely to abuse substances themselves.  Children exposed to sexually explicit material on social media tend to engage in riskier sexual behaviors.  And cyberbullied children are about twice as likely to attempt suicide. Hundreds of thousands of children across the world are suffering actual injury from social media.

In another series of reports, a former Facebook employee, Frances Haugen, provided chilling evidence of Facebook’s ongoing malfeasance in protecting its child users.  Facebook reportedly undertook its own research finding that Instagram harms the mental well-being of its teen users.  Instead of publicizing its findings and moving to protect these children from harm, Facebook hid the research.  Facebook has also allegedly been aware that drug cartels and traffickers have been using its platforms to carry out criminal operations, even perpetrate murders.  Again, Facebook looked the other way. 

Despite the credibility and disturbing nature of this new information, various forces seem to be lulling parents and decision-makers into passivity instead of implementing reasonable interventions to increase social media safety.  Perhaps, the sheer ubiquity of social media, with its nearly 4 billion global users, has been motivating this blind eye. Or the many, ultimately incorrect, cries against new technologies, which began back with Socrates’ alarms about the written word, have made us all wary against recurring Luddism.

While a collective shrug seems to be the trend, the body count grows as the status quo safety efforts fail.  As evidenced by the Wall Street Journal investigation, TikTok’s moderation algorithm is insufficient to protect children.  TikTok has argued in response that “no algorithm will ever be completely accurate at policing content.”  What their own conclusion really means is that TikTok cannot ever make its platform safe for children, since exposure to dangerous content will be an ongoing risk.  Most social media platforms face this problem.

As Ms. Haugen’s brave efforts have shown, the social media industry cannot be trusted to prioritize safety. That is because social media companies face an inherent conflict of interest between safety and profits. More content moderation or other safety efforts can mean less consumer engagement or increased costs. We have seen this story before with tobacco companies.

That is why we need to give attention to third-party safety software providers, whose sole profit motive lies in protecting children. Parents should have the choice to use third-party safety software on all platforms and with all device operating systems. These products provide parents with essential, even lifesaving, alerts when children encounter unsafe content through social media. And any social media platform can, with a negligible operations burden, provide secure access to reputable, third-party safety software providers.

If some social media platforms continue to deny parents this choice, policymakers should require it of all that serve children.  Such legislation would not only immediately increase safety for millions of young social media users but also ensure a robust third-party safety software industry.  A thriving marketplace will mean better content filtering, smarter alerts for dangerous content, and more effective time management capabilities.  All of which translates to better protection for our children on social media.

New technologies that improve our lives can cause harm.  The societal advantages from the adoption of the automobile are undeniable, yet during the 1920s, 18 people were dying in accidents per million miles driven representing a significant public health threat.  Through improved technology, common-sense regulation, and consumer education we reduced that rate over the past century by over 90%.  Like cars, social media has brought us benefits and is here to stay. But continuing to ignore the risks to millions of social media-using families should no longer be an option.

Marc Berkman serves as the CEO of the Organization for Social Media Safety.