Minnesota's only certified woman-owned and operated cremation provider brings its commitment to affordable services, meaningful choices and compassionate, personalized care to more families across Minnesota.

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Every family deserves to feel confident that their loved one is being cared for with dignity, compassion and respect. For Minnesota Cremation Services, that belief is at the heart of everything the company does, from the first phone call to the moment a loved one is returned to their family.

Now, the locally owned funeral home and crematory is bringing that same commitment to more communities across the state, expanding access to affordable cremation services built around transparency, personal attention and genuine care.

The expansion comes in response to requests from families, hospice organizations and healthcare professionals seeking additional cremation options that combine affordability with a more personal experience.

As Minnesota's only certified woman-owned and operated cremation provider, Minnesota Cremation Services believes families should never have to choose between affordability and exceptional care.

"When we started Minnesota Cremation Services, we wanted families to have an experience that felt different," said Amber Kramer, Founder of Minnesota Cremation Services. "We wanted people to feel comfortable asking questions, understand their options and know that the people caring for their loved one genuinely care. Those things shouldn't be extras. They should be part of the care every family receives."

Bringing Compassionate Cremation Care to More Minnesota Communities

Minnesota Cremation Services has traditionally served families within approximately 50 miles of its Rockford, MN facility, including the Greater Minneapolis–St. Paul metropolitan area, Bloomington, Maple Grove, Plymouth, St. Cloud, Buffalo, Hutchinson and surrounding communities.

The expanded service area now reaches up to approximately 115 miles from Rockford, bringing additional communities such as Brainerd, Little Falls, Sauk Centre, Willmar, Mankato, New Ulm and surrounding areas within reach of the company's services.

The decision to expand was influenced by relationships with hospice teams, healthcare professionals and families who had expressed interest in having Minnesota Cremation Services available in their communities.

For the company, the expansion is about giving families greater access to the same level of care, professional guidance and comprehensive cremation services that have become central to its approach.

"We've had conversations with hospice professionals and families who wished we could serve their communities," said Stephanie Schultz, Community Partner & Funeral Director. "Those relationships mean so much to us. Being able to provide another option for families, especially one that prioritizes compassion, affordability and personal attention, is something we're incredibly grateful to be able to do."

Transparency That Helps Families Feel Confident

For families navigating the loss of a loved one, understanding cremation arrangements and pricing should not add unnecessary stress to an already difficult time.

Minnesota Cremation Services believes transparency begins with making information accessible, without requiring families to make a phone call, request a quote or sit through a sales conversation simply to understand their options.

The company publishes its complete General Price List online, allowing families to review available services and pricing at their own pace.

To make the expanded service area easier to navigate, Minnesota Cremation Services has also developed an interactive online map where families can enter their address and receive an estimated cremation price based on their location.

The tool provides greater clarity for families throughout Minnesota, including those in communities farther from the Rockford facility where additional travel affects the cost of services.

"We believe families deserve honest, straightforward information," said Kramer. "They should be able to see what services cost, understand what's included and make decisions without feeling pressured. Our role isn't to sell families things they don't need. It's to listen, provide guidance and help them make choices that feel right for them."

Families can access the interactive map at www.cremationservicesmn.com/service-area-map

A Commitment to Dignity in Every Detail

At Minnesota Cremation Services, compassionate care extends beyond the conversations families have with funeral directors. It also shapes the standards followed behind the scenes.

One of those commitments is ensuring that two trained members of the company's own team are present for every transfer from a family's home.

"When we're invited into someone's home, we understand what an important moment that is," said Elena Wysocki, Managing Funeral Director. "A family is trusting us with someone they love. Having two members of our team present allows us to provide the thoughtful, dignified care that person deserves while also being attentive to the family. It's something we believe strongly in, and it's simply part of how we care for people."

The company also operates its own on-site crematory in Rockford, allowing its team to maintain direct oversight of the cremation process and the care provided to each loved one.

For Minnesota Cremation Services, these practices reflect a belief that dignity is demonstrated through actions, including the details families may never see.

Building Trust Through Openness and Relationships

Minnesota Cremation Services believes families and the professionals who support them deserve confidence in the care being provided.

As part of its commitment to transparency, the company welcomes hospice and healthcare teams for scheduled visits to its Rockford facility and crematory.

These visits provide nurses, social workers, chaplains and other care professionals with an opportunity to meet the people behind the services, learn more about the cremation process and see firsthand the environment where their patients will be cared for.

"When a hospice nurse or social worker recommends our services to a family, we understand the trust they're placing in us," said Schultz. "We want them to know who we are, meet our team and feel confident about the care their patients and families will receive. We believe that kind of openness helps build meaningful relationships and provides peace of mind."

The company's commitment to transparency also extends to answering families' questions about the cremation process and helping them understand how their loved one will be cared for.

Rather than viewing transparency as a single policy, Minnesota Cremation Services considers it an essential part of earning trust and providing compassionate service.

Meaningful Choices Without Unnecessary Pressure

Minnesota Cremation Services believes that honoring a loved one should be personal, and that families should feel free to make choices that reflect the individual being remembered.

That philosophy extends to something as simple as selecting an urn.

Families are welcome to bring their own urns, whether purchased elsewhere, passed down through generations or personally created, without an additional fee for using them.

Recently, a family created a custom motorcycle-themed urn to honor a loved one whose passion for motorcycles was an important part of his life. The personal tribute was especially meaningful to the team at Minnesota Cremation Services.

"We absolutely loved that this family created something so personal," said Wysocki. "It was a beautiful reflection of who their loved one was. Those are the moments that remind us why it's so important to give families the freedom to make arrangements their own. We're here to support them, not tell them what they need to purchase."

The company believes meaningful choices should be guided by the family's wishes, traditions and personal preferences, rather than sales expectations.

Keeping Families at the Heart of Every Decision

As Minnesota Cremation Services extends its reach into additional communities, its focus remains on the values that have shaped the company from the beginning.

From transparent pricing and personal guidance to the standards of care maintained within its crematory, the company hopes to make a difficult experience feel more manageable for the families it serves.

For Kramer, expanding access is an opportunity to bring those values to families who may not have previously considered Minnesota Cremation Services an option.

"At the end of the day, this is about people," said Kramer. "It's about making sure families feel heard, supported and confident in the care their loved one is receiving. We're incredibly thankful for the families and healthcare professionals who have placed their trust in us, and we're excited to bring that same compassion and personal attention to more Minnesota communities."

About Minnesota Cremation Services

Minnesota Cremation Services is Minnesota's only certified woman-owned and operated cremation provider. Founded by a group of experienced funeral directors and care professionals who shared a vision for a more compassionate, transparent and affordable approach to cremation, the company was built around putting families first and making a difficult time a little easier.

As a locally owned funeral home and crematory, Minnesota Cremation Services is committed to providing personal attention, honest guidance and meaningful choices without unnecessary sales pressure. With its own on-site crematory and a dedicated team of funeral professionals, the company believes families deserve to feel informed, supported and confident in the care their loved one receives.

Minnesota Cremation Services believes truly compassionate care shouldn't be limited by a ZIP code.

Award will support completion of IND-enabling development and manufacturing scale-up of RMP-402 under DARPA's RAPIID program

SEATTLE, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- RxMP Therapeutics, Inc. ("RxMP"), a late pre-clinical stage therapeutics company developing novel therapies for the rapid control of hemorrhage and excessive bleeding, today announced that it has been awarded up to $10.7 million from the U.S. Department of War (DoW) through the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency (DARPA) Resuscitation and Prevention of Ischemia-Induced Dysfunction (RAPIID) program.

The award will support RxMP through several of the most significant remaining preclinical, manufacturing, and regulatory milestones required to advance RMP-402 toward first-in-human clinical development. The contract will fund completion of RxMP's lead product candidate, RMP-402, including remaining IND-enabling development activities, furthering manufacturing scale-up, and preparation of the Investigational New Drug (IND) application package.

RMP-402 is a first-in-class hemostatic biomimetic composed of manufactured allogeneic red cell membrane particles, analogs of active particles that circulate naturally in human blood. Administered intravenously, RMP-402 is designed to rapidly accelerate hemostasis at sites of active bleeding without increasing the risk of off-target clotting. The product is being developed to treat hemorrhage in dual use settings, both military and civilian, especially where access to conventional blood products may be limited by availability, storage requirements, logistics, or the urgency of treatment.

The award is part of DARPA's RAPIID program, which is focused on advancing shelf-stable blood analog technologies that can be manufactured at scale and rapidly progressed toward regulatory authorization. The program seeks to establish the manufacturing, clinical, commercial, and regulatory pathways necessary to make advanced hemorrhage countermeasures available to warfighters and civilians when traditional blood products are unavailable.

"This award represents a major inflection point for RxMP and for the development of RMP-402," said Dr. Rifat Pamukcu, President and Chief Executive Officer of RxMP Therapeutics. "The support of the Department of War and DARPA allows us to complete critical IND-enabling work while continuing to demonstrate that RMP-402 can be manufactured at the scale required for both military and civilian commercial use." He continued, "This award enhances our momentum toward the goal of entering clinical trials culminating in FDA regulatory review and may provide an opportunity for an Emergency Use Authorization for combat casualty care. We believe RMP-402 has the potential to fundamentally change how excessive bleeding and hemorrhage is managed, particularly in settings where conventional blood products are difficult or impossible to provide. We are proud to be working with DARPA to advance this technology for the benefit of the affected patients and warfighters."

About RxMP Therapeutics

RxMP Therapeutics, Inc. is a therapeutics company in late-stage pre-clinical development advancing novel therapies for the rapid control of hemorrhage and excessive bleeding. Its lead product candidate, RMP-402, is a first-in-class hemostatic therapeutic biomimetic inspired by naturally occurring red blood cell membrane particles and is designed to rapidly stop bleeding without increasing the risk of off-target clotting. RMP-402 is being developed for use in both civilian and military settings, addressing a global trauma, medical and surgical bleeding market estimated at up to $12 billion annually, where uncontrolled bleeding remains a leading cause of morbidity and preventable death. For more information, visit www.rxmpt.com.

This press release contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Actual results may differ materially from those expressed or implied in any forward-looking statements.

Contact

Cliff Mastricola

RxMP Therapeutics

[email protected]

SOURCE RxMP Therapeutics, Inc.

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MUMBAI, India and PRINCETON, N.J., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Limited (Reuters: SUN.BO, Bloomberg: SUNP IN, NSE: SUNPHARMA, BSE: 524715 (together with its subsidiaries and/or affiliated companies, "Sun Pharma")) today announced that UNLOXCYT® (cosibelimab-ipdl) has been elevated to a National Comprehensive Cancer Network® (NCCN®) Category 2A recommended option for patients with locally advanced cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (laCSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.

This is an addition to the Category 2A designation in metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mCSCC), which was assigned to UNLOXCYT in 2025.

UNLOXCYT was approved by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) in 2024 and is indicated for the treatment of adults with mCSCC or laCSCC who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation. The recommended dosage of UNLOXCYT is 1,200 mg as an intravenous infusion over 60 minutes every 3 weeks. UNLOXCYT is the first and only FDA-approved PD-L1-blocking antibody for advanced CSCC (aCSCC).

The evidence submitted to NCCN in support of the change was based on the pivotal registration study, in which 55% of patients achieved an objective response, including 26% who achieved a complete response. Responses were durable: at a median follow-up of 24.1 months; median duration of response had not been reached (range: 8.3 to 31.3+ months). In addition, fewer than 1% of patients experienced a high-grade (Grade 3-5) immune-mediated adverse reaction (imARs)—an important consideration in this patient population. There were no grade 4 or 5 imARs.

"The NCCN Guidelines play an important role in helping physicians evaluate appropriate treatment options for patients across different disease settings," said Ahmad Naim, MD, Senior Vice President, North American Chief Medical Officer, Sun Pharma. "The elevation of UNLOXCYT to a Category 2A recommendation for patients with laCSCC marks an important milestone, validating the growing body of clinical evidence supporting UNLOXCYT and reflecting increasing confidence among oncology experts in its role as a treatment option for patients with this challenging disease."

NCCN is an alliance of 34 leading cancer centers in the U.S. Its Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology, referred to as the NCCN Guidelines, provide recommendations for the prevention, diagnosis, evaluation, and treatment of different types of cancer. The NCCN Guidelines are among the most influential clinical guidelines in cancer care, offering evidence-based, expert-developed recommendations intended to help clinicians make treatment decisions for patients with cancer.

One such expert clinician is Dr. Francis Worden, Clinical Professor of Internal Medicine at the University of Michigan Rogel Cancer Center, whose institution is one of the 34 NCCN member cancer centers in the alliance.

Dr. Worden said, "This guideline update reflects the strength of the published evidence supporting the use of UNLOXCYT as first line treatment for laCSCC. In the pivotal study, patients experienced durable and clinically meaningful responses. UNLOXCYT also demonstrated a low incidence of high-grade imARs—an important consideration when selecting immune checkpoint inhibitor therapy for a patient population that is mainly elderly and is often afflicted with other health issues. These clinical outcomes may be explained by the mechanism of action that restores adaptive immunity, engages innate immunity through antibody-dependent cellular cytotoxicity (ADCC), and preserves PD-L2 signaling that may be linked to the presence of some immune tolerance in non-tumor tissues."

NCCN Guidelines also have a meaningful impact on patient access because they inform payer coverage policies, prior-authorization criteria, institutional formularies, and clinical pathways.

"For patients with laCSCC—many of whom are older, medically complex, and vulnerable to treatment-related complications—access to a therapy that offers durable responses together with a low rate of high-grade imARs is especially important. NCCN recognition helps ensure that appropriate patients can receive this treatment up front without unnecessary access barriers," said Mark Gimbert, Senior Vice President, Head of Market and Patient Access, North America, Sun Pharma.

About Cutaneous Squamous Cell Carcinoma

Cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (CSCC) is among the most common skin cancers worldwide. While early stages are treatable, an estimated 40,000 US patients each year progress to advanced disease, resulting in nearly 15,000 deaths.

Important risk factors for CSCC include chronic ultraviolet radiation exposure and immunosuppressive conditions. In addition to being life threatening, CSCC causes significant functional morbidities and cosmetic deformities due to tumors that commonly arise in the head and neck region and that invade blood vessels, nerves, and vital organs such as the eye or ear.

About Sun Pharma in Cutaneous Oncology

For more than two decades, Sun Pharma has built on its established leadership in dermatology to advance care for people impacted by skin cancer. Working in collaboration with the broader skin cancer community, the company is focused on addressing needs across the disease continuum—from precancerous conditions to advanced skin cancers. With a dedicated cutaneous oncology team and a growing focus in specialty medicines, Sun Pharma applies scientific rigor, real-world insight, and partnership to support meaningful progress in care and improve continuity for patients, caregivers, and clinicians.

Please see the INDICATIONS and IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION below.

INDICATIONS AND USAGE

UNLOXCYT (cosibelimab-ipdl) is indicated for the treatment of adults with metastatic cutaneous squamous cell carcinoma (mCSCC) or locally advanced CSCC (laCSCC) who are not candidates for curative surgery or curative radiation.

IMPORTANT SAFETY INFORMATION

WARNING AND PRECAUTIONS

Severe and Fatal Immune-mediated Adverse Reactions: Immune-mediated adverse reactions, which can be severe or fatal, can occur in any organ system or tissue, including, but not limited to, immune-mediated pneumonitis, colitis, hepatitis, endocrinopathies, nephritis and renal dysfunction, and dermatologic adverse reactions.

Immune-mediated adverse reactions affecting more than one body system can occur simultaneously. While such adverse reactions usually manifest during treatment, they can also manifest after discontinuation of PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies.

Monitor for early identification and management. Evaluate liver enzymes, creatinine, and thyroid function at baseline and periodically during treatment. In cases of suspected immune-mediated adverse reactions, initiate appropriate workup to exclude alternative etiologies, including infection. Institute medical management promptly, including specialty consultation as appropriate.

Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT based on the severity of reaction. If UNLOXCYT requires interruption or discontinuation, administer systemic corticosteroids (1 to 2 mg/kg/day prednisone or equivalent) until improvement to Grade 1 or less. Upon improvement to Grade 1 or less, initiate corticosteroid taper and continue to taper over at least 1 month. Consider administration of other systemic immunosuppressants in patients whose immune-mediated adverse reaction is not controlled with corticosteroids.

Immune-Mediated Pneumonitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated pneumonitis. In patients treated with other PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies, the incidence of pneumonitis is higher in patients who have received prior thoracic radiation.

Immune-Mediated Colitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated colitis, which may present with diarrhea, abdominal pain, and lower gastrointestinal (GI) bleeding. Cytomegalovirus infection/reactivation has occurred in patients with corticosteroid-refractory immune-mediated colitis treated with PD-1/PD-L1–blocking antibodies. In cases of corticosteroid-refractory colitis, consider repeating infectious workup to exclude alternative etiologies.

Immune-Mediated Hepatitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated hepatitis, defined as requiring the use of systemic corticosteroids and the absence of a clear alternate etiology. 

Immune-Mediated Endocrinopathies

Adrenal Insufficiency

UNLOXCYT can cause primary or secondary adrenal insufficiency. For Grade 2 or higher adrenal insufficiency, initiate symptomatic treatment per institutional guidelines, including hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity

Hypophysitis

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated hypophysitis. Hypophysitis can present with acute symptoms associated with mass effect such as headache, photophobia, or visual field cuts. Hypophysitis can cause hypopituitarism. Initiate hormone replacement as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity 

Thyroid Disorders

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated thyroid disorders. Thyroiditis can present with or without endocrinopathy. Hypothyroidism can follow hyperthyroidism. Initiate hormone replacement or medical management of hyperthyroidism as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity 

Type 1 Diabetes Mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis 

UNLOXCYT can cause type 1 diabetes mellitus, which can present with diabetic ketoacidosis. Monitor patients for hyperglycemia or other signs and symptoms of diabetes. Initiate treatment with insulin as clinically indicated. Withhold or permanently discontinue UNLOXCYT depending on severity

Immune-Mediated Nephritis with Renal Dysfunction

UNLOXCYT can cause immune-mediated nephritis, defined as the required use of systemic corticosteroids or other immunosuppressants and the absence of a clear alternate etiology.

Laredo Oil Meets with Governor of Santa Cruz Province, Argentina, to Advance UGD Program for Mature Oil Fields

Second meeting with Governor Claudio Vidal; Province and Company agree to maintain an ongoing dialogue as Laredo advances evaluation work on its Santa Cruz opportunities

AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Laredo Oil, Inc. (OTC: LRDC) ("Laredo" or the "Company") today announced that earlier in the month, Mark See, the Company's Chief Executive Officer, together with members of the Company's Argentina team, met at Casa de Santa Cruz in Buenos Aires with Claudio Vidal, Governor of the Province of Santa Cruz, Argentina ("the Province"), and Jaime Álvarez, the Province's Minister of Energy and Mining, to present the Company's proprietary Underground Gravity Drainage ("UGD") technology and discuss its potential application to recover oil from the province's mature fields.

The meeting was the Company's second with Governor Vidal, following an initial meeting in August 2026, and builds on technical-level discussions held with the provincial Ministry of Energy and Mining. Santa Cruz is one of Argentina's principal conventional oil-producing provinces and forms part of the Golfo San Jorge Basin, where many fields are mature and in production decline. The Company's most recently announced non-binding letter of intent targets a development area in Santa Cruz, and definitive agreements for UGD projects in the province may require approvals at the provincial level. The Company therefore considers a constructive working relationship with the provincial government as an integral part of its Argentine program.

As reported by the Province in its official communication of October 9, 2026, the parties discussed investment opportunities and new technologies to recover oil from mature fields, increase production and generate local employment, and agreed to maintain an ongoing dialogue. Minister Álvarez stated that the Province is "recovering oil activity," and that the objective is not only to produce more oil but to recover jobs, create opportunities for local service companies and increase revenue for Santa Cruz. No agreement was entered into with the Province in connection with the meeting, and the meeting does not constitute a commitment by the Province or the Company.

"We value the working relationship we have built with Governor Vidal, Minister Álvarez and their teams, and the clarity of the Province's priorities: sustain conventional production, protect employment and bring in technology that can do both," said Mark See, Chief Executive Officer of Laredo Oil. "In a country where provincial governments hold the hydrocarbon resources, that relationship is a core asset for a project of this kind. Santa Cruz has exactly the reservoirs UGD was designed to address. The engineering and evaluation work ahead will determine what can be done and on what timeline, and we will keep the provincial authorities closely informed as it advances."

Argentina context

Argentina's oil sector is in a period of sustained growth. National crude production reached a record 887,227 barrels per day in May 2026, approximately 19% higher than a year earlier, according to data published by Argentina's Ministry of Economy, and in the first half of 2026 crude oil became the country's single largest export product, ahead of corn and soybean meal, according to INDEC trade data. Growth has been led by unconventional production in Neuquén, while the conventional basins that supply roughly 30% of national output, including the Golfo San Jorge Basin in Santa Cruz and Chubut, hold a large inventory of mature fields in natural decline. Technologies capable of recovering additional oil from those fields are, in the Company's view, directly aligned with the stated priorities of the national and provincial governments to sustain conventional production, employment and regional activity.

The commercial relationship between the United States and Argentina has also deepened. In February 2026 the two governments signed the United States–Argentina Agreement on Reciprocal Trade and Investment, under which Argentina committed to facilitate U.S. investment in its territory and the U.S. Export-Import Bank and the U.S. International Development Finance Corporation agreed to consider financing for U.S. investment in critical sectors. As a U.S. company deploying U.S.-developed technology, Laredo intends to evaluate the U.S. government-supported financing tools available for its Argentine projects alongside private capital.

The Company intends to continue to engage with provincial and national authorities, concession holders and other stakeholders in Argentina as it advances the technical and commercial evaluation of its announced opportunities.

Official communication of the Province of Santa Cruz available

The Province of Santa Cruz's official communication on the meeting, including photographs, is available on the Province's website at noticias.santacruz.gob.ar. The contents of the Province's website are not incorporated by reference into, and do not form part of, this press release.

About Laredo Oil, Inc.

Laredo Oil, Inc. (OTC: LRDC) is a U.S. energy technology and development company headquartered in Austin, Texas, focused on commercializing its proprietary Underground Gravity Drainage ("UGD") technology, which is designed to increase oil recovery from mature and underperforming conventional reservoirs. UGD was developed and piloted in the United States over more than a decade through the Company's former affiliate Stranded Oil Resources Corporation, and the Company owns 100% of the related intellectual property. Additional information is available in the Company's filings with the SEC.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. Forward-looking statements generally may be identified by words such as "may," "will," "expect," "anticipate," "believe," "estimate," "intend," "plan," "potential," "contemplate," "would," "could," "seek" or similar expressions. These statements are based on management's current expectations and assumptions, which are inherently uncertain. Statements in this press release regarding Argentina's oil production, exports and trade and investment framework are drawn from publicly available third-party and governmental sources; the Company has not independently verified them and they are not a prediction of the Company's own results.

Actual results could differ materially from those expressed or implied by these forward-looking statements as a result of risks and uncertainties that include: the non-binding nature of the Company's letters of intent in Argentina and the possibility that definitive agreements are not reached on acceptable terms or at all; the Company's limited financial resources and its need to obtain substantial additional financing, as to which there can be no assurance (the Company's consolidated financial statements for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2026 were prepared on a going concern basis and contain disclosure regarding substantial doubt about the Company's ability to continue as a going concern); the fact that the Company's UGD technology has not yet been deployed at commercial scale and that results of pilot or test operations may not be indicative of commercial results; the availability of U.S. government-supported or other financing, which is subject to eligibility, approval and other conditions outside the Company's control; the ability to obtain and maintain governmental, regulatory, environmental and third-party approvals in Argentina, including at the provincial level; political, economic, legal, regulatory, currency and foreign-exchange risks associated with operating in Argentina, including changes in government policy at the national or provincial level; commodity price volatility; operational, execution, health, safety and environmental risks; the availability and cost of personnel, equipment, services and materials; the Company's ability to protect its intellectual property; and the other risks described under "Risk Factors" and elsewhere in the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended May 31, 2026 and its other filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which are available at www.sec.gov.

Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statement, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Investor and Media Contact

Laredo Oil, Inc.

Nicholas Rausch, EVP, Business Development

(512) 337-1199

[email protected] 

SOURCE Laredo Oil, Inc.

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$26 Million in Total Benefits Delivered to Small Businesses across Northern and Central California Through Cap-and-Invest Program in 2026

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Eligible small business customers across Pacific Gas and Electric Company's (PG&E) service area will automatically receive a $36.18 California Climate Credit on their October energy bill. No action is required to receive the credit.

The twice-a-year electric credit was first delivered to eligible small business customers in April, for an annual total of $72.36 in credits distributed in 2026.

The California Climate Credit is funded by the state's Cap-and-Invest Program (formerly known as Cap-and-Trade), which requires companies to pay for climate pollution. The credit is distributed by PG&E to customers as directed by the California Public Utilities Commission (CPUC).

Key questions about the small business California Climate Credit can be found below.

What is the California Climate Credit?

The California Climate Credit is a bill credit funded through California's Cap-and-Invest Program, which requires companies to pay for climate pollution. The credit is intended to help customers during California's transition to a cleaner energy future.

How many small businesses are eligible for the California Climate Credit?

PG&E estimates nearly 370,000 small business customers in its service area are eligible to receive the California Climate Credit.

Which small businesses are eligible for the California Climate Credit?

The CPUC defines an eligible small business as a non-residential customer on a general service or agricultural rate with fewer than 100 electric accounts, where usage on each account did not exceed 20 kilowatts in more than three months during the previous 12-month period.

Nonprofit organizations and schools also qualify for the small business California Climate Credit. To ensure the credit is directed to small businesses, eligibility is limited to customers with fewer than 100 eligible accounts.

More information on eligibility is available on the CPUC's Small Business Climate Credit homepage or in Resolution E-5339.

Is the amount of my California Climate Credit the same every year?

No. The California Climate Credit amount can change from year to year because the funding available through the state's Cap-and-Invest Program varies annually. The credit amount is calculated each year according to rules established by the CPUC. Current and past climate credit amounts are available here.

Is there a small business natural gas California Climate Credit?

No. The natural gas credit is only available for residential customers.

What if I don't see the California Climate Credit on my October billing statement?

Billing periods vary and may not always coincide with a calendar month. If you don't see an electric Climate Credit appear on your bill in October, it should appear in next month's bill. If it doesn't, contact PG&E.

How is the California Climate Credit funded?

The California Climate Credit is funded by the state's Cap-and-Invest Program. It is distributed by PG&E to customers as directed by the CPUC. The Cap-and-Invest Program requires companies to pay for emissions, improve public health and the environment, and provide meaningful benefits to the most disadvantaged communities. The bill credit is designed to help customers during the transition to a more sustainable future.

About PG&E

Pacific Gas and Electric Company, a subsidiary of PG&E Corporation (NYSE: PCG), is a combined natural gas and electric utility serving more than sixteen million people across 70,000 square miles in Northern and Central California. For more information, visit pge.com and pge.com/news  

SOURCE Pacific Gas and Electric Company

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ClearCast Debuts Market's 1st AI Listening Aid: Hear the Person, Not the Room

New Category of Wearable Available in Behind-the-Ear and Neckband Form Factors

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- For decades, hearing technology has struggled with the so-called cocktail party problem. Hearing aid users frequently have difficulty understanding conversations, especially in noisy environments, because conventional devices cannot effectively separate conversation from restaurant bustle, road traffic, HVAC systems, crowd chatter and other background noise.

ClearCast has just introduced a fundamentally different approach with the market's first listening aids – an AI-powered line of wearables that makes conversations clearer, not just louder. Instead of amplifying both human speech and background noise like hearing aids do, ClearCast's proprietary technology isolates and amplifies only human speech while filtering out auditory distractions.

"Our algorithm locks in on the human voice while largely ignoring everything else. It's like an autofocus camera that brings the subject you want to see into sharp focus while blurring the background," said Chicago ENT and ClearCast CEO Dr. Sreek Cherukuri, who previously developed the first OTC hearing aid to make better hearing more affordable. "It's the difference between hearing and understanding, and it's a game changer for people who have trouble with hearing aids."

ClearCast technology is the result of three years training AI on millions of sentences and thousands of hours of human speech in order to recognize phonemes and syllables, distinguish nearby conversation from competing sounds, and suppress that background noise in real time.

Unlike hearing aids that are worn all day, ClearCast devices are designed for the moments when understanding conversation is critical – at dinner with friends, family gatherings, community meetings, watching TV, in noisy offices, and anywhere else where conversation can be difficult to follow. No tests, tuning or apps are required – just put it on, press a button and let the conversation take center stage.

ClearCast listening aids are FDA-registered and available in two versions: ClearCast AIR (MSRP $499), a behind-the-ear wearable, and ClearCast AI (MSRP $299.99), a neckband for older seniors with dexterity issues. Both are rechargeable with 24+ hours of battery life per charge. Visit https://clearcasthearing.com/ to hear sound samples and for more information.

SOURCE ClearCast Hearing

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Industry marketing leader joins Storyteq to accelerate growth and strengthen ITG's position as the world's leading AI-powered content company.

CHICAGO, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Inspired Thinking Group (ITG), the world's leading AI-powered content company, today announced the appointment of Juliette Aiken as Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) of Storyteq, the company's marketing technology platform. Juliette will lead global marketing strategy and brand growth as ITG continues to expand its position at the forefront of AI-powered content creation, management, and activation.

Juliette arrives at ITG with a strong reputation for driving growth in global technology businesses and brings a wealth of experience scaling marketing operations for international organizations. She previously worked at Dotdigital, where she was key in supporting the company's growth to more than 3,000 clients worldwide.

As CMO of Storyteq, Juliette will be responsible for strengthening awareness of a platform that has been named a Leader in the Gartner® Magic Quadrant™ for Content Marketing Platforms across each of the last four years.

Of particular focus for Juliette will be Storyteq's role in powering ITG's wider proposition: helping organizations transform how content is created, managed, and delivered through a combination of AI, technology, data, and expert services. Her appointment comes at a time when brands are increasingly seeking solutions to deliver meaningful business outcomes through more personalized, efficient, and effective marketing at scale.

"Our next phase of growth is concentrated on strengthening the combination of intelligence, technology, and services that differentiates our offering in the market," notes Andrew Swinand, CEO of ITG. "Juliette's expertise will help us communicate that vision more effectively, deepen our engagement with existing and potential clients, and accelerate our ability to support brand growth by making content a true competitive advantage."

Commenting on her appointment, Juliette Aiken said, "I'm delighted to be joining ITG at such an important stage of its journey. The company has built an impressive reputation for helping global brands create and deliver exceptional content at pace and scale, through a combination of services and AI-powered technology that feels unique in the current market.

"Uniting those two worlds is a big part of what makes us such a valued partner to our clients, and I'm excited to help bring ITG and Storyteq even closer together as we continue to help shape the future of marketing for some of the biggest brands out there, at a time when change is coming thick and fast."

ITG's integrated proposition combines AI-enabled technology, strategic intelligence, and managed services to help some of the world's most recognizable brands improve marketing effectiveness, increase operational efficiency, and drive growth through more personalized content and campaigns.

SOURCE Inspired Thinking Group (ITG)

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Official Cervezas of MetLife Stadium to Continue Enhancing the Fan Experience with a New Beer Garden Sponsorship, Expanded Activations, and Premium Hospitality

EAST RUTHERFORD, N.J., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- MetLife Stadium, the New York Jets and the New York Giants today announced a long-term extension of their partnership with Corona®, the #1 most loved beer brand in the U.S.1, and Modelo®, the #1 beer in the U.S. by dollar sales2.

As Official Cervezas of MetLife Stadium, Corona and Modelo play a key role in elevating the fan experience through innovative activations, premium hospitality offerings, and brand integrations throughout the stadium. The renewed agreement further expands the partnership and reinforces the shared commitment to delivering memorable experiences for fans attending Giants and Jets games, concerts, and world-class events at MetLife Stadium.

"Corona and Modelo have been an outstanding partner over the past several years, and we're excited to continue growing our relationship well into the future," said Mark Stefanacci, President & CEO of MetLife Stadium. "Both Corona and Modelo have become important staples of the fan experience at MetLife Stadium, and this extension allows us to build on that success through new activations, expanded hospitality opportunities and enhanced engagement with our fans."

A centerpiece of the extended agreement will be the introduction of a new title sponsorship of the stadium's popular Beer Garden, located within the fan Tailgate Zone between the MetLife and Verizon Gates. The branded space will serve as a premier gathering destination for fans before Jets and Giants games with entertainment and fan activations.

The partnership will also extend beyond MetLife Stadium through annual series of team-themed events hosted at participating bars throughout the Tri-State market. These fan-focused events will feature appearances by team alumni, exclusive giveaways, branded merchandise, interactive games and opportunities for fans to enjoy gamedays together.

Additional highlights of the expanded partnership include continued operation and enhancement of branded destination spaces throughout the stadium, including the popular Modelo Cantina on the West Side of the 100 Level, branding throughout stadium kiosks and walk-up bars on the 100 and 300 Levels, and retail and packaging rights throughout the NY/NJ marketplace. Corona and Modelo will also continue to receive prominent stadium branding and messaging for games and year-round events.

"Our longstanding partnership as Official Cervezas of MetLife Stadium, the Giants and the Jets has provided a powerful platform to connect Corona and Modelo with passionate sports fans across the region," said Rene Ramos, SVP of Brand Activation, Constellation Brands. "We believe any visit to the stadium is best enjoyed with a beer in hand, which is why we're extending this successful relationship to further create best-in-class experiences that bring fans closer to the teams and brands they love."

The new agreement positions Corona and Modelo to remain among the most visible and engaged consumer brands at MetLife Stadium as the venue continues to host some of the world's most prominent sporting events, concerts, and entertainment experiences. The renewed partnership underscores the long-term commitment among MetLife Stadium, the Jets, the Giants, Corona, and Modelo to deliver innovative fan experiences and strengthen connections with consumers across the New York / New Jersey region.

About MetLife Stadium

MetLife Stadium, located in East Rutherford, NJ, is the home of the New York Giants and New York Jets and has the largest seating capacity in the NFL (82,500). The venue is one of the busiest stadiums in the world and ranked No. 1 in the U.S. for both tickets sold and ticket revenue in 2024 per Pollstar. MetLife Stadium was named "Highest Grossing Stadium of the Year" nine times by Billboard and "Venue of the Year" by StadiumBusiness. It has hosted major international events including the FIFA World Cup 2026™ Final and Super Bowl XLVIII in 2014.

In 2021, MetLife Stadium became the first NFL Stadium to join the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change's Sports for Climate Action Framework, which aims to achieve global greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions reductions goals. In 2026, MetLife Stadium became officially LEED Gold Certified, marking operational excellence across energy efficiency, water conservation, waste management, indoor environmental quality, and sustainable transportation practices.

About the New York Giants

A cornerstone franchise of the National Football League, the New York Football Giants began play in 1925. The Giants have won eight championships: 1927, 1934, 1938, 1956, 1986, 1990, 2007 and 2011. After twice winning two titles in five years, the Giants are the only NFL franchise with Super Bowl victories in four consecutive decades. Headquartered at the Quest Diagnostics Training Center in East Rutherford, N.J., the Giants enter their 102nd season of play this fall.

About the New York Jets

The New York Jets were founded in 1959 as the New York Titans and served as a charter member of the American Football League. Following the 1968 season, the team made history by becoming the first AFL franchise to win a world championship, defeating the Baltimore Colts in Super Bowl III—a victory widely credited with validating the AFL ahead of its 1970 merger with the NFL. Today, as one of the league's flagship franchises in the nation's largest media market, the Jets represent the sport on one of its biggest global stages.

The Jets enhance the fan experience through innovation and storytelling, including 1JD Entertainment, a digital content platform that connects fans across social and digital channels. The organization is also committed to community impact, supporting youth football, girls' and women's flag football, and programs serving disadvantaged communities throughout the tri-state area.

The Jets play at MetLife Stadium - one of the world's most successful multi use venues - and are headquartered at the Atlantic Health Jets Training Center in Florham Park, New Jersey.

About Corona

The Corona brand family is home to Corona Extra, Corona Light, Corona Familiar, Corona Premier, Corona Non-Alcoholic and Corona Sunbrew Citrus Cerveza. The entire Corona portfolio is brewed in Mexico by Constellation Brands and imported and marketed exclusively to the U.S. by the company. Corona Extra, the flagship brand of the Corona brand family, is a pilsner-style lager with a golden hue that was first brewed in Mexico in 1925. Corona embraces every moment with "La Playa Awaits" and encourages consumers to live life more presently no matter where they are. The refreshing flavor and carefree attitude of Corona Extra holds a respected place in U.S. culture as the #1 most loved beer brand.

About Modelo

Born in 1925 in the small town of Tacuba, Mexico, Modelo has been bringing distinctive high-quality beer to those with the Fighting Spirit ever since, including Modelo Especial®, Modelo Negra®, Modelo Oro and a flavorful lineup of Modelo Cheladas and Modelo Spiked Aguas Frescas.

Modelo Especial is a golden, full-flavored pilsner-style lager with a clean, crisp finish and is the #1 beer in the U.S. in dollar sales. The Casa Modelo brand family is exclusively brewed in Mexico, imported and marketed within the U.S. by Constellation Brands.

1 Morning Consult Equity Tracking 8/26/25 - 6/16/26

2 Circana $ Sales L52 week ending 10-04-26

SOURCE New York Jets

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Promotion follows 765% year-over-year revenue growth, investment from Databricks Ventures, and recognition as the 2026 Databricks C&SI Emerging Partner of the Year as v4c continues to expand its world-class Databricks practice

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- v4c.ai, a strategic boutique pure-play Databricks services partner, today announced the promotion of Michael Gibson from Chief Revenue Officer to Chief Executive Officer. Gibson's appointment builds on his leadership in scaling v4c's global sales organization and expands his responsibilities to leadership across the business as the company continues to strengthen its market-leading position in the Databricks ecosystem.

As Chief Revenue Officer, Gibson helped scale v4c's global sales organization during a period of 765% year-over-year revenue growth and a 350% increase in its worldwide client base. Central to that expansion has been his focus on aligning v4c's go-to-market strategy with Databricks, building relationships across its field organization, and connecting enterprise customers with the expertise needed to advance their Databricks initiatives.

Gibson brings experience on both sides of the enterprise technology relationship: building sales teams within a global software organization and leading growth within technology services. Having been a driving force behind v4c's success, he will build on that foundation with broader responsibility for the company's continued growth and evolution. As CEO, he will work closely with the Board to define v4c's strategy and vision, uniting leaders across all functions to translate that direction into company-wide execution. His focus will span business performance, leadership development, and a culture of collaboration and accountability, while advancing customer success and delivery excellence as v4c enters its next chapter in the Databricks ecosystem.

"Mike has been a key driving force behind v4c's meteoric rise, translating our vision into a pace of growth that we believe is unprecedented in the Databricks ecosystem," said Vijay Rao, Founder and Board Member of v4c. "He has built an organization that earns the confidence of Databricks leaders and field teams, wins the trust of enterprise customers, and turns those relationships into shared success. His understanding of where Databricks is going—and how v4c can help our mutual customers get there—will be critical as we continue to expand our capabilities within the ecosystem. The Board is confident that Mike is the right leader to build on this momentum and advance our vision of becoming the world's best Databricks SI."

Previously, Gibson served as Senior Area Vice President at MuleSoft, where he led nationwide sales teams serving enterprise customers across banking, retail, consumer goods, and manufacturing. His leadership and performance earned him multiple MuleSoft Owner's Awards for management and culture building, two AVP of the Year honors, and Chairman's Club recognition. His tenure spanned the company's initial public offering and subsequent acquisition by Salesforce, giving him firsthand experience navigating rapid growth and organizational change. That experience also shaped his understanding of how platform providers and services partners work together to earn customer trust, support complex technology decisions, and expand enterprise adoption.

Gibson transitions into the CEO role following two major milestones in v4c's relationship with Databricks: an investment from Databricks Ventures and recognition as the 2026 Databricks C&SI Emerging Partner of the Year. Together, these milestones reinforce the strategic alignment between the organizations and provide a foundation for further investment in Databricks expertise, joint field engagement, and global delivery capabilities.

"I'm proud of what this team has built and grateful to Vijay, Venkat and the Board for the opportunity to lead v4c," said Gibson. "Databricks is at the heart of our go-to-market, and our vision is to become the world's best Databricks SI partner. That means earning the confidence of Databricks teams in every market we serve and delivering for the customers who trust us with their data and AI priorities. As CEO, I'll focus on deepening those relationships and investing in the people and capabilities that make v4c a partner Databricks can count on as we grow together."

In this new role, Gibson will lead v4c's global strategy and execution, deepening strategic alignment with Databricks and guiding investments in the people and capabilities behind the company's growth. His leadership will focus on scaling the business while preserving its culture, advancing delivery excellence, and strengthening the trust v4c has earned with customers and partners.

About v4c

v4c.ai is a premier IT services consultancy specializing in Databricks, helping organizations modernize their data platforms and build enterprise AI capabilities. As a Databricks Ventures portfolio company and the 2026 Databricks C&SI Emerging Partner of the Year, v4c brings expertise across data engineering, AI strategy and governance, generative AI, and machine learning. Learn more at www.v4c.ai.

Media Contact

Savannah Cole

[email protected]

SOURCE v4c.ai

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NC AI Officially Releases VARCO Sound, the Generative AI Sound Production Service

- Text, image, and video inputs generate audio and enable detailed modification through "Multitrack"

- Special release promotion offers 50% discount on the first month's subscription fee and bonus points

- Conversational AI "Sound Agent" uses natural language processing, allowing intuitive and accurate arrangements

- Desktop application and Unity plugin allow seamless integration with existing workflows

SEOUL, South Korea, Oct. 20, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Create and arrange a variety of sounds for a single scene with VARCO Sound, the multitrack AI sound generator.

Multimodal AI company NC AI announced the official release of its generative AI platform, VARCO Sound, on the 20th. Users can easily generate and edit scene-appropriate audio using text, images, and videos. VARCO Sound is designed to help developers and producers who are unfamiliar with sound design bring their creative ideas to life with high-quality soundtracks.

Users can also access the web version of VARCO Sound by signing up on the official website.

NC AI also announced a promotion for VARCO Sound and the AI 3D generator VARCO 3D, running until Nov. 30 following the release. The offer supports continued creation by making AI-based content generation tools more accessible and is available to both new members and existing members who have been using the free version.

Users who make their first purchase during the promotion can receive a 50% discount on the first month of their subscription. Additional bonus points will also be provided, with higher-tier subscriptions receiving even more points. This offer is available once per account for VARCO Sound and VARCO 3D each.

Events will also be held in the official VARCO Discord community. Users who join through the dedicated links provided in each service announcement can enjoy one month of free access to the VARCO 3D Plus plan or the VARCO Sound Lite plan. The first 100 users to join the community will receive the exclusive "VARCO OG" title. In addition, the top five users who share game assets created with VARCO 3D in the community will be selected to receive service credits and titles. Event periods and participation details are available in the Discord announcements for each service

VARCO Sound is a comprehensive platform that allows users to generate and fine-tune audio tracks for content such as games, videos, and animations. Users can describe the desired audio through text or upload an image or video, and the AI analyzes the input to generate scene-appropriate Foley sounds, sound effects, ambient audio, and more.

The tool's most unique feature is its ability to provide separate tracks for each audio source rather than a single audio file. Users can check each track individually, adjust its volume, or replace specific sound effects to further polish the result and better realize their creative vision.

In addition, the "Variation" feature allows users to build on their existing work. Users can upload an original sample to generate variations while preserving its texture and nuance. This substantially reduces the time required to refine ideas and develop prototypes.

The entire generation and editing process can be conducted through natural language using the conversational AI "Sound Agent." A simple description of the desired outcome is analyzed by the AI agent, which automatically applies the appropriate features, lowering the entry barrier for new users.

Furthermore, VARCO Sound comes with an automatic volume mixer feature that prevents sounds from clashing when multiple tracks are played simultaneously. The AI examines and adjusts the volume balance between different tracks so that no sound is too loud or too quiet.

Currently, the maximum length of an audio file that can be generated is 60 seconds, and NC AI plans to continue improving the tool's performance to support video inputs of up to 120 seconds.

NC AI has also released a desktop application and a Unity plugin that allows the tool to seamlessly integrate into the existing workflows of creators. Assets created through the desktop application can be dragged and dropped into other DAWs for immediate use. A personalized library search feature based on natural language and audio will be added in the future to further streamline each user's workflow.

Moreover, the Unity plugin was selected as a Unity Verified Solution, demonstrating its performance and compatibility. The plugin allows game developers to stay within the Unity engine while creating audio tracks using just text and images and immediately apply them to their projects using the built-in editing tools.

NC AI's CEO Yeonsoo Lee said, "VARCO Sound has evolved into an 'AI platform designed for professional needs' that boosts creators' efficiency without disrupting their existing workflows." Yeonsoo Lee added, "We will establish a new paradigm in the global audio creation ecosystem through continuous technological advancement and seamless integration with a wide range of external platforms."

About NC AI

NC AI leverages over a decade of game AI expertise to develop advanced multimodal and Physical

AI solutions for digital content and industrial sectors. Under its proprietary VARCO brand, the company delivers generative AI tools spanning text, audio, and 3D assets. Under the VAETKI brand, NC AI expanding into Physical AI including Digital Twins, World Models, and Robot Foundation Models (RFM). NC AI applies virtual simulation and reinforcement learning to mission-critical industries like defense and smart manufacturing, seamlessly connecting digital intelligence to physical execution.

NC AI Official Website and Social Media

| Websites   Company Website: https://nc-ai.com/  

Official LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/nc-ai/

Official Blog: https://medium.com/nc-ai

Official Instagram Account: https://www.instagram.com/ncai_official/

Official YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@nc_ai/  

Official Discord: https://discord.gg/uTBqazNuKr 

SOURCE NC AI

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