The multi-year agreement brings TCL brand visibility to Lambeau Field through in-stadium signage, video board sponsorships, digital activations, and premium hospitality access

IRVINE, Calif., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- TCL, one of the world's leading consumer electronics brands, today became a "Proud Partner of the Green Bay Packers." The multi-year agreement with one of the NFL's most-historic franchises, combines premium hospitality, fan engagement initiatives, digital media integration, alumni access, and branding opportunities across Lambeau Field and the Packers' digital ecosystem.

The partnership deepens TCL's presence in the NFL and connects the brand with one of football's most storied franchises and passionate fan bases.

"We're honored to be named a Proud Partner of the Green Bay Packers, an organization with an unmatched legacy and one of the most dedicated fan communities in sports," said Chris Hamdorf, Executive Vice President, TCL North America. "This partnership gives us a meaningful platform to engage Packers fans at Lambeau Field and beyond, while showcasing TCL's commitment to delivering premium entertainment experiences on and off the screen."

Partnership Highlights

The agreement includes a broad set of branding, digital, hospitality, and fan-engagement assets, such as:

- Partner Designation. TCL is designated a "Proud Partner of the Green Bay Packers," with rights to use Packers trademarks in advertising and promotional materials, subject to team approvals and brand guidelines.

- Lambeau Field Visibility. TCL branding will appear on in-stadium signage and through video board replay sponsorships at Lambeau Field, placing the brand in front of fans at one of the NFL's most iconic and historic venues.

- Digital & Social Engagement. The partnership includes digital advertising and social media activations across Packers-owned channels, extending TCL's reach to fans throughout the season.

- Packers Alumni. The agreement includes an appearance by a Packers alumnus, creating unique storytelling opportunities and deeper fan engagement beyond traditional advertising.

"We're excited to welcome TCL as a Proud Partner of the Green Bay Packers," said Justin Wolf, Director of Corporate Partnership Sales & Activations with the Green Bay Packers. "We look forward to working together to create unique experiences for Packers fans and introducing TCL to our community in new and engaging ways."

TCL branding and activations will roll out across the NFL season, spanning stadium signage, digital platforms, and fan engagement programs, with additional hospitality and alumni experiences planned throughout the year.

About TCL

TCL Electronics specializes in the research, development and manufacturing of consumer electronics including TVs, mobile phones, audio devices, smart home products and appliances. Combining thoughtful design and innovative technology to inspire greatness, our lineup delivers must-have features and meaningful experiences. As one of the world's largest consumer electronics brands, our vertically integrated supply chain, and state-of-the-art display panel factory help TCL deliver innovation for all. For additional product information, please visit www.tcl.com for the full portfolio.

About the Green Bay Packers

The Green Bay Packers, an iconic professional American football team established in 1919, are the only community-owned team in U.S. professional sports, with more than half a million fans owning shares in the club. Remarkably, though the team plays in Green Bay, Wisconsin—by far the smallest city in the National Football League with just over 100,000 residents—the Packers are the league's most successful franchise, with 13 championships, including four Super Bowls. The club's legendary home stadium, Lambeau Field, has sold out every game since 1960 and is celebrated as one of the best gameday experiences in sports. Generations of Packers season ticket holders are known to warmly welcome all fans to their pregame tailgate parties. The entire state of Wisconsin rallies behind the Packers, with fans proudly referring to themselves as "Cheeseheads" in a nod to the state's dairy heritage, made famous by the foam cheese hat now recognized worldwide as a symbol of the team. The Packers are more than an American football club; they are a beloved tradition that unites a community, a state and fans around the world.

TCL is a registered trademark of TCL Corporation. All other trademarks used herein are the property of their respective owners.

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EAST LYME, Conn., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Chad and Jennifer Sklodosky are bringing Stretch Zone's practitioner-assisted stretching services to their hometown with today's opening of East Lyme Stretch Zone.

The new studio marks the Sklodoskys' second Stretch Zone opening, with a third location also in development. For the couple, the East Lyme studio carries special significance.

"This location is special to us because both my wife and I grew up in East Lyme where we met in high school and eventually got married," said Chad Sklodosky, owner of East Lyme Stretch Zone. "We are excited to bring something new to the community that can help people improve their flexibility and mobility and stay active."

Chad was initially drawn to Stretch Zone because of the brand's focus on wellness and its straightforward business model. Before becoming a Stretch Zone franchise owner, he spent more than 30 years working for a local Fortune 500 company, focusing on business administration and operational excellence.

Today, one of his favorite parts of owning Stretch Zone locations is hearing directly from clients about how their stretching sessions have impacted their daily lives.

"Hearing the feedback from our clients on how much better they feel after a good stretch, or hearing their stories on how they can now be more active as a result of our services," Chad said, is one of the most rewarding aspects of owning a Stretch Zone.

Stretch Zone uses a practitioner-assisted stretching method designed to help clients improve flexibility and mobility. During a session, trained practitioners guide clients through stretches while using specialized tables and a patented strapping system to help isolate specific muscle groups and provide stability throughout the session.

The approach is designed to make stretching accessible to people who may struggle to maintain a consistent stretching routine on their own.

"Everyone knows that they should stretch, but few actually do it, or do it correctly," said Chad. "Our goal is to give the East Lyme community an easy, approachable way to make flexibility and mobility part of their wellness routine."

East Lyme Stretch Zone will be led by General Manager and Regional Manager Amanda Gray. The studio will serve residents looking to incorporate practitioner-assisted stretching into their wellness and fitness routines.

For the Sklodoskys, opening in East Lyme is also an opportunity to contribute to the community that shaped them.

"We are proud to come back to the community where our story began and introduce our neighbors to a different approach to stretching and mobility," said Chad.

Chad also has deep roots in the local area. He is the youngest of 10 children and comes from a family of carpenters who have built and refurbished many homes throughout the community.

About Stretch Zone

Stretch Zone is a practitioner-assisted stretching concept focused on helping clients improve flexibility and mobility. Stretch Zone practitioners use a proprietary stretching method, specialized equipment, and a patented strapping system to provide clients with a customized assisted stretching experience.

East Lyme Stretch Zone is located in East Lyme, Connecticut. The studio is owned by Chad and Jennifer Sklodosky and opened today, September 24.

For more information about East Lyme Stretch Zone, visit the studio's website or follow the location on social media.

Media Contact:   

Mariah Mckenzie   

Pitch Public Relations   

[email protected] 

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Gauff to compete for the Florida Flamingos this December

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- World Team Tennis (WTT) today announced that Coco Gauff has joined the Florida Flamingos Racquet Club franchise as a player and owner.

Gauff will compete in Florida Flamingos' home matches at Amerant Bank Arena on Monday, December 14, and Tuesday, December 15, where she is slotted to play against Victoria Mboko of Toronto North and Jessica Pegula of the New York Empire in the projected lineups for each team match.

"Growing the sport through team competition and making it more accessible are two things I love, and WTT does both," said Gauff. "I'm looking forward to playing at home in front of my family and friends in South Florida. It's not often, as a tennis player, that we get to compete as part of a team, so I'm excited for the new experience, not only for myself but, even more importantly, for the fans."

Gauff, who grew up in Delray Beach, has a history of building community and honoring her hometown, from refurbishing the Pompey Park tennis courts in partnership with the USTA's US Open Legacy Initiative in 2024 and launching the Coco Delray shoe collaboration with New Balance in 2025, to her ongoing work through the Coco Gauff Foundation. World Team Tennis and the Florida Flamingos are another opportunity to cultivate community and shape how the next generation of local fans experience the sport.

Gauff rounds out the Florida Flamingos with teammates Tommy Paul, Learner Tien, Brandon Nakashima, Iva Jovic and Eva Lys. Gauff is the latest player to confirm participation in the league with stacked rosters including Jessica Pegula, Taylor Fritz, Frances Tiafoe, Victoria Mboko, Leylah Fernandez, Denis Shapovalov, and more.

As part of WTT's relaunch this December, the league is focused on value through variety by providing fans the opportunity to watch eight elite players compete in a traditional match window that typically showcases two. Each match features four singles sets and a mixed doubles Supertiebreaker – making every point high stakes with men and women contributing to the outcome equally in every match.

For more information on WTT's upcoming season schedule and ticket information, visit wtt.com.

About World Team Tennis

World Team Tennis (WTT) is tennis for the people — a reimagined professional tennis league bringing together fans, players, and communities. Originally founded by Billie Jean King and others in 1974, WTT pioneered mixed-gender team competition and a more accessible, fan-focused vision for the sport. Today, under new ownership and management, the league returns with top professional players competing in a new, high-energy primetime format that blends elite tennis with entertainment, culture, and local pride — redefining the team tennis experience for the next generation of players and fans.

Learn more at wtt.com and follow @worldteamtennis.

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The luxury performance brand introduces a new vision for strong women, bringing high fashion, performance design and proprietary fit research into the gym and beyond.

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Danimás, the luxury performance brand founded by visionary businesswoman, producer, sports league owner, and former professional bodybuilder Dany Garcia, today announced its expansion into ready-to-wear, with the launch of its Fall/Winter 2026 collection.

As more women embrace strength training, their bodies—and their expectations of fashion—are changing. Danimás was created around the belief that fashion, fit and the culture surrounding women has not evolved at the same pace. Fall/Winter 2026 introduces a new wardrobe for the Athlete of Life™: a woman who brings the strength, discipline and ambition she builds through training into every part of her life.

"Women should be able to express themselves in the gym with the same freedom, confidence and glamour they bring to every other part of their lives," said Dany Garcia, Founder and Co-CEO of Danimás. "That was a void I experienced personally. I could find extraordinary fashion for the rest of my life, but when I walked into the gym, the choices became much narrower. Danimás was created to change that. We are bringing luxurious materials, exceptional design and true performance into the training environment—so women never have to compromise and leave their sense of style at the door. For me, muscle is luxury, and the clothes we train in should reflect the same ambition."

Danimás first established its design language through a growing collection of elevated training and lifestyle accessories, including weight belts created with Cardillo USA, technical lifting gloves engineered with Harbinger Fitness, and Italian-made gym bags that bring the craftsmanship and polish of luxury leather goods to the training category. Ready-to-wear is the next expression of that vision, expanding Danimás from the products women train with and carry, into a wardrobe built around how strong women live.

Rather than relying solely on conventional fashion sizing and proportions, Danimás developed the collection's fit architecture through proprietary research into the bodies and wardrobes of women who strength train. The study examined how muscular development can influence proportion, garment balance and fit across key areas of the body, with those insights informing the brand's approach to patternmaking and product development. The result is apparel designed around the realities of the strength-trained female form—for women with muscle, and those on their way to building it.

For Fall/Winter 2026, Danimás introduces 28 styles across 60 SKUs, beginning with a Fall delivery in September and followed by a Holiday drop in October. These collections focus on lifestyle pieces designed to move in and beyond the gym, with every style considering range of motion for a distraction-free fit and fabrics chosen for breathability, comfort, handfeel and luxury.

Among the collection's signatures is the Everything Jogger, offered in breathable taffeta for $325 and nappa leather for $1,995. Adjustable ankle snaps allow the silhouette to cinch at the calf for leg-day workouts, transforming a familiar athletic staple through the Danimás lens of fashion, function and versatility.

The Warm-Up Jacket and Pant, each retailing for $425, pair recycled Italian matte nylon with contrasting shine "D" inserts that introduce a signature Danimás design code. Two-way zippers on the jacket and full-length zippers along the pants allow each piece to adjust for movement, styling and ease.

The MVP Tracksuit rounds out the collection's core statements. Made from LuminousTricot selected for its exceptional handfeel and fluid drape, the MVP Jacket ($495) and MVP Pant ($425) elevate the ease of a traditional tracksuit into a modern wardrobe staple.

The collection is manufactured in New York City and Portugal using textiles sourced from leading mills in Italy and France. Performance materials are BPA and PFA free and adhere to EU environmental requirements, bringing together performance functionality with the construction, materiality and finish of luxury fashion.

"Women who strength train have historically been asked to compromise—on fit, function or fashion," said Liz Edmiston, Co-CEO of Danimás. "We saw an opportunity to build the category differently from the ground up: beginning with research, developing fit around the strength-trained female body, sourcing exceptional European fabrics and creating products with the standards of a fashion house. Ready-to-wear is an important step toward our ambition to build Danimás into the defining lifestyle brand for the Athlete of Life."

The Danimás Fall/Winter 2026 Ready-to-Wear collection launches September 24, 2026, exclusively at danimas.com, with prices ranging from $150 to $1,995. The Holiday collection will drop in October, with activewear debuting in Spring 2027.

About Danimás

Founded by Dany Garcia alongside Co-CEO Liz Edmiston, Danimás is a luxury lifestyle and media brand built for women who believe strength is transformative. Rooted in its Athlete of Life™ philosophy, Danimás brings together product, storytelling and community to champion a more expansive idea of strength—one that fuels ambition, self-expression and a life without limits. Danimás exists to dress, represent and convene women who are Made for More.

For more information, visit danimas.com or follow @danimasofficial.

SOURCE Danimás

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla., Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- LandSouth Construction, a leading multifamily general contracting company serving developers across the Southeast, has launched a new website designed around the way today's developers research, evaluate, and select construction partners.

More than a refreshed digital presence, the new LandSouth website, www.LandSouth.com is built to make decades of construction experience easier to find, explore, and put to work.

Developers, owners, investors, and project partners, want an easy way to see relevant experience, understand the market, explore past projects, and feel confident that a general contractor partner can deliver. The new website puts all that information in one place, making it simpler to find what matters most for each project.

"We created the website with today's developers in mind," said Jason Cromer, President of LandSouth. "Most people do their homework before they pick up the phone. They want to see the work like theirs, understand what we do and where we do it, and quickly get a sense of whether LandSouth could be the right partner. The new site makes those answers easier to find."

Built Around the Developer's Search

The new website reflects LandSouth's experience across the multifamily construction industry, with a structure that makes it easier to explore projects by market, location, and construction expertise.

Developers can more easily discover LandSouth's work across multifamily luxury housing, HUD/affordable housing, and other specialized development sectors.

The site also brings greater visibility to the depth of LandSouth's project history, giving prospective clients a clearer view of the company's experience and the types of projects it has helped developers navigate over the course of its nearly 30-year history.

A Digital Platform for the Next Generation of Development

The launch represents another step in LandSouth's broader evolution of its digital infrastructure and communications strategy.

As developers increasingly use digital search, data, and emerging AI-powered tools to identify potential partners, LandSouth is creating a digital experience that makes its expertise more accessible, structured, and relevant to the questions developers are asking.

The result is a website designed not just to tell LandSouth's story, but to help developers find the information they need to make better-informed decisions.

"A strong construction partnership often starts well before the first proposal or preconstruction meeting," said Jason Cromer. "We want developers to be able to tap into LandSouth's experience from the moment they start exploring a project and looking for answers."

The new LandSouth Construction website is now live at www.LandSouth.com.

About LandSouth Construction

LandSouth Construction is a leading multifamily construction company headquartered in Jacksonville, Florida, with a nearly 30-year history of delivering complex multifamily luxury apartments throughout the Southeast. The company partners with developers, owners, and investment groups across a range of multifamily sectors, providing construction expertise from preconstruction through completion.

For more information, visit www.LandSouth.com.

CONTACT: [email protected]

SOURCE LandSouth Construction

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Panel at Harvard University will explore translating evidence in diseases of aging into new therapeutics and regulatory pathways

SEATTLE, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATOS) ("Atossa" or the "Company"), a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company, today announced that Steven Quay, M.D., Ph.D., Atossa's President and Chief Executive Officer, will participate as a panelist at the 13th Aging Research and Drug Discovery Meeting (ARDD 2026), being held October 1–3, 2026, at the David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University in Boston, MA.

The discussion will explore the translation of scientific evidence in aging and age-related diseases into clinical development programs, including the design of clinical trials, development of new therapeutics and regulatory considerations for advancing potential treatments to patients.

"Advances in our understanding of the biology underlying aging and progressive disease are creating opportunities to approach drug development in new ways," said Dr. Quay. "Turning promising science into meaningful therapies requires clinical trials that are grounded in strong biological evidence, use appropriate and measurable endpoints, and are designed with a clear understanding of the regulatory pathway. These considerations are particularly relevant as Atossa expands its development efforts in rare diseases, and I look forward to exchanging perspectives with this distinguished group of leaders."

ARDD brings together leaders from the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, academia, clinical medicine and other disciplines to discuss advances in aging research and the translation of scientific discoveries into potential new medicines. The 2026 program includes discussions addressing clinical trials and regulatory pathways, drug discovery and development, emerging technologies and approaches to extending healthy longevity.

Event Details

Event: ARDD 2026 – Aging Research and Drug Discovery Meeting

Panel: Clinical Trials in Diseases of Aging: From Evidence to New Therapeutics and Regulatory Pathways

Date: Thursday, October 1, 2026

Time: 11:20 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. ET

Location: David Rubenstein Treehouse at Harvard University, Boston, Massachusetts

Moderator: Sebastien Thuault, Editor at Nature Medicine

Other Panelists: Jill Lee, Director, Regulatory Policy & Intelligence at Novo Nordisk; Calum MacRae, Professor at Mass General Brigham; and Steve Horvath, Professor at UCLA

Additional information about ARDD 2026 and the full program is available at agingpharma.org.

About Atossa Therapeutics

Atossa Therapeutics, Inc. (Nasdaq: ATOS) is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company developing innovative medicines in oncology and other areas of significant unmet need. The Company's lead product candidate, (Z)-endoxifen, is currently in development across several clinical settings.

(Z)-Endoxifen is a potent Selective Estrogen Receptor Modulator/Degrader (SERM/D) with demonstrated activity across multiple mechanisms of interest. Atossa is evaluating its potential applications in oncology and rare diseases. The Company's proprietary oral formulation has shown a favorable safety profile and pharmacology distinct from tamoxifen, including ER-targeted effects and PKC inhibition. Atossa's (Z)-endoxifen is not approved for any indication.

Atossa's (Z)-endoxifen program is supported by a growing global intellectual property portfolio, including multiple recently issued U.S. patents and numerous pending applications worldwide.

More information is available at https://atossatherapeutics.com.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including, but not limited to, our expectations regarding the Company's development and regulatory strategy and related milestones, including the potential indications that the Company may pursue for (Z)-endoxifen, the potential role of (Z)-endoxifen in endocrine therapies, the potential for (Z)-endoxifen to receive regulatory approval and the timing thereof, and the potential market and growth opportunities for the Company. Words such as "expect," "potential," "continue," "may," "will," "should," "could," "would," "seek," "intend," "plan," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "design," "predict," "future," or other similar expressions or statements regarding intent, belief or current expectations, are forward-looking statements.

Forward-looking statements in this press release are subject to risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results, outcomes, or the timing of actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those projected or anticipated, including, without limitation, risks and uncertainties associated with: our ability to successfully execute our strategy to shorten our clinical development timelines and pursue a MAS indication or other indications for our lead program, (Z)-endoxifen; expected timing, completion and results of our preclinical studies, clinical trials and research and development programs; the unpredictable relationship between preclinical study results and clinical study results; the timing or likelihood of regulatory filings and approvals; the outcome or timing of necessary regulatory approvals; our ability to maintain compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements; our ability to establish and maintain intellectual property rights covering our products; the impact of general macroeconomic conditions on our business; our ability to raise capital; and other risks and uncertainties detailed from time to time in Atossa's filings with the SEC, including, without limitation, its Annual Reports on Form 10-K and Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q.

Forward-looking statements are presented as of the date of this press release. Except as required by law, we do not intend to update any forward-looking statements.

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Landmark research shows weight stigma, medical dismissal, and overlooked mental health conditions derail Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS) care

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- After the decision earlier this year to rename Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS) to Polyendocrine Metabolic Ovarian Syndrome (PMOS), comprehensive new research from eating disorder care provider Equip and award-winning health and wellness media brand Women's Health reveals that systemic barriers in healthcare for treating the condition remain largely unchanged.

PMOS impacts millions worldwide through a blend of hormonal, metabolic and reproductive symptoms. However, its overlap with eating disorders, which affect 9% of the U.S. population during their lifetimes, is often overlooked. The national data gathered on 1,048 women and intersex individuals demonstrates how pervasive weight stigma continues to delay critical medical diagnoses, fuel disordered eating cycles and leave mental health unaddressed.

Key Research Findings

- Diagnostic delays and weight bias: 21% of respondents waited more than five years to receive a formal PMOS diagnosis. Additionally, 43% of diagnosed individuals reported that healthcare providers attributed their symptoms entirely to weight, which they reported directly delayed their diagnosis.

- Healthcare avoidance: 40% of respondents indicated that they avoided or delayed necessary medical care as a result of prior negative healthcare interactions and weight-based judgment.

- Overlooked mental health symptoms: Despite high rates of clinical-level distress—37% screening positive for depression and 48% for anxiety—over 60% of respondents reported that their doctors rarely or never discuss the emotional or psychological impacts of the condition.

- Disordered eating and body image: The research identified a high rate of positive screens for eating disorders: 56% of diagnosed respondents screened positive on the SCOFF eating disorder screener, and about 60% reported feeling shame or embarrassment regarding their relationship with food.

"The psychological and eating-related distress that comes with PMOS is so often missed simply because standard care leads providers to focus on weight as the cause of symptoms, rather than a sign of another underlying issue," said Dr. Erin Parks, Co-Founder and Chief Clinical Officer at Equip. "Because of that, patients are left to navigate the emotional toll of the condition alone. Routine screening for mental health and eating disorders needs to become a standard part of PMOS care so we can better support patients and the clinicians treating them."

Timed with PMOS Awareness Month in September, Women's Health released a multi-platform editorial package spotlighting the clinical data and exploring the mechanics behind diagnostic delays and the real cost of weight-stigmatizing PMOS care, alongside actionable advice for patient self-advocacy and a reimagining of what holistic PMOS care must look like.

"PMOS is finally receiving the attention it deserves. But all too often, complex symptoms are reduced to weight, dismiss patients' concerns, and leave mental health out of the conversation," said Abigail Cuffey, executive editor of Women's Health. "Our hope is that this research and editorial partnership help women understand what better care can–and should–look like."

The Women's Health feature package is available at: womenshealthmag.com/equip-womens-health-research

Study Methodology

This IRB-approved study (Sterling IRB: 16473) surveyed 1,048 U.S. adults with diagnosed or suspected PMOS/PCOS. Recruited via CloudResearch, participants underwent rigorous data-quality screening, including bot detection, behavioral analysis, geolocation verification, and attention checks, to ensure high data accuracy and reliability.

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 and people with lived experience, Equip builds on 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 recovery coaches. 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.

About Women's Health

The largest wellness media brand for women, Women's Health delivers the best science-based and expert-backed information on fitness, nutrition, health, mental health, beauty, and relationships, empowering its audience to be their best and strongest selves, inside and out. Launched in 2005, Women's Health is published by Hearst Magazines, a unit of Hearst, a leading global, diversified media, information and services company. Discover more at womenshealthmag.com | @WomensHealthMag

SOURCE Equip

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Leapfrog Group, a national watchdog organization of employers and other purchasers focused on health care safety and quality, today announces the election of Raquel Bono, MD, MBA, FACS, as its new Board Chair. Leapfrog also welcomes a new slate of Board officers and two new board members.

Dr. Bono will be the first surgeon to serve as Chair of The Leapfrog Group's Board of Directors. Dr. Bono is a board-certified trauma surgeon and retired three-star Vice Admiral in the U.S. Navy, where she served as the 11th Chief of the Navy Medical Corps. She directed the Defense Health Agency from 2015–2019, overseeing the integration of a $50 billion global health system serving millions of service members and their families.

"This is an important and exciting time for The Leapfrog Group as we continue to expand our work in advancing patient safety, quality, and transparency in health care," Dr. Bono said. "As a surgeon, I am especially excited about Leapfrog's new Recognized Leader in Geriatric Surgery program with the American College of Surgeons. I am honored to serve as Board Chair and look forward to working with Leapfrog's management and Board to continue driving meaningful improvements in patient safety."

The officers are:

- Chair of the Board: Vice Admiral (Ret) Raquel Bono, MD, MBA, FACS

- Vice Chair: Laurel Pickering, MPH, President & CEO, Gateway Business Health Coalition & Missouri Health Value Collaborative

- Treasurer: John G. Zern, President and Chief Executive Officer, Ryan Specialty Benefits

- Secretary: Sally Welborn, Advisor, Welborn Advisory Services

- At-Large Member: Janet Lucas-Taylor, Executive Director, Business Health Care Group

Leapfrog also welcomes two returning members to its Board of Directors:

Laurel Pickering, MPH, President & CEO, Gateway Business Health Coalition & Missouri Health Value Collaborative

Laurel Pickering is a longtime leader in employer-driven efforts to improve health care quality, value, and the patient experience. She previously led Northeast Business Group on Health for more than 20 years and teaches health care quality and safety at Thomas Jefferson University.

Dan Roble, Attorney at Law, Cameron & Roble, LLP

Dan Roble has 50 years of legal experience in health care. He previously served as a partner in a Boston law firm, then as General Counsel of the parent company of a Boston academic medical center. He served as the General Counsel of The Leapfrog Group for 20 years.

"We are incredibly fortunate to welcome Dr. Bono as our new chair, along with all the outstanding new and continuing members of Leapfrog's strong Board," said Leah Binder, President and CEO. "They bring tremendous vision, experience, and important new perspectives as we work together to improve American health care. Dr. Bono's leadership has been extraordinary at the Defense Health Agency, where she worked with Leapfrog to see vast improvements in the quality of care for military personnel and their families. Our board is exactly the leadership we need right now to succeed in our mission."

About The Leapfrog Group

Founded in 2000 by large employers and other purchasers, The Leapfrog Group is an independent national nonprofit organization driving a movement for patient safety and transparency. Leapfrog collects, analyzes, and publicly reports data on hospital and ambulatory surgery center performance to help patients, purchasers, and other stakeholders make informed health care decisions. Leapfrog's flagship initiatives include the Leapfrog Hospital Safety Grade, a biannual letter grade focused exclusively on hospital safety, and the Leapfrog Hospital Survey. This voluntary survey publicly reports hospital performance on patient safety and quality measures. Leapfrog's ratings and reports are peer-reviewed, fully transparent, and free to the public.

For more from Leapfrog, follow us on X, LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram, or sign up for our newsletter.

SOURCE The Leapfrog Group

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New York Proton Center Chief Medical Officer Dr. Charles B. Simone II Serves as Co-First Author of Groundbreaking Phase III Trial Establishing 82% Two-Year Survival Benchmark

NEW YORK, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The New York Proton Center (NYPC), a global leader in proton therapy research and education and the first and only proton therapy center in New York, announced today that its Chief Medical Officer, Charles B. Simone II, MD, serves as co-first author of the National Cancer Institute-funded SWOG/NRG Oncology S1914 clinical trial published September 6, 2026, in The Lancet.1 The study is the first fully reported Phase 3 cooperative group randomized trial to evaluate immunotherapy in combination with stereotactic body radiation therapy (SBRT) for early-stage, inoperable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) — and it establishes a new standard for what modern precision radiation therapy can achieve for patients who cannot undergo surgery.

"This trial tells a story that every patient, physician, and policymaker needs to hear: modern precision radiation therapy has transformed what is possible for patients with early-stage lung cancer who cannot have surgery. An 82% two-year overall survival, achieved consistently across 146 institutions nationwide, is evidence that precise SBRT works at scale and for the patients who need it most," said Charles B. Simone II, MD, Chief Medical Officer, New York Proton Center, and Co-First Author, SWOG/NRG S1914. "The fact that immunotherapy added no benefit in this setting is an important finding that will help inform a new generation of clinical trials, but the outcomes achieved with SBRT alone in this trial demand our full attention as clinicians."

A Landmark Finding for Patients

The SWOG/NRG Oncology S1914 trial enrolled 417 patients across 146 institutions throughout the United States between March 2020 and September 2024 — making it the largest prospective SBRT study ever reported. SBRT monotherapy alone achieved an 82% two-year overall survival rate (95% CI 75–87%). The study concludes that these results are "better than expected" and represent a "new benchmark for expected outcomes with SBRT."1

These findings take on particular significance against a backdrop of steadily improving — but historically modest — outcomes for this patient population:

- Before SBRT became standard of care, conventional radiation for inoperable early-stage NSCLC produced two-year survival rates below 40%.2

- RTOG 0236 — the transformative Phase II trial that established SBRT as standard of care — reported three-year overall survival of just 55.8%, with a median overall survival of four years.3

- S1914's 82% two-year overall survival was achieved consistently across 146 institutions — community and academic centers alike — with rigorous, centralized radiation plan review for every patient, demonstrating that this level of precision can be delivered reliably and at scale.1

The trial also found that adding atezolizumab immunotherapy to SBRT conferred no additional benefit and significantly increased toxicity. Grade 3 or higher adverse events occurred in 12% of patients on the combination arm versus 3% on SBRT alone; two grade 5 respiratory events occurred with immunotherapy, none with SBRT alone. The study concludes: "SBRT monotherapy remains the standard of care."1

Advancing the Science of Lung Cancer Care

For patients with early-stage NSCLC who are medically inoperable, SBRT has long represented the primary curative-intent treatment option. S1914 provides the most rigorous, large-scale prospective evidence to date of what modern SBRT can achieve in this population — and the results exceed what has previously been achieved. The trial's centralized radiation quality assurance protocol, which required review of treatment plans for all 146 participating sites, also establishes a new model for multi-institutional research quality in radiation oncology.

Dr. Simone has been a principal investigator or co-chair of 12 NIH-funded cooperative group clinical trials spanning NRG Oncology, SWOG, ECOG-ACRIN, Alliance, and the Proton Collaborative Group. His co-first authorship of S1914 reflects NYPC's commitment to advancing the science of radiation oncology through the most rigorous channels available — from National Cancer Institute–sponsored cooperative group trials to publishing in The Lancet, the world's highest-impact peer-reviewed medical journal.

"The publication of this trial in The Lancet is a testament to the quality of the science and the dedication of Dr. Simone and his co-investigators to answering the most important questions in lung cancer care," said Christopher Panczner, Chief Executive Officer, New York Proton Center. "At NYPC, we believe that advancing cancer care means contributing to the evidence base that guides treatment decisions for patients everywhere, not just those who walk through our doors. This research does exactly that, and we are proud that NYPC's clinical leadership continues to help define the future of radiation oncology."

About the New York Proton Center

The New York Proton Center (NYPC) is creating the gold standard for proton therapy, giving new hope to patients living with cancer. The NYPC is advancing new and better ways to fight cancer with proton therapy, a highly targeted form of radiation therapy with fewer treatment-related complications. In partnership with leading academic medical centers: Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, Montefiore Health System, and Mount Sinai Health System, NYPC is the only proton center in the state of New York, attracting patients from around the country and the world. Through impactful clinical trials and game-changing clinical research, NYPC's internationally renowned clinical team continues to revolutionize cancer treatment while offering patients individualized, highly skilled, and compassionate care.

Learn more at nyproton.com.

References

- Daly ME, Simone CB 2nd, Redman MW, et al. Induction and consolidation atezolizumab with stereotactic body radiation therapy versus radiation alone in high-risk, early-stage non-small-cell lung cancer (SWOG/NRG S1914): a multicentre, open-label, superiority, phase 3, randomised controlled trial. The Lancet Published online September 6, 2026. doi:10.1016/S0140-6736(26)01655-7

- Videtic GMM, Donington J, Giuliani M, et al. Stereotactic body radiation therapy for early-stage non-small cell lung cancer: Executive Summary of an ASTRO Evidence-Based Guideline. Practical Radiation Oncology2017;7:295–301. doi:10.1016/j.prro.2017.04.014

- Timmerman R, Paulus R, Galvin J, et al. Stereotactic body radiation therapy for inoperable early-stage lung cancer. JAMA 2010;303(11):1070–1076. doi:10.1001/jama.2010.261

Media Contacts:

Melissa Weisstuch

Marketing & Communications Manager, New York Proton Center

P: 646-968-9061 | C: 914-645-6444

[email protected] 

Amy Briskin

TogoRun Media Specialist

C: 917-734-1639

[email protected] 

SOURCE New York Proton Center

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- Rock Tech broadens investor outreach and increases awareness of its growth strategy

- Rock Tech addresses previously underserved Canadian investor audience

TORONTO, Sept. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Rock Tech Lithium Inc. (TSXV: RCK) (OTCQX: RCKTF) (FWB: RJIB) (WKN: A1XF0V) (the "Company" or "Rock Tech") is pleased to announce its participation in the Muskoka Capital Event, hosted by CEM (Capital Event Management Ltd.), taking place September 25–27, 2026 at the JW Marriott The Rosseau Muskoka Resort & Spa in Muskoka, Ontario.

The Muskoka Capital Event brings together companies from a diverse range of sectors and stages of development with a select group of institutional investors, portfolio managers, investment advisors, family offices, and high-net-worth investors from across North America. The event is structured around a series of pre-scheduled one-to-one meetings designed to facilitate direct dialogue and support the development of long-term capital relationships.

Rock Tech will participate in 18 scheduled, 20-minute meetings throughout the event, joining approximately 47 companies and over 55 investors for CEM's final Capital Event of 2026.

Rock Tech's participation in the upcoming conference is part of its continued efforts to engage with Canadian investor base and strengthen awareness of the Company's growth strategy. During the conference, Rock Tech will provide an update on the advancement of its Canadian mining project and processing plant, highlighting key development milestones, upcoming catalysts and initiatives aimed at further de-risking and advancing these projects, while outlining the Company's near- and medium-term priorities and potential value-creation opportunities.

For more information on the event, please visit cem.ca.

On behalf of the Company,

Mirco Wojnarowicz

CEO

About Rock Tech Lithium

Rock Tech is enabling the battery age by making the battery industries in Europe and North America more independent and competitive. The Company's goal is to ensure the supply of high-quality, locally produced lithium – supporting a resilient, sustainable, and transparent value chain from mine to battery-grade material.

Rock Tech relies on responsible sourcing, state-of-the-art and proven technologies, and a clear focus on circular economy principles. The Company's lithium converter projects in Guben, Germany (24,000 tonnes LHM per year) and Ontario, Canada (up to 32,000 tonnes LCE per year) form the foundation for a stable and regional supply to the battery and automotive industries. The Guben converter has been recognized as a Strategic Project under the EU Critical Raw Materials Act.

The raw materials for Rock Tech's converter projects are intended to be sourced exclusively from verifiably ESG-compliant suppliers. In Canada, Rock Tech relies, among other sources, on its wholly-owned Georgia Lake Project, which is intended to provide a stable and sustainable supply for the North American market and is being developed in close partnership with local Indigenous communities. By integrating recycled materials, the Company aims to close the local battery loop.

With its facilities, Rock Tech intends to contribute to battery-grade material sovereignty and the achievement of climate targets. The company works in partnership with industry, policymakers, and community groups, and is committed to open communication and the highest environmental standards. With its facilities, Rock Tech makes a central contribution to battery-grade material sovereignty and the achievement of climate targets. The company works in partnership with industry, policymakers, and community groups, and is committed to open communication and the highest environmental standards.

About CEM (Capital Event Management Ltd.)

Capital Event Management Ltd. connects high-quality public companies with a curated network of institutional and high-conviction investors through weekend events and structured one-to-one virtual meetings. Founded in 2010 and based in Vancouver, CEM supports more efficient capital formation and helps companies build meaningful, long-term relationships.

CEM also provides strategic advisory services and invests through its Partners' Fund, backing select opportunities emerging from its network.

For more information, visit cem.ca.

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CAUTIONARY NOTE CONCERNING FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION

Certain statements contained in this news release constitute "forward-looking information" under applicable securities laws and are referred to herein as "forward-looking statements". All statements, other than statements of historical fact, which address events, results, outcomes or developments that the Company expects to occur are forward-looking statements. When used in this news release, words such as "expects", "anticipates", "plans", "predicts", "believes", "estimates", "intends", "targets", "projects", "forecasts", "may", "will", "should", "would", "could" or negative versions thereof and other similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements.

In particular, this press release contains forward-looking information pertaining to Rock Tech's opinions, beliefs and expectations regarding the Company's business strategy, development and exploration opportunities and projects; and plans and objectives of management for the Company's operations and properties.

The forward-looking information in this news release is based on several key assumptions and material factors. The forward-looking information also assumes favorable market conditions for lithium. Forward-looking statements by their nature are based on assumptions and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements, including general business, economic, competitive, political and social uncertainties; delay or failure to receive regulatory approvals; changes in project plans; the risk that regulatory approvals may not be obtained on the anticipated timeline or at all; and risks, uncertainties and other factors discussed in the Company's public disclosure documents available under its profile on SEDAR+. No assurances can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, and the Company cautions the reader not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements. The Company does not intend, nor does it assume any obligation to update or revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, changes in assumptions, future events or otherwise, except to the extent required by applicable law.

SOURCE Rock Tech Lithium Inc.

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