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BUCHANAN’S WHISKY INTRODUCES BUCHANAN’S COCONUT, ITS LOUDEST FLAVOR YET, WITH A NEW CAMPAIGN FEATURING NINA SKY THAT’S BURSTING WITH LATIN RHYTHM AND TROPICAL FLAVOR

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BUCHANAN’S WHISKY INTRODUCES BUCHANAN’S COCONUT, ITS LOUDEST FLAVOR YET, WITH A NEW CAMPAIGN FEATURING NINA SKY THAT’S BURSTING WITH LATIN RHYTHM AND TROPICAL FLAVOR

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026

Alongside new frutero-inspired creative featuring Nina Sky, Buchanan’s is bringing Buchanan’s Coconut to life by partnering with DJ and producer collective Pangea Sound to introduce Mezclao – a multi-city event series that blends global music and culture, invites fans across LA, Austin and Miami to join the familia, and keeps the spirit of summer alive all autumn long

NEW YORK, Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The House of Buchanan’s today introduces Buchanan’s Coconut, a bold new spirit that brings tropical richness and unmistakable flavor to the brand’s award-winning portfolio. Joining Buchanan’s Pineapple as the second flavor in the portfolio, Buchanan’s Coconut pairs rich, warm coconut flavor with the signature smoothness of Buchanan’s, expanding the brand’s tropical and approachable offerings. 

Experience the full interactive Multichannel News Release here: https://www.multivu.com/buchanans_whisky/9418051-en-new-buchanans-coconut-whisky-with-campaign-featuring-nina-sky 

Reflecting the vibrant cultures of Latin America and the Caribbean, where coconut is a part of everyday life and celebrations, Buchanan’s Coconut offers aromas of fresh coconut and bright citrus alongside flavors of delicate creamy vanilla, toasted coconut and the signature light malt character of Buchanan’s Whisky. The permanent new expression is well-balanced and crafted to bring the rich, vibrant flavors of summer to every celebration.

“Summer is a feeling we all want to hold onto. It’s more spontaneous, joyful and full of moments that bring familias together. With the launch of Buchanan’s Coconut, we saw an opportunity to extend that feeling beyond a single season,” said Linda Lagos Morales, Brand Director, Buchanan’s Whisky. “Buchanan’s has long been part of the way Latino communities come together and celebrate, and mixing tropical flavors with Buchanan’s DeLuxe has naturally become part of that story. With Buchanan’s Coconut, we saw an opportunity to honor and build on that history in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. With every sip of Buchanan’s Coconut, we want to create that warm, welcoming energy and remind people that the spirit of summer doesn’t have to end when the season does.”

Buchanan’s is introducing Buchanan’s Coconut with a creative campaign that bursts with tropical energy, making the brand’s loudest flavor yet as bold and impossible to ignore as it tastes. Created by GALE and filmed in Bogotá, Colombia, the creative film draws inspiration from some of the loudest and most recognizable figures across Latin America: the neighborhood fruteros, who are known for bringing colorful displays and unmistakable sound to the streets as they sell coconuts, pineapples and other fruits from their carts.

The campaign stars multi-Platinum artists Nina Sky – the Nuyorican twin sister DJ duo – who push frutero carts-turned-DJ booths through the streets as they announce, “It’s Coco!” The duo then turns up the party to “Coco Sí,” an original track featuring the Nina Sky’s vocals that serves as the campaign’s sonic signature. The vibrant creative highlights the warmth and boldness of Buchanan’s Coconut and the vibrant sweetness of Buchanan’s Pineapple, putting Buchanan’s flavors on full display and capturing the collective joy experienced every summer.

“Fruteros are such a vibrant part of the culture – their energy is a sort of universal language,” said Nina Sky. “We wanted to capture that spirit in the creative and bring it to life through ‘Coco Sí.’ This is a track and a campaign that can take that energy even further, and we’re excited to use it to bring together other global sounds, keep the summer going and celebrate the bold spirit of Buchanan’s Coconut and the Buchanan’s familia as a whole.”

As the House of Buchanan’s introduces Buchanan’s Coconut to the U.S., the brand will also be taking over unexpected places and moments with tropical flavors and sound to keep the joyful, spontaneous energy of summer alive throughout the autumn. This will come to life with Mezclao – a multi-city event series Buchanan’s created in partnership with Pangea Sound, the acclaimed, LA-based DJ and producer collective.

Bringing together tropical flavors and regional Latin sounds, Mezclao will feature a lineup of international headliners, alongside Falcons, SuperNova and JOAQU.N, as well as emerging local talent across Los Angeles, Austin and Miami. Each event will highlight different global music influences, featuring blended DJ sets that create city-specific celebrations of music, flavor and Buchanan’s familia. Mezclao embodies Buchanan’s heritage, the mixed cultural identities of the brand’s familia, and the blending of global and regional sounds at each event.

The series will debut in Los Angeles on September 24, head to Austin to kick off weekend one of the city’s iconic music festival on October 1, then conclude in Miami during Latin music’s biggest week on October 21. Each event will feature the Buchanan’s Pineapple and Buchanan’s Coconut frutero carts-turned-DJ booths from the creative campaign, bringing pure Latino rhythm and neighborhood energy to life for the crowd. Consumers 21+ can sign up at https://laylo.com/pangeasound/m/0hOcVJ to get more information about the events, including how they can attend, from Pangea Sound.

Buchanan’s Coconut is a permanent addition to the Buchanan’s portfolio, which is anchored by Buchanan’s DeLuxe. The new offering is available for purchase online and in retail stores nationwide, wherever fine spirits are sold, with a suggested retail price of $29.99 for a 750ml bottle.

Perfect for spontaneous, lively gatherings with familia, Buchanan’s Coconut brings tropical energy and summer vibes to any occasion. It is best served as a chilled shot, but for fans who prefer a cocktail, Buchanan’s recommends the Coco Sour:

  • Ingredients:
    • 1.5 oz Buchanan’s Coconut
    • 1 oz Coconut Water
    • 0.75 oz Simple Syrup
    • 0.75 oz Lemon Juice
  • Instructions:
    • Shake all ingredients in a cocktail shaker with ice
    • Strain into Rocks glass filled with ice
    • Garnish with lime wheel and coconut piece

To join the familia and stay up to date on Buchanan’s Coconut events, Buchanan’s invites fans of legal drinking age to follow @BuchanansWhisky and visit www.BuchanansWhisky.com.

ABOUT BUCHANAN’S WHISKY

BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky was founded on the belief that whisky is meant to bring people together. It was created to be shared with one another and enjoyed by all, because our founder, James Buchanan believed in the power of sharing. The BUCHANAN’S Blended Scotch Whisky brand has more than 130 years of authentic heritage, and every bottle represents James Buchanan’s commitment to creating the finest blended Scotch Whiskies.

The BUCHANAN’S portfolio features seven award-winning marques, including: BUCHANAN’S Green Seal Blended Scotch Whisky, BUCHANAN’S 12-Year-Old DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky, BUCHANAN’S Pineapple, BUCHANAN’S Coconut, BUCHANAN’S MASTER Blended Scotch Whisky, BUCHANAN’S Special Reserve Blended Scotch Whisky, and BUCHANAN’S RED SEAL Blended Scotch Whisky. The seven marques have been recognized in the most prestigious international spirits competitions. In 2025, BUCHANAN’S Green Seal was awarded silver at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition and BUCHANAN’S 12-Year-Old DeLuxe Blended Scotch Whisky won Double Gold and at the San Francisco World Spirits Competition, Gold in the International Spirit Competition and Silver in the Scotch Whisky Masters. Buchanan’s 18-Year-Old Special Reserve also was awarded with a master medal at the 2025 Scotch Whisky Masters. For more information, visit www.BuchanansWhisky.com or follow BUCHANAN’S on Facebook and Instagram.

ABOUT DIAGEO

Diageo is a global leader in beverage alcohol with an outstanding collection of brands across spirits and beer categories. These brands include Johnnie Walker, Crown Royal, J&B and Buchanan’s whiskies, Smirnoff and Ketel One vodkas, Captain Morgan, Baileys, Don Julio, Tanqueray and Guinness.

Diageo is a global company, and our products are sold in nearly 180 countries around the world. The company is listed on both the London Stock Exchange (DGE) and the New York Stock Exchange (DEO). For more information about Diageo, our people, our brands, and performance, visit us at www.diageo.com. Visit Diageo’s global responsible drinking resource, www.DRINKiQ.com for information, initiatives, and ways to share best practice.

Crafting iconic drinks chosen for life’s moments.

ABOUT PANGEA SOUND

Pangea Sound is an LA-based DJ and producer collective fusing sounds from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean with Hip-Hop and R&B to create an inclusive space for all – this is the Global Sound. Led by Falcons and SuperNova alongside JOAQU.N, the collective has built a devoted following through its genre-blending events and residencies across Los Angeles, Miami, Mexico. For more information, visit pangeasound.co.

Contact: [email protected] 

SOURCE Buchanan’s Scotch Whisky

If You Purchased Certain Thinkware Dashcams Between January 25, 2019 and August 31, 2024, You May Be Entitled to Benefits From a Class Action Settlement.

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If You Purchased Certain Thinkware Dashcams Between January 25, 2019 and August 31, 2024, You May Be Entitled to Benefits From a Class Action Settlement.

PR Newswire

ROSEVILLE, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026

A state court authorized this Notice. This is NOT a solicitation from a lawyer.

ROSEVILLE, Calif., Sept. 16, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — The following notice is being issued by the Court approved Claims Administrator and has been authorized by the Superior Court of California, in Jessica Ratzak, et al. v. Thinkware Systems USA, Inc., Case No.: S-CV-0049793.

A proposed Settlement has been reached in a class action lawsuit alleging that Thinkware Systems USA, Inc. (“Defendant”) violated the law by misrepresenting and falsely advertising that its Thinkware X700, F200PRO, DC-M2-FG-IR, DC-M2-FG, and F70PRO dashcams (“Class Products”) featured a “Super Night Vision” function, but failing to disclose that the function was only available in parking mode. Defendant denies these allegations and any wrongdoing but has agreed to settle the lawsuit to avoid further litigation.

WHO IS INCLUDED IN THE SETTLEMENT?
You may be part of this class action if you purchased any of the Class Products in the United States between January 25, 2019 through August 31, 2024.

WHAT DOES THE SETTLEMENT PROVIDE?
The Defendant has agreed to establish a Settlement Fund of $850,000 to pay Settlement Class Members who make valid, timely claims; Class Counsel’s attorneys’ fees and costs; a service award to the Class Representative up to $10,000; and costs and expenses of Settlement administration. After the Court grants final approval of the Settlement, each Settlement Class Member who submitted a valid Claim Form will receive a payment for an amount that shall be calculated pro rata based on the number of valid Claim Forms that are submitted by the Settlement Class, and the distribution of Class Products claimed by you and others. For more details, please visit the Settlement Website, www.TWCameraSettlement.com.

HOW DO I RECEIVE A SETTLEMENT PAYMENT?
If you are a valid Settlement Class Member and wish to receive your portion of the Settlement Fund, you need to complete and submit a Claim Form. You may fill out the Claim Form online at the Settlement Website, www.TWCameraSettlement.com, or print it and mail it to: Thinkware Claims Administrator, PO Box 1349, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. Valid Claim Form must be submitted online or postmarked by December 14, 2026.

WHAT ARE MY OTHER OPTIONS?
Ask To Be Excluded: You may exclude yourself (“Opt-Out”) from the Settlement Class by submitting an Opt-Out Form. You may fill out the Opt-Out Form online at the Settlement Website, www.TWCameraSettlement.com, or print it and mail it to: Thinkware Claims Administrator, PO Box 1349, Baton Rouge, LA 70821. If you do so, you will not be eligible to receive a Settlement payment. But you will retain the right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlement. Valid Opt-Out Forms must be submitted online or postmarked by November 30, 2026.

Submit An Objection: You may remain a part of the Settlement and write to the Court and explain why you do not like the Settlement. You may appear and speak at the Final Fairness Hearing on your own or through a lawyer hired by you at your own expense. The deadline for filing an Objection is November 30, 2026.

Do Nothing: If you do nothing, you will become a Class Member bound by the terms of the Settlement Agreement and Final Judgment, thus forfeiting your right to sue on your own regarding any claims that are part of the Settlement. HOWEVER, YOUR FAILURE TO TIMELY SUBMIT A VALID CLAIM FORM WILL FORFEIT YOUR RIGHT TO RECEIVE YOUR PORTION OF THE SETTLEMENT FUND. 

THE FINAL FAIRNESS HEARING
The Court will hold a Final Approval Hearing on January 12, 2027, at 8:30 a.m. in Department 32 of the Superior Court of California, County of Placer, located at the Hon. Howard G. Gibson Courthouse, 10820 Justice Center Drive, Roseville, CA 95678. The date of the Final Fairness Hearing may change, so please refer to the Settlement Website to confirm the date and time. At the Final Fairness Hearing, the Court will consider if (a) the Settlement is fair, reasonable, and adequate, (b) the Settlement should be approved; and (c) any objections to the Settlement and, if so, whether those are valid.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION
This Notice is only a SUMMARY. If you have further questions, you may: (a) visit the Settlement Website, www.TWCameraSettlement.com, (b) call toll-free: 1-888-614-5272, (c) write to the Claims Administrator: Thinkware Claims Administrator, PO Box 1349, Baton Rouge, LA 70821, or (d) contact class counsel: Todd M. Friedman, Esq., Adrian R. Bacon, Esq., 23586 Calabasas Road Suite 105, Calabasas CA 91302, Phone: (323) 306-4234. Please do not contact the Court, Defendants. They cannot provide you any advice.

SOURCE Thinkware Claims Administrator

Brayton Purcell LLP Highlights Bloomberg Businessweek Investigation into America’s Growing Artificial Stone Silicosis Crisis

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Dust generated from the cutting, grinding, and polishing of artificial stone slabs coats the floor of a countertop fabrication shop in Kentucky. Photographer: Luke Sharrett for Bloomberg Businessweek

Brayton Purcell LLP Highlights Bloomberg Businessweek Investigation into America’s Growing Artificial Stone Silicosis Crisis

PR Newswire

NOVATO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026

NOVATO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Brayton Purcell LLP is drawing attention to a major Bloomberg Businessweek investigation examining the growing artificial stone silicosis epidemic affecting countertop fabrication workers across the United States.

Dust generated from the cutting, grinding, and polishing of artificial stone slabs coats the floor of a countertop fabrication shop in Kentucky. Photographer: Luke Sharrett for Bloomberg Businessweek

The article, “Death Sentences: Crafting America’s Favorite Countertops Is Killing Workers,” documents the experiences of workers who developed fatal accelerated artificial stone silicosis after fabricating artificial stone countertops. The report explores the expanding litigation involving artificial stone manufacturers, distributors, and other participants in the artificial stone supply chain, while examining scientific research, product warnings, and questions of accountability.

According to the report, artificial stone has become one of the most popular countertop materials in North America. At the same time, physicians, researchers, workers, and families have become increasingly concerned about the devastating fatal health consequences associated with fabricating it. Artificial stone contains at least 90% nano-sized high-surface-area respirable crystalline silica and approximately 10% other highly toxic ingredients, including resins, glues, dyes and heavy metals.

Among the workers featured in Bloomberg’s reporting is Brayton Purcel LLP client Tyler Jordan, a former countertop fabricator who developed artificial stone silicosis and kidney failure. Bloomberg reported that Jordan underwent dialysis, chemotherapy, a kidney transplant, and numerous other medical procedures after working with artificial stone products.

Reflecting on the impact of his illness, Jordan told Bloomberg:

“Right now, it’s just focusing on my kids. I can do frisbee with them, but I stand in one spot, and if they miss me, then they have to go get the frisbee.”

The report also highlights the perspective of pulmonologist Jane Fazio, who has treated workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis. Bloomberg reported that Dr. Fazio described the severity of the disease by stating:

“My patients with silicosis, I wish they only had lung cancer. Lung cancer can be cut out.”

“The Bloomberg Businessweek investigation brings important national attention to an issue affecting workers and families throughout the country,” said James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP. “The reporting highlights the human consequences of artificial stone silicosis while examining the scientific evidence and legal issues surrounding a disease that continues to affect countertop fabrication workers.”

The article also discusses litigation involving numerous defendants, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Daltile, Arizona Tile, Architectural Surfaces Group, Surface Warehouse, Paragon Industries, Hyundai L&C, various distributors, and other participants in the artificial stone supply chain.

The report notes that litigation involving artificial stone silicosis continues to expand as more countertop fabrication workers undergo medical evaluations and receive diagnoses of artificial stone silicosis associated with exposure to artificial stone dust.

The investigation further discusses findings from researchers and public health agencies around the world, including the position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which has stated that “the safest approach” is to use slabs containing little or no crystalline silica. The report also examines international and domestic regulatory responses to the crisis. According to Bloomberg, Australia implemented a nationwide ban on artificial stone fabrication in 2024 following a review of mounting scientific evidence. The article also notes that California regulators are taking the necessary steps to ban the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone, reflecting increasing concern among public health officials regarding the extraordinary risks associated with artificial stone fabrication.

“As awareness of artificial stone silicosis continues to grow, it is essential that workers, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers understand the magnitude of this issue,” Nevin added. “The workers featured in this reporting put a human face on a disease that has changed countless lives.”

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is an accomplished California law firm with decades of experience representing individuals and families affected by occupational diseases, toxic exposures, and wrongful death. The firm’s attorneys represent workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis and other serious illnesses associated with hazardous substance exposures.

Read the Full Bloomberg Businessweek Investigation

“Death Sentences: Crafting America’s Favorite Countertops Is Killing Workers”
https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-09-14/silicosis-lawsuits-mount-as-workers-seek-billions-in-damages

Media Contact

Nolan Lowry
Chief Marketing Officer
Brayton Purcell LLP
415-399-3107
[email protected]
www.braytonlaw.com

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

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

Creating Safe Spaces for Brighter Futures

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Creating Safe Spaces for Brighter Futures

PR Newswire

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2026

Annual memberships to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego provided at no-cost to Blue Shield Promise youth members between the ages of 5 and 14

SAN DIEGO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Miguel used to struggle to make friends at school and often felt left out during group activities. That changed when he joined the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. There, he connected with a group of kids building robots, found his voice, and formed close friendships he now looks forward to daily. His grades have improved, and he’s become an active, engaged member of the Club community.

Miguel’s story is just one example of how a supportive environment, encouragement, and positive peer connections can change a child’s life. That’s why Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is providing memberships to the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego at no cost to Blue Shield Promise youth members ages 5 to 14. This benefit is available now and expires June 30, 2027.

This unique offering was inspired by feedback from a member of Blue Shield Promise’s San Diego Community Advisory Committee in fall 2024, who suggested that adding this benefit would support local youth and help strengthen communities.

The annual membership is valid at the organization’s more than 20 sites throughout San Diego County. The Clubs provide a safe, fun, and supportive environment for San Diego’s youth, including:

  • Programs and activities to improve life skills, fitness, and academic performance
  • After-school access almost every weekday
  • Mentorship by trained youth-development professionals
  • Character building, creativity, and teamwork

“We believe in the critical services and programs Boys & Girls Clubs provide for youth in San Diego County as it provides safe and nurturing spaces in those after-school hours that are so crucial for youth development,” said Jennifer Schirmer, vice president of Medi-Cal Growth and Community Engagement for Blue Shield Promise. “By offering these memberships at no cost to eligible members, we’re making an investment in support programs that can lead to a positive impact on our members’ lives.”

“Every school day, tens of thousands of kids in San Diego go home to an empty house,” said Michelle Malin, president and CEO of the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego. “There’s no one to make them a snack or help them with homework. Every child deserves a safe place to go after school.”

According to the organization, Club memberships provide not only academic support but safe environments where youth can develop social skills and emotional resilience.

“When they walk through our doors, they have opportunities to develop skills, find their passions, build friendships, and so much more, all under the supervision of caring adult mentors,” added Malin. “We are extremely grateful to Blue Shield Promise for helping more young people walk through our doors. Together, we are changing lives and building brighter futures.”

Blue Shield Promise has had a long-standing relationship with the organization. The San Diego chapter helped support the launch of Blue Shield Promise’s well-child visits pilot program in San Diego County in 2023, and was the recipient of a Blue Shield Promise “Leading the Way” Community Organization Award in 2023. 

To qualify for a no-cost Boys & Girls Clubs membership your child must:

  • Be a Blue Shield Promise Medi-Cal member
  • Be 5 to 14 years old
  • Live in San Diego County

To receive a Club membership:

  • Find and visit your nearest Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego location. A list of Clubs is available at sdyouth.org.
  • Fill out a Boys & Girls Clubs enrollment form and let the Club know that you are a Blue Shield Promise member.
  • Once approved, the Boys & Girls Clubs will reach out by phone.

In 2023, Blue Shield of California joined the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in supporting the Boys & Girls Clubs of America organization to address the youth mental health crisis. To read more about that work, visit “Blue Shield of California Joins Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in Supporting Boys & Girls Clubs of America to Address Youth Mental Health Crisis.”

Learn more about Blue Shield Promise here. Learn about the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego’s after-school program here.

About Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan is a managed care organization, wholly owned by Blue Shield of California, offering Medi-Cal. It is led by healthcare professionals with a “members-first” philosophy and committed to building a quality network of providers and partnering with community organizations for more than 500,000 Medi-Cal members across Los Angeles and San Diego counties. It was rated 4 out of 5 in NCQA’s Medicaid Health Plan Ratings for 2025. For more information about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit www.blueshieldca.com/promise. For more news about Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan, please visit promisenews.blueshieldca.com. Or follow us on LinkedIn.

About the Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego
The Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego operates 23 community-based sites across San Diego County, serving a region that spans more than 2,000 square miles, from National City to Borrego Springs. The organization’s mission is to inspire and enable youth to achieve academic success, build good character and responsible citizenship, and make healthy lifestyle choices. Through a wide range of programs and services, Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego provides young people with safe, supportive spaces to learn, grow, and thrive.

Media contacts:

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan
Juliane Matignas
(510) 607-2359
[email protected]

Boys & Girls Clubs of Greater San Diego
Estefania Contreras
(760) 485-4058
[email protected] 

Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

SOURCE Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan

New Survey: Immigration Concerns Are Changing How Some Hispanic Families Participate in School

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New Survey: Immigration Concerns Are Changing How Some Hispanic Families Participate in School

PR Newswire

MIAMI, Sept. 15, 2026

17% of parents say they have avoided a school event and 14% have kept their child home because of concerns related to today’s immigration policy environment.

MIAMI, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Immigration concerns are affecting how some Hispanic families participate in their children’s education and how they think about where their children learn, according to a new national survey conducted by Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, a program of the National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF), as Hispanic Heritage Month begins.

More than half of Hispanic parents surveyed (57%) say today’s immigration policy environment is at least somewhat concerning in their family’s day-to-day life. In the past 12 months, 17% say they skipped or avoided a school event or activity because of these concerns, 14% kept their child home from school, 11% avoided contacting teachers or school staff, and 10% changed transportation or school drop-off and pick-up routines.

The findings come as Hispanic students represent a growing share of American public education. Nearly three in ten (29%) students enrolled in public K-12 schools are Hispanic. Concerns about the immigration environment can extend beyond a person’s own immigration status. Pew Research Center estimates that 82% of Latino adults in the U.S. have full legal status, while its research shows that immigration-related concerns and changes in daily routines are also being reported across the broader Latino community.

“As a Latina, it’s encouraging to see how deeply Hispanic parents want to be involved in their children’s education,” said Krissia Campos Spivey, senior director of Conoce tus Opciones Escolares. “At the same time, I know that concerns outside the classroom can make it harder for families to participate as fully as they would like.”

Immigration concerns are also factoring into some parents’ education decisions. In the past year, 41% say these concerns led them to consider, actively explore, or choose a different school or learning environment in the past year, including 5% who say they chose a different school or learning environment. Parents most often pointed to a different traditional public school (33%), followed by a public charter school (22%) and homeschooling (20%).

At the same time, 80% of parents describe their child’s school as welcoming or very welcoming toward Hispanic students and families.

“What’s interesting is that a school can be a welcoming place for a family while outside forces still make it harder for parents to fully participate in their child’s education,” Campos said. “These concerns can affect a much broader community than people might assume, and understanding those barriers is an important part of helping families navigate their children’s education.”

When asked what would help them navigate these concerns, parents most often pointed to clear information about children’s right to a public education regardless of status (41%), school communications and materials available in Spanish (27%), mental health support for children (26%), and connections to community or legal resources (25%).

The findings are part of NSCAF’s 2026 Hispanic Heritage Month Family Voices Survey, which explores the experiences, priorities, and challenges Hispanic parents face as they navigate their children’s education. The national survey included 559 self-identified Hispanic parents, guardians, and primary caregivers of children ages 5-18 across the United States. Respondents were not asked about or selected based on their immigration status.

The full results of the survey are available at https://myschoolchoice.com/tips/hispanic-heritage-month.

The National School Choice Awareness Foundation (NSCAF) raises broad and positive awareness of school choice through three charitable programs: Navigate School Choice and Conoce tus Opciones Escolares, which focus on researching, developing, and promoting comprehensive, unbiased school navigation resources for families, as well as National School Choice Week, which celebrates effective education options each January. NSCAF does not advocate for or oppose legislation at any level of government and is steadfastly nonpartisan and nonpolitical.

SOURCE National School Choice Awareness Foundation

NEW JAMA NETWORK OPEN STUDY SHOWS GIVING LESS IV FLUIDS DURING SURGERY CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR PATIENTS

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ME 2023 logo

NEW JAMA NETWORK OPEN STUDY SHOWS GIVING LESS IV FLUIDS DURING SURGERY CAN BE BENEFICIAL FOR PATIENTS

PR Newswire

THE BRONX, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2026

Montefiore Einstein Investigators Conducted Large Scale Natural Experiment
During Nationwide IV Fluid Shortage

THE BRONX, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — A study published today in JAMA Network Open, led by anesthesiologists at Montefiore Einstein, demonstrates that reducing IV fluid administration during surgery does not negatively impact patient outcomes. In fact, the researchers found benefits, including significantly lower foley catheter insertion rates, lower urinary tract infection rates and decreased 30-day hospital readmissions.

ME 2023 logo

During the nationwide IV fluid shortage in 2024, investigators at Montefiore Einstein implemented a 12-step intervention including using smaller fluid bags, reducing the number of bags in the OR, substituting IV hydration with oral hydration and enhanced staff education, which resulted in a 75% decrease in intraoperative fluid use among almost 27,000 patients. The study compares the outcomes of these patients, who were undergoing elective surgery for a variety of reasons, to 12,000 patients who underwent surgery before the intervention period. The study highlights that the intervention was safe and helped to preserve costs.

IV fluids are typically administered during surgery to help maintain fluid and electrolyte balance. There is currently no consensus on the ideal amount of fluid a patient should receive during elective surgery. When Hurricane Helene impacted production in 2024, Montefiore Einstein researchers used this opportunity to conduct a large-scale natural experiment on the impact of reduced IV fluid administration during surgery on patient outcomes. Given the study outcomes, the team is considering how to implement new practices to more modestly administer IV fluids during elective surgeries.

“Our study demonstrates how a health system can respond rapidly to a national supply crisis in an innovative fashion while maintaining patient safety,” said co-author Matthias Eikermann M.D., Francis F. Foldes Professor and Chair, Department of Anesthesiology at Montefiore Einstein. “These findings have had a lasting impact at Montefiore Einstein and have relevance for future shortages. In the meantime, we look forward to doing further research that may help to inform best practices in intraoperative fluid usage across the country.”

About Montefiore Health System
Montefiore Health System is one of New York’s premier academic health systems. It is a recognized leader in providing exceptional quality and personalized, accountable care to approximately three million people in communities across the Bronx, Westchester, and the Hudson Valley. It comprises ten hospitals, including the Children’s Hospital at Montefiore, Burke Rehabilitation Hospital, and over two hundred outpatient ambulatory care sites. The advanced clinical and translational research at its medical school, Albert Einstein College of Medicine, directly informs patient care and improves outcomes. From the Montefiore-Einstein Centers of Excellence in cancer, cardiology and vascular care, pediatrics, and transplantation, to its preeminent school-based health program, Montefiore is a fully integrated healthcare delivery system providing coordinated, comprehensive care to patients and their families. For more information, please visit www.montefiore.org. Follow us on Twitter, Instagram, and LinkedIn, or view us on Facebook and YouTube

SOURCE Montefiore Health System

Colgate Empowers Resilient Young Leaders to Build Brighter Futures Through Annual Haz La U Grant Program

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Colgate Empowers Resilient Young Leaders to Build Brighter Futures Through Annual Haz La U Grant Program

PR Newswire

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026

For the 18th consecutive year, Colgate will sponsor $100,000 in educational grants in partnership with the Hispanic Heritage Foundation

News Summary:

  • Applications for the 2027-2028 Haz La U™ (Make the U) educational grant are now open.
  • The program will award 31 grants totaling $100,000 to high school seniors demonstrating academic excellence and community leadership.
  • Since its inception, the program has awarded 528 grants totaling more than $1.35 million.

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire-HISPANIC PR WIRE/ — Colgate, the brand found in more homes than any other, today announced that the Hispanic Heritage Foundation is now accepting applications for the Haz La U™ grant program. The Colgate brand-sponsored program will award 31 grants totaling $100,000 to high school seniors who demonstrate academic excellence, leadership and a deep commitment to their communities. Applications will close on November 1, 2026.

“Colgate-Palmolive’s mission is to create healthier and brighter futures for all, one smile at a time,” said Lilia Fusa, Senior Vice President & General Manager, Oral Care, Colgate-Palmolive North America. “Through Haz La U, we are committed to supporting young changemakers who are making a meaningful impact in their communities. At Colgate, we believe your smile is your strength — and we are honored to help these young leaders carry theirs forward.”

This year, Colgate is highlighting the inspirational story of 2025 grant recipient Maximus (Max) Elmorry. Max personifies the spirit of the Haz La U program through his resilience and commitment to advancing education for underserved youth. Inspired by his parents’ dedication to building a brighter future for their community, he began leading free coding workshops and hackathons for local students. Today, Max is continuing that journey at Harvard University, studying computer science on a full four-year scholarship.