Longtime racquet-sports enthusiast brings his signature universe to JOOLA's pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets

Key Highlights:

- JOOLA and 2x Grammy-nominated DJ, producer, and longtime friend of the brand Steve Aoki are launching a limited-edition HiROQUEST collection of pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets.

- The collection will include two HiROQUEST-inspired pickleball paddles and two HiROQUEST-inspired table tennis rackets, with designs based on the Hiro and Hyro characters.

- Each product pairs JOOLA's performance equipment with Aoki's original HiROQUEST artwork and includes a randomized, base or numbered collectible HiROQUEST trading card.

NORTH BETHESDA, Md., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- JOOLA today announced a limited-edition collaboration with 2x Grammy-nominated DJ, record producer, and racket sports enthusiast Steve Aoki, bringing his HiROQUEST universe to life in a new collection of pickleball paddles and table tennis rackets dropping Tuesday, October 6th.

The JOOLA x Aoki HiROQUEST Collection celebrates a collaboration years in the making. An avid pickleball and table tennis player, Aoki has long shared JOOLA's passion for bringing people together through fast-paced, high-energy play — a connection that, paired with his support for brain health and active aging research, sparked the first collaboration between JOOLA and the Aoki Foundation and laid the groundwork for this limited release.

"JOOLA has been in my corner for years now, on and off the court," said Steve Aoki. "They've always supported me as a player and as an artist, and that kind of relationship is rare. This collaboration means a lot to me because it's not just a partnership — it's with people I genuinely consider friends. Getting to create something real with them is a dream come true."

The collection includes four limited-edition pieces: two JOOLA x STEVE AOKI Perseus Pro V 16mm pickleball paddles priced at $349.95 each and two JOOLA x STEVE AOKI Infinity Carbon table tennis rackets priced at $199.95 each. Each product features artwork and characters from Aoki's expansive narrative universe HiROQUEST, with designs highlighting two signature colorways: Hiro, the protagonist, and Hyro, the antagonist. Each purchase also includes a special JOOLA x HiROQUEST collectible card, giving fans an additional piece of the collaboration to collect.

"This collection grew out of years of friendship with Steve and his love for the games," said Richard Lee, JOOLA President and CEO. "Bringing HiROQUEST onto our table tennis and pickleball equipment felt like a natural next chapter for our partnership."

About HiROQUEST

HiROQUEST is Steve Aoki's original multiverse saga, which blends music, art, collectibles, and storytelling into one connected world. The universe follows Hiro, a genetically augmented meta-human, as he journeys across multiple worlds and confronts Hyro, his arch-nemesis. The story began as part of Aoki's broader creative world-building around his album HiROQUEST: Genesis and has since expanded through graphic novels, a manga, collectible trading cards, and two additional studio albums including HiROQUEST 2: Double Helix and HiROQUEST 3: Paragon

"HiROQUEST has always been about building worlds people can step into," said Steve Aoki. "JOOLA has been part of my table tennis and pickleball life for years, so bringing Hiro and Hyro onto paddles and rackets feels like the perfect way to merge my love of storytelling, collectibles, and racquet sports."

For Aoki, HiROQUEST has become a way to extend the energy of his music into character-driven stories and collectible experiences. By placing Hiro and Hyro on JOOLA equipment, the collaboration gives fans a new way to connect with the saga while playing two sports that Aoki and JOOLA both champion.

The Drop

The JOOLA x Aoki limited-edition collection drops October 6, 2026, exclusively at JOOLA.com.

About JOOLA

Founded in 1952, JOOLA is a globally recognized brand specializing in table tennis and pickleball equipment. With a commitment to innovation and quality, JOOLA continues to lead the way in racquet sports, providing athletes and enthusiasts with the tools they need to excel at every level. JOOLA's roster of world-class athletes includes Ben Johns, the world's No. 1 ranked men's pickleball player, along with Anna Bright, Federico Staksrud, Tyson McGuffin, Hugo Calderano and other top professionals. For more information, visit www.joola.com.

MEDIA CONTACT

Lindsey Hartman

Head of Communications

JOOLA

[email protected]

SOURCE JOOLA

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Utah's iconic mountain destination retains One MICHELIN Key and is named the #3 Resort in the Mountain West in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards

SUNDANCE, Utah, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Sundance Mountain Resort, the four-season mountain destination tucked beneath Utah's Mount Timpanogos, celebrates a milestone season of recognition from two of the world's leading travel authorities: retaining One MICHELIN Key in the 2026 MICHELIN Guide and earning the #3 ranking among Resorts in the Mountain West in Condé Nast Traveler's 2026 Readers' Choice Awards.

The Condé Nast Traveler honor makes Sundance Mountain Resort the highest-ranked Utah resort in the Mountain West category. The resort was also recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers as one of America's 20 Best Ski Resorts, further underscoring the resort's appeal as both a destination stay and a singular place to experience the mountains.

AT A GLANCE

- One MICHELIN Key — 2026 MICHELIN Guide, marking Sundance Mountain Resort's third consecutive year with the distinction

- #3 Resort in the Mountain West — Condé Nast Traveler 2026 Readers' Choice Awards

- Highest-ranked Utah resort in Condé Nast Traveler's Mountain West category

- One of America's 20 Best Ski Resorts, as recognized by Condé Nast Traveler readers

The accolades arrive as Sundance Mountain Resort continues to introduce more travelers to a distinctly different kind of mountain resort; one where recreation, art and nature have been intentionally intertwined for generations. Here, the measure of a great stay extends beyond a room or a run: mornings might begin beside the creek or on the mountain, afternoons can unfold at the pottery wheel or beneath the pines, and evenings bring thoughtful dining, live music and firelight.

"Recognition from MICHELIN and the readers of Condé Nast Traveler is especially meaningful because it speaks to the entire Sundance Mountain Resort experience," said Chad Linebaugh, President of Sundance Mountain Resort. "There's a deep sense of place here that comes from the mountain itself, the arts, our approach to hospitality and the people who bring this place to life every day. We're proud to see that resonate with guests, whether they've been coming here for decades or are discovering our retreat for the first time."

The MICHELIN Guide's 2026 hotel selection once again includes Sundance Mountain Resort among its Key hotels, an independently inspected collection intended to recognize outstanding hotel experiences. Sundance Mountain Resort first received One MICHELIN Key in 2024 and has now maintained the distinction for three consecutive years. Michelin itself describes the recognition as reflecting the "thoughtful hospitality and distinct sense of place" at the heart of the resort experience. That sense of place is rooted in an approach that has long valued what remains untouched as much as what is built. Seventy percent of Sundance Mountain Resort's terrain is permanently set aside for conservation, while art, craftsmanship and outdoor recreation remain fundamental parts of the guest experience. From skiing beneath the limestone summit of Mount Timpanogos to workshops and performances, Sundance offers a mountain experience designed around connection: to nature, creativity and one another.

The Condé Nast Traveler recognition also comes amid growing national attention for Sundance as a ski destination. Earlier this year, the publication highlighted Sundance among Utah's best ski resorts, noting its combination of expert terrain, approachable skiing, arts programming and conservation-minded character. Condé Nast Traveler

Together, the latest accolades affirm something Sundance has pursued without chasing conventional definitions of resort luxury: an experience that is refined without being slick, rooted in the landscape rather than imposed upon it, and difficult to replicate anywhere else.

For more information about Sundance Mountain Resort, visit sundanceresort.com.

About Sundance Mountain Resort

Sundance Mountain Resort, founded by Robert Redford in 1969, is a premier four-season destination nestled at the base of Utah's iconic Mount Timpanogos in Utah. Offering a unique blend of outdoor recreation, arts, and culture, Sundance is committed to environmental sustainability and artistic expression, balanced with premier service and hospitality. As such, Sundance has been awarded One MICHELIN Key in the 2024 and 2025 MICHELIN Guides. In progress is a continuation of the Robert Redford era under new stewards, providing improvements including the fine tuning of resort operations, an enhanced skier experience and the opening of the Inn at Sundance. For more information on Sundance Mountain Resort, visit www.sundanceresort.com.

SOURCE Sundance Mountain Resort

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LAS VEGAS, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- As convenience retailers continue investing in foodservice as a key driver of growth and profitability, Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions will showcase products from its Anchor Packaging brand that help operators protect food quality, improve operational efficiency and create meal experiences that drive repeat purchases. The company will exhibit at the 2026 NACS Show, October 7-9 in Las Vegas, at Booth C55059 in the Central Hall.

Foodservice has become one of the most important growth opportunities in convenience retailing. Today, foodservice is offered in more than 90% of U.S. convenience stores, and operators increasingly view fresh food programs as critical to overall store success. At the same time, consumers are raising their expectations and increasingly choosing convenience stores for fresh, high-quality meal solutions.

Anchor Packaging, one of Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions' leading brands, believes the path to winning more meals starts with a different view of packaging.

"Packaging is far more than a container," said Ryan Elwart, senior vice president – Sales and Innovation, Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions. "The right packaging protects food quality, supports store operations and helps create an experience that brings customers back again and again. As convenience retailers expand their foodservice offerings, they need partners with deep foodservice expertise, and that's where Anchor delivers for them."

For nearly 65 years, Anchor Packaging has partnered with restaurant and grocery foodservice operators, helping them address challenges related to food quality, hold times, labor efficiency and profitability. Today, Georgia-Pacific's Foodservice Solutions team is bringing that foodservice expertise to convenience retailers looking to grow and differentiate their prepared food offerings.

Experience Crisp Food Technology Firsthand

At the NACS Show, attendees can experience live food demonstrations featuring Anchor's award-winning Crisp Food Technologies® containers.

Designed to preserve the texture and taste of hot, fried foods, Crisp Food Technology helps keep foods hot and crispy in a hot case and on the go. Visitors to the booth are invited to taste the difference firsthand and see how improved packaging performance can help operators deliver a better meal experience.

"Higher perceived quality drives repeat purchases," said Kurt Richars, director – Marketing, Anchor Packaging. "When operators deliver on consumers' expectations, they build a reputation that brings them back for more."

Simplifying Operations with Invertibles™

Anchor will also feature Invertibles™, an innovative single-piece container solution engineered to simplify operations and maximize efficiency and was recently recognized as Best New Product for Foodservice Packaging for 2026 by Convenience Store News.

Invertibles' unique design uses one component as both the base and lid, helping operators reduce storage requirements by up to 50% while eliminating base-and-lid mismatches. The clear, recycle-ready polypropylene container is microwave safe and suitable for both hot and cold grab-and-go applications, providing versatility for a variety of menu offerings.

Attendees can see Invertibles in the booth and find it featured in the Cool New Products Expo at this year's NACS Show.

Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions: A Partner for Growing Foodservice Programs

Through brands such as Anchor Packaging, Georgia-Pacific Foodservice Solutions offers a broad portfolio of packaging solutions designed to help operators protect food quality, enhance food presentation and improve operational execution. Anchor's product portfolio includes Crisp Food Technologies® containers, Safe Pinch® tamper-evident packaging and numerous other innovative containers and cling film solutions that help foodservice operators serve meals more profitably while delivering a better customer experience. Anchor products are manufactured in the United States and are designed to support restaurants, grocery retailers, convenience stores and other foodservice operators responding to the changing needs and growing consumer demand for high-quality meals to go.

GP Foodservice Solutions, a division of Georgia-Pacific, is an integrated platform that combines Dixie's® smartly designed, reliable products that help simplify service and enhance convenience for consumers and operators with Anchor Packaging and Panoramic brands' innovative, custom-engineered solutions for food protection, preservation and sustainable choices after use.

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Project helps identify communities with the greatest need and guides future investments in programs supporting women facing cancer

CARY, N.C., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- SAS and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund have joined forces to help ensure more women receive the education, support and access to care they need in the fight against cancer. Through a Data for Good collaboration, the organizations analyzed data to measure the impact of the Fund's programs and identify opportunities to direct future resources where they can make the greatest difference.

The project combines the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's program and grant data with demographic, health care access and cancer incidence data to create a more complete picture of community needs across the United States. Using SAS® Viya, the organizations developed insights that can help guide future EmPOWERment Tours, grant funding, educational initiatives and outreach efforts.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund works to serve underserved women facing cancer through research, education and access to care. Understanding where programs create the strongest outcomes, and where needs remain greatest, can help the organization maximize every dollar invested and expand its impact.

Initial analysis of the Fund's EmPOWERment Tour program found that $475,000 in grant funding supported 12 cancer centers, engaged more than 20,000 women, provided patient navigation services to 1,200 women and facilitated 4,100 screenings. The analysis also found that approximately 42 women were reached through education, support and access-to-care initiatives for every $1,000 invested.

"Data has the power to reveal where needs exist, what is working and how organizations can create even greater impact," said Selena Mua, Program Manager on the AI + Society team at SAS. "By combining the Kay Yow Cancer Fund's deep expertise in supporting women facing cancer with data and AI, we can help turn information into action and ensure resources reach the communities that need them most."

"When women are facing cancer, every decision matters," said Jenny Palmateer, CEO of the Kay Yow Cancer Fund. "These insights will help us better understand where we can make the greatest difference and allow us to expand our mission of providing education, support and access to care for women who need it most."

To support future planning, the project incorporated data from the U.S. Census Bureau, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Cancer Institute and Food and Drug Administration, creating a broader view of community needs and access-to-care challenges. Using SAS Viya, the organizations can explore trends by geography and cancer type to better understand where interventions may have the greatest impact.

The resulting insights will help guide future EmPOWERment Tours, community outreach efforts, educational programming and grant investments, strengthening the Fund's ability to connect women with lifesaving information and services.

Learn more about how SAS and the Kay Yow Cancer Fund are turning insights into action.

About the Kay Yow Cancer Fund

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund was officially founded on December 3, 2007, from the vision of the organization's namesake, Kay Yow, former NC State University head women's basketball coach. Coach Yow was first diagnosed with breast cancer in 1987 before succumbing to the disease on January 24, 2009.

The Kay Yow Cancer Fund is a 501(c)(3) charitable organization committed to raising money for life-saving cancer research, supporting programs that provide access to quality cancer healthcare to the underserved and uniting people in the fight against all cancers affecting women. To date, the Kay Yow Cancer Fund has awarded $11.1 million in the fight against all cancers affecting women. For more information on the Kay Yow Cancer Fund, please visit KayYow.com.

About SAS

SAS is a global leader in data and AI, helping organizations make confident decisions with AI they can trust. For decades, SAS has set the standard for delivering software that drives meaningful impact, incorporating deep industry expertise, transparency and governance. SAS gives you THE POWER TO KNOW®.

SAS and all other SAS Institute Inc. product or service names are registered trademarks or trademarks of SAS Institute Inc. in the USA and other countries. ® indicates USA registration. Other brand and product names are trademarks of their respective companies. Copyright © 2026 SAS Institute Inc. All rights reserved.

Kris Balic; [email protected]; 919-531-0624

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First-of-its-kind study of more than 2,000 hospitals finds 11 of 12 digital measures associated with stronger patient experience

DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- New proprietary research from AMN Healthcare, the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for healthcare organizations, examines the relationship between technology investment and hospital performance and finds that hospitals with greater digital investment were more likely to demonstrate stronger patient experience.

Across hospitals of all sizes, 11 of 12 digital-footprint measures were associated with better patient experience, while nine of 12 were associated with better efficiency. Of the 32 statistically significant findings produced across 96 tests, 30 favored greater digital investment.

The findings are detailed in the new white paper, AI Starts With What Leaders Build, based on an analysis of more than 2,000 hospitals and interviews with 12 senior executives leading digital transformation initiatives. The research found that established enterprise systems showed the most consistent performance associations, while the results associated with artificial intelligence were less consistent.

"Our research points to a meaningful relationship between digital investment and the patient experience, but technology alone does not explain the result," said Tessa Misiaszek, President, Leadership & Advisory Solutions at AMN Healthcare. "Health systems are best positioned to create value when they pair technology with strong leadership, disciplined governance, redesigned workflows and meaningful clinician engagement."

Established systems show the strongest results

Enterprise systems, including electronic health record, enterprise resource planning and revenue-cycle platforms, were positively associated with hospital performance in six of eight analyses, with differences ranging from 26% to 38%. These systems produced the study's most consistent performance associations.

AI showed a more qualified result. Approximately 12% of hospitals had a measurable AI or predictive-analytics footprint. AI was positively associated with patient experience across the full hospital sample, but that association did not remain when hospitals were compared within similar size groups. AI also was not associated with better performance in any of the study's efficiency analyses. The research suggests that organizational readiness, rather than technology alone, influences whether hospitals convert digital investments into value.

Executives identify transformation as organizational change

All 12 executives interviewed described successful digital transformation as an organizational change effort rather than a technology deployment. Workflow integration was the strongest operational theme, raised in 10 of the 12 interviews, followed closely by leadership sponsorship and governance.

Clinician engagement preceded formal education in eight of the 12 interviews, underscoring the importance of involving the workforce before technology is configured and introduced.

The study also identified a potential risk for hospitals pursuing multiple initiatives at once. Among midsize hospitals, greater transformation intensity was associated with worse efficiency, the only negative efficiency finding in the research. The finding suggests that transformation activity can outpace an organization's governance and implementation capacity.

Eight capabilities support AI readiness

Based on the hospital analysis and executive interviews, AMN Healthcare developed an eight-point workforce model to help health systems assess their readiness for AI and broader digital transformation.

The model encompasses leadership readiness, workforce analytics and governance, workflow integration, workforce design, adaptability, digital capability, upskilling and continuous learning. Together, these capabilities help organizations govern, introduce and sustain new technology.

"The encouraging conclusion is that many of the capabilities shaping digital and AI success are within leadership's control," said Tessa Misiaszek, President, Leadership & Advisory Solutions at AMN Healthcare. "Health systems can strengthen governance, redesign workflows and engage clinicians now, creating a stronger foundation for technology to support better experiences for patients and the workforce."

Read the complete white paper, AI Starts With What Leaders Build.

Research methodology

AMN Healthcare analyzed 2,089 hospitals for efficiency, measured through Medicare Spending per Beneficiary, and 2,185 hospitals for patient experience, measured through Hospital Consumer Assessment of Healthcare Providers and Systems data. The study tested overall digital intensity and 11 technology categories across pooled, large, midsize and small hospital samples. Because higher-performing hospitals skewed smaller than their comparison groups, the analyses were repeated within hospital-size categories. The findings are cross-sectional and establish association, not causation. The quantitative research was supplemented by interviews with 12 senior executives leading digital and AI transformation initiatives.

About AMN Healthcare

AMN Healthcare is the leader and innovator in total talent solutions for health care, bringing together the people, processes and technology to deliver better care. Through a steadfast partnership approach, we solve the most pressing workforce challenges to enable better clinical outcomes and access to care. In 2025, our health care professionals reached more than 13 million patients at more than 2,300 health care systems, including 93% of the top health care systems nationwide. We provide a comprehensive network of quality health care professionals and deliver a fully integrated and customizable suite of workforce technologies.

SOURCE AMN Healthcare Services, Inc.

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Pennsylvania's The Injury Pros Opens New Reading Office, Now Accepting Client Appointments

Personal Injury Law Firm Expands Into Berks County to Serve Injured Residents Closer to Home.

READING, Pa., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Injury Pros, a Cordisco & Saile brand, announces the opening of its new office in Reading, Pennsylvania, located at 519 Walnut Street, Suite 1B. The office is now open and accepting client appointments, giving injured individuals and families in Reading and throughout Berks County convenient, in-person access to experienced personal injury lawyers. For more information about the firm and its commitment to injured Pennsylvanians, visit https://injurypros.com/about-us/.

"Opening our Reading office is about being where our clients need us," said attorney Michael Saile. "After a serious personal injury, people shouldn't have to travel far to get honest guidance and strong representation. We're proud to bring our team and our client-first approach directly to the Reading community."

Expanding Personal Injury Representation in Reading and Berks County

The Reading location marks another office in Pennsylvania, joining its offices in Philadelphia, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Norristown, Allentown, Bethlehem, Quakertown, and Doylestown. The expansion allows Injury Pros to serve a broader region of southeastern Pennsylvania and the Lehigh Valley while offering Reading residents local access to attorneys who handle car, truck, and motorcycle accidents; pedestrian and bicycle accidents; slip-and-fall injuries; workplace injuries; catastrophic injuries; and wrongful death claims.

Clients visiting the Reading office will work with a team of seasoned trial attorneys and support staff who bring decades of combined courtroom experience to every case. The firm's attorneys include a Pennsylvania-certified specialist in workers' compensation law, as well as trial lawyers who have recovered millions of dollars for clients in high-stakes negligence cases. Learn more about the firm's personal injury practice.

A Client-First Approach to Injury Law in Pennsylvania

Injury Pros was founded to help people who have been hurt through no fault of their own, offering not only legal advice but a voice when they need it most. The firm's work is guided by core values of client focus, clear communication, teamwork, and relentless advocacy. Every client receives personal attention, honest updates free of legal jargon, and a team committed to holding responsible parties accountable. Injury Pros operates on a contingency fee basis, meaning clients pay nothing unless the firm secures a recovery on their behalf. You can also listen to The Injury Pros Podcast on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music.

The Injury Pros is a Pennsylvania personal injury law firm dedicated to helping injured individuals and families take on insurance companies and secure the compensation they deserve. With offices in Reading, Philadelphia, Bensalem, Bristol, Langhorne, Norristown, Allentown, Bethlehem, Quakertown, and Doylestown, the firm represents clients in motor vehicle accidents, premises liability, workplace injuries, catastrophic injuries, and wrongful death cases. Injury Pros offers free consultations and a client-first experience from the first call to case resolution.

SOURCE The Injury Pros

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Inspired by the brand's artisanal and Italian-made pillars, the new scent pays tribute to the warmth and spirit of Italian living.

NEW YORK, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Laura Geller Beauty, the brand known for crafting makeup for mature skin, today announced the launch of its first-ever perfume. The new scent, Tuscan Sun Eau de Toilette, marks a significant expansion for the brand as its first entry into the fragrance category.

Tuscan Sun draws upon the brand's longstanding association with Italy, where many of its products are manufactured. The fragrance is inspired by the ease, warmth, and sensory richness of Italian living, capturing a sense of la dolce vita, "the sweet life." It opens with bright notes of Italian lemon, softening with notes of creamy florals at the heart, and settles into a warm base of amber and vanilla, all meant to evoke the feeling of golden hour in Tuscany.

"For years, people have stopped me to ask what perfume I'm wearing," says Laura Geller, founder and makeup artist. "I finally felt called to create my own fragrance. Tuscan Sun is the scent I've been dreaming about for years, and I'm so excited to finally share it."

Geller and her team spent more than a year developing the perfume, taking inspiration from her annual travels through Italy. They also turned to valued customers through several different panels, helping to refine the scent further. "It had to feel as personal as our makeup," Geller adds.

Fragrance, Geller also notes, taps into emotions that makeup cannot reach. "I've spent my entire career helping women feel confident in their own skin through makeup. But confidence isn't just about how you look, it's how you feel. I wanted this bright and gorgeous scent to stir up feelings of relaxation and ease – exactly how you'd feel if you were on a Tuscan getaway of your own. It's the perfect finishing touch to help my customers feel their very best."

Even the fragrance's bottle takes inspiration from Italian architecture. The gold-tone cap is inspired by classic Roman columns. As another thoughtful touch, the bottle has a rounded base shaped to rest comfortably in hand – a nod to the brand's consumers who have requested more ergonomic options in the assortment.

Tuscan Sun is available in full size, travel size, and as a duo on the brand's website, giving customers a range of ways to explore the scent.

Tuscan Sun is available now on the brand's website http://laurageller.com.

MEDIA CONTACTS:

Alison Brod Marketing + Communications

ABOUT LAURA GELLER BEAUTY:

New York-based makeup artist Laura Geller launched her namesake brand in 1997 with a mission of demystifying the daily makeup routine and creating transformational products that bring joy back to beauty. The brand is a pioneer in artisan-crafted baked makeup, delivering exceptional coverage and finishes for all skin types. As the brand's foolproof, easy-to-use makeup is well-known for its remarkable ability to flatter and enhance mature skin, Laura Geller Beauty has exclusively featured women over 40 since 2021. Laura Geller Beauty products are available on QVC, LauraGeller.com, Amazon, Ulta.com, Sephora.com, TikTok Shop, Macy's.com, and other select retailers.

SOURCE Laura Geller Beauty

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New Limited, Intermediate and Unlimited programs help experienced electricians prepare for contractor licensure and take the next step in their careers

RICHMOND, Va., Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- In celebration of Careers in Construction Month, Contractor Training Center (CTC) today announced the launch of new North Carolina Electrical Contractor Exam Prep programs designed to help experienced electrical professionals prepare for the state's Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited contractor licensing exams.

The launch comes as North Carolina puts increased focus on the skilled construction workforce needed to support the state's continued growth. In proclaiming October 2026 Careers in Construction Month, Governor Josh Stein highlighted the connection between the state's construction workforce shortage and its ability to meet growing housing needs, while recognizing the critical role construction professionals play in North Carolina's development and growth.

Read Governor Stein's 2026 Careers in Construction Month proclamation.

"As a contractor myself, I know that building a career in construction doesn't stop once you've learned the trade," said Patrick Hayes, General Manager at Contractor Training Center, a Colibri Group Company. "There are milestones along the way that allow skilled professionals to take on more responsibility, pursue larger projects and build businesses of their own. Licensing is one of those milestones, and we're proud to celebrate Careers in Construction Month by helping North Carolina electrical professionals prepare for that next step."

Built for experienced North Carolina electricians

North Carolina requires electrical contractor candidates to meet documented experience requirements in addition to passing the licensing exam. CTC's new programs focus on exam readiness — helping experienced electricians translate what they already know into the exam strategy, reference-navigation skills, calculations and targeted practice needed to pass.

North Carolina offers three primary electrical contractor classifications:

- Limited: Allows projects up to $60,000

- Intermediate: Allows projects up to $150,000

- Unlimited: No project-value ceiling

Candidates do not have to earn the classifications sequentially. They can apply directly for the classification supported by their documented experience.

All three classifications use a 100-question, six-hour, open-book exam, giving candidates an average of approximately 3.6 minutes per question — including time spent locating information in approved reference materials.

"Open book doesn't mean easy," Hayes said. "Knowing how to do the work and knowing how to demonstrate that knowledge under exam conditions are two different things. Candidates need to know where to find information, work efficiently through calculations and manage six hours of testing. That's the gap these programs are designed to help close."

Why these programs matter for North Carolina electricians

- Prepare for the right exam: Separate Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited programs align preparation and Exam Simulator practice to each North Carolina license level — not a generic electrical exam.

- Learn how to succeed in an open-book environment: Candidates practice finding and applying information efficiently, working through calculations and managing their time under exam-style conditions.

- Prepare around your schedule: Approximately 18 hours of self-paced online instruction, 365 days of access and monthly instructor office hours provide flexibility with real instructor support as needed.

- Practice until you're ready: Unlimited attempts on the Exam Simulator allow candidates to apply their knowledge under exam-style conditions.

- Get the right resources in one place: Package options include required reference books and professionally tabbed and highlighted materials designed for faster navigation within exam rules.

The programs are built around the references and requirements used for the North Carolina exam, as outlined by the North Carolina State Board of Examiners of Electrical Contractors.

Support beyond the exam

Passing the exam is only one part of becoming licensed. The application process itself can be complex, with documentation, experience verification and other state requirements that must be completed correctly. Through CTC's Contractor License Application Processing Service, licensing experts work directly with contractors to help navigate the process, review applications for completeness and prepare required documentation — extending CTC's support from exam preparation through the licensing process.

"North Carolina needs skilled construction professionals at every stage of their careers," Hayes said. "Our goal is to make the path to licensure clearer — from preparing for the exam to navigating the application process — so they can continue moving their careers and businesses forward."

Course enrollment is now open for North Carolina Limited, Intermediate, and Unlimited Electrical Contractor candidates, with course-only preparation starting at $349.

Learn more about Contractor Training Center's North Carolina Electrical Exam Prep programs.

About Contractor Training Center:

Based in Richmond, VA, Contractor Training Center is a premier provider of training and education solutions for contractors in various fields such as construction, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, and more.

With more than 30 years of experience in the industry, Contractor Training Center has helped thousands of contractors achieve their professional goals through comprehensive and specialized training programs. Learn more at ContractorTrainingCenter.com.

Contractor Training Center is part of Colibri Group, which is building the future of professional education by empowering professionals to achieve more, adapt, and thrive in their careers. In the age of AI, Colibri helps more than 3 million professionals annually across essential industries, including construction, real estate, healthcare, accounting, and financial services, build the knowledge and skills needed to adjust to change and advance their careers. Visit ColibriGroup.com for more information.

Contacts

For media inquiries, please contact:

Lauren Buckley

[email protected] 

SOURCE Contractor Training Center

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Offering provides accredited investors access to royalty income from more than 200 producing oil and natural gas wells across the Permian Basin and Haynesville Shale

DALLAS, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- NexPoint, a multibillion-dollar alternative investment firm, today announced the launch of NexPoint Energy DST (the "Offering"), a Delaware statutory trust ("DST") offering comprised of oil and natural gas mineral rights across two of the most prolific energy-producing regions in North America: the Permian Basin in Texas and the Haynesville Shale in Louisiana. The Offering marks NexPoint's first energy DST and brings mineral rights, a new sector for the DST product, to the firm's tax-advantaged investment platform.

The portfolio includes approximately 1,277 net royalty acres with interests in more than 200 producing oil and natural gas wells, along with more than 300 undrilled locations. Approximately 90% of the portfolio is associated with natural gas production from the Haynesville Shale, with the remaining 10% associated with oil from the Permian Basin. The Offering is sized at $18,844,000 and requires a minimum investment of $100,000. It is available only to accredited investors, and the DST structure provides the potential to involve investors looking to complete 1031 exchanges.

Unlike traditional direct energy investments, the DST owns mineral rights and receives royalty income derived from the sale of oil and natural gas produced from the properties. Drilling, field operations, production, and marketing are managed by a group of established oil and gas operators. This structure allows investors to potentially participate in production revenue and future development activity without direct responsibility for drilling costs or day-to-day operations.1

"For years, NexPoint has used the DST structure to give investors access to specialized sectors they could not easily reach on their own, and mineral rights are a natural next step," said Luke Blackwell, President of NexPoint's energy investment platform. "This portfolio combines existing production, identified reserves, and a deep bench of experienced operators in the Permian and the Haynesville. We believe it offers investors a differentiated way to participate in one of the world's most essential industries through a royalty-based, income-oriented structure."

The Offering's acreage sits in two of the nation's leading energy basins. According to the U.S. Energy Information Administration, the Permian Basin produced approximately 6.6 million barrels of crude oil per day in 2025, accounting for nearly half of total U.S. oil production. The Haynesville Shale, which spans Louisiana and East Texas, produced approximately 14.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas per day in 2025, and its proximity to Gulf Coast liquefied natural gas (LNG) export facilities positions it as an important source of supply for growing domestic and global demand.

NexPoint has significant experience in the DST space, having brought 36 DST programs to market since 2016 and delivered over $3.2 billion2 in gross real estate through DSTs. The firm has launched offerings in a range of both niche and core real estate sectors including self-storage, small bay industrial, life sciences, multifamily, hospitality, and marinas. NexPoint has also historically invested in the oil and gas sector across its corporate balance sheet, affiliated ownership structures, and personal capital commitments from NexPoint management. The firm is now pairing this experience with its established DST platform.

About NexPoint

NexPoint is a multibillion-dollar investment firm based in Dallas, Texas. The firm is structured around three major business areas: real estate, corporate credit and equities, and retirement solutions. NexPoint's businesses span asset classes, industries, and strategies, providing the flexibility to invest across capital structures and market environments. Serving a diverse client base, NexPoint's investment strategies are offered in a range of vehicles and fund structures, including mutual funds, public and private REITs, tax-advantaged vehicles, private funds, and separate accounts. For more information, including important risks and disclosures, visit nexpoint.com.

This is not an offer to sell securities. An offer to sell the interests in NexPoint Energy DST may be made only to suitable accredited investors pursuant to the Confidential Private Placement Memorandum of NexPoint Energy DST dated September 30, 2026, as amended and supplemented (the "Memorandum"). All prospective investors must read the Memorandum, including the "Risk Factors," prior to investing. An investment in interests in NexPoint Energy DST is speculative, illiquid and involves a high degree of risk and there is no guarantee that investors will receive any return or that investors will not lose their entire investment. Securities offered through NexPoint Securities, Inc., a member of FINRA and SIPC. NexPoint Securities, Inc. is an affiliate of NexPoint Energy DST.

CONTACTS

Investor Relations

Kristen Griffith

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Media Relations

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SOURCE NexPoint

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Former SilverBow Resources executive brings extensive experience in corporate finance, capital markets and strategic growth

ABILENE, Texas, Oct. 6, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Natura Resources today announced that Christopher Abundis has joined the company as executive vice president and chief financial officer.

Abundis joins Natura as the company advances commercialization of its molten salt reactor technology and expands its organizational capabilities needed to support future growth.

"Chris brings financial, legal and strategic leadership experience that will be invaluable as Natura continues to grow," said Jordan Robison, chief executive officer of Natura Resources. "He is deeply experienced in helping to lead acquisitions, capital raises, shareholder engagement and transformational growth initiatives. We are excited to welcome him to the team."

Abundis brings more than 20 years of experience across corporate finance, capital markets, mergers and acquisitions, investor relations, governance and legal affairs. Most recently, he served as executive vice president, chief financial officer and general counsel of SilverBow Resources, where he helped guide the company's growth strategy and played a key role in its sale to KKR and Crescent Energy in a transaction valued at approximately $2.1 billion. He also helped lead SilverBow's New York Stock Exchange listing and participated in debt and equity financings totaling billions of dollars during his career.

"What attracted me to Natura is that this isn't just a vision on paper. We're building a real reactor," said Abundis. "That speaks to both the ambition of the mission and the caliber of the team executing it. Natura has demonstrated an ability to turn advanced nuclear technology into something tangible, and I'm excited to help build on that momentum as we scale the company and move toward commercialization."

As chief financial officer, Abundis will oversee the company's financial strategy, capital structure, liquidity planning, accounting and financial reporting functions. He will also work closely with the executive team and board of directors on capital formation, project financing and strategic initiatives supporting deployment of Natura's reactor technologies.

Abundis holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Science in accounting from Texas A&M University and a Juris Doctor from South Texas College of Law.

About Natura Resources

Natura Resources LLC is a leading advanced small modular reactor developer committed to answering increasing domestic and global demands for reliable energy, medical isotopes, and clean water. Natura's reactors are liquid-fueled and molten salt-cooled, which enhances safety and reduces waste. With the first construction permit for a liquid-fueled reactor from the NRC, Natura has established itself as a leading force in the advanced nuclear industry, fueled by a commitment to support America's energy future. The company is privately owned and has secured more than $120 million in private funding and a commitment of $120 million from the State of Texas. For more information, visit naturaresources.com.

SOURCE Natura Resources

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