Your coffee run, upgraded: Healthy Rewards members can sip for free on September 28 and 29.

DALLAS, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- There will be no shortage of coffee freebies this National Coffee Day, but Smoothie King is bringing something different to the celebration: a coffee run, upgraded. Starting the festivities a day early, Smoothie King is giving Healthy Rewards members a free 12 oz. Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha Smoothie on September 28 and 29 at participating Smoothie King locations nationwide.

Made with cold brew crafted from 100% Arabica beans, the delicious and nutritious Coffee High Protein Almond Mocha Smoothie delivers 14g of protein, 3g of fiber, and 0g of added sugar.

Protein coffee may be having a major moment, but it's nothing new at Smoothie King. With more than 50 years of expertise developing smoothies that balance nutrients and flavor, protein has long been core to the brand, including its lineup of Coffee High Protein Smoothies.

The one-time offer is available exclusively to Smoothie King Healthy Rewards members on September 28 and 29. For more information, visit smoothieking.com.

ABOUT SMOOTHIE KING FRANCHISES, INC.

Smoothie King Franchises, Inc., the original U.S. smoothie franchise, is a privately held, Dallas-based company with more than 1,200 units nationwide. It was founded in 1973 with the mission to inspire people to live a healthy and active lifestyle.

Today, with over 50 years focused on making nutrition delicious and guided by a vision to make the world a better place by nourishing healthy habits, Smoothie King continues to design each smoothie from the ground up, working with their nutritional experts to balance nutrients and flavor. In April 2023, Smoothie King expanded beyond smoothies with the launch of Smoothie Bowls. In 2025, the brand introduced its Power Eats Menu, its first nationwide rollout of food items, which earned Nation's Restaurant News' MenuMasters Healthful Innovation award in 2026. Smoothie King also offers retail products that include sports beverages, energy bars, vitamins, supplements, and more.

Repeatedly recognized as a top franchise opportunity, Smoothie King was recently ranked #17 in Entrepreneur Magazine's highly competitive "Franchise 500" ranking for 2026, as well as #11 in Entrepreneur's 2025 Top Brands for Multi-Unit Owners and #11 in its 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans feature. Smoothie King was also included in the 2025 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, Technomic's Top 500 Chains and Franchise Times 2025 Top 400.

Press Contact:

ALISON BROD MARKETING + COMMUNICATIONS

[email protected]

SOURCE Smoothie King

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BELLEVILLE, Ill., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of the American Water Works Association annual Source Water Protection Week (September 27 to October 3), Illinois American Water is highlighting its commitment to providing customers with safe, clean, reliable water services, starting at the source.

"During the annual Source Water Protection Week, we are reminded that high-quality drinking water does not originate in a treatment plant," said Rebecca Losli, President, Illinois American Water. "It begins miles upstream, in the shared landscapes and water sources that sustain Illinois communities."

American Water's Source Water Protection Program provides a structured framework for assessing risks, engaging stakeholders and implementing proactive measures to safeguard drinking water supplies. Keeping rivers, lakes, and groundwater free from pollution reduces potential risks that could negatively impact the water supply and keeps treatment costs down.

The company's source water protection efforts include:

- Handling approximately 275 samples per day at American Water's Central Laboratory based in Belleville, IL.

- Application of the most advanced technology, equipment, and filtration processes, including updated cyanotoxin management plans.

- Constant collaboration with the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), Illinois EPA and other state and local agencies to meet or surpass water quality standards and address emerging contaminants so that potential impacts to water quality are minimized.

- Participation in emergency planning and spill response partnerships, including the Upper Mississippi River Spills Group and local emergency planning committees in St. Clair, Madison and Peoria area communities to strengthen communication and coordination when an incident may occur.

Illinois American Water relies on water sources such as the Mississippi and Illinois Rivers, the Vermillion River headwaters, and groundwater resources, including the Mahomet Aquifer. The company's Senior Source Water Protection Program Manager, Ted Kratschmer, helps ensure the quality and availability of water resources for the company's communities. "Source water protection at Illinois American Water is not just a plan sitting on a shelf. We take a proactive approach, engaging in regional efforts to help protect and improve our drinking water sources and raising awareness on how we all play a role in safeguarding our water," said Kratschmer.

Kratschmer encourages individuals to incorporate the following actions into practice:

- Plant landscaping around homes or businesses with more permeable surfaces, such as mulch, which allows water to soak into the ground.

- Do not over-apply chemicals to plants and avoid application immediately before it rains.

- Keep litter, pet waste and yard waste out of streets and storm drains. Pet waste contains bacteria that can find its way into waterways through runoff.

- Select non-toxic or less toxic alternatives to typical household products, such as cleaning agents.

- Dispose of pharmaceuticals by taking them to collection sites, where available. Don't flush them down the toilet!

- Use hazardous waste collection sites and services to dispose of items such as chemicals, paints, motor oil and batteries. Report any hazardous material spills, illegal dumping or suspicious activity to local or state authorities.

Learn more about how water is treated and how it makes it to your tap here.

Read more about how American Water strengthens operational readiness, uses technology to stay ahead of water quality challenges, builds stronger communities through partnership and prepares for emerging issues through recent case studies in states across our service areas here.

About American Water  

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders.  

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Illinois American Water

Illinois American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 600 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 1.3 million people. American Water also operates a quality control and research laboratory in Belleville.

SOURCE American Water

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IEEE / Columbia University fireside chat and 19 technical papers from Tau and its research partners highlight progress in software-defined power and the technologies enabling electrification at scale.

NEW YORK and REDWOOD CITY, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tau Motors, Inc., a pioneer in software-defined power conversion, highlighted the technical depth behind its approach to electrification during Climate Week NYC 2026. The 19 technical papers reflecting research by Tau and its partners at the Columbia Center of Advanced Electrification (CCAE) are featured in the 2026 IEEE/CCAE Symposium on Advanced Electrification Systems program. During a fireside chat at the Columbia University event, Tau Founder and CEO Wesley Pennington discussed how integrating power electronics, electric machines, and software can accelerate electrification.

The research, developed by Tau and its partners at CCAE and featured in the symposium program, covers power conversion and control, electric machine modeling, energy storage, and grid-connected systems. The work reflects Tau's sustained investment in power conversion, controls, and electric machine engineering, disciplines central to its Ion™ and Gamma™ platforms. The papers also highlight the breadth of Tau's work across sustainable energy systems.

Tau's Ion™ platform combines modular power electronics with firmware and software libraries to support applications across mobility, industrial equipment, energy infrastructure, and data centers. Its Gamma™ electric machine platform integrates machine design, power electronics, and controls to enable rare-earth-free motion.

At the September 25 symposium, Wesley Pennington, Founder and CEO of Tau, joined Matthias Preindl, Associate Professor at Columbia University and Tau's Chief Scientist, for a fireside chat exploring the "electro-industrial stack" and what becomes possible when power electronics, electric machines, and software are designed together. The conversation examined how programmable architectures can improve system performance, reduce material dependencies, and accelerate deployment across transportation, industry, and digital infrastructure.

"Accelerating electrification means making the systems that convert and control power more efficient, more affordable, and easier to deploy," said Pennington. "When power electronics, electric machines, and software are designed together, we can optimize the entire system. Tau is building the software-defined power platform to give industry greater control over performance, costs, and supply chains—and accelerate deployment at scale."

The symposium featured speakers from organizations including GM Energy, Siemens, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, alongside researchers and other industry participants.

Tau established CCAE alongside Columbia Engineering to connect advanced research with the practical requirements of industrial applications. The work addresses challenges that influence efficiency, reliability, and the ability to deploy electric systems across a wider range of uses.

About Tau

Tau Motors, Inc. is an advanced technology company accelerating electrification from electric vehicles to the grid and digital infrastructure. Its Ion™ and Gamma™ platforms combine power electronics, advanced controls, and hardware design to improve the performance, economics, and adaptability of electric systems. Drawing on deep expertise in systems engineering, Tau partners with industry leaders to rapidly develop and deploy products on its platforms across industries. For more information, visit taumotors.com.

Media Contact

Tau Media Office

[email protected] 

SOURCE Tau Motors, Inc.

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ULTRALOQ Launches Next-Generation Smart Lock Collection: Refining Home Entry with Natural, Intelligent and Trusted Access Solutions

New Bolt Mission, Bolt Pro, and Latch 5 Pro give homeowners a choice between precise, hands-free UWB entry and tap-to-unlock digital keys

LAS VEGAS and SAN JOSE, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ULTRALOQ, a best-selling smart lock brand under Xthings, a global leader in IoT solutions, today announced the launch and availability of its next-generation smart lock collection, built to redefine access and provide customers with a wide range of effortless entry experiences that best suit their lifestyle.

The collection includes ULTRALOQ Bolt Mission, unveiled as the industry's first ultra-wideband (UWB) enabled smart lock, featuring precise, hands-free approach-to-unlock functionality. Joining Bolt Mission are the ULTRALOQ Bolt Pro and ULTRALOQ Latch 5 Pro which are the first multi-model line of Aliro-Certified smart locks that empowers users to leverage their phone as their key through Apple Wallet or Samsung Wallet credentials.

The latest ULTRALOQ models arrive at a time when digital wallets and standardized access credentials are reshaping how consumers expect to access their homes and other everyday assets. For the new collection, ULTRALOQ leverages UWB to enable precise, intent-aware entry to the home and Aliro, the open mobile-access standard developed by the Connectivity Standards Alliance with support from leading mobile ecosystems including Apple, Google and Samsung. With Aliro, ULTRALOQ brings the familiar wallet-based experience consumers already use for payments and increasingly digital car keys to the front door.

All three lock models are Matter Certified and compatible with leading smart home platforms, including Apple Home, Google Home and more, allowing users to incorporate the lock into their broader smart home experience. Bolt Pro and Latch 5 Pro also integrate with Samsung SmartThings, enabling more home-wide automations triggered by lock activity, such as turning on lights or adjusting the thermostat when the door unlocks. Household members can have their own Digital Key in Samsung Wallet, providing individual access to the same lock while SmartThings helps manage access and automations across the household.

The collection will be available online in October through The Home Depot, where customers can shop the new ULTRALOQ lineup. The new collection delivers intelligent, effortless and trusted entry across accessible price points, empowering users to choose the access features that best suit their lifestyle and needs.

ULTRALOQ Bolt Mission: The Smart Lock That Knows When You Are Coming Home

Bolt Mission (MSRP: $299.99) delivers a precise, intent-aware hands-free entry experience by combining Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE) discovery, UWB ranging, radar-based presence sensing and local decision logic. The result is hands-free entry that responds to true arrival, not strictly proximity. Rather than unlocking simply if a phone is nearby, Bolt Mission analyzes precise distance and direction of approach, allowing it to distinguish an authorized user approaching from outside from normal movement inside the home.

Designed to deliver a premium hands-free experience, users can keep their phone in their pocket or bag while the Xthings Home app runs securely in the background. With Bolt Mission, there's no app to open upon approach, no PIN to enter and no separate hub required for hands-free entry.

To support dependable intent detection (approach vs. departure) and efficient battery life, Bolt Mission features built-in radar to keep the lock alert when it matters most and conserve power when it does not. Intent detection logic is processed locally between the authorized phone and the lock, delivering fast approach-and-unlock entry.

ULTRALOQ Bolt Pro: Premium Front-Door Deadbolt with Wallet-Based Access

Bolt Pro (MSRP: $269.99) is the collection's premium digital-key deadbolt, bringing Aliro-Certified tap-to-unlock access together with fingerprint, PIN, app and physical-key entry. Aliro-Certified, Bolt Pro lets users unlock their door with a simple tap of their compatible device, without ever having to open an app. Digital keys are stored in a compatible mobile wallet, giving users a familiar tap experience similar to the contactless interactions they already use every day.

Designed to support a wide range of access methods, Bolt Pro pairs digital wallet access with fingerprint, PIN, app control and physical key backup. While digital wallet access may be ideal for everyday users, fingerprint provides fast personalized entry options and PIN codes can be issued to children, guests, cleaners or other service providers in need of access.

ULTRALOQ Latch 5 Pro: Wallet-Based Access for More Doors

Latch 5 Pro (MSRP: $249.99) brings the same tap-to-unlock digital wallet experience to doors that use a lever rather than a deadbolt, including side entrances, home offices, garage-entry doors, rentals and shared spaces. Residents or employees can use a compatible digital wallet or fingerprint for access, while visitors and other temporary users can receive PINs. Aliro and Matter Certified, Latch 5 Pro delivers the same digital key experience and smart home platform compatibility as Bolt Pro.

Executive Quotes

"The front door is moving away from keys and apps toward digital credentials and intent-aware access," said Raj Sundar, Senior Director of Product Management for ULTRALOQ. "Our goal with this collection is to make that transition seamless and practical for customers, whether someone wants their door to detect their arrival and unlock hands-free or wants to quickly tap the phone or watch they carry every day to authorize entry."

Available Online via The Home Depot

The new collection of ULTRALOQ smart locks will be available for purchase online through The Home Depot beginning in October. Customers can explore each model in the collection, compare access options, and learn more about the distinct features each lock delivers to select the ULTRALOQ model that is right for them.

The ULTRALOQ collection is available now online through ULTRALOQ as well as Amazon and will be available online via The Home Depot in October.

For additional information about ULTRALOQ, please visit www.ultraloq.com.

About ULTRALOQ

ULTRALOQ, a best-selling smart lock brand under Xthings, is dedicated to developing innovative and secure smart access solutions. With a focus on blending cutting-edge technology with convenience, ULTRALOQ's products are designed to provide a secure and keyless entry experience for both homes and businesses, making smart security more accessible than ever.

SOURCE ULTRALOQ; Xthings Inc.

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Gold Coast Health Plan Awards More than $2 Million in Grants to Providers and Community Organizations to Help Medi-Cal Members Navigate Changes

Seven groups receive funding to help eligible members stay enrolled

CAMARILLO, Calif., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Gold Coast Health Plan (GCHP) today announced the recipients of its Resilience, Innovation, Sustainability & Equity (RISE) Grant Program. Now in its second year, GCHP awarded one-year grants totaling $2,087,811 to seven providers and community organizations supporting Medi-Cal members as the federal changes to coverage requirements take effect.

The aim of the RISE Grant Program is to expand access to care to better meet the physical and behavioral health needs of Medi-Cal members in Ventura County. GCHP is using the 2026 RISE Grant Program to engage providers and community partners in supporting Medi-Cal members in understanding, navigating, and complying with new Medicaid eligibility, work, and community engagement requirements that are set to begin in 2027. To date, the program has invested more than $13 million into the community, including 16 grants awarded in 2025, totaling $11.3 million.

"With Medi-Cal changes rolling out over the next year, we want to ensure our providers and community organizations have the resources they need to help members navigate the upcoming changes," said Dr. Felix Nuñez, GCHP's chief executive officer. "With these grants, our goal is to minimize coverage disruptions for eligible members so they have continuous access to high-quality care and services."

The grant was open to hospitals, health systems, service providers, and community-based organizations with initiatives that help members:

- Maintain Medi-Cal coverage.

- Avoid administrative disenrollment.

- Successfully complete renewal requirements.

- Connect to qualifying work, training, education, or community engagement activities through culturally and linguistically appropriate navigation, community or volunteer programs and opportunities, and education support.

Following a competitive process and thorough review, GCHP's grant management partner, the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI), selected seven organizations and projects to receive funding:

- Community Memorial Health System: $386,607

- Medi-Cal Re-enrollment & Coverage Retention Initiative: Aims to improve coverage renewal and retention among GCHP members ages 19-64 by using text-based and AI-assisted outreach tools, along with eligibility worker support, to reach members in culturally and linguistically appropriate ways.

- Conejo Health: $290,197

- STAY — Stabilizing Treatment and Your Coverage: Aims to support at least 2,200 at-risk members, including people experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, or substance use disorders, by deploying three enrollment specialists to help them enroll, re-enroll, and avoid losing coverage.

- STAY — Stabilizing Treatment and Your Coverage: Aims to support at least 2,200 at-risk members, including people experiencing homelessness, serious mental illness, or substance use disorders, by deploying three enrollment specialists to help them enroll, re-enroll, and avoid losing coverage.

- Westminster Free Clinic: $235,950

- RENUEVA — Renewal & Enrollment Navigation for Uninterrupted Eligibility & Verification Assistance: Aims to help low-income Latinos from mixed-status families keep or regain Medi-Cal coverage by providing one-on-one enrollment and re-enrollment navigation to 1,000 individuals who have lost coverage or are at risk of losing it.

- Many Mansions: $92,274

- Medi-Cal Coverage Stability Initiative: Aims to prevent coverage lapses for approximately 1,350 low-income and formerly unhoused residents by offering on-site enrollment support and helping members meet eligibility and renewal requirements through Ventura County's largest affordable housing provider.

- Medi-Cal Coverage Stability Initiative: Aims to prevent coverage lapses for approximately 1,350 low-income and formerly unhoused residents by offering on-site enrollment support and helping members meet eligibility and renewal requirements through Ventura County's largest affordable housing provider.

- Mixteco Indígena Community Organizing Project (MICOP): $334,217

- Sustaining Healthcare Access for Indigenous Migrants: Aims to provide linguistically and culturally appropriate outreach, enrollment, and renewal services to Indigenous and non-Indigenous migrant communities, assisting members with at least 350 applications and redeterminations per month while helping 60 members monthly connect with services like finding a primary care doctor, transportation, and interpretation.

- Ventura County Health Care Agency: $399,823

- Ventura County Health Care Agency Medi-Cal Coverage Stability Initiative: Aims to keep members covered by weaving renewal screening and education into routine clinic and hospital visits, identifying patients whose coverage is coming up for renewal, and connecting them to enrollment resources.

- Ventura County Health Care Agency Medi-Cal Coverage Stability Initiative: Aims to keep members covered by weaving renewal screening and education into routine clinic and hospital visits, identifying patients whose coverage is coming up for renewal, and connecting them to enrollment resources.

- Ventura County Public Health Department: $348,743

- Health Care for All — Field-Based Enrollment & Renewal Initiative: Aims to reach at least 1,200 unhoused and vulnerable residents by sending certified enrollment counselors into shelters, health clinics, and community sites to help members complete their renewals and avoid losing their coverage.

"Medi-Cal is a lifeline for families throughout Ventura County," said Erik Cho, GCHP's chief of staff and strategy. "These seven organizations have existing relationships with our members, and by investing in them, we are creating a network of support to ensure that no one loses coverage simply because they weren't informed or didn't understand the steps they needed to take to maintain their coverage."

For more information on GCHP's RISE Grant Program, visit www.goldcoasthealthplan.org/community/grants/rise-grant-program/.

About Gold Coast Health Plan

Gold Coast Health Plan proudly serves about 220,000 Medi-Cal members in Ventura County through its network of primary care physicians, specialists, behavioral health providers and hospitals. Since it was founded in 2011, Gold Coast Health Plan has been committed to providing access to high-quality care and improving the health of its members, which include 1 in 3 county residents, 1 in 6 seniors, and 1 in 2 children up to the age of 5. To learn more, visit: www.goldcoasthealthplan.org.

SOURCE Gold Coast Health Plan

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'I HAD EVERY OPTION,' SAYS RADIATION ONCOLOGIST WHO CHOSE PROTON THERAPY AT PROCURE FOR HIS OWN PROSTATE CANCER

SOMERSET, N.J., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As ProCure Proton Therapy Center continues health education efforts during National Prostate Cancer Awareness Month, the provider is highlighting a patient story with a distinctive vantage point.

Edward Soffen, M.D., underwent proton therapy treatments at ProCure earlier this year for his own prostate cancer. He also happens to be a radiation oncologist with expertise in a full range of radiation therapy modalities, including proton therapy.

"I had every option available, and I could have chosen any provider in the world," said Dr. Soffen. "When I asked myself what made the most sense for my own body, I applied my 30-plus years of experience to my own situation, exploring six different treatment options. I landed on protons as the one clear choice—and I have zero regrets about that decision."

A prostate cancer specialist for more than 30 years, Dr. Soffen has personally performed nearly every radiation technique for the disease, including CyberKnife, radioactive seed implants, high-dose-rate brachytherapy, conventional radiation with IMRT, and protons, matching the modality to each patient's unique situation. Because his own cancer was caught early and confined to the prostate, protons were an option. He chose them for the same reason he recommends them to certain patients: the dose goes to the tumor and stops, sparing surrounding healthy tissue.

Choosing protons narrowed the field. Choosing where to receive them was the more personal decision. Dr. Soffen knows the proton centers in the region and beyond, and he could have been treated at any of them. He chose the one where he practices, alongside colleagues he has watched treat thousands of complex cases with a personalized approach he has seen from the inside for years. When it was his turn to be the patient, he wanted the ProCure team.

"Dr. Soffen has spent his career helping patients weigh exactly these choices, and when the diagnosis was his own, he trusted that process—and our team," said Brian Chon, M.D., Medical Director at ProCure. "That's the kind of confidence we strive to earn from every patient."

"I've spent my career on the other side of this conversation, and I know how rare it is to find a team that gets both the physics and the person right," said Dr. Soffen. "I trusted ProCure with my patients for years. Trusting them with myself was the easiest decision in the whole process."

About ProCure Proton Therapy Center

ProCure Proton Therapy Center in Somerset, NJ, opened in March 2012 as the tri-state region's first proton therapy facility, treating a range of cancers including diseases of the prostate, breast, lung, brain, head and neck, and gastrointestinal system, as well as sarcomas and many pediatric cases. Using the most advanced radiation treatment available, ProCure has treated more than 8,000 patients overall, including 750+ pediatric patients coming from the U.S. and abroad, and enables many cancer patients to choose a non-surgical treatment personalized to their medical needs and lifestyles, often with fewer side effects and less downtime—giving them more freedom to enjoy what matters most in their lives. For more information, visit ProCure.com.

Media Contact:

Sarah Ferrington, Marketing Manager

Phone: 732-357-2609

Email: [email protected]

SOURCE ProCure Proton Therapy Center

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RND Automation Showcases Packaging, Live Pouching and Risk Reduction at PACK EXPO International 2026

Booth N-5115 to feature live KANGA pouching, QuickPouch packaging equipment, RND's High-Risk Test Bench, package-integrity testing, and real-world robotics applications.

CHICAGO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RND Automation will showcase its expanding packaging-equipment portfolio and broader automation capabilities at PACK EXPO International 2026, October 18–21, at McCormick Place in Chicago. Attendees can visit RND in Booth N-5115 in the North Hall.

The 2026 exhibit will highlight RND's approach to packaging automation: begin with proven, repeatable equipment platforms, configure them to meet the application's requirements, and integrate additional automation where the production process demands it.

Live KANGA Pouching Demonstration

At the center of the booth experience, RND's KANGA Poucher will run live throughout the show. Visitors will be able to see the vertical pouching process firsthand and package a multitool to take with them as a finished piece.

The demonstration is intended to show how a repeatable packaging platform can provide a reliable starting point while retaining flexibility for different products, package requirements, and production applications. The packaging web used for the demonstration will be supplied by Amcor.

Packaging Equipment for a Range of Applications

In addition to KANGA, RND will highlight packaging solutions for bagging and pouching, horizontal flexible packaging, tray packaging, sealing, and package-integrity testing.

RND's packaging portfolio includes MiniPack, MicroPack, TrayPack, Rotary Sealers, and QuickPouch by RND Automation.

RND designs and builds new QuickPouch Vertical, Horizontal, Mini, and Micro systems while also supporting the existing QuickPouch installed base with service, technical support, training, and genuine replacement parts.

The booth will also feature an RND SureVac leak-testing system. SureVac systems are designed to support package-quality programs by helping detect gross leaks in blister packs, pouches, medical-device packaging, and other sealed packages.

Testing Challenging Applications Before Production

A second major feature of the exhibit will be RND's High-Risk Test Bench, a configurable research, development and application-testing platform used by RND engineers to evaluate challenging automation tasks before they are incorporated into a complete production system.

The Test Bench allows RND to evaluate application variables such as robotics, gripping, motion, machine safety, sensing, controls, product handling and package testing under realistic conditions.

By testing difficult elements earlier, RND can identify technical risk, evaluate competing approaches and make more informed engineering decisions before moving into full-scale implementation.

The PACK EXPO Test Bench will feature technology from automation suppliers including Doosan Robotics, OnRobot, B&R Industrial Automation, FANUC, Pilz, Banner Engineering and Festo. A QuickPouch Micro and RND SureVac Leak Tester will also be incorporated into the display.

Automation Beyond the Packaging Machine

RND's booth will also feature a large FANUC M-710 industrial robot. The robot will be displayed alongside application footage illustrating how RND is using this robot class in an actual customer automation system.

Together, the packaging equipment, Test Bench, and robotics display demonstrate RND's ability to address more than the stand-alone packaging machine. The company's capabilities extend into robotics, product feeding and handling, inspection and testing, controls, machine safety, motion, and production-line integration.

"Manufacturers don't always need a machine engineered from the ground up, but they do need equipment that fits the needs of their product and process," said Brantley Turner, General Manager, RND Automation. "Our focus is to start with proven platforms and use the breadth of our automation experience to solve application specific challenges."

Visit RND at PACK EXPO International 2026

Attendees can visit RND Automation at Booth N-5115 in the North Hall at McCormick Place in Chicago, October 18–21, 2026.

Visitors can see the KANGA Poucher operating live, explore RND's High-Risk Test Bench and packaging portfolio, view industrial robotics applications, discuss current packaging or automation projects with the RND team, and enter RND's PACK EXPO giveaway for a chance to win a Bambu Lab 3D printer.

About RND Automation

RND Automation designs and builds packaging equipment and automated manufacturing systems for manufacturers with demanding production requirements. RND combines proven, repeatable equipment platforms with engineering capabilities in robotics, product handling, inspection, testing, controls, motion, and line integration.

Its packaging capabilities include bagging and pouching, horizontal flexible packaging, tray packaging, sealing, package-integrity testing, and QuickPouch by RND Automation. RND also provides equipment service, technical support, training, and spare parts.

RND Automation is a division of CAS Holdings.

Media Contact

Shelly Metz

Marketing Manager

RND Automation

[email protected]

941-548-4605

Press Contact:

Shelly Metz

314-324-5788

www.rndautomation.com

SOURCE RND Automation

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition (ATMC) today celebrated the U.S. International Trade Commission's (ITC) affirmative final injury determination in the antidumping and countervailing duty (AD/CVD) investigation filed in November 2025. The ITC recognized that dumped and subsidized van-type semi-trailers materially injured the U.S. industry and their workers. Today's decision sets the stage for the U.S. Department of Commerce to impose final duties on these imports.

"Today's determination by the ITC confirms the yearslong loss of U.S. market share to unfairly traded imports by market-manipulating foreign actors in China, Canada, and Mexico," said Robert E. DeFrancesco, III, counsel to the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition. "American trailer manufacturers have proven capable of winning work and creating good-paying American jobs when they can compete on a level playing field. Through today's affirmative injury vote, the ITC has taken an important step to rectifying this harm for American manufacturers and their workforce and paves the way for the imposition of strong AD and CVD duties."

In response to dumped and subsidized Canadian, Chinese, and Mexican trailer products undercutting the domestic trailer industry, the ATMC filed AD/CVD petitions with the ITC and Department of Commerce on Nov. 20, 2025.

The ITC's vote follows the U.S. Department of Commerce's final affirmative dumping and subsidy decisions on imports from China, where it calculated combined AD and CVD duties of more than 260%. As a result of today's decision, the Department of Commerce will issue antidumping and countervailing duty orders in October imposing final duties on imports from China. These duties cover all Chinese-origin subassemblies and trailer kits shipped through Canada.

Additionally, today's decision paves the way for the ITC's final affirmative determinations for Canada and Mexico in early 2027. Before the ITC can formalize final determinations for these countries, the Department of Commerce must issue its own final affirmative AD/CVD determinations for Mexico and a final affirmative AD determination for Canada, which are proceeding on an extended timeline. Once the ITC issues its second final determination for Canada and Mexico, the Department of Commerce will also impose duties on imports from these countries.

The AD/CVD orders will remain in effect for a minimum of five years, and there is an opportunity each year for duty rates to increase through the annual administrative review process. Duty evasion, absorption, and circumvention are strictly illegal, and the ATMC will continue monitoring industry data and market intelligence for evidence of these practices.

The ATMC is a coalition of leading U.S. trailer producers Great Dane LLC, Stoughton Trailers LLC, and Wabash Corporation. The American trailer industry directly supports almost 10,000 U.S. jobs and indirectly supports approximately 50,000 across America.

About the American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition

The American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition represents the majority of U.S. van trailer production. Coalition members employ thousands of hardworking Americans throughout Arkansas, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Nebraska, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee and Wisconsin. The coalition is fighting to address the unfair foreign trade practices harming the U.S. van-type trailer industry. Learn more at: www.americantrailercoalition.com.

SOURCE American Trailer Manufacturers Coalition

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LEXINGTON, Ky., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Kentucky American Water has completed efforts to restore water service to approximately 200 homes served by Black Mountain Utility District in Harlan County following a devastating flood earlier this week in the region.

Company crews and contractors provided operational and technical assistance to the utility district to replace damaged water main, service lines and other water infrastructure that was severely damaged by flood waters while also moving several tons of mud, completing restoration within 50 hours. The company also provided bottled water to support residents in the impacted area during the crisis.

"We appreciate all the help that American Water gave and how fast all the equipment and supplies and workers were here on site," said Ronnie Williams, manager of Black Mountain Utility District.

"The flash flooding event at Ages/Brookside earlier this week ripped water lines out of the ground and broke them in several different areas of those communities. Kentucky American Water crews were on the ground within hours to assist Black Mountain Utility District personnel," said Harlan County Judge Executive Dan Mosley. "Based on the damage I observed, I was concerned that it may take a week or longer to restore water. However, due to the swift response, water service has been restored a lot faster than I would have ever imagined and we are appreciative of the collaboration during this crisis."

"Kentucky American Water was pleased to support Black Mountain Utility District and Harlan County officials after this week's damaging flood," said Rob Burton, president of Kentucky American Water. "Our team of professionals is dedicated to the essential work they do to provide quality, reliable, water service for the Kentucky communities we serve around the state, and we're proud of the tremendous work they accomplished this week to assist a neighboring utility in need."

About American Water

American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water's approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company's national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. 

For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About Kentucky American Water

Kentucky American Water, a subsidiary of American Water with approximately 150 dedicated employees, provides safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 550,000 people. 

For more information, visit Kentucky American Water's website and join Kentucky American Water on Facebook, X and Instagram.

SOURCE American Water

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LUG Sports Group Named One of Canada's Top Growing Companies for Second Consecutive Year

TORONTO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LUG Sports Group Inc. ("LUG"), one of North America's largest recreational sports leagues, announced today that it has ranked No. 146 out of 375 companies on the 2026 Report on Business magazine's list of Canada's Top Growing Companies. This marks LUG's second straight year on the list. LUG also was ranked No. 5 on the Arts, Entertainment, and Recreation list.

Canada's Top Growing Companies ranks Canadian businesses on three-year revenue growth. LUG earned its spot with a 174% growth rate over the past three years and a 239% growth rate over five years.

LUG reimagines recreational sports for college students and young adults, running leagues in hockey, women's hockey, flag football, softball, soccer, lacrosse and pickleball. Every league is built around pro-level energy, standout content, and a community that extends well beyond game day. With more than 150,000 players all time across 85+ cities, LUG is North America's go-to destination for adult and college social sports leagues.

"Making this list once was a milestone. Making it two years in a row is validation in the consistency of what we are trying to create," said Ethan Wright and Ray Abramson, Presidents and Co-Founders of LUG Sports. "For more than a decade, we've grown LUG across college campuses and cities with one goal: give every player a premium, social sports experience that makes the average joe feel like a pro. This recognition belongs to our players, our community, and our HQ team that keeps raising the bar."

With an expanded head office team and scalable infrastructure in place, LUG is well positioned to continue driving their brand in the fragmented adult sports market. As AI becomes increasingly embedded in everyday life, the value of real-world experiences, genuine connection, and community will only grow. LUG creates that "third space" for Millennials and Gen Z today, with Gen Alpha not far behind, positioning the brand to lead the next generation of social sports.

About LUG Sports Group

LUG Sports Group Inc. is one of North America's largest recreational sports leagues, with more than 25,000 active players across 85+ cities. LUG builds sports programs for college students, with active leagues at 100+ campuses, before transitioning players into adult programming.

SOURCE LUG sports Group Inc

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