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Season 3 of the mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program is Back with Emmy Winner Oz Rodriguez and a Miami Film Premiere This Fall

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Season 3 of the mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program is back with Emmy winner Oz Rodriguez and a Miami film premiere this Fall. (PRNewsfoto/NGLmitú)

The initiative invests in Latino storytellers at a time when Latino audiences fueled 7 of the top 10 films in 2024

MIAMI, Oct. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program is proud to announce the launch of its third season, welcoming a new generation of Latino filmmakers whose stories showcase the richness, resilience, and creativity of the Latino community. Since its inception, the award-winning program has empowered a dozen rising filmmakers to bring their short films to life, from script to screen. For the first time, all four original short films will debut in November at the 24th edition of the Miami short Film Festival — a celebration of culture, creativity, and stories that move us all.

Guiding and inspiring this new class is returning mentor Oz Rodriguez, the Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and writer best known for his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live.

This year, the mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program continues to make an impact with an enhanced 11-week accelerated format, providing emerging filmmakers with the tools, resources, and support needed to bring their visions to life. Participants gain full access to mitú Studios in Los Angeles, receive everything they need to produce their own 5–10 minute short films, and are gifted a $10,000 equipment kit to fuel their future creative projects. Guiding and inspiring this new class is returning mentor Oz Rodriguez, the Emmy Award-winning director, producer, and writer best known for his groundbreaking work on Saturday Night Live.

This year, four filmmakers were selected from a nationwide open call that drew over 120 applications. Each will debut original short films exploring themes of identity, culture, and transformation: Sophia Costanzo (Cups), Glenís Hunter (15), Eric Ibarra (Two Step), and Stephanie Osuna-Hernandez (Spill The Frijoles).

Latino voices remain vastly unrepresented in Hollywood, even as Latino audiences prove to be among the industry’s most powerful drivers. According to the UCLA Hollywood Diversity Report 2025, Latino actors held only 1% of lead roles in last year’s top theatrical films, while Latino directors accounted for just 4.3% and writers 2.1%. Yet, audiences of color (including Latinos) purchased most opening-weekend tickets for seven of the top 10 and 12 of the top 20 films in 2024. This imbalance underscores the urgent need for efforts like the mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program, which creates opportunities for Latino filmmakers to tell their stories and meet the demand for authentic representation.

Media Contact:
Cobreiro Comms
[email protected]

Season 3 of the mitú | Walmart Filmmaker Mentorship Program is back with Emmy winner Oz Rodriguez and a Miami film premiere this Fall.

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SOURCE NGLmitú

Useful Gifts – Not Luxury – Top Millennial and Gen Z Wish Lists This Holiday Season

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The Home Depot logo.

The Home Depot launches the “Holiday Gift Edit,” curated Pinterest boards with top wish list items at great values this season

ATLANTA, Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The countdown to the holidays is officially on, and this season more than three-quarters of Millennials want practical gifts for their homes, according to a new survey conducted by Morning Consult for The Home Depot. Beginning on October 28, customers can save on tools, smart home devices, appliances, home decor and more throughout the season – both in stores and online.

The Home Depot logo.

When it comes to planning gift ideas, Millennials and Gen Z are ahead of older generations: Nearly twice as many of them create holiday wish lists for friends and family compared to Gen X and Boomers. And while they’re shopping for loved ones, more than half of Millennials say they’ll pick up a little something for themselves, outpacing the general population by nine points.

To help find inspiration for gifts that will be used and loved, The Home Depot is introducing the Holiday Gift Edit: Pinterest boards curated specifically for the doers in every generation, including the DIYer, the New Homeowner, and the Cozy Curator.

  • The DIYer: Hands-on and tool-savvy, DIYers love fixing, upgrading and getting every space holiday ready. Tools top the DIYer’s wish list, including the RYOBI ONE+ 18V Cordless 6-Tool Combo Kit, the DEWALT Atomic 20V Max Cordless Brushless Oscillating Multi Tool, and the HUSKY 16-Piece Pivoting Screwdriver Set. The Home Accents Holiday 100-Count Mini LED Lights are the perfect finishing touch for every Holiday project and the RYOBI Cordless Bluetooth Speaker Kit will keep spirits high until the work is done.
  • The New Homeowner: Eager to turn a house into a home, New Homeowners install appliances, set up smart security, furnish rooms, put up the tree and eagerly welcome every guest. Items like the GE Smart Ultrafast Electric Washer and Dryer Combo, the Amazon Echo Hub 8 in. Smart Home Control Panel, the StyleWell Goodwin 75.6 in. Square Arm Velvet Rectangle Sofa, and the Home Decorators Collection 7.5 ft. Flocked Slim Grand Duchess Fir top this list and help to do just that.
  • The Cozy Curator: Passionate about comfort and ambience, Cozy Curators turn every corner of their space into a warm, inviting haven with pieces like the Spruce & Spring Noah Cream Performance Fabric Swivel Accent Chair and the StyleWell 4 ft. Faux Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree. Glittery holiday decor like the Home Accents Holiday 5.5 ft. LED Twinkling Stacked Gift Boxes and the Home Decorators Collection 12 ft. Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir Garland are a must. And of course, every Cozy Curator needs an Amazon Fire TV Stick to play feel-good holiday movies on repeat.

“At The Home Depot, we know our customers value practical, meaningful items that enhance their everyday lives,” said Molly Battin, senior vice president and chief marketing officer at The Home Depot. “This holiday season, we’re leaning into those customers in a digital-first way, offering wish list inspiration on Pinterest and providing savings on products that make home prep, decorating and gift-giving both enjoyable and effortless.”

Starting this week, many products from The Home Depot’s popular online holiday decor assortment, as well as some new items, will be available in stores. The viral sensation Grand Duchess Twinkling Balsam Fir Artificial Christmas Tree is back – with its iconic twinkling lights now featured across even more holiday favorites including a new chic flocked version, matching garland, mini trees, a wreath and more. For a modern twist, the new Breckenridge Twinkling Adaptive Lighting Downswept Fraser Fir Christmas Tree features dual-color technology for a customizable lighting display. Downswept branches and memory wire technology make setup effortless, while 600 micro fairy LED lights offer endless ways to shine.

“Holiday shopping can be overwhelming, but Pinterest is here to make it simple, creative, and meaningful,” said Kate Hamill, Pinterest’s vice president of enterprise sales for North America. “The Home Depot’s Holiday Gift Edit perfectly captures what we know resonates with our users – curated collections that help people discover gifts that truly connect with the recipient. When you can find practical, thoughtful presents all in one place, it takes the stress out of gift-giving and helps people nail that perfect gift.”

With free delivery on over two million online items and same-day or next-day delivery on select products, The Home Depot makes it easy to start decking the halls without the wait. Find gift inspiration and ideas on The Home Depot’s Pinterest page or visit corporate.homedepot.com to start checking off those holiday wish lists.

About The Home Depot
The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the second quarter, the company operated more than 2,353 retail stores, over 800 branches and more than 325 distribution centers that directly fulfill customer orders across all 50 states, the District of Columbia, Puerto Rico, the U.S. Virgin Islands, Guam, 10 Canadian provinces and Mexico. The company employs over 470,000 associates. The Home Depot’s stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE: HD) and is included in the Dow Jones industrial average and Standard & Poor’s 500 index.

Methodology

Morning Consult
The Home Depot participated in a Morning Consult omnibus survey of 2,202 Americans aged 18 to 80, conducted in September 2025 to uncover holiday gift buying trends.

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SOURCE The Home Depot

KIA AMERICA POSTS BEST QUARTER AND HIGHEST YEAR-TO-DATE SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY

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KIA AMERICA POSTS BEST QUARTER AND HIGHEST YEAR-TO-DATE SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY.
  • Record third quarter pushes Kia’s total year-to-date sales up 9 percent over 2024
  • Double-digit dealer sales growth through the first three quarters of 2025
  • Year-over-year, Kia’s electrified models grew 26 percent; sedans 19 percent; and SUVs 6 percent
  • EV9 achieves best any month and best any quarter records, with 3,094 and 7,510 units sold, respectively 

IRVINE, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Kia America delivered 65,507 units in September, a 11 percent increase over September 2024, and achieved a new record with any-quarter sales totaling 219,637 units. This brings the total sales for the first three quarters to a record-breaking 636,148 units while the year-to-date sales through Kia dealers also set a new record with 583,163 units through September. These record-setting performances represent 9- and 10-percent increases, respectively, over the same period last year, and have Kia on pace for a third consecutive annual sales record.

KIA AMERICA POSTS BEST QUARTER AND HIGHEST YEAR-TO-DATE SALES IN COMPANY HISTORY.

Six Kia models – K5 (+85 percent); Carnival (+48 percent); Telluride (+13 percent); Sportage (+13-percent); Sorento (+7 percent); and K4 (+4 percent) posted notable increases over the first three quarters of 2024. And through September, sales of Kia’s electrified models (+26 percent); sedans (+19 percent); and SUVs (+6 percent) increased over the same period last year, illustrating the popularity of the brand’s diverse model line-up.

“As we begin the last quarter of the year, these best-ever sales performances set the Kia brand on perfect trajectory to achieve yet another annual sales record and the brand’s highest-ever market share,” said Eric Watson, vice-president, sales operations, Kia America. “And with the most significant, double-digit increases seen in Kia’s electrified and sedan models, which highlight the strong appeal and competitive strength of Kia’s diverse model line-up, we are confident that the wide variety of vehicles in our world-class model line-up will continue to attract both repeat and new customers to Kia showrooms well into 2026.”

In addition to the monthly sales performance, Kia America also made additional announcements, including:

  • Pricing for the 2026 Sorento SUV. Available in ICE, HEV and PHEV powertrains and featuring a host of exterior enhancements, the Sorento also boasts a new leather-trimmed steering wheel that more closely identifies it with other models in the Kia lineup. Pricing for the 2026 Sorento SUV ICE starts at $32,190 MSRP1; the Sorento HEV starts at $38,890 MSRP; and the Sorento PHEV starts at $48,290 MSRP.
  • The second installment of a two-part creative campaign for the Sportage SUV, this time featuring the 2026 Sportage Hybrid model. As the fast-growing brand’s best-selling nameplate, the 2026 Kia Sportage advances design, innovation, technology and convenience across three diverse powertrains, including the powerful turbo hybrid model.



MONTH OF SEPTEMBER



SEPTEMBER YTD


Model



2025



2024



2025



2024

EV9

3,094

2096

12,448

15970

EV6

2,116

1,612

11,077

15,985

K4/Forte

8,829

10,266

107,643

104,004

K5

5,290

4,898

52,581

28,476

Soul

4,069

4,016

40,408

40,094

Niro

2,446

1,687

20,109

25,132

Seltos

4,635

3,877

40,065

48,177

Sportage

14,515

11,163

134,102

118,758

Sorento

6,502

6,572

74,012

69,176

Telluride

8,408

8,699

92,498

81,754

Carnival

5,603

4,027

51,205

34,727


Total


65,507


58,913


636,148


584,170

Kia America – about us

Headquartered in Irvine, California, Kia America continues to top automotive quality surveys. Kia is recognized as one of the TIME World’s Most Sustainable Companies of 2024. Kia serves as the “Official Automotive Partner” of the NBA and WNBA and offers a range of gasoline, hybrid, plug-in hybrid, and electric vehicles sold through a network of nearly 800 dealers in the U.S., including several cars and SUVs proudly assembled in America*.

For media information, including photography, visit

www.kiamedia.com


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* Select trims of the 2025 all-electric EV6 and EV9 all-electric three-row SUV, Sportage (excludes HEV and PHEV models), Sorento (excludes HEV and PHEV models), and Telluride are assembled in the United States from U.S. and globally sourced parts.

1 MSRP excludes destination and handling, taxes, title, license fees, options and retailer charges. Actual prices set by retailer and may vary.

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SOURCE Kia America

Blue Shield of California Announces 2026 Medicare Plans That Prioritize Reliable and Affordable Coverage for Seniors

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From digital tools to food and produce allowances for qualifying members, Blue Shield delivers benefits that reflect what Californians need most

OAKLAND, Calif., Oct. 1, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California is helping Medicare-eligible Californians prepare for 2026 with a suite of plans designed to provide trusted, reliable coverage and added support for those who need it most. With Medicare’s Annual Enrollment Period (AEP) starting October 15 and running through December 7, members and new enrollees can choose from a wide range of health plan options that fit their lifestyle, budget and health goals.

 blue_jpg_Logo

“Medicare can feel overwhelming – especially with all of the choices seniors face,” said Alex Uhm, vice president and general manager of Medicare at Blue Shield of California. “At Blue Shield, we are committed to simplifying the process and guiding our members with tools, support and benefits that help them make confident decisions about their care.”

Blue Shield’s 2026 Medicare offerings underscore the company’s commitment to affordability and long-term value. Members can continue to access a wide network of providers and choose from plans that allow them to see any doctor who accepts Medicare. Blue Shield’s Medicare Supplement plan also remains the #1 Medicare Supplemental plan in California.

Personalized Pharmacy Experience
For members navigating rising costs of drugs, Blue Shield’s enhanced digital pharmacy experience helps put them in control. Key features include:

  • Price Check My Rx: A tool that lets members compare prices and explore lower-cost drug alternatives.
  • Real-time mobile push notifications: Members can opt-in to receive alerts about lower-priced prescription drug options at the time their drugs are prescribed, empowering them to make informed decisions before visiting the pharmacy.
  • Updated pharmacy locator: Includes helpful filters to narrow searches like “open 24 hours”, “7-day availability”, and “drive through access”.
  • Amazon Pharmacy, our home delivery provider: Convenient prescription home delivery service with free 5-day shipping (2-day shipping for Amazon Prime members). Members taking multiple medications daily also have the option to use PillPack from Amazon Pharmacy, a no-cost service which pre-sorts the medications into daily packets.

Expanding Access for Members with Complex Needs
Blue Shield continues to expand the Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP) in Los Angeles and San Diego, providing wrap-around care for members eligible for both Medicare and Medi-Cal. The plan offers:

  • Food and produce allowance through the Special Supplemental Benefits for the Chronically III (SSBCI) benefit (member eligibility required) via a flexible benefits card.
  • Hearing aid allowance via a flexible benefits card.
  • Comprehensive care coordination and chronic condition management.

2026 Highlights
Blue Shield offers a range of Medicare Advantage plans with benefits designed to support whole-person care, flexibility, and convenience for members:

Core and Continuing Benefits (Benefits vary by county and plan.)

  • $0 or low monthly premiums on many plans
  • Dental, vision, and hearing coverage.
  • Fitness program, NurseHelp 24/7, and Teladoc Health
  • Access to a broad network of trusted doctors and hospitals across California

Specialized Plans

  • Dual Eligible Special Needs Plan (HMO D-SNP) for those with both Medicare and Medi-Cal, offering personalized care coordination, enhanced supplemental benefits and wraparound services

Medicare Advantage Plans (Part C) | Blue Shield Medicare
In response to federal updates for 2025, Blue Shield is helping members take advantage of benefits available through the Inflation Reduction Act.

  • A $2,100 annual out-of-pocket cap for Medicare Part D prescription drugs.
  • The Medicare Prescription Payment Plan allowing members to spread Part D prescription cost-sharing into monthly payments.

“At Blue Shield of California, we’re proud to serve Medicare members with compassion and care,” Uhm said. “We remain committed to the people and communities we serve by offering trusted guidance, innovative support and affordable health plan options that help members live healthier, more fulfilling lives.”

For more information about Blue Shield’s plans for Medicare beneficiaries, please visit blueshieldcamedicare.com

About Blue Shield of California
Blue Shield of California strives to create a healthcare system worthy of its family and friends that is sustainably affordable. The health plan is a taxpaying, nonprofit, independent member of the Blue Shield Association with 6 million members, over 7,500 employees and more than $27 billion in annual revenue. Founded in 1939 in San Francisco and now headquartered in Oakland, Blue Shield of California and its affiliates provide health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare healthcare service plans in California. The company has contributed more than $60 million to the Blue Shield of California Foundation in the last three years to have an impact on California communities. 

For more news about Blue Shield of California, please visit news.blueshieldca.com.

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Y0118_25_501A_C 09252025
H2819_25_501A_C 09252025

CONTACT:

Mark Seelig

Blue Shield of California 

510-607-2359

[email protected]

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SOURCE Blue Shield of California

Young America Capital Advises Cloud Carib in Strategic Growth Financing from Partners for Growth

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Young America Capital

MAMARONECK, N.Y.  , Sept. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Young America Capital (“YAC”), a FINRA/SEC-registered investment bank, announced that it served as the financial advisor to Cloud Carib Limited, a leading provider of sovereign cloud and cybersecurity services, in securing a strategic growth financing facility from Partners for Growth (PFG), a Silicon Valley-based private credit firm.

Young America Capital

This financing will support Cloud Carib’s regional expansion across the Caribbean and Latin America, bolstering its sovereign cloud, cybersecurity, and managed services for governments and regulated enterprises where data sovereignty and compliance are essential.

“This transaction demonstrates how Young America Capital helps innovative technology companies access the right capital partners to accelerate growth,” said Jackson Ritchie, Managing Director at Young America Capital. “Cloud Carib is building a critical platform for digital sovereignty and cybersecurity in the Caribbean and Latin America, and we are honored to support their expansion strategy.”

Headquartered in The Bahamas, Cloud Carib has established itself as a trusted partner for sovereign cloud solutions across CARICOM member states and select Latin American markets. With PFG’s flexible capital, the company is positioned to scale operations, accelerate product development, and strengthen its leadership in secure digital infrastructure.

“Working with Partners for Growth and executing this facility reinforces Cloud Carib’s mission to empower the region with secure, sovereign cloud infrastructure,” said Scott Mackenzie, CEO of Cloud Carib. “This investment is more than capital; it’s a vote of confidence in The Bahamas and the Caribbean as an investable innovation economy.”

Andrew Kahn, Co-Founder and CEO of Partners for Growth, added: “We are pleased to provide Cloud Carib with a flexible capital solution to support its continued expansion. The company has built a resilient platform with a reputation for excellence in cloud and managed services. We look forward to supporting its next stage of growth.”

“Advising Cloud Carib on this transaction reflects Young America Capital’s deep expertise in the technology sector and our growing track record in advising companies that are driving innovation in digital infrastructure and cybersecurity,” added Jackson Ritchie, Managing Director at YAC.

About Young America Capital

Young America Capital is a New York-based investment bank and a FINRA/SIPC-registered broker-dealer. The firm specializes in mergers & acquisitions, growth financing, and strategic advisory for lower middle-market companies across technology, healthcare, real estate, consumer, industrials, renewables, and other sectors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This release may contain forward-looking statements regarding anticipated benefits of the transaction. These statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Young America Capital does not undertake to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Media Contact – Young America Capital

Jackson Ritchie, Managing Director
Young America Capital
Phone: 242-565-6425
Email: [email protected]

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SOURCE Young America Capital

Debt.com Survey Reveals Credit Card Debt Driving More Divorces Than Ever

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Debt.com is the consumer website where people can find help with credit card debt, student loan debt, tax debt, credit repair, bankruptcy, and more. Debt.com works with vetted and certified providers that give the best advice and solutions for consumers ‘when life happens.’

FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla., Sept. 30, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Credit card debt is increasingly being blamed for the breakdown of marriages, according to Debt.com’s fourth-annual Debt and Divorce survey. This year, 42% of divorced Americans said credit card debt and spending contributed to their split—a sharp rise from 34% last year and 29% in 2023.