Recognition honors Nice's role in building one of the nation's fastest-growing accounting firms

CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Archer Lewis today announced that CEO Jake Nice has been named to Crain's Chicago Business 40 Under 40 class of 2026, the publication's annual list of Chicago-area leaders under age 40.

Nice has led Archer Lewis since it was established in 2024. In that time, the firm has brought together 42 accounting firms from across the country under one brand, with specialties in tax, attest and client accounting services. Archer Lewis is now a top 70 firm in the U.S. with more than 600 team members serving 63,000 clients, and it ranked No. 7 on Accounting Today's list of the fastest-growing firms. Crain's highlighted Nice's work leading that growth.

"I'm honored, and I want to share this with everyone at Archer Lewis," said Nice. "We asked a lot of people to join something that didn't exist yet, and they said yes and then did the work. I've always believed you learn more by doing something than by waiting for the perfect answer. We're going to keep moving, and keep investing in our tools and our people so our teams can spend less time on busywork and more time helping clients."

Before Archer Lewis, Nice Co-Founded StoicLane in 2021, a Private Holding Company focused on building businesses in the finance, insurance, and real estate services industries where he has served as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to founding StoicLane, Jake was a Principal at Nationwide Ventures, the corporate venture capital arm of Nationwide, where he led direct investments in financial and insurance technology companies. Earlier, he was an early employee at Avant, where he led customer acquisition across channels like direct mail, TV and radio. He began his career as an investment banking analyst in the Leveraged Finance Group at BMO Capital Markets in New York City. Nice holds a BBA in Finance from Villanova University and lives in Chicago.

Read Nice's full profile in Crain's Chicago Business at https://www.chicagobusiness.com/reprints/40-under-40-2026-jake-nice/

About Archer Lewis

Archer Lewis is a Chicago-based national accounting firm established in 2024. With more than 600 team members serving 63,000 clients, the firm offers tax, attest and client accounting services to individuals, small and medium-sized businesses, and their owners. Archer Lewis delivers national firm capabilities directly to clients at the local level. Learn more at www.archerlewis.com

Media Contact

Kyle Smallegan

[email protected] | 312-625-8411

SOURCE Archer Lewis

Share this article

The 30-room, adults-only property pairs upscale stays, a rooftop bar and a restaurant that turns nightclub three nights a week, without ultra-luxury pricing.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Grand Resorts opens this November in Manuel Antonio with 30 rooms built for men who love men on Costa Rica's central Pacific coast. The idea is simple: upscale stays without ultra-luxury rates, in a beach town that has welcomed LGBTQ+ travelers for decades. Reservations are open now at royalgrandresorts.com.

"You should be thinking about who you want to meet, not whether you can be yourself," said Wayne Taylor, COO of Royal Grand Resorts. "[Gay travelers are some of the most loyal guests in hospitality, and most hotels still treat us as an afterthought. We built Royal Grand for the guy who wants a great room, a great pool and a great night out, without paying ultra-luxury prices for it.]"

Days center on the clothing-optional pool, with a swim-up bar, a hot tub and a lounge with its own full-service bar. The rooftop bar has a second hot tub for sunset drinks. A steam room, sauna and third hot tub give guests somewhere quieter away from the main deck. Breakfast is included every morning.

The beach is a 3 minute walk away. At Playa Espadilla, the resort sets guests up in the gay section of the beach with chairs, towels, drinks and picnic lunches included.

At night, everything moves to Mango Tango Restaurant and Lounge: 14 tables and a 10-seat bar cut from a single live-edge slab, serving seafood, steakhouse cuts and international dishes built on local ingredients. Thursday through Saturday at 11 p.m., the tables clear and a DJ plays until 2 a.m. Dinner and the dance floor are in the same room, so nobody needs a cab home.

Rooms come in five categories, from the 290-square-foot Royal Queen Room to the 527-square-foot Royal Grand Suite, each with a private balcony, individually controlled air conditioning, robes, slippers, a mini fridge, a safe and a coffee maker.

Manuel Antonio National Park sits less than a mile from the property. The resort's staff, known as the Royal Boys, book guided rainforest hikes, zip-lining, white water rafting, snorkeling, horseback riding, ATV tours to waterfalls and sunset cruises. Getting there is easy: a 30-minute flight from San José to Quepos, then a short transfer.

About Royal Grand Resorts

Royal Grand Resorts is a 30-room, adults-only resort in Manuel Antonio, Costa Rica, built for gay men and offering upscale stays without ultra-luxury pricing. Founded by Stanley Kania, the resort includes a clothing-optional pool, rooftop bar, on-site restaurant and nightclub, daily breakfast, beach service and guided excursions. Royal Grand Resorts is a member of the International LGBTQ+ Travel Association (IGLTA). Learn more at royalgrandresorts.com and on Instagram at @royalgrandresorts

SOURCE Royal Grand Resorts

Share this article

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Synera Funds today announced the launch of the Synera Funds Takumi+ ETF (Ticker: SMTJ) on the NYSE Arca, providing investors with access to a differentiated, actively-managed Japanese equities-focused strategy in ETF format.

SMTJ seeks capital appreciation through a foundational approach that utilizes investment theme screening with fundamentally-driven bottom-up Japanese equity selection. With the goal of strengthening the overall return stream and reducing volatility, the fund provides an additional layer of a systematic futures overlay aiming to generate complementary, uncorrelated returns and downside risk mitigation across global markets and asset classes, without any additional capital allocation.

Synera Funds believes that Japan is undergoing a structural shift toward higher nominal growth, improved capital efficiency and more disciplined corporate governance. Companies are increasingly focused on Return on Equity, balance-sheet optimization and shareholder returns, while rising wages and a normalization of inflation are supporting domestic demand. Combined with attractive relative valuations across segments of the market and Japan's global leadership in automation, technology and advanced manufacturing, Synera Funds believes that these dynamics create a differentiated opportunity for investors seeking long-term investment opportunities while adding diversification to global equity portfolios.

"We believe this partnership represents an important opportunity to bring SuMi TRUST's Japanese equity expertise to a broader base of U.S. investors. Millburn's experience in systematic investing and Twin Oak's expertise in delivering differentiated strategies through the ETF structure make them strong partners in bringing this vision to market. We are excited to offer investors a new way to access Japanese equities through a transparent, efficient and thoughtfully constructed investment solution," said Yusuke Karube, President and CEO of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Americas, Inc.

The ETF brings together the complementary expertise of three investment and product specialists. Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Americas, Inc. serves as Model Sub-Adviser for the Japanese Equity strategy, providing SuMi TRUST's fundamental expertise in Japanese equities. Millburn Ridgefield LLC serves as Investment Adviser, supervising the entire portfolio and managing the systematic futures overlay strategy. Twin Oak ETF Company serves as the ETF's organizer, as well as an operations and distribution partner, focused on bringing differentiated, actively managed investment strategies to U.S. investors, including the Synera Funds Takumi+ ETF. Together, these capabilities provide a differentiated and innovative investment solution within a single ETF.

"SuMi TRUST has what Millburn saw as an impressive and differentiated history in the Japanese equity market. Our research shows that Millburn's systematic managed futures approach, which we have been running and refining for more than 55 years, complements this strategy and offers the potential for risk mitigation, including lower volatility and the chance to profit when equity strategies come under periodic pressure. We are excited to bring this hybrid approach to the market in an integrated ETF, and believe it offers advantages for investors over Japan-focused strategies currently in the market. Further, we believe it is an excellent entry point for Millburn as an investment manager in the ETF space," said Barry Goodman, co-CEO and Executive Director of Trading, Millburn Ridgefield LLC.

"Active ETFs are becoming an increasingly important vehicle for active management, giving investors access to differentiated strategies in a transparent and tax-efficient structure. We see a clear need for innovative Japan equity solutions in the U.S. market, and are excited to partner with Millburn and SuMi TRUST to bring SMTJ to investors. Their complementary investment capabilities, combined with our expertise in developing and distributing actively managed ETFs, create a differentiated solution designed to meet evolving investor needs," said Zach Wainwright, Founder and CEO of Twin Oak ETF Company.

The Synera Funds Takumi+ ETF is a series of The RBB Fund Trust, an SEC-registered investment company structured as a regulated investment company (RIC). The ETF is actively managed and provides investors with continuous liquidity during hours the markets are open through its exchange listing. SMTJ has a gross expense ratio of 2.01% and net expense ratio of 0.86% after waivers.

*Note: To achieve this result, the ETF's adviser has contractually agreed to waive management fees and/or pay fund expenses until at least December 31, 2027.

About Synera Funds

Synera Funds is focused on developing investment solutions designed to provide investors with differentiated access to global investment opportunities. Through active management, fundamental research and systematic investment strategies, Synera Funds seeks to offer investment solutions designed for today's evolving market environment.

For more information about the Synera Funds Takumi+ ETF, including the Fund's prospectus and daily portfolio holdings, visit www.synerafunds.com.

About Millburn Ridgefield LLC

Millburn Ridgefield LLC is a leader in systematic managed futures and an innovator in the development of hybrid strategies. The firm has a legacy in managed futures and quantitative strategies dating back more than five decades, and currently manages more than $14 billion, as of October 1, 2026, in assets on behalf of a range of investors, from individuals and families through to some of the largest institutions in the world. For more information, visit www.millburn.com.

About Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Americas

Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Americas, Inc. is the U.S.-based affiliate of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management Co., Ltd., one of Japan's leading institutional asset managers with $757 billion in assets under management as of August 31, 2026. "SuMi TRUST" is the international marketing name of Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Asset Management and the entities that fall within Sumitomo Mitsui Trust Group. For more information, visit www.us.sumitrust-am.com.

About Twin Oak ETF Company

Twin Oak ETF Company is a $1.1B, as of September 30, 2026, asset management firm focused on structuring and delivering differentiated, tax aware investment strategies through the ETF format. The firm brings ETF infrastructure, and operational expertise, to the Synera Funds collaboration. For more information, visit www.twinoak.com.

Synera Funds Takumi+ ETF is distributed by Quasar Distributors, LLC.

All investments are subject to risks, including the possible loss of principal. There is no assurance that the objectives of any strategy or fund will be achieved or will be successful. The Fund is a recently organized investment company with no operating history. As a result, prospective investors have no track record or history on which to base their investment decision. ETFs trade like stocks, are subject to investment risk, fluctuate in market value and may trade at prices above or below the ETF's net asset value. Brokerage commissions and ETF expenses will reduce returns. ETFs are subject to specific risks, depending on the nature of the underlying strategy of the fund. For a complete description of the Fund's principal investment risks, please refer to the prospectus.

For media inquires please contact Chip Bergstrom: [email protected]

SOURCE Twin Oak ETF Company

Share this article

More than a century after the game swept the country, longtime players and a new generation are finding common ground around the American Mahjong table.

ANDOVER, Mass., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In the early 1920s, Mahjong swept across America. More than a century later, interest in the game is surging again.

Mahjong never went away, remaining an important part of social life for generations of players, particularly in Chinese American and Jewish American communities. Today, the game is reaching a broader audience. Boston-area Mahjong events increased 420% from 2024 to 2025, according to Eventbrite data reported by Boston.com. Yelp's 2026 Trend Forecast found that searches for "mahjong clubs" increased 4,467%, while searches for "mahjong lessons" rose 819%, as reported by The Boston Globe.

That resurgence has reached downtown Andover.

The Hidden Parlor recently opened at 69 Park Street, where visitors enter through a boutique before passing through the hidden door to spaces for American Mahjong, a library lounge, a Zoom room, and member lockers.

More than 70 people from over two dozen communities across Massachusetts and Southern New Hampshire now call themselves members of The Hidden Parlor Society, according to company records. Working mothers with elementary-school children are playing alongside empty nesters and retirees, bringing people at different stages of life to the same table.

"Playing Mahjong used to mean coordinating four people and making everyone's schedules work. Here, I can come on my own and know there will be people to play with. I've already expanded my circle, and they're people I look forward to seeing again," said one member from New Hampshire.

More than 60 members and guests visited during opening week, with six tables in play for the opening night of the Tuesday Evening League.

American Mahjong is at the center of The Hidden Parlor today, but plans extend beyond the game, with a book club, bridge, and other social games planned.

Guests can reserve open play, lessons, guided play, and select events. Prospective members are invited to experience the Parlor with a complimentary first visit.

Website: www.thehiddenparlorsociety.com

Media Contact: [email protected]

Sources: Eventbrite via Boston.com; Yelp 2026 Trend Forecast via The Boston Globe; historical research by Annelise Heinz via Stanford University; The Hidden Parlor Society records.

SOURCE The Hidden Parlor Society

Share this article

Five cruises aboard the transformed Oosterdam, spanning the Mediterranean, Atlantic and Caribbean, are now on sale for 2027

SEATTLE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Holland America Line has opened bookings for five newly added voyages aboard Oosterdam following the ship's transformation through Holland America Evolution, the cruise line's largest fleet investment in its 153-year history. The new cruises give guests additional opportunities to experience the reimagined ship beginning Oct. 31, 2027.

As announced in September, Oosterdam's Evolution transformation will now begin earlier than previously scheduled, meeting strong guest demand for cruises aboard the reimagined ship. Leading the collection is the inaugural post-Evolution voyage, a 10-Day Adriatic Antiquities cruise from Rome to Trieste that explores the ancient wonders of Pompeii and Sicily, the Greek island of Corfu, Montenegro's spectacular Bay of Kotor, and Croatia's Adriatic coast. Together, the new voyages give guests the opportunity to be among the first aboard as Oosterdam begins her next chapter following her transformation in Marseille, France.

"One of the great joys of travel is being among the first to discover something new, and these voyages give guests that opportunity aboard Oosterdam," said Beth Bodensteiner, president of Holland America Line. "As the first ship to emerge from Holland America Evolution, Oosterdam marks the beginning of an exciting new era for our fleet. We're delighted to welcome guests aboard these inaugural post-Evolution sailings and invite them to be among the first to experience a transformation that builds on everything they love about Holland America Line while introducing what comes next."

Oosterdam's return to service marks the next phase of Holland America Evolution, a multiyear modernization designed to bring the best of the fleet's Pinnacle Class experience to more ships, along with new venues and accommodations. Guests aboard the transformed Oosterdam will enjoy new stateroom and suite categories, including purpose-built Solo Verandahs, forward-facing Bridgeview Suites, Vista Suites and a reimagined Pinnacle Suite.

The ship also will debut Grand Dutch Café and a redesigned Ocean Bar, bringing some of the most popular features from Holland America Line's Pinnacle Class ships to Oosterdam. Refreshed accommodations and public spaces will complement the premium service, carefully crafted itineraries and welcoming atmosphere that have long defined the Holland America Line experience.

Oosterdam's first post-Evolution voyages

Following her drydock, Oosterdam will embark on her inaugural post-transformation voyage: a 10-day Adriatic Antiquities sailing from Civitavecchia (Rome) to Trieste, Italy, departing Oct. 31, 2027. Guests aboard the cruise will be among the first to experience the reimagined ship while visiting destinations in Italy, Greece, Montenegro and Croatia.

Four additional voyages will carry Oosterdam from the Mediterranean to the Caribbean:

- 11-Day Adriatic Antiquities: Croatia, Greek Isles & Istanbul departing Nov. 10, 2027, from Trieste to Piraeus (Athens), Greece.

- 7-Day Mediterranean Splendor: Greek Isles & Malta departing Nov. 21, 2027, from Piraeus to Barcelona, Spain.

- 13-Day Cultural Crossing: Spain & Gibraltar departing Nov. 28, 2027, from Barcelona to Fort Lauderdale, Florida.

- 11-Day Caribbean Cruise departing Dec. 11, 2027, roundtrip from Fort Lauderdale.

Together, the voyages offer guests the opportunity to experience Oosterdam's Evolution enhancements across three regions while being among the first travelers to sail aboard the transformed ship.

Additional details about Holland America Evolution and upcoming ship transformations are available at hollandamerica.com/evolution. For more information about Holland America Line or to book a cruise, consult a travel advisor, call 1-877-SAIL HAL (877-724-5425) or visit hollandamerica.com.

Find Holland America Line on Facebook, Instagram and the Holland America Blog. You can also access all social media outlets via the home page at hollandamerica.com.

About Holland America Line

Holland America Line has been exploring the world for more than 150 years with expertly crafted itineraries, extraordinary service and genuine connections to the destinations. Offering a perfectly-sized ship experience, its fleet of 11 vessels visits nearly 400 ports in 114 countries around the world and has shared the thrill of Alaska for more than 75 years — longer than any other cruise line. Savour the Journey isn't just a tagline, it's a reinforcement that the cruise line provides experiences too good to hurry through, connecting travelers to the world and each other. Award-winning enrichment programming, entertainment and cuisine that brings each locale on board, including a revolutionary Global Fresh Fish Program, put Holland America Line at the forefront of premium cruising. Holland America Line is part of Carnival Corporation, the world's largest cruise company with a portfolio of cruise lines operating in over 800 ports & destinations worldwide. (NYSE: CCL).  

SOURCE Holland America Line

Share this article

Recognizing the innovators and leaders shaping the future of cybersecurity and national security

MCLEAN, Va., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) today announced the 2026 NVTC Cyber50 honorees, recognizing 50 companies and executives whose innovation, leadership, and impact are advancing cybersecurity across the National Capital Region.

Home to one of the nation's largest concentrations of cybersecurity companies, federal agencies, and technology leaders, Northern Virginia sits at the intersection of technology, national security, and critical infrastructure. The Cyber50 Awards recognize the organizations and individuals leading this work, developing new technologies, protecting critical systems, and helping organizations respond to an increasingly sophisticated threat environment.

"As AI rapidly transforms both cyber threats and our ability to defend against them, we need innovative companies and exceptional leaders who can help us stay ahead," said Jennifer Taylor, president and CEO of NVTC. "Cybersecurity has never been more critical to our national security or to the technologies shaping our future."

The 2026 Cyber50 honorees demonstrate the extraordinary depth of cyber talent and innovation we have right here in our region. We are proud to recognize their impact.

Selected through an independent judging process, this year's Cyber50 represents excellence across three categories: Cyber Companies/Government Contractors, Cyber Executives, and Rising Stars. Together, the honorees reflect the breadth of the region's cybersecurity ecosystem and the important role its companies and leaders play in protecting organizations, critical infrastructure, and national security.

The honorees will be formally recognized at the NVTC Cyber Summit & Cyber50 Awards on Wednesday, Oct. 28, 2026, at Appian HQ at Valo Park in McLean, Virginia. This year's Summit will bring together leaders from across industry and government, including executives from Dominion Energy and Google Cloud and senior leaders from the U.S. Department of War and U.S. Department of the Air Force, for conversations about AI risk, critical infrastructure, emerging threats and the future of cybersecurity.

"Cybersecurity is constantly evolving, and this year's Cyber50 honorees are helping our organizations and nation stay ahead of that change," said John Zangardi, chair of the NVTC Cyber Summit. "They are applying technology, expertise, and leadership to some of our most consequential security challenges, and we are proud to recognize their contributions to our cybersecurity community."

2026 NVTC Cyber50 Honorees

Cyber50 Company or GovCon

- Andesite AI

- ArmorText

- ASSYST

- ATX Defense

- Corsha

- Customer Value Partners (CVP)

- CyberSheath Services International

- DTS

- Easy Dynamics

- GuidePoint Security

- Gunnison

- JCS Solutions

- Knox Systems

- MANTECH

- NowSecure

- Owl Cyber Defense

- Pueo Business Solutions

- Quantum Leap

- Revolutional

- Rilian

- RunSafe Security

- SecureG

- Seekr

- Shift5

- ShorePoint

- Veilant

- Virtru

Cyber50 Executive

- Hemant Baidwan, Knox Systems

- Rob Brougham, EY

- Chris Camacho, Abstract

- Vishal Chawla, BluOcean Cyber

- Grant Demaree, Onebrief

- Jothi Dugar, National Institutes of Health, Center for Information Technology

- Tim Fahl, Owl Cyber Defense

- Sarbari Gupta, Electrosoft Services

- Ty Hughes, U.S. Department of State

- David Lackey, CISOnow

- Luke McFadden, Gunnison

- Sean Papso, Invictus, a Red River Company

- Eric Pickersgill, FINRA

- Kelly Rozumalski, Booz Allen

- Alex Rudnev, ArmorText

- Sean Stalzer, Dominion Energy

- Harsh Verma, Palo Alto Networks

- Dave Wajsgras, Everfox

Cyber50 Rising Star

- Anmol Agarwal, Nokia

- Charles Britt, Fairfax County Public Schools

- Danielle Dredge, Gunnison

- Natasha MacDonald, Dark Wolf

- Andrew Schoka, Hardshell

The Cyber50 Awards are part of NVTC's broader commitment to convening and the region's technology community and strengthening Northern Virginia's position as a global center for cybersecurity innovation.

To learn more about the 2026 Cyber50 honorees and the NVTC Cyber Summit & Cyber50 Awards, visit nvtc.org/cyber.

About Northern Virginia Technology Council

Northern Virginia Technology Council (NVTC) is where the region's technology community comes together. Representing over 500 companies and organizations—from global technology companies to innovative startups and leading universities—NVTC convenes and champions the region's tech community to advance innovation, build a future-ready workforce and drive economic and societal impact. Through its programs, events, advocacy and industry communities, NVTC connects leaders, elevates the voice of the technology sector and strengthens Northern Virginia's position as one of the world's leading technology hubs. Learn more at nvtc.org.

SOURCE Northern Virginia Technology Council

Share this article

Empowered by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, the participants channel 26.2 miles into vital support for mental health education and research.

CHICAGO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Across the streets of Chicago Sunday October 11, 263 determined athletes will transform 26.2 miles of endurance into a profound message of hope and healing. The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) "Race for Hope" team will run to honor those they have lost to suicide, while bringing awareness and hope for those impacted or struggling.

The AFSP's mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP saves lives and provides hope through research, education, and advocacy for the prevention of suicide and support to those affected by suicide.

The AFSP "Race for Hope" team plays its role in those efforts by giving team members the opportunity to combine their athletic pursuits with fundraising for a cause they care about. Since 2010, the team has delivered on this commitment, with many team members raising far above the required fundraising amount. More than 1,800 participants have raised nearly $4.6 million since the team started running the Chicago Marathon in 2010.

Each Race for Hope team member wears a custom race jersey featuring the team logo on the front and their personal reason for running on the back, whether remembering a loved one or reflecting on personal struggles. This year, 263 participants are hoping to raise an additional nearly $1 million to benefit AFSP.

Track the team's progress toward its goal and donate at www.supporting.afsp.org/chicagomarathon26

"Members of AFSP's Race for Hope Chicago Marathon team have spent the summer training to run 26.2 miles and fundraising for suicide prevention," said Steve Moore, team co-captain and former member of Board of Directors of the Illinois Chapter of AFSP. "By speaking with thousands of donors about suicide and mental health, our team members have spread awareness while helping fund AFSP's research, education and advocacy programs."

Nationally, nine in ten individuals who die by suicide were living with a diagnosable mental health condition at the time of their death, with these conditions often being undiagnosed or untreated.

AFSP and its Illinois chapter are dedicated to improved research, education, and advocacy. Through its statewide network of volunteers, AFSP Illinois offers prevention education programs that emphasize the importance of research-proven self-care techniques as well as the value of engaging professional support.

If you or someone you know is at risk of suicide, please call, chat, or text 988 for the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention:

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, with its Policy and Advocacy Office in Washington, D.C., AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states, D.C., and Puerto Rico, with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube, LinkedIn and TikTok.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention and The Jed Foundation (JED) intend to merge as equals to form AFSP/JED, the nation's largest nonprofit dedicated to preventing suicide across the lifespan, and bringing hope to those affected by suicide loss or risk. The AFSP/JED mission would reflect a commitment to bring together AFSP's research, advocacy, chapter network, and loss-support expertise with JED's comprehensive approach to suicide prevention and evidence-informed youth mental health programs, creating greater scale, reach, and impact at a time of urgent national need. Read more about our recent announcement.

To learn more about AFSP Illinois, go to www.afsp.org/illinois

If you or someone you know needs support now, call or text 988, or chat via 988lifeline.org to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.

Suicide Prevention Resources: www.afsp.org/resources

Suicide Warning Signs: www.afsp.org/signs

Media: Reporting on Suicide Prevention: www.afsp.org/reporting

SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention

Share this article

NEW CENTURY, Kan., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Butler National Corporation (OTCQX: BUKS), a leader in the growing global market for aircraft modification, maintenance, repair and overhaul (MRO) and a recognized provider of gaming management services, today announced that its Board of Directors has authorized a $10 million increase in the Company's existing common stock repurchase program, bringing the total available authorization to approximately $11.9 million. The Board also extended the stock repurchase program through April 30, 2029.

The Board's decision to increase the authorization reflects its continued evaluation of the Company's capital allocation priorities and its belief that share repurchases can represent an attractive use of capital when balanced against the Company's ongoing investments in organic growth and other strategic opportunities. The size of the increased authorization was determined after considering the Company's current financial position, expected capital requirements and opportunities to invest in the continued growth of its businesses. The increased authorization provides the Company with additional flexibility to repurchase shares when the Board and management believe market conditions make doing so advantageous to long-term shareholders.

The Company has repurchased approximately 300,000 of its outstanding shares of common stock since April 30, 2026. The average price paid per share repurchased since April 30, 2026 was $4.16.

"The Butler National Board of Directors continues to view stock repurchases as an important component of our capital allocation strategy," commented Jeffrey D. Yowell, Executive Chairman. "We believe the increased authorization provides us with additional flexibility to return capital to shareholders when market conditions make repurchases attractive, while continuing to invest in the long-term growth of our businesses. This action reflects our confidence in Butler National's long-term prospects and our commitment to creating shareholder value."

Under the program, Butler National Corporation intends to repurchase shares of its common stock in open market and privately negotiated transactions in accordance with applicable federal securities laws. The timing, number and value of shares repurchased under the program will be determined by management in its discretion and will depend on a number of factors, including the price of the common stock, general market and economic conditions and applicable legal requirements. The stock repurchase program does not require the Company to acquire any dollar amount or number of shares of common stock and may be modified, suspended, extended or terminated by the Company's Board of Directors at any time without prior notice.

About Butler National Corporation

Butler National Corporation operates in the Aerospace and Professional Services business segments. The Aerospace Products segment includes the design, manufacture, sale and service of structural modifications, design, integration and installation of electronic equipment, systems and technologies that enhance aircraft operations, and the design, manufacture and sale of defense related articles. Additionally, Butler National Corporation operates FAA Repair Stations. Companies in Aerospace Products concentrate on products and services for Learjet, Challenger, Textron Beechcraft King Air, and Cessna turboprop aircraft. Butler National-Tempe designs and manufactures robust electronic controls and cabling. The Professional Services segment includes the management of a gaming, dining and entertainment facility in Dodge City, Kansas. Boot Hill Casino and Resort features approximately 500 slot machines, 15 table games and a DraftKings branded sportsbook.

See our website: www.butlernational.com

Forward-Looking Information

Statements made in this press release, reports and proxy statements filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), communications to stockholders, and oral statements made by representatives of the Company that are not historical in nature, or that state the Company's or management's intentions, plans, beliefs, expectations or predictions of the future, may constitute "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the "Exchange Act"). Forward-looking statements may often be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology, such as "could," "should," "will," "intend," "continue," "believe," "may," "expect," "anticipate," "goal," "forecast," "plan," "guidance" or "estimate" or the negative of these words, variations thereof or similar expressions. However, the absence of these words does not mean that a statement is not forward-looking. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance or results. They involve risks, uncertainties, and assumptions. It is important to note that any such performance and actual results, financial condition or business, could differ materially from those expressed in such forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause or contribute to such differences, many of which are outside of the Company's control, include, but are not limited to: (i) customer concentration risk; (ii) dependence on government spending; (iii) government shutdown; (iv) industry specific business cycles; (v) regulatory hurdles in the launch of new products; (vi) loss of key personnel, including executive officers; (vii) the geographic location of our casino; (viii) fixed-price contracts; (ix) international sales; (x) changing U.S. trade policy and impacts of tariffs; (xi) need to acquire hangar space for substantial growth; (xii) future acquisitions; (xiii) supply chain and labor issues; (xiv) customer demand; (xv) insurance costs and insufficient insurance for aircraft modifications; (xvi) cyber security threats; (xvii) fraud, theft and cheating at our casino; (xviii) dependence on third-party platforms to offer sports wagering; (xix) outside factors influence the profitability of sports wagering and legacy gaming; (xx) change of control restrictions; (xxi) significant and expensive governmental regulation across our industries; (xxii) U.S. Government action with respect to contracts; (xxiii) failure by the Company or its stockholders to maintain applicable gaming licenses; (xxiv) evolving political and legislative initiatives in gaming; (xxv) extensive and increasing taxation of gaming revenues; (xxvi) changes in regulations of financial reporting; (xxvii) the availability of financing; (xxviii) potential impairment losses; (xxix) marketability restrictions of our common stock; (xxx) the possibility of a reverse-stock split; (xxxi) market competition by larger competitors; (xxxii) acts of terrorism and war; (xxxiii) climate change, inclement weather and natural disasters; (xxxiv) rising inflation; (xxxv) failure of risk management; (xxxvi) effectiveness of internal controls; and (xxxvii) other factors discussed in Item 1A of the Company's Annual Report on Form 10-K and other filings the Company makes with the SEC from time to time.

The forward-looking statements contained herein speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company undertakes no obligation to update or revise forward-looking statements to reflect changed assumptions, the occurrence of unanticipated events or changes in future operating results, financial condition or business over time, except as expressly required by federal securities laws.

For investor information, contact:

David Drewitz, Investor Relations

[email protected]

www.creativeoptionscommunications.com

SOURCE Butler National Corporation

Share this article

Falcon Executive Aviation Launches Certified Helicopter Operations at Dubai World Central

DUBAI, UAE, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Falcon Executive Aviation, part of Alex Group Investment, has received GCAA certification for commercial helicopter operations at its Dubai Helipark facility at Dubai World Central.

The new certification gives passengers a faster and more flexible way to connect between helicopter travel, Al Maktoum International Airport and key destinations across Dubai and the UAE.

Strategically located within Dubai South, Dubai Helipark is positioned close to both commercial and business aviation operations at Al Maktoum International Airport, while also offering convenient access to Dubai and onward destinations across the country. For business aviation passengers, Falcon Executive Aviation can coordinate seamless transfers through Falcon Elite, allowing travellers to connect between private jets and helicopters at DWC.

Sultan Rashit Shene, Owner and Chairman of Alex Group Investment, said:

"Dubai Helipark gives our clients more choice in how they travel. Its location at Dubai World Central allows us to connect helicopter operations with both commercial and business aviation, while providing faster access to Dubai and destinations across the UAE."

The facility operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week, by prior reservation and can accommodate helicopters up to 18 metres in size and 8.3 tonnes maximum landing weight.

Dubai Helipark supports a wide range of helicopter types across Performance Classes 1, 2 and 3, including aircraft such as the AW139, AW169, AW189, H145, Bell 412, Bell 429, Bell 505, Airbus H125 and H130.It also offers eight operational helicopter parking positions, one dedicated maintenance stand, and is fully equipped for both day and night operations.

The GCAA HCR was issued on 1 October 2026.

With certified helicopter operations now in place, Falcon Executive Aviation is expanding connectivity at Dubai World Central and creating a more seamless travel experience for passengers moving between air travel, Dubai and the wider UAE.

Media Contact

Ines Nacerddine

Director of Marketing – Aviation

[email protected]

SOURCE Fly Falcon

Share this article

The article explains how employment, savings, and healthcare can affect disability benefits and the programs designed to support greater independence.

WICHITA FALLS, Texas, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Do disability benefits end when you start working? A HelloNation article provides the answer with insights from Empowering People With Disabilities Expert David Toogood of Work Services Corporation in Wichita Falls, Texas. The article explains how employment, savings, and healthcare interact with programs including Social Security Disability Insurance (SSDI), Supplemental Security Income (SSI), Medicaid, and Medicare.

The HelloNation article begins by addressing a common misconception. Many assume that working automatically ends disability benefits, but SSDI and SSI both allow individuals to work within specific rules. Understanding how each program defines disability, counts income, and sets limits helps people avoid limiting themselves based on fear or misinformation. With the right knowledge, individuals can explore employment while keeping the support they need.

SSDI is based on a person's work history and the Social Security taxes they have paid. Benefits continue as long as the individual remains disabled according to program guidelines. The updated HelloNation article adds important clarification that specific earnings can lead to the reduction or loss of SSDI benefits. At the same time, the program includes trial work periods that allow people to test their ability to work without immediately losing support. This safety net provides room to explore employment opportunities and reduce uncertainty during the transition.

SSI, by contrast, is a needs-based program for individuals with limited income and resources. Because eligibility is tied to financial need, earnings can affect the monthly payment amount. However, the HelloNation feature explains that not all income is counted. Various exclusions allow individuals to keep more of their earnings than they might expect. Understanding the SSI formula helps people balance work and benefits in a way that supports financial stability.

Healthcare is another source of concern for many individuals with disabilities. Some fear losing Medicaid or Medicare if they begin working. The article clarifies that protections exist to help people maintain coverage even as income rises. SSI recipients may keep Medicaid if their income stays within certain limits, while SSDI recipients often maintain Medicare for a significant period after returning to work. These protections ensure continued access to essential healthcare during employment changes.

Special programs expand options further. Ticket to Work is a Social Security initiative that supports individuals who want to prepare for and enter employment. The program provides vocational rehabilitation, job training, and employment support while allowing participants to keep their benefits during the transition. The HelloNation article notes that Ticket to Work reduces uncertainty and gives individuals the freedom to explore their abilities at their own pace.

ABLE accounts are another valuable tool. The article explains that these accounts allow individuals with disabilities to save money without affecting eligibility for means-tested benefits like SSI and Medicaid. Funds may be used for disability-related expenses, including housing, education, and healthcare. By protecting savings from being counted as assets, ABLE accounts give individuals and families greater flexibility and long-term security.

Even with these supports, navigating disability benefits can feel overwhelming. Rules vary based on personal circumstances, and small mistakes may have significant consequences. The HelloNation article explains that many families seek help from benefits counselors, financial advisors, or disability organizations to avoid confusion and take full advantage of available programs. Professional guidance can simplify decisions about work, savings, and healthcare.

Planning for long-term stability is another key theme. Some individuals may find that part-time work provides the right balance between earning income and maintaining benefits. Others may use programs like Ticket to Work or trial work periods as steps toward full-time employment and eventual independence from benefits. The HelloNation article notes that there is no single best path. What matters is knowing the rules well enough to make choices that fit each person's needs and goals.

Fear often keeps people from exploring employment or saving money. The article stresses that education reduces this fear by replacing uncertainty with confidence. When individuals understand how SSDI, SSI, Medicaid, Medicare, Ticket to Work, and ABLE accounts work together, they can make informed decisions that support both financial security and personal growth. Clear information transforms complicated rules into practical steps.

The HelloNation feature concludes by reminding readers that disability benefits are designed to provide stability, not restrictions. These programs support dignity, independence, and opportunity. With accurate information, people can work, save, and plan for the future without sacrificing essential support. Clarity turns confusion into confidence, helping individuals build stronger financial foundations and more fulfilling lives.

Disability Benefits Made Clear: Work, Savings, & Healthcare features insights from David Toogood, Empowering People With Disabilities Expert of Wichita Falls, Texas, 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.

SOURCE HelloNation

Share this article