Guide helps adult growers compare autoflower seeds genetics, listings and suppliers

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Homegrown Cannabis Co. has published an updated 2026 guide for adults researching where to buy autoflower cannabis seeds online. The guide covers genetics, seed selection, supplier transparency and what buyers should review before choosing a seed company. The guide and catalog are available at Autoflower Seeds.

Understanding Autoflower Cannabis Seeds

Photoperiod cannabis plants begin flowering when the light cycle changes. Autoflower plants carry ruderalis genetics, so they flower based on age rather than light. Most varieties finish in about seven to 11 weeks from seed and stay compact, making them a practical fit for small spaces and beginner growers.

What to Look for When Buying Autoflower Seeds Online

According to the company, buyers comparing seed listings should look for:

- clear strain descriptions

- genetic background beyond a cultivar name

- realistic height and timeline estimates

- an indoor or outdoor growing profile

- a clearly stated seed type, such as autoflower, feminized or regular

The company also recommends a seller that offers a stated germination policy, accessible customer support and education on germination, timing and growing environment.

"A product name tells you little about how a plant will grow. Genetics determine flowering time, height and yield potential, so that's where buyers should start. Clear seed information, not a promotion, helps growers choose varieties that fit their space and schedule," said a Homegrown Cannabis Co. spokesperson.

Helping Growers Plan Before Planting

The guide is part of the company's educational library on germination, flowering cycles and indoor and outdoor growing. Because autoflowers have a shorter cycle than photoperiod plants, knowing the differences helps growers plan timing, container size, training and seed selection.

Cannabis laws vary by jurisdiction, and buyers should confirm local rules. The website is intended for adults 21 and older and ships seeds to all 50 U.S. states.

About Homegrown Cannabis Co.

Homegrown Cannabis Co. is a cannabis seed company offering autoflower, feminized and other seed varieties, plus educational resources for home growers. Founded in 2012 and based in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, the company publishes material on seed selection, genetics and cultivation fundamentals. Learn more about feminized cannabis seeds

SOURCE Homegrown Cannabis Co.

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SAN DIEGO, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) ("QuidelOrtho"), a leading global provider of diagnostic solutions, today announced that the Compensation Committee of the Company's Board of Directors approved the grant of equity awards to two newly hired, non-executive employees (the "Inducement Grants"). The Inducement Grants were granted pursuant to the Company's 2026 Inducement Plan and as an inducement material to each employee's entering into employment with the Company in accordance with Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The 2026 Inducement Plan is used exclusively for the grant of equity awards to individuals who were not previously employees of QuidelOrtho, or following a bona fide period of non-employment, as an inducement material to such individuals entering into employment with QuidelOrtho, pursuant to Nasdaq Listing Rule 5635(c)(4).

The Inducement Grants consist of restricted stock units ("RSUs") with respect to an aggregate of 50,323 shares of the Company's common stock. The RSUs were granted with a grant date of October 15, 2026, and will vest in equal annual installments on the first three anniversaries of the grant date, subject to the employee's continued employment with the Company through each applicable vesting date. The RSUs are subject to the terms and conditions of the 2026 Inducement Plan and the terms and conditions of a RSU award agreement covering each Inducement Grant.

QuidelOrtho is dedicated to advancing diagnostics to power a healthier future. For more information, please visit quidelortho.com and follow QuidelOrtho on LinkedIn, Facebook and X.

About QuidelOrtho Corporation

With expertise spanning clinical chemistry, immunoassay, immunohematology and molecular testing, QuidelOrtho Corporation (Nasdaq: QDEL) is a leading global provider of diagnostic solutions, dedicated to advancing fast, accurate and reliable results that help improve patient outcomes – from the point of care to hospital, lab to clinic. Building on a legacy of innovation, QuidelOrtho works with healthcare providers to advance diagnostics that connect insights with solutions, defining a clearer path for informed decisions and better care.

Investor Contact:

Sanjeev Sharma

Vice President, Investor Relations

[email protected]

Media Contact:

Stephanie Kleewein

Senior Corporate Communication and PR Manager

[email protected]

SOURCE QuidelOrtho Corporation

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California Opens New Workforce Pell Grant Application Portal for Institutions to Determine Career Training Program Eligibility

SACRAMENTO, Calif., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The California Student Aid Commission (CSAC) today announced the launching of the state application portal for the new federal Workforce Pell (WFP) Grant Program. The WFP state application portal will open on October 21 for higher education institutions and career technical education providers to apply for state authorization to participate in the program.

Articulated in California Senate Bill 135, on behalf of the Governor, CSAC is the designated California state agency to determine whether an institution's short-term program meets the state and federal program requirements, in consultation with the California Workforce Development Board and the Labor and Workforce Development Agency. After a short-term program has been deemed eligible, institutions submit the information directly to the U.S. Department of Education (ED) for review and final approval. The ED will notify institutions of their eligibility to participate in the WFP and allow eligible students to begin accessing these new federal Workforce Pell Grants disbursed through the campus financial aid office.

The WFP grant represents one of the most significant expansions of federal financial aid in decades. WFP is designed to expand financial aid opportunities for students pursuing short-term, high-quality workforce training programs that lead directly to high-skill, high-wage, or in-demand occupations. Completed 100 days since the passage of the state budget, the state portal marks a significant milestone in California's implementation efforts and begins the process of identifying programs across the state.

Institutions and programs seeking eligibility are strongly encouraged to participate in CSAC's Webinar on October 20., California Get Ready: A Pathway to a Successful Workforce Pell Grant Application will cover the portal requirements in detail including a technical guide to address federally required formular and state eligibility requirements.

Expanding Access to In-Demand Career Technical Education

The portal launch by the California Student Aid Commission allows for institutions to apply to be eligible starting in the 2026-27 academic year. For students, this means that eligible students enrolled in approved short-term career technical education (CTE) programs can soon begin receiving federal WFP Grants. Designed for programs running between 150 and 599 clock hours (8 to 15 weeks), WFP helps learners quickly gain specialized skills for high-skill, high-wage, and in-demand careers.

Unlike traditional Pell Grants, WFP can also be used by students who already hold a bachelor's degree (provided they do not hold a graduate degree). Coupled with the recent changes to Cal Grant C, which now includes programs as short as 8 weeks; students will be able to stack both Cal Grant C and Workforce Pell Grant, creating powerful new reskilling and upskilling pathways for California's adult workforce.

Leaders Across California on Workforce Pell Grant Program:

"California is building more pathways to good-paying careers — and making sure opportunity isn't limited by where you come from or whether you have a four-year degree," said Governor Gavin Newsom . "Through Workforce Pell, we're expanding financial aid opportunities and helping Californians move faster into in-demand jobs, build new skills, and get ahead in our growing economy."

"Ensuring our workforce development programs are directly tied to regional labor market needs is essential for California's economic future," said Assemblymember Jacqui Irwin. "With the signing of AB 1534, the state authorization process safeguards student investments by prioritizing high-quality programs that deliver true economic value, higher wages, and strong career outcomes for our workforce."

"By establishing Workforce Pell as an option for California students, we are chipping away at the college affordability barriers adult learners face in every region of our state," said Dr. Daisy Gonzales, Executive Director of the California Student Aid Commission . "The California Student Aid Commission supports colleges and universities, who provide high- quality, short-term career technical education and skills training, and with Workforce Pell as an option, state and federal aid will open new doors for adult learners and working learners. The portal opening is California's spirit of innovation to strengthen workforce pipelines by centering financial aid as a catalyst for economic mobility in our state." "Short-term credentials are vital vehicles for rapid social and economic mobility," said Dr. Sonya Christian, Chancellor of the California Community Colleges . "The launch of Phase One allows our community colleges to align state and federal support around targeted workforce programs, empowering more students to gain immediate industry-recognized skills and transition into sustainable, living-wage careers." "At Compton College, we see firsthand how targeted, short-term training can transform lives and lift entire communities," said Dr. Keith Curry, President/CEO of Compton College . "Workforce Pell removes significant financial barriers for working adults and many of our students who need flexible, accelerated options to gain career-ready credentials without taking on debt, or for many of our students, additional debt." "Home care and child care providers across California rely on continuous skill-building to adapt, advance, and better serve our communities," said Doug Moore, Executive Director of United Domestic Workers (UDW/AFSCME Local 3930) . "Expanding federal Pell support to short-term workforce training provides working people and adult learners a vital, realistic bridge to higher wages and career advancement."

Student Requirements

To be eligible for a Workforce Pell Grant, students must:

- Complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and meet federal Pell Grant eligibility requirements.

- Hold a high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.

- Be a U.S. citizen or eligible non-citizen.

- Not be currently enrolled in a bachelor's or higher-level degree program.

- Enroll in an approved short-term workforce program at a participating institution.

Institutional Application & Letters of Intent

To disburse or advertise Workforce Pell funds, institutions must secure state authorization from CSAC, the California State Governor, and the U.S. Department of Education.

- Portal Submission: Eligible institutions seeking program authorization can submit program data through the new CSAC program portal launching October 21.

- Letters of Interest (By December 15, 2026): Institutions seeking eligibility that do not have existing data-sharing agreements with the Employment Development Department (EDD) pursuant to Unemployment Insurance Code Section 1095 must submit a letter of interest to CSAC and the Office of Cradle-to-Career Data on or before December 15, 2026 (and annually thereafter).

- Letter Requirements: Must indicate the name and number of programs, the targeted high-demand sectors aligned with state EDC 69871 lists, and average class sizes. Applications for these institutions will be processed following statutory updates governing equivalent data sharing.

The California Student Aid Commission currently serves over 2.2 million students and administers over $3.9 billion of student financial aid programs and services, including the Cal Grant, the Middle Class Scholarship, and the California Dream Act Application. The Commission serves as a resource for policymakers and the public on college affordability and financing issues, and advocates for policy changes to eliminate cost as a barrier to any qualified California student pursuing a higher education. Visit our website at www.csac.ca.gov or follow us on social media by clicking on our Link Tree.

SOURCE California Student Aid Commission

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Dr. Rod J. Rohrich Ranked Best Rhinoplasty Surgeon in the United States for Sixth Consecutive Year by Newsweek

Dallas rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Rod J. Rohrich has earned Newsweek's #1 U.S. ranking for rhinoplasty for the sixth consecutive year.

DALLAS, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Dallas plastic surgeon and rhinoplasty specialist Dr. Rod J. Rohrich has been ranked the best rhinoplasty surgeon in the United States for the sixth consecutive year in Newsweek's America's Best Plastic Surgeons 2026. Dr. Rohrich has held the top position in rhinoplasty every year since the rankings were first published in 2021.

Newsweek, in partnership with global data research firm Statista, compiles the annual America's Best Plastic Surgeons rankings across six cosmetic surgery categories. For the 2026 edition, thousands of medical professionals with knowledge of plastic surgery were invited to participate in an online survey conducted from April through May. More than 10,000 votes were collected and analyzed.

The 2026 scoring model combined peer recommendations, quality-of-care assessments, and professional certification. Reputation scores based on peer recommendations accounted for 80% of the final score, quality assessments accounted for 15%, and certification by the American Board of Plastic Surgery accounted for 5%. Participants making in-state recommendations also evaluated factors including consultation, complications, follow-up care, and surgical outcomes.

Dr. Rohrich's continued #1 ranking in rhinoplasty reflects his longstanding clinical, academic, and educational focus on primary and revision nasal surgery. Rhinoplasty is among the most technically demanding procedures in aesthetic plastic surgery because even small structural changes can affect appearance, proportion, breathing, and long-term stability. Dr. Rohrich's approach emphasizes individualized analysis, precise surgical planning, preservation of nasal structure when appropriate, and techniques designed to produce natural and durable results.

"It is a tremendous honor to be recognized by Newsweek as the top rhinoplasty surgeon in the country for a sixth consecutive year," says Dr. Rohrich. "These rankings are a valuable resource for patients because they bring together peer recommendations, quality measures, and professional qualifications. They can help patients identify experienced, board-certified surgeons and make more informed decisions about their care."

Dr. Rohrich has spent decades teaching and publishing on rhinoplasty and revision rhinoplasty. He chairs the Dallas Rhinoplasty Meeting, an international educational meeting focused on nasal surgery, and has lectured extensively on techniques for improving consistency, avoiding complications, and managing complex revision cases. He is also the lead author of Dallas Rhinoplasty: Nasal Surgery by the Masters.

"Rhinoplasty requires experience, judgment, and a detailed understanding of both form and function," adds Dr. Rohrich. "The operation must be customized to the individual patient. The goal is not simply to change the nose, but to achieve a result that is balanced, functional, natural-looking, and stable over time."

In addition to his #1 ranking in rhinoplasty, Dr. Rohrich earned #1 rankings in facelift, eyelid surgery, and liposuction in Newsweek's 2026 lists. He also ranked #2 in breast augmentation and tummy tuck, placing him among the top-ranked surgeons across all six procedure categories.

About Rod J. Rohrich, M.D., F.A.C.S.

Dr. Rod J. Rohrich is a board-certified plastic surgeon in Dallas, Texas, and a Clinical Professor of Plastic Surgery at Baylor College of Medicine. He served as a Distinguished Teaching Professor and Chair of the Department of Plastic Surgery at UT Southwestern Medical Center. He trained at Baylor, the University of Michigan, Harvard/Mass General, and Oxford.

A leader in the field, Dr. Rohrich chairs the Dallas Rhinoplasty Meeting, founded the Dallas Cosmetic Surgery Meeting, and is a founding partner of the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. He has been named Newsweek's top U.S. plastic surgeon in rhinoplasty and facelift surgery six years straight.

He is the emeritus Editor-in-Chief of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery Journal, has published 1,000+ peer-reviewed articles and authored eight textbooks. He is a past president of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (largest global society of plastic surgeons) and has received multiple Plastic Surgery Foundation Distinguished Service Awards for his contributions to education and research.

Contact

Rod J. Rohrich, MD, FACS

Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute

9101 N Central Expy #600, Dallas, TX 75231

Office: (214) 821-9114

Media Contact: PhaseCraft LLC

SOURCE Dr. Rod J. Rohrich

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Oviedo Police Department has launched a system for automated 911 caller status updates, giving residents a way to track their case after they hang up with dispatch. Once someone calls 9-1-1, the department can enroll them to receive text or email updates as the case progresses, removing the need to call back and ask a dispatcher or officer for a status check. The city describes the tool as designed specifically to close the information gap that often follows a 9-1-1 call, when a caller reports an incident but has no straightforward way to learn what happened next. Because the updates run automatically once a caller opts in, the system does not require additional data entry from responding officers beyond their existing case documentation, limiting the administrative burden on patrol staff. Oviedo positions the launch within a broader city effort to make routine interactions with police more transparent, joining several other Florida municipalities with comparable systems.

The Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office has announced a new transparency initiative centered on automated updates for residents following calls for service. The office frames the launch as part of its ongoing commitment to transparency and customer service, giving residents visibility into the status of their case without requiring them to contact the office directly for an update. The announcement outlines how the tool fits into the sheriff’s office’s broader community engagement strategy, positioning automated communication as a complement to, rather than a replacement for, direct contact with deputies and case investigators. Sarasota joins several other Florida county sheriff’s offices that have rolled out similar automated update systems in recent months, a trend that reflects growing pressure on law enforcement agencies statewide to back up this kind of transparency initiative with a tool residents can see and use directly, rather than transparency measured only through annual reports or one-off press releases.

NEW YORK, Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Travelzoo® (NASDAQ: TZOO), the club for travel enthusiasts, announces three of many new Club Offers for Club Members in the U.S.

- $599—BARCELONA: 4 NIGHTS WITH FLIGHTS

Explore Barcelona's vibrant dining scene, world-class museums and architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Família. Roundtrip flights from NYC or Boston, 4 nights at a centrally located hotel and daily breakfast are included.

- $1999—SUITE ESCAPE FOR 2 AT TOP ST. LUCIA RESORT

Spend 3 nights (or more) at the 5-star Ladera Resort. Two guests stay in an upgraded two-level suite overlooking St. Lucia's iconic Pitons. Daily breakfast and roundtrip airport transfers are included. We save up to $1685 compared to what everyone else pays.

- $99—CLIFFTOP PISMO BEACH INN

Through our exclusive agreement with Tides Oceanview Inn, travel enthusiasts (like us) will enjoy the property's sweeping views of the Pacific and easy beach access at a special rate of $99 per night.

Are you a travel enthusiast? Join the club today: https://travelzoo.com

Who are we?

We, Travelzoo®, are the club for travel enthusiasts. We reach 30 million travelers. Club Members receive Club Offers negotiated and rigorously vetted by our deal experts around the globe. Our relationships with thousands of top travel companies give us access to irresistible deals. Our club and its benefits are built around the lifestyle of a modern travel enthusiast.

Media Contact:

Jonathan Jones – New York

[email protected] 

SOURCE Travelzoo

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Oro Valley Police Department has launched Community Connect, a Versaterm-powered system that sends residents case status text alerts as their call or case moves forward. Once a resident contacts OVPD, the department logs their phone number and the system begins sending automated texts as the case develops, including a link residents can use to view official case information online at any time. If a responding officer is running behind schedule, the same system sends a notice letting the resident know about the delay, rather than leaving them to wonder whether help is still on the way. The rollout gives Oro Valley residents a self-service way to track routine calls, from minor property crimes to non-emergency requests, without needing to call the department directly for an update, following similar moves by other Pima County agencies. OVPD has said it plans to expand the range of case types covered by the case status text alerts as it evaluates resident response to the initial rollout.

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Moomoo, a leading global investment and trading platform, has opened registration and trading for its third Global Paper Trading Competition, marking the third consecutive year of its collaboration with Nasdaq TotalView® to advance investor education.

As part of Moomoo's long-term commitment to helping investors build practical market knowledge, this year's competition—held under the theme "Real Market, Real Edge"—enables participants to test their strategies in real-market conditions using Moomoo's paper trading capabilities and Nasdaq's professional-grade market data, with zero risk of losing real money, while enjoying a lively, community-driven experience of competing and exchanging ideas with more than 31 million fellow investors worldwide.

Running from October 12 through November 20 (ET), the competition also introduces AI Companions for the first time, enabling participants to select from four different types of AI assistants —Steady Explorer, Sector Navigator, Short-term Sniper, and Quant Trader—based on their investing philosophies and strategies. Investors across the U.S., Canada, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore, Malaysia, and Hong Kong SAR can compete for a share of US$200,000 in trading coupons while gaining hands-on experience with professional investing resources.

Real Market, Real Edge with Nasdaq TotalView®

Reflecting the shared commitment of Moomoo and Nasdaq to investor education, all participants will receive one month of complimentary access to Nasdaq TotalView®, Nasdaq's comprehensive depth-of-book market data feed. By providing a more detailed view of displayed orders and market activity, TotalView® helps participants gain deeper market insights, better understand market dynamics, and assess their trading strategies using professional-grade market data.

Throughout the competition, participants will receive US$100,000 in virtual capital to trade U.S. stocks, ETFs, and options across pre-market, regular trading, and after-hours sessions. By testing their ideas against real market movements without putting real capital at risk, participants can explore different approaches, evaluate their strategies, and gain practical trading experience in a realistic market environment.

Introducing AI Companions: A New Dimension to Trading Research

This year's competition introduces an innovative feature -- AI Companions, adding a new layer of research support to the paper trading experience. Participants can choose from four AI assistants, each with a distinct focus: Steady Explorer for fundamental value and long-term growth, Sector Navigator for emerging sectors and key catalysts, Short-term Sniper for technical indicators and short-term price movements, and Quant Trader for quantitative models and algorithm trading.

Available around the clock, the AI Companions provide research support whenever market ideas strike — whether participants are examining an earnings-driven move, exploring a sector theme, analyzing a chart, or evaluating a trading thesis. Each assistant surfaces market information and analysis through its own lens, helping participants ask sharper questions, consider different perspectives, and bring greater structure to their research process. Combined with Nasdaq TotalView® and Moomoo's professional trading tools, the AI Companions create a more integrated environment for exploring investment ideas, testing strategies, and learning from real-market activity.

US$200,000 in Rewards and a Chance to Shine on the Nasdaq Tower in Times Square, Manhattan

Participants can compete for a share of US$200,000 in trading coupons, while standout performers can earn global recognition for their market insights and competition results. The top three global competitors, along with regional champions, will receive exclusive Moomoo x Nasdaq trophies; regional top-10 finishers will be awarded Moomoo x Nasdaq certificates.

Selected participants may also have the opportunity to appear on the Nasdaq Tower in New York's Times Square. Chosen based on their final competition performance and contributions to the Moomoo community, these participants could see their investing journeys and achievements celebrated on one of the world's most iconic digital billboards.

"Paper trading allows investors to put their ideas into practice, learn how markets respond, and refine their strategies without risking real capital," said Neil McDonald, CEO of Moomoo US. "This year's competition brings together Nasdaq's market data, Moomoo's professional trading tools, and AI-powered research support to give participants more ways to learn through experience. Whether they're exploring a new strategy or looking to strengthen their trading skills, we want to make professional investing resources more accessible."

The 3rd Global Paper Trading Competition is now live. For more information and to participate, visit here.

About Moomoo

Moomoo is a leading global investment and trading platform dedicated to empowering investors with user-friendly tools, data, and insights. Our platform is designed to provide essential information and technology, enabling users to make well-informed investment decisions. With advanced charting tools, pro-level analytical features, Moomoo evolves alongside our users, fostering a dynamic community where investors can share, learn, and grow together.

Founded in the US, Moomoo has expanded its global presence to serve investors across multiple markets, including Singapore, Australia, Japan, Canada, Malaysia, and New Zealand. As a subsidiary of a Nasdaq-listed company, Moomoo is trusted by more than 31 million investors worldwide and has earned recognition from leading financial institutions and publications for its innovation and reliability.

For more information, please visit Moomoo's official website at www.moomoo.com

CONTACT: [email protected]

*The Paper Trading feature in the Moomoo app is for educational purposes, enabling simulated trading with virtual funds using live market data. Any orders, returns, costs, and other aspects within Paper Trading are simulated. Virtual performance does not ensure success in a live trading environment.

Moomoo AI is an AI tool brought to you by Moomoo Technologies Inc. ("MTI"). The tool is powered by widely used, publicly available AI solutions. The tool's output should not be considered investment advice or a recommendation to buy or sell or hold a security and should not be used as the basis of any investment decision. MTI and its affiliates make no representations or warranties with respect to the accuracy, completeness, quality, or timeliness of Moomoo AI's output.

Cash rewards represent potential credits for eligible equity purchases in your Moomoo brokerage account and hold no other value. Investing involves risk and the potential to lose principal. Securities offered through Moomoo Financial Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC.

SOURCE Moomoo

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Douglas Police Department has launched an enhanced victim notification system to keep crime victims updated automatically as their cases move through investigation. The department built the system on Versaterm CommunityConnect, sending victims case information and status changes without requiring staff to manually track down and contact each victim individually. Department leadership describes the upgrade as enhanced specifically because it replaces a more manual, ad hoc process that previously depended on individual officers or victim advocates remembering to follow up, a process prone to delays and inconsistency as caseloads grew. Because the notifications generate automatically from existing case records, the department did not need to add staff or restructure its records workflow to support the new system, an efficiency point the department highlighted in announcing the launch. For a border community like Douglas, the system gives victims a consistent point of contact even when a case moves between agencies or across the jurisdictional lines that often come into play in a community adjacent to the U.S.-Mexico border.