NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Egan-Jones released a commentary examining why the mainstream of both parties is likely to keep supporting the artificial intelligence buildout despite public opposition to local data centers. With the four largest hyperscalers planning more than $700 billion of capital spending this year, the piece offers investors a framework for the political risk involved.

Egan-Jones draws a parallel with drug makers, which have remained unpopular for years yet kept the backing of both parties while leading all other industries in federal lobbying almost every quarter since 2010. Opposition to AI is measurable: Gallup finds 71% of Americans oppose a local AI data center, compared with 53% for a nuclear plant. AI has also gained ground at the ballot box, where the pro-AI super PAC network Leading the Future has raised $140 million for the midterms.

A September 16 House vote illustrates the pattern. By 417 to 3, members passed a bill pushing states to make large data centers pay for the power lines and plants built to serve them, answering complaints about power bills without limiting how many data centers get built. Egan-Jones expects the populist wings of both parties, not the mainstream, to lead any push to halt the buildout.

Pressure is more direct in the states. The commentary points to Texas, which has frozen new data center grid approvals and permits, and to new laws in California and Florida that shift grid costs onto operators or protect residents from paying for data centers' power.

For credit, Egan-Jones views the shift as positive for utilities, which face less risk of being left with the bill if a project is canceled. The largest hyperscalers face a slightly negative effect from higher hookup costs and longer waits, funded partly with debt. The assessment is negative for Oracle and for lenders, while smaller data center developers are most at risk, with $68 billion of projects delayed or canceled last quarter.

Egan-Jones concludes that the industry faces higher costs and slower permits, while the money involved keeps both parties' mainstream behind AI growth. Calling it perhaps the fastest industrial buildout in world history, the commentary finds that institutional investors must pay attention.

About Egan-Jones Ratings

Egan-Jones, an NRSRO founded in 1995, offers timely and accurate credit ratings and proxy services.

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SOURCE Egan-Jones Ratings Co.

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Used by 9 in 10 U.S. school districts since its inception, the beloved platform helps students build strong writing skills through personalized practice while saving teachers hours of grading time

SAN FRANCISCO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Ask middle or high school English teachers what they find most demanding about their jobs, and they'll likely point to the towering stacks of essays waiting to be graded. Behind every paper in those piles is a student learning to find his or her voice. Teaching that student to write clearly and persuasively takes time, patience and individualized feedback.

For more than a decade, NoRedInk has helped educators meet that challenge with tools that guide students from constructing a sentence to crafting a compelling argument. Today, IXL Learning announced it has acquired the popular English language arts platform.

"NoRedInk has built a product with a remarkably deep grasp of how to help teach one of life's most essential skills," said Paul Mishkin, CEO of IXL Learning. "Just as importantly, NoRedInk earned its place in the classroom the right way—through word of mouth from educators who genuinely love using it. "

"IXL shares our commitment to thoughtful, student-centric writing instruction," said Jeff Scheur, founder and CEO of NoRedInk. "As technology changes how we work and communicate, the ability to think critically and develop our ideas has never been more important. I'm excited about what NoRedInk and IXL will accomplish together for all the students and teachers who count on us."

Used by 9 in 10 U.S. school districts since its launch, NoRedInk tailors writing instruction to individual strengths and areas for growth. From lightweight writing prompts to scaffolded essays and guided reviews, students get constant opportunities to put their skills into action, with personalized support whenever they get stuck. Learners actively restructure sentences, edit and mark up text, manipulate multi-paragraph passages and more. The platform even weaves in each student's favorite celebrities, fictional characters and historical figures. Most recently, the company introduced Read-Write-Reason, a set of integrated reading and writing activities that helps learners sharpen their analytical and critical thinking skills, develop their ideas and use language effectively.

For educators and school leaders, NoRedInk removes the guesswork from writing instruction. Teachers can easily find practice exercises, writing activities and diagnostics aligned to state and national standards and assessments. As students work, built-in diagnostic data, growth reports and gradebooks allow teachers and administrators to track progress in real time, making it easier to see where learners are thriving and where they need extra help.

NoRedInk will continue to operate as an independent brand, and teachers and students will experience no disruptions to the platform they rely on every day. IXL Learning will back NoRedInk with its extensive resources and scale, unlocking new opportunities to innovate and bring high-quality writing instruction to even more classrooms.

Tucker Capital served as the exclusive financial advisor to NoRedInk.

About IXL Learning

IXL Learning has revolutionized educational technology since it began in 1998. Today, the company leads the world of education through innovation and offers a diverse set of products and services that help learners develop skills in math, literacy, language and more. IXL Learning's brands include IXL, Rosetta Stone, Dictionary.com, Thesaurus.com, SpanishDictionary.com, ingles.com, FrenchDictionary.com, MyTutor, Wyzant, Vocabulary.com, TPT, ABCya, Education.com, Carson Dellosa Education and Evan-Moor Educational Publishers. The company's mission is to create breakthrough solutions to education's most pressing challenges and inspire students to become life-long learners. Discover how IXL Learning's products are shaping the future of education by exploring its newsroom.

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Eric Bates

IXL Learning

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SOURCE IXL Learning

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Company awarded $250,000 Grand Prize at BioTools Innovator Capstone Competition, highlighting the potential of its ProteoNex™ biosensor platform to transform protein measurement across life science research, biomanufacturing, and clinical diagnostics.

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- eGlint, Inc., a biotechnology company developing next-generation extremely rapid proteomics technologies, today announced that it has been named the 2026 BioTools Innovator Grand Prize Winner, receiving the $250,000 top award at the BioTools Innovator Capstone Competition held October 14 in San Diego, California.

The award recognizes eGlint's innovative approach to protein measurement and its potential to transform how researchers, biopharmaceutical manufacturers, and healthcare providers access critical biological information.

eGlint was selected as the winner following a live competition among four finalists—Caravel, Pando Bioscience, QuantumCyte, and eGlint—chosen from a highly competitive field of more than 550 applicants worldwide. The four finalists emerged from the 30-company 2026 BioTools Innovator accelerator cohort, which brought together promising emerging companies developing technologies to advance life science research, drug development, and diagnostics.

The Grand Prize Winner was selected through live audience voting by attendees that included life science industry executives, investors, strategic partners, and technology innovators.

Recognizing Innovation in Rapid Proteomics

eGlint is developing a new generation of distributed proteomics technologies designed to make quantitative protein measurement faster, more accessible, and more actionable.

At the core of the company's technology is its proprietary ProteoNex™ biosensor platform, which uses engineered affinity reagents and thermal stability measurements to enable rapid, sensitive, and multiplexed detection of proteins and other biological molecules.

Unlike conventional protein measurement technologies that often require centralized laboratories, specialized equipment, and lengthy workflows, eGlint's platform is designed to deliver quantitative results in approximately 10 minutes, enabling protein measurements closer to where and when decisions are made.

The platform supports three complementary product systems:

- ProteoMix™: A rapid, multiplex protein measurement system compatible with existing quantitative PCR (qPCR) instruments, initially targeting research, biopharmaceutical development, and cell and gene therapy manufacturing applications.

- ProteoCare™: A point-of-care platform designed to enable rapid measurement of multiple biomarkers in clinical settings, with initial applications in critical care, ARDS, sepsis, and inflammatory disease monitoring.

- ProteoHome™: A miniaturized platform being developed to extend molecular testing into decentralized and at-home environments with just the use of a smartphone.

Together, these systems support eGlint's vision of making proteomics a readily accessible source of real-time biological information, rather than a laboratory measurement that requires hours or days to obtain.

A Milestone for eGlint and the BioTools Innovator Community

"Winning the 2026 BioTools Innovator Grand Prize is an incredible honor, particularly given the outstanding quality of the other three finalists and the companies across the entire cohort," said Robert W. Georgantas III, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of eGlint.

"The BioTools Innovator program has been an extraordinary experience for our team. The mentorship, engagement with our peers, and access to industry expertise and resources have been transformative, helping us accelerate our first product launch and sharpen our commercialization strategy. We are truly grateful to the BioTools Innovator team, our mentors, and the broader cohort for their support, and we are proud to be part of the BTI family."

The 2026 BioTools Innovator program brought together 30 companies selected through a rigorous evaluation process involving industry leaders, investors, and more than 120 judges from across the life sciences ecosystem.

Throughout the accelerator, participating companies received individualized mentorship, strategic guidance, industry connections, and opportunities to engage with potential customers, partners, and investors.

eGlint also participated in the BioTools Innovator wraparound Vanguard Accelerator, which supports technologies with potential applications in deploying innovative medical countermeasures that enhance the United States' preparedness and response posture against health security threats in line with BARDA's mission.

Accelerating the Commercialization of Real-Time Proteomics

The Grand Prize comes as eGlint advances the commercialization of ProteoMix, its first product system, while continuing development of its point-of-care and decentralized diagnostic platforms.

ProteoMix enables rapid, multiplex protein measurements using widely available qPCR instrumentation, eliminating the need for customers to purchase dedicated new analytical equipment.

The company's initial commercial focus includes cell and gene therapy development and manufacturing, where rapid measurement of cytokines and other protein biomarkers could substantially improve process monitoring, quality control, and manufacturing decision-making.

By reducing the time required for protein measurements from hours to minutes, eGlint aims to help researchers and manufacturers make more timely, data-driven decisions while reducing workflow complexity and analytical costs.

Looking ahead, the company plans to extend its biosensor technology into clinical applications, where rapid measurement of inflammatory and other disease-associated biomarkers could support more timely diagnosis, patient monitoring, and personalized treatment strategies.

"This recognition comes at an important moment for eGlint as we move from technology development toward commercialization," added Georgantas. "Our goal is to fundamentally change how and where proteins are measured, making high-quality proteomic information available in minutes, wherever it is needed. Winning the BioTools Innovator Grand Prize reinforces the importance of that mission and provides additional momentum as we bring our first products to market."

About eGlint

eGlint, Inc. is a biotechnology company developing next-generation distributed proteomics technologies to make protein measurement faster, more accessible, and more actionable. Built on its proprietary ProteoNex™ biosensor platform, eGlint's ProteoMix™, ProteoCare™, and ProteoHome™ systems are designed to enable rapid, sensitive, multiplexed protein measurements across life science research, biopharmaceutical manufacturing, clinical diagnostics, and decentralized healthcare. By reducing the time from sample collection to actionable biological information, eGlint aims to transform how proteins are measured and used to guide scientific and medical decisions. For more information about eGlint, visit the website and follow the organization on LinkedIn.

About BioTools Innovator

Based in Los Angeles, BioTools Innovator was established to advance cutting-edge research and improve human health by accelerating the growth of a broad spectrum of life science tools and diagnostics. BioTools Innovator matches industry leaders with innovative early-stage and emerging growth biotechnology-focused companies for mentorship and support.

BioTools Innovator is powered by MedTech Innovator (MTI), the world's largest accelerator of medical technology companies and the premier nonprofit startup accelerator in the medical technology industry. To date, MTI alumni have collectively brought over 500 products to market and raised $12+ billion in follow-on funding. For more information about BioTools Innovator, visit the website and follow the organization on LinkedIn.

SOURCE eGlint, Inc.

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~Sandals® and Beaches® Resorts Executive Chairman recognized for his transformative leadership in Caribbean tourism, business and community development~

NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In recognition of his longstanding contributions to Jamaica and the Caribbean, Adam Stewart, CD, Hon. LLD, Executive Chairman of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, has been honored with the 2026 International Achievement Award from the American Friends of Jamaica (AFJ). Stewart received the honor during the organization's annual Hummingbird Gala on October 16 at The Plaza Hotel, where Emmy Award-winning actress, advocate and activist Sheryl Lee Ralph was also recognized with the International Humanitarian Award.

The celebration marked one of the final major galas at New York City's iconic Plaza Hotel ahead of its reported four-year closure. Bringing together distinguished leaders, philanthropists and supporters of Jamaica, the evening also featured remarks from Jamaica's Prime Minister, Dr. the Most Honourable Andrew Holness, along with a performance by pioneering reggae and dancehall artist Sister Nancy. The annual gala raises funds in support of AFJ's work in education, healthcare and economic development across Jamaica.

Coming just ahead of the one-year anniversary of Hurricane Melissa, the recognition carries added significance. The International Achievement Award celebrates Stewart's decades of leadership across Jamaica's tourism and business sectors, as well as his commitment to strengthening communities across the island and wider Caribbean. Through his leadership of Sandals and Beaches Resorts, alongside his entrepreneurial and philanthropic work, Stewart has helped shape the evolution of Caribbean tourism while creating opportunities for the people who power the region.

During his acceptance remarks, Stewart said, "It is the greatest honor for me to be here with my family and share with the world the magic and gifts of Jamaica. In 1981, my late father had a bold idea: to start a hotel company with just 99 rooms beside an airport in Montego Bay. Today, I have the privilege of carrying that vision and legacy forward. What began as a simple dream has grown into a globally recognized brand, proudly standing on the world stage. What makes that journey truly remarkable is what it has shown about the extraordinary gifts, talent and spirit of the Caribbean people. More than 20,000 team members are part of our organization today, 97 percent of them born in the Caribbean, with Jamaica at its heart. We'll keep showing up every day and doing everything we can for this extraordinary island. We will never stop."

Jamaica remains central to the company's growth strategy, with Stewart leading a US$200 million transformation of three of Sandals' most iconic Jamaican resorts following Hurricane Melissa. After closing in the wake of the storm, Sandals South Coast, Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay are being completely reimagined with new accommodations, redesigned pools, expanded dining concepts and elevated guest experiences. Sandals South Coast is scheduled to reopen on November 18, followed by Sandals Montego Bay and Sandals Caribbean Cay on December 18, marking a significant milestone in Jamaica's tourism recovery and the company's continued investment in the island.

Even as the affected resorts remained closed, Stewart and Sandals pledged to keep 100% of the company's Jamaican team members on payroll with benefits intact, while committing more than US$5 million to direct team member recovery support. Through the Sandals Foundation, the company also mobilized relief efforts to assist storm-affected communities across Jamaica, reinforcing Stewart's longstanding commitment to the island and the people whose livelihoods depend on its tourism industry.

That commitment to human development is embedded in Sandals' DNA. In 2012, Stewart founded Sandals Corporate University to expand Caribbean team members' access to professional certifications, degree programs and lifelong learning opportunities. As President of the Sandals Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts, he also champions initiatives spanning education, community development and environmental conservation throughout Jamaica and the wider Caribbean.

Together, these efforts reflect the enduring commitment to Jamaica and the Caribbean at the heart of Stewart's recognition. As the island looks toward a new chapter of tourism growth, his leadership remains focused on ensuring that the region's success is shared by the people who call it home.

About Sandals® Resorts:

Sandals Resorts offers some of the best adults-only all-inclusive resorts that bring guests closer to the vibrancy, authenticity and spirit of the Caribbean. Pioneers of the all-inclusive vacation experience in the region, Sandals has 17 beachfront all-inclusive resorts in Jamaica, The Bahamas, Saint Lucia, Barbados, Antigua, Curaçao, Grenada, and Saint Vincent and The Grenadines, each reflecting the genuine vibe of its island home. From local food favorites and global flavors to butler service and signature suites, including the Caribbean's first Overwater Villas, Sandals makes it easy for guests to go all in on vacation mode. Beyond the resort gates, immersive destination experiences, like a newly piloted Island Inclusive dining program and MINI Coopers for island exploration, raise the bar on the all-inclusive vacation. Championing the region it calls home, Sandals demonstrates the transformative power of tourism and its impact on lives through its philanthropic arm, the Sandals Foundation. For more information, visit www.sandals.com.

About Beaches® Resorts:

Beaches Resorts is the Caribbean playground where families can live their best island life. With all-inclusive family resorts in Turks and Caicos and Jamaica, and soon-to-come locations in Barbados, The Bahamas and Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Beaches offers fun-forward family all-inclusive vacations – from a dynamic selection of restaurants and vibrant food trucks to all-you-can-enjoy water sports, live shows and epic water parks. Kids discover magic with Caribbean Adventures with Sesame Street®, Kids Camps, and hangouts for teens, while parents enjoy peace of mind with certified nannies, engaging programming and multi-bedroom villas perfect for bringing generations together. As an Advanced Certified Autism Center (CAC) through the International Board of Credentialing and Continuing Education Standards (IBCCES), Beaches staff are specially trained to understand and cater to the unique needs of neurodivergent guests, so that every member of the family finds joy, connection, and memories made to last a lifetime. For more information about Beaches Resorts, visit www.beaches.com.

About the AFJ:

The AFJ is a registered 501(c)(3) nonprofit built on the principles of service and philanthropy. For nearly 40 years, the organization has been rendering assistance in the areas of Education, Healthcare, and Economic Development. The AFJ Grant Cycle begins at the end of each year and grants are disbursed in April of the following year. For information on how to purchase tickets or become a sponsor to support our mission for Jamaica, email [email protected] or visit www.theafj.org.

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SOURCE Sandals Resorts International

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- Veteran technology executive will lead Alaska's enterprise technology, data, digital, cybersecurity and AI strategy, focused on operational reliability, modernization and long-term growth

- Siva brings nearly three decades of technology leadership experience across CVS Health, Target Corporation and GE Capital, including large-scale cloud, digital, data and AI transformation

SEATTLE, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alaska Airlines, Inc. today announced that Amaresh Siva has been named Chief Information Technology Officer. Siva will begin next month and will report directly to CEO Ben Minicucci. He will also serve on the company's Executive Committee.

In this newly created role, Siva will bring Alaska's technology and digital capabilities together under a single enterprise leader. He will set and execute the company's enterprise-wide technology, data and digital strategy, with responsibility for strengthening core platforms, advancing digital capabilities and building scalable data and artificial intelligence foundations to support operational excellence, resilience and long-term growth.

"Technology is central to nearly every part of our operation and every interaction with our guests and employees," Minicucci said. "Amaresh is a proven enterprise technology leader with the experience to strengthen performance today while building the modern, secure and resilient platforms we need for the future. His track record leading complex transformations, scaling data and AI capabilities and developing high-performing global teams makes him the right leader for this important role."

Siva brings 29 years of experience building and scaling digital, data, infrastructure and AI platforms across healthcare, retail and consumer finance. He joins Alaska from CVS Health, where he most recently served as Chief Digital and Technology Officer for Health Care Delivery. His responsibilities also included enterprise data and AI platforms and innovation labs.

At CVS Health, Siva led large-scale modernization and AI initiatives in a highly regulated, high-availability environment, including cloud migration, digital engineering and the deployment of AI tools with measurable business and customer outcomes. Earlier in his career, he held senior technology leadership roles at Target Corporation, where he helped rebuild Target.com and the Target app and modernize infrastructure and cloud platforms. He previously spent nearly a decade with GE Capital, building marketing technology used across 18 businesses in 17 countries.

"Alaska clearly cares about its guests and its people, and that's what drew me here," Siva said. "I'm excited to advance our technology capability to elevate the guest experience and make it easier for the people who serve our guests to do it even better. Alaska is taking on hard problems to make every trip remarkable and caring, and technology's job is to make that easy."

Siva holds an MBA from XLRI – Xavier School of Management in Jamshedpur, India – and a bachelor's degree in technology with honors from the Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what's happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK." 

SOURCE Alaska Airlines

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NEW YORK, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- High-performance gaming peripheral brand ATTACK SHARK today announced the upcoming release of the R5 TURBO. This next-generation flagship wireless gaming mouse builds on the R5 ULTRA's success with upgraded hardware, dual 8K connectivity, a design optimized for precision control, and a new Dune colorway, alongside classic black and white options.

"Following the strong market response to the R5 ULTRA, we pushed further to deliver even greater precision and speed," said Gavin Cheng, CEO and Co-Founder of ATTACK SHARK. "The R5 TURBO represents our continued commitment to give competitive players the edge they need to perform at their best."

The R5 TURBO continues ATTACK SHARK's commitment to lightweight, precision-driven design with an injection-molded carbon fiber composite housing. Weighing approximately 43g (± 3g), the mouse combines structural strength with everyday durability through a hollowed-out, breathable design philosophy. The exterior features a glass-like cool-touch coating to reduce stickiness from hand sweat, which provides a smooth, responsive feel during extended gaming sessions.

Powered by the PixArt PAW3950MAX optical sensor, the R5 TURBO supports a DPI range of 1,200-60,000 with 50-DPI step adjustments, enabling players to fine-tune sensitivity with exceptional precision. The sensor delivers tracking speeds of up to 750 IPS and 60G acceleration, ensuring smooth and accurate movement across various surfaces. With its three-level LOD (Lift-Off Distance) adjustment system, users can customize tracking height based on personal preference and optimize control for different playstyles.

The R5 TURBO features the new Nordic nRF54LM20 flagship MCU, an upgrade from the previous generation's nRF54L15. This advanced processor enables wired and wireless 8KHz polling rates for responsive gameplay. Internal testing showed wireless click latency as low as 0.168ms. The chip also supports static scan frame rates exceeding 20,000 FPS in competitive mode, while delivering improved power efficiency and reduced heat generation. Enhanced Bluetooth channel sounding technology further strengthens connection stability and reliability.

Another standout feature of the R5 TURBO is ATTACK SHARK's signature shark-fin-inspired 8K wireless receiver, which incorporates an extended antenna structure for superior signal strength. Three LED indicators provide real-time status updates on connection mode, polling rate, and battery life. The mouse supports triple-mode connectivity, including wired, 2.4GHz wireless, and Bluetooth, giving players flexibility to choose the optimal setup for their environment.

Inside the lightweight chassis, the R5 TURBO houses a 290mAh high-density automotive-grade battery. Under standard 1K polling-rate conditions, the mouse delivers up to 300 hours of battery life, supporting both extended gaming marathons and daily productivity use*.

The R5 TURBO also brings upgrades to its core interaction components. Omron optical switches, rated for over 100 million clicks, deliver fast, consistent actuation for competitive play. The scroll wheel features a custom electroplated finish and TTC Golden Wheel encoders, providing precise scrolling and enhanced tactile feedback. These refinements help deliver the speed, accuracy, and responsiveness players expect in high-level gaming.

The R5 TURBO also introduces intelligent driver support with cloud-based configuration and standalone download options. The software automatically recognizes connected devices, simplifying customization of DPI, polling rate, and other supported functions to match individual player preferences.

From the R5 ULTRA to the R5 TURBO, ATTACK SHARK continues to explore the intersection of carbon fiber materials, lightweight structures, and high-performance esports technology.

The ATTACK SHARK R5 TURBO will be available starting October 23, 2026.

For more information, visit https://attackshark.com/ or connect with the brand on social media and Discord.

To place an order, visit ATTACK SHARK Amazon Store for the US, UK, Europe, Australia, Mexico, Saudi Arabia, and Japan.

SOURCE ATTACK SHARK

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TEANECK, N.J. and SUNNYVALE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) and Google Cloud today announced a significant expansion of their partnership to accelerate the adoption of agentic AI, including a new Gemini Frontier Capability Group. The group brings together a dedicated global workforce that pairs Google's full-stack, enterprise-ready AI platform with Cognizant's domain, industry and engineering expertise as an AI Builder.

Backed by more than 18,000 dedicated Cognizant associates, the new group represents a substantial joint investment and builds on the momentum created by Cognizant's dedicated Gemini practice launched in April 2026. The new group is designed to bridge the path from pilot to production, equipping enterprises with the ability to safely deploy resilient, enterprise-grade agents that can help drive measurable business value.

"Establishing our dedicated Gemini Frontier Capability Group lets our best frontier engineering talent focus entirely on getting frontier AI into production for clients," said Ravi Kumar S, CEO of Cognizant. "Our Build with Gemini workshop gave over 55,000 associates that experience directly, earning them tangible skills on one of the world's most advanced AI platforms, and this new group is where that experience goes to work every day."

"Deploying AI agents at scale requires trusted partners with deep architectural and integration expertise," said Thomas Kurian, chief executive officer, Google Cloud. "Cognizant's dedicated Frontier Capability Group and their skilling initiative for tens of thousands of engineers on Gemini will help our joint customers accelerate the adoption of autonomous agents throughout the enterprise."

Introducing the Gemini Frontier Capability Group

Designed to meet surging enterprise demand for scaled AI execution, the group aims to deliver production-grade, AI solutions designed to drive business outcomes for global enterprises by leveraging Gemini, Google Cloud's AI platform for building, governing, and deploying agents. The group will initially concentrate its engineering capabilities across legacy modernization, developer experience, autonomous business process agentification and frontier cyber defense.

To operationalize these capabilities, the group plans to deploy standardized, security-first agentic architecture built on the Model Context Protocol (MCP) and fortified by Google Cloud's Model Armor. These trusted frameworks are expected to power a new suite of collaborative, production-ready enterprise solutions, including Cognizant's Catalog Support Agent (CSA) for retail, the Neuro® San-orchestrated Healthcare Agentic Marketplace, and multi-agent Order-to-Cash (O2C) workflows for manufacturing.

Scaling outcomes with Frontier Certified Engineers

Underpinning the group is a shared commitment by Google Cloud and Cognizant to scale client execution through Frontier Certified Engineers. One early proof point shows what this looks like in practice: by integrating Gemini AI models across its software development lifecycle, Cognizant helped a leading retailer achieve a 40% increase in developer productivity, reduce time-to-market by 30%, and realize a 35% cost savings, underscoring the transformative potential of AI-driven software engineering.

As part of Cognizant's frontier certification skills drive, the company recently concluded the Build with Gemini workshop with Google Cloud, where Cognizant associates built AI agents and applications while earning Gemini skills credentials. Completed by more than 55,000 Cognizant associates, it is the largest single Gemini partner workshop held to date, representing a meaningful step in building Cognizant's frontier-certified workforce.

Cognizant is also applying Gemini internally at scale. As announced in July, the company is deploying Gemini to 100,000 associates this year, with plans to scale up to 200,000, and continues to increase its certification commitment for professionals on the platform.

About Cognizant

Cognizant (Nasdaq: CTSH) is an AI Builder and technology services provider, bridging the gap between AI investment and enterprise value by building full-stack AI solutions for our clients. Our deep industry, process and engineering expertise enables us to build an organization's unique context into technology systems that amplify human potential, drive tangible outcomes and keep global enterprises ahead in a fast-changing world. See how at www.cognizant.ai or @cognizant. 

About Google Cloud

Google Cloud offers a powerful, optimized AI stack — including AI infrastructure, leading models like Gemini, data management capabilities, multicloud security solutions, developer tools and platform, as well as agents and applications — that enables organizations to transform their business for the Agentic Era. Customers in more than 200 countries and territories turn to Google Cloud as their trusted technology partner.

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SOURCE Cognizant Technology Solutions

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Designed to be rebuilt, the Pāhi combines generational craftsmanship and durability

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Big Island Hawai'i native and master bladesmith Neil Kamimura has spent his life honoring a hardworking culture built on respect. Now premium footwear brand OluKai is bringing those same values into footwear, partnering with Kamimura to launch the Pāhi, a limited-edition boot built to age and crafted to last. Inspired by Kamimura's generational connection to blacksmithing, this collaboration celebrates a dedication to craftsmanship and commitment to quality.

As a self-taught blacksmith, Kamimura has gained international status after winning the History Channel's hit competition show, Forged in Fire. Today, when he isn't restoring vintage motorcycles, Kamimura is crafting some of the most globally sought-after knives and swords by celebrities and collectors alike. His commitment inspired this collaboration, blending premium leather with thoughtful details; from the workshop to the open road, Pāhi is designed to wear in, not wear out.

"This partnership with OluKai feels like an extension of my craft,'' said Neil Kamimura. "There is a lot of intention behind the design of the Pāhi, and it highlights the very things I am passionate about when I build my own blades. In my workshop, I'm on my feet for long stretches and need work boots that will support me all day long and withstand the elements. Pāhi wraps up all of my needs in or out of the workshop into one impeccably crafted boot."

Built with premium pull-up leather, Pāhi is saturated with dense waxes and oils and develops a distinctive, multi-tonal patina with wear while naturally resisting water, drying, cracking, and hardening over time. Traction-forward, the outsole provides a confident grip that takes you from the workshop floor to the open road and delivers enhanced cushioning and rebound, providing support for long days on your feet. Designed to be rebuilt, the durable outsole can be resoled to extend the life of the boot for years to come.

"Having worked with Neil for many years, we've always been inspired by his unabashed approach to making unique, highest-of-quality products that tell a story," said Kerry Kondrady, Chief Marketing Officer. "The Pahi is designed to be timeless, built to take on hard work, while being clean and stylish. We are very proud of the finished product.."

The OluKai x Neil Kamimura Pāhi retails for $300 and will be available for early access on October 20th, and available sitewide on October 22nd at OluKai.com, and in select Boot Barn and OluKai retail stores, while supplies last.

About OluKai:

OluKai is a premium footwear brand that delivers comfort, style and craftsmanship. Our products are inspired by Hawaii and designed for the coastal lifestyle.  In addition to our own growing footprint of retail locations in Hawaiʻi, OluKai is committed to partnering with best-of-class retailers with whom they share an unwavering pursuit of excellence. OluKai's spirit is shared by others through the Ama OluKai Foundation, a 501(c)(3) created to formalize the company's giveback initiatives. Every OluKai sold supports Ama OluKai Foundation's mission in Hawaiʻi. OluKai is one of less than 4,000 brands worldwide to be Certified B-Corporation; in production, OluKai helps minimize waste water, reduce hazardous substances in manufacturing and build quality products that last longer, lessening their manufacturing footprint. For more information visit www.OluKai.com or #AnywhereAloha.

Media Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE OluKai

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The Article Covers Access Rules, Menus, Crowds, and Timing Tips for Guests Who Want to Dine Without Playing a Round.

MIDDLETOWN, Del., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Can you eat at a golf course without playing golf? The answer is in a HelloNation article that was published to explain how dining works for guests who never pick up a club.

The HelloNation article explains that a public golf course often runs a restaurant or grille room for the wider community. Guests can usually walk in for a casual meal without playing a round.

Private clubs work differently from a public golf course, the article notes. Many require membership for any access, including the dining room.

The article draws on insights from Dining Expert Patrick Keefe of The Pub at Frog Hollow Golf Club in Middletown. It presents course dining as a relaxed option for people who want a meal, not a round of golf.

The article describes the setting as more than a place to refuel after a round. Many restaurants have large windows or patio seating that overlook the fairways. That view makes them popular for casual lunches and family dinners.

Menus tend to stay casual, according to the article. Guests can expect sandwiches, salads, burgers, and shareable appetizers rather than a formal, multicourse meal. Many venues now offer a lineup of craft beer as well.

Groups often choose these restaurants for a practical reason, the article says. When part of a group golfs and part does not, everyone has a place to meet afterward. Nongolfing friends or family can arrive for lunch and join the golfers once the round ends.

The article also points to a social membership at some private clubs. It can include restaurant privileges, event access, and other amenities, and it appeals to people who want the club atmosphere without paying for a full golf membership.

The article says the crowd is often wider than people expect. Retirees may bring spouses who never play a hole, and coworkers may hold a working lunch on the patio. During major tournaments, some fans come only to watch golf on television.

Weekends and holidays can bring heavier traffic, the article explains. Brunch after a Saturday morning tee time often fills the dining room, so calling ahead during a busy stretch can save time.

Some courses also host events with no link to golf, according to the article. Trivia nights, live music, and sports on large screens can draw people who never step onto the course. These events help a restaurant serve as a neighborhood gathering spot.

First time visitors may want to check a few details, based on the article. Hours often follow tee times, some clubs ask guests to skip golf spikes indoors, and a shared entrance with the pro shop can cause confusion.

The Dining Expert insights in the article include a simple tip for planning. A quick look at the course website or a short call to the clubhouse usually settles questions about hours and public access.

The article concludes that most public golf course restaurants and pubs welcome nongolfers for lunch, dinner, or drinks, though access still depends on the facility. Checking current hours and access policy before a visit helps the trip go smoothly.

Can You Eat at a Golf Course Without Playing Golf? features insights from Patrick Keefe, Dining Expert of Middletown, Delaware, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation

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

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Exclusive collection gives park supporters a new way to connect with Western National Parks' mission and help support national parks across the West

TUCSON, Ariz., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Western National Parks (WNP), a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service since 1938, has launched WNP Gear, a new, exclusive collection of apparel and products designed to celebrate the people, places, and experiences that connect communities to national parks.

The initial collection includes T-shirts and other WNP-branded products featuring the organization's modern, colorful visual identity, inspired by the landscapes, wildlife, cultures, and stories of the West. New products and designs will continue to be added to the collection.

WNP Gear extends that identity beyond individual park sites, giving supporters a way to represent the broader community connected by a shared appreciation for national parks and the experiences they make possible.

"People develop incredibly personal relationships with national parks. They become part of our memories, our families, and often our sense of who we are," said Marie Buck, President and Chief Executive Officer of Western National Parks. "WNP Gear gives people a way to carry that connection with them and be part of our community—a community that believes these places should continue to inspire, educate, and bring people together for generations to come."

For nearly 90 years, purchases through Western National Parks have helped generate support for national parks across the West. Today, WNP partners with 72 National Park Service sites in 12 Western states. Since 1938, the organization has provided more than $176 million in aid to support education, research, visitor experiences, community engagement, and other programs benefiting its partner parks.

While many products available through WNP celebrate individual national park sites, WNP Gear represents the larger community connecting those places. The collection creates another way for people to support WNP's nonprofit mission, whether they are exploring a park, planning their next trip, or simply carrying their connection to national parks into everyday life.

"WNP Gear allows us to build another meaningful connection between the people who care about national parks and the work that supports them," said Lauren Mooney, Chief Revenue Officer and Vice President of Partnerships at Western National Parks. "By creating products that help people carry their connection to parks into their everyday lives, we can reach supporters beyond the park visit while generating revenue that helps us continue investing in our National Park Service partners."

WNP Gear is available exclusively through Western National Parks' online store at store.wnpa.org, with additional products and designs planned for future releases.

About Western National Parks

Western National Parks is a nonprofit partner of the National Park Service, supporting 72 national park sites across 12 Western states. Since 1938, WNP has worked to enhance the visitor experience and advance education, research, community engagement, and other programs that help people connect with and care for national parks. Purchases made through WNP help generate support for its National Park Service partners.

For more information, visit wnp.org.

SOURCE Western National Parks

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