BAR LEONE, HONG KONG, IS THE WORLD'S BEST BAR AS THE LIST OF THE 50 BEST BARS 2026 IS REVEALED

- Bar Leone, Hong Kong is named The World's Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier, and The Best Bar in Asia

- Shingo Gokan is awarded the Roku Industry Icon Award

- Melbourne's Three Horses receives the Campari One to Watch Award

- The Ketel One Sustainable Bar Award goes to Line, Athens

- Bar Mauro in Mexico City takes the Disaronno Highest New Entry Award, entering at No.10

- Athens' The Bar in Front of the Bar secures the Nikka Highest Climber Award, rising 28 places to No.19

- Paradiso, Barcelona is named Rémy Martin Legend of the List

- Schmuck, New York, claims the Three Cents Best New Opening Award

- Isa Mejia from Ecuador receives The 50 Best Bars Scholarship

- Siete Misterios Best Cocktail Menu Award is given to Edinburgh's Panda & Sons

- The SevenRooms Best Bar Design Award goes to Saikindō, Abu Dhabi

- Takuma Watanabe was named Altos Bartenders' Bartender and Alquímico, Cartagena, received the Michter's Art of Hospitality Award

MILAN, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The annual list of The 50 Best Bars, sponsored by Perrier, was unveiled this evening in Milan, Italy. The 18th edition once again united the global bar community in recognition of those at the forefront of the international cocktail scene.

For the full 1-50 list, click here

Co-founded by Lorenzo Antinori, Bar Leone draws inspiration from the traditional bars of Rome's Trastevere district. Rather than chasing trends or theatrical techniques, the bar's philosophy of Cocktail Popolari -"cocktails for the people" - focuses on straightforward hospitality and impeccable drinks while the design combines vintage Italian references with a welcoming neighbourhood atmosphere.

The 2026 list features bars from 26 cities with 14 new entries. Other bars in the top five are Milan's Moebius Milano (No.2), Cartagena's Alquimíco (No.3), Bangkok's Bar Us (No.4) and Athens' Line (No.5).

Faye Huggett, Director of Community for The 50 Best Bars, says: "It is with immense pride that we once again announce Bar Leone as The World's Best Bar, sponsored by Perrier. To be the first No.1 from Asia was already an outstanding achievement but to retain the title for a second year shows the true impact of Cocktail Popolari. Beyond the No.1, this year's rankings are a powerful reflection of the extraordinary talent, dedication and hospitality that continue to elevate bar culture around the world."

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TAMPA, Fla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Command Control Communications Engineering & Logistics, LLC (C3EL) closed Government Fiscal Year 2026 with a string of strategic prime contract awards that expanded the company's work across cybersecurity, secure communications, enterprise IT, and mission systems integration. Earlier in FY26, C3EL secured a new U.S. Air Force cybersecurity prime contract, followed by three additional prime awards in September from the U.S. Coast Guard, Federal Communications Commission, and Department of the Interior. The company further strengthened its federal market position through dual NASA SEWP VI awards and a Missile Defense Agency (MDA) SHIELD award, while achieving full CMMC Level 2 certification following a successful C3PAO assessment.

C3EL began performance in March as the prime contractor for the U.S. Air Force 55th Strategic Communications Squadron's Defense Red Switch Network (DRSN) Cybersecurity Support Services requirement at Offutt Air Force Base, Nebraska (Contract No. FA460026P0017). C3EL provides Cybersecurity and Information Systems Security subject matter experts supporting DRSN and other NC3 systems. Responsibilities include Risk Management Framework activities, Authorization to Operate sustainment, security documentation, configuration management reviews, and cybersecurity audits and inspections. The work supports secure communications serving national-level command authorities, combatant commands, military services, other federal agencies, and U.S. allies, demonstrating C3EL's ability to protect and sustain critical national security systems.

In September, C3EL was awarded the U.S. Coast Guard Enterprise Video Conferencing Support Services BPA (Contract No. 70Z07926AUCPL0001) by the Coast Guard Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Cyber and Intelligence Service Center (C5ISC). The five-year, single-award BPA has an estimated value of $8.39 million and covers AV and video conferencing design, integration, installation, technical support, testing, training, and technology refresh across Coast Guard locations. Its scope also includes configuration and inventory management, maintenance and casualty support, and engineering services for classified and unclassified environments. The award expands C3EL's role in sustaining secure collaboration systems across the Coast Guard's distributed enterprise.

C3EL also received the Federal Communications Commission's Conference Room Audio/Visual (AV) Video Teleconference (VTC) Upgrade prime award (Contract No. 273FCC26F0110), valued at $2.29 million. The project will modernize AV/VTC capabilities at FCC Headquarters in Washington, D.C., including conference rooms, specialized collaboration spaces, the Commission Meeting Room, and the mission-critical Operations Center. Work encompasses design, equipment procurement, installation, integration, and modernization of legacy infrastructure. The refresh will replace end-of-life and end-of-support technology while preserving usable infrastructure and improving interoperability, reliability, manageability, and the user experience.

C3EL's third September prime award was the Udall Audio Visual Modernization BPA (Contract No. 140D0426A0020) for the U.S. Department of the Interior's Office of Facilities and Administrative Services (OFAS). The five-year BPA has an estimated value of $1.4 million and provides a vehicle for turnkey AV design, engineering, installation, modernization, and support throughout the Stewart Lee Udall Building in Washington, D.C. Requirements can include new deployments, technology upgrades, AV-over-IP and networked AV architectures, programming, testing, documentation, training, and modern conferencing technologies. The award establishes a new customer relationship with DOI while supporting continued modernization of the Udall Building and expanding C3EL's federal civilian mission systems integration portfolio.

C3EL also expanded its federal acquisition portfolio during FY26 with NASA Solutions for Enterprise-Wide Procurement VI (SEWP VI) awards in Categories A and C and a prime award on the Missile Defense Agency's Scalable Homeland Innovative Enterprise Layered Defense (SHIELD) multiple-award IDIQ. Together, these vehicles provide C3EL with new pathways to provide our technology, engineering, integration, cybersecurity, and mission-support capabilities to across defense and civilian agencies.

FY26 also marked a cybersecurity maturity milestone as C3EL successfully completed its C3PAO assessment and achieved Final CMMC Level 2 certification. This achievement strengthens the company's ability to protect Controlled Unclassified Information and support Department of Defense cybersecurity and supply-chain requirements. Together with C3EL's cleared infrastructure and quality management systems, the certification reinforces the operational foundation supporting its growing cybersecurity, IT, and integration business.

"FY26 demonstrated the depth and breadth of what C3EL can deliver for our federal customers. Our Air Force cybersecurity work and new Coast Guard, FCC, and DOI prime awards expand our customer base and demonstrate our ability to execute across cybersecurity, secure communications, and mission systems integration. At the same time, SEWP VI and SHIELD significantly expand the contracting pathways available to our customers. Going into FY27, our priorities are to execute these programs exceptionally well, continue investing in our people and capabilities, and build on this momentum across critical defense and civilian missions," said Miguel Gorordo, Vice President of Growth, C3EL.

C3EL enters FY27 with a broader portfolio of prime programs, government-wide technology acquisition vehicles, and increased access to defense modernization opportunities. The company will continue investing in technical and operational capabilities while delivering cybersecurity, enterprise IT, secure communications, and mission systems integration services across the federal government.

About C3EL

Command Control Communications Engineering & Logistics, LLC (C3EL) is a Woman-Owned Small Business delivering integrated information technology, communications, audio visual, cybersecurity, engineering, and logistics solutions to the U.S. Department of Defense and federal agencies. C3EL provides end-to-end technology products, systems integration, and mission support services for mission-critical environments.

For more information, visit www.c3el.com

SOURCE Command Control Communications Engineering & Logistics, LLC

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MY FRIEND'S PLACE ANNOUNCES PLANS FOR NEW PURPOSE-BUILT CAMPUS TO SERVE YOUNG PEOPLE EXPERIENCING HOMELESSNESS IN LOS ANGELES

New home will provide a welcoming, safe and purpose-built environment for young people, with construction anticipated to begin in 2027

LOS ANGELES, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- My Friend's Place, a nonprofit organization serving young people experiencing homelessness in Los Angeles, today announced plans for a new, purpose-built campus that will become the organization's future home and support its work for generations to come.

Designed specifically around the needs of the young people My Friend's Place serves, the new campus will create a welcoming and safe environment where youth can access comprehensive services, resources and support under one roof. The project represents an important new chapter for My Friend's Place and will provide the organization with a space designed to reflect both the community it serves today and its vision for the future.

"This new campus is about creating a place where young people can feel safe, welcomed and supported from the moment they walk through the door," said Heather Carmichael, Executive Director of My Friend's Place. "For decades, My Friend's Place has been a place of connection and possibility for young people experiencing homelessness. This new home will allow us to build on that legacy while creating an environment designed for the future of our work."

The new campus is being made possible through a $20 million capital campaign, which has already secured more than $11.3 million in contributions. My Friend's Place has secured more than 55% of its overall goal as it enters the public phase of the campaign.

Longtime My Friend's Place supporter Miley Cyrus has been a passionate advocate for the organization and the young people it serves. As My Friend's Place embarks on this next chapter, Cyrus continues to champion its mission and vision for a new home for the community as the campaign's Honorary Chair.

"I'm proud to call Hollywood my home. I remember over 12 years ago going to My Friend's Place for the first time after realizing how many young people around me didn't have a place to call their home," said Cyrus. "I have seen firsthand over so many years the impact that My Friend's Place really can make on these younger people. I often quote 'a dream you dream alone is just a dream, but together it is a reality'. We would be honored and amazed if you would join us in making this new My Friend's Place campus a reality."

For the project, My Friend's Place has partnered with BAR Architects, MGAC for project management and Howard CDM as general contractor. Together, the teams bring extensive experience in community-focused projects and a shared commitment to creating a thoughtful, accessible and welcoming space for the young people who will call it home.

Emmy winning producer, actor, designer and best-selling author Bobby Berk is also lending his expertise to the project, bringing his extensive experience in design and his connections with leading brands to help shape the new campus. Berk's continued involvement will help bring the vision for the new space to life, with a focus on creating an environment that will be welcoming and reflective of the young people My Friend's Place serves.

Design plans and the construction budget are currently being finalized, with My Friend's Place anticipating all necessary approvals by December 2026 and a temporary relocation beginning in February 2027 to allow services to continue throughout the development process. Demolition of the current building and construction of the new facility are projected to begin in April 2027, with completion currently estimated for December 2028.

In preparation for the transition, My Friend's Place has begun the preliminary search for a temporary location. The organization will continue serving young people throughout the relocation and construction process, ensuring that critical programs and services remain available to the community.

To learn more about the campaign and how to support the future of My Friend's Place, visit myfriendsplace.org/capital-campaign/.

About My Friend's Place

On January 8, 1988, two friends working in Hollywood were compelled to help the homeless youth who populated the sidewalks just outside of their office door. Determined to effect change, no matter how small, the co-founders of My Friend's Place, Steve LePore and Craig Scholz, began spending their break time making and distributing sack lunches to the young people living on the streets. Soon, this simple act became a grassroots movement and Steve and Craig had assembled a group of kind-hearted volunteers who traversed Hollywood delivering meals. After countless hours of interactions with these young people, the duo realized providing meals only addressed a small portion of the issue. Within a year, the idea was born for creating a judgment-free, "safe place" where intangible needs such as physical and mental health services, creative outlets and employment and education assistance could be met. Thirty-eight years later, My Friend's Place has grown into a dynamic resource center that offers a comprehensive continuum of services to more than 1,300 homeless youth between the ages of 12 and 25, and their children and animal companions, each year.

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Building on longstanding work advancing UNIMMAP-MMS and more than 30 years in maternal and child nutrition, Vitamin Angels shares new research on translating proven interventions into sustainable impact.

- Since 2018, Vitamin Angels has worked with governments and partners to advance UNIMMAP multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS), combining implementation science, technical expertise, product supply and health systems strengthening to support sustainable scale-up.

- New research highlights how countries can improve the delivery, uptake, and adherence of MMS as part of antenatal care, while strengthening vitamin A supplementation and deworming programs for children.

- The findings demonstrate the importance of integrated nutrition interventions, country leadership and strong primary health care systems to deliver sustainable impact.

GOLETA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- At the 2026 Micronutrient Forum Global Conference in Accra, Ghana, Vitamin Angels shared new research and implementation evidence from across Africa, Asia, the Middle East, and Latin America, demonstrating how proven nutrition interventions can be effectively integrated into national health systems to improve maternal and child health.

The research builds on Vitamin Angels' longstanding experience advancing maternal and child nutrition programs, including its work since 2018 to accelerate the introduction and scale-up of UNIMMAP multiple micronutrient supplementation (MMS) and more than three decades of work expanding access to vitamin A supplementation and deworming. Its contributions reflect years of collaboration with governments, local partners, researchers and global health organizations to move beyond the availability of proven nutrition interventions and address the practical challenges of delivering them sustainably at scale.

"Since 2018, Vitamin Angels has been working alongside governments and local partners to advance the introduction and scale-up of UNIMMAP-MMS as part of antenatal care," said Dr. Ana Céspedes, President and CEO of Vitamin Angels. "Our experience has reinforced an important lesson: delivering a proven nutrition intervention is necessary, but it is not sufficient. Sustainable impact requires strong health systems, trained health workers, reliable product supply, effective behavior change strategies and, above all, country leadership. By combining implementation science with our global operational experience, we help countries adapt what works, accelerate learning, and build the capacity for sustainable scale-up."

From evidence to implementation: Advancing UNIMMAP-MMS within antenatal care

Among the research Vitamin Angels presented at the Forum were findings from Indonesia and Kenya examining how countries can strengthen the introduction and delivery of MMS.

In Indonesia, Vitamin Angels has worked with government, universities and technical partners since 2018 to advance MMS, including through implementation research, policy support, health worker training, behavior change strategies, and efforts to strengthen local product supply. This work helped inform Indonesia's government-led national MMS program, launched in October 2024. Building on that experience, new research presented at the Forum examined how digital tools could support MMS uptake and adherence as the program scales. A pilot using WhatsApp groups through existing health-system structures found the approach feasible and potentially scalable, while also identifying the importance of health worker training, consistent facilitation and engagement among pregnant women.

"Our objective is to support governments in building the capabilities required for sustainable nutrition programs," said Otte Santika, Vitamin Angels Country Advisor in Indonesia. "Digital innovation offers opportunities to strengthen existing health services, improve communication between health workers and pregnant women, and support MMS uptake and adherence. The key is developing practical solutions that governments can integrate into their own systems."

In Makueni County, Kenya, formative research conducted with the County Government demonstrated the importance of addressing adherence alongside access. While approximately 93% of pregnant women surveyed received iron and folic acid supplementation, only 17% completed the recommended 180-day course. At the same time, approximately 95% of pregnant women and 96% of health providers expressed support for MMS. The findings of this project, funded by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints as part of the Caring for Women & Children, helped inform the introduction of Kenya's first county-wide MMS program, demonstrating how implementation research can translate into government-led action.

"We already have strong scientific evidence supporting MMS. What we need now is to understand how to deliver it consistently and effectively through real-world health systems," said Dr. Lucy Kanya, Vitamin Angels Africa Regional Technical Director and Transforming Lives Through Nutrition Project Lead. "Working alongside governments, health workers and communities allows us to identify what works in different contexts and translate those lessons into sustainable programs that can reach more women and children."

Additional research presented at the Forum examined MMS acceptability, service delivery and scale-up in Uganda, the Philippines, Zambia, Bhutan and Indonesia, generating practical evidence to inform country-specific implementation strategies.

Strengthening the evidence for integrated maternal nutrition

Beyond individual country studies, Vitamin Angels presented findings from a systematic review and meta-analysis of 51 studies examining strategies for delivering nutrition interventions during pregnancy. The peer-reviewed research, published in Advances in Nutrition in 2026, found that MMS could improve maternal anemia outcomes compared with iron and folic acid supplementation alone when introduced early in pregnancy and supported by individualized counseling and follow-up. It also highlighted the value of combining nutrition counseling, physical activity, and weight-gain monitoring within primary health care. These findings reinforce the importance of an integrated approach to antenatal care, with implementation strategies adapted to local health systems and population needs.

More than three decades of experience advancing child nutrition

Vitamin Angels' research at the Forum also extended beyond maternal nutrition. Research from India, Cambodia, and the Democratic Republic of Congo examined how countries can strengthen vitamin A supplementation and deworming programs, address barriers to coverage, and improve the delivery of routine child nutrition services.

In the Democratic Republic of Congo, where Vitamin Angels reached more than 13 million children with vitamin A in 2025, a landscape analysis conducted in collaboration with the government's National Nutrition Program identified opportunities to better integrate vitamin A supplementation and deworming into routine primary health care, including through stronger supply chain coordination, monitoring, and community engagement. The findings provide practical evidence to inform efforts to move beyond periodic campaigns toward more sustainable, government-led delivery.

Additional research from India and Cambodia examined barriers to vitamin A supplementation and deworming and opportunities to improve program delivery as country contexts and health systems evolve. Together, the findings demonstrate how decades of experience delivering proven child nutrition interventions can be paired with implementation research to strengthen the systems needed to sustain them over time.

Pioneering climate-resilient nutrition: Translating global priorities into action

Vitamin Angels also convened the symposium Increasing Climate Resilience Through Health System Strengthening and Nutrition Action, bringing together international researchers and government leaders to examine how integrated nutrition programs and stronger health systems can help protect maternal and child health amid increasing climate pressures.

This work is reflected in Vitamin Angels' innovative five-year Climate-Inspired Nutrition Through Action (CINTA) initiative in Indonesia. CINTA advances an integrated, climate-resilient approach to maternal and child nutrition at a time when the 2026 Global Nutrition Report is calling for stronger coordination across food and health systems to protect nutrition amid increasing climate pressures.

Working alongside the Indonesian government and local partners, Vitamin Angels is developing and supporting the scale-up of a climate-resilient, integrated package of nutrition interventions, including MMS, vitamin A supplementation, deworming, breastfeeding promotion and complementary feeding. The initiative brings together implementation science, policy development, health worker capacity strengthening, local supply chain development and improved nutrition monitoring. Over five years, CINTA aims to reach approximately 12 million women and children and train nearly one million health workers.

Translating science into sustainable impact

The evidence and implementation insights shared at the Micronutrient Forum reflect the approach underpinning Vitamin Angels 2030: Science. Systems. Scale., the organization's new five-year strategy to bring proven nutrition solutions to 477 million women and children across 57 countries by 2030. Building on its existing expertise and partnerships, the strategy deepens Vitamin Angels' focus on generating and applying evidence, strengthening health systems, and working alongside governments and partners to sustainably scale proven nutrition interventions.

To learn more about Vitamin Angels' research and its approach to advancing maternal and child nutrition, visit the Vitamin Angels' Micronutrient Forum webpage and Vitamin Angels 2030: Science. Systems. Scale.

Wally Raises $25 Million to Scale Nation's Fastest-Growing Oral Care Membership with Unlimited Cleanings & Diagnostics

For just $249 per year, Wally's members get unlimited cleanings and diagnostics, with exclusive access to additional proactive care treatments that are up to 75% more affordable.

Wally recently surpassed 50,000 members who visit 3x per year and give the platform a 4.9 star rating. It has a 97% hygienist retention rate and plans to expand from 15 to 100 locations by the end of 2027.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Wally, a nationwide oral care platform, today announced $25 million in Series A funding led by Maveron, along with Bling Capital, and notable angel investors including Jack Abraham, co-founder of Hims. The company is also announcing a strategic partnership with EMS Dental, the developer of the world's most advanced dental cleaning technology.

America's Dental Problem: High Cost, Discomfort, and Bureaucracy

The U.S. dental system is fundamentally broken, trapped in an insurance model that results in only 40% of American adults going to the dentist each year. Over 80% of people want more dental care, but stay away because traditional visits are defined by financial complexity and physical discomfort. Legacy insurance rules and private equity takeovers force practices to maximize reimbursements rather than patient satisfaction, leading to rushed appointments and unnecessary invasive treatments. By profiting off decay rather than preventing it, the current system turns routine dental care into a stressful and high-cost ordeal.

"Wally is the best dental experience I've ever had. They really go above and beyond to understand your dental history, how you feel, what your worries are. They're wonderful at explaining the how's and why's of what they're doing. I tell everyone I know to go there," said Natasha S, a Wally customer.

Wally's Solution: $249 Per Year Membership for Unlimited Cleanings

Wally replaces traditional, reactive dental appointments with a seamless, AI-powered clinical platform built entirely around prevention and pricing transparency. No insurance, just a $249 per year membership to get the most modern preventative oral care experience: advanced diagnostics with AI-driven insights, and unlimited Swiss Airflow cleanings. Based on members' needs, they offer exclusive access to treatments like cavity reversal, so you never need to get drilled again. Wally builds its locations in co-working spaces, which allow for significantly faster and more convenient visits. They currently have 15 locations in New York City, Philadelphia, Jersey City, and Chicago.

Wally's key features include:

- Unlimited Cleanings & Whitening: Members receive unlimited preventative hygiene visits and professional whitening treatments to maintain optimal oral health year-round.

- Swiss AIRFLOW® Cleaning Technology: Uses Guided Biofilm Therapy to eliminate up to 100% of harmful biofilm and stain-causing bacteria without painful metal scraping.

- AI-Powered Diagnostics & Exams: Utilizes digital X-rays, 3D intraoral scans, saliva testing, and AI detection to visually display objective health data.

- Non-Invasive Cavity Reversal: Stops and remineralizes early-stage tooth decay before cavities form, eliminating the need for expensive fillings.

- Aligners & Nightguards: Delivers custom-fit protective nightguards and clear aligner orthodontic treatments at half the price of brand-name competitors.

- Wally AI-Powered App: Members can book appointments, see diagnostics results, clinical recommendations, and more.

"For fifty years, dentistry has run on simple math: get someone in the chair, find something to fix, bill the insurance, repeat," explained Tyler Burnett, Co-Founder and CEO of Wally. "Private equity-run dentistry perfected it. It works. Just not for people. The future is not more dentistry. We're rebuilding oral healthcare from the ground up by taking insurance out of the equation and focusing entirely on proactive, technology-driven care."

"Wally does something no one else in dental has pulled off: pain-free cleanings in half the time, on a single AI-driven platform that runs scheduling, operations, and guides clinicians through every appointment," said Jason Stoffer, Partner at Maveron. "Dentistry hasn't had a consumer brand people actually like. We think Wally is that brand, and the hardware, diagnostics, and AI behind it are what make it durable."

Wally's Future Plans: Nationwide Expansion & Hiring Across All Teams

With the new capital, Wally plans to bring its subscription oral care model to key new metropolitan hubs in Washington DC, Atlanta, Austin, and Miami, where they are establishing waitlists. To power this expansion from 15 to 100 locations, Wally is hiring aggressively across the board, both top-tier clinicians and operational leaders who will leverage its proprietary AI platform to deliver the most innovative oral care experience in the world.

Wally was founded by entrepreneur Tyler Burnett, engineer Stipe Latkovic, and consumer experience expert Chelsea Patel.

Patients or clinicians can learn more at https://www.carebywally.com/.

About Wally Health

Wally is the AI-powered, direct-to-consumer healthcare company building the first nationwide subscription dental brand. Powered by a proprietary technology platform and AI, Wally delivers a smarter, more personalized dental experience, including unlimited painless AIRFLOW® cleanings, exams, x-rays, 3D scans, and custom whitening for $249/year -- no insurance needed. To learn more or book an appointment, visit https://www.carebywally.com/.

Riley Munks

PR Advisor

Activate PR

https://www.activate-pr.com/

[email protected]

This release was issued through WebWire®. For more information, visit http://www.webwire.com.

SOURCE Wally

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ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- During a milestone year for global volunteering, Habitat for Humanity International is proud to recognize 44 volunteers from 21 countries whose leadership, service and innovation are helping to strengthen communities and advance access to safe, affordable housing.

Habitat is proud to celebrate these volunteers who reflect the many ways people contribute to our vision of a world where everyone has a decent place to live, including through building and repairing homes, mobilizing communities, sharing professional skills, advocating for housing solutions, raising resources and inspiring others to serve.

This initiative comes as Habitat marks its 50th anniversary, and the United Nations observes the International Year of Volunteers for Sustainable Development. Together in 2026, these milestones provide an opportunity to celebrate the volunteers who have helped shape Habitat's first 50 years and those carrying our mission forward.

"One volunteer's impact can extend across a community, inspire others, change systems, and open doors to housing solutions that endure," said Jonathan Reckford, chief executive officer at Habitat for Humanity International. "We celebrate all that Habitat volunteers make possible around the world, every day. Volunteers built the foundation for Habitat, and they will continue to pave the way for our future."

The impact of this year's honorees takes many forms, reflecting the wide range of skills, experiences and perspectives they bring to Habitat. In Jordan, Fadi Miqdady led efforts to build 78 homes, rehabilitate more than 370 others and improve water access in remote villages. In South Korea, Sean Ro created public running and walking campaigns that have engaged tens of thousands of participants and raised approximately $5.7 million to support housing. In Kenya, Roseline Asena mobilized residents of the Mukuru Informal Settlement to advocate for adequate housing and helped bring community priorities into national policy discussions.

Víctor Oswaldo Martínez Flores helped establish Habitat for Humanity Guatemala and remains an active volunteer after 47 years, while in the United States, Eva Condron-Wells helped to advance a 107-home development in rural California.

2026 Global Honorees: Out of over 300 regional honoree nominations, twelve volunteers were selected for global recognition.

Back in Action: Recognizing volunteers who return, reconnect and deepen their commitment to Habitat's mission.

- Robyn Brown, nominated by Habitat Cambodia, who has served on more than 16 Habitat builds and grew from a volunteer participant into a Women Build team leader.

Bridge Builder: Recognizing volunteers who bring people, organizations or sectors together and turn shared purpose into collective action.

- Edwin Soeryadjaya, Indonesia, who mobilized more than 270 business leaders through the CEO Build initiative and expanded corporate participation in housing solutions.

Changemaker: Recognizing volunteers who contribute skills, ideas or innovative approaches that strengthen programs, systems or housing solutions.

- Alba Aleida Loy Toledo, Guatemala, who translated community priorities into improvements in housing, health, infrastructure, education and economic opportunity.

Community Catalyst: Recognizing volunteers who mobilize others and help communities turn their priorities and lived experiences into meaningful change.

- Roseline Asena, Kenya, who mobilized residents, strengthened youth advocacy and helped communities influence housing policy and public investment.

Community Cornerstone: Recognizing volunteers who build the relationships, trust and local leadership that sustain Habitat's work.

- Sean Ro, South Korea, who created public running and walking campaigns that have engaged tens of thousands of participants and raised approximately $5.7 million to support housing for descendants of independence patriots and war veterans.

Door Opener: Recognizing volunteers who create new possibilities by opening doors to people, partnerships, resources, or housing solutions.

- Fadi Miqdady, Jordan, who led efforts to build 78 homes, rehabilitate more than 370 others and improve water access in remote villages.

- Eva Condron-Wells, United States, who strengthened organizational capacity, community partnerships and advocacy in support of a 107-home development in rural California.

Emerging Leader: Recognizing volunteers who demonstrate growing leadership and the potential to inspire a new generation of service.

- Kevin McShan, Canada, who is advancing inclusive leadership, accessibility and community engagement through board service, storytelling and advocacy.

Lifetime Keystone: Recognizing volunteers whose extraordinary long-term service, leadership and mentorship have created an enduring legacy.

- Víctor Oswaldo Martínez Flores, Guatemala, who helped establish Habitat for Humanity Guatemala and remains an active volunteer after 47 years of service.

- Bob Schultz, United States, who has contributed more than 15,000 volunteer hours and used his electrical and construction expertise to help Habitat serve more than 450 families.

ReStore: Recognizing volunteers whose exceptional service, innovation or leadership strengthens Habitat ReStores and the housing work they help support.

- Wayne Richard, Canada, who has contributed 26 years of ReStore service, including testing donated electrical products and mentoring volunteers and students.

- Steven Lindquist, United States, who applied his technical expertise to modernize inventory, donor tracking and operational decision-making at Milwaukee Habitat.

Habitat also recognizes the following regional honorees:

Across these award categories, Habitat is also proud to recognize 32 regional honorees whose service, leadership and commitment are strengthening communities and advancing access to safe, affordable housing around the world.

- Back In Action

- Jan Bodewes, Netherlands; Dina Elizabeth Donis de León Vela, Guatemala

- Bridge Builder

- Hanan Abougabal Soliman, Egypt; Seare Desta, Ethiopia; María del Rosario Selman-Housein, Honduras

- Changemaker

- Sulochana Kumari Shah, Nepal; Geoffrey Muteka, Zambia; Jamie Cleaver, Canada; Tyler Spino, U.S.; Warren Kearns, Ireland

- Community Catalyst

- Akritirani Phuyal, Nepal; Edgar Rigoberto Santos, Guatemala

- Community Cornerstone

- Diana Ferariu, Romania; Veronica Valiente, Paraguay; Jaffer Wangai, Kenya

- Door Opener

- Ian Dyar, Lesotho; Juana Consuelo López Milian, Guatemala; Muskan Dinesh Lund, India; Dana Hardy, U.S.; Marilyn Boake, Canada; Murray Scotton, Canada; Luke Walker, Canada

- Emerging Leader

- Nujju Awale, Nepal; Erik Ducousso, Chile; Sipiliano Phiri, Zambia; Darren Thompson, U.S.

- Lifetime Keystone

- John Joseph Finnerty III, Macedonia; Sheila Kripalani, India; Mary Vandeveld U.S.; Bill Murphy, U.S.; Brent Froese, Canada; Angeline Pare, Canada

To learn more about volunteer opportunities, visit habitat.org/volunteer.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We've done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org

SOURCE Habitat for Humanity International

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WINDHAM, N.H., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Emergency department (ED) volumes are projected to grow 6% over the next decade, adding to the pressures already shaping emergency care delivery across the United States.

To help healthcare leaders better understand the factors driving demand for emergent care, Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a leading locum tenens and healthcare workforce solutions company, released the 2026 edition of A System Under Strain: Rising Demands in Emergency Medicine.

Medicus' comprehensive report draws from national statistics, industry research, and proprietary insights to provide a data-driven look at:

- The emergency medicine workforce, including physician distribution and locum tenens data.

- Key factors contributing to rising demand for emergency care, including physician shortages and regional supply-demand gaps.

- ED wait times, boarding, and capacity pressures.

- Actionable workforce strategies healthcare organizations can use to strengthen coverage and ensure timely access to care.

Access the Complete Report: For an in-depth look at the emergency medicine workforce and strategies for navigating increasing demand, access the complete report here.

About Medicus Healthcare Solutions:

Medicus Healthcare Solutions is one of the nation's largest and fastest-growing locum tenens and healthcare workforce solutions companies, partnering with hospitals, health systems, medical groups, and clinicians across the United States. Medicus delivers a fully managed, end-to-end workforce model that seamlessly integrates high-performing physicians and advanced practice providers with a single, accountable team overseeing recruiting, credentialing, travel, scheduling, and onboarding.

The company's Medicus Transition Program rapidly stabilizes and rebuilds clinical services in complex care environments. MedicusOne, its AI-powered contingent workforce platform, provides healthcare leaders with real-time visibility into schedules, coverage, and spend to support smarter, more controlled workforce decisions, while MedicusIQ offers clinicians a streamlined, mobile-first experience to manage every aspect of their assignments. Guided by a people-first philosophy, Medicus builds long-term partnerships grounded in transparency, accountability, and measurable results. Learn more at www.medicushcs.com.

SOURCE Medicus Healthcare Solutions, LLC

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Oklahoma manufacturer, EMCO, dedicates its new 30,000-square-foot facility exclusively to heavy-duty trailer springs and adds a 35-year industry veteran to serve OEMs seeking domestic supply and predictable lead times.

TULSA, Okla., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- EMCO Industries, a leading manufacturer of leaf springs for trailers, agricultural equipment, recreational vehicles and specialty vehicles, announced that its new 30,000-square-foot automated manufacturing facility in Claremore, Oklahoma, is online and in production. The plant is dedicated exclusively to the heavy-duty trailer market. The company also announced the appointment of Wayne Sornberger as director of business development.

The facility represents a multimillion-dollar investment in automation and more than doubles EMCO's production capacity. Twelve robots work in tandem across the line, taking raw bars of American steel through shearing, tapering, forming, heat treating and quenching. The plant is expected to support approximately 20 new jobs in Claremore and the surrounding area.

Roughly a dozen heavy-duty spring configurations are now being produced on the automated line, including the High-Performance Mono-Leaf Spring EMCO introduced in January. That 22,400-pound gross-axle-weight-rated spring reduced component weight 25 percent, from 53 pounds to 40 pounds, and exceeds Truck Trailer Manufacturers Association B-10 fatigue life requirements.

"Bringing this plant online and appointing Wayne to lead our HD sales efforts are two key components of our strategy," said Marcus Hester, president of EMCO Industries. "We built capacity specifically for heavy-duty trailer springs, and we brought in someone who has spent his career in that segment and knows what those buyers need. The plant gives us the room to grow. Wayne gives us the relationships to fill it."

Sornberger joined EMCO on July 13 after 35 years in the spring industry. He will cover the heavy-duty trailer market across North America and works from Alberta, Canada. Over three decades he has served many of North America's largest and most demanding trailer manufacturers.

"Customers stay with people who solve their problems, and that starts with getting product on the dock when you say you will," Sornberger said. "What EMCO gives me to sell is a spring built in Oklahoma from American steel, an eight-week lead time instead of 16 or 20, and a supply line that isn't exposed to import tariffs. Those are the three things buyers ask me about first."

EMCO's domestic manufacturing footprint has become a competitive advantage as trailer manufacturers work to reduce exposure to offshore supply. Because the company produces its springs in Oklahoma using domestic steel, customers avoid the tariff costs and the shipping variability attached to imported components. Lead times average eight weeks from order to delivery.

The company has expanded its share of business with leading OEMs, in a market that moved toward dual sourcing and domestic supply following the pandemic-era shortages that left mid-sized manufacturers waiting behind larger accounts. EMCO's focus on leaf springs allows the company to commit production capacity and engineering attention to those customers.

"Quality and price are table stakes in this business. If you can't deliver, none of it matters," Hester said. "That is what has earned us the business we have won over the last several years, and it is what the new facility protects as volume grows. We are not asking customers to take that on faith. Our record is on their receiving docks."

Every EMCO heavy-duty spring is manufactured to the company's proprietary steel specification and heat-treating process, then individually dipped and painted for corrosion resistance. The company is ISO 9001:2015 certified and has received multiple OEM Supplier of the Year awards. Its engineering team brings more than 120 years of combined leaf spring experience.

EMCO is accepting orders for its full heavy-duty trailer spring line.

To access a high-resolution image of Wayne Sornberger and the company's new manufacturing facility, please click here.

About EMCO Industries, LLC

For more than 35 years, EMCO Industries has manufactured leaf springs and heat-treated products for the trailer, agricultural and specialty vehicle industries. The company produces springs with capacities ranging from 250 pounds to 14,000 pounds, serving OEM and aftermarket customers globally from its facilities in Claremore, Oklahoma. As a U.S. manufacturer using American steel, EMCO has built its reputation on delivering quality products on time, every time. For more information, visit https://emcoind.com/.

All product and company names referenced are trademarks or registered trademarks of their respective owners. Their use does not imply any affiliation with, endorsement by, or partnership with EMCO Industries.

SOURCE EMCO Industries

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- Agreement with North Carolina Public Staff, Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft and others enhances existing protections to further insulate customers from data center costs while delivering billions in long-term benefits

CHARLOTTE, N.C., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Duke Energy and stakeholders have reached an agreement that further protects existing customers from costs to serve data centers and other large-load customers in North Carolina.

Duke Energy proactively implemented substantial customer protections in 2024 to ensure that large-load customers pay the costs to serve them. The agreement memorializes and enhances those protections.

These changes are reflected in a new settlement between the company's two North Carolina utilities – Duke Energy Carolinas and Duke Energy Progress – and North Carolina Public Staff, the agency representing utility customers. Other parties to the agreement include Amazon, Google, Meta, Microsoft, Carolina Industrial Group for Fair Utility Rates and the U.S. Department of Defense.

Our view: "It's simple – data centers will pay upfront for all costs to connect to the grid," said Kendal Bowman, Duke Energy's North Carolina president. "We're shielding other customers from these costs in a way that protects reliability and ensures everyone benefits from the economic growth coming to North Carolina."

Agreement summary:

- Nonrefundable, upfront payment for electric grid facilities serving only that customer, such as a substation to connect to the grid.

- Upfront deposits and security guarantees for grid upgrades that serve all customers, such as transmission lines.

- New large-load customers, including new data centers, must take service under a High Load Factor rate schedule – a separate rate established for large loads.

Why it matters: Duke Energy had previously required data centers and other large loads (100 megawatts or more) to agree to contract terms that protect other customers from such costs. If approved by state regulators, this new agreement would apply to all large-load customers (50 megawatts or more with 80% load factor) that sign an electric service agreement (ESA) in North Carolina after June 1, 2026. ESAs signed prior to June 1 contain a full suite of similar customer protections.

In July, Duke Energy announced its Customer Protection Plus framework, outlining how data center growth will result in billions of dollars of future customer benefits, saving money for existing customers. This agreement adds to that framework in a way that specifically addresses issues raised by North Carolina regulators and customers. Learn more about Duke Energy's approach to data centers at duke-energy.com/DataCenters.

What's next: The agreement is subject to approval by the North Carolina Utilities Commission – a decision is expected by mid-November.

Duke Energy Carolinas serves about 2.3 million households and businesses in central and western North Carolina, including Charlotte, Durham and the Triad, while Duke Energy Progress serves about 1.6 million customers in central and eastern North Carolina and in the Asheville region. The two will be combined into a single utility as of Jan. 1, 2027.

Duke Energy

Duke Energy (NYSE: DUK), a Fortune 150 company headquartered in Charlotte, N.C., is one of America's largest energy holding companies. The company's electric utilities serve 8.7 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Indiana, Ohio and Kentucky, and collectively own 55,700 megawatts of energy capacity. Its natural gas utilities serve 1.6 million customers in North Carolina, South Carolina, Ohio and Kentucky.

Duke Energy is executing an energy modernization strategy, keeping customer value at the forefront as it invests in electric grid upgrades and efficient generation resources to strengthen the system and serve growing energy needs.

More information is available at duke-energy.com. Follow Duke Energy on X, LinkedIn, Instagram, TikTok and Facebook for stories about the people and innovations powering its communities.

24-hour media line: 800.559.3853

SOURCE Duke Energy

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Gong, Agentforce Sales, and Avoma Named 2026 Conversation Intelligence Champions by Info-Tech Research Group

Drawing on verified end-user feedback collected through Info-Tech Research Group's SoftwareReviews platform, the 2026 Conversation Intelligence Data Quadrant Report evaluates solutions that help organizations capture and analyze customer interactions, reduce manual effort, and improve visibility across teams. Champion recognition reflects strong product capabilities and overall user satisfaction.

ARLINGTON, Va., Oct. 7, 2026 /CNW/ -- Info-Tech Research Group has named Gong, Agentforce Sales, and Avoma as Champions in its 2026 Conversation Intelligence Data Quadrant Report. The report recognizes the highest-rated software products in the category, helping organizations evaluate solutions to analyze customer conversations, improve sales coaching, and turn interactions into actionable insights.

Conversation intelligence solutions help organizations capture, transcribe, and analyze customer interactions across calls, meetings, and other communication channels. Features such as automated transcription, call recording, sentiment analysis, conversation summaries, keyword tracking, sales coaching, and CRM integration can help teams identify customer needs, improve employee performance, and make more informed business decisions.

Info-Tech's Data Quadrant is a comprehensive software evaluation tool that ranks products using verified end-user feedback across key dimensions, including likelihood to recommend, feature rankings, net emotional footprint score, and vendor capabilities. These inputs are aggregated into a Composite Score (CS), which reflects overall user satisfaction and determines placement within the Data Quadrant. The firm's methodology ensures that rankings are based entirely on authentic user reviews, free from analyst opinions or vendor influence.

The 2026 Conversation Intelligence Champions are as follows:

- Gong, 9.0 CS, rated highly for its call recording features.

- Agentforce Sales, 9.0 CS, rated highly for its conversation coaching capabilities.

- Avoma, 8.6 CS, ranked highly for its audio transcription features.

"Every customer conversation contains valuable information, but organizations need the right tools to capture and make sense of it," says Terra Higginson, Principal Research Director at Info-Tech Research Group. "Conversation intelligence platforms can make it easier to review large volumes of interactions and surface relevant information without adding to employee workloads. The best products fit smoothly into existing workflows, provide reliable analysis, reduce manual effort, and are easy for teams to use."

User assessments of software categories on SoftwareReviews provide an accurate and detailed view of the constantly changing market. Info-Tech's reports are informed by data from users and IT professionals with intimate experience with the software across the procurement, implementation, and maintenance processes.

Read the full report: 2026 Conversation Intelligence Champions

To learn more about Info-Tech's Vendor Awards, including how Data Quadrant and Emotional Footprint recognition is determined using verified end-user feedback and the underlying evaluation criteria, visit Info-Tech's Vendor Awards page, powered by SoftwareReviews.

About Info-Tech Research Group

Info-Tech Research Group is the "get things done" partner for over 30,000 IT, HR, and marketing leaders worldwide. The fastest growing research and advisory firm, Info-Tech enables leaders to make well-informed decisions and transform their organizations through AI, strategic foresight, step-by-step methodologies, practical tools, industry-leading advisory, and training programs. For nearly 30 years, tens of thousands of private and public organizations have trusted Info-Tech to lead their most important initiatives through periods of change and deliver outcomes that truly matter.

To learn more about Info-Tech's HR research and advisory services, visit McLean & Company, and for data-driven software buying insights and vendor evaluations, visit the firm's SoftwareReviews platform.

Media professionals can register for unrestricted access to research across IT, HR, and software, as well as hundreds of industry analysts through the firm's Media Insiders program. To gain access, contact [email protected].

For information about Info-Tech Research Group or to access the latest research, visit infotech.com and connect via LinkedIn and X.

SOURCE Info-Tech Research Group

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