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Lowe’s Launches an Associate-Powered Home Maintenance Subscription Called HomeCare+ Nationwide

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The new subscription bundles seven essential home maintenance services into two annual visits for $99 a year, delivering helpful in-home service from trusted Lowe’s red vest associates

MOORESVILLE, N.C., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Lowe’s today introduced a new associate-powered annual subscription offering to its MyLowe’s Rewards loyalty members called HomeCare+. For just $99 a year, Lowe’s will offer seven in-home services that make it easier for homeowners to manage essential up-keep tasks on a regular basis, whether they’re crunched for time or in need of the expertise of a trained Lowe’s red vest associate. The program will be available across more than 75% of homes across the country.

Lowe's Companies, Inc. Logo.

“HomeCare+ is all about simplifying home improvement and making it easier for our customers,” said Jen Wilson, Lowe’s senior vice president and chief marketing officer. “Bringing together a simple, affordable subscription with something that truly sets Lowe’s apart—the expertise of our red vest associates—is how we will deepen loyalty with our customers. And as AI plays a bigger role in people’s lives, and ultimately in their homes, leaning into the power of human connection uniquely positions Lowe’s as the most helpful brand in home improvement.”

The subscription includes two in-home visits per year, with up to seven essential home maintenance services performed at each appointment by local Lowe’s store associates. Subscribers can easily schedule visits in-store or through Lowes.com, and select up to seven services per visit*, including:

  • Electric dryer vent cleaning
  • HVAC air filter replacement
  • Refrigerator water filter replacement
  • Electric water heater flush
  • Garage door lubrication
  • Smoke and carbon monoxide detector battery replacement
  • Light bulb replacement

HomeCare+ builds on Lowe’s growing loyalty ecosystem, extending the value of the MyLowe’s Rewards program beyond the transaction. Designed to support customers across life stages—from first-time homeowners with young children to Boomers who are aging in place—MyLowe’s Rewards delivers personalized benefits, experiences and services that evolve with customers’ needs. Programs like Lowe’s Kids Club introduce families to the brand through hands-on engagement, while offerings like HomeCare+ expand that value into practical, ongoing home support.

“We know home maintenance can feel overwhelming, whether you’re a first-time homeowner, a busy parent or someone who’s simply uncomfortable climbing ladders around the home,” said Amanda Bailey, Lowe’s vice president of customer marketing and loyalty. “We consistently hear from customers that small tasks around the house quickly turn into a long to-do list. HomeCare+ is the result of listening intently to what our customers care about most to deliver on our brand promise.”

MyLowe’s Rewards members enrolled in HomeCare+ also get more:

  • Save 5% on select items needed to complete services, including HVAC filters, light bulbs, batteries and refrigerator water filters∧ 
  • Automatically receive Gold Status—the highest tier in the free MyLowe’s Rewards1 program—unlocking benefits like 1.5 points per dollar spent on eligible purchases,2 fast and free delivery, including same day on eligible orders of $25 or more,3 member-only deals and access to free member gifts.4

HomeCare+ gift cards will be available later this year, offering a unique and meaningful way to celebrate and support new homeowners, beloved neighbors, busy families and aging parents with practical help around the home.

For more information, availability and to subscribe, visit Lowes.com/homecareplus.

*Available in select zip codes only. Cancel anytime. Non-refundable fee. Terms & service restrictions at Lowes.com/HomeCareTerms. Subject to change.
∧ Offer applies to Eligible Purchases of full-priced smoke detector and carbon dioxide detector batteries, HVAC air filters, refrigerator water filters, and light bulbs after all other applicable discounts. Offer not valid on previous sales or with any other discount (including but not limited to, Lowe’s everyday 5% credit discount, Military Discount & Lowest Price Guarantee price match). Subject to change.
1 MyLowe’s Rewards Program subject to terms & conditions. Visit Lowes.com/Terms for details. Subject to change.
2 500 points = $5 MyLowe’s Money. Exclusions, restrictions, and more terms apply. Learn more. Subject to change.
3 Same-day delivery applies to eligible in-stock items up to 60-lb per item and total order weight of up to and 300-lb and 48-in x 36-in x 21-in max. total order. Order by 2pm; delivery by 8pm subject to availability. Free shipping not available in AK, HI, or US Territories. Additional fee for expedited shipping & hazardous materials. See Lowes.com/ShippingTerms for details.
4 Member Gifts vary and may be subject to additional terms and restrictions.

About Lowe’s
Lowe’s Companies, Inc. (NYSE: LOW) is a FORTUNE® 100 home improvement company serving approximately 16 million customer transactions a week, with total fiscal year 2025 sales of more than $86 billion. Lowe’s employs approximately 300,000 associates and operates over 1,700 home improvement stores, 530 branches and 130 distribution centers. Based in Mooresville, N.C., Lowe’s supports the communities it serves through programs focused on creating safe, affordable housing, improving community spaces, helping to develop the next generation of skilled trade experts and providing disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com.

Media Contact

MJ Wilson
[email protected]

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SOURCE Lowe’s Companies, Inc.

Brayton Purcell LLP Responds to San Jose Mercury News Investigation Highlighting Bay Area Silicosis Crisis Tied to Crystalline Silica Artificial Stone

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NOVATO, Calif., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brayton Purcell LLP today responded to major reporting published yesterday by the San Jose Mercury News, which documents the rapidly accelerating epidemic of silicosis among San Francisco Bay Area workers who fabricate crystalline silica artificial stone. The article, written by Ethan Baron, describes the severe health consequences facing workers exposed to dust generated while fabricating artificial stone slabs into kitchen and bathroom countertops. Artificial stone, also known as “quartz”, is a material made of at least 90% nano‑sized respirable crystalline silica particles and ~10% toxic metals, resins and glues and other harmful volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The report emphasizes the widespread and preventable harm caused by fabricating artificial stone among workers who have long relied on this craft to support their families.

Jose Peña of Oakland, CA who has silicosis, shares his story during an interview in Oakland, Calif., on Thursday, Feb. 13, 2026. Silicosis is an incurable disease caused by prolonged exposure to dust from quartz countertops. (Ray Chavez/Bay Area News Group)

At the center of the Mercury News article is Jose Peña, a 54‑year‑old Oakland father of five who spent nearly two decades shaping artificial stone countertops in shops from San Jose to San Francisco. Once strong enough to lift 60‑pound slabs with ease, Peña now struggles to walk down the block and depends on an oxygen tank for daily activities. “Nobody told us it was dangerous,” he said in Spanish, reflecting on years spent working with artificial stone and the shock of his diagnosis. Physicians say Peña is headed toward a lung transplant — a procedure that Cal/OSHA reports carries a five‑year mortality rate approaching 40%.

Medical Community Warns: Silicosis Caused by Crystalline Silica Artificial Stone Fabrication Is Irreversible and Frequently Fatal

As highlighted in the article, California health officials and hundreds of medical professionals have repeatedly warned that crystalline silica artificial stone is uniquely toxic because its extreme silica content produces clouds of ultra‑fine dust during fabrication. Workers inhale the nano‑sized particles released when artificial stone is cut, ground or polished, causing inflammation and scarring deep within the lungs. Physicians cited in the article note that many individuals develop advanced disease after as little as two years of working with artificial stone.

More than 500 Californians have already been diagnosed with silicosis linked to crystalline silica artificial stone, with more than 50 requiring lung transplants and 29 deaths documented. Dr. Sheiphali Gandhi, an occupational‑disease specialist at UC San Francisco who has treated dozens of affected workers, said:

“I see people with an incurable lung disease that was preventable. It’s frustrating. At the end of the day, sometimes I’m just in tears.”

Dr. Ann Schraufnagel, a pulmonologist at Highland Hospital in Oakland, emphasized the permanent damage caused by exposure to dust generated from artificial stone:

“Most of the time when we see patients in clinic who have this, the damage has already been done. You can’t undo that exposure that you’ve had to the silica particles.”

Scientific Evidence Confirms: The Product Itself, Not the Process, Creates the Hazard

The Mercury News investigation reinforces widespread scientific findings that fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone poses a danger that cannot be mitigated by Cal/OSHA protection methods such as masks, wet cutting, ventilation, personal protective equipment (PPE) or other workplace controls. Unlike natural stone, which contains far lower silica concentrations with particles that are mostly too big to breath in, artificial stone typically contains approximately 90% silica in nano‑sized particles, creating a level of exposure that is exponentially more dangerous. Even shops that follow safety protocols cannot eliminate the dust generated when artificial stone is cut, and dried residues on clothing and surfaces continue to pose inhalation risks.

A Cal/OSHA analysis cited in the article concluded that processing crystalline silica artificial stone “may be so hazardous that even properly designed engineering controls and work practices may be unable to prevent … silicosis.” This aligns with the conclusions of global research bodies and occupational‑medicine authorities: the inherent composition of the slabs represents a uniquely toxic hazard— not the fabrication process.

International Response Underscores the Severity of the Crisis

The Mercury News also noted that several countries and courts have taken decisive action in response to the dangers of crystalline silica artificial stone. Australia has banned the product entirely. Spain has issued criminal convictions for failing to warn workers about artificial stone. A Los Angeles County jury reached a verdict of $52.4 million in 2024 in favor of a Brayton Purcell LLP client harmed by artificial stone dust exposure. Manufacturers have discontinued the sale and distribution of high‑silica slabs abroad, even as they remain widely available across the United States.

Workers’ Experiences Reveal the Human Toll

The article features firsthand accounts from workers who developed silicosis after fabricating crystalline silica artificial stone. Peña described how even with ventilator masks and water‑assisted tools, “there was still a lot of dust,” and he often ended shifts coated in fine particles from artificial stone. Physicians interviewed compared the resulting lung damage to suffocation, as scarring caused by artificial stone dust prevents oxygen from entering the bloodstream.

Perspective From Brayton Purcell LLP

James Nevin, a partner at Brayton Purcell LLP and a national leader in crystalline silica artificial stone silicosis litigation, emphasized the importance of the Mercury News reporting:

“This important investigation brings crucial attention to the suffering of hundreds of working families in the Bay Area. The medical evidence is clear: crystalline silica artificial stone slabs cannot be safely fabricated into countertops by human beings because the silica dust released ultimately prevents workers’ lungs from doing what they are meant to do — breathe! The workers harmed by this material are living with an incurable disease that was entirely preventable.”

Nevin continued:

“The voices of workers and the unanimous findings of medical authorities must remain central to this public conversation. Their experiences highlight the severity of the harm caused by crystalline silica artificial stone dumped in California by foreign slab manufacturers, the need for broad public awareness and, ultimately, the need to ban crystalline silica artificial stone.”

Brayton Purcell LLP currently represents 111 Bay Area clients diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis and has filed many hundreds of cases on behalf of affected workers throughout California and 22 additional states in the U.S.

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is a nationally recognized law firm with decades of experience representing individuals who have developed serious diseases as a result of toxic exposures. The firm’s accomplished and dedicated team remains committed to advocating for individuals and families harmed by crystalline silica artificial stone and ensuring that their stories are heard.

The full San Jose Mercury News article can be found here— ‘Nobody told us it was dangerous’: Quartz countertop boom linked to incurable lung disease among Bay Area workers

Media contact:
Nolan Lowry
[email protected]
415-399-3107

Brayton Purcell, LLP--Attorneys Helping People Providing excellent service to our clients is the highest goal of Brayton Purcell LLP. We pledge to work ceaselessly on your behalf, providing exceptional advocacy and unparalleled responsiveness. The compassion for and dedication to our clients can be witnessed both in and out of the courtroom. With compassion, dedication and a fierce pursuit of justice, we have secured record rulings for victims of diseases caused by the failure of manufacturers.

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SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

Access to Job Training and Community-Based Support Services Improves Through Health Net’s $4.4M Investment in LA County

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Investment in NewGen Administrative Services Will Expand Health and Human Services Capacity

LOS ANGELES, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Health Net, one of California’s most experienced Medi-Cal managed care health plans and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), announced a $4.4 million investment to NewGen Administrative Services LLC to improve a facility that will help people access job training, housing‑related support and community‑based services in Los Angeles County.

Health Net of California

The investment will support improvements to a Lancaster facility that serves as a key hub for vocational training, residential services, and community-based programming. Previously a university, the site is now repurposed to provide housing, case management, supportive services, and vocational training. Improvement of these facilities will help programs operate at full capacity and safely and effectively serve clients.

“Programs that support people as they prepare for work, housing stability, and successful reentry play a critical role in community health,” said Dorothy Seleski, Medi-Cal President at Health Net. “By investing in service providers like NewGen, we’re strengthening the spaces and systems that care teams rely on to deliver support that is personal and culturally-centered. It’s one way we continue showing up for communities with care that goes beyond the clinic walls.”

This investment will expand service capacity, improve care environments, and better support healthcare workers who care for our most vulnerable residents. Some of the improvements to be made include:  

  • Upgrades to vocational classrooms and instructional spaces used for job training, certification programs, and individualized casework;
  • Modernization of shared program areas that support daily services and counseling;
  • Renovations to existing buildings to create new or expanded facilities, including reconfigured classrooms and dedicated support spaces.

“For the people we serve, the condition of our facilities matters,” said Mariela Pizzatti, VP of Operations at NewGen Administrative Services. “This funding helps us make real improvements to the spaces where people live, learn, and prepare for work upon reintegrating into society. We’re grateful to Health Net for investing in the long‑term strength of our organization and the communities we serve.”

Vocational training, residential programs, and supportive services providers often face challenges in maintaining facilities and planning for long‑term growth. With limited resources, there are challenges to update facilities and keep up with demand. The community has a strong ongoing need for coordinated vocational, housing, and support, as more individuals depend on integrated programs that help people build skills, stabilize their lives and access care in local, community‑rooted settings.

“This investment in NewGen strengthens the backbone of community care in Los Angeles County by improving the spaces where critical services and workforce development happen every day,” said California State Senator Suzette Valladares (R-Santa Clarita). “By supporting facility upgrades and service infrastructure, we are helping ensure that individuals and families can access high-quality, coordinated care close to home—and that the workforce delivering that care has the resources they need to succeed.”

“When people have safe places to learn, train and rebuild their lives, the entire community benefits,” said Kathryn Barger, Los Angeles County Supervisor. “This investment supports successful reentry and workforce readiness—two of the most effective ways to create safer and healthier neighborhoods across Los Angeles County.”

This effort aligns with Health Net’s broader work to improve health outcomes via stronger systems and organizations that support Medi-Cal members and other underserved populations. Investments in community-based infrastructure serve as a critical component as we build a more resilient, responsive health and social services-focused ecosystem.

About Health Net
Founded in California more than 45 years ago, Health Net, LLC (“Health Net”), a company of Centene Corporation, believes that every person deserves a safety net for their health, regardless of age, income, employment status or current state of health. Today, we provide health plans for individuals, families, businesses of every size and people who qualify for Medi-Cal or Medicare. With more than 117,000 of our network providers, Health Net serves more than three million members across the state. We also offer access to substance abuse programs, behavioral health services and managed healthcare products related to prescription drugs. We make these health plans and services available through Health Net and its subsidiaries: Health Net of California, Inc., Health Net Life Insurance Company and Health Net Community Solutions, Inc. These entities are wholly owned subsidiaries of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), a leading healthcare enterprise committed to transforming the health of the communities we serve, one person at a time. Health Net and Centene Corporation employ more than 5,700 people in California who work at one of five regional Talent Hub offices. For more information, visit www.HealthNet.com.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1815936/Health_Net_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Health Net

From Power Washers to Patios: The Home Depot’s Spring Starts Event Kicks off Season of Savings

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ATLANTA, March 17, 2026  /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® is kicking off the spring season with its Spring Starts event, running from March 19 through April 1. Pro and DIY customers can confidently take on seasonal projects with a strong assortment of the most in-demand products, from plants and outdoor power equipment to hosting essentials like cleaning supplies, grills and patio furniture.

The Home Depot logo.

“Spring is when homeowners and Pros head back outside and start tackling the projects they’ve been planning all winter,” said Billy Bastek, executive vice president of merchandising at The Home Depot. “We’re offering the best in innovation, value and inspiration to help our customers tackle every item on their to-do list.”

The Spring Starts event offers competitive deals on a wide range of products to refresh customers’ outdoor spaces, including:

For those looking for help online this spring season, The Home Depot has rolled out AI capabilities that bring orange-aproned expertise directly to customers’ backyards. By visiting the garden center on homedepot.com, customers can use Magic Apron to create a lawn care plan, visualize a yard makeover and even upload a photo to diagnose a sick plant.

Spring Starts savings will be available nationwide in-store, online at homedepot.com and in The Home Depot mobile app from March 19 to April 1, while supplies last. And the savings don’t stop there—The Home Depot’s Spring Black Friday returns April 9-22, delivering even more unbeatable value to help customers take on their spring projects with confidence.

About The Home Depot

The Home Depot is the world’s largest home improvement specialty retailer. At the end of the fourth quarter, the company operated a total of 2,359 retail stores and over 1,250 SRS locations 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.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/118058/THE_HOME_DEPOT_LOGO_v1.jpg 

SOURCE The Home Depot

Potts Law Firm Files Wrongful Death Lawsuit in Kansas City Following Fatal Fiery Trucking Crash

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Family of truck driver killed in the crash seeks accountability from trucking company and drivers involved.

HOUSTON, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Potts Law Firm, a leading plaintiffs’ litigation and trial firm, has filed a wrongful death lawsuit in Kansas City, Missouri on behalf of the daughters of Ralph Pimentel, a commercial truck driver who was killed in a catastrophic semi-truck collision on Interstate 80 in Carbon County, Wyoming.

The Potts Law Firm logo

The lawsuit alleges that the crash resulted from dangerous and negligent actions by multiple parties involved in the operation of commercial vehicles on the highway.

According to the lawsuit, the fatal crash occurred on September 18, 2025, when a tractor-trailer collided with another tractor trailer that had been stopped on or near the shoulder of Interstate 80. Ralph Pimentel was inside the sleeper berth of the truck when the collision occurred and sustained fatal injuries. As a result of the crash, the truck in which he was sleeping burst into flames.

The lawsuit alleges that the stopped commercial truck, owned and operated by C.R. England, Inc., was parked in a dangerous manner without required safety warnings such as hazard lights or reflective warning devices. Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations require such warning devices to alert approaching motorists when a commercial vehicle is stopped on a roadway.

The lawsuit also alleges negligence by the driver of the truck in which Mr. Pimental was sleeping.

“Commercial trucking companies and drivers have a duty to operate their vehicles safely and to follow federal safety regulations designed to prevent tragedies like this,” said Derek Potts, National Managing Partner of Potts Law Firm. “Our clients lost their father in a horrific crash that never should have happened. This lawsuit seeks accountability for the decisions and failures that led to his death.”

According to the filing, Ralph Pimentel’s daughters, Monique Pimentel and Elicia Pimentel, are seeking damages for the wrongful death of their father, including loss of financial support, companionship, and other damages permitted by law.

“This case highlights the serious consequences that can occur when trucking safety rules are ignored,” Potts said. “We intend to pursue the full truth about what happened and seek justice for Mr. Pimentel’s family.”

This lawsuit is titled MONIQUE PIMENTEL, ET AL. VS. C.R. ENGLAND, INC., 52045, Jackson County; Cause No.2616-CV09354, to be heard in the Circuit Court of Jackson County, Missouri.

About Potts Law Firm
Potts Law Firm is a nationally recognized trial firm representing clients across the United States in complex litigation, including catastrophic trucking accidents, wrongful death cases, and other high-stakes matters. The firm is headquartered in Houston, Texas.

Media Contact
Megan O’Neal
832-583-6360
[email protected]

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SOURCE Potts Law Firm

Ismael Cala enters Hotmart’s Top 30

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  • The growth of Cala Enterprises is consolidating it as one of the most influential knowledge ecosystems in the Spanish-speaking world.
  • The communicator and leadership strategist is positioned among the highest-revenue digital entrepreneurs in Latin America within Hotmart’s NOVA 30 program.
  • The sustained expansion of Cala Enterprises responds to a strategy focused on internationalization, diversification of digital products, and global community building.

MIAMI, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Amid the consolidation of the knowledge economy across Hispanic markets, entrepreneur and keynote speaker Ismael Cala has entered the Top 30 of the most relevant digital producers within the Hotmart ecosystem — a recognition that reflects the business maturity achieved by Cala Enterprises and its growing impact on the personal development and conscious leadership industry.

Hotmart is one of the leading global platforms for the commercialization and distribution of digital educational products, connecting content creators with millions of students and affiliates across multiple international markets.

The distinction is part of the NOVA 30 program, a strategic Hotmart initiative that identifies creators with the highest growth, operational sophistication, and revenue volume in Latin America. This positioning confirms Cala’s evolution from influential communicator to builder of an internationally scaled digital education holding.

A business model based on scalable knowledge

The growth of Cala Enterprises is explained by a business architecture that combines structured training, high-impact events, and scalable digital products. Through business units such as Cala Academy, Cala Digital Media, and certification programs in leadership and emotional intelligence, the company has consolidated a diversified offering that serves both individual consumers and organizations.

Among its most representative programs are large-scale experiences such as “The Most Brutal Year of Your Life,” designed to drive personal transformation through strategic action, as well as premium trainings focused on conscious communication, transformational leadership, and personal brand building. These initiatives have enabled the creation of a global community of students and professionals who engage with educational content on an ongoing basis.

According to institutional information, the Cala Enterprises ecosystem has invested in technological integration, affiliate marketing, and expansion into international markets — factors that currently define competitiveness within the Creator Economy. This approach has facilitated the cross-border monetization of knowledge and the positioning of its programs across multiple Spanish-speaking countries.

A consolidating regional trend

Cala’s recognition comes at a time when the creator economy in Latin America is shifting from promise to productive reality. Hotmart projects exponential regional market growth over the coming decade, driven by the professionalization of digital producers, the diversification of educational assets, and the adoption of technological platforms that enable borderless scalability.

In this context, Cala’s presence within the Top 30 reflects not only commercial performance but also the consolidation of a business model centered on human capital development. Through the Ismael Cala Foundation, the entrepreneur has also promoted social programs focused on youth leadership and emotional education, reinforcing a narrative of impact that combines profitability with purpose.

The positioning within Hotmart’s Top 30 confirms that Cala Enterprises has successfully transitioned from thought leadership to the construction of a digital education company with corporate standards, regional vision, and sustained expansion capacity.

SOURCE Cala Enterprises

Latino Leaders Magazine and BMO Release New Index 500 Ranking the Largest Latino-Owned Businesses in the U.S.

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  • Latino Leaders Magazine and BMO publish annual ranking of the largest Latino‑owned U.S. businesses
  • Index 500 highlights scale, maturity, and national economic impact of Latino-owned companies
  • Companies on the 2026 list collectively generate over $180 billion in revenue and support tens of thousands of jobs nationwide 

CHICAGO, March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As Latino‑owned businesses continue to be one of the fastest‑growing and most economically powerful segments of the U.S. economy—driving significant job creation, innovation, and national economic impact—Latino Leaders Magazine today released the 2026 Latino Leaders Index 500, Powered by BMO. The annual ranking highlights the largest Latino‑owned businesses in the United States by revenue, reflecting the growing scale, sophistication, and national footprint of Latino entrepreneurship.

Top 5 Companies on the 2026 Latino Leaders Index 500: 

  • Carvana
  • MasTec
  • Intuitive Research and Technology Corporation
  • Bimbo Bakeries USA
  • Fanjul Corporation / Florida Crystals 

These companies represent the highest‑ranking Latino‑owned businesses on the 2026 Index 500, spanning industries from retail and infrastructure to aerospace, food manufacturing, and agriculture—demonstrating the breadth, scale, and economic significance of Latino‑owned enterprises across the U.S. economy.

Now in its fourth year, the Latino Leaders Index 500 has become a key benchmark for measuring the scale, maturity, and national impact of Latino‑led enterprises. The 2026 list highlights companies collectively generating billions of dollars in annual revenue and supporting tens of thousands of jobs, underscoring the critical role Latino entrepreneurs play in strengthening communities and fueling long‑term economic growth.

Since expanding from 200 to 500 companies in 2024, the Index 500 has broadened its view of Latino business leadership across industries including engineering and construction, food and beverage, retail, transportation, financial services, and technology. A significant portion of companies on this year’s list report annual revenues exceeding $100 million, highlighting the increasing size and sophistication of Latino‑owned firms nationwide.

Geographically, the Index 500 reflects a truly national presence. While California, Texas, and Florida continue to lead in representation, companies headquartered in Illinois, New York, Virginia, Colorado, Arizona, and Puerto Rico further demonstrate the widespread economic impact of Latino‑owned businesses across the U.S.

“The Index 500 reflects how Latino‑led companies are building durable, large‑scale businesses that strengthen communities and contribute meaningfully to the broader U.S. economy,” said Eduardo Tobon, Latino Segment Head, BMO. “This year’s ranking shows continued momentum, with the largest company surpassing $20 billion in annual revenue and the threshold to make the list exceeding $40 million—clear markers of maturity, resilience, and long‑term economic contribution. At BMO, we are proud to work alongside Latino business leaders as they navigate growth and scale from millions to billions in annual revenue.”

“The Index is a very special club that continues to evolve and gain visibility at the national level,” said Jorge Ferraez, Publisher of Latino Leaders Magazine. “It showcases companies that are not only growing, but also operating at a level that allows them to shape industries and contribute meaningfully to the U.S. economy.”

Today, Latinos represent approximately 19 percent of the U.S. population and contribute trillions of dollars to the national economy, making Latino entrepreneurship one of the most dynamic and influential forces shaping American business.

Latino Leaders Magazine and BMO will offer media opportunities to connect with leaders featured in the Index 500 to discuss trends in Latino entrepreneurship, leadership, and economic growth.

To view this year’s Latino Leaders Index 500, Powered by BMO, click here.

About BMO Financial Group

BMO Financial Group is the eighth largest bank in North America by assets, with total assets of $1.5 trillion as of January 31, 2026. Serving clients for 200 years and counting, BMO is a diverse team of highly engaged employees providing a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management, global markets and investment banking products and services to approximately 13 million clients across Canada, the United States, and in select markets globally. Driven by a single purpose, to Boldly Grow the Good in business and life, BMO is committed to driving positive change in the world, and making progress for a thriving economy, sustainable future, and stronger communities.  

About Latino Leaders Magazine

Latino Leaders Magazine is the most important publication for the Latino business and corporate community in the U.S. It was founded in 1999 and has been publishing interviews with relevant figures and leaders of the community, as well as lists and rankings on companies, their owners and corporate executives. Its mission is to highlight the movers and shakers of the Latino economic and corporate community and connect them to generate impact.

SOURCE BMO US

Connecticut Office of the Attorney General: If You Bought Certain Generic Prescription Drugs in the United States, You Could Get Money from Current and Future Settlements

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HARTFORD, Conn., March 17, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Additional settlements have been reached with some generic prescription drug manufacturers in lawsuits alleging that consumers paid artificially inflated prices for generic prescription drugs. The settling Defendants are Bausch Health US, LLC, Bausch Health Americas, Inc., and Lannett Company, Inc.

Lawsuits continue against all other Non-Settling Defendant drug manufacturers: Activis, Amneal, Ascend, Aurobindo, Breckinridge, Citron, Dr. Reddy’s, Emcure, Fougera (See Sandoz), G&W, Glenmark, Greenstone, Lupin, Mallinckrodt (bankruptcy), Mayne Pharma, Mylan, Par Pharmaceutical (bankruptcy), Perrigo, Pfizer, Sandoz, Sun, Taro, Teligent (bankruptcy), Teva, Upsher-Smith, Wockhardt, and Zydus.

What is the case about?

Lawsuits were brought by many State Attorneys General claiming that Defendants unlawfully agreed with each other to fix the prices of numerous generic prescription drugs sold in the United States. As a result of Defendants’ conduct, prescription drug purchasers – including individual consumers – may have paid more than was necessary. The lawsuits are not about – and do not question – the safety or effectiveness of any of the drugs at issue.

Am I included?

You are included if: (1) you bought a generic prescription drug manufactured by any one of the Defendants; (2) the drug is one of the drugs included in the lawsuit; (3) your purchase was made sometime between May 1, 2009 and December 31, 2019; and (4) you reside in a participating state or territory (including D.C.). A listing of the drugs and a more complete description of eligibility requirements is available at the website (AGGenericDrugs.com) or by calling the toll-free number (1-866-290-0182).

What do the Settlements provide?

The State Attorneys General have created a fund for the deposit of settlement money from current and future settlements (“Settlement Fund”). The Settling Defendants have agreed to pay approximately $17.8 million into the Settlement Fund, of which $ 12.6 million is set aside for distribution and $ 5.2 million is set aside to finance the administration of the Settlements and to reimburse the State Attorneys General for litigation costs and fees as approved by the Court. Money will not be distributed yet and will be distributed pursuant to a Plan of Allocation approved by the Court at a later date. 

The State Attorneys General will continue to pursue the lawsuits against the Non-Settling Defendants, with the expectation that additional money from future settlements will be placed into the Settlement Fund for later distribution, including to individual consumers who purchased generic drugs involved in the litigation and who timely submit valid claims.

How can I get benefits?

The claims process will open at a later date. You will need to submit a claim form to get a payment. The claim form will be made available to you via the website and other means at a later date. To receive updates about this and future Settlements, including when a claim form is available, and instructions on what information to provide when submitting a claim, you should register on the website, AGGenericDrugs.com, or call the toll-free number, 1-866-290-0182.

What are my rights?

If you do nothing, you will be bound by the Settlement and the Court’s decisions. If you want to keep your right to sue the Settling Defendants, you must exclude yourself (“Opt out”) from the Settlement no later than May 6, 2026. If you wish to file objections or comments/concerns but still remain in the litigation (and thus be bound by the Settlement and the Court’s decisions), you may do so by submitting them to the Court by May 6, 2026. The procedure for either opting out of or objecting to the Settlement is explained on the website, AGGenericDrugs.com. The Court will hold a hearing on May 27, 2026, to consider whether to approve the current Settlement. You or your own lawyer may appear at the hearing at your own expense, but you do not have to attend.

For more information: