National Grid Provides Winter Bill Forecast, Customer Assistance and Energy-Saving Resources for New York City and Long Island Customers

Thousands of National Grid employees work 24 hours a day, seven days a week to keep natural gas flowing through thousands of miles of pipes and homes warm across Downstate New York.

As winter approaches, National Grid is working to help customers manage energy costs and prepare for colder weather. Energy supply prices are set by the market, but National Grid helps limit volatility by storing natural gas and securing some supply at fixed prices ahead of time. The company does not increase energy supply costs. Customers pay the same price National Grid pays, with no additional markup.

Through National Grid's current Downstate New York rate plan, more than $290 million in bill discounts are available to help income-eligible and vulnerable customers manage energy costs. In 2025, more than 3,100 customers received $1.4 million in support through National Grid’s Care & Share and Hope & Warmth programs.

HEAP opens in November in New York. EAP Project Warmth on Long Island supports customers and Hope & Warmth supports NYC customers.

"Every day, our 11,000 employees work to deliver safe, reliable, and affordable energy to our 4.6 million customers. We know energy affordability is a primary concern for so many families and business we serve," said Interim National Grid New York President Matt Barnett. "National Grid is committed to providing our customers with bill assistance programs, payment options, and energy efficiency solutions, especially in the winter months when market-based gas supply prices can be most volatile. We want any customer who needs assistance to contact us to find a solution that works for them.”

WINTER OUTLOOK

National Grid is providing customers with an early look at expected winter heating supply costs so they can plan ahead and take advantage of available assistance and energy-saving programs.

Long Island

Based on current market conditions, National Grid’s residential natural gas customers in Long Island and the Rockaways who use an average of 720 therms during the November to March winter heating season are forecasted to pay about $1461, or $5 more than they paid last year for the same amount of energy.

Residential customers are projected to pay about $120 less for natural gas supply this winter as compared to last winter, and an increase of $125 for delivery of gas as a result of a rate proposal approved by the public service commission in 2024.

New York City

Based on forecasts available at the end of September and assuming typical winter weather conditions, a typical New York City residential natural gas customer using 720 therms is expected to pay about $1765 or $87 more than they paid last year for the same amount during the winter heating season from Nov. 1, 2026 through March 31, 2027 compared to last winter.

Residential customers are projected to pay about $124 less for Natural Gas supply this winter as compared to last winter, and an increase of $211 for delivery of gas as a result of the rate proposal approved by the Public Service Commission in 2024.

Several factors influence winter energy bills, including weather, customer energy use and energy supply prices.

Importantly, a customer's bill contains two primary components:

- Supply charges reflect the cost of natural gas purchased in wholesale energy markets. These charges on customer bills are exactly what National Grid pays, without markup.

- Delivery charges cover the cost of maintaining and operating the energy network that safely delivers natural gas to homes and businesses. This includes a dedicated 24/7 workforce, maintenance and repairs, storm response, and system upgrades.

Expected changes in winter bills are driven largely by projected natural gas supply costs and market conditions. Winter bill forecasts are estimates based on market information available at the end of September and assume normal winter weather. Individual bills will vary depending on temperatures, household energy use, and changing market conditions throughout the heating season.

According to a 2023 American Gas Association report, the annual residential energy bill for a typical single-family home using natural gas is approximately 53% lower than a comparable home using heating oil and 46% lower than a comparable home using propane.

In addition, according to a September 2026 American Gas Association Energy Affordability White Paper, households that use natural gas for heating, cooking and clothes drying save an average of $1,030 per year compared to homes relying on electricity for those same energy needs, underscoring natural gas's role as an affordable heating option for customers.

National Grid does not produce natural gas, does not set wholesale natural gas prices and does not profit from supply charges. The company passes supply costs directly to customers without markup. Supply prices are determined by energy market conditions and the cost charged by suppliers.

CUSTOMER ASSISTANCE

Customers can take steps before winter arrives to better manage energy costs:

- Enroll in the Budget Plan to spread costs more evenly throughout the year.

- Explore available payment assistance and bill discount programs.

- Schedule a home energy assessment and complete recommended efficiency improvements.

- Review energy-saving tips and lower household energy use.

Customers who are having difficulty with affording their energy bills are encouraged to contact National Grid as soon as possible. There are several assistance programs for income-eligible customers, including:

- Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP): Opens in November in New York and provides grants to help eligible customers pay heating bills. Grants do not need to be repaid. Customers can contact their local department of social services to learn more and apply.

- Enhanced Energy Affordability Program: Provides a monthly bill credit to customers who do not qualify for HEAP and have a household income at or below the state median income.

- National Grid’s Energy Affordability Program: Provides monthly gas and electric bill credits for eligible customers, including many customers who qualify for HEAP.

- NYSERDA's EmPower+ New York Income-Eligible Free Weatherization Program: Offers eligible customers free home energy assessments and energy-saving improvements such as insulation, efficient lighting and appliance upgrades.

- National Grid Care & Share Energy Fund (to open in February 2027 provides grants to help income-eligible National Grid customers pay heating bills. To qualify for a grant, you must be a National Grid customer whose household meets the income guidelines of the Home Energy Assistance Program (HEAP).

Additionally, the utility’s Help Paying Your Bill page lists information about Consumer Advocates, payment plans, grants, monthly bill credits, extra time to pay and protections for customers with serious medical needs. Customers can also call National Grid at 1-800-642-4272.

ADDITIONAL CUSTOMER SOLUTIONS

- The Budget Plan: open to all residential customers, spreads payments out more evenly across the year to help better manage energy costs.

- NYSERDA Home Energy Assessment: Available through NYSERDA, this provides a top-to-bottom look at where a home is wasting energy. Customers can complete a virtual Home Energy Assessment and receive a free Home Energy Plan, the first step in the energy efficiency journey. The company also encourages customers to take advantage of additional payment and billing options, including flexible payment agreements and special protections.

ENERGY SAVING TIPS

Heating a home is a significant energy cost and energy efficiency can lower bills while enhancing comfort. Simply put, when customers reduce energy usage, they save money. National Grid offers the following tips:

- For every 1 degree a thermostat is set back, customers may be able to save 1% to 3% on their annual heating costs.

- Turn down the thermostat every time you leave the house for two hours or more, and each night before you go to bed. It takes less energy to warm up a cool house than to maintain a warm temperature all day and night.

- Consider a smart thermostat as an inexpensive, easy way to maintain comfort and cut heating costs. When used properly, a smart thermostat can save 10% on heating and cooling costs annually by automating energy-saving adjustments you would otherwise make manually.

- Insulate the attic, walls, ceilings, and floors to prevent heat from escaping.

- Take advantage of the sun: Open drapes during the day to capture warmth and close them at night to prevent heat loss through windows.

- Seal holes and cracks where cold air can get in, especially in the attic and basement. Reducing drafts in a home may save 15% in heating and cooling costs annually.

- Remove window air conditioning units during the cold months to reduce drafts. If this is not possible, use foam insulation or weatherstripping to fill any gaps between the unit and the window frame. Cover the exterior of the window unit with waterproof, breathable AC cover designed to withstand winter conditions without trapping moisture.

- If you’re looking to replace an appliance, choose an energy efficient model and save anywhere from 10% to 50% in energy costs. For example, replacing a refrigerator that is older than 15 years with a more efficient refrigerator may save hundreds of dollars over the lifetime of the unit.

- Unplug electronic devices when they are not in use. While it may appear as if electronics are powered off, they may actually be in standby mode and still consuming electricity. Eliminating phantom electricity by unplugging home electronics can save up to 10% per year.

- Repairing or replacing leaky faucets can save $20 per month in lost water. A 100-watt incandescent bulb and 16.6-watt LED bulb each provide approximately 1,500 lumens of brightness.

The article explains what homeowners can consider when comparing agents, pricing strategies, marketing plans, communication, and approaches to handling offers.

GREECE, N.Y., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- What should you look for when choosing a listing agent? A HelloNation article featuring insights from Real Estate Expert Rick Visca of Visca Realty with Keller Williams GR in Greece, New York, provides the answer by explaining what homeowners can consider before selecting an agent to sell their home.

The article explains that local real estate experience can be an important starting point. An agent familiar with the area can discuss recent sales, current listings, and what buyers may expect locally. Sellers can also ask whether the agent has experience with similar properties, since different types of homes may attract different buyers.

According to the article, a home pricing strategy should rely on current market information. Recent sales, competing listings, location, and the home's condition can all help inform a suggested listing price. The article cautions sellers against choosing an agent only because that person recommends the highest price.

The article also encourages homeowners to examine an agent's real estate marketing plan. Since buyers often first see homes online, photos, accurate property information, and clear descriptions can be important. Some properties may also benefit from cleaning, simple repairs, or changes in furniture placement before photographs are taken.

Seller communication is another factor addressed in the article. Homeowners can ask how often an agent will provide updates and how information will be shared. Those updates may include showing activity, buyer comments, competing listings, and changes in local market conditions.

The article explains that offer negotiation involves more than comparing prices. Closing dates, inspection terms, financing needs, and other conditions may influence how sellers evaluate an offer. The final decision to accept, reject, or change an offer remains with the homeowner.

The home selling process may also bring unexpected developments, including inspection concerns, appraisal questions, financing issues, or changes to closing dates. The article notes that an agent should explain available choices clearly and keep homeowners informed as a transaction progresses.

Real Estate Expert Rick Visca advises homeowners to understand the listing agreement. Sellers can review the agreement's length, included services, fees, and terms for ending the agreement before making a commitment.

When choosing a listing agent, the article suggests that homeowners may benefit from speaking with more than one professional. Comparing approaches can provide a clearer picture of different ideas about preparation, marketing, pricing, and communication. Sellers can pay attention to whether each recommendation is supported by a clear explanation.

The HelloNation article also notes that an agent cannot guarantee exactly how quickly a home will sell or the final price a buyer will pay. Housing market conditions, buyer interest, and competing properties can influence the result. Instead, sellers can focus on an agent's knowledge, communication, and plan for managing the sale.

Choosing a listing agent ultimately involves understanding how that person approaches the entire transaction. The article explains that reviewing local experience, pricing, marketing, seller communication, and offer negotiation can help homeowners make decisions with better information throughout the home selling process.

How to Choose the Right Listing Agent to Sell Your Home features insights from Rick Visca, Real Estate Expert of Greece, New York, 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 publications and innovative "edvertising" approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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Stock Preachers News Commentary

VANCOUVER, BC, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Stocks skidded midweek as the Nasdaq Composite dropped 449 points, or 1.65%, to 26,755.24, pulling its weekly loss to 2.23%. The S&P 500 fell 1.10% on the day and 1.18% for the week, while the Russell 2000 tumbled 1.70% and now carries an RSI of just 28.3, signaling deeply oversold small caps. The Dow held up relatively better, down 0.29%. Gold slid 1.93%, silver dropped 5.81%, and WTI crude bucked the trend, rising 1.36% to $95.42 a barrel. Active Companies from around the markets with current developments this week include: RTX (NYSE: RTX), Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT), Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY), Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX: ATD), and IBM (NYSE: IBM).

The broad equity retreat left every major index in the red for the week, with the Nasdaq's 2.23% weekly slide the steepest among the four. The S&P 500 sits just above its 50-day simple moving average support of 7,707.03, while the Dow trades right around its 20-day SMA support near 51,489.97, leaving both indices on the edge of short-term technical floors.

Volatility ticked higher but remained contained, with the VIX up 0.95 points to 16.22 and the VXN rising to 21.14. Both gauges stayed within their recent weekly ranges, suggesting the selloff has not yet triggered panic-level hedging even as the Russell 2000's RSI of 28.3 points to small-cap stress running well ahead of the broader market's unease.

Commodities sent a mixed signal. WTI crude's 1.36% daily gain and 66.18% year-to-date advance stood in sharp contrast to gold's 1.93% drop and silver's 5.81% slide, the latter now down 20.54% year to date. The 10-year Treasury yield edged up 3 basis points to 5.25%, while the euro slipped 0.33% against the dollar.

The full report lays out the index-by-index support and resistance ladder, sector standouts, and what traders are watching into the back half of the week.

The markets are certainly in a see-saw this week, you can read more news on these companies and other sectors at: https://stockpreachers.com/articles/energy-and-pharma-hold-the-fort-as-tech-takes-it-on-the-chin/

In other industry developments and happenings in the market this week include:

RTX (NYSE: RTX) Raytheon, an RTX business, has secured a five-year contract with two additional option years, valued up to $6.3 billion, for the production and sustainment of Standard Missile-3 Block IB interceptors. The award is part of recent agreements between Raytheon and the Department of War supporting replenishment of missile defense inventory used in combat.

Production will be primarily completed at Raytheon facilities in Tucson, Arizona and Huntsville, Alabama. "This award underscores Raytheon's commitment to increasing production of critical munitions, ensuring our customers have the defensive capabilities they need, when they need them," said Raytheon President Phil Jasper. Read the release.

Lockheed Martin (NYSE: LMT) Lockheed Martin debuted its new PAC-3 Edge interceptor, designed to counter hypersonic and advanced missile threats as part of the U.S. Army's Future Interceptor program. The company will advance development and begin testing in 2027 to prepare for rapid deployment by 2031.

PAC-3 Edge features a Lockheed Martin-built seeker from its Strigo Product Center, which received a $250 million investment, along with a multi-pulse solid rocket motor designed by Northrop Grumman. "Lockheed Martin's PAC-3 Edge interceptor leverages the combat-proven PAC-3 MSE, delivering even greater maneuverability, power and velocity to ensure the Army's layered defensive architecture remains the most advanced in the world," said Tim Cahill, Lockheed Martin, Missiles and Fire Control president. Read the release.

Eli Lilly and Company (NYSE: LLY) Eli Lilly announced new exploratory data from the TOGETHER-PsO Phase 3b trial evaluating Taltz and Zepbound used together versus Taltz alone in adults with moderate-to-severe plaque psoriasis and obesity. By Week 36, the combination showed changes in 482 differentially expressed proteins versus 140 for Taltz alone, and 467 differentially expressed genes versus 16.

Approximately 61% of people with psoriasis also have obesity or overweight with at least one weight-related comorbidity, according to the release. "The broader biomarker changes observed with Taltz and Zepbound, including those associated with skin clearance, may point to a meaningful relationship between immune and metabolic biology," said Mark Genovese, M.D., senior vice president of Lilly Immunology development. Read the release.

Alimentation Couche-Tard Inc. (TSX: ATD) Alimentation Couche-Tard entered a definitive agreement with Irving Oil to acquire retail assets in Quebec and Ontario, including 50 retail sites already operated under the Quebec Alliance, two sites in Pembroke and Cornwall, Ontario, and fuel supply to 71 Couche-Tard owned and operated sites in Quebec.

The deal also covers 18 cardlock sites, 16 in Quebec and two in Ontario, with existing Irving Oil fleet customers continuing to be served under a long-term agreement. "This agreement builds on our longstanding relationship with Irving Oil and our experience operating these locations," said Stephane Trudel, Senior Vice President of Operations at Alimentation Couche-Tard. The transaction is subject to customary closing conditions and regulatory approvals, including under the Competition Act. Read the release.

IBM (NYSE: IBM) IBM announced it has been selected for Stage C, the third phase of DARPA's Quantum Benchmarking Initiative, advancing it through an independent verification process testing quantum hardware, systems engineering and architectures toward building a fault-tolerant quantum computer.

DARPA launched the initiative in 2024 to determine whether an industrially useful fault-tolerant quantum computer can be built by 2033. "IBM expects to deliver the first fault-tolerant system in 2029, and we plan to scale the value of quantum computing well beyond that timeline," said Jay Gambetta, Director of IBM Research and IBM Fellow. Read the release.

DISCLAIMER: Nothing in this article should be considered as personalized financial advice. We are not licensed under securities laws to address your particular financial situation. No communication by our employees to you should be deemed as personalized financial advice. Please consult a licensed financial advisor before making any investment decision. This is a market commentary and is not a paid advertisement. This article is being distributed by Stock Preachers, which is wholly owned and operated by Market Equities Limited ("MEL"), a company incorporated under the laws of Ireland. This is an independent market commentary published on a non-paid basis. MEL has not been paid any fee by any company mentioned in this article for its production or distribution, and MEL has no advertising or digital media agreement with any company mentioned in this article. The companies mentioned have not reviewed or approved this article. Market Equities and its owners, operators, directors, and affiliates may, from time to time, hold positions in securities mentioned in this article or in the broad-market index funds that track them, and reserve the right to buy, sell, or hold such securities at any time without further notice. Information in this article was obtained from sources believed to be reliable, including company news releases and public market data, but its accuracy cannot be guaranteed. Market data is as of the time stated and may be delayed. Portions of this commentary were produced with the assistance of automated tools from that data and reviewed against it. Investing in securities involves risk, including the possible loss of some or all of your investment. Technical analysis describes past price and volume behavior and does not predict future results; support and resistance levels can fail at any time. References to the companies named in this article are provided solely as market and sector context and as summaries of each company's own public news releases. No partnership, affiliation, or endorsement is implied, and nothing in this article is a recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any security. Quotations attributed to company executives are reproduced from those companies' own news releases. Forward-Looking Statements: This article may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933 and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, including statements made by the companies mentioned in their own news releases. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, and actual results may differ materially. Readers should review each company's filings with the SEC and applicable Canadian securities regulators. Eagle Eye is an investor signal-intelligence platform affiliated with the publisher of this article. Eagle Eye is not a broker-dealer, and nothing it provides is investment advice. Data may be delayed. Always do your own research.

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WALTHAM, Mass., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beacon Interactive Systems announced today that CEO and Co-founder ML Mackey has been named to the newly formed Massachusetts Small Business Development Center (MSBDC) Statewide Advisory Council.

The council is comprised of business, government, economic development and community leaders helping to guide the MSBDC's work with entrepreneurs and growing businesses across the Commonwealth. Established as part of the organization's five-year strategic plan, the council will advise MSBDC leadership on the emerging needs of small businesses, opportunities for collaboration and programs that support industry growth.

"Massachusetts has an extraordinary community of entrepreneurs, but turning a promising idea into a sustainable business takes more than ingenuity," said Mackey. "It takes access to the right guidance, connections and opportunities at each stage of growth. I've seen what small businesses can accomplish when those pieces come together, especially when new technologies move beyond the prototype and into real-world use. I'm excited to work with the MSBDC and my fellow council members to help more entrepreneurs make that journey."

As Beacon's CEO, Mackey has championed the utility of small business innovation and its power to transition cutting edge technologies into operational use. She serves on the Executive Committee of the National Defense Industrial Association Board, is a past Chair of the National Small Business Association, a past member of the Small Business Administration's Invention and Innovation Advisory Committee and the National Academies of Sciences Army Science & Technology Roundtable.

Beacon is a U.S. digital innovator accelerating the transition of technology impact into tactical advantage for the Department of War, its partners and allies. Beacon has combined commercial-sector expertise, deep defense knowledge and an end-user driven approach to develop and deploy mission-proven digital solutions to increase readiness, operational capacity and command visibility at scale. Today, Beacon's products are deployed on over 250 U.S. Navy vessels and across 19 ship classes. By delivering technology with an instinct for warfighter needs and the real-time insight needed to make informed decisions, Beacon helps defense organizations transition innovation into mission impact.

Media Contact: [email protected]

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ATS Energy Secures New Investment to Accelerate Commercial Deployment and Meet Growing Demand for Waste-Heat Power Technology

Following rapid expansion of its customer pipeline and growing market demand, the Earthshot Prize winner is advancing manufacturing and preparing its first commercial Solid-State Generator for deployment in 2027.

LOVELAND, Colo., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ATS Energy, developer of breakthrough technology that converts industrial waste heat directly into electricity, today announced the closing of a new financing round to advance commercial production of its Solid-State Generator (SSG) technology.

ATS has demonstrated its technology, developed a significant commercial pipeline, and expanded its leadership and operational capabilities. The company is now building the production capabilities required to deliver on that pipeline, and this investment enables the transition.

The new capital will support production of ATS's proprietary thermoelectric cartridges, a core component of its Solid-State Generators, and completion of its first commercial unit, targeted for deployment by mid-2027. The financing will shorten the time required to produce and deliver subsequent installations as customer demand grows.

From Breakthrough Technology to Commercial Production

Industrial facilities generate enormous quantities of waste heat, much of which is released into the environment without producing additional value. ATS has developed a solid-state technology that converts this otherwise wasted thermal energy directly into usable electricity without turbines or moving parts.

The company's next phase centers on translating that innovation into commercial production.

"We have spent years building a proven track record of breakthrough technology," said Doug Hudson, Chief Executive Officer of ATS Energy. "What has developed over the past year is that markets are moving toward ATS Energy. We've moved well beyond early interest to commercial commitments, active proposals and a pipeline that continues to expand across multiple industrial sectors. That puts us in a tremendous position to meet the moment in delivering energy to industry. This investment responds to real commercial opportunity, and it positions ATS Energy to scale production, meet customer demand faster, and drive commercial deployments."

Building a Capital-Efficient Manufacturing Operation

Rather than investing heavily in its own manufacturing facilities, ATS is developing a production model supported by specialized contract-manufacturing partners. The strategy is designed to leverage established manufacturing capabilities, limit capital expenditures and provide a scalable foundation for future production.

ATS has also strengthened its technical and commercial leadership, including the addition of Chief Technology Officer Edward Ganja to help guide the company's transition to commercial manufacturing.

Together, these investments support ATS's objective of deploying its first commercial generator and beginning revenue-generating operations in 2027, while developing the production capabilities needed to support additional customer installations.

"We are scaling manufacturing with the discipline required for commercial-grade industrial deployment moving beyond proof-of-concept to deliver mission-critical equipment," said Terry Hill, Chief Operating Officer of ATS Energy. "We've been building the supply chain, identifying the right manufacturing partners and putting the processes in place to move toward repeatable production. By leveraging contract manufacturing, we can focus our capital on the technology, the product and our customers rather than building factories. Just as importantly, we're working to reduce the time between installations so we can respond to the demand we're seeing in the market."

Building on Rapid Commercial Momentum

Since completing its initial friends-and-family financing in 2025, ATS Energy has experienced a rapid acceleration in market interest, moving from early commercial development toward building a substantial pipeline of opportunities across energy-intensive industries.

That momentum has created an opportunity to accelerate the company's commercialization timeline. Rather than waiting for demand to mature, ATS is now moving to scale commercialization to meet growing energy demands.

For ATS, this investment represents more than additional capital. It marks a shift from developing a breakthrough technology to building a business positioned to deliver it at commercial scale.

Building on Global Recognition

ATS was awarded the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the Fix Our Climate category, recognizing the potential of its technology to address one of industry's largest sources of wasted energy. The company has been building recognition within the global energy community, including receiving second place in the Innovations for Traditional Energy, Electricity & the Grid category at the 2026 Energy Venture Day and Pitch Competition during CERAWeek. As industrial operators seek greater energy efficiency, reliable on-site power and lower operating costs, ATS is working to establish waste-heat-to-electricity conversion as a new source of industrial power.

About ATS Energy

Headquartered in Loveland, Colorado, ATS Energy develops solid-state power generation technology that converts industrial waste heat directly into usable electricity without moving parts. Its proprietary thermoelectric cartridges and modular Solid-State Generators are designed to help energy-intensive industries recover otherwise wasted energy, reduce operating costs and improve energy efficiency. ATS was awarded the 2024 Earthshot Prize in the Fix Our Climate category.

Learn more at www.ats.energy.

Media Contact: Liz Deets

Director of Public Relations

Field First Communications

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720-413-6224

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ARMOR-FLEX* Sterilization Wrap, now available in the Halyard® product portfolio, was developed in-house to help prevent sterility breaches that can potentially compromise patient safety and lead to delays in the operating room

Patent-pending ASSURE-DRY* technology and proprietary manufacturing techniques make ARMOR-FLEX* stronger, more flexible and bacteria resistant than traditional sterilization wrap products

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Owens & Minor today announced the launch of ARMOR-FLEX* Sterilization Wrap, the newest addition to its Halyard® product portfolio. Developed in-house and made in America by Owens & Minor, ARMOR-FLEX* is stronger, more flexible and more bacteria-resistant than traditional heavyweight sterilization wraps, helping to deliver greater strength, flexibility and bacterial resistance without adding weight.

Maintaining a sterile operating room environment is critical to infection prevention and patient outcomes, and can be affected by events that happen long before a surgical procedure begins.1, 2 Surgical instruments must remain sterile from the point of sterilization to the operating table, making the sterile wrap that protects them during transfer a vital barrier against contamination. Although many heavyweight wraps rely on bulk for protection, the additional weight can also make them more difficult to work with, slower to dry and more prone to incidents that may impact sterility. ARMOR-FLEX* takes a different approach, using patent-pending ASSURE-DRY* moisture management technology and proprietary manufacturing techniques to support clinicians while offering better protection for the patient.

"For Owens & Minor, being a good healthcare partner means developing unique solutions that address the real-world needs of the clinicians and better support their ability to provide patient care," said Dirk Benson, executive vice president and chief commercial officer, Owens & Minor. "With ARMOR-FLEX*, we've gone further by engineering an innovative product that delivers not just what our customers need, but what they want: a heavyweight sterilization wrap that doesn't compromise on safety, performance or ease of use."

ARMOR-FLEX* builds on nearly 50 years of operating room innovation, starting with the introduction of the first SMS single-use sterilization wrap in 1978. Developed in- house by Owens & Minor using patent-pending technology and manufacturing processes, ARMOR-FLEX* is made in America in Lexington, N.C. To learn more about ARMOR-FLEX* and the Halyard product portfolio, please visit HalyardHealth.com/ARMOR-FLEX*.

On December 31, 2025, Owens & Minor announced a new chapter in its long and storied history: the medical distribution, products and technology services business, formerly referred to as Products & Healthcare Services (P&HS), is now part of the Platinum Equity portfolio. The company continues to operate as a private standalone company under the Owens & Minor name, carrying on the legacy of excellence and service the company has long been known for.

About Owens & Minor

Owens & Minor is a global healthcare solutions company providing essential products, services and technology solutions that support care delivery in leading hospitals, health systems and research centers around the world. For over 140 years, Owens & Minor has delivered comfort and confidence behind the scenes so healthcare stays at the forefront, helping to make each day better for the hospitals, healthcare partners, and communities we serve. Powered by more than 14,000 teammates worldwide, Owens & Minor exists because every day, everywhere, Life Takes Care®.

*Registered Trademark or Trademark of O&M Halyard or its affiliates.

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Stacy Law

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1 Back to Basics: Sterile Technique. AORN Journal, Volume 105, Issue 5. May 2017. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0001209217302193.

2 A Day in the Life of a Surgical Instrument: The Cycle of Sterilization. Annals of Surgery Open, February 2024. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC11175864/. 

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The investment builds on years of Australian client work, bringing Keystone's global expertise in technology, economics and business strategy closer to Australia's major corporations and law firms navigating AI transformation and changing competition.

SYDNEY, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Keystone, a global advisory firm that guides the most critical technology and science-based platforms and ecosystems, today announced a permanent office in Sydney, expanding its global presence and long-standing commitment to Australia.

The investment responds to growing demand for advice on AI-driven business transformation and complex competition, legal and regulatory matters. Keystone's integrated global team already works regularly with Australian businesses and law firms. The Sydney office, the firm's second in Asia-Pacific following its recent launch in Bengaluru, will strengthen those relationships and support further growth.

The Australian operation opens with around a dozen employees combining local hires with secondees from Keystone's established offices in the United States and the United Kingdom. Keystone aims to roughly triple the team within two years.

"We are investing in Australia because the questions our clients face here increasingly demand technology, economics and strategy expertise in the same room," said Jeff Marowits, Keystone CEO. "AI decisions are becoming decisions about business models, competitive advantage and regulatory exposure. After years of working with Australian clients and government regulators through our integrated global team, we are building a permanent local presence and investing in the talent to support the next phase of that work."

Since its founding in 2003, Keystone has studied how technology ecosystems develop, how digital platforms compete and how transformative innovations change markets. Its economists, technologists and strategists work together with an Expert Field of the world's leading academics and industry leaders to understand how technology operates and assess its commercial, economic and legal consequences.

Keystone will build on its long-standing experience in Australia, which includes being retained by Epic Games in its litigation against Google, drawing on the firm's expertise in technology, mobile ecosystems and competition.

The firm's Strategic Advisory AI Navigator practice, guided by Harvard Business School Professors Karim Lakhani and Marco Iansiti, also works with major Australian firms. Growing AI-related enquiries and projects, including interest from major financial services institutions, are contributing to the expansion. Keystone's September acquisition of Zero Gravitas adds hands-on executive AI education and capability development to AI Navigator, helping CEOs and boards build the practical understanding needed to lead AI transformation.

"Australian businesses have access to the same core AI tools as their global competitors, but access alone will not create a competitive advantage," Marowits said. "AI can put capabilities once reserved for technical resources in the hands of every employee within a firm. With the right strategy and alignment, AI can strengthen businesses with valuable data, distribution and customer relationships. CEOs and Boards of Directors are focused on understanding which of these advantages will endure, which ones could disappear and where to invest. Those decisions will determine the winners and losers."

Keystone has also appointed Dr. Lilla Csorgo as Partner and Senior Economic Advisor in its Sydney office. Csorgo previously served as Chief Economist of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, Chief Economist at the Canadian Competition Bureau and a Lay Member of the High Court of New Zealand. Her appointment strengthens Keystone's competition economics and regulatory expertise in the region.

Keystone's founding Expert Field in Australia also includes Joshua Gans, Professor of Strategic Management and holder of the Jeffrey S. Skoll Chair of Technical Innovation and Entrepreneurship at the University of Toronto's Rotman School of Management. Until 2011, Gans was an economics professor at Melbourne Business School in Australia. His work connects AI, economics and business strategy, complementing the firm's technical and competition capabilities.

Csorgo and Gans will be joined in Australia by Keystone Senior Partner Michael Cragg. Cragg is an economist focusing on strategy, antitrust, damages, finance and valuation disputes.

Through its Sydney office, Keystone will support Australian clients across AI strategy and implementation, governance and safety, economic analysis, investigations and litigation. This combination helps organisations assess both the opportunities created by technology and the competitive and regulatory consequences of their decisions.

The office will be located at Level 35, 1 Elizabeth Street, Sydney NSW 2000, and will open on Thursday 15 October 2026.

About Keystone

Keystone is a global advisory firm that guides the most critical technology and science-based platforms and ecosystems. We bring together technologists, economists, and strategists to tackle the highest-stakes questions of competition and disruption. For more than two decades, Keystone has helped CEOs, CLOs, and Boards navigate their most consequential decisions across technology, legal, and government arenas. Founded in 2003, Keystone operates worldwide with offices in New York, San Francisco, Boston, Seattle, Washington, D.C., London, Dubai, Sydney, and Bengaluru. For more information, visit keystone.com.

Contact: [email protected]

SOURCE Keystone

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Doximity, Inc. (DOCS) Shareholders Who Lost Money Have Opportunity to Lead Securities Fraud Lawsuit

BENSALEM TOWNSHIP, Pa., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Law Offices of Howard G. Smith announces that investors with substantial losses have opportunity to lead the securities fraud class action lawsuit against Doximity, Inc.

IF YOU ARE AN INVESTOR WHO SUFFERED A LOSS IN DOXIMITY, INC. (DOCS), CONTACT THE LAW OFFICES OF HOWARD G. SMITH BEFORE NOVEMBER 16, 2026 (LEAD PLAINTIFF DEADLINE) TO PARTICIPATE IN THE ONGOING SECURITIES FRAUD LAWSUIT.

Contact the Law Offices of Howard G. Smith to discuss your legal rights by email at [email protected], by telephone at (215) 638-4847 or visit our website at www.howardsmithlaw.com.

What Is The Lawsuit About?

The complaint filed in this class action alleges that between August 8, 2024 and May 13, 2026, Defendants made materially false and/or misleading statements, as well as failed to disclose material adverse facts about the Company's business, operations, and prospects. Specifically, Defendants failed to disclose to investors that: (1) Doximity overstated the impact that its Newsfeed had on its revenue growth; (2) the Company was losing market share to its competitors with more favorable pricing and engagement models; (3) the Company was using banner ads and e-newsletters instead of deep engagement tactics; and (4) that, as a result of the foregoing, Defendants' positive statements about the Company's business, operations, and prospects were materially misleading and/or lacked a reasonable basis.

Contact Us To Participate or Learn More:

If you wish to learn more about this class action, or if you have any questions concerning this announcement or your rights or interests with respect to the pending class action lawsuit, please contact:

Howard G. Smith, Esq.,

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith,

3070 Bristol Pike, Suite 112,

Bensalem, Pennsylvania 19020,

Call us at: (215) 638-4847

Email us at: [email protected],

Visit our website at: www.howardsmithlaw.com.

To be a member of the class action you need not take any action at this time; you may retain counsel of your choice or take no action and remain an absent member of the class action.

This press release may be considered Attorney Advertising in some jurisdictions under the applicable law and ethical rules.

Contact Us:

Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

Howard G. Smith, Esquire

215-638-4847

[email protected]

www.howardsmithlaw.com

SOURCE Law Offices of Howard G. Smith

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Field Science grants support immersive education experiences built to engage middle and high school students using national parks as living classrooms and laboratories

WASHINGTON, Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The National Park Foundation (NPF) is excited to announce that it has awarded more than $1 million in grants to support over 20 projects that will provide immersive science learning experiences for middle and high school students in parks across the country. NPF's Field Science program encourages students to strengthen critical thinking skills, deepen their understanding of STEM concepts, and put what they learn in the classroom into practice through classroom-aligned engagements, extended in-park experiences, out-of-school-time programs, and community involvement opportunities.

Developed in collaboration with parks, local schools, community centers, and science education programs, these projects encourage students to explore their environment, take a participatory role in science, and become park stewards. From observing and documenting local wildlife to conducting fieldwork alongside park scientists, these community-science projects and experiences give students opportunities to learn and apply science, technology, engineering, and mathematics skills while building meaningful connections to parks.

Examples of projects funded for the 2026-27 school year include:

- Conservancy for Cuyahoga Valley National Park will expand its educational programming at Cuyahoga Valley National Park, encouraging students to explore the natural world through nature journaling and share what they discover through a gallery exhibit at their school.

- Ecologik Institute will connect students to Cabrillo National Monument to conduct fieldwork alongside park staff, contribute to habitat restoration projects, analyze data with scientist-mentors, and help develop solutions to challenges facing the park.

- Glacier Peak Institute will engage high school students at North Cascades National Park in a multi-part investigation of wildfire and the carbon cycle, combining classroom learning and field research to explore forest ecosystems and evaluate wildfire management strategies.

- Arizona Deserts National Parks Partnership will lead a collaborative effort to connect local middle and high school students to Chiricahua National Monument, Coronado National Memorial, and Fort Bowie National Historic Site. Up to 10 teachers will be trained to design and implement student-led, inquiry-based learning experiences and then conduct classroom sessions, distance learning, and visits to one or more participating parks with park staff and community partners.

- Oakland Unified School District will engage 6th-12th grade students at Point Reyes National Seashore through day trips and overnight excursions that build environmental literacy and scientific inquiry skills. These experiences are part of a broader, district-embedded model that ensures students engage in outdoor learning across multiple public lands and park systems throughout each grade level and over the course of their academic journey, building familiarity, confidence, and a lasting connection to nature year after year.

- Tule Springs Fossil Beds National Monument will invite high schoolers in the Las Vegas Valley to join National Park Service paleontologists, research geologists from the U.S. Geological Survey, and a selection of undergraduate students in the field as they work together to carefully excavate fossils, prepare them for safe transport, and collect important contextual information from the surrounding sediments.

View the full list of this year's grantees here.

Notably, these projects are intended to encourage students — whether they've previously visited the park or not — to explore the environment in a new way, connect more deeply with scientific tools and content, and explore unique career paths. Connecting students with new experiences and career paths can broaden their sense of what is possible while bringing parks, educators, and community partners together around shared goals.

"The opportunities for learning in national parks are as varied as the parks themselves. These projects give middle and high schoolers the opportunity not just to ask questions, but to take part in the meaningful work that helps us all understand these special places better," said NPF Chief Program Officer Mike Reynolds. "By investing in these experiences, we're helping students see that careers in science and conservation can be paths they can pursue for themselves."

NPF is proud to continue this work nationwide, made possible through the generous support of partners and donors, including Randi and Bob Fisher, American Airlines, Nature Valley, and many other supporters.

ABOUT THE NATIONAL PARK FOUNDATION

The National Park Foundation is the nation's most trusted way for people to support America's national parks. We work with the National Park Service and partners across the country to fund priority projects that keep parks strong, relevant, and accessible. This work helps ensure parks continue to inspire pride across the country and offer experiences that create meaningful connection. In 2025, NPF funded $100 million in on-the-ground priority projects nationwide, made possible through the generosity of donors, to advance critical work, including infrastructure, restoration, education, and access, ensuring parks continue to endure for generations to come. Learn more at nationalparks.org and follow NPF on Instagram, Facebook, X, LinkedIn, and TikTok.

Editor's note: For press interested in learning more about a Field Science project or scheduling a field visit, please contact the National Park Foundation media team at [email protected]

SOURCE National Park Foundation

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Casio's smart companion gets its first new color, arriving in the U.S. in time for the holidays

JERSEY CITY, N.J., Oct. 14, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Casio America, Inc. launched Pink Moflin (PE-M11PK), the first new color for its furry smart companion. Pink Moflin joins the original gold and silver models and is available now at casio.com/us/moflin.

The Pink Moflin was inspired directly by its fans. Following Moflin's debut in Japan in November 2024, the most frequent request from owners was for a pink version. In response, Casio Japan introduced Sakura Pink on September 4, 2026.. The soft pink color was selected to evoke feelings of comfort, warmth, and calm, reflecting the emotional support and companionship Moflin is designed to provide.

"Ever since Moflin launched, pink is the color owners have asked for most," said Brian Piccolo, General Manager of Sound & Innovation at Casio America. "Cozy culture is about soothing colors and soft materials. Pink suits that perfectly. We're glad to bring it to owners here in the United States."

Same Moflin, new look

Pink Moflin has the same personality capabilities as every Moflin. Its emotional algorithm can develop more than 4 million possible personality combinations, shaped by how its owner pets, holds and talks to it. Over its first 50 days, a Moflin learns the sound of its owner's voice, grows more expressive, and starts to show attachment. No two end up exactly alike.

Moflin suits people who love animals but can't keep a pet, including renters, frequent travelers and people with pet allergies. Since launch, Moflin has surpassed 20,000 units sold in Japan.

Key details:

- Size and weight: About 5.1 × 3.5 × 7.1 inches and 9.2 ounces

- Battery: Built-in lithium-ion (3.7V, 1200mAh) with up to 5 hours of use. Time to full charge is about 3.5 hours in its included bed

- Sensors: Touch, sound, light, accelerometer and gyroscope sensors to interpret interactions

- Privacy: Moflin does not understand or record speech. Voice features are converted to non-identifiable data and stored on the device.

- MofLife app: Owners can check their Moflin's mood, name it, review a daily journal, and adjust volume on iOS and Android.

- In the box: Moflin, charging bed, USB AC adapter, USB-C cable (for bed), and quick start guide, with a one-year warranty

Pricing and availability

Pink Moflin (PE-M11PK) is available starting October 1, 2026, for $429 at casio.com/us/moflin.

ABOUT MOFLIN

Moflin is the smart companion from CASIO that delivers emotional comfort and companionship like a living creature, designed to support, reassure, and grow with owners through life's everyday moments. Without any social pressure, each Moflin develops its own personality from over four million combinations by responding to touch, movement, light, and its owner's voice with its own sounds and behaviors. To learn more, visit casio.com/us/moflin.

FOR MEDIA INQUIRIES, CONTACT:

David Shaw / Ailyn Robles

CASIO AMERICA, INC.

[email protected]

SOURCE Casio America, Inc.

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