This year's signature fundraising event was hosted by radio co-hosts, Enrique Santos and Dayanara Torres and featured powerful patient stories of resilience, innovation and hope

MIAMI, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nicklaus Children's Hospital welcomed community leaders, philanthropists, athletes and entertainment personalities to its 19th Annual Diamond Ball on Saturday, October 10. The children's hospital's signature fundraising gala raised over $4 million to support the expansion of advanced specialized pediatric care to children and families across Florida and beyond.

"There is no purpose more powerful than helping children live healthier, happier lives," said Matthew A. Love, president and CEO of Nicklaus Children's Health System. "It is an honor to come together alongside elected officials, community leaders and passionate philanthropists to support such a huge part of our ability to reach children in need of life-saving care."

During the evening, guests heard from Nicklaus Children's patients with their own unique stories, like Tristan, a high school athlete who overcame osteosarcoma and is back on the Volleyball court, Greyson, a young boy who received the first pediatric partial heart transplant in Florida, Ka'lee, who is walking again after gene therapy significantly slowed down the progression of his Muscular Dystrophy and A'mya, who underwent surgery to correct the curvature in her legs after being diagnosed with Blount's Disease.

Among the evening's notable attendees were Miami-Dade County Mayor Daniella Levine Cava, Miami-Dade County Public Schools Superintendent Rafael A. Villalobos, Spanish model and author Agueda Lopez, former NFL player and Super Bowl champion Lawrence Guy, former Miami Heat player Jamal Mashburn, and America's Got Talent semifinalist and former Nicklaus Children's patient Luke Taleno.

"We are deeply grateful for the extraordinary generosity and overwhelming support shown to Nicklaus Children's this year," said Allison W. Baker, President of Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation. "The funds raised this evening provide answers sooner, a specialist closer to home and a treatment that offers new hope to the children we serve."

Every year, Diamond Ball unites hundreds to fundraise in support of Nicklaus Children's patients and families. Sponsors of the 19th Annual Diamond Ball include Griffin Catalyst, Citadel, Citadel Securities, Cox Media Group, Ensemble, Braman Enterprises Inc. (Braman Miami), City National Bank of Florida, Greenberg Traurig, Intermedia Touch, JW Marriott Marquis Miami, Optum Insight, Pediatrix Medical Group, Warner Bros Discovery – US Hispanic, ab+a advertising, Baptist Health, CVS/aetna, FIU Foundation and the Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Kidz Medical, Perry Ellis International, Polsinelli, Brynne McNulty Rojas & Julio Rojas, Stearns Weaver Miller.

For more information on supporting Nicklaus Children's Hospital Foundation, visit give.nicklauschildrens.org

About Nicklaus Children's Health System Where Your Child Matters Most ™

For more than 75 years, Nicklaus Children's Health System has stood as a beacon of hope for children and families across the state of Florida and beyond. Nicklaus Children's Hospital is South Florida's #1 nonprofit, freestanding specialty licensed hospital exclusively for children. Nicklaus Children's provides pediatric care across a growing network of hospital and community-based partnerships, including care within NCH North Hospital in Naples, Jupiter Medical Center, select Baptist Health Hospital pediatric emergency units, and Nicklaus Children's Hospital Fort Lauderdale and Nicklaus Children's Hospital Coral Springs each located on the campuses of Broward Health. The hospitals and their network of more than 35 outpatient care locations offer lifesaving care in Miami-Dade, Broward, Martin and Palm Beach counties. Outpatient locations include an array of urgent care, pediatric primary care and subspecialty care centers and are either hospital-based or outpatient locations under Nicklaus Children's Pediatric Specialists, LLC (NCPS). Providing a pipeline of future physicians and groundbreaking research, Nicklaus Children's is an academic and clinical affiliate of the Florida International University Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine. Nicklaus Children's is home to centers of excellence including the Helen & Jacob Shaham Cancer & Blood Disorders Institute, the Nicklaus Children's Orthopedic, Sports Medicine and Spine Institute, Nicklaus Children's Neuroscience Institute and Nicklaus Children's Heart Institute. The 474-bed system is renowned for excellence in all aspects of pediatric medicine, with many programs routinely ranked among the nation's best by U.S. News & World Report since 2008. Nicklaus Children's also includes a nonprofit physician practice subsidiary with more than 40 pediatric specialties and an ambulatory surgery center. For more information, visit nicklauschildrens.org.

Contact:

Alejandra Sanchez, PR Specialist

Nicklaus Children's Health System

[email protected]

SOURCE Nicklaus Children's Hospital

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With its new location on Aliceanna Street, the LA-based modular furniture brand brings its stain-resistant, reconfigurable modular sofas to Charm City's premier shopping district.

BALTIMORE, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- 7th Avenue, the Los Angeles-based modern furniture brand known for its modular sofas and experiential showroom model, today announced the opening of a new 1,000+ sq ft showroom at 830 Aliceanna Street, situated in Baltimore's vibrant Harbor East neighborhood. The appointment-first showroom welcomes customers beginning Friday, October 23, 2026, with walk-ins also welcome.

7th Avenue is a modern furniture brand known for designing The World's Greatest Modular Sofa - a seating system that combines contemporary aesthetics with features functional for day-to-day life. Loved by homebodies, professional athletes, interior designers, families, and pets alike.

For 65% of consumers, buying a sofa—typically their largest non-renovation home investment—is a journey that happens in a physical store (Source). 7th Avenue turns that critical retail touchpoint into an engaging, high-touch experience. 7th Avenue believes testing and buying a sofa should be an experience you enjoy. In showrooms, highly trained brand experts offer tailored design consultations, guiding clients through modular configurations and fabric options with deep product knowledge. By prioritizing human connection across every touchpoint, 7th Avenue transforms routine furniture buying into a hospitality experience.

Located along Baltimore's premier waterfront destination, the Harbor East location expands 7th Avenue's footprint into the Mid-Atlantic region. Aliceanna Street attracts residents and visitors from across Charm City and the greater Baltimore region, including Fell's Point, Canton, Federal Hill, Mount Vernon, Roland Park, and Towson.

"Baltimore and the surrounding region feature an incredible mix of living styles—from historic brick rowhomes and industrial loft conversions to modern harborfront high-rises and spacious suburban estates," said Billy Shaw, Founder and CEO of 7th Avenue. "Opening in Harbor East allows us to bring our experiential showroom model to Charm City, giving local shoppers a hands-on way to experience our modular sofas, which are built for real, everyday living," added Josh Stinson, Co-Founder and COO of 7th Avenue.

Appointments for each showroom are available from 10:00 to 6:00 pm EST and bookable via 7th Avenue's website.

About 7th Avenue

7th Avenue is a modern furniture brand merging elevated, contemporary aesthetics with functional innovation. Founded in 2022, the company debuted with a single flagship product: The World's Greatest Modular Sofa. 7th Avenue transforms the modern sofa into a functionally luxurious centerpiece built for longevity, comfort, and peace of mind. With infinite modularity, 7th Avenue customizes every sofa, sectional, loveseat, armchair, and daybed by depth, seat width, and arm width. Each piece features memory-foam-blend cushions, adjustable back support, and stain-resistant performance fabrics with fully removable, machine-washable covers.

With 28 stores nationwide, 7th Avenue is bridging online convenience with a personalized retail experience. 7th Avenue believes testing and buying a sofa should be an experience you enjoy. In showrooms, highly trained brand experts offer tailored design consultations, guiding clients through modular configurations and fabric options with deep product knowledge. That same level of care extends throughout the entire customer journey, prioritizing human connection across every touchpoint to transform routine furniture buying into a hospitality experience.

SOURCE 7th Avenue

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- DALE™, the world's first fleet-capable downward drilling robot, recognized in the Robotics category for advancing speed, precision, and safety in data center construction

- Robot selected by TIME editors as one of 300 extraordinary innovations changing how we live, work, play, and think about what's possible

- Developed in collaboration with August Robotics, DALE drills at speeds up to 10 times faster than traditional methods, reduced project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 data center construction phases, and achieved over 99% accuracy drilling more than 385,000 holes

TOWSON, Md., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand renowned for relentless innovation on the jobsite, today announced that DALE, its autonomous downward drilling robot developed in collaboration with global mobile robotics leader August Robotics, has been named to TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 list in the Robotics category. Nominated and evaluated by TIME editors and correspondents around the world, the winning 300 innovations were selected based on originality, efficacy, ambition, and impact.

Designed to dramatically improve how concrete drilling is performed, DALE is helping redefine data center construction at a time when demand for new computing capacity continues to accelerate. To date, on live data center jobsites, DALE has achieved drilling speeds up to 10 times faster than conventional methods, helped reduce project timelines by more than 300 weeks across 44 phases of data center construction, and delivered over 99% accuracy across more than 385,000 holes.

"We are honored that TIME has recognized DALE as one of the Best Inventions of 2026. DALE is an example of DEWALT's drive to deliver hyper-focused innovation to our end users and how advanced technology can be applied in a practical, results-driven way," said Bill Beck, President, Tools & Outdoor, Stanley Black & Decker. "This is about bringing new capability to the jobsite and helping customers meet rising demands with greater productivity and improved safety."

After earning strong industry attention earlier this year and entering the market as a breakthrough solution optimized for data center construction, DALE continues to demonstrate how advanced automation can improve execution on large-scale infrastructure projects. Its recognition by TIME further validates the role robotics can play in helping customers increase output, simplify workflows, boost safety, and support the pace of modern building.

See the full list of TIME's Best Inventions of 2026 at: ti.me/best-inventions.

To learn more about the robot and DEWALT's industry-leading solutions for jobsite professionals, visit www.dewalt.com.

For information on August Robotics and its autonomous mobile robotics solutions for construction, visit www.augustrobotics.com.

About DEWALT

DEWALT, a Stanley Black & Decker brand, celebrates 100 years in business by continuing to provide our customers with total jobsite and outdoor solutions. By applying its latest technology to the challenges of today's skilled trades, DEWALT is leading the charge for the jobsite of the future and is pioneering the next generation of tools, outdoor equipment and forward-looking technologies. DEWALT products. GUARANTEED TOUGH®. For more information, visit www.dewalt.com or follow DEWALT on Facebook, Instagram, and LinkedIn.

About Stanley Black & Decker

Founded in 1843 and headquartered in the USA, Stanley Black & Decker (NYSE: SWK) is a worldwide leader in Tools and Outdoor, operating manufacturing facilities globally. The Company's approximately 41,000 employees produce innovative end-user inspired power tools, hand tools, storage, digital jobsite solutions, outdoor and lifestyle products, and engineered fasteners to support the world's builders, tradespeople and DIYers. The Company's world class portfolio of trusted brands includes DEWALT®, CRAFTSMAN®, STANLEY®, BLACK+DECKER®, and Cub Cadet®. To learn more visit: www.stanleyblackanddecker.com or follow Stanley Black & Decker on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X.

About August Robotics

August Robotics is a leading international mobile robotics company that builds robots to improve lives and boost productivity by automating dirty, dangerous and dull jobs. Founded in 2017, August Robotics has expanded worldwide and partners with market leaders to develop new robotic applications across industries including construction, commercial and industrial fit-outs, and exhibitions. For more information, visit www.augustrobotics.com, or follow August Robotics on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, and YouTube.

SOURCE DEWALT

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Visit showcases how Niowave's advanced manufacturing workforce is leading the next generation of scientific innovation and cancer treatment.

LANSING, Mich., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yesterday, Niowave welcomed Labor Secretary Keith Sonderling for a tour of the company's operations and a first-hand look at progress on the construction of its new medical radioisotope production facility.

Secretary Sonderling toured Niowave's current dedicated production facility as well as the construction site for its second, and held a roundtable with Niowave leaders, who detailed the company's production of medical radioisotopes for next-generation cancer treatments. Discussions also covered how the new facility will expand production capacity, strengthen the domestic supply of critical isotopes, and create new opportunities for Michigan's highly skilled technical workforce.

The expansion of the facility represents a capital investment of more than $85 million and is expected to create at least 73 jobs with starting wages of $30.29 per hour plus benefits—above the regional median wage of $24.34 per hour. The project is supported by a $695,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant, along with additional state and local funding for construction, equipment, and road improvements. The facility is expected to become operational in 2028.

"We were proud to show Secretary Sonderling what Mid-Michigan does best: bring together skilled people and a strong manufacturing tradition to take on some of the country's toughest challenges," said Mike Zamiara, President and CEO of Niowave. "That same know-how is helping us produce critical medical isotopes for the next generation of cancer treatments."

The 80,000-square-foot facility in Lansing will house up to six new linear particle accelerators and expand Niowave's capacity to produce Actinium-225, a critical isotope used in targeted alpha therapies for cancer. It will include production space, radiochemistry laboratories, warehousing, and administrative offices.

The visit concluded with a roundtable discussion about recruiting and training specialized talent, expanding production capacity, and the partnerships supporting construction of the new facility.

About Niowave

Founded in 2005, Niowave, Inc. is a global leader in developing and operating superconducting electron linear accelerators and advancing radiochemistry procedures for medical isotope production. Headquartered in Lansing, Michigan, the company produces Actinium-225 and other isotopes to support the next generation of cancer treatments, with a mission to accelerate the fight against cancer through reliable, scalable supply.

Press Contact:

Niowave

Liz Havey

[email protected]

tel: 517-775-4168

SOURCE Niowave Inc.

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ONERugged Unveils Rugged Vehicle-Mount Computers for Precision Agriculture and Autonomous Mining

SHENZHEN, China, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ONERugged, a leading provider of rugged computing solutions, today announced the expansion of its Vehicle PC (VPC) portfolio with rugged vehicle-mount computers for agricultural and mining industries worldwide. As global agriculture shifts from conventional mechanization toward intelligent, precision-driven operations, and autonomous mining vehicles transition from pilot programs to full-scale commercial deployment, demand for reliable in-vehicle intelligence has reached an inflection point. ONERugged is addressing this market imperative with dedicated solutions built around its industrial-grade smart farming tablet and mining vehicle tablet series, delivering seamless vehicle integration and sustained operational stability in extreme environments.

Precision Agriculture Powered by the Smart Farming Tablet

The agricultural sector is undergoing a profound transformation. Escalating labor costs, tightening resource constraints, and the global imperative for sustainable farming have accelerated adoption of autonomous and semi-autonomous machinery. At the center of this shift, the ONERugged smart farming tablet serves as the intelligent hardware core for automated and assisted driving systems in agricultural vehicles. Equipped with high-precision positioning modules delivering centimeter-level accuracy, the device integrates seamlessly with autonomous steering systems, enabling farm vehicles to follow predetermined routes with exceptional precision. When connected to automated implements and monitoring peripherals—such as seeders, fertilizer spreaders, and crop sprayers—the tablet executes planting, fertilization, and pesticide application at prescribed rates and spacing. Real-time monitoring capabilities further allow operators to optimize row spacing for individual crop species, fundamentally redefining field management through data-driven decision-making.

By deploying these rugged vehicle-mounted tablets, agricultural enterprises are achieving unmanned field operations. The result is a measurable reduction in manual labor alongside significant gains in operational throughput. With real-time, centimeter-level accuracy, seamless integration with autonomous steering and automated implements, and data-driven decision-making capabilities, these tablets are driving a global revolution in precision agriculture.

Autonomous Mining Operations Enabled by the Mining Vehicle Tablet

Parallel to agriculture, the mining industry is experiencing its own automation renaissance. From open-pit extraction sites to high-altitude, complex operational environments, unmanned mining vehicles are reshaping the production landscape at scale. ONERugged's dedicated mining tablet addresses critical requirements in vehicle automation, real-time personnel monitoring, and environmental surveillance. Purpose-built as a rugged mining vehicle tablet, the tablet aggregates data from infrared and laser sensors while supporting integration with driver-behavior monitoring and 360-degree surround-view systems. By combining visual algorithms with full-spectrum communication protocols, it provides a powerful hardware foundation upon which mining enterprises can build their own comprehensive operational management systems.

The rugged mining vehicle tablet enables continuous monitoring and automated alerting of abnormal driving behaviors, local storage of real-time video feeds, and automated anomaly reporting to cloud infrastructure—helping ensure uncompromising driver safety standards. It also supports 360-degree stitched video for pedestrian detection, obstacle recognition, and distance measurement, augmenting operator awareness in low-visibility conditions. The tablet provides hardware-level support for assisted-driving applications that enhance safety margins across hazardous terrain, as well as real-time personnel coordination and dispatch to streamline workforce and fleet management. Distinguished by high integration, broad compatibility, and optimized total cost of ownership, the ONERugged mining vehicle tablet integrates with new-energy and fully autonomous mining trucks, accelerating the intelligent modernization of traditional mining fleets.

VPC Product Portfolio: Engineered as the Best Vehicle Mount Computer for Harsh Environments

Technologically, ONERugged's VPC product line encompasses multiple display sizes and configurations, including 8-inch and 10.1-inch form factors such as the V80J, V80T, V10J, V10T, and V12R. Each vehicle pc is engineered with high-performance CPU architectures capable of processing intensive computational workloads at the network edge. A standout characteristic of every ONERugged vehicle mount computer is its superior CAN bus communication capability, enabling seamless integration with native vehicle systems and satisfying the most demanding vehicular data-transmission requirements. The product line provides aviation-grade or Deutsch connectors and supports extensive I/O expansion—including CAN, RJ45, RS232, RS485, USB, and GPIO interfaces—to accommodate a diverse array of vehicles, agricultural implements, sensors, and peripheral devices.

Additional technical differentiators include multi-channel AHD high-definition video transmission for comprehensive visual telemetry; optional centimeter-level high-precision positioning for real-time equipment geolocation; and robust 4G communication with optional radio modules to ensure uninterrupted connectivity in remote and underserved regions. The systems support Windows, Android, and Linux, offering exceptional capacity for system customization and secondary development. Wide-voltage power input and ACC ignition-triggered auto-start ensure compatibility across diverse agricultural and mining vehicle electrical architectures. Enterprise-grade remote management is enabled through MDM (Mobile Device Management) compatibility. Certified to IP65 ingress protection and engineered for wide-temperature operation with ISO 16750 shock and vibration resistance, every ONERugged vehicle computer and in-cab computer is validated for continuous duty in complex topography and severe environmental conditions.

Customer Validation

The sustained loyalty of long-standing agricultural and mining automation clients, combined with accelerating new customer acquisition, confirms both the technological leadership and universal applicability of ONERugged products within industrial verticals. In precision agriculture, Cloudy Bay, a renowned premium winery in New Zealand, relies on precise vineyard management to craft every exceptional bottle. By integrating the ONERugged V10J vehicle PC with high-precision GPS and a cloud-based management system, Cloudy Bay has achieved automated spraying, real-time data tracking, and precision farming. This smart agriculture solution has significantly enhanced vineyard efficiency, providing valuable data support for premium wine production.

"The ONERugged V10J has made our operations more precise and efficient, optimizing resource use while ensuring every vine gets the care it needs. Real-time data gives us full visibility, enabling smarter decisions that improve grape quality and support sustainable farming."

— Vineyard Operations Manager

Future Outlook

Looking ahead, the trajectory of agricultural and mining industries will be increasingly defined by intelligence and interconnectivity. ONERugged remains committed to serving as a dependable global partner for agricultural and mining automation solutions. By combining exceptional engineering with continuous innovation, the company is establishing itself as the best vehicle mount computer provider for organizations that refuse to compromise on field reliability. Whether deployed as a smart farming tablet in precision agriculture or as a mining vehicle tablet in autonomous extraction operations, ONERugged's rugged vehicle-mount computers are built to perform where conventional consumer-grade technology fails.

ONERugged will continue to advance its product roadmap in close alignment with industry requirements, delivering rugged computing infrastructure that empowers global customers to achieve higher efficiency, enhanced safety, and sustainable operational excellence.

About ONERugged

ONERugged, a brand of Emdoor Information (SZ:001314), specializes in providing high-quality rugged mobile computing devices and customized solutions for industry clients worldwide. Its portfolio includes rugged handhelds, rugged tablets, rugged notebooks, vehicle PCs, and industrial panel PCs. For more information, visit www.onerugged.com. Follow us on LinkedIn, YouTube, and Facebook.

SOURCE ONERugged

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LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Oil well permit approvals continued to grow in the third quarter of 2026 to a total of 433 for the first nine months, a sharp rise of 277% in approved drilling permits from 2023 through 2025 when drilling permit approvals totaled only 115, Consumer Watchdog and FracTracker Alliance reported today. Permits rose another 22.7% between the first half of the year and the first nine months.

"This is exactly where California wasn't supposed to go, based on Governor Newsom's own words," said Consumer Advocate Liza Tucker. "In 2021, Newsom said, 'It's time—time to move beyond fossil fuels,' and said of fossil fuels and the oil spills they cause, '…it's time once and for all to disabuse ourselves that this has to be part of our future. This is part of our past.' He called for a ban on fracking that went into effect in 2024. But by September 2025, he did a 360, signing legislation expanding oil drilling. It's shocking to see where we are now."

"Governor Newsom is actively participating in the deconstruction of his own climate, health, and economic policies," said Kyle Ferrar, Western Program Director at FracTracker Alliance. "The Governor's support of CEQA exemptions for new drilling under SB 237 and allowing the California Energy Commission to delay the refinery profit cap on gas at the pump is conceding on the elimination of both environmental and consumer protections while the industry dismantles key environmental protections like the state fracking ban."

Just days ago, in response to oil industry lawsuits, a Kern County trial court tentatively ruled that California's statewide ban ordered by Newsom and put into effect in 2024 is invalid. If finalized, that means state regulators would have to reconsider fracking permits denied more than five years ago. "Will Newsom fall down on this job too or will his administration immediately challenge that ruling?" asked Tucker. "All of this threatens to tarnish Newsom's climate legacy forever."

State data analyzed by FracTracker shows that approvals for new well drilling permits jumped from two in the same quarter last year to 80 in the third quarter of 2026. Permits to rework or redrill existing wells were down just slightly. The plugging of wells fell 5.2% this quarter over the third quarter of 2025. (See Table 1.)

Table 1.

FracTracker Summary of 2026 3rd Q CalGEM Oil and Gas Well Permits Vs Same Quarter 2025. Data downloaded from the California Department of Geological Energy Management (CalGEM).

Newsom himself repeatedly said that California must phase out fracking and oil drilling. In 2021, Newsom said, "Together, we must move beyond oil and usher in a cleaner and greener future that safeguards our communities, environment and the economy." That same year he pronounced: "The climate crisis is real, and we continue to see the signs every day. As we move to swiftly decarbonize our transportation sector and create a healthier future for our children, I've made it clear that I don't see a role for fracking in that future and, similarly, believe that California needs to move beyond oil." And, again, that year: "When you look at the science, we can't be extracting oil after 2045."

In 2023, Newsom said, "Big Oil knows that California is moving beyond fossil fuels, so on their way out these corporations are doing everything they can to squeeze out profits as they pollute our communities." And the following year, he said, "Let's not mince words: The climate crisis is a fossil fuel crisis. Period…"It's the burning of gas, it's the burning of coal, it's the burning of oil."

After assuming office, Newsom took action. In 2019, he imposed a temporary moratorium on issuing fracking permits, pending independent scientific review, after which permitting resumed. In 2021, he directed the California Geologic Energy Management Division to end new fracking permits by January 2024 and asked air regulators to also examine how California could phase out all oil extraction by 2045. In 2022, he signed SB 1137 which prohibited new drilling within 3,200 feet of homes, schools and other sensitive locations.

Then, Newsom did an about-face. After two refiners announced plans to close operations in the Bay and LA area in the fall of 2024 and spring of 2025, regulators at the California Energy Commission shelved a proposal to follow through with creating a penalty on refiners for price gouging that he had called for himself and signed into legislation in 2023. As a result Californian gas prices are nearly two dollars higher than US gas prices and refining margins are among the highest they have ever been.

In 2025, Newsom signed SB 237, a sweeping package of climate and energy policies that also facilitated a major expansion of oil drilling in California's Kern County. The legislation allows the county to approve up to 2,000 new oil wells annually, potentially reaching 20,000 permits over a decade. The legislation limits environmental review by making Kern County's existing environmental impact report—a subject of litigation by environmental groups for years—sufficient for CEQA compliance and nullifying the need for additional review of specific projects.

Newsom stated at the signing ceremony on September 19, 2025, that the astonishing turnaround in state policy was a "practical" turn to rein in surging gas prices and energy costs. "We have to effectively transition," he said. "This is not an ideological endeavor. We're in the practical application business." He was more straightforward about the deal a month earlier at a press conference. "We are all the beneficiaries of oil and gas," he said. "No one's naive about that. So it's always been about finding a just transition, a pragmatism in terms of that process."

More than 120 environmental groups protested Newsom's "drill baby drill" legislative package, saying it would simply continue to harm public health without meaningfully addressing refinery closures or pump prices. "They were right," said Tucker. "The $26 million that big oil spent lobbying California officials in the first nine months of 2025 clearly helped shape the policy debate and influence the outcome."

"If Newsom fails to wake up, he is going to lose all momentum he has created," said Ferrar. "California needs to become a leader in defining what a Just Transition means, rather than regressing back to industry captured politics. If the administration needs to prioritize refining capacity, they must develop a new model for refinery management that prioritizes environmental protections while also achieving reductions in cost of living and fuel prices for Californians. I am not sure if Newsom is up to the task."

SOURCE Consumer Watchdog

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DETROIT, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Benzinga announced the Benzinga Awards 2026 today, a digital awards program recognizing leading companies, innovators and professionals across financial services and fintech.

The 2026 program, which is judged in collaboration with DALBAR, will highlight organizations helping shape the future of financial technology, investing and financial services across a range of award categories.

"We are honored to partner with Benzinga and contribute DALBAR's independent research, analytical rigor, and industry expertise to the evaluation process for these prestigious awards," said Steve Worthy, Managing Director of DALBAR. "By helping assess nominees against objective standards of excellence, innovation, and client impact, we are proud to support the recognition of organizations and leaders who are setting the benchmark for achievement across the financial services industry."

The digital awards program will culminate in an in-person celebration on November 19, 2026, at Ascent Lounge, 10 Columbus Circle, 4th Floor, New York, NY 10019. The event will bring together award winners, sponsors and industry leaders for an evening celebrating this year's honorees.

"This is our 12th year running the Benzinga Awards, and the field has never been harder to judge," said Andrew Lebbos, SVP of Licensing at Benzinga. "A dozen years ago most of these companies didn't exist. We are bringing everyone into one room in Manhattan for a night to recognize the people building the future of finance!"

Interested applicants can apply here: https://www.benzinga.com/fintech-awards#apply

The awards submission portal is open until October 23, 2026, 11:59 PM Eastern. Costs to apply are $250.00 per single award, or $500.00 for unlimited award submissions per company.

"Benzinga started as a newsroom, and over twelve years we have become something closer to infrastructure. The same real-time news, analyst ratings and corporate event data that millions of retail investors read on our site now flows through our APIs into brokerages, trading platforms and AI systems across the industry," said Dave Maher, CEO and CTO of Benzinga. "These awards matter to us because we work alongside many of the honorees every day. Recognizing the companies that are rebuilding how people access and act on financial information is a natural extension of what Benzinga does."

Winners will be announced ahead of the November celebration.

To apply to the Benzinga Awards 2026 program, click here.

For more information about the event or sponsorship opportunities, please visit https://www.benzinga.com/fintech-awards.

About Benzinga

Benzinga is a leading financial media and data technology company that empowers investors with high-quality, real-time market intelligence. Through its news platform, APIs, and data products, Benzinga provides traders, financial institutions, and fintech platforms with the insights they need to make smarter investment decisions. From breaking news and analyst ratings to corporate events and alternative datasets, Benzinga's tools help market participants stay ahead of the information that drives price movement.

To learn more, visit www.benzinga.com.

SOURCE Benzinga

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The Inc. 5000 employee recognition company asked commuters on two of America's most famous screens, "Going to work? What's the point?" and then offered an answer

BERKELEY, Calif., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- On Oct. 15, Recognize ran a one-day billboard campaign in Times Square in New York and downtown Los Angeles that asked commuters an uncomfortable question: "Going to work? What's the point?" Co-founders Alex Grande and Peter Philips started the employee recognition company with a few thousand dollars and a belief that work gets better when people notice each other's contributions.

The 15-second spot opened on black with those two questions in white text. Then came the answer, "Let's give you a point," with a QR code to the campaign's landing page.

Anyone who missed the billboard can find their point at wtp.recognizeapp.com.

The Campaign by the Numbers

- Cities: New York and Los Angeles

- Run: 24 hours, Oct. 15, 2026

- Spot: 15 seconds, once an hour in Times Square; twice back to back in 24 thirty-second slots in downtown LA

- Total plays: 72

The question is less of a joke than it sounds. Only 32% of U.S. employees are engaged at work, and global engagement fell to 20% in 2025, its lowest level since 2020, according to Gallup's State of the Global Workplace: 2026 report.

"We spent a day asking two of the busiest places in America a question most people are too polite to ask their boss," said Alex Grande, Co-Founder and CEO of Recognize. "We're a recognition company, so we also brought the answer."

The answer is a double meaning. In Recognize, points are what employees receive when a colleague or manager recognizes their work, and they redeem them for gift cards, company swag and tickets to live events.

The billboard was a big swing for a company that started on a small budget. Recognize was named to the 2026 Inc. 5000 in August, ranking No. 3,974 with 61% three-year growth.

"Yes, it was 15 seconds at a time, for one day," said Peter Philips, Co-Founder of Recognize. "Recognition works the same way. Small, specific moments add up, as long as you actually show up."

The one-day run was Recognize's first coast-to-coast out-of-home campaign, and the company may return with a broader flight in a future quarter.

Recognize will keep the conversation going with a live product demo on Oct. 22 and an Oct. 29 webinar on executive presence featuring communication expert Karen Laos.

About Recognize

Recognize is an employee recognition and rewards platform that helps organizations recognize achievements, celebrate employee milestones, and provide rewards. Its employee recognition software works inside Microsoft Teams and the Microsoft 365 ecosystem. To learn more, visit RecognizeApp.com.

Media Contact:

Jess Vigorito

Director of Marketing, Recognize

[email protected]

SOURCE Recognize Services Inc

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The article explains the key factors that influence business insurance premiums and why coverage decisions matter.

BELLEVILLE, Ill., Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What drives business insurance costs? HelloNation answers that question in an article featuring insights from Insurance Experts Jerry and Luke Yaekel of Yaekel & Associates Insurance Services Inc. in Belleville, Illinois. The article explains that while industry classification plays an important role in pricing, insurance companies evaluate many additional factors before determining business insurance premiums.

The HelloNation article explains that payroll and annual revenue are among the first details insurers review when calculating business insurance costs. Payroll helps measure workforce size and potential workers' compensation exposure, while revenue reflects business activity and operational scale. As these figures increase, risk may also change, which can influence insurance quotes.

The article also describes how claims history affects pricing. Businesses with fewer previous claims are often viewed as presenting lower risk than companies with a history of frequent losses. According to the article, insurance carriers also consider whether a business has implemented workplace safety programs and other risk management practices that help reduce future claims. These efforts may contribute to more favorable business insurance premiums over time.

Additional operational factors also affect business insurance costs. The article notes that the number of employees, company vehicles, and business locations all contribute to overall exposure. A company operating from multiple sites or maintaining a fleet of vehicles generally faces greater risk than one operating from a single location. Geographic location is another consideration because weather conditions, crime rates, local regulations, and legal environments vary from one community to another.

Coverage choices also matter when determining the final premium. The HelloNation article explains that higher coverage limits, lower deductibles, and added endorsements typically increase costs because they provide broader financial protection. While selecting the least expensive policy may lower immediate expenses, the article cautions that doing so can leave important risks uninsured. Comparing business insurance policies based on the protection they provide, rather than on price alone, can help owners make more informed decisions.

The article also addresses why businesses that appear nearly identical may receive different insurance quotes. According to the article, variations in payroll, revenue, claims history, business operations, coverage selections, and each insurer's underwriting guidelines contribute to pricing differences. Insurance Experts Jerry and Luke Yaekel explain that each insurer evaluates risk independently, so premiums often vary even among similar businesses.

For entrepreneurs preparing to launch a new company, the article explains that estimating business insurance costs begins with realistic projections. Expected payroll, anticipated revenue, business activities, planned locations, and vehicle usage all help insurance professionals develop more accurate estimates. Complete, accurate information can reduce surprises once operations begin and help business owners better understand their coverage needs.

The article concludes that business insurance reflects the specific risks each company faces rather than applying a one-size-fits-all pricing model. Understanding the factors that influence business insurance premiums helps owners evaluate coverage based on the protection it provides while supporting long-term financial stability and informed decision-making.

What Drives the Cost of Business Insurance features insights from Jerry and Luke Yaekel, insurance experts in Belleville, Illinois, 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.

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Millie Moon Surprises Families with a Year's Supply of Wipes, Celebrating the Small Gestures that Make a Difference in Everyday Parenting

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Millie Moon, the luxury baby care brand known for its award-winning soft diapers and high quality wipes, is finding meaningful ways to bring a little more softness to families. The community-led brand is giving back to families, starting with a partnership with dad and creator JC Caylen. Millie Moon is turning an everyday shopping trip into an unexpected moment of joy by gifting two families a year's supply of wipes.

For JC, fatherhood is full of moments that are funny, unpredictable and deeply relatable. In the latest Millie Moon surprise, he heads into the baby aisle at Target to meet parents going about their day and give them something they may not have expected. The first parent to receive this exciting gift is Adriana, who is shopping with her young daughter, Victoria. What begins as an ordinary trip quickly becomes a memorable moment for the family as JC shares the surprise on behalf of Millie Moon.

The experience captures the heart of Millie Moon's mission: supporting parents in the everyday moments that make up family life. By gifting families a year's supply of wipes, the brand hopes to make parenting's everyday essentials one less thing to worry about. This was clear when Victoria emotionally received the gift and shared how challenging a year of health challenges have been for her family. This is just the start for Millie Moon, as they continue to show up in meaningful ways for parents and continue to give back in big exciting ways.

"Parenting is made up of so many little moments, and sometimes the smallest gestures can make the biggest difference," said Hannah Taniwha, Global Marketing Executive at Millie Moon. "At Millie Moon, we believe softness is about more than what touches a baby's skin. It's also about how we show up for families. Partnering with JC gives us a fun and meaningful way to connect with parents, bring a little joy to their day and share something that makes everyday parenting feel a little softer."

JC's candid take on fatherhood resonates with parents navigating the joys and unpredictability of raising a family. Having shared Millie Moon surprises with his audience before, JC is a natural partner in the brand's commitment to celebrating parents and bringing more softness into their homes.

That commitment extends to Millie Moon's products, too. From its signature Luxury Diapers to its Millie Moon Sensitive and 99% Water Baby Wipes, the brand creates thoughtfully designed essentials for the needs of growing families. Both wipe ranges are dermatologist-tested and fragrance-free, offering parents gentle options for everyday cleanups. Available at Target, Millie Moon brings together softness, thoughtful design and accessible prices to make everyday baby care feel a little more special.

Because while parenting rarely goes exactly to plan, a little extra support can go a long way. Through thoughtful products, meaningful partnerships and unexpected gestures of kindness, Millie Moon is finding more ways to bring softness beyond its products — and into the lives of families.

View JC Caylen surprise families with a year's supply of Millie Moon wipes on IG and TikTok.

About Millie Moon

Millie Moon launched in 2021 exclusively at Target in the US and expanded to Loblaws in Canada in 2023. The brand has made it its mission to provide a range of luxury diapers, overnight diapers, training pants, and sensitive wipes that are expertly crafted, luxuriously soft, and designed to perform, all at an affordable price. They are passionate in their belief that every child deserves the best. Today, award-winning Millie Moon products are available in more than 15 U.S. retailers and over 8,000 stores globally, with the brand continuing to expand into new retailers and markets. As a company, they are also proud to support Reach Out and Read, an early literacy nonprofit helping children on their reading journey.

For more on Millie Moon, please visit: https://mymilliemoon.com/

For More Information:

Nicole Daley / Daley Public Relations

[email protected] / 415.408.8664

SOURCE Millie Moon

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