"It Happened to Me": New Prop 134 Ad Features Colorado Athletes Who Were Forced To Compete Against Boys

DENVER, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Protect Kids Colorado, in partnership with Athletes for Action, today released a second statewide video ad urging Colorado voters to vote YES on Proposition 134, the Protect Girls' Sports Act, as mail ballots reach voters across the state.

The 30-second ad answers the claim that boys aren't competing in girls' sports in Colorado. "Everyone says it's not happening in Colorado," the ad opens. Then Colorado female athletes speak for themselves. One describes facing a male competitor at a Colorado high school regional volleyball tournament. Others describe playing against a boy on the soccer field and having to wrestle a boy. A mother asks how much is too much, and answers that even once isn't fair to her daughter. The ad closes with young girls asking voters to "do it for me" and vote YES on Prop 134. Watch the ad HERE.

Proposition 134 would designate school and college teams as male, female, or coed, and reserve female teams for female athletes only. It qualified for the ballot with more than 170,000 verified signatures.

"For months, opponents have told Coloradans this isn't happening here. These girls are telling you it is. They're the reason Coloradans put this measure on the ballot, and the reason we're asking every voter to say YES on 134," said Erin Lee, founder of Protect Kids Colorado.

"I won 15 state championships running in Colorado, and I'm raising my two daughters here. When a girl tells you she had to compete against a boy, she's not telling you a statistic. She's telling you what she had to go through. Proposition 134 makes sure no more Colorado girls have to say "it happened to me"," said Megan Kaltenbach Burke, co-founder of Athletes for Action and a two-time NCAA champion.

About Protect Kids Colorado

Protect Kids Colorado is a broad coalition of parents, grandparents, and concerned citizens working to protect kids and strengthen families in Colorado. protectkidscolorado.org

About Athletes for Action

Athletes for Action was created to protect girls and women in sports and to build a community of female athletes who support one another. athletesforaction.com

Paid for by Athletes for Action. Registered Agent: Jennifer Sey.

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Basketball's Biggest Superstar Joins Sports Entertainment Leader as Brand Ambassador

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- PrizePicks, the leading sports entertainment company in the United States, today announced a multi-year partnership with NBA superstar Anthony Edwards. The former No. 1 overall pick and four-time All Star will be a face of the PrizePicks brand as he will be heavily featured in the company's major advertising and social media campaigns. The collaboration reinforces the brand's commitment to engaging basketball fans as Edwards becomes the first NBA star to team with PrizePicks as a brand ambassador.

"Teaming up with PrizePicks feels like an Atlanta homecoming, and I couldn't be more excited to join the squad," said Anthony Edwards. "The 'Run Your Game' energy is what I'm all about and I can't wait for people to see everything we're cooking up together."

"We are honored to welcome one of the biggest stars in all of sports to the PrizePicks family," said Joey Molko, PrizePicks SVP of Partnerships. "Anthony has a unique ability to command the spotlight, but what makes him truly special is his authenticity and the way he connects with fans. This partnership is such a natural fit because he embodies the boldness and personality of our PrizePicks community."

To kick-off the partnership, PrizePicks and Edwards teamed up for an epic response to a viral video from one of his biggest basketball rivals. Countering the widely seen clip that poked fun at AE's signature shoes, Edwards joined forces with PrizePicks on a skit that delivers a purple colorway of his newly released AE3's to a raucous crowd of fans in Minnesota. In connection with the partnership launch, PrizePicks players were given early access to the purple AE3s on the PrizePicks app.

Click here to see the PrizePicks x Anthony Edwards Partnership Launch Video

Click here to download photo and video assets

PrizePicks will also collaborate with "Three Fifths Media", a media production company created by Edwards and AE5 Enterprises Co-Founder, Justin Holland. Additionally, Holland will team with PrizePicks as a Strategic Advisor for the partnership. The first collaboration will be on the legendary and satirical Believe That Awards. PrizePicks will serve as the event's Presenting Sponsor and offer a Free-To-Play game that gives players a chance to win cash and a pair of autographed AE3 shoes. PrizePicks will also contribute to Edwards' nonprofit foundation "Don't Follow the Wave," providing support with the charity's workplace development efforts.

PrizePicks recently announced an extended partnership with star comedian Druski, who will pair with Edwards in upcoming brand campaigns and other featured content. The partnerships reaffirm PrizePicks' investment in athlete and creator-driven entertainment that resonates with fans nationwide and pairs two of Atlanta's biggest homegrown stars under the banner of the Atlanta-based company.

As PrizePicks continues to expand to new markets, investment into Responsible Gaming remains a key focus. In 2025, PrizePicks was awarded iCAP accreditation by the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) for its Responsible Gaming practices and efforts, becoming the first and only fantasy sports operator to earn the certification. For more information on responsible gaming, visit www.prizepicks.com/responsible-gaming.

About PrizePicks

PrizePicks is the leading sports entertainment operator in the United States. Headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, PrizePicks offers innovative games that engage and excite fans nationwide. Operating in more than 45 jurisdictions and continuing to expand, PrizePicks is dedicated to enhancing the fan experience for all. For more information, visit www.prizepicks.com.

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Dual authorizations expand secure mission readiness analysis across both unclassified and classified environments up to the Secret level.

- Virtualitics is the first AI-native readiness platform to achieve IL6 authorization, allowing its readiness applications to operate on Secret networks and classified workloads.

- The company achieved IL6 authorization in just nine months, substantially faster than the typical 12-to-18-month industry timeline, highlighting a notable security and engineering milestone.

- The Virtualitics platform is already deployed across every U.S. military branch/service, supporting readiness missions spanning maintenance, materiel, personnel, supply, and operational planning.

- Virtualitics applies a wide range of advanced AI applications to mission data already available within approved environments, enabling trusted readiness capabilities without moving data between security domains.

PASADENA, Calif., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Virtualitics, the Mission AI Company led by seasoned technologists, product experts, and military veterans, today announced that it has achieved Impact Level 5 (IL5) and Impact Level 6 (IL6) Authority to Operate (ATO) for its AI-native readiness platform.

Together, these rigorous authorizations enable Department of War leaders to use Virtualitics and its suite of AI Readiness Applications across a wider range of mission environments while meeting the security requirements across each impact level. IL5 supports work involving Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) and National Security Systems (NSS) workloads at the unclassified level, while IL6 supports classified information and workloads operating on Secret networks.

The IL6 milestone specifically makes Virtualitics the first AI-native readiness platform and one of a limited number of commercial AI SaaS products to achieve IL6 authorization. The IL6 authorization was achieved in just nine months, significantly outpacing the typical 12-to-18-month industry timeline. The IL5 and IL6 authorizations harden Virtualitics' platform foundation, creating a reusable framework that accelerates onboarding for future customers and missions.

"Few commercial AI SaaS platforms have achieved an IL6 authorization because the bar is exceptionally high," said Kyle Tobener, Chief Information Security Officer, Virtualitics. "It requires significant technical rigor, security expertise, and operational maturity. Achieving IL5 and IL6 reflects a long-term investment in the strength and security of our platform, creating a hardened foundation that enables customers to securely bring classified data, approved defense systems, and leading AI models together for mission-critical readiness analysis. Achieving that standard positions Virtualitics to deliver trusted AI at scale across some of the Department of War's most complex and consequential readiness missions."

These authorizations come at a time when AI is becoming increasingly central to military readiness. Virtualitics leveraged Palantir FedStart to support the IL6 authorization process.

The IL5 and IL6 authorizations expand Virtualitics' ability to operate across approved government systems in both unclassified and Secret-level environments. By securely accessing and integrating frontier AI models, Virtualitics can unify data across classified and existing defense systems to provide a more holistic understanding of readiness while maintaining the stringent security requirements of classified missions. The expanded authorization footprint enables organizations to bring advanced AI capabilities closer to mission data and decision-makers across a wider range of operational environments.

"Attaining IL5 and IL6 expands access to our AI-native readiness platform across a broader range of missions, from unclassified environments processing CUI to Secret-level operations," said Justin Gantenberg, Chief Engineer, Virtualitics. "The authorizations provide the secure environment needed to bring trusted, explainable AI closer to the point of decision while maintaining the security requirements classified readiness missions demand. It enables leaders to securely combine mission data and advanced AI so trusted insights reach decision-makers faster, where they can have the greatest impact on readiness outcomes."

The Virtualitics platform is purpose-built for readiness missions, combining years of deep AI and domain expertise across logistics, maintenance, sustainment, and force generation. Through decision intelligence capabilities and explainable AI, leaders can engage directly with readiness data, understand the drivers shaping outcomes, and evaluate trusted recommendations within existing mission workflows.

Already operationally deployed across every U.S. military service, Virtualitics supports readiness decisions across maintenance, materiel, supply, workforce, sustainment, and force generation missions. Its AI-native applications deliver decision intelligence by helping leaders anticipate readiness degraders, identify the constraints limiting mission performance, and evaluate explainable, prioritized courses of action before limitations impact operational outcomes.

Virtualitics is a recognized leader in mission-critical AI innovation, named to Silicon Valley Defense Group's 2026 NatSec100 list and the 2026 Inc. 5000 list.

For more information on Virtualitics and its AI solutions, visit www.virtualitics.com.

About Virtualitics

Virtualitics is the Mission AI Company founded in 2016 led by scientists, strategists, and servicemembers, delivering AI-native readiness applications for national security and critical infrastructure. Built on a decade of Caltech research in partnership with NASA/JPL, Virtualitics turns complex data into trusted insights that strengthen decision-making and keep missions on track. For more information, visit virtualitics.com.

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Contract expansion accelerates deployment of 3D mapping capabilities to infantry brigades

BOZEMAN, Mont., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Reveal Technology Inc., a veteran-founded defense technology company, has received a $9.5 million purchase order from the U.S. Army under its existing GSA IDIQ contract. This second delivery order expands Farsight platform deployment to additional infantry brigades, building on successful fielding with the 82nd Airborne Division and ongoing integration with the Army's Nett Warrior system.

The purchase order supports immediate procurement, distribution, training, and sustainment of Farsight's 3D mapping capabilities to Army infantry units requiring enhanced situational awareness in network-constrained environments. The platform integrates with Nett Warrior, the Army's soldier-worn situational awareness and battle command system, delivering real-time terrain visualization and target recognition when traditional systems cannot function.

"Army infantry units are demanding technology that delivers immediate tactical advantage in contested environments," said Garrett Smith, CEO of Reveal Technology. "This expanded deployment validates what soldiers have told us works in the field: intelligence platforms that operate independent of network while integrating seamlessly with existing Army systems and tactical workflows."

Building on proven performance across multiple Army deployments, this purchase order supports continued fielding and evaluation of Farsight's capabilities for use by the Army into the future. The platform has demonstrated consistent value in providing soldiers with improved situational awareness through intuitive, rapid awareness generation at the tactical edge.

"We're proud to have built Farsight alongside the infantry and around the realities of how soldiers actually fight," said David Caudle, Vice President at Reveal Technology. "At its core, this is about giving frontline soldiers faster, more intuitive tools when and where they need them most."

Reveal's Farsight platform converts live video into detailed 3D terrain models in near real time using computer vision, artificial intelligence, and edge computing technologies that requires minimal power, delivering decisive intelligence using only edge and mobile devices. Designed to run on standard military hardware already deployed with infantry units, the platform enables rapid mission planning, route analysis, and obstacle detection without internet connectivity or other specialized equipment.

About Reveal Technology, Inc.

Reveal Technology is a veteran-founded defense technology company building the ecosystem for autonomy and intelligence at the tactical edge. Founded by former U.S. Marine Corps officers and Stanford technologists, Reveal delivers software and hardware platforms that work when connectivity doesn't—enabling warfighters to make faster, safer, and more informed decisions in contested environments.

Reveal's flagship products, Farsight (geospatial intelligence) and Identifi (mobile biometrics), are deployed across the U.S. Army, Special Operations Command, Marine Corps, and allied forces. Based in Bozeman, Montana, Reveal's team is more than 50 percent veterans and active service members.

Learn more: https://www.revealtech.ai/

SOURCE Reveal Technology, Inc.

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Survey of nearly 700 maintenance and operations professionals reveals limited technician time, lost

expertise and inconsistent use of maintenance data

LEHI, Utah, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Limble, the modern maintenance and asset management platform, today unveiled its inaugural State of Maintenance Report at the 2026 Maintenance Heroes Summit. In the survey of nearly 700 U.S. maintenance and operations professionals,* leaders estimate their teams complete just 54% of scheduled preventive maintenance. Nearly half (47%) of leaders report more than 10 hours of unplanned downtime in a typical month, and 40% estimate annual downtime costs of $100,000 or more. Meanwhile, 65% of respondents say reactive maintenance puts technicians in higher-risk situations at least monthly.

The findings highlight limited time for hands-on work, expertise that may never get documented, and inconsistent use of maintenance data as teams work to prevent failures and move beyond reactive maintenance.

"Most maintenance teams aren't short on technology. They're short on time and information they can trust," said Gary Specter, CEO of Limble. "Adding AI won't automatically solve the problems they face every day. We have to make it easier for the technician to capture what they know and give teams information they can use to act before a failure happens."

Technician Time and Knowledge Are at Risk

More than 60% of both leaders and technicians estimate that hands-on maintenance accounts for just three hours or less during a typical shift. Nearly half (48%) of frontline technicians say they lose at least an hour waiting for approvals or site access.

Lost time is compounded by knowledge that may never make it into a system. In findings released earlier, 74% of maintenance organizations said they have at least one critical asset that exactly one person on staff knows how to fix, and 47% said their organization has already lost knowledge it could not recover when someone left.

Technology Alone Does Not Close the Gap

While 82% of respondents say their organization owns and operates a computerized maintenance management system (CMMS), just 39% report consistent use across their entire team. And 71% have asked a colleague for information their system already holds.

Consistent use matters as teams move toward predictive maintenance and AI. 55% of maintenance teams are already using or piloting AI, while 92% agree it needs good, complete maintenance data to work effectively. Teams further along in predictive maintenance report better outcomes, including less unplanned downtime and more technician time spent on hands-on work.

The full State of Maintenance Report includes additional findings and practical recommendations for building a stronger foundation for Maintenance Intelligence. Download the report.

About Limble

Limble is the modern maintenance and asset management platform trusted by over 3,500 customers globally. By unifying asset data, work orders, preventive maintenance, inventory, and analytics into a single intuitive interface, Limble empowers teams to increase uptime, extend asset life, and make data-driven decisions with confidence. From manufacturing and facility management to healthcare and hospitality, Limble simplifies the complex work of technicians while delivering the strategic insights required to optimize operations across diverse industries. Learn more at limble.com.

* Methodology: The survey was conducted July 29–August 6, 2026, among 686 full-time U.S. employees directly involved in maintenance or operations, with a 95% confidence level and ±3.7% margin of error. Respondents included maintenance and operations leaders and frontline technicians across manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, facilities-intensive services, infrastructure and the public sector.

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KeaBabies survey finds 96% of parents experience less stress with hands-free babywearing as caregivers use carriers to tackle household tasks, work and everyday moments

ENCINO, Calif., Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- KeaBabies, the baby and parenting brand focused on practical essentials for modern families, commissioned a national consumer survey of 250 parents with children ages 2 and under that reveals just how valuable a few extra minutes can be for parents. For parents of young children, the day is a constant exercise in switching gears: feeding and soothing a baby, getting dinner on the table, answering work emails, helping an older child and trying to find a moment for basic self-care. The challenge isn't a lack of things to do. It's finding the time and free hands to do them while caring for a baby.

KeaBabies Original Wrap Carrier may be helping parents close that gap. Nearly half (47.6%) of parents surveyed say babywearing saves them at least one hour on a typical day, while 83% estimate it saves them at least 30 minutes. That time doesn't just disappear back into the day. Parents are putting it to work, using those hands-free moments to prepare family dinners, tackle work responsibilities, care for older children and carve out small moments for themselves.

And for many parents, getting some of that time back may also mean feeling less overwhelmed. Ninety-six percent of parents surveyed report experiencing less stress with hands-free babywearing, highlighting how even small pockets of freedom throughout the day can make a meaningful difference in the realities of early parenthood.

Key Survey Findings: How Hands-Free Babywearing Gives Parents Time Back

The following data comes from KeaBabies' Fall survey of parents and guardians of children ages 0-2, conducted in September 2026.

Babywearing Saves Parents Measurable Time Every Day

- 47.6% of parents say hands-free babywearing saves them at least one hour on a typical day

- 83% estimate hands-free babywearing saves them at least 30 minutes on a typical day

What Parents Get Done While Babywearing Hands-Free

When asked what they have been able to accomplish while babywearing hands-free, parents reported:

- 72.4% prepare a full family dinner

- 54.4% clear an inbox or work on a major project

- 42.4% participate in a video or phone call

- 38% manage an older child's meltdown or homework session

Parents Are Making Time for Themselves, Too

When asked how they use hands-free babywearing time for themselves, parents reported:

- 72% take a quick walk outside

- 61.6% eat lunch without interruption

- 61.2% scroll, read, or take a mental break

- 60% enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with two hands

Hands-Free Time Means Less Stress

- 96% of parents report experiencing less stress with hands-free babywearing

A Word From The Brand

"Parenthood can make even the simplest task feel like something you need to schedule around your baby," said Jane Neo, Co-Founder and Chief Brand Officer of KeaBabies. "Babywearing gives parents the freedom to keep their baby close while still being able to move through their day. Whether it's making dinner, getting through a work call or just stepping outside for some fresh air, those little pockets of hands-free time can make a busy day feel much more manageable."

Why Parents of Young Children Are Running Short on Time

The early years of parenthood are defined by constant demands on a parent's attention. Parents of young children are continually switching between feeding and soothing a baby, keeping up with the house, caring for older children, getting work done and fitting in basic self-care. For many parents, the challenge is not a lack of things to do but the difficulty of doing anything else while caring for baby.

Babywearing allows parents to keep their baby close while using their hands for the everyday tasks that keep a household running. The KeaBabies survey shows that those hands-free moments add up to meaningful time, with 83% of parents gaining back at least 30 minutes a day and 96% reporting less stress. For KeaBabies, the findings underscore the importance of designing baby essentials around the realities of modern parenthood, giving parents practical ways to care for their babies while still making space for everything else life requires.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much time does babywearing save parents?

According to a survey commissioned by KeaBabies, 47.6% of parents say hands-free babywearing saves them at least one hour on a typical day. 83% of parents estimate babywearing saves them at least 30 minutes each day.

Does babywearing reduce stress for parents?

Yes, according to parents surveyed by KeaBabies. 96% of parents report experiencing less stress with hands-free babywearing.

What can parents do while babywearing?

Parents surveyed by KeaBabies reported preparing a full family dinner (72.4%), clearing an inbox or working on a major project (54.4%), participating in a video or phone call (42.4%) and managing an older child's meltdown or homework session (38%) while babywearing hands-free.

Can babywearing help parents find time for self-care?

Yes. Parents in the KeaBabies survey have used hands-free babywearing time to take a quick walk outside (72%), eat lunch without interruption (61.6%), scroll, read or take a mental break (61.2%) and enjoy a cup of coffee or tea with two hands (60%).

Why do parents of young children feel like they never have enough time?

Parents of young children are constantly switching between feeding and soothing a baby, household tasks, caring for older children, work and basic self-care. A baby often needs attention at the same moment another task needs to get done. Hands-free babywearing helps parents keep their baby close while using their hands for other responsibilities.

Who conducted the survey?

The survey was commissioned by KeaBabies, the baby and parenting brand focused on practical essentials for modern families.

About KeaBabies:

KeaBabies is a family-owned brand founded in 2017 to make everyday parenting easier—so parents can focus on what matters most. From newborn essentials to toddler milestones and beyond, KeaBabies thoughtfully designs products to simplify parents' lives and support families through every stage of parenthood. Championing positive parenting, the brand believes in the power of bonding moments to make the journey more meaningful.

Today, KeaBabies serves a global community of millions of parents. Discover more at keababies.com and follow the brand on Instagram @keababies.

Media Contact: [email protected]

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New protocol combines frequent Family-Based Treatment (FBT) sessions, daily meal supervision, and wrap-around care from a dedicated multidisciplinary team

SAN DIEGO, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Equip, a leading provider of virtual, evidence-based eating disorder treatment in the U.S., today announced Equip Transition Track: an enhanced care protocol that allows medically stable patients with caregiver supports (ages 6–24) to step down from inpatient care directly to their home environment. By delivering intensive, structured clinical care virtually, the protocol gives patients who would otherwise be candidates for residential, PHP or IOP care a direct path home.

How Transition Track Works

Grounded in FBT, the gold standard in youth eating disorder care, Transition Track surrounds families with high-touch clinical support during the first several weeks after hospital discharge—the highest-risk window for relapse and readmission. The protocol pairs frequent therapy, daily virtual meal supervision and hands-on caregiver coaching, then transitions into continuous care with the same multidisciplinary team for a total of 12 months.

Guidelines across major professional organizations, including the American Psychiatric Association (APA), the Society for Adolescent Health and Medicine (SAHM) and the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), backed by peer-reviewed research, clearly recommend outpatient treatment supported by families, including FBT, as the first line of care for any medically stable patient.

"Having gone through recovery myself, I know firsthand how hard it is to take the skills you learn in a hospital and apply them to real life at home, which is why relapse happens so often," said Kristina Saffran, CEO and Co-Founder of Equip. "Transition Track meets patients where recovery actually happens: in their own homes, around their own dinner tables. Practicing those skills in daily life right after leaving the hospital gives families the best shot at lasting recovery."

For many, the shift from structured clinical facilities back to daily life presents the highest hurdle to sustainable recovery—a challenge that helped inspire the development of Transition Track.

"When I was 14, I was diagnosed with an eating disorder. Ever since then, I had been in the system of inpatient and outpatient treatment," said a former Equip patient. "Inpatient…I feel like it was helpful, but it was always like a bubble, and when you come out of the bubble, you're in the same environment, and it's hard to keep doing it. But with Equip, it didn't really feel like that. It was home, and I still had pretty much the same level of support that I would have had in an IOP. Right away, I was like, 'OK, this is a good next step.' It felt like a gradual return to the rest of the world."

Equip's Clinical Effectiveness

Transition Track builds on Equip's proven track record of treating medically stable patients with severe eating disorders1, having supported nearly 6,000 of those patients over the past two years.

- Over 90% of these patients see sufficient improvements at home to avoid discharge from Equip to higher levels of care

- Three in four achieve minimal or subclinical levels of eating disorder, anxiety and depression symptoms within six months;

- Eight in 10 of these patients and families report high overall treatment satisfaction.

Key Features of Transition Track

- Real-World Skill Building: Empowers patients to practice recovery tools during family meals, social events and school routines.

- Multidisciplinary Team Continuity: Unifies specialized disciplines, including a licensed therapist, registered dietitian, medical provider, and coaches, under one coordinated care plan.

- Front-Loaded Clinical Intensity: Increased frequency of FBT therapy, including twice the standard FBT therapy frequency, live nutrition support and daily supervised meals.

- Targeted Caregiver Coaching: Pairs parents and guardians with a caregiver coach with lived experience, providing hands-on training, in-session and asynchronous skills curricula and support groups before and after hospital discharge.

About Equip

Equip is a leading virtual, evidence-based eating disorder treatment program on a mission to ensure that everyone with an eating disorder can access treatment that works. Created by clinical experts in the field and people with lived experience, Equip builds upon evidence-based treatments to empower individuals to reach lasting recovery. All Equip patients receive a dedicated care team, which may include a therapist, dietitian, physician, and coaches with lived experience. The company operates in all 50 states and is partnered with most major health insurance plans and a growing number of Medicaid plans. For more information, visit equip.health.

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1 *Defined as those who either step down directly from inpatient care or meet strict APA criteria for PHP-level care.

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Strategic partnership brings automated review generation and real-time patient feedback to Castle Connolly's national network of Top Doctors, Top Dentists, and Top Hospitals.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Castle Connolly, a trusted source for identifying the nation's top healthcare providers for more than 35 years, and rater8, a leader in healthcare reputation management, today announced a partnership to help hospitals and healthcare practices capture authentic patient feedback, strengthen their online presence, and drive growth.

"Castle Connolly was founded on a simple, vital principle: providing trusted, third-party validation in healthcare," said Steve Leibforth, Managing Director of Castle Connolly. "Today, standing out requires more than clinical credentials alone. Practices must maintain an active, positive presence everywhere prospective patients evaluate their options. Partnering with rater8 allows us to bridge that gap, pairing peer-nominated clinical validation with patient feedback tools that elevate their reputation and drive long-term growth."

Through this strategic partnership, Castle Connolly is expanding its portfolio to offer the rater8 Visibility Engine (raVE) to hospitals, group practices, doctors and dentists nationwide. The collaboration combines Castle Connolly's trusted legacy of independent, peer-nominated provider recognition with rater8's automated review solution, helping organizations with recognized providers stand out everywhere prospective patients search for care.

As patient search behavior evolves, authentic patient reviews and structured online profiles have become essential to provider discovery in an increasingly AI-driven landscape. According to rater8's 2026 Patient Choice Report, 47% of patients have used AI to research or find a healthcare provider, up 16 percentage points from 2025. This partnership empowers healthcare organizations to seamlessly collect post-visit patient sentiment and share real patient experiences.

"Patients are making healthcare decisions with more information at their fingertips than ever before, and a provider's online reputation plays an increasingly important role in that process," said Evan Steele, Founder and CEO of rater8. "Castle Connolly has spent decades building trust around recognizing exceptional providers, while rater8 helps those providers continuously capture authentic feedback from the patients they serve. Together, we're helping healthcare organizations build a more complete online presence that reflects both the quality of care they deliver and the experience patients can expect."

By combining Castle Connolly's independent, peer-nominated recognition with rater8's patient feedback tools, the partnership helps medical institutions ensure their reputation reflects both the confidence of their peers and the experience of their patients.

About Castle Connolly

With over 35 years' experience researching, reviewing and selecting Top Doctors, Castle Connolly is a highly trusted and credible source. A study published in the Journal of Medical Research found that across several specialties evidence indicates that Castle Connolly's peer-reviewed directory is methodologically more reliable than sites that just relied on patient reviews when it came to identifying quality care. Our mission is to help people find the best healthcare by connecting patients with best-in-class healthcare providers. For more information, visit https://www.castleconnolly.com.

About rater8

Founded in 2015 and based in the United States, rater8 is a leading provider of healthcare reputation management. Built exclusively for healthcare, the raVE (rater8 Visibility Engine) platform delivers serious reputation, visibility, and insights that empower providers to put their online reputations to work. raVE gathers authentic patient feedback to strengthen healthcare organizations' local and AI-driven search discoverability, and offers a clear view into the patient experience to identify operational improvements. Recognized for its award-winning customer service, rater8 is committed to providing meticulously intelligent reputation management that scales healthcare organizations from the inside out. For more information, visit https://rater8.com/.

Media Contacts

Caroline Baron

Senior Director

[email protected]

(212) 367-8400

Erica Camilo

Connexa Communications for rater8

C: 610.639.5644

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Written for anyone taking a GLP-1 medication, considering one, or stuck in cycles of weight gain and food noise, the new book challenges the idea that weight struggles are a failure of willpower. Banayan draws on her clinical practice and her own experience with GLP-1 therapy to offer a practical roadmap for using these medications responsibly and making lifestyle changes that stick.

NEW YORK, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Bracha Banayan, RN, FNP, founder of telehealth practice Hello Dose, today released her new book, "Why Are You Still Hungry?" The paperback is available through Amazon, Barnes & Noble and BookBaby, and the eBook is available through Apple Books, Barnes & Noble, Kobo and BookBaby's Bookshop.

Banayan walks readers through the biological factors that can make weight management so challenging, including insulin resistance, the body's set point and "food noise," the persistent, intrusive thoughts about food that many people describe. She explains in plain language how GLP-1 and GIP receptor agonist medications, such as semaglutide and tirzepatide, act on both the gut and the brain.

Rather than presenting medication as a shortcut, the book frames GLP-1 therapy as one tool that works best alongside behavior change. Banayan introduces her DROP™ Method, a four-part framework built around Dosing, Real-time feedback, Owning your habits and the Pause factor. She also covers side-effect management, working with a provider on appropriate dosing, and the stigma and shame that often surround weight-loss medications. Later chapters explore the psychological and emotional side of healing one's relationship with food.

Banayan came to the subject as a skeptic. She once gave patients the familiar advice to eat less and move more, until she gained roughly 20 pounds during the COVID-19 pandemic and spent nearly two years unable to lose it through diet and exercise alone. She eventually tried semaglutide under appropriate medical care, and the experience reshaped how she practices. At the same time, she was seeing widespread confusion among patients, from people taking higher doses than they needed to people starting treatment without addressing the habits underneath.

The book carries an endorsement from Amy Shecter, former CEO of CorePower Yoga and Glamsquad, who credits it with bringing clarity to the science behind GLP-1s and giving patients a practical roadmap in a space crowded with misinformation.

"So many people have been made to feel that their weight is a character flaw, and it isn't. It's biology, and asking for help takes courage," said Banayan. "But these medications aren't magic, either. They open a window, and what you do with that window matters. I wrote this book to give people a clear roadmap for working with their provider, rewiring their habits and building a healthy life that lasts well beyond the prescription."

The book is intended for educational purposes and does not replace individualized medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. GLP-1 receptor agonists are FDA-approved prescription medications for specific medical indications, should be used only under the supervision of a licensed healthcare provider, and are not appropriate for everyone. Individual results vary.

More About Bracha Banayan and Hello Dose

Bracha Banayan, RN, FNP, is a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner and healthcare entrepreneur based in New York City. She is the founder and CEO of Hello Dose and IVDrips, and brings more than a decade of clinical experience in emergency medicine and infusion therapy. Banayan has drawn on her clinical GLP-1 experience with more than 1,000 patients and has been featured on CBS News and in The Wall Street Journal. She personally trains and selects the Nurse Practitioners who care for Hello Dose patients.

Hello Dose is a clinician-led telehealth medical weight management practice offering personalized, medically supervised programs that may incorporate GLP-1 therapy, clinical monitoring, behavioral and lifestyle guidance and ongoing patient education, based on individual needs and clinical appropriateness. Hello Dose offers telehealth services to eligible patients nationwide, subject to provider availability and applicable state regulations. For more information, please visit www.hellodose.com.

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HoneyBaked® launches new Deluxe Sandwiches and Protein Cups, bringing more of its signature meats into everyday occasions.

ATLANTA, Oct. 7, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Honey Baked Ham Company is turning up the protein, and this time it's coming stacked, sliced and ready to grab-and-go. The brand long celebrated for its hand-carved meats is giving guests even more ways to enjoy the protein they love with the launch of its new Deluxe Ham and Turkey Sandwiches and Protein Cups, bringing the brand's signature meats into even more convenient, everyday occasions.

Protein has always been at the heart of HoneyBaked's menu, and the new offerings build on that legacy. From sandwiches stacked high with bold flavor to convenient Protein Cups featuring 6 oz. of ham/turkey, the new options make it even easier to get more of the protein guests already know and love from HoneyBaked.

"While protein may be having a moment, it has always been at the heart of what we do at HoneyBaked. These new offerings build on that legacy, giving guests even more delicious ways to enjoy the high-quality meats they know and love." said Chef Tim Ziga, Culinary Director, The Honey Baked Ham Company. "From our Deluxe Sandwiches to convenient Protein Cups, we're taking the quality and flavor guests already know and love and making it even easier to enjoy HoneyBaked throughout the day."

Meet Your New Protein Go-Tos:

Deluxe Ham and Turkey Sandwiches: HoneyBaked's classic Ham and Turkey Sandwiches just got a serious glow up. The Deluxe Ham Classic features 50% more Honey Baked Ham®, extra Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Hickory Honey Mustard, lettuce and tomato on a buttery croissant. The Deluxe Turkey Classic features 50% more roasted or smoked Honey Baked™ Turkey, extra Swiss cheese, mayonnaise, Hickory Honey Mustard, lettuce and tomato on a soft Baker's Roll. The ham sandwich delivers 45 grams of protein, while the turkey sandwich delivers 51 grams of protein.

Protein Cups: Available in ham and roasted or smoked turkey, each Protein Cup features 32 grams of protein for ham or 38 grams for turkey, offering a convenient way to enjoy HoneyBaked's signature meats on the go.

The new offerings also give guests more ways to experience HoneyBaked beyond traditional holiday occasions, highlighting the brand's everyday menu of signature meats and sandwiches.

The new offerings are available beginning Oct. 5 at participating HoneyBaked locations nationwide.

For more information, visit honeybaked.com/lunch.

About The Honey Baked Ham Company:

For more than 65 years, The Honey Baked Ham Company has provided customers and their families with delightful food to enjoy for all of life's special moments. HoneyBaked's origins began when founder Harry J. Hoenselaar patented a spiral-slicing ham machine, making way for the first HoneyBaked® Store in Detroit, Michigan. Since that momentous opening in 1957, the company has grown to more than 400 locations nationwide, serving its signature spiral-sliced Honey Baked Ham with sweet and crunchy glaze, premium turkey breast, heat and serve sides, desserts, sandwiches, and more. Offering convenient meals using the best ingredients, HoneyBaked will make every occasion a little more memorable, whether you're dining in store, picking up or ordering online. For more information visit www.honeybaked.com and connect on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, and TikTok.

SOURCE The Honey Baked Ham Company

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