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Free Prostate Cancer Treatment Available for Uninsured Men in California

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IMProving Access, Counseling and Treatment for Californians with Prostate Cancer (IMPACT) logo


IMPACT urges all Californians with a prostate cancer diagnosis to seek treatment

LOS ANGELES, Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — According to the American Cancer Society, prostate cancer will be the second most diagnosed cancer in California in 2025, with nearly 30,000 new cases diagnosed and 4,200 men dying from the disease. California’s IMPACT program, which stands for Improving Access, Counseling and Treatment for Californians with prostate cancer, is here to help by providing free, high-quality prostate cancer treatment to low-income California residents.

IMProving Access, Counseling and Treatment for Californians with Prostate Cancer (IMPACT) logo

The IMPACT program is the largest initiative in the country dedicated to supporting underinsured and uninsured men facing prostate cancer, ensuring that high-quality treatment is accessible to all who need it. The program is currently accepting new patients.

“We know that early detection and treatment greatly increase the chances of long-term survival,” explains Mark S. Litwin, MD, MPH, professor and chair of UCLA Urology. “Yet, advanced prostate cases are increasing in California 50% more than the national average because fewer men are getting regular screenings and timely treatment. Programs like IMPACT are vital in providing timely interventions, support and resources that patients need to improve outcomes.”

A collaboration between UCLA Urology and California Department of Health Care Services, the IMPACT program partners with doctors, hospitals, community providers, local health departments and community-based health organizations across the state to provide a variety of free prostate cancer treatments. The program also pairs patients with a nurse case manager to help them manage their care and better understand treatment options so they are empowered to make informed decisions about their health and well-being.

To date, more than 2,300 men have received prostate cancer treatment services through the IMPACT program.

California residents who have been diagnosed with prostate cancer, are 18 years of age or older and have little to no health insurance with an income at or below 200% of the Federal Poverty Level ($64,300 per year for a family of four) may be eligible to receive free prostate cancer treatment through IMPACT. For more information about the program or to enroll, please call 1-800-409-8252 or visit caimpact.org.

Media Contact:
Jennifer Nuhfer/Tammy Stratton
Spearca Communications, for IMPACT
[email protected] or [email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2717305/IMPACTlogo_3x5_880ppi_Logo.jpg 

SOURCE IMPACT

Domino’s® Introduces Two New Delectable Flavors of Bread Bites

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Domino’s Pizza Inc. is the largest pizza company in the world.

Cinnamon and Garlic Bread Bites join Domino’s $6.99 Mix & Match Deal

ANN ARBOR, Mich., Sept. 2, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Domino’s Pizza Inc. (Nasdaq: DPZ) is bringing more oven-baked deliciousness to its customers by launching two new Bread Bite flavors: Cinnamon and Garlic.

Domino's is introducing two new flavors of Bread Bites, Cinnamon and Garlic, which join Parmesan Bread Bites, adding even more mouthwatering options for customers to enjoy.

Cinnamon and Garlic Bread Bites join Domino’s Parmesan Bread Bites, adding even more mouthwatering options for customers to enjoy. Domino’s oven-baked Bread Bites are handmade from fresh buttery-tasting dough. Garlic Bread Bites are drizzled with garlic seasoning, while the Cinnamon Bread Bites come topped with a perfect blend of cinnamon and sugar – complete with a Sweet Icing Dip Cup.

“Domino’s Bread Bites are one of our most delectable, signature products,” said Kate Trumbull, Domino’s executive vice president – chief marketing officer. “They’re the perfect poppable side item to eat on the go or to share with family and friends on pizza night. Whether you’re craving something sweet or savory, all three flavors are irresistibly delicious!”

Parmesan, Cinnamon, and Garlic Bread Bites come in orders of 16 or 32. The 32-piece orders of Bread Bites are included in Domino’s Mix & Match Deal, in which customers can choose any two or more menu items from within the offer for $6.99* each.

To find the nearest store and order Domino’s new flavors of Bread Bites, visit www.dominos.com.


*

Prices higher for some locations.

About Domino’s Pizza®
Founded in 1960, Domino’s Pizza is the largest pizza company in the world, with a significant business in both delivery and carryout. It ranks among the world’s top public restaurant brands with a global enterprise of more than 21,500 stores in over 90 markets. Domino’s had global retail sales of over $19.4 billion in the trailing four quarters ended June 15, 2025. Its system is comprised of independent franchise owners who accounted for 99% of Domino’s stores as of the end of the second quarter of 2025. In the U.S., Domino’s generated more than 85% of U.S. retail sales in 2024 via digital channels and has developed many innovative ordering platforms.

Order – dominos.com
Company Info – biz.dominos.com
Media Assets – media.dominos.com

Domino’s Pizza Inc. is the largest pizza company in the world.

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Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2362955/Dominos_Pizza_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Domino’s Pizza

The Home Depot Announces Receipt of Clearance from the Canadian Competition Bureau for Acquisition of GMS Inc.

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The Home Depot logo.

ATLANTA, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® announced today that it has received clearance from the Canadian Competition Bureau, in the form of a no action letter, in connection with The Home Depot’s previously announced tender offer to purchase, through its wholly owned subsidiary Gold Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“Purchaser”) and subject to certain conditions, all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GMS (the “Shares”), at a price of $110.00 per Share in cash, without interest and subject to any required withholding of taxes.

The Home Depot logo.

The no action letter from the Canadian Competition Bureau satisfies the remaining antitrust law-related condition necessary for the consummation of the tender offer and the transactions under the previously announced merger agreement, dated June 29, 2025, by and among The Home Depot, Purchaser and GMS (the “merger agreement”). Consummation of the tender offer remains subject to, among other conditions, the tender, as of immediately prior to the Expiration Time (as defined below), of a majority of the Shares then outstanding.

The tender offer will expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025, unless the tender offer is otherwise extended further or earlier terminated in accordance with the merger agreement and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (such time, the “Expiration Time”). 

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.


Additional Information and Where to Find It

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of GMS Inc. (“GMS”). The Home Depot, Inc. (“The Home Depot”) and its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, Gold Acquisition Sub, Inc., have filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), containing an Offer to Purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GMS, related Letter of Transmittal and other related documents, and GMS has filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF GMS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE RELEVANT TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF GMS SECURITIES SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SECURITIES. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, are available to all holders of GMS stock at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available for free at the SEC’s website at www.sec.gov. Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting The Home Depot or GMS. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by GMS are available free of charge on GMS’s internet website at https://investor.gms.com. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by The Home Depot are available free of charge on The Home Depot’s internet website at https://ir.homedepot.com/ or by contacting The Home Depot’s Investor Relations Department at (770) 384-2871.

In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, The Home Depot and GMS each file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. The Home Depot and GMS’s filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at http://www.sec.gov. 


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and current assumptions, expectations and projections of The Home Depot (collectively with its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise indicates, the “Company”) about future events, and may use words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “prospects,” “potential,” “commit,” and “forecast” or words of similar import or meaning or refer to future time periods. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the proposed acquisition of GMS (the “potential acquisition”); the potential benefits of the potential acquisition, including with respect to future financial performance; the anticipated timing of closing of the potential acquisition; and the anticipated funding for the potential acquisition. Forward-looking statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following: the possibility that the potential acquisition does not close on the anticipated timeframe or at all (including uncertainties as to how many of GMS’s stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer); risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the potential acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the potential acquisition making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of announcing the potential acquisition or the consummation of the potential acquisition on the market price of the Company’s or GMS’s common stock, credit ratings or operating results or on relationships with customers, suppliers and other counterparties; significant costs associated with the potential acquisition; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the potential acquisition; the demand for the Company’s or GMS’s products and services, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions and changing customer preferences and expectations; the effects of competition; the Company’s brand and reputation; implementation of interconnected retail, store, supply chain, technology innovation and other strategic initiatives, including with respect to real estate; inventory and in-stock positions; the state of the economy; the state of the housing and home improvement markets; the state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans, and consumer and trade credit; the impact of tariffs, trade policy changes or restrictions, or international trade disputes and efforts and ability to continue to diversify the Company’s supply chain; issues related to the payment methods the Company accepts; demand for credit offerings including trade credit; management of relationships with the Company’s associates, jobseekers, suppliers and service providers; cost and availability of labor; costs of fuel and other energy sources; events that could disrupt the Company’s business, supply chain, technology infrastructure, or demand for the Company’s products and services, such as tariffs, trade policy changes or restrictions or international trade disputes, natural disasters, climate change, public health issues, cybersecurity events, labor disputes, geopolitical conflicts, military conflicts, or acts of war; the Company’s ability to maintain a safe and secure store environment; the Company’s ability to address expectations regarding sustainability and human capital management matters and meet related goals; continuation or suspension of share repurchases; changes in interest rates; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; commodity or other price inflation and deflation; the Company’s ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to the Company; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims, and litigation, including compliance with related settlements; the challenges of operating in international markets; the adequacy of insurance coverage; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of legal and regulatory changes, including executive orders and other administrative or legislative actions, such as changes to tax laws and regulations; store openings and closures; and the impact of other acquired companies on the Company’s organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of any other acquisitions.

Many of the risks and uncertainties to which these forward-looking statements are subject are beyond the Company’s control, dependent on the actions of third parties, or currently unknown to the Company; they are also subject to the risk of inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and its expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 and also as described from time to time in reports subsequently filed by the Company with the SEC. There also may be other factors that the Company cannot anticipate or that are not described herein, generally because the Company does not currently perceive them to be material. Such factors could cause results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its other public statements.

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

SOURCE The Home Depot

NATIONAL CHILDREN’S CENTER® (NCC) HELPS ELEVATE THE STATUS OF DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONALS WITH 2025 NADSP MEMBERSHIP

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National Children’s Center (NCC) is now a member organization of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — National Children’s Center® (NCC) is now a member organization of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP). This designation demonstrates a deep commitment to direct support professionals (DSPs), other staff members, people receiving services, families, and various stakeholders. 

National Children's Center Logo

“NCC recognizes the pivotal role that membership with NADSP represents and how it underscores our dedication to empowering our employees. It creates meaningful opportunities, reinforces our commitment to our mission, and allows us to amplify our impact in the I/DD community,” said Terrance King, NCC President and CEO. 

“As an organization, we are incredibly honored and proud to join The National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP), an essential opportunity for NCC to advance support for professionals in the I/DD sector. Being the first in the District of Columbia to join NADSP, we recognize the significance of this milestone and the impact it will have on our team and the individuals we serve.” — Frank Kirkland, Executive Director, NCC Community Support Services

By becoming a member, National Children’s Center® (NCC) is aligning itself with NADSP’s mission “to elevate the status of direct support professionals by improving practice standards, promoting system reform, and advancing their knowledge, skills and values.” The organization’s membership spans the entire calendar year of 2025.

“Through this membership, the organization is sending a clear message that they appreciate support staff, recognize the critical role they play, and are willing to invest in their growth and advancement,” says Joseph Macbeth, President and Chief Executive Officer of NADSP. There are numerous benefits included in NADSP Membership.

The organization’s employees can view dozens of webinars and access numerous resources about topics to improve their programmatic supports and services. Members also receive discounted rates for the NADSP E-Badge Academy, NADSP Training, NADSP Curricula, as well as NADSP Conference registration. In addition, the organization will be featured on NADSP’s website, highlighting their involvement in a national movement dedicated to direct support professionals.

“This is a true partnership, and we appreciate the organization joining us in making a world of difference in people’s lives,” adds Macbeth.

About National Children’s Center Inc.
®
(NCC)
The National Children’s Center® (NCC) enhances the lives of people of all ages, diverse backgrounds, and differing abilities through inclusive opportunities. Founded in 1958, NCC supports children and adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live, grow, and thrive in their community through our Early Learning and Early Intervention Center (ELC) and Adult Community Support Services. With our Baby Bloomers Urban Garden, we are expanding access to healthy food options and nutrition education for children and families in Wards 7 and 8 of Washington, DC. For more information about NCC visit www.nccinc.org.

National Children’s Center (NCC) is now a member organization of the National Alliance for Direct Support Professionals (NADSP).

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2632341/5482733/National_Childrens_Center_Logo.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2760587/5482734/2025_NADSP_Membership_Logo.jpg

SOURCE National Children’s Center

Julio Herrera Velutini’s Attorney Announces Dismissal of All Major Charges Against the Banker: “The Evidence Did Not Support the Allegations,” He Stated

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Julio Herrera Velutini. Credit: House of Herrera

SAN JUAN, Puerto Rico, Aug. 29, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — After more than three years of intense judicial scrutiny, the federal case against Venezuelan-British banker Julio Herrera Velutini, founder of the international conglomerate Britannia Financial Group, has reached a definitive resolution, reported here by MP Publishing.

Julio Herrera Velutini. Credit: House of Herrera

According to his attorney, Alex Spiro of Quinn Emanuel Urquhart & Sullivan LLP, the U.S. Department of Justice has agreed to fully dismiss the seven serious charges previously filed against him — including conspiracy, federal program bribery, and honest services wire fraud — leaving the matter reduced to a minor technical violation in the area of campaign finance.

“Mr. Herrera Velutini has accepted responsibility for a technical infraction, but it is important to make clear that all corruption charges were entirely withdrawn. This resolution reflects the U.S. government’s own recognition that the facts never supported the serious accusations initially brought,” stated Alex Spiro.

The agreement, first disclosed in court filings on June 16 and formalized before the court on August 27, establishes that Herrera Velutini admitted responsibility for a single count of unlawful political contribution under 52 U.S.C. § 30121. The matter is limited to an express or implied promise of financial support — estimated between $2,000 and $25,000 — to the primary campaign of former Puerto Rico Governor Wanda Vázquez in March and April 2020.

According to the defense, no funds or assets of any kind were ever delivered, and no finding of corruption or fraud was made. “This was an offer by the island’s most prominent international banker at the onset of the pandemic crisis to help her government and her candidacy stabilize Puerto Rico in a time of crisis. My client never acted on that promise, as his legal team advised him he could not do so in his own name. That is why no funds or anything of value were ever provided,” said Spiro.

The attorney emphasized that this brings closure to a process that casts an unfair shadow over his client. “The agreement confirms what the defense maintained from day one: that there was no quid pro quo, no bribery conduct, and that the evidence did not support those allegations. This reaffirms my client’s innocence with respect to corruption or fraud,” Spiro added.

With this resolution, one of the most high-profile episodes faced by the discreet banker comes to a close. Julio Herrera Velutini, the steward of a seven-generation family legacy that has shaped financial development across Europe and the Americas, is now looking ahead. “Mr. Herrera Velutini is ready to move forward, with the peace of mind that justice has finally recognized the truth of the facts,” his attorney concluded.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2760608/MP_Publishing_JHV_photo_credit_House_of_Herrera.jpg

 

SOURCE MP Publishing

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® is now Blood Cancer United®

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Organization Debuts New Brand and Campaign Focused on Rallying Patients: “We’re all about blood cancer. So people with blood cancer can be about everything else.”

Suleika Jaouad— Emmy award–winning journalist, author, artist, and advocate— joins Blood Cancer United in sharing the message that patients are defined by more than a diagnosis

WASHINGTON, Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society—now Blood Cancer United®—unveiled its first national advertising campaign in more than a decade. Launching ahead of Blood Cancer Awareness Month and building on the organization’s new name and brand identity—which was developed with global branding agency JKR— the campaign centers on what truly matters: every person diagnosed with blood cancer has passions to pursue, people to love, and stories to tell. At its center is a bold goal: by 2040, Blood Cancer United will enable people with blood cancer to gain more than one million years of life—more cherished moments and memories with family and friends.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/the-leukemia-and-lymphoma-society/9343852-en-the-leukemia-and-lymphoma-society-is-now-blood-cancer-united 

Why Awareness Matters Now

With rising healthcare costs, barriers to treatment access, and cuts in research funding, raising awareness of blood cancers and the comprehensive support Blood Cancer United provides has never been more critical. 

“Dealing with blood cancer is challenging enough for patients and families, and today’s obstacles make it even harder,” said E. Anders Kolb, M.D., President & CEO at Blood Cancer United. “We are committed to reaching and supporting everyone impacted by blood cancer by helping to navigate treatment options, offering financial, educational, and emotional resources, advocating for policy changes that ensure timely, equitable care, and funding research for breakthrough treatments that help patients live longer, fuller lives.”

“This campaign—along with our new brand—is the result of three years of listening deeply to patients, families, volunteers, supporters, and partners. It’s a reaffirmation that we are here for every blood cancer patient, honoring every personal story behind the diagnosis,” said Lynn Godfrey, SVP, Chief Experience Officer at Blood Cancer United. “That commitment has been at the heart of our organization’s work for more than 75 years, inspiring the evolution of Blood Cancer United’s new name and identity.”

So Much More Than a Diagnosis

In partnership with award-winning creative agency Invisible Man, the integrated advertising campaign underscores that Blood Cancer United is all about blood cancer, so patients can be more than their diagnosis and be about everything else that defines their lives: purpose, people, and possibilities. A new PSA further raises awareness of the 100+ types of blood cancers, emphasizing that there is no screening or prevention, and that from the moment of diagnosis, Blood Cancer United is there.

Emmy Award-winning journalist, author, artist, and advocate Suleika Jaouad brings her story and perspective to amplify Blood Cancer United’s message in September. “As someone living with blood cancer, I know how important it is to feel seen, cared for and connected,” Jaouad said. “Blood Cancer United is a safe harbor—funding research, sharing trusted information, and advocating for access to care—so people can feel whole.”

The advertising campaign will appear nationwide beginning in September across broadcast, digital, social, outdoor, and PR channels, with additional activations running through the end of the year.

“This brand evolution is more than visual—it’s experiential. From our website and social platforms to in-person events, fundraising campaigns, and blood cancer conferences, every touchpoint has been reimagined to reflect the voices of our community and to make it easier for people to find us and feel connected to and supported by us,” said Godfrey.

Ways to get involved

Visit BloodCancerUnited.org to learn more, share your story, volunteer, or donate. Every action helps ensure no one faces blood cancer alone.

About Blood Cancer United®
Blood Cancer United® (formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society) is the largest global nonprofit focused on blood cancer patient support, research, and advocacy. The organization’s mission is to cure blood cancer and improve the quality of life of all patients and their families. To achieve it, Blood Cancer United brings together a community of people—patients and their families, volunteers, healthcare providers, scientists, staff, partners, fundraisers, and philanthropists—who believe all blood cancer patients deserve longer, fuller lives.

Since the organization’s founding in 1949, it has consistently evolved to better serve people affected by all 100-plus types of blood cancers—including leukemia, lymphoma, myeloma, myelodysplastic syndromes, and myeloproliferative neoplasms.

Blood Cancer United offers free, trustworthy resources, personalized support, and community for anyone affected by blood cancer. The organization has invested more than $1.8 billion in clinical research, which continues to increase survival rates. Blood Cancer United advocates nationally and locally for more accessible and affordable healthcare for all patients.

For support and to learn more, visit BloodCancerUnited.org. Patients can contact blood cancer information specialists at (800) 966-4572, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. ET. Connect with the organization on Facebook, X, Instagram, LinkedIn and TikTok.  

For more information, please contact [email protected].

SOURCE Blood Cancer United® formerly The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society

Pacific School of Religion’s ’25 Earl Lectures–Migration: Shaping the Narrative

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Pacific School of Religion Logo

Hybrid Event Speaks to Critical Issue of Immigration During Tumultuous Political Moment

BERKELEY, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is proud to announce the 2025 Earl Lecture Series, taking place October 17-19, with the theme, “Migration: Shaping the Narrative.” This year’s program will explore how stories of migration can reclaim power, resist erasure, and shape more just and compassionate futures.

Pacific School of Religion Logo

Founded in 1901, the Earl Lectures have long served as a platform for addressing critical theological, pastoral, and social issues. Over the decades, the series has featured thought leaders, artists, and activists. It continues to be one of the longest-running lecture series in the state of California.

The 2025 Earl Lectures open on Friday with the PSR Distinguished Alumnx Banquet, followed by a full day of lectures and breakout sessions on Saturday. Featured speakers include Luis Argueta, Guatemalan filmmaker and human rights advocate; Cynthia T. Buiza, former Executive Director of the California Immigrant Policy Center; and José Luis Marantes, co-founder of United We Dream Network.

In a time of heightened political tension around immigration, PSR President Rev. Dr. David Vásquez-Levy emphasized the urgency of this year’s theme:

“Migration is not just a political issue; it is a deeply human story. In this tumultuous time, we must center the lived experiences of migrants and challenge the narratives that dehumanize them. The Earl Lectures offer a space to listen, learn, and act in solidarity.“

The weekend concludes with President Vásquez-Levy preaching at First Congregational Church of Berkeley on Sunday, October 19.

Tickets are available now, with early bird pricing through September 12th. Theologists, congregational & community leaders, activists, and artists are encouraged to attend.

For more information, visit www.psr.edu/earl2025.

ABOUT PSR

Pacific School of Religion (PSR) is a leading progressive Christian seminary and graduate school. PSR offers Doctoral, Master’s, and Certificate programs, as well as online Learning Paths and Cohorts through PSR Collective. PSR is also home to the Center for LGBTQ+ and Gender Studies in Religion (CLGS), the Badè Museum of Biblical Archeology, and the online distributed learning platform, Kwaray.

PSR: Unafraid Since 1866.

Media Contact:
Jacob Perez
Sr. Director of Marketing & Communications
Pacific School of Religion
[email protected]

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/1990282/pink_logo_unafraid_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Pacific School of Religion

TACO BELL® REWINDS TO THE 2000s WITH DECADES Y2K MENU FEATURING ICONIC FAN-FAVORITES AND AN EXCLUSIVE MERCH COLLAB – PLUS A ONE-NIGHT PARTY WITH LIL JON

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Taco Bell’s Decades Y2K Menu brings back five of its most requested Y2K-era favorites

Taco Bell celebrates Y2K nostalgia with the Decades Y2K Menu featuring the revival of iconic favorites—Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos, Caramel Apple Empanada, 7-Layer Burrito, Double Decker Taco, and Chili Cheese Burrito—all under $3*


TLDR:

  • Y2K wasn’t just a moment – it was a lifestyle. Now, Taco Bell is bringing the 2000s back with the Decades Y2K Menu: five of its most iconic, fan-favorite items, all for $3 or less. The limited-edition menu features the Caramel Apple Empanada, Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos, 7-Layer Burrito, Double Decker Taco, and Chili Cheese Burrito.
  • Taco Bell is dialing up the nostalgia with three limited-edition Y2K Merch Capsule weekly merch drops which include an Ed Hardy collaboration, plus, celebrating with a surprise throwback fan experience, and introducing the Crunchkin, an in-app taco-pet companion that rewards fans as they complete certain challenges.
  • The 2000s gave the world the Crunchwrap Supreme, so to celebrate its 20th birthday, fans can grab the new $9* Discovery Luxe Box that features the Crunchwrap, a Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos and more.
  • Assets for Decades Y2K can be found here.

IRVINE, Calif., Aug. 28, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Taco Bell’s Decades Menu is back, and this time, it’s bringing the 2000s with it. Launching nationwide on September 9, Taco Bell’s Decades Y2K Menu reintroduces the most-hyped items from the golden age of Y2K innovation, all for $3 or less. Fan-favorites like the Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos, 7-Layer Burrito, Chili Cheese Burrito, and Double Decker Taco are making their long-awaited return for a limited time. And for Taco Bell Rewards Members, the Y2K-fest kicks off with early access to the beloved Caramel Apple Empanada from September 2 through 8, in-app only, before it hits menus nationwide**.

Taco Bell’s Decades Y2K Menu brings back five of its most requested Y2K-era favorites

But the Decades Y2K celebration goes far beyond the menu. Taco Bell is opening up its own Y2K time capsule, channeling the bold fashion and nostalgic style of the era. In partnership with throwback heavyweight Ed Hardy, Rewards Members will have a chance to cop a one-of-a-kind collab hat, plus exclusive Y2K merch including a Y2K digital watch and vintage-style shirts – available first come first serve through weekly Tuesday Drops, September 2 through September 16**:

  • 9/2: Fans have one shot to claim a blinged out Ed Hardy hat, perfect for getting their Y2K on – 500 dropping at 2PM PT.***
  • 9/9: Snag one of 500 Y2K-inspired digital watches before time runs out – the clock starts ticking at 2PM PT.****
  • 9/16: Rock the vintage-style Decades Y2K T-Shirt and unleash your inner 2000s ego. Only 500 are up for grabs at 2pm PT, so don’t sleep on it!*****

To mark the jump back to the 2000s, the Decades Y2K Menu is going full send tonight in L.A. with a one-night-only Decades Y2K Party, fronted by Grammy Award-winning artist Lil Jon, channeling the energy of the 2000s with every spin. It’s a fitting tribute to the decade that gave rise to the Crunchwrap Supreme, now celebrating its 20th Anniversary as one of Taco Bell’s most iconic, best-selling menu items. And of course, guests will be the first to taste the full Decades Y2K Menu in all its Y2K glory.

Just when you think you’ve reached peak Y2K, the most 2000s era surprise of all arrives: the Crunchkin – Taco Bell’s first digital pet, inspired by our iconic menu items. The Crunchkin is a cute companion that you care for and feed but with a distinctly Taco Bell twist. As you play and participate, it grows, evolving with qualifying Decades Y2K Menu purchases – giving you access to exclusive in-app mini-games, bonus point challenges, and earning Taco Bell Rewards along the way******. At the end of the journey, Taco Bell Rewards Members who fully evolve their Crunchkin unlock the opportunity to enter in a sweepstakes for a chance to win the limited-edition Taco Bell Y2K Merch Capsule, packed with Decades Y2K merch*******. See tacobell.com/legal/decades-crunchkin for Official Rules and details on how to request an entry without making a purchase.

“No one did the 2000s like Taco Bell. That era gave us some of our most iconic menu items, including the Crunchwrap Supreme, which remains one of our best-sellers two decades later,” said Taylor Montgomery, Chief Marketing Officer. “Fans have never stopped asking for these items, and honestly, we’ve missed them too. But Decades Y2K isn’t just about the menu. It’s about reliving the flavors, the fashion, and the fun that made that moment in time unforgettable – and letting our fans be the first to live it all over again.”


Rebooted Favorites in the Decades Y2K Menu

Taco Bell is opening the vault and bringing back five of its most iconic Y2K menu items, all priced at $3 or less. These aren’t just throwbacks – they’re certified legends, backed by cult followings, online rabbit holes, and fan petitions that refused to let them go. Beginning September 2, Taco Bell Rewards Members can enjoy the Caramel Apple Empanada for a limited time before the full Decades Y2K Menu drops on September 9.

Y2K Favorites Fans Never Stopped Craving: 

  • Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos: The legendary sequel to the original Nacho Cheese Doritos® Locos Tacos, this mouthwatering twist has sparked fan petitions for years – all demanding its return to the menu. The original taco shell is swapped for the crunchy, tangy Cool Ranch® Doritos® shell filled with seasoned beef, lettuce, and cheddar cheese – available for $2.49*.
  • Double Decker Taco: First introduced in 1995 with an epic return in 2006, the Double Decker Taco gained widespread popularity and is beloved by all. Fans have kept it alive through menu hacks and in-app voting. A comforting bean-filled soft tortilla wrapped around a crunchy taco shell and filled with savory seasoned beef, lettuce, and shredded cheddar cheese – available for $2.49*.
  • 7-Layer Burrito: A vegetarian******** staple and customization icon, the 7-Layer Burrito has lived in fan memory as the gold standard of Taco Bell layering. It is a perfect harmony of refried beans, seasoned rice, reduced-fat sour cream, guacamole, crisp lettuce, diced tomatoes, and three-cheese blend wrapped inside a flour tortilla for $2.49*.
  • Chili Cheese Burrito: IYKYK. The Chili Cheese Burrito – a cult favorite and most passionately pursued menu item – sparked a fan-run Chili Cheese Burrito Tracker to hunt down locations that still serve it. It has hearty chili and cheddar cheese wrapped inside a flour tortilla. Now it’s back everywhere, and yours for $2.99*.
  • Caramel Apple Empanada: Since its debut in the early 2000s, the Caramel Apple Empanada has built a passionate fanbase pleading for its revival. The crispy golden crust filled with warm apple pieces and a creamy caramel filling is back from the vault for just $2.99*.

And because no Decades Y2K celebration would be complete without honoring the hexagon hero that defined the 2000s, Taco Bell is also marking 20 years of the Crunchwrap Supreme. To celebrate, fans can purchase the new $9 Discovery Luxe Cravings Box, which features the Crunchwrap Supreme, Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos, Crunchy Taco, Chips & Nacho Cheese Sauce, and a medium fountain drink. Rolling deep or just really hungry? The Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos will also be featured in a new Variety Taco Party Pack – six Crunchy Tacos, six Cool Ranch® Doritos® Locos Tacos, and endless 2000s vibes. 


Fan-Exclusive Access to the Decades Y2K Drop IRL 

A select crew of Los Angeles area Taco Bell Rewards Members scored tickets to tonight’s Y2K party in Los Angeles, where they will get first bites of the new Decades Y2K Menu and first access to the limited-edition Taco Bell Y2K Merch Capsule. Because if anyone’s getting first dibs, it’s the fans.


Y2K Nostalgia Awaits

Download the Taco Bell app and follow @TacoBell to unlock the full Y2K experience – menu, merch opportunities, and more.

*At participating U.S. locations for a limited time only (where applicable), while supplies last. Contact restaurant for prices, hours and participation, which vary. Taxes extra. Prices higher with delivery. In combos, meals and boxes, drinks exclude freezes and specialty beverages.

** Early Access to Caramel Apple Empanada available on September 2, 2025 through September 8, 2025 for registered & logged in Rewards Members on the Taco Bell mobile app, at participating U.S. Taco Bell® locations, while supplies last. Nontransferable and no limit on quantity for purchase. Substitutions, upgrades, or add-ons may incur additional charges. Check store for availability. No cash value. Terms and conditions apply: tacobell.com/terms

***NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO WIN. The Taco Bell Decades x Ed Hardy® Hat Tuesday Drops Sweepstakes is open only to Taco Bell Rewards program members who are legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 16 years of age or older. Begins at 2:00 p.m. PT & ends at 3:00 p.m. PT on 9/2/25. Limit one (1) entry per person, email address or Taco Bell Rewards program account (“Account”). Establishing an Account is free. Terms apply. Five Hundred (500) Prizes: One (1) Sponsor-specified Limited Edition Taco Bell Decades x Ed Hardy® branded hat (one size fits all). ARV: $65 each. Total ARV of all Prize: $32,500. Prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Limit one (1) Prize per person, email address or Account. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be notified by Administrator on or about 9/5/25 to the email address provided in their entry (which must be the same email address that is associated with the Account used for entry). U.S. Law governs this Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Subject to complete Official Rules: tacobell.com/legal/decades-edhardy-drop and Taco Bell’s

Privacy Policy.
 Sponsor: Taco Bell Corp., 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA 92618. Administrator: Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., 100 Marcus Drive, Melville, NY 11747.

****NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO WIN. The Taco Bell Decades x Y2K Watch Tuesday Drops Sweepstakes is open only to Taco Bell Rewards program members who are legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 16 years of age or older. Begins at 2:00 p.m. PT & ends at 3:00 p.m. PT on 9/9/25. Limit one (1) entry per person, email address or Taco Bell Rewards program account (“Account”). Establishing an Account is free. Terms apply. Five Hundred (500) Prizes: One (1) Sponsor-specified Limited Edition Taco Bell x Y2K Watch (one size fits all). ARV: $55 each. Total ARV of all Prize: $27,500. Prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Limit one (1) Prize per person, email address or Account. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be notified by Administrator on or about 9/11/25 to the email address provided in their entry (which must be the same email address that is associated with the Account used for entry). U.S. Law governs this Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Subject to complete Official Rules: tacobell.com/legal/decades-watch-drop and Taco Bell’s

Privacy Policy.
 Sponsor: Taco Bell Corp., 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA 92618. Administrator: Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., 100 Marcus Drive, Melville, NY 11747.

*****NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. A PURCHASE WILL NOT INCREASE YOUR OPPORTUNITY TO WIN. The Taco Bell Decades x T-Shirt Tuesday Drops Sweepstakes is open only to Taco Bell Rewards program members who are legal residents of the 50 U.S./D.C., 16 years of age or older. Begins at 2:00 p.m. PT & ends at 3:00 p.m. PT on 9/16/25. Limit one (1) entry per person, email address or Taco Bell Rewards program account (“Account”). Establishing an Account is free. Terms apply. Five Hundred (500) Prizes: One (1) Sponsor-specified Limited Edition Taco Bell Decades x T-Shirt. ARV: $75 each. Total ARV of all Prize: $37,500. Prize details are at Sponsor’s sole discretion. Limit one (1) Prize per person, email address or Account. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be notified by Administrator on or about 9/19/25 to the email address provided in their entry (which must be the same email address that is associated with the Account used for entry). U.S. Law governs this Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Subject to complete Official Rules: tacobell.com/legal/decades-tshirt-drop and Taco Bell’s

Privacy Policy

. Sponsor: Taco Bell Corp., 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA 92618. Administrator: Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., 100 Marcus Drive, Melville, NY 11747.

******The Crunchkin™ Decades Y2K Game (“Game”) is available for a limited time and is only available to members of the Taco Bell Loyalty Program in good standing and is subject to the Taco Bell Terms of Use available at

https://www.tacobell.com/legal/terms-of-use

. The Game begins 9/9/25 and ends 10/6/25 (“Promotion Period”). During Promotion Period, Taco Bell Loyalty Program members log into their account on the Taco Bell Mobile App to participate. Play free Decades Y2K-themed games to earn bonus Taco Bell Loyalty Program points, which games vary during each of four “Qualifying Periods”: (1) 9/9 – 9/15; (2) 9/16 – 9/22; (3) 9/23-9/29; and (4) 9/30 – 10/6. Grow your Crunchkin to maturity by making at least one (1) purchase of an item from the Decades Y2K menu during each of the four Qualifying Periods (each a “Qualifying Purchase”).  By completing all four Qualifying Purchases, earn a reward item from specially designated items on the Decades Y2K menu (ARV: $2.75) (“Decades Reward”) while supplies last.  Tax, tip, and fees are extra.  Decades Reward valid 7 days from issuance and redeemable only via the Taco Bell mobile app, at participating U.S. Taco Bell locations, while supplies last. Must be a registered Taco Bell Loyalty Program member in order to redeem. Reward valid for one-time use only. No product or ingredient substitutions, upgrades or add-ons. Decades Reward is non-transferable and cannot be combined with any other offer. Decades Reward has no cash value.

******* NO PURCHASE NECESSARY. NON-PURCHASE ENTRIES AND PURCHASE ENTRIES HAVE AN EQUAL CHANCE OF WINNING. The Taco Bell x Decades Crunchkin Y2K Swag Timecapsule Sweepstakes is open only to Taco Bell Rewards program members who are legal residents of the 50 U.S. & D.C., 16 years of age or older. Begins at 12:00 a.m. PT on 9/9/25 & ends at 11:59 p.m. PT on 10/6/25, with four (4) weekly purchase periods and entry registration within and no later than seventy-two (72) hours of the invitation date. Limit one (1) entry per person, email address or Taco Bell Rewards program account (“Account”), regardless of entry method. Establishing an Account is free. Terms apply. To enter by mail without purchase, hand-print complete name, street address, city, state, ZIP code, daytime and evening telephone numbers (including area code), and the valid email address associated with entrant’s Account on a plain piece of 3″ x 5″ paper, and mail in a business-size (#10) envelope with sufficient postage to: Taco Bell x Decades Crunchkin Y2K Swag Timecapsule Sweepstakes, P.O. Box 7656, Melville, NY 11775-7656. Mail-in requests for an Entry must be postmarked no earlier than 9/9/25 and no later than 10/6/25, and the Administrator must receive the mail-in request by 10/13/25. One Thousand (1,000) Prizes: One (1) Sponsor-specified Decades Crunchkin Y2K Swag Timecapsule consisting of one (1) Limited Edition Taco Bell x Ed Hardy® branded hat (one size fits all), one (1) Limited Edition Taco Bell x Y2K Watch (one size fits all), and one (1) Limited Edition Taco Bell x Y2K T-Shirt (size subject to availability). ARV: $195 each. Total ARV of all Prizes: $195,000. Limit one (1) Prize per person, email address or Account, regardless of entry method. Odds of winning depend upon the number of eligible entries received. Winners will be notified by Administrator on or about 10/15/25 to the email address associated with the Account used for entry registration or provided in their mailed entry (which must be the same email address that is associated with their Account). U.S. Law governs this Sweepstakes. Void where prohibited or otherwise restricted by law. Subject to complete Official Rules and Taco Bell’s

Privacy Policy

. For complete Official Rules including weekly purchase periods and qualifying purchase requirement for entry registration, visit: //tacobell.com/legal/decades-crunchkin. Sponsor: Taco Bell Corp., 1 Glen Bell Way, Irvine, CA 92618. Administrator: Don Jagoda Associates, Inc., 100 Marcus Drive, Melville, NY 11747.

******** American Vegetarian Association certified Vegetarian food items, are lacto-ovo, allowing consumption of dairy and eggs but not animal byproducts. We may use the same frying oil to prepare menu items that could contain meat. Vegetarian and meat ingredients are handled in common, and cross contact may occur, which may not be acceptable to certain types of vegetarian diets. Neither Taco Bell®, our employees, nor our franchisees nor the AVA assume any responsibility for such cross contact.

About Taco Bell Corp.

For more than 62 years, Taco Bell has brought innovative, craveable Mexican-inspired food to the masses, and was recently recognized as one of Fast Company’s World’s Most Innovative Companies, one of TIME’s Most Influential Companies, and Nation’s Restaurant News’ Brand Icon. For more information about Taco Bell, visit our website at www.TacoBell.com, our Newsroom at www.TacoBell.com/news, or check out www.TacoBell.com/popular-links. You can also stay up to date on all things Taco Bell by following us on LinkedIn, TikTok, X, Instagram, Facebook and by subscribing to our YouTube channel.

Ronald Quintero – Taco Bell Corp.
[email protected]

Rosie Herzog – Edelman
[email protected]

Taco Bell Corp,

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2759749/Taco_Bell_Decades_Y2K_Menu.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2348276/TacoBell_Logo_Horizontal_Color_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Taco Bell Corp.

CHINT’s Wi-SUN Smart Metering Solution Opened The Remote Meter Reading Era For An Island Around The Caribbean

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image

Addressing Critical Challenges For An Island Around The Caribbean

SHANGHAI, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For years, an island around the Caribbean faced with some operational challenges. Power losses exceeded 20% in key areas. Manual meter reading proved highly inefficient and error-prone, while the island’s corrosive salt fog environment accelerated meter corrosion, driving up maintenance costs. These issues demanded a transformative solution.


CHINT

‘s Comprehensive Wi-SUN Solution

Based on these problems, CHINT reached a cooperation with the island and CHINT’s Wi-SUN Smart Metering Solution not only effectively solved these challenges, but also opened the era of intelligent remote meter reading. This Solution includes smart meter devices, the Power Easy AMI system, on-site technical support, installation guidance, and comprehensive system operation training — including software and the PowerEasy platform.

This Wi-SUN smart metering project covers over 3,000 households with CHA120 smart meters, CHG540 concentrators, and CHG590 repeaters for the island. Rolled out in phases, the project replaces traditional meters with a modern AMI system, enabling remote meter reading, real-time monitoring, and efficient grid management.

High Performance:

  • 99.79% communication KPI, 99% on-demand remote operation rate
  • 50% O&M efficiency improvement
  • 35% reduction in manual labor costs
  • 21% drop in total line loss

Smarter Grid:

  • Remote meter reading & outage reporting
  • Grid monitoring and data analysis
  • Visualized, efficient operations

Safer & Reliable System:

  • Theft detection & system alerts
  • Durable devices (waterproof, dustproof, corrosion-resistant)
  • Stable communication even in complex terrain

Digital Management:

  • One-to-one meter-user match
  • Centralized, digital archive system
  • Scalable for broader Caribbean deployment

Opened Remote Meter Reading: Customer & Technician Validation

The staff of the electric company in the island said, “The Wi-SUN smart meter scheme allows remote reading, eliminating site visits for manual readings and significantly reducing labor costs.” They highlighted improved customer satisfaction, and end users enjoy instant remote reconnection after payment, saving them a trip. The staff also praised CHINT’s responsive support. The solution enables quick problem response, with solutions actively provided through collaboration with CHINT’s teams.

The local conditions are harsh and the terrain is complex, with hills and dense jungles. Local technicians of the island confirmed the excellent performance of CHINT’s equipment and maintained a very high success rate under local natural conditions. They attach importance to this ability: “CHINT’s solution allows us to judge the Wi-SUN signal strength at each point so that we can conduct independent field investigations in the future. Integrated systems, software and applications have greatly improved our work efficiency.”

A Foundation for the Future

CHINT’s Wi-SUN solution successfully ended the local history of inefficient manual meter reading in the island. More than solving immediate challenges, it delivered a stable, secure, and intelligent power supply system. This project lays the essential foundation for smart city ambitions and provides a proven, replicable model for utilities across the Caribbean facing similar hurdles.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2754304/image.jpg

SOURCE CHINT

Contour Airlines Launches Caribbean Service with Flights from San Juan and St. Thomas to Dominica

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Contour Logo

SMYRNA, Tenn., Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Contour Airlines is proud to announce the launch of new nonstop flights connecting Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport (SJU) in San Juan, Puerto Rico, and Cyril E. King Airport (STT) in St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, to Douglas–Charles Airport (DOM) in Dominica. These flights will be operated with Contour’s fleet of 30-seat regional jet aircraft, offering passengers extra legroom, complimentary snacks, and inflight service.

Contour Airlines ERJ-135 side view

This historic milestone marks Contour’s official entry into the Caribbean market, expanding travel opportunities and improving accessibility for residents and visitors across Dominica, San Juan, and St. Thomas.

“We’re thrilled to bring Contour’s brand of reliable, comfortable jet service to the Caribbean,” said Ben Munson, President of Contour Airlines. “Launching service in Dominica is an exciting step for us, and we look forward to making it easier for Dominicans to travel and for visitors to discover Dominica, the Nature Island.”

Contour’s new routes will offer the only non-stop jet service from Dominica to both Puerto Rico and the U.S. Virgin Islands. From these points, passengers will be able to book onward connections to destinations throughout the world.

“When I visited St. Thomas, I heard firsthand the desire for a direct connection to Dominica” said Honorable Roosevelt Skerrit, Prime Minister of Dominica. “With the launch of Contour Airlines’ inaugural service, that vision has become reality. This new link strengthens ties between our islands and opens new doors for tourism, trade, and investment. It is a meaningful step toward greater regional connectivity, and I am proud that Dominica can be at the center of this progress.”

Hon. Denise Charles-Pemberton, Minister responsible for Tourism, Ports and International transportation, added “We welcome Contour Airlines’ new services from St. Thomas and San Juan to Dominica. This development strengthens connectivity within the region and improves access for visitors, returning nationals and business travelers. We look forward to working with Contour Airlines as part of our ongoing efforts to support sustainable tourism growth and showcase Dominica’s natural and cultural offerings.” 

Flight Schedule:

Destination

Frequency

Departure

Arrival

Start Date


Dominica – San Juan

Tuesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays, & Sundays

9:00am

10:25am

Sept. 25th


San Juan – Dominica

Tuesdays, Thursdays,
Fridays, & Sundays

4:15pm

5:40pm

Sept. 25th


Dominica – St. Thomas

Mondays, Wednesdays, &
Saturdays

9:00am

10:15am

Sept. 27th


St. Thomas – Dominica

Mondays, Wednesdays, &
Saturdays

3:00pm

4:15pm

Sept. 24th

Contour Airlines will be the only carrier offering non-stop service between The U.S. Virgin Islands and Dominica. 

Virgin Islands Port Authority Executive Director Carlton Dowe expressed enthusiasm about the new direct service to Dominica provided by Contour Airlines, stating, “The U.S. Virgin Islands is thrilled to welcome Dominica as a new direct destination. This added service enhances convenience and flexibility for both residents and visitors, while also strengthening regional connectivity. With improved access, we anticipate increased opportunities for tourism, deeper cultural exchange, and a positive boost to our economy.” Dowe emphasized that this milestone highlights the significance of collaboration in maintaining the Caribbean as a premier travel destination worldwide.

In addition to the non-stop flights between St. Thomas and Dominica, Contour’s flights to Luis Muñoz Marín International Airport will provide greater connectivity between Dominica and Puerto Rico and allow travelers the opportunity to connect anywhere in the world. 

“We are delighted to welcome Contour Airlines to Puerto Rico with the launch of its new nonstop service between San Juan and Dominica. This represents an important step in recovering intra-Caribbean capacity and reaffirms our government’s commitment to restoring connectivity via the San Juan hub. We look forward to the positive impact this new service will have on tourism, commerce, and the cultural ties that unite our islands,” said the Executive Director of the Puerto Rico Tourism Company, Willianette Robles Cancel. 

For further details, please visit www.contourairlines.com. For customer inquiries or travel assistance, kindly contact us at (888) 332-6686.


About Contour


Contour Airlines offers a premium airline product that includes a complimentary snack and beverage service on all flights. Contour operates a growing fleet of regional jets featuring leather seating with expanded legroom in every row. Tickets are available for purchase on Contour’s website at 


contourairlines.com


, by calling the Contour call center at (888) 332-6686, and through local and online travel agencies. Travelers can also book seamless connections with Contour’s interline partners; Alaska, American, and United Airlines.

Contour Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2759488/Contour_Airlines_ERJ_135.jpg

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/813045/Contour_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Contour Airlines

Breaking Barriers and Making NCAA History: Jumex, Backed by Vilore Foods, Becomes First Mexican Brand to Sponsor a Division I Athletics Program

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Jumex Named an Official Sponsor of The University of Texas San Antonio's athletic program

Jumex Named Official Sponsor of University of Texas at San Antonio’s Athletics Program;

Brand Launches Multi-Sport Partnership at Alamodome

SAN ANTONIO, Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — In a historic move for college sports and Hispanic representation, Vilore Foods announced today the beloved Mexican juice and nectar brand known for its iconic blue can, Jumex, is now an official sponsor of The University of Texas at San Antonio‘s (UTSA) athletic program—making it the first Mexican brand ever to sponsor an NCAA Division I athletics program. As a leader in distributing culturally connected and iconic brands, such as La Costeña and Totis, Vilore Foods is proud to lead this milestone moment that breaks barriers, promotes Hispanic culture and celebrates school pride in an unprecedented way.

Jumex Named an Official Sponsor of The University of Texas San Antonio's athletic program

“This is a deeply meaningful and game-changing moment for collegiate athletics and our entire Vilore Foods family,” said Edgar R. Vargas, Director of Growth and Brand Development at Vilore Foods. “For more than 40 years, we’ve brought beloved Hispanic products into homes across the U.S. This partnership marks another meaningful chapter in this journey. It’s not just about our sponsorship, it’s a powerful step in celebrating our Hispanic heritage and elevating Hispanic visibility in collegiate athletics.”

This groundbreaking partnership will span the 2025-2026 academic year and will provide Jumex with a powerful presence throughout the upcoming fall, winter and spring sports seasons. It also offers the opportunity to keep Roadrunner athletes and fans hydrated with Jumex Hydrolit +Advance, the brand’s new high-performance hydration drink, which comes in four flavors and is packed with five essential ions to replenish electrolytes, natural caffeine for sustained energy, and choline—a nutrient rarely found in mainstream sports drinks—for maximum hydration, focus and mental clarity.

Jumex will kick off this collaboration in a big way during UTSA’s home opener at the Alamodome on September 6 against Texas State University. Fans can expect major brand activations that will include product sampling booths and tailgate experiences where they will have the opportunity to experience the Jumex Hydrolit +Advance hydration difference firsthand.

Inside the Alamodome, Jumex branding will be featured with prominent placements on field-level signage, LED ribbon boards and in-game videoboard features. The brand will also be spotlighted through radio integrations during live game broadcasts and co-branded highlight reels on radio and online.

In-store, Jumex will activate a robust marketing campaign leveraging official UTSA marks and logos across all promotional platforms, reinforcing Hydrolit +Advance as the performance beverage of choice for UTSA fans. This includes in-store branding and product displays at key retailers throughout Texas, along with print collateral and shopper coupons, sweepstakes-style promotions and premium branded swag and game-day giveaways.

“This partnership with Jumex marks a historic moment for UTSA Athletics,” said Lisa Campos, UTSA Vice President for Intercollegiate Athletics. “We are proud to join forces with a beloved Mexican brand that shares our commitment to excellence and to our community.”

“UTSA Sports Properties and Playfly are thrilled to welcome Jumex as a new sponsor,” said Robert Stockhausen, General Manager, UTSA Sports Properties. “Jumex is UTSA’s first Mexican sponsor and a top-tier producer and purveyor of delicious juices and beverages. We appreciate their support and look forward to Jumex and their brands refreshing our fans for years to come.”

For a deeper look at the rich heritage and flavorful portfolio behind Vilore Foods, its portfolio of beloved cultural brands, including La Costeña, Jumex and more, visit www.vilore.com.


About Vilore Foods

Since 1982, Vilore Foods has been a trusted partner in the global food market, specializing in the import, distribution, and brand development of culturally connected consumer products. Headquartered in San Antonio, TX, Vilore represents a dynamic portfolio that includes beloved Hispanic brands like La Costeña®, Jumex®, and Totis®, and serves as a strategic distribution partner for global names.

With over four decades of expertise, Vilore Foods offers a robust national distribution network, strong retail partnerships, and an expanding digital presence — redefining what it means to bring Hispanic heritage brands to today’s modern, multicultural consumer at scale. From navigating complex supply chains to providing secure storage and reliable delivery, Vilore is committed to helping partners streamline operations, expand their reach, and grow their business.

To learn more, visit www.vilore.com.


About Jumex

Since 1961, Jumex has been sharing the authentic flavors of Mexico with the world through its signature juices, nectars, and beverages. Known for its iconic blue can and commitment to quality, Jumex blends tradition, innovation, and the freshest ingredients to create drinks that connect generations and cultures. Headquartered in Mexico and enjoyed in over 40 countries, Jumex is more than a beverage — it’s a taste of heritage. From our carefully sourced fruits to our dedication to flavor consistency, every sip reflects our passion for excellence and our mission to bring a little piece of Mexico to tables everywhere. With decades of expertise, a strong presence in multicultural markets, and a growing portfolio of products, Jumex continues to inspire moments of joy and connection, one can at a time.

Vilore Foods Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758349/MG_Hydrolit_UTSA.jpg 
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2706579/Vilore_Foods_Logo.jpg 

SOURCE Vilore Foods

Automotive Hall of Fame to Broadcast 2025 Induction Ceremony Globally for Second Year

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Automotive Hall of Fame to Broadcast 2025 Induction Ceremony Globally for Second Year

DEARBORN, Mich., Aug. 27, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Following the resounding success of its first-ever global broadcast in 2024, the Automotive Hall of Fame is proud to announce the return of its broadcast of the Induction Ceremony on September 25, 2025, from The Department at Hudson’s in downtown Detroit beginning at 6 p.m. ET.

Automotive Hall of Fame to Broadcast 2025 Induction Ceremony Globally for Second Year

Thousands of viewers in over 29 countries tuned in last year, and the 2025 broadcast promises to be even more dynamic. Returning to host this year’s celebration are Rhonda Walker (WDIV Local 4) as Master of Ceremony and Kim DeGiulio (WDIV Local 4) as the broadcast host. The ceremony will feature exclusive interviews with this year’s tribute speakers and inductees, including:

  • Dieter Zetsche, former Chairman of Daimler AG
  • Roger Penske, offering a tribute to Zetsche
  • Bianca Senna, CEO of Senna Brands and niece of Ayrton Senna
  • Mark Reuss, President of General Motors

“As I have heard, obviously, of the Automotive Hall of Fame before, and very much have positive memories about my time in Detroit, my immediate reaction was, of course, I’ll accept. I appreciate the honor. And I’m looking forward to September,” said Dr. Dieter Zetsche.

Viewers will also enjoy tribute videos, special appearances, and a featured segment on vehicles connected to the inductees, including Ayrton Senna’s 1992 McLaren MP4/7A.

“Induction into the global Automotive Hall of Fame is the highest honor in our industry. We’re proud to create an experience that gives fans, families, and colleagues around the world a front-row seat to celebrate the most remarkable contributors to the automotive world,” said Sarah Cook, President of the Automotive Hall of Fame.

Don’t miss this rare opportunity to witness automotive history unfold.

Register to watch the global broadcast at: www.automotivehalloffame.org/2025_induction_broadcast/

Since 1967, Automotive Hall of Fame has inducted over 300 people from across the world. Located at 21400 Oakwood Blvd in Dearborn, Michigan, AHF is open to the public Thursdays – Sundays, 10 a.m.  – 4 p.m. You can also visit the Automotive Hall of Fame online at automotivehalloffame.org or on our LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram pages.  

Media Contact
Siddharth Parashar, [email protected], 313.240.4000 Ext. 113

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2758494/Automotive_Hall_of_Fame_to_Broadcast_2025_Induction_Ceremony.jpg 

SOURCE Automotive Hall of Fame

CHINT’s Wi-SUN Smart Metering Solution Opened The Remote Meter Reading Era For An Island Around The Caribbean

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image

Addressing Critical Challenges For An Island Around The Caribbean

SHANGHAI, Aug. 20, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — For years, an island around the Caribbean faced with some operational challenges. Power losses exceeded 20% in key areas. Manual meter reading proved highly inefficient and error-prone, while the island’s corrosive salt fog environment accelerated meter corrosion, driving up maintenance costs. These issues demanded a transformative solution.


CHINT

‘s Comprehensive Wi-SUN Solution

Based on these problems, CHINT reached a cooperation with the island and CHINT’s Wi-SUN Smart Metering Solution not only effectively solved these challenges, but also opened the era of intelligent remote meter reading. This Solution includes smart meter devices, the Power Easy AMI system, on-site technical support, installation guidance, and comprehensive system operation training — including software and the PowerEasy platform.

This Wi-SUN smart metering project covers over 3,000 households with CHA120 smart meters, CHG540 concentrators, and CHG590 repeaters for the island. Rolled out in phases, the project replaces traditional meters with a modern AMI system, enabling remote meter reading, real-time monitoring, and efficient grid management.

High Performance:

  • 99.79% communication KPI, 99% on-demand remote operation rate
  • 50% O&M efficiency improvement
  • 35% reduction in manual labor costs
  • 21% drop in total line loss

Smarter Grid:

  • Remote meter reading & outage reporting
  • Grid monitoring and data analysis
  • Visualized, efficient operations

Safer & Reliable System:

  • Theft detection & system alerts
  • Durable devices (waterproof, dustproof, corrosion-resistant)
  • Stable communication even in complex terrain

Digital Management:

  • One-to-one meter-user match
  • Centralized, digital archive system
  • Scalable for broader Caribbean deployment

Opened Remote Meter Reading: Customer & Technician Validation

The staff of the electric company in the island said, “The Wi-SUN smart meter scheme allows remote reading, eliminating site visits for manual readings and significantly reducing labor costs.” They highlighted improved customer satisfaction, and end users enjoy instant remote reconnection after payment, saving them a trip. The staff also praised CHINT’s responsive support. The solution enables quick problem response, with solutions actively provided through collaboration with CHINT’s teams.

The local conditions are harsh and the terrain is complex, with hills and dense jungles. Local technicians of the island confirmed the excellent performance of CHINT’s equipment and maintained a very high success rate under local natural conditions. They attach importance to this ability: “CHINT’s solution allows us to judge the Wi-SUN signal strength at each point so that we can conduct independent field investigations in the future. Integrated systems, software and applications have greatly improved our work efficiency. “

A Foundation for the Future

CHINT’s Wi-SUN solution successfully ended the local history of inefficient manual meter reading in the island. More than solving immediate challenges, it delivered a stable, secure, and intelligent power supply system. This project lays the essential foundation for smart city ambitions and provides a proven, replicable model for utilities across the Caribbean facing similar hurdles.

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2754304/image.jpg

SOURCE CHINT

Blue Shield of California Announces Mission-Driven, Healthcare Leader Mike Stuart as President and Chief Executive Officer

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Blue Shield of California Logo

With decades of experience in nonprofit health care, Stuart’s leadership will focus on strengthening Blue Shield’s commitment to high-quality affordable healthcare coverage for all

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California today announced Mike Stuart as its new president and chief executive officer. A longtime executive and former chief financial officer of the nonprofit health plan, Stuart brings more than two decades of leadership experience in health care that will further Blue Shield’s mission of providing access to high-quality care that’s sustainably affordable for all.

Portrait of Mike Stuart, wearing a blue shirt and standing in front of a green leafy background.

“Mike Stuart is the right leader at the right time for Blue Shield of California,” said Kristina Leslie, chair of the Blue Shield of California board of directors. “He has a deep understanding of our mission, our members and the complex healthcare landscape we operate in. Mike’s financial expertise, collaborative approach and long-standing commitment to the nonprofit values that guide us make him uniquely positioned to lead our organization forward.” 

As chief financial officer since 2022, Stuart has helped guide the organization through some of the most complex challenges the healthcare industry has faced. He has been instrumental in helping to make health care more affordable for Blue Shield’s members, supporting provider partnerships and ensuring financial sustainability of the health plan while staying true to the company’s nonprofit mission.   

“Our industry is facing extraordinary challenges — from rising costs to regulatory shifts and increasing demands for equity and access,” Leslie said. “In this environment, we need a leader who not only understands the complexity of the healthcare system but also has the conviction and capability to drive real, sustainable change. Mike brings exactly that.” 

As president and CEO, Stuart will lead over 6,500 employees who serve 6 million members with health, dental, vision, Medicaid and Medicare health service plans in California and beyond. He is also deeply committed to advancing the organization’s values across teams and partnerships, including recent collaborations to serve over 750,000 active-duty military members and their families, and expand our offerings for CalPERS members.

“I am honored to lead Blue Shield of California at such a critical moment for our state and industry,” said Stuart. “We have a responsibility as a nonprofit health plan to lead with integrity, partner with purpose and ensure care is both accessible and affordable. I’m proud to work alongside our talented leaders across the Ascendiun family of companies to build a healthcare system that works better for everyone.” 

Stuart’s experience spans finance, operations and systemwide transformation. Prior to joining Blue Shield, he spent 11 years in senior leadership roles at the Daughters of Charity Health System, giving him firsthand knowledge of the challenges providers face and the importance of aligning incentives to improve outcomes and access for patients. He holds an MBA in Finance from Saint Mary’s College of California and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Cal State Chico.  

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 6,500 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.  

 Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook. 

CONTACT:

Margeaux Cardona

Blue Shield of California

(510) 607-2359


[email protected]

 

Blue Shield of California Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757766/20250820_Mike_Stuart_Headshot_6.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

HOME launches first bilingual mortgage LMS and AI wholesale-search tool for loan officers

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HOME Leadership team

Program converts decades of industry feedback into action, linking $2.7 trillion in Hispanic buying power with $240 billion in projected 2026 mortgage originations

DETROIT, Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Today, the Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME) — a nonprofit dedicated to empowering Hispanic and Latino Americans through homeownership education and advocacy — announced the launch of HOME Certified, powered by Twiz.io, the mortgage industry’s first bilingual learning management system. The organization also introduced Wholesale Search, an AI-powered tool built on ChatGPT that matches borrowers with lenders offering the products they need in seconds. Both tools are now live and available to members at www.TuNuevoHome.com.

Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts logo

The on-demand LMS trains and certifies loan officers to serve Hispanic and Latino borrowers, a group expected to drive 70 percent of U.S. homeownership growth in the next 20 years.

But while HOME advances bilingual access, the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) recently announced an “English-only” initiative, eliminating translated documents long used by Hispanic families. Advocates warn the shift could disproportionately affect millions of Americans — particularly residents of Puerto Rico, a U.S. territory — by limiting access to critical housing resources.

“HOME Certified is a movement built for generational impact,” said Rogelio Goertzen, founder and CEO of HOME. “After 13 years in lending, we kept hearing the same thing from banks, financial institutions, broker owners, and branch managers: they wanted Spanish-speaking loan officers but had no structured way to train them. So, we built a bilingual, tech-driven platform that turns intent into funded mortgages, generational wealth, and lender growth. By pairing AI speed with cultural fluency, we propel loan officers a decade ahead and give businesses a 20-year growth engine—no matter where the market goes.”

Wholesale search scans more than 150 wholesale lenders and filters results by loan type, rate, closing speed, language support, and platform compatibility such as Encompass or Arive. Loan officers paste a short prompt into the tool and receive a ranked list of lenders tailored to each borrower. HOME refreshes the link and database regularly, so only active members retain access. 

“Education is the gateway to opportunity and the antidote to fear,” said Cubie Hernandez, HOME chief technology and learning officer. “Our team decided to lead by example investing time and money to build a bilingual platform and a search tool that delivers practical, business-building lessons, shows loan officers how to grow and enables families to approach the mortgage process with confidence. We hope this move inspires our industry to take note of the power of blending education and technology — and to join us in expanding access for every family.”

HOME Certified:

  • First bilingual mortgage LMS built from decades of lender feedback
  • Self-paced modules on income and credit analysis, program selection, compensation rules, intercultural fluency, and compliance
  • HOME Certified badge signaling trust to borrowers and value to employers
  • Converts intent into funded loans and generational wealth

HOME’s Wholesale Search

  • AI searches across 150 wholesale lenders, filtered by loan type, rate, speed, and system compatibility
  • Automatic link and data updates remove inactive users and protect performance metrics
  • Faster lender selection that prioritizes HOME partners and frees loan officers to focus on sales

To become a member or request a demo of HOME Certified, visit www.TuNuevoHome.com/join.

ABOUT HOME

The Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME) is a nonprofit dedicated to breaking down barriers to homeownership for Hispanic and Latino Americans. From financial education to industry advocacy, HOME empowers mortgage professionals with the resources needed to serve this fast-growing market. For more information on available resources or how to get involved, visit www.TuNuevoHome.com.

HOME Leadership team

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756315/Hispanic_Organization_of_Mortgage_Experts_Logo.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756316/Hispanic_Organization_of_Mortgage_Experts.jpg

SOURCE Hispanic Organization of Mortgage Experts (HOME)

Blue Shield of California Named to Forbes America’s Best Employers for Women 2025

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Blue Shield of California Logo

OAKLAND, Calif., Aug. 26, 2025 //PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Blue Shield of California has been awarded a place on the Forbes list of America’s Best Employers for Women 2025. This annual list recognizes organizations that are working to better their workplace for women.

Graphic congratulating Blue Shield of California for being named by Forbes as one of America's Best Employers for Women in 2025, alongside a photo of women colleagues in a workplace discussion.

“At Blue Shield of California, we are committed to cultivating a culture of belonging where all employees can fully contribute to our mission,” said Haley Mixon, executive vice president and chief human resources officer, Blue Shield of California. “On this Women’s Equality Day, we are especially honored to be recognized for our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where women thrive, lead and are empowered to succeed. It is part of what makes Blue Shield a great place to do meaningful work.”

Forbes partnered with market research firm Statista to survey over 140,000 women working for companies and institutions in the U.S. with at least 1,000 employees over the past three years. Participants were asked to rate their current employers in areas such as pay equity, advancement opportunities, parental leave, work-life balance, benefits for childcare or eldercare, and the company’s handling of incidents related to sexual misconduct and discrimination. Statista also researched the percentage of women in executive and board positions at each company.

“Being a best employer for women means holding true to Blue Shield’s values of being human, honest and courageous,” said Kassie Maroney, interim chief financial officer, Blue Shield of California, and executive sponsor of Blue Shield’s Elevating Women employee resource group. “We want our workplace to support women at every stage of their career, empower them to realize their potential, and celebrate the perspectives they bring to our organization.”

Learn more about Blue Shield’s workplace culture at blueshieldca.careers.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 6,500 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.

Or follow us on LinkedIn or Facebook.

CONTACT:

Margeaux Cardona

Blue Shield of California        

(510) 607-2359


[email protected]   

Blue Shield of California Logo

Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757764/bsc_forbes_best_employers_for_women.jpg
Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/810201/blue_jpg_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Blue Shield of California

OCOA BECOMES FIRST DOMINICAN HAIR CARE BRAND TO LAUNCH AT ULTA BEAUTY

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READING, Pa., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — OCOA, the clean curl care brand founded by Dominican sisters Cory Varona-Corniel and Nicol Varona Cancelmo, proudly announces its national retail debut at 450+ Ulta Beauty stores and online at ulta.com. This milestone makes OCOA the first Dominican owned hair care brand available at Ulta Beauty.

Rooted in sisterhood and Dominican heritage, OCOA’s products are formulated with skincare-level ingredients, bilingual packaging, and without coconut oil. The full collection includes five products: Curl Care Shampoo and Conditioner, Hydrating Curl Cream, Curl Defining Styling Gel, and the exclusive Curl Refresh + Hold Spray, available only at Ulta Beauty.

OCOA is also among the few brands to meet all five Conscious Beauty pillars at Ulta, offering clean, vegan, cruelty-free formulas in sustainable packaging.

“We are incredibly proud and deeply grateful to be launching in over 450 Ulta Beauty stores as the first Dominican-American curly hair care brand on shelves, this milestone represents so much more than retail placement. It’s a celebration of culture, community, and the belief that our curls are beautiful as they are.” – Cory and Nicol, Co-Founders of OCOA.  

“At Ulta Beauty, we’re heavily focused on building an assortment that reflects and supports the diverse needs of our guests, and OCOA is a standout example of that mission in action. We’re thrilled to welcome the brand through Sparked, our emerging brand platform, and proud to have been part of their journey through the MUSE Accelerator. As the first Dominican-American owned hair care brand at Ulta Beauty, OCOA brings meaningful cultural representation to our shelves and to the broader beauty conversation.” – Jessica Phillips, vice president of merchandising at Ulta Beauty

OCOA In Store Events at Ulta Beauty
To celebrate this milestone, OCOA Beauty is hosting two free events in Pennsylvania, their home state in September, where attendees will have access to a meet and greet with the brand founders, refresh station activation, and the opportunity to take home OCOA product with a gift with purchase. They will be at the Ulta Beauty in Lancaster on September 20th and the Fashion District Ulta Beauty in Philadelphia September 27th.

About OCOA
Ocoa is clean curl care for hermanas (sisters) everywhere inspired by the beauty of the Dominican Republic. The collection is crafted with potent ingredients like Hibiscus flower extract and Mango butter to nourish curls, skin care as scalp care. Ocoa’s mission is to end hair assimilation to help curly hair individuals embrace who they are born to be. For more information, visit ocoabeauty.com.

Media Contact: Thalia Perez
347-604-0486
[email protected] 

SOURCE OCOA

Lowrider Phenomena Returns to Ohkay Hotel Casino Saturday, September 13

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Ohkay Logo Gold

ESPAÑOLA, N.M., Aug. 26, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Lowrider Phenomena Show rolls back into Ohkay Hotel Casino on Saturday, September 13, 2025 with a full day of custom rides, live entertainment, and family fun. Admission is free and open to the public.

Ohkay Logo Gold

Now in its third year at Ohkay Hotel Casino, the event draws participants from New Mexico, California, Arizona, Colorado, and Texas. Organized by Española Lowrider Phenomena, the show celebrates tradition while raising scholarship funds for local youth. Last year, the event donated $3,000 to Moving Arts.

Highlights

  • Car, Truck & Bike Show: 200+ automobiles, 30 Harleys, pedal bikes, tricycles, and remote-control entries. Registration day-of, 7–11 a.m. ($40 automobiles, $20 pedal bikes/pedal cars, $10 remote control).
  • Cash Prizes & Awards: Up to $5,500 in payouts with categories including Best in Show ($1,000), Best Car, Truck, Street, Bomb, Muscle Car, Harley Davidson, Lowrider Bicycle, Lowrider Tricycle, Special Interest, and Car Hop Exhibitors.
  • Special Appearances: Fred Rael’s 1967 Impala Convertible “Liquid Sunshine” returns—two-time Best in Show winner.
  • Vendors: Food and novelty booths throughout the day.

Schedule of Events

  • 7:00–11:00 a.m. – Vehicle Registration & Move-In
  • 12 Noon – Show Opens
  • 1:00 p.m. – Moving Arts Youth Dance Performance
  • 3:00 p.m. – Frost Live in the Ballroom
  • 4:00 p.m. – Hydraulic Exhibition Car & Truck Hop
  • All Day – Spanish music, art displays, kids’ pedal bike, pedal car, and remote-control show

“This is more than a car show—it’s a celebration of culture, creativity, and family fun,” said organizers of Española Lowrider Phenomena.

Sponsors & Partners
The event is presented with support from Zia Credit Union, KDCE Radio, and Rio Arriba County, with special thanks to Commissioners Alex Naranjo and Brandon Bustos.

For more information, visit Ohkay.com or follow Española Lowrider Phenomena on social media.

About Española Lowrider Phenomena
Española Lowrider Phenomena is a charitable organization dedicated to preserving lowrider traditions and creating opportunities through public events. Proceeds benefit youth scholarships and cultural programs in Northern New Mexico.

Logo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2756368/Ohkay_Hotel_Casino_Logo.jpg 

SOURCE Ohkay Hotel Casino

Potts Law Firm Files Lawsuit After Natural Gas Leak Triggers Explosion, Severely Injuring West Texas Man

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The Potts Law Firm logo

ANSON, Texas, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Potts Law Firm, a leading personal injury firm in Texas, has filed a lawsuit on behalf of Eric Bailey, who was catastrophically injured in an April 11, 2025, house explosion in Anson, Texas. The explosion, which leveled a residence at 4002 County Road 195, was caused by a leaking natural gas pipe left behind by Atmos Energy during service termination.

Remains of the Anson residence where Eric Bailey was severely burned in a gas explosion.

Bailey, a technician employed by ThompsonGas, was performing routine propane installation work in the home’s basement when the residence suddenly exploded. The blast engulfed him in flames, leaving him with devastating burns, permanent disfigurement, a permanent brain injury, and life-altering injuries that require ongoing medical treatment and rehabilitation.

“Eric Bailey’s life has been forever changed because Atmos Energy failed to take the most basic safety precautions when dealing with dangerous natural gas lines,” said Derek Potts, attorney for the Baileys. “This tragedy was entirely preventable. Our client is paying the price with his health, his livelihood, and his future.”

Explosion Traced to Negligence
According to the lawsuit, Atmos Energy technicians first responded to the property days before the explosion, identifying issues with the meter and shutting off gas service after failed pressure tests. But when the homeowners requested termination of service, Atmos removed the meter and left behind a leaking saddle clamp that released natural gas into the home. The accumulation of gas caused the April 11 blast that nearly killed Bailey.

The petition alleges negligence, gross negligence, and other claims, and seeks damages for Bailey’s extensive medical expenses, pain and suffering, lost wages, disfigurement, and impairment. His wife, Christie Bailey, has also brought a claim for loss of consortium due to the profound impact her husband’s injuries have had on their marriage.

Seeking Accountability
The Baileys are demanding accountability from Atmos Energy, which is responsible for safely maintaining and terminating gas service. “When corporations cut corners with something as inherently dangerous as natural gas, the consequences are catastrophic,” Potts added. “This lawsuit is about ensuring Eric Bailey receives justice and making sure something like this doesn’t happen to another Texas family.”

About Potts Law Firm

Potts Law Firm fights for individuals and families harmed by corporate negligence, unsafe practices, and preventable tragedies. With offices across Texas and the U.S., the firm represents clients in catastrophic personal injury, wrongful death, and complex litigation.

This lawsuit is titled Bailey v. Atmos Energy Corporation d/b/a Atmos Energy, West Texas Division; Cause No.: 026243, to be heard in the Jones County District Court.

Media Contact

Megan O’Neal
Marketing Coordinator
(832) 583-6360
[email protected]

The Potts Law Firm logo

Photo – 
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2757459/Potts_Law_Firm_Bailey_Case.jpg

Logo – 
https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/636903/Potts_Law_Firm_Logo.jpg

SOURCE Potts Law Firm

The Home Depot Announces Extension of Tender Offer to Acquire GMS Inc.

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The Home Depot logo.

ATLANTA, Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Home Depot® announced today that its wholly owned subsidiary, Gold Acquisition Sub, Inc. (“Purchaser”), has extended the expiration date of its tender offer to purchase, subject to certain conditions, all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GMS (the “Shares”), at a price of $110.00 per Share in cash, without interest and subject to any required withholding of taxes.

The Home Depot logo.

The offer, which was previously scheduled to expire at one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Friday, August 22, 2025, has been extended until one minute after 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Wednesday, September 3, 2025.

The offer is being made pursuant to the terms of the previously announced merger agreement, dated June 29, 2025, by and among The Home Depot, Purchaser and GMS (the “merger agreement”). Consummation of the tender offer remains subject to, among other conditions, the expiration or termination of the applicable waiting period under the Canadian Competition Act and the tender, as of immediately prior to the expiration time, of a majority of the Shares then outstanding. The tender offer may be extended further in accordance with the terms of the merger agreement and the applicable rules and regulations of the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. All other terms and conditions of the tender offer will remain unchanged during the extended period.

Broadridge Corporate Issuer Solutions, LLC, the depositary for the tender offer, has advised Purchaser that, as of 11:59 p.m., Eastern time, on Friday, August 22, 2025, approximately 29,310,002 Shares have been validly tendered and not properly withdrawn pursuant to the tender offer, representing approximately 77% of the outstanding Shares. Stockholders who have already tendered their shares do not need to retender such shares or take any other action as a result of the extension of the tender offer.

D.F. King & Co., Inc. is acting as the information agent for the tender offer. Requests for documents and questions regarding the tender offer may be directed to D.F. King & Co., Inc. by telephone, toll-free at (800) 331-7543 for shareholders, or collect at (212) 771-1133 for banks and brokers.

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.


Additional Information and Where to Find It

This press release is for informational purposes only and is neither an offer to purchase nor a solicitation of an offer to sell securities of GMS Inc. (“GMS”). The Home Depot, Inc. (“The Home Depot”) and its indirect, wholly owned subsidiary, Gold Acquisition Sub, Inc., have filed a tender offer statement on Schedule TO with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), containing an Offer to Purchase all of the outstanding shares of common stock of GMS, related Letter of Transmittal and other related documents, and GMS has filed a Solicitation/Recommendation Statement on Schedule 14D-9 with the SEC with respect to the tender offer. HOLDERS OF SHARES OF GMS ARE URGED TO CAREFULLY READ THE RELEVANT TENDER OFFER MATERIALS (INCLUDING THE OFFER TO PURCHASE, THE RELATED LETTER OF TRANSMITTAL AND OTHER TENDER OFFER DOCUMENTS) AND THE SOLICITATION/RECOMMENDATION STATEMENT ON SCHEDULE 14D-9 BECAUSE THEY CONTAIN IMPORTANT INFORMATION THAT HOLDERS OF GMS SECURITIES SHOULD CONSIDER BEFORE MAKING ANY DECISION REGARDING TENDERING THEIR SECURITIES. The Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, are available to all holders of GMS stock at no expense to them. The tender offer materials and the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement are available for free at the SEC’s website at https://www.sec.gov/ . Additional copies may be obtained for free by contacting The Home Depot or GMS. Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by GMS are available free of charge on GMS’s internet website at https://investor.gms.com/ . Copies of the documents filed with the SEC by The Home Depot are available free of charge on The Home Depot’s internet website at https://ir.homedepot.com/ or by contacting The Home Depot’s Investor Relations Department at (770) 384-2871.

In addition to the Offer to Purchase, the related Letter of Transmittal and certain other tender offer documents, as well as the Solicitation/Recommendation Statement, The Home Depot and GMS each file annual, quarterly and current reports and other information with the SEC. The Home Depot and GMS’s filings with the SEC are also available to the public from commercial document-retrieval services and at the website maintained by the SEC at https://www.sec.gov/ .


Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements
 

Certain statements contained herein constitute “forward-looking statements” as defined in the federal securities laws. Forward-looking statements are based on currently available information and current assumptions, expectations and projections of The Home Depot (collectively with its subsidiaries unless the context otherwise indicates, the “Company”) about future events, and may use words such as “may,” “will,” “could,” “should,” “would,” “anticipate,” “intend,” “estimate,” “project,” “plan,” “believe,” “expect,” “target,” “prospects,” “potential,” “commit,” and “forecast” or words of similar import or meaning or refer to future time periods. Forward-looking statements may relate to, among other things, the proposed acquisition of GMS (the “potential acquisition”); the potential benefits of the potential acquisition, including with respect to future financial performance; the anticipated timing of closing of the potential acquisition (including to obtain necessary regulatory approvals); and the anticipated funding for the potential acquisition. Forward-looking statements are subject to substantial risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, the following: the possibility that the potential acquisition does not close on the anticipated timeframe or at all (including failure to obtain necessary regulatory approvals and uncertainties as to how many of GMS’s stockholders will tender their shares in the tender offer); risks related to the ability to realize the anticipated benefits of the potential acquisition, including the possibility that the expected benefits from the proposed transaction will not be realized or will not be realized within the expected time period; the risk that the businesses will not be integrated successfully; disruption from the potential acquisition making it more difficult to maintain business and operational relationships; negative effects of announcing the potential acquisition or the consummation of the potential acquisition on the market price of the Company’s or GMS’s common stock, credit ratings or operating results or on relationships with customers, suppliers and other counterparties; significant costs associated with the potential acquisition; unknown liabilities; the risk of litigation and/or regulatory actions related to the potential acquisition; the demand for the Company’s or GMS’s products and services, including as a result of macroeconomic conditions and changing customer preferences and expectations; the effects of competition; the Company’s brand and reputation; implementation of interconnected retail, store, supply chain, technology innovation and other strategic initiatives, including with respect to real estate; inventory and in-stock positions; the state of the economy; the state of the housing and home improvement markets; the state of the credit markets, including mortgages, home equity loans, and consumer and trade credit; the impact of tariffs, trade policy changes or restrictions, or international trade disputes and efforts and ability to continue to diversify the Company’s supply chain; issues related to the payment methods the Company accepts; demand for credit offerings including trade credit; management of relationships with the Company’s associates, jobseekers, suppliers and service providers; cost and availability of labor; costs of fuel and other energy sources; events that could disrupt the Company’s business, supply chain, technology infrastructure, or demand for the Company’s products and services, such as tariffs, trade policy changes or restrictions or international trade disputes, natural disasters, climate change, public health issues, cybersecurity events, labor disputes, geopolitical conflicts, military conflicts, or acts of war; the Company’s ability to maintain a safe and secure store environment; the Company’s ability to address expectations regarding sustainability and human capital management matters and meet related goals; continuation or suspension of share repurchases; future dividends; capital allocation and expenditures; liquidity; return on invested capital; expense leverage; changes in interest rates; changes in foreign currency exchange rates; commodity or other price inflation and deflation; the Company’s ability to issue debt on terms and at rates acceptable to the Company; the impact and expected outcome of investigations, inquiries, claims, and litigation, including compliance with related settlements; the challenges of operating in international markets; the adequacy of insurance coverage; the effect of accounting charges; the effect of adopting certain accounting standards; the impact of legal and regulatory changes, including executive orders and other administrative or legislative actions, such as changes to tax laws and regulations; store openings and closures; and the impact of other acquired companies on the Company’s organization and the ability to recognize the anticipated benefits of any other completed or pending acquisitions.

These statements are not guarantees of future performance and are subject to future events, risks and uncertainties – many of which are beyond the Company’s control, dependent on the actions of third parties, or currently unknown to the Company – as well as potentially inaccurate assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from the Company’s historical experience and its expectations and projections. These risks and uncertainties include, but are not limited to, those described in Part I, Item 1A. “Risk Factors,” and elsewhere in the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended February 2, 2025 and also as described from time to time in reports subsequently filed by the Company with the SEC. There also may be other factors that the Company cannot anticipate or that are not described herein, generally because the Company does not currently perceive them to be material. Such factors could cause results to differ materially from the Company’s expectations. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, and the Company does not undertake to update these statements other than as required by law. You are advised, however, to review any further disclosures the Company makes on related subjects in its filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and in its other public statements.

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SOURCE The Home Depot

“I Was Afraid to Read”: Florida Students Share How One Free Program Helped Them Fall in Love with Books

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New Worlds Reading Initiative

New video series from New Worlds Reading highlights the transformative power of literacy as families gear up for the back-to-school season.

GAINESVILLE, Fla., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Nearly one million children in Florida are not yet reading on grade level, but this back-to-school season, students like Jahara and Faustino are proving that one book can be the beginning of something bigger.

Jahara, a fourth-grader from Miami, reads one of her favorite books received through New Worlds Reading.

Their stories are part of a new video series from New Worlds Reading, Florida’s free at-home literacy program for eligible students in VPK through 5th grade.

Since launching in 2021, the statewide literacy program has shipped more than 11 million books to families across Florida. Each enrolled student receives nine free books per school year delivered directly to their home, accompanied by engaging activities. Families can select which books they’d like to receive, along with their preferred reading language: English, Spanish, Haitian Creole, or braille.

Now, with the new school year approaching, the program is sharing the voices of real Florida students to bring its impact to life.

One of those voices is Faustino, a Florida fifth grader from Argentina who moved to the U.S. without knowing any English. “I felt afraid to read books,” Faustino said, but with help from New Worlds Reading, he found a story that reflected his passion. Now, he says he loves reading in both English and Spanish.

“From New Worlds Reading, I chose a book about soccer, and I loved reading it,” said Faustino. “My mom urged me to study, study, study. Now, I feel… incredible.”

Faustino’s story is echoed by Jahara, a fourth grader who, in her words, used to pretend to be sick to avoid reading at school. Today, she’s not only a proud reader, but she’s also helping her younger sister, Jazuri, read, who recently enrolled in the program.

“Programs like New Worlds Reading don’t just send books. We help students see themselves as readers,” said Robin Gregory, MSM., Assistant Director of New Worlds Reading. “New Worlds Reading was designed to help Florida’s striving readers strengthen their literacy skills, build confidence, and foster a lifelong love of reading. These stories show how a single book can open up an entirely new world.”

As the new school year begins, New Worlds Reading is reminding families that a small moment, like receiving a book in the mail, can be the start of a powerful transformation.

Watch Jahara and Faustino’s stories here. To learn more or enroll your child, visit NewWorldsReading.com. Follow @NewWorldsReading on social media for more student stories, reading tips, and updates.

Media Contact: [email protected] 

New Worlds Reading Initiative

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SOURCE New Worlds Reading Initiative

Resilience Remembered — The Salvation Army Commemorates 20 Years Since Hurricane Katrina

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Honoring survivors, remembering the lessons, and continuing a mission shaped by one of America’s greatest disasters

ALEXANDRIA, Va., Aug. 25, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — As the nation prepares to mark the 20th anniversary of Hurricane Katrina on Aug. 29, The Salvation Army reflects on a pivotal moment of tragedy, transformation, and long-lasting commitment. From serving hundreds of thousands of survivors and first responders in 2005 to redefining disaster response today, we honor the survivors, remember the lessons, and continue to serve.

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/the-salvation-army/9349151-en-the-salvation-army-commemorates-20-years-since-hurricane-katrina 

A Storm That Changed Everything
Hurricane Katrina made landfall Aug. 29, 2005, as a Category 3 storm, its devastating winds and storm surge breaching levees and flooding approximately 80% of New Orleans, leaving an estimated 1,800 U.S. fatalities and over $200 billion in damage. Katrina stands among the costliest and deadliest natural disasters in U.S. history.

The Salvation Army’s Response
In the immediate aftermath, The Salvation Army mobilized its largest domestic relief effort to date: more than 4.7 million hot meals; 6.8 million sandwiches, snacks, and drinks; and spiritual and emotional care for nearly 103,000 individuals. Relief operations included 178 mobile feeding units, 11 field kitchens, and SATERN radio volunteers who aided in locating more than 25,000 survivors. In addition, thousands of volunteer disaster workers were accommodated across the Gulf Coast in Salvation Army “volunteer villages,” tallying 56,000 lodging nights, and major distribution hubs delivered essentials such as furniture and appliances to more than 106,000 people in need. The Salvation Army was one of the first on the ground and the last to leave.

Service That Hits Home
Amid that massive response, the crisis became deeply personal for those on the front lines. Captain David Brittle of The Salvation Army had evacuated with his family while his parents, Majors Richard and Fay Brittle, remained in New Orleans. At The Salvation Army’s Center of Hope, they sheltered more than 300 people as floodwaters rose. When David returned to join rescue efforts, navigating drowned streets for days and helping secure helicopter evacuations, he was reunited with his father in a moment that solidified his calling to serve in times of crisis. You can read Captain Brittle’s full story here.

For many survivors, Katrina was a turning point that reshaped their lives. At just 12 years old, Lieutenant Macy Gantner was evacuated from the flooding in St. Bernard Parish and relocated to Minnesota, where she first encountered The Salvation Army. There, she received food, coats, and prayer. That support inspired her to dedicate her life to helping others facing disaster. You can read Lieutenant Gantner’s full story here.

Lessons Learned and Changes Made
Stories like David’s and Macy’s illustrate the heart of The Salvation Army’s mission to meet survivors where they are and stay by their side long after the headlines fade. The lessons learned from Katrina have shaped the organization’s approach today, deploying mobile feeding units, embedding trauma-informed care, building culturally responsive partnerships, and committing to long-term recovery programs.

“As we remember the heartbreak of Katrina, we also recognize the courage and compassion it brought to light,” says Meghan Foley, Emergency Disaster Services director for The Salvation Army. “Recovery takes years, and through The Salvation Army’s ongoing service, we want survivors to know they’re not forgotten.”

Commemorating the 20th Anniversary
This anniversary is being marked nationwide with commemorative events in which The Salvation Army is playing an active role, including a day of service and cleanup in New Orleans, a worship service honoring Major Richard Brittle, and participation in broader community gatherings reflecting on the storm’s legacy. On a national level, the U.S. Senate has passed a resolution (S.Res.344) recognizing both the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina and the ongoing recovery efforts in the Gulf Coast.

A Continuing Commitment
Twenty years on, Hurricane Katrina remains a defining moment, not just in history, but in how The Salvation Army serves, learns, and stands with communities in crisis. While we honor those who were lost and those who survived, we reaffirm our goals to serve with compassion, adapt with purpose, and never leave anyone behind.

To explore survivor stories, discover how we’re responding today, or contribute to lasting recovery, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org.

For The Salvation Army’s Hurricane Katrina 20th Anniversary media kit, click here.

For national media inquiries, please submit a form here.

About The Salvation Army
The Salvation Army annually helps more than 27 million people in America overcome poverty, addiction, and economic hardships through a range of social services by providing food for the hungry, emergency relief for disaster survivors, shelter for the homeless, and rehabilitation services for people in need. The Salvation Army is doing the most good at nearly 7,400 centers of operation around the country. During times of disaster, 100% of designated donations to The Salvation Army are used for immediate response and long-term efforts. For more information, visit SalvationArmyUSA.org. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and X @SalvationArmyUS and #DoingTheMostGood.

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SOURCE The Salvation Army

Ground Broken for Tampa Florida Temple

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An artist's rendering of the Tampa Florida Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Elder Neil L. Andersen, longtime Tampa resident, dedicates the house of the Lord

TAMPA, Fla., Aug. 24, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, along with government, interfaith, and community leaders, gathered on Saturday, August 23, 2025, for the groundbreaking ceremony of the Tampa Florida Temple. Elder Neil L. Andersen of the Quorum of the Twelve Apostles presided at the event and Elder Brook P. Hales, General Authority Seventy, conducted. The Apostle and longtime Tampa resident offered a dedicatory prayer over the land and all who will be influenced by it.

An artist's rendering of the Tampa Florida Temple of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

“We ask that Thou might bless this land and this sacred house once constructed, that it might be a light and strength to the Latter-day Saints and to all the community,” Elder Andersen prayed. “Let our friends and neighbors feel Thy Spirit and increase their faith in Thy Son as they sense what has come to this place.”

The Andersen’s have deep roots in the Tampa area. Elder Andersen’s wife, Kathy, was born and raised in Florida, much of it in Hillsborough County. They lived in the Tampa area from 1977 to 1993 raising their family, until church service moved them elsewhere.

Sister Andersen reflected on the growth of the church in the Tampa area since she was a young girl where she was taught about Jesus Christ. “I love my Savior, Jesus Christ. I love to listen to His words. ‘Come follow me,’ he said.”

500 members and friends gathered at the 12-acre site at 9445 Camden Field Parkway in Riverview. Among the honored guests were Florida State Representative Michele Rayner, Reverend Dr. Glenn Dames of African Methodist Episcopal (AME) Church, leaders from Metropolitan Ministries, and other notable community and nonprofit organizations.

“The temple is going to touch the lives of tens of thousands of people. I understand the importance of the temple in the community. I do feel very blessed, because we all bring our blessings to this temple,” remarked Patrick Davis, Associate Director of Development at Metropolitan Ministries.

Florida is currently home to more than 176,000 Latter-day Saints in nearly 280 congregations. The first congregation of the Church of Jesus Christ was created in 1897. The Tampa Florida Temple will serve more than 27,000 members in and around the Southwest Florida Gulf Coast.

Local members Ikwo & Dinah Ibiam explained, “Having a temple in this area sends a message that this is a place where people are striving to be good, and serves as a reminder to everyone to live better lives.”

President Russell M. Nelson announced the Tampa Florida Temple during the April 2022 general conference.

He said then, “Positive spiritual momentum increases as we worship in the temple and grow in our understanding of the magnificent breadth and depth of the blessings we receive there.”

Other temples announced, under construction or in operation in Florida are the Fort Lauderdale, Jacksonville, Orlando and Tallahassee Temples.

Latter-day Saints consider each temple a house of the Lord and the most sacred place of worship on earth. Temples differ from the Church’s meetinghouses (chapels). All are welcome to attend Sunday worship services and other weekday activities at local meetinghouses. The primary purpose of temples is for faithful members of the Church of Jesus Christ to participate in sacred ceremonies, such as marriages, which unite families forever, and proxy baptisms on behalf of deceased ancestors who did not have the opportunity to be baptized while living.

Elder Neil L. Andersen, and his wife Kathy, meet with interfaith leaders at the ground

 

More than 500 people gather.

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SOURCE The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints

Mississippi Infant Mortality Emergency Underscores US Health Crisis

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March of Dimes Foundation Logo

ARLINGTON, Va., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — On August 21, 2025, the Mississippi State Department of Health declared a public health emergency after reporting an alarming rise in infant mortality, on top of already leading the nation in infant death rates. March of Dimes, the nation’s leading nonprofit fighting for the health of moms and babies, issued the following response from President and CEO, Cindy Rahman:

March of Dimes Foundation Logo

“The Mississippi Department of Health’s declaration of a public health emergency in response to infant mortality is a painful reminder of the maternal and infant health crisis facing our nation. In 2024, Mississippi’s infant mortality rate was 9.7 deaths per 1,000 live births, the highest of any state and substantially higher than the provisional US rate of 5.5 in 2024. The burden falls especially hard on babies born to Black moms, who experienced an infant mortality rate of 15.2—a nearly 24% increase from the previous year, while the rate among babies born to white moms declined.

Every number represents a baby lost and a family grieving. Although Mississippi accounts for less than 1% of US births, the state accounts for more than 1.6% of all infant deaths. These losses should be a wake-up call to the nation. March of Dimes supports Mississippi’s public health leadership for raising attention to this critical issue and outlining key strategies to improve birth outcomes in the state.

The recent rise in infant deaths in Mississippi is occurring most often in the earliest days of life, with deaths among newborns under 28 days old driving much of the increase. Prematurity, birth defects, and maternal complications of pregnancy are key contributors to these losses. March of Dimes’ Report Card shows Mississippi has some of the worst maternal and infant outcomes in the nation, with a preterm birth rate of 15% compared to 10.4% nationally. Nearly half of all counties in Mississippi are considered maternity care deserts, leaving families with little or no access to maternity care and putting them at greater risk for poor outcomes. Mississippi’s commitment to improving its system of care for moms and babies, filling gaps in care, and expanding community health and home visiting programs is an important step forward—and aligns closely with the priorities March of Dimes has been advocating across the country.

Mississippi’s crisis reflects a wider trend. Provisional CDC data show that twenty-four states reported rising infant mortality rates in 2024. Some of these states, including Mississippi, Arkansas, and Louisiana, were already among the worst in the nation for infant mortality rates, underscoring that our system is failing moms and babies in the places that need investment most.

We know the best way to save babies’ lives is to support moms’ health before, during, and after pregnancy. That means increasing access to early prenatal care, reducing maternity care deserts, and ensuring no matter where a mom gives birth, she and her baby can be quickly connected to appropriate treatment—from routine delivery to the most specialized newborn care. It also means investing in home visiting programs and community health workers who connect families to resources where they live. Our maternity care deserts report shows that millions of women in the US live in counties with little or no access to maternity care, placing moms and babies at higher risk for poor outcomes.

Protecting Medicaid is equally critical. Medicaid covers nearly 53% of births in Mississippi and 40% nationwide, making it a critical lifeline for moms and babies. Any cuts or restrictions will only make this crisis worse. Telehealth, home visiting, and other community-based supports are essential tools, but they cannot succeed without the foundation of health insurance through Medicaid and other programs that support families.

The United States is among the most dangerous developed nations for childbirth. We cannot afford to move backward. March of Dimes will continue to lead efforts to expand access to care, protect Medicaid, and advance policies that support the health of moms and babies so that every family has the opportunity to thrive from day one.”

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SOURCE March of Dimes Inc.

Great Bay CEO Receives Company Person of the Year Award

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WEST ATLANTIC CITY, N.J., Aug. 22, 2025 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The Great Bay Insurance Group (the “Group”), the leading provider of coastal homeowners’ insurance in New Jersey, today announced that Timothy J. Byrne, Sr., Chief Executive Officer of the Group, has been award the Company Person of the Year by the PIANJ at its annual conference.  This award is given to individuals who foster a strong working relationship with agents and brokers, and who exemplify a commitment to professionalism and service.

GBIH logo

Great Bay is a coastal Homeowners writer in New Jersey with plans to expand into other products and States.  Great Bay is known for its ease of doing business, prompt fair claims handling and most of all for providing a stable market.

Mr. Byrne, Sr., a founding member of the Group in 2019, has over 40 years of broad industry experience in various leadership capacities.  Mr. Byrne began his career at 14 years old working summers in his father’s retail agency founded by his grandfather John J Byrne in 1959, The J Byrne Agency of Cape May County NJ, working nine summers while attending Wildwood High School, Rutgers College and a post-graduate degree in Insurance from what is now the St. John’s School of Risk Management, Insurance & Actuarial Science. Mr. Byrne joined the agency full-time in June of 1983.

In 2003 Mr. Byrne, having identified the need for a Coastal Homeowners option, founded Coastal Agents Alliance (“CAA”) ultimately placing over $50,000,000 in surplus lines homeowners’ business in eight northeast states.  In 2015 he sold CAA to Gryphon investors who merged CAA with Orchid Underwriters out of Vero Beach FL.

After three years at Orchid Underwriters, Mr. Byrne left to form Great Bay Insurance Group, which began operations in August of 2019. In Mr. Byrne’s acceptance speech, he highlighted his love of independent agents and how IAs were the key to his success.  Between his time at CAA and Orchid he claimed he has probably visited more independent agencies than any other person alive. “Few can do what independent agencies can do,” Mr. Byrne told the audience of independent agents. “From the threat of ‘captive agents’ in the 1970s to the ‘banks-forming-insurance-agencies’ of the 1990s to the current AI and the internet cutting out the middleman, agents have survived.  Weathering the coastal HO crises post Andrew or KRW, or the wildfire crisis post-California fires, IA’s have not only survived but thrive in challenging environments. Other outlets of distribution pack up and go home,” said Mr. Byrne.

Contact:
Investor Relations
Brian Schleider
609-434-2000, x102
[email protected]

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SOURCE Great Bay Insurance Group

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