SAN FRANCISCO, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Hagens Berman is updating its ongoing investigation into Alignment Healthcare, Inc. (NASDAQ: ALHC) on behalf of investors following a nearly 20% stock collapse on Tuesday following management's disclosures at an analyst conference.

Investors who have suffered significant losses are encouraged to submit their losses now.

Key ALHC Investigation Details:

- Visit: www.hbsslaw.com/alhc

Management's Baird Conference Disclosures Compound Investor Concerns

The steep sell-off—driving ALHC shares to a new 52-week low—comes on the heels of management's disclosures at the Baird 2026 Global Healthcare Conference. At the event, Alignment reportedly revealed an additional $10 million to $11 million in unexpected investments earmarked for the second half of the year, alongside newly flagged headwinds tied to escalating medical costs driven by aggressive hospital billing practices, disputes, and appeals. Although management stopped short of officially slashing its Q3 and full-year outlook during the presentation, the market delivered a swift and severe verdict, resulting in the stock's largest intraday drop in a month and a half.

Serious Whistleblower Allegations

The operational and cost pressures unfold against the backdrop of a recent whistleblower complaint raising serious questions regarding Alignment Healthcare's financial reporting, expense recognition, and internal controls.

The whistleblower, who was employed by Alignment from 2019 to 2025 and most recently served as the company's chief transformation officer, alleges that Alignment misclassified operating expenses as capital expenditures. These actions purportedly boosted the company's adjusted Earnings Before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation, and Amortization (EBITDA) for 2024 and 2025, thereby artificially inflating key performance metrics tied to both the company's stock price and executive compensation.

Echoes of the July 30 Earnings Shock

The most recent disclosures at the Baird Conference follow the company's disappointing 2Q earnings report. On July 31, 2026, Alignment shares plunged more than 20% after its report the day before revealing lower-than-expected quarterly revenue and a disappointing guidance structure that signaled only about 30% of full-year adjusted EBITDA would materialize in the back half of the year.

Hagens Berman's Investigation

"We are investigating whether the company may have misled the market regarding its true financial trajectory and internal health," said Reed Kathrein, the Hagens Berman partner leading the firm's investigation.

What Affected ALHC Investors Can Do

If you purchased or acquired Alignment Healthcare securities and suffered significant financial losses, submit your information to Hagens Berman.

If you'd like more information and answers to other frequently asked questions about the firm's Alignment investigation, read more »

Whistleblowers: Persons with non-public information regarding Alignment should consider their options to help in the investigation or take advantage of the SEC Whistleblower program. Under the new program, whistleblowers who provide original information may receive rewards totaling up to 30 percent of any successful recovery made by the SEC.

About Hagens Berman

Hagens Berman is a global plaintiffs' rights complex litigation firm focusing on corporate accountability. The firm is home to a robust practice and represents investors as well as whistleblowers, workers, consumers and others in cases achieving real results for those harmed by corporate negligence and other wrongdoings. Hagens Berman's team has secured more than $2.9 billion in this area of law. More about the firm and its successes can be found at hbsslaw.com. Follow the firm for updates and news at @ClassActionLaw. 

Attorney Advertising. Prior results do not guarantee a similar outcome in any future case.

SOURCE Hagens Berman Sobol Shapiro LLP

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Boeing and Turkish Airlines Finalize Order for up to 150 737 MAX Jets

- Airline's largest Boeing single-aisle order follows record 787 Dreamliner purchase

- 737 MAX will strengthen Turkish Airlines' short- and medium-haul network

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boeing [NYSE: BA] and Turkish Airlines today announced an order for up to 150 737 MAX airplanes, concluding the discussions initiated in 2025 and supporting the flag carrier's expansion goals.

The agreement for the 737 MAX order was finalized in the presence of His Excellency Recep Tayyip Erdoğan, president of the Republic of Türkiye.

Turkish Airlines purchased 100 737-8 airplanes and secured options for 50 more 737 MAX jets, making this the airline's largest Boeing single-aisle order. The agreement includes substitution rights for the 737-10, the largest 737 MAX variant, so Turkish Airlines can comfortably serve more passengers on more routes to meet growing demand.

"This agreement marks another significant step in the continued expansion of our fleet. The new Boeing 737 MAX aircraft will bring greater efficiency and flexibility to our operations, supporting the extensive network we serve from our hub in Istanbul," said Prof Murat Şeker, Turkish Airlines chairman of the board and the executive committee. "We are pleased to build on our longstanding cooperation with Boeing through an agreement that also supports Türkiye's aviation ecosystem."

Turkish Airlines (including AJet) operates a fleet of more than 200 Boeing airplanes, including the 737 MAX, 787 Dreamliner, 777, 737 Next-Generation and 777 Freighter. By adding more 737-8 jets to its fleet, the airline will leverage the airplane's range, payload flexibility and fuel efficiency to serve high-demand domestic and international routes.

"This order reflects the trust and shared vision that have defined our long-standing partnership with Turkish Airlines," said Stephanie Pope, president and CEO of Boeing Commercial Airplanes. "We're proud to continue our support of Türkiye's aviation ecosystem and Turkish Airlines as it grows its Istanbul-based network, connecting more people and destinations worldwide."

The 737 MAX family reduces fuel use and emissions by 20% compared to the airplanes they replace, enabling lower operating costs and supporting the airline's growth strategy to meet rising travel demand.

Turkish Airlines' 737 MAX purchase builds on its 2025 order for up to 75 787 Dreamliners as part of the global carrier's investment in fleet and network expansion. The agreement is also accompanied by industrial participation, under which Boeing continues its commitment and support of the Turkish aviation ecosystem.

About Turkish Airlines

Established in 1933 with a fleet of five aircraft, Star Alliance member Turkish Airlines has a fleet of 567 (passenger and cargo) aircraft flying to 358 worldwide destinations as 305 international and 53 domestics in 133 countries. More information about Turkish Airlines can be found on its official website www.turkishairlines.com or its social media accounts on Facebook, X, YouTube, LinkedIn and Instagram.

About Boeing

A leading global aerospace company and top U.S. exporter, Boeing develops, manufactures and services commercial airplanes, defense products and space systems for customers in more than 150 countries. Our U.S. and global workforce and supplier base drive innovation, economic opportunity, sustainability and community impact. Boeing is committed to fostering a culture based on our core values of safety, quality and integrity.

Contact

Boeing Media Relations

[email protected]

SOURCE Boeing

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Deployment services to help Microsoft 365 E5, E7 and Microsoft Defender Suite customers build the foundation for an agentic SOC

NEW YORK, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- BlueVoyant, a leading cybersecurity company, today announced its Microsoft Defender XDR ISOC Deployment Service, one of the first deployment solutions in the market built to help enterprises adopt the newly announced Integrated Security Operations Center (ISOC) in Microsoft Defender. ISOC in Microsoft Defender brings security information and event management (SIEM) and extended detection and response (XDR) together in the Defender portal, providing a shared foundation of signals, context and controls for security teams and AI agents.

"The pattern we see most often is a gap between the security technology customers own and what they can actually put to work," said Micah Heaton, Executive Director, Microsoft Product and Innovation Strategy at BlueVoyant. "ISOC helps close that gap by bringing security data, context and response workflows together in Microsoft Defender. The economics matter too. Cost pressure should not decide which evidence an analyst gets to see. Our role is to help customers assess readiness, activate the capabilities that matter and put them to work through deployment and managed services. That gives customers a practical foundation for adopting agents with the right context and controls."

Preparing Customers for the Agentic Era of Security Operations

Built on BlueVoyant's long-standing expertise as a premier Microsoft Security partner, the new Microsoft Defender XDR ISOC Deployment Service expands BlueVoyant's solution to cover the full scope of ISOC readiness.

Customers and prospects can begin with BlueVoyant's ISOC Readiness Assessment, which is a no-cost engagement to prepare for ISOC deployment. The program provides a starting point to discuss the organization's environment and prepare for scoped ISOC deployment support, which includes:

- Defender deployment and configuration across Endpoint, Identity, Office 365, Cloud Apps and Entra ID Identity Protection

- Walkthroughs of ISOC custom detections, workbooks, automation, and user and entity behavior analytics (UEBA)

- Use-case engineering to develop and refine detection rules, workbooks and automations

BlueVoyant's depth across the full Microsoft security stack – Microsoft Sentinel, Microsoft Defender, Microsoft Entra and Microsoft Purview – positions the company to guide customers through every phase of Microsoft's rollout.

"ISOC in Microsoft Defender represents an important evolution in how organizations defend against modern threats," said Naseem Tuffaha, Corporate Vice President, Customer Value Creation at Microsoft. "Our security partners like BlueVoyant play a critical role in helping customers bring these capabilities together, operationalize them in their environments, and turn Microsoft's security innovation into meaningful outcomes. ISOC is built for agentic security, and the combination of technology and operational experience will be essential to helping customers realize its full value."

"We're proud to be one of the first Microsoft partners to help customers deploy Microsoft's new integrated security operations center," said John Hernandez, CEO at BlueVoyant. "ISOC gives customers an opportunity to improve how they run security operations and prepare for teams and AI agents to work from shared data and context. Customers need a practical path from deployment to day-to-day operations, which is exactly where BlueVoyant's expertise comes in – we don't just help stand it up, we help run it."

Availability

BlueVoyant's Microsoft Defender XDR ISOC Deployment Service is available now, with implementation aligned to customer eligibility, agreed scope and Microsoft's phased rollout.

Current customers and prospects can request the no-cost ISOC Readiness Assessment Security Diagnostic here or register for an upcoming webinar, Defend Like a Pro on September 29 at 2 P.M. ET, to learn more about preparing for ISOC in Microsoft Defender.

About BlueVoyant

BlueVoyant defends organizations against cyber threats across any attack surface. BlueVoyant AI, our Agentic SecOps Platform, pairs a decade of frontline expertise with intelligent automation to help security teams detect, investigate and respond faster and more consistently. Our integrated capabilities span Managed Detection and Response (MDR), Third-Party Risk Management (TPRM) and Digital Risk Protection (DRP). A premier Microsoft Security partner, BlueVoyant supports more than 2,500 customer deployments in Microsoft-native environments worldwide. Learn more at bluevoyant.com.

BlueVoyant Press Contact:

Sylvie Tongco

[email protected]

SOURCE BlueVoyant

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Power of Portland benefits Women In Tech, Entertainment & Sports

PORTLAND, Ore., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Interracial legacy platform Asian Hall of Fame (AHOF) presents its annual Power of Portland at Waverley Country Club on September 25. Red carpet preshow starts at 4:30 p.m., and the dinner program is 6:00 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. KOIN 6 Anchor Elizabeth Dinh serves as Master of Ceremonies.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/asian-hall-of-fame/9365752-en-asian-hall-of-fame-hosts-power-of-portland

Fundraising supports Women In Tech, Entertainment, & Sports Scholarships that empower qualified applicants from 32 states and Puerto Rico. Women from all racial and ethnic backgrounds applied for 100 National Scholarship Awards that help recipients stay in school and pursue their goals. Sport Oregon CEO Jim Etzel will receive the Founders Award as an inaugural National Scholarship Committee Member.

Opening Remarks by Representative Daniel Nguyen (Inductee 2024) will welcome Consulate General of Mexico, and dignitaries from nine states (Oregon, Washington, California, Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, South Carolina, New York). Bambuza Hospitality Group Founder & CEO Katherine Lam (Inductee 2024) will introduce Distinguished Speaker Richelle Luther, EVP, Chief Administrative Officer, and General Counsel, Columbia Sportswear.

Established in Seattle, Asian Hall of Fame's Pacific Northwest Inductees include Former Governor of Washington Gary Locke, Seattle Seahawks' Doug Baldwin Jr, Marta and Raj Bhathal, Lisa Bhathal Merage and Alex Bhathal, SuperHawks Owner & President Jacqueline Yang, Soundgarden, amongst others.

Four partners recognized for their renewed support are Wells Fargo, OVACC (Oregon Vietnamese American Cultural Center), Sokol Blosser Winery, and Relay Resources. Asian Hall of Fame will also launch its Accessibility Ambassador Help Desk in partnership with Relay Resources, and provide sensory fidgets, wheelchair chargers, and accessibility information.

Musical performers are Maki Mae, Nicole Ho (Miss Asia USA 2025), and Camilla Shae. Talent Ambassadors are Inductee Kristen Lui, Shivali Bloom (Miss Oregon 2019), Amber Pike (Miss Washington Volunteer 2027), Miss Oregon 2026 Princess Sarah White, and Miss Oregon 2024 Princess Juliana Yip-Ono. Pop-Up Boutique features gifts from Taylor Swift, Nirvana, Seattle Seahawks, Chanel, Hermes, Montblanc, and more. A vibrant Heritage Costume Show closes the evening.

Media can access approved assets at https://bit.ly/3VkrrKa.

ABOUT ASIAN HALL OF FAME

Established in 2004, Asian Hall of Fame strengthens interracial synergy, advances Asian and Native legacy, and democratizes pathways of excellence. www.asianhalloffame.org

Contact: (626) 344-7836, [email protected].

SOURCE Asian Hall of Fame

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Tangram Interiors Announces Ownership and Leadership Transition; Nick Meter Named President and CEO

Longtime President & CEO Joe Lozowski will transition out of the business as Company President Nick Meter leads a management buyout, acquiring a significant ownership stake in the firm — preserving the firm's leadership, culture and client commitments across California and Texas

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Tangram Interiors, one of the nation's largest commercial interiors firms and a leading Steelcase dealer serving Southern California and Dallas–Fort Worth, today announced the completion of an ownership and leadership transition. Nick Meter, Tangram's president, has been named president and chief executive officer, succeeding Joe Lozowski, who led the company as chief executive for 25 years. Meter led a management buyout, acquiring a significant stake in the company from the Lozowski family, which retains a minority interest. Lozowski will serve as an executive advisor during the transition, and members of the Lozowski family remain actively involved in the business.

Nick Meter photo download: https://agency.kcomm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/483acac1-6575-3a4e-b95d-b12004c3431f.png

Photo download (Fresno Showroom): https://agency.kcomm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/93b835d3-8339-32b8-b394-0b01cd249821.png

Photo download (Warehouse Exterior): https://agency.kcomm.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/output.jpg

The transaction ensures continuity for clients, employees and manufacturer partners. Tangram will continue to operate under the same name and brand, with no changes to its day-to-day operations, service teams or client relationships.

Under Lozowski's leadership, the company grew into a diversified interiors business generating nearly $300 million in annual sales, with capabilities spanning contract furniture, architectural products, technology integration, custom fabrication and facility services.

"Building Tangram alongside this team has been the privilege of my career," said Lozowski. "The best succession plan is the one where the people who built the business with you carry it forward — and that is exactly what this accomplishes. I could not be more confident in the company's future."

"This is a continuation, not a change in direction," said Meter. "Joe built a company defined by craftsmanship, entrepreneurship and genuine care for the people we serve. As owners as well as operators, we are more invested than ever in delivering exceptional environments for our clients and creating opportunity for our team."

"Tangram is recognized for its design leadership, innovation and commitment to delivering an exceptional client experience," said Pamela Woodward, vice president of channel at Steelcase. "Their dedication to Steelcase, their clients and their team has helped build a strong and enduring partnership. We thank Joe for his commitment and leadership, congratulate him on an extraordinary career, and look forward to our continued partnership with Nick and the entire Tangram team."

About Tangram Interiors

Tangram Interiors creates environments where people love to work, learn and heal. Headquartered in Santa Fe Springs, California, with operations across Southern California, the Central Valley and Dallas–Fort Worth, Tangram is a premier Steelcase dealer offering contract furniture, architectural solutions, audiovisual and technology integration, custom furniture fabrication and ongoing facility services.

Learn more at tangraminteriors.com.

SOURCE Tangram Interiors

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Editor's Note: Photos and video can be downloaded here.

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ) proudly joined the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's (AFSP) 7th Annual Out of the Darkness Community Walk, on Sunday, September 20, raising $315,000. Led by team members from Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City, employees from all casino properties participated in Sunday's walk, demonstrating the industry's shared commitment to supporting suicide prevention, education, and mental health awareness within the local community.

"We are very proud to once again join the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in advancing its mission to save lives and educate the public about the importance of mental health," said Michael Sampson, General Manager at Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City. "Supporting access to lifesaving resources and services helps build stronger, safer communities and ensures our neighbors have the support they need when they need it most."

Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City was the first Atlantic City casino to participate in the AFSP Out of the Darkness Community Walk, inspired by team members whose loved ones have been impacted by suicide. Since 2018, Hard Rock Atlantic City has helped bring together residents, businesses, and organizations to raise awareness and critical funds for suicide prevention, helping to grow the AFSP Out of the Darkness Walk into the largest walk of its kind in New Jersey.

"We are proud to bring together our community to support the incredible work of the AFSP New Jersey Chapter," said George Goldhoff, president, Casino Association of New Jersey (CANJ). "Every year, AFSP's efforts make a difference in the lives of so many and provide support and hope to those struggling with mental health. This tremendous participation from every Atlantic City casino demonstrates the industry's commitment to furthering this vital cause and supporting the neighborhoods closest to us."

Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in the United States, with more than 48,000 Americans dying by suicide in 2024. In New Jersey, suicide remains a leading cause of death among young people. The New Jersey Department of Children and Families reports that suicide is the third leading cause of death among youth ages 15 to 24. The National Institutes of Health also reports that 20% of children ages three to 17 have a mental or behavioral disorder, with suicide rates for children ages 12 to 17 increasing by 16% between 2008 and 2020.

Established in 1987, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is a voluntary health organization dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide, including those who have experienced a loss. AFSP creates a culture empowered by research, education, and advocacy that supports mental health through public education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide.

"On behalf of our entire organization, we are incredibly grateful to Hard Rock Hotel & Casino for its continued partnership with AFSP and its unwavering support of the Atlantic City community through the Out of the Darkness Walk. Year after year, Hard Rock demonstrates what it means to be a true partner in suicide prevention—not only through its generosity, but through its commitment to creating a community where mental health is openly discussed, and people know they are not alone," said Mike Lamma, Executive Vice President & Chief Operating Officer.

Lamma went on to commend the sponsors and strong community support, adding, "We are equally grateful to all of our sponsors and community partners who continue to stand with us in this important work. Their dedication helps us bring hope, connection, and resources to those who need them most, while breaking down the stigma that can prevent people from seeking help. Together, we are building a stronger, more compassionate community and creating meaningful, lasting change. We are honored to have these partners alongside us in this mission."

Media Contacts:

Sharon Pearce, Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

(609) 449-5078

[email protected]

SOURCE Hard Rock Hotel & Casino Atlantic City

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Is expected to empower care teams with AI-driven workflows, insights, and connected patient information to help enable more effective, personalized treatment

ORLANDO, Fla., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Oracle Health and Life Sciences Summit – Oracle today announced its Oracle Health Oncology EHR. Building on the capabilities of Oracle's modern, AI-powered ambulatory EHR, the new solution is purpose-built for the distinct demands of cancer care, bringing together oncology-specific workflows, AI-fueled clinical intelligence derived from multiple data sources, and connected information to support patient care from diagnosis through treatment and follow-up.

"A cancer diagnosis changes everything for patients and their families. Care teams should not be slowed down by fragmented information, lack of clinical insights, and antiquated technology that forces the patient to search for and recount their history repeatedly, risking critical missed details," said Seema Verma, executive vice president and general manager, Oracle Health and Life Sciences. "Oracle Health Oncology EHR is designed to bring the patient's story together and provide personalized treatment recommendations, helping clinicians focus their time and expertise where they matter most: caring for the person in front of them."

Putting the needs of patients and oncology teams at the center of care

Cancer care is among the most complex forms of medicine. The multidisciplinary nature of treatment requires oncologists and their teams to coordinate rapidly changing treatment plans, chemotherapy regimens, laboratory and imaging results, medications, referrals, and insurance requirements across multiple care settings. When that information is fragmented, clinicians lose valuable time assembling the context needed to make decisions, while patients face a disconnected care experience during an already difficult time.

With embedded AI agents and clinical decision support built in, the context-aware EHR is expected to help care teams navigate the complexity of cancer care by delivering an intuitive and responsive experience across inpatient and outpatient settings.

Oracle Health's AI-powered assistant for oncologists is expected to connect results, decision support, and action across the cancer care journey. From patient snapshots and pre-visit summaries that surface what has changed, to specialized assistants for Tumor Board preparation and guideline-grounded treatment planning, the assistant can help clinicians make sense of complex information and carry their decisions into workflows such as orders, referrals, documentation, and coding. Oracle's broader vision is a connected ecosystem of role-based AI assistants supporting nurses, patients, care coordinators, researchers, and the wider multidisciplinary cancer care team, helping people work together with shared context throughout the patient journey.

Planned capabilities are intended to help users benefit from:

- Unified cancer-care timelines: enabling access to a clear, chronological view of cancer-related diagnoses and treatments to support continuity of care and informed decision-making.

- Connected worklists for nurse navigators: to support care coordination from clinician diagnosis through treatment and survivorship, helping navigators maintain holistic, connected care plans.

- Intelligent precision oncology insights: that unify genomic, radiology, pathology, laboratory, pharmacy, and social determinants of health data to support diagnoses and evidence-based treatment decisions, with a foundation for future capabilities such as pathway guidance, predictive analytics, trial matching, cost comparisons, and industry content.

- Streamlined regimen planning workflows: which simplify chemotherapy and immunotherapy ordering with lifetime cumulative-dose calculations, mobile ordering, response-to-treatment documentation, and simplified regimen maintenance, helping care teams manage treatment changes and support consistent, evidence-based care.

To learn more, join the live action today at the Oracle Health and Life Sciences Summit by visiting https://www.oracle.com/health/health-life-sciences-summit/.

About Oracle

Oracle offers integrated suites of applications plus secure, autonomous infrastructure in the Oracle Cloud. For more information about Oracle (NYSE: ORCL), please visit www.oracle.com.

Future Product Disclaimer

The preceding is intended to outline our general product direction. It is intended for information purposes only, and may not be incorporated into any contract. It is not a commitment to deliver any material, code, or functionality, and should not be relied upon in making purchasing decisions. The development, release, timing, and pricing of any features or functionality described for Oracle's products may change and remains at the sole discretion of Oracle Corporation.

Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer

Statements in this article relating to Oracle's future plans, expectations, beliefs, intentions, and prospects are "forward-looking statements" and are subject to material risks and uncertainties. A detailed discussion of these factors and other risks that affect our business is contained in Oracle's Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) filings, including our most recent reports on Form 10-K and Form 10-Q under the heading "Risk Factors." These filings are available on the SEC's website or on Oracle's website at https://www.oracle.com/investor. All information in this article is current as of September 2026 and Oracle undertakes no duty to update any statement in light of new information or future events.

SOURCE Oracle

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HOWELL, Mich., Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Real Christmas Tree Board is sharing its 2026 real Christmas tree market outlook based on results from its fifth annual survey of wholesale Christmas tree growers. The good news? The 2026 real Christmas tree forecast is merry and bright with another season of stable wholesale prices, ample supply, and steady demand.

That's based on findings from the organization's survey¹ of 47 wholesale growers, representing about half-to-two-thirds of the United States' real Christmas tree market.

Wholesale prices expected to hold steady

Of the wholesale growers surveyed, 91% said they don't plan to raise their wholesale prices, including those who may lower them for the 2026 season. That figure is up from 84% who said the same in 2025.

While the price that a consumer will pay varies and is set by retailers, a holiday consumer survey2 showed that shoppers last year had a positive experience at check out. 91% of respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree said the price they paid was worth it and 56% said the price they paid was less than they expected.

Despite continued year-over-year upticks in input costs, growers are largely absorbing increases rather than passing them along to retailers.

"Real Christmas Tree growers are committed to providing families with a high-quality tree, whether they're a first-time buyer or continuing their yearly holiday tradition," said Marsha Gray, executive director of the Real Christmas Tree Board. "This year's outlook reflects the consistency of the real Christmas tree industry."

Strong supply will meet demand

Of the wholesale growers surveyed, 85% rated the 2026 supply as strong or very strong. Families can feel confident they will find a real Christmas tree that's right for them with plenty of options to choose from. Just like last year, and every year before that, there will be a real Christmas tree for everyone who wants one.

The joy and tradition of picking out a real Christmas tree takes many forms. Real Christmas trees are easy to find in a variety of shapes and sizes at choose-and-cut farms, seasonal lots, home improvement stores, garden centers, and other local retailers nationwide. During the 2025 holiday season, 91% of those surveyed said they had no issue locating a place nearby to purchase a tree.2

Demand is expected to remain steady with nearly 8 in 10 wholesale growers (79%) saying they anticipate selling the same number of trees or more compared to last year.

"Choosing a real Christmas tree is the start of the holiday season," said Gray. "From the joy of finding the perfect tree, to the fresh scent that fills a home, it's an experience that creates lasting memories all season long."

SURVEY METHODOLOGY

1 About the Grower Survey: The Real Christmas Tree Board, in conjunction with FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 47 wholesale growers of real Christmas trees across the U.S. Each of the responding growers conducts business in one or more of the following regions: Northwest, West, Southwest, Mid-West, Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and Southeast. Combined, the respondents supply half-to-two-thirds of the country's real Christmas trees. The survey was fielded in August 2026; last year, the survey was fielded among 43 wholesale growers in August 2025.

2About the Post-Season Consumer Survey: TRUE Global Intelligence (TGI), the in-house research practice of FleishmanHillard, fielded a survey of 1,500 Americans adults ages 21 to 54 years. All survey respondents either celebrate/observe Christmas or Noche Buena or display a Christmas tree. Respondents were required to either decide or share in the decision of what Christmas tree to put up in their home each year. The survey was fielded from December 26, 2025 to January 7, 2026. The survey has a margin of error of ±4.8% for respondents who purchased a real Christmas tree in 2025.

KNOW YOUR SOURCES

TRUST THOSE WHO GROW AND KNOW

The Real Christmas Tree Board (RCTB) is the media's expert resource for insights about farm-grown Christmas trees. Chartered in 2015 as the Christmas Tree Promotion Board and renamed in 2022, it is a national research and promotion program whose mission is to share the benefits of fresh Christmas trees with consumers through promotion and public relations, while engaging in research to better serve customers and growers. The USDA provides oversight of the RCTB to ensure transparency, accuracy, and fairness in its communications. The RCTB provides the media and public with accurate information, added insights, and the latest news and inspiration for the season. It represents real Christmas trees sold in the United States and is supported through annual assessments paid by any business growing or importing 500 or more real Christmas trees. This press release was developed and distributed by the RCTB. Search "Real Christmas Tree Board" online and visit RealChristmasTreeBoard.com.

National Christmas Tree Association (NCTA), founded in 1955, is the national trade association and advocacy organization for the farm-grown Christmas tree industry, leading its public policy/governmental affairs and serving as the "voice of the industry." NCTA represents hundreds of active member farms, 38 state and regional associations, and thousands of affiliated businesses that grow and sell Christmas trees or provide related services. Each year since 1966, an NCTA member has presented the official White House Christmas tree to the First Lady, which is displayed in the Blue Room. NCTA is also a trusted media resource on farm-grown Christmas trees.

Please note …

American Christmas Tree Association (ACTA) does not represent real Christmas trees or growers. It is a 501(c)(3) corporation established in 2009 and has no known members representing the real Christmas tree industry. Thomas Harman3 is CEO of ACTA and is also the founder and CEO of Balsam Hill, a seller of artificial Christmas trees.4 The majority of artificial Christmas trees are manufactured overseas.5

3 https://apps.irs.gov/pub/epostcard/cor/352342528_201912_990EO_2021042017972245.pdf

4 https://www.balsamhill.com/about-us

5 Data pulled from the U.S. Census Bureau's International Trade in Goods and Services report https://usatrade.census.gov 

MEDIA CONTACT:

[email protected]

SOURCE Real Christmas Tree Board

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DETROIT, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- AquaAction is proud to launch its first US wave in Michigan , with ten water-tech companies selected for the new AquaEntrepreneur Michigan program. Officially launching today, the program will support commercialization of promising solutions that address our most pressing freshwater challenges.

The selected Entrepreneurs are Accelerated Filtration, Inc., AmHyTech Inc., DMR International Inc., Geomind operating as Lacuum, Green Steel Environmental, Myconaut, Nucleic Sensing Systems, Radmantis, Sequestro, Inc. and Subtidal, Inc.

The first wave was announced at the Michigan Blue Economy Summit, held in partnership with AquaAction and the University of Michigan-Flint. The full-day summit connected leaders across sectors to define the priorities, challenges and opportunities towards the vision of growing an innovative freshwater economy.

"Congratulations to all the companies selected for AquaEntrepreneur Michigan," said Soula Chronopoulos, President of AquaAction, in her remarks at the Summit. "There is growing momentum around freshwater as a major driver of economic growth, resilience, jobs and competitiveness and, with the right supports, at the right time, these ten innovators can play a key role in this tremendously important effort to build a thriving blue-tech economy in the Great Lakes region."

These Entrepreneurs will participate in an intensive, ten-month program, receiving customized coaching, technical guidance and guaranteed opportunities to pilot their technologies in real-world settings, aiming to transform promising innovations into commercial successes.

"It's an essential moment for Michigan to define its place in the Blue Economy," said Delaney Keating, AquaAction's Director of Programs and Operations, United States. "We are so excited to be a part of the greater mission to serve freshwater, to develop rapid commercialization pathways, and to collaborate with the many partners already working on the ground."

The Michigan program relies on its core strategic partners, such as the Michigan economic Development Corporation, Urban Tech Xchange, the University of Michigan Office of Economic Development and Community Engagement, the Friends of the Rouge, the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative, the Great Lakes Water Authority and the Detroit Wayne County Port Authority, who will support the deployment of these new technologies to help the Entrepreneurs scale their businesses.

The new Michigan program is a critical component of AquaAction's binational work in the Great Lakes St. Lawrence region. As announced in July 2026, AquaEntrepreneur Michigan is the first US expansion of AquaAction's flagship commercialization program, which has already helped 72 companies land 550 pilot projects and generate a total of CAD$260 million in annual revenues, creating lasting jobs and supporting economic growth by helping local businesses succeed.

AquaEntrepreneur Michigan is supported by the Michigan Mobility Funding Platform (MMFP) through a Maritime Innovation Grant.

Meet the companies selected for AquaEntrepreneur Michigan 2026

Accelerated Filtration

Accelerated Filtration develops VelRay X, an automated filtration and concentration technology designed to efficiently treat industrial water and wastewater with highly variable levels of suspended solids. 

AmHyTech

AmHyTech is developing an innovative approach to ammonia storage at ambient temperature and pressure, designed to enable safer and more practical handling for maritime, industrial and agricultural applications. 

DMR International Inc.

DMR International develops PurAsure™, an innovative water treatment platform that helps control pathogens and biofilms across stormwater, wastewater, industrial and agricultural applications, with minimal maintenance requirements. 

Geomind operating as Lacuum

Lacuum develops autonomous amphibious robots that help water managers monitor, map and maintain shallow freshwater environments, improving operational efficiency while generating valuable, repeatable environmental data. 

Green Steel Environmental

Green Steel Environmental transforms steel industry by-products into cost-effective materials that remove phosphorus and sulfur from wastewater, helping protect waterways while advancing a more circular economy. 

Myconaut

Myconaut develops site-specific biological remediation solutions for PFAS and other contaminants, combining natural systems, advanced testing and field validation to address complex environmental challenges. 

Nucleic Sensing Systems

Nucleic Sensing Systems develops field-ready biosensors that enable rapid, on-site detection and measurement of pathogens, toxins, harmful algal blooms and invasive species, bringing advanced water monitoring directly to the water's edge. 

Radmantis

Radmantis combines underwater imaging, artificial intelligence and robotics to detect and manage aquatic species, supporting applications ranging from aquaculture and conservation to hydropower and maritime operations. 

Sequestro Inc.

Sequestro develops ArborSORB™, a renewable, wood-based filtration material designed to remove PFAS from contaminated water and provide a scalable alternative to conventional treatment materials. 

Subtidal, Inc.

Subtidal provides solar-powered water-quality monitoring buoys and analytics that help communities continuously track harmful algal bloom risks and better understand the environmental conditions driving them.

Quick Facts

AquaEntrepreneur's impact to date:

- 72 companies supported

- 550+ Pilot projects and contracts

- The equivalent of over 140,000 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water saved

- CAD $50M in new public and private contracts

- CAD $260M+ revenue generated

About AquaAction

At AquaAction, we develop leaders to protect and restore our most vital resource: freshwater. We empower people, from young innovators to community advocates, to protect and restore freshwater through innovation, advocacy, and conservation. By supporting entrepreneurship, advancing education and awareness, and driving policy change, we help communities build resilience and ensure access to clean water for generations to come. Our mission is simple yet profound: a generation of leaders safeguarding freshwater for the health of people and the planet. https://us.aquaaction.org/

SOURCE AquaAction

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Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Launches High Precision Laboratory Central Gas Supply System

Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Launches High Precision Laboratory Central Gas Supply System, Laboratory Gas Pipeline System And Laboratory Gas Scrubber

SHANGHAI, Sept. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Co., Ltd. has officially announced the launch of its latest laboratory central gas supply system. This high purity engineering infrastructure solution is designed to meet the rigorous gas delivery demands of modern semiconductor research and development facilities, advanced university laboratories, and precision testing centers. By consolidating multiple scattered gas cylinders into a centralized external gas distribution station, the new system eliminates the safety hazards associated with handling individual cylinders within active research areas while maximizing available floor space and optimizing operational workflows.

The newly developed laboratory central gas supply system integrates state of the art micro contamination control protocols to support continuous gas purity up to 99.9999 percent. Every internal gas fluid loop is constructed using high grade, seamless electropolished 316L stainless steel tubing. This specific metallurgical selection eliminates inner surface roughness, ensuring zero particle shedding and avoiding moisture entrapment. All pipeline joints are fused via automated orbital tungsten inert gas welding under a constant ultra high purity argon gas back purge, completely eliminating internal weld oxidation and maintaining uncompromised fluid path integrity.

To ensure uninterrupted operations during long term experiments and analytical instrument testing, the central station features fully automated changeover manifolds. These manifolds seamlessly switch between primary and reserve cylinder banks without causing pressure drops or disrupting active gas supply lines. The entire distribution infrastructure is managed by an integrated programmable logic controller linked to a user friendly touchscreen interface, allowing facility technicians to monitor real time delivery pressures, flow rates, and active system status variables.

Safety remains a central pillar of the engineering design. The laboratory gas pipeline system features an array of ambient gas leak detection networks, automatic nitrogen vacuum purging sequences, and pneumatically activated emergency shut off valves. If a downstream leak or exhaust drop is detected, the automated controller instantly isolates gas migration at the main source enclosure. This comprehensive approach ensures full compliance with modern factory safety codes and environmental regulations.

About Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Co., Ltd.:

Established in September 2025 in the Songjiang District of Shanghai, the company specializes in manufacturing ultra high purity gas and chemical distribution equipment. Operating a four thousand square meter facility with a dedicated five hundred square meter Class 100 cleanroom, the company delivers integrated fluid engineering systems for the semiconductor, flat panel display, solar energy, optical fiber, and advanced electronics markets.

Media Contact:

Company Name: Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Co., Ltd.

Add: No. 9, Lane 345, Minshen Road, Songjiang District, Shanghai, China

Email: [email protected]

Phone: +86-13380377051

Website: https://www.chengweisemi.com

Contact:

James Yuan

[email protected]

13380377051

Photos:

https://www.prlog.org/13172454

Press release distributed by PRLog

SOURCE Shanghai Chengwei Semiconductor Equipment Co., Ltd

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