Norfolk Vet Products Joins Movora, Expanding Our Surgical Range Into Soft Tissue
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 16:04 EST
Movora expands into veterinary soft tissue surgery as Norfolk Vet Products joins Vimian MedTech, adding vascular access ports and chronic-care implants. The Chicago company behind vascular access ports and implants for long-term veterinary care is joining Movora - bringing soft tissue surgery into a portfolio built on orthopedics.
More than 150 Catholic ministries join #iGiveCatholic New Orleans for GivingTuesday
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 15:58 EST
NEW ORLEANS (Nov. 2, 2026) - More than 150 Catholic parishes, schools and ministries across the Archdiocese of New Orleans will raise funds through #iGiveCatholic New Orleans this year. Advanced Giving opens Nov. 16, and the campaign peaks on GivingTuesday, Dec. 1. In 2025, more than 5,300 donors gave $1.9 million to 148 local ministries. New Orleans drew more donors than any other participating diocese in the country. The Catholic Community Foundation created #iGiveCatholic in New Orleans in 2015. It has since grown into an independent national giving day for Catholic parishes, schools and ministries. The Foundation hosts the local campaign, a hub where Catholic nonprofits tell their stories, highlight their missions and inspire generosity. It makes it simple for donors to find and support causes that are making a difference. "What we began here in New Orleans more than a decade ago has grown into a national movement, but the heart of #iGiveCatholic is still local," said Cory J. Howat, executive director of the Catholic Community Foundation. "Every gift sustains the parishes, schools and ministries that make our communities stronger. This GivingTuesday, we invite everyone to support the work being done right here at home." As costs continue to climb, many ministries are struggling to sustain the programs and services their communities depend on. Rising prices for food, fuel and electricity have strained those that provide essential services, making community generosity especially important this year. Donors can schedule gifts starting Nov. 16 or give on GivingTuesday, Dec. 1. To find participating organizations, visit igivecatholic.org/neworleans .
Cleaved Diagnostics wins 2026 BioChallenge, New Orleans BioInnovation Center's international brain health pitch competition
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 14:45 EST
Newborn CMV diagnostic developed in New Orleans tops a field of 240 applicants from 35 countries; PathMaker Neurosystems and Moleculera Biosciences take second and third The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) announced that Cleaved Diagnostics won first place and the crowd favorite award at the 2026 BioChallenge pitch competition, held Thursday, Oct. 29. The annual competition attracted 240 applicants from 35 countries and 31 U.S. states, bringing emerging biotechnology and neurotechnology companies to New Orleans to showcase innovations aimed at improving brain health. The competition capped a two-day program that opened Wednesday, Oct. 28, with the Brain Health Summit at Ochsner Health's Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Institute, where clinicians, researchers, investors and industry leaders discussed how to move brain health research into clinical practice. Together, the two days reflect NOBIC's effort to position New Orleans as a hub for brain health innovation, connecting promising companies from around the world with the clinical partners, expertise and capital needed to move new technologies from research to patients. Founded in New Orleans in 2024 on research developed at Tulane University, Cleaved Diagnostics is repurposing CRISPR gene-editing technology to develop rapid, highly sensitive and affordable diagnostic tools. Its first product, CLEVR, targets cytomegalovirus (CMV), the leading non-genetic cause of hearing loss in children and a common cause of developmental disability. The company's technology aims to improve early detection and expand access to critical diagnostic testing. "Winning BioChallenge is an exciting milestone for our team and validates the work we're doing to make critical diagnostic testing more accessible," said Chandler Monk, Ph.D., founder and CEO of Cleaved Diagnostics. "We founded Cleaved in New Orleans because we believe meaningful healthcare innovation can happen here." Boston-based PathMaker Neurosystems earned second place for its development of MyoRegulator, a noninvasive investigational device being studied as a treatment for amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Using electrical stimulation delivered through surface electrodes, the technology is designed to target two drivers of ALS: motor neuron hyperexcitability and toxic protein aggregation. The device received FDA Breakthrough Device designation in December 2025. Third place went to Moleculera Biosciences , an Oklahoma City-based, commercial-stage precision neuroimmunology company focused on identifying immune-driven causes of treatment-resistant neuropsychiatric conditions. Its patented Autoimmune Brain Panel detects anti-neuronal autoantibodies and measures their effects on neuronal signaling, helping clinicians identify underlying immune dysfunction. "BioChallenge is building a global network of scientists, clinicians, founders and investors who have made their own mark on brain health and now put their time and money behind the next generation of companies in the field," said Kris Khalil, executive director of NOBIC. "This year we drew 240 applicants from 35 countries, and the six companies that pitched were as strong a field as we have ever had." This year's competition highlighted innovations spanning early diagnostics, neurological disease treatment and precision medicine, reinforcing the growing role New Orleans can play in advancing solutions to complex brain health challenges. Previous BioChallenge winners and finalists have gone on to raise millions of dollars in private investment and federal grant funding. The six finalists competed for $100,000 in cash prizes and were scored by a panel of judges from the investment, clinical and life sciences communities. The remaining finalists were Cenna Biosciences of California, Nervosave Therapeutics of France and Parley Neurotech of Colorado. The 2026 BioChallenge was presented by Sid O'Bryant, Ph.D., and the Institute for Translational Research at UNT Health Fort Worth, with lead sponsorship from Cognito Therapeutics, BioDistrict New Orleans and Answer ALS. Additional sponsors included AstraZeneca, Eli Lilly and Company, Ochsner Health's Debra H. and Robert J. Patrick Neuroscience Institute, Jones Walker, LSU Health Foundation New Orleans, Downtown Development District, New Orleans & Company, Circular Genomics, Entergy New Orleans, JPMorgan Chase and more. Their support helps provide a platform for emerging companies to gain visibility, build connections and accelerate the development of new healthcare technologies. For more information about BioChallenge and the New Orleans BioInnovation Center, visit neworleansbio.com . ### About New Orleans BioInnovation Center : The New Orleans BioInnovation Center (NOBIC) is a nonprofit business incubator focused on advancing life science entrepreneurship and technology commercialization in Louisiana. The mission of NOBIC is to create a successful biotech ecosystem by providing emerging companies with customized commercialization services, premier facilities and a comprehensive support network. Through relationships with research institutions, economic development organizations and industry stakeholders, NOBIC helps its clients de-risk novel technologies, attract funding and improve global health outcomes
AICUP Veterans Day College Survey
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 10:47 EST
AICUP Veterans Day Survey: "Serving Those Who Serve" AICUP Ranked 10th Largest "GI Bill Campus" in USA (Harrisburg, PA) - In celebration of veterans, the Association of Independent Colleges and Universities of Pennsylvania (AICUP) published its 3rd annual Veterans Day Survey, providing a glimpse of how colleges support veterans through education and re-training. Surveying 80+ independent nonprofit schools, AICUP found that: 6,398 GI Bill students enrolled at AICUP schools in Pennsylvania in the last year (2025-2026). 10th Largest "GI Bill Campus" in USA : When counting the AICUP member schools together as one "GI Bill Campus" (VA's term), AICUP ranks 10th in the nation in enrolling the most GI Bill students ( visual ). 1 in 3 veterans in Pennsylvania using GI Bill benefits choose AICUP schools to pursue their education. 99% of AICUP schools partner with the VA to work with veterans pursing their education with the GI Bill. 91% of AICUP schools offer Yellow Ribbon additional funding for veterans from the school itself. 70% of AICUP schools support ROTC officer training , either as a host or cross-town partner. 14 AICUP schools host a Veterans Lounge for student veterans to study and socialize on campus. NEW in 2026 : AICUP was asked to participate in the first-ever Pennsylvania Defense and Innovation Summit at the US Army War College, highlighting the many contributions of the AICUP schools to national defense for an audience of defense and tech CEOs, and military and civic leaders. "One of the best ways we can support our veterans is to guide them to their next career through a top-notch education," said AICUP President Tom Foley. "Independent nonprofit colleges offer little-known and surprising benefits for veterans, like the Yellow Ribbon, which can mean more funding for a veteran's education." Surprising : VA data shows that many veterans and active service members choose for-profit schools. At least 7 of the top 20 "Largest GI Bill Campuses" according to the VA are for-profit or aligned with a for-profit, enrolling a combined total of nearly 60,000 military students. (Studies by the National Bureau of Economic Research and the U.S. Senate show diminishing returns for students who attend for-profit education programs, in contrast to the higher graduation rates and ROI found at independent nonprofit colleges and universities like those of AICUP). The 2026 AICUP survey data was sourced from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs . Visit the AICUP website for the map with the names of all 80+ AICUP member schools and the new AICUP value dashboard . For comprehensive examples of innovations and defense-adjacent majors at the independent nonprofit colleges of Pennsylvania, see the AICUP white paper , " Higher Education is the 'Secret Weapon' of National Defense ." # # # A PDF version of this news release is linked here: https://aicup.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/11/AICUP-Veterans-Day-2026.pdf
Historic New Orleans Collection announces $35 million project to reimagine original Royal Street campus
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 09:58 EST
Following its "Cheers to 60 Years!" celebration, the Historic New Orleans Collection (HNOC) is launching the public phase of a $35 million capital campaign to restore, renew and reimagine its original campus at 533 Royal St. The project marks a new chapter for the institution and reinforces its role as a cultural anchor in the French Quarter. The reimagined 533 Royal St. will transform HNOC's original campus into a world-class museum, restoring seven historic buildings and five courtyards while integrating new galleries, interactive displays, educational spaces, areas for public programming and events and a historic house museum. Previously, the majority of the complex was dedicated to back-of-house uses such as office space, workshops and collections storage; the renovation will make the entire site accessible to the public for the first time, while expanding the institution's capacity to welcome visitors, students and the community. Since its founding in 1966, HNOC has grown from a small reading room at 533 Royal St. into an institution that houses the world's largest collection of materials relating to the history and culture of New Orleans. The buildings of the Royal Street complex, which front both Royal and Toulouse Streets, are among HNOC's most significant historic holdings, and their preservation reflects the institution's commitment to protecting the French Quarter's cultural heritage and supporting the city's future. "533 Royal is where HNOC began, and bringing new life to this campus is about more than renovating historic buildings," said Daniel Hammer, HNOC's president and CEO. "It is about ensuring that the French Quarter remains a place where history is preserved, culture is experienced and people from New Orleans and around the world can come together. This $35 million project is an investment in HNOC, but, more than that, it is an investment in the future of the French Quarter and the city we serve." The project will significantly expand HNOC's capacity for exhibitions, educational programming and public events, with a goal of welcoming 300,000-plus visitors annually. HNOC's investment will also contribute to a broader vision of attracting one million visitors to French Quarter museums each year. "The Historic New Orleans Collection was built on a belief that the stories and objects of this place are worth preserving, and our original campus is both the foundation and the key to our future," said HNOC board chair Bonnie Boyd. "Over the next three years, we will restore these historic structures, renew the visitor experience and reimagine what HNOC can mean for New Orleans and for everyone who comes here to learn about this extraordinary city." One of the new exhibition spaces will be home to Watershed , a groundbreaking exhibition examining New Orleans as fundamental to the story of the United States. Featuring more than 130 original artifacts spanning three centuries, the exhibition will explore subjects ranging from the Louisiana Purchase and Reconstruction to jazz and the climate crisis, inviting visitors to consider the city's continuing role in shaping America's future. "New Orleans is often understood through its European, African and Caribbean influences, but its influence on the United States is just as profound," said Erin M. Greenwald, HNOC's deputy director. "The new gallery spaces give us an opportunity to use HNOC's extraordinary holdings to tell that story in a way that is immersive, accessible and meaningful to both our community and visitors from around the world. This is a chance to show why New Orleans is essential to understanding the American experience." Ryan Gootee General Contractors is leading construction, with Trapolin-Peer Architects and Hartman-Cox Architects serving as the project architects and Metcalfe Architecture and Design providing exhibition design services. The renovated campus is expected to open to the public in 2029. To date, HNOC has successfully secured $30 million towards the 533 Royal St. project, including more than $11 million in philanthropic private giving from donors. For more information about the capital campaign and the campus transformation visit hnoc.org .
November 2026 Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 09:00 EST
November 2026 Learning Opportunities and Events at the American Marketing Association Helping marketers thrive in a rapidly changing industry Chicago, IL -The American Marketing Association (AMA) is offering a diverse lineup of learning opportunities this November designed to help marketers stay ahead in a rapidly evolving industry. From AI literacy and social listening to brand voice development, AMA's webinars, virtual trainings, bootcamps, and conferences provide practical insights and expert guidance for marketing professionals. These programs equip participants with actionable skills, fresh perspectives, and industry best practices to drive growth, innovation, and business impact. Virtual Trainings, Bootcamps & Webinars How to Write a Strategy Plan (November 2026) November 5, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Virtual Training This 2-hour virtual training helps marketing and business leaders develop effective long-term strategic plans that align organizational goals, guide resource allocation, and drive sustainable growth. Participants will learn a proven strategic planning process, from crafting a vision statement and identifying key business priorities to selecting strategies and translating them into actionable initiatives. The session includes practical frameworks, templates, and worksheets that attendees can immediately apply within their organizations. Becoming the Source AI Cities: GEO Best Practices for Higher Education November 5, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Webinar As AI-powered search tools increasingly influence how prospective students discover colleges and programs, higher education institutions must adapt their digital strategies to remain visible and authoritative. This free webinar explores how colleges and universities can optimize their content for Generative Engine Optimization (GEO), ensuring their websites become trusted sources that AI platforms reference and cite. The session features insights from Matt Yonan of RDA and Carmen Crist of Michigan State University, who will share practical strategies for improving AI visibility across complex institutional websites. Strengthening Customer Data Quality November 12, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM CDT Virtual Training As marketers gain access to increasing amounts of customer data, understanding when and how to use that information responsibly has become essential. This virtual training explores how organizations can improve customer data quality by considering customer intent, context, and trust alongside analytics. Led by Christina Garnett, participants will learn how to evaluate whether personalization efforts feel helpful or invasive, apply the concept of Relationship Context Legitimacy, and make data-driven decisions that strengthen customer relationships while supporting business objectives. Social Media Trends for 2027 November 17, 2026 | 10:00 AM - 12:00 CDT Virtual Training Stay ahead of the rapidly evolving social media landscape with this virtual training focused on the trends, platforms, and emerging content strategies expected to shape 2027. Designed for marketers, social media professionals, and business leaders, the session explores how platform updates, algorithm changes, and new audience behaviors are transforming social media marketing. Attendees will learn how to adapt their strategies, leverage the latest tools, and draw inspiration from innovative brands that are already embracing the next wave of social media trends. Growing Marketing Talent Without the Entry-Level Ladder (Members Only) November 19, 2026 | 12:00 PM - 1:00 PM CDT Members-Only Webinar Many organizations are facing a growing challenge: developing new marketing talent as traditional entry-level opportunities become less common. This members-only webinar explores how marketing leaders can identify, nurture, and retain emerging talent in a changing workforce environment. Attendees will gain insights into alternative development pathways, modern career progression strategies, and approaches for building strong marketing teams when the traditional entry-level ladder no longer exists. Secure by Design: Scaling AI Without Losing Trust November 19, 2026 | 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM CDT Webinar As organizations accelerate AI adoption, maintaining customer trust, security, and governance has become increasingly critical. This webinar examines how businesses can scale AI initiatives responsibly by embedding security, transparency, and ethical considerations into AI systems from the start. Participants will learn strategies for balancing innovation with risk management while ensuring AI-powered experiences remain trustworthy and aligned with stakeholder expectations. LinkedIn Learning Generative AI for Marketing Professional Certificate by the AMA Online | 4 Hours | Beginner AMA's Generative AI for Marketing Professionals Certificate course is available on the LinkedIn Learning platform. Generative AI is revolutionizing marketing and content creation. This new learning path equips marketers with the essential skills they need to harness AI tools responsibly, from prompt engineering fundamentals to creating authentic content and developing strategic AI implementation plans. Learners will acquire practical applications that will help boost productivity and drive innovation in their work. Events 2026 AMA Collegiate Career Week November 9-13, 2026 Virtual AMA Collegiate Career Week is a fully virtual, week-long event designed to help marketing students bridge the gap between the classroom and the workplace. Through expert-led sessions, career panels, networking opportunities, and recruiter engagement, participants gain practical career insights, develop professional skills, and connect with industry leaders actively seeking emerging marketing talent. The program also includes the Gerber Life Virtual Digital Marketing Competition, giving students the opportunity to tackle a real-world marketing challenge and build experience they can showcase to future employers. Transform Your Marketing with AI: Hands-On Workshop Series (Nov-Dec 2026) November 24 - December 15, 2026 This AMA boot camp provides marketers with a practical, hands-on approach to integrating AI into everyday marketing workflows. Through a multi-session workshop series, participants will learn how to use AI tools to enhance productivity, improve content development, strengthen customer engagement, and optimize marketing performance. The program is designed to help marketers move beyond theory and gain real-world experience applying AI across a variety of marketing functions. Upcoming Conferences 2026 AMA Symposium for the Marketing of Higher Education November 8-11, 2026 Denver, CO The AMA Symposium has been shaping the future of higher ed marketing for over 30 years with a peer reviewed program designed to refine strategy, strengthen institutional reputation, and support long-term financial health. Featuring keynotes from facilitator, strategic advisor and acclaimed author Priya Parker, Hello Sunshine CEO Maureen Polo, and award-winning marketer and cultural translator Dr. Marcus Collins, attendees will participate in interactive workshops, breakout sessions, and small group discussions covering topics such as enrollment, branding, marketing technologies, and AI. Attendees can also connect in the interactive exhibit hall and the new AMA Braindate Lounge to collaborate and solve pressing higher education challenges. Why learn with the AMA? The AMA is the premier community for marketing professionals offering training, research, and industry guidance. Continue your journey with Digital Marketing courses and professional credentials . The AMA is dedicated to helping marketers advance their careers through expert-led courses that deliver the latest trends, insights, and actionable skills. Our courses offer the flexibility and depth marketers need to thrive in an ever-evolving industry. Explore more AMA learning opportunities . ###
The Dot Experience Opens in Louisville, Inviting Visitors to Rethink the Way the World Works
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 08:30 EST
Now open in Louisville, Ky., The Dot Experience is a new attraction created by the American Printing House for the Blind that invites visitors to rethink disability, accessibility and their own role in shaping a world that welcomes everyone. Through engaging exhibits and human-centered stories, the museum boldly reimagines what a museum can do for the greater good. At 28,000-square-foot destination where human-centered stories, historical artifacts, APH innovations and interactive exhibits bring to life the themes of working, playing, living, navigating, advocating, educating and creating. Everything is touchable. Guided by a "nothing about us without us" philosophy, individuals who are blind, low vision, or disabled have served as key decision-makers throughout the museum's development. From flooring to tactile replicas and from braille to layered media, the team evaluated every aspect of the built environment. "The Dot Experience shows that when we design for accessibility, we create better experiences for everyone," said Craig Meador, APH president. "It reflects APH's nearly 170-year commitment to expanding opportunity and reminds us that innovation is most powerful when it helps people participate more fully in the world around them." Upon arrival, visitors encounter an orientation station which provides resources to help them navigate the museum with independence, agency and choice. The first gallery, Who We Are, sets the stage for the idea that understanding, acceptance and commitment will lead to a more welcoming world for us all. Beginning with an auditory and American Sign Language (ASL) experience, visitors are introduced to the diverse realities of living with blindness or low vision through stories from artists, adventurers, businesspeople, advocates, parents, students, teachers and innovators. Visitors can also explore the life and legacy of Helen Keller beyond the most familiar stories of her childhood. They will meet Helen's parents and teacher, learn about her educational journey and struggles, discover how she begins finding her voice and develops into a national and global change maker. Visitors can feel the rush of water and the chill of the cast-iron pump associated with Keller's first breakthrough with language. Then they can gather around Helen's desk from her home office at Arcan Ridge and explore many personal effects from her tours abroad as a U.S. ambassador for global goodwill, peace and equity. Throughout an innovation gallery, visitors will be introduced to young inventor Louis Braille and the journey of braille through production, automation and education. Here visitors will learn the origin story of APH and its innovations including low vision devices, talking books and educational materials for the classroom. Visitors can also tour APH's factory to see how accessible educational materials are made and shipped to students and educators. "The Dot Experience was created to spark curiosity, challenge assumptions and change the way people engage in the world," said Jo Haas, APH chief operating officer and vice president of advancement, The Dot Experience. "We want to take people on a journey through the human experience and be compelled to take concrete action that improves our communities, schools and businesses." Visitor Information Location: American Printing House for the Blind, 1839 Frankfort Ave., Louisville, Ky. 40206 Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday-Sunday, closed for major holidays Admission: Adult, $18; senior, $16; child ages 6-17, $14; ages 5 and under, free. Teacher and military discounts are available. Factory tours, $7. Reservations: Groups larger than 15 are encouraged to make reservations. The Dot Experience was made possible by private funds as an investment in public awareness, engagement and support that can strengthen understanding of APH's mission and spark the kind of culture change that makes a better world for everyone. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the generous lead funders whose commitment helped bring this vision to life. No barriers break without investment from a community of individuals and organizations committed to change. Estate of Edward A. Bragaline Sandra Frazier The Gheens Foundation, Inc. The Hartford Foundation James Graham Brown Foundation Legacy Foundation of Kentuckiana William M. Wood Foundation Zoeller Pump Company
SGS Highlights Moldova's REACH-based Restrictions on Hazardous Chemicals
Mon, Nov 02, 2026 04:28 EST
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 141.26, focusing on Moldova's restrictions on the use of specified hazardous substances in products. Government Decision No. 456 of August 19, 2026 ('Decision No. 456/2026') was issued in September 2026, establishing conditions for the manufacture, placing on the market and use of specified substances, mixtures and articles. This Decision transposes Annex XVII of Regulation No. 1907/2006 of the EU's REACH regulation into Moldova's domestic law. It reflects Annex XVII of REACH as amended by Regulation (EU) 2026/859, concerning 2,4-dinitrotoluene in articles. Under the new law, substance-specific restrictions, concentration limits and other requirements apply to a wide range of hazardous chemicals across numerous consumer and industrial products, including: Perfluoroalkyl substances, including C9-C14 perfluorocarboxylic acids and undecafluorohexanoic acid (PFHxA) Phthalates Bisphenol A (BPA) Formaldehyde Lead Synthetic polymer microparticles (microplastics) Compliance requirements are aligned with European standards under Decision No. 456/2026, supporting the implementation of chemical restrictions in Moldova. The Ministry of the Environment has been authorized to develop and approve harmonized standards. Manufacturers, importers, retailers and other stakeholders placing regulated substances, mixtures and articles on the Moldovan market will be affected by Decision No. 456/2026, which comes into force on September 23, 2027. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 141.26 includes additional information on the substances restricted under Decision No. 456/2026 Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 141.26 for more details. SGS chemical testing SGS offers a comprehensive range of testing services to help manufacturers and suppliers ensure their products are safe and comply with national and international regulations concerning harmful chemicals. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS chemical testing services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Moldova Restricts Hazardous Chemicals in Products SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products IMPACT NOW IMPACT NOW for sustainability consolidates all SGS's sustainability offerings under four strategic pillars: climate, nature, ESG assurance and circularity. Through these pillars, SGS offers trusted compliance solutions that directly help businesses address the key environmental and social challenges impacting the planet. Find out more at www.sgs.com/impactnow .
Oil Hits $117 Before Falling Back to $113: Britain Must Act Now to Cut Pump Prices
Sat, Oct 31, 2026 15:27 EDT
FairFuelUK: While governments around the world cut fuel taxes and cap prices, the UK must wake up to the link between transport costs, inflation and growth With oil reportedly hitting $117 a barrel , FairFuelUK is demanding urgent Government action to cut pump prices and protect motorists, businesses and the wider economy. The International Energy Agency's 2026 crisis tracker shows 98 countries and regions have implemented consumer-support measures , including measures subsequently phased out. 62 have lowered energy taxes, 42 have increased direct support and 27 have introduced maximum fuel prices. [iea.org] The international response is substantial. Austria has cut petrol and diesel taxes and capped retailer margins; Germany has cut petrol and diesel tax; Ireland has extended fuel-excise cuts; Spain has extended VAT cuts on vehicle fuel and suspended hydrocarbon excise duty; and Poland has extended fuel-price caps alongside VAT and excise-duty cuts. [iea.org] Howard Cox, Founder of FairFuelUK, said: "Wake up, Treasury. Oil at $117 should be setting alarm bells ringing across Government. Countries around the world are cutting fuel taxes, subsidising fuel and capping prices, while British motorists and businesses continue to face punishing costs at the pumps." "Freezing Fuel Duty was vital, and FairFuelUK supporters fought hard to achieve it. But not increasing a tax is not the same as cutting the cost families and businesses are paying today." "The Treasury must grasp the simple economics. Fuel costs feed straight through the supply chain. Hauliers, farmers, tradespeople and small businesses either absorb those increases or pass them on through higher prices." "Lower transport costs can ease business cost pressures, leave families with more money to spend and help stimulate economic activity. Cutting Fuel Duty should therefore be seen not as a giveaway to drivers, but as an anti-inflation, pro-growth economic measure." FairFuelUK is calling for an emergency Fuel Duty cut , urgent action on the damaging cost of diesel and a PumpWatch system with genuine teeth to ensure motorists benefit quickly and transparently when wholesale costs fall. Howard Cox added: "Stop treating drivers as cash cows. Cutting the cost of moving people and goods reduces pressure throughout the economy. If the Government genuinely wants growth and lower inflation, start by getting Britain moving more cheaply." Notes to editors: Brent jumped $2.76 on Friday to $117.64, its highest close since late April, after a tanker attack in the Strait of Hormuz (Reuters via Euronext). It ended October up 13.6% . The 30-year Fuel Duty Graph Westminster Can't Ignore. For years, increasing Fuel Duty seemed almost inevitable. Then came 2011 and FairFuelUK. This graph is worth studying, because the change in direction is difficult to ignore. Unequivocal proof that FairFuelUK has helped UK drivers and the economy. https://howardcox.substack.com/p/the-fuel-duty-graph-westminster-cant
Humane Canada Calls for Safe Social Media Act to Address Animal Abuse Content
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 16:57 EDT
Humane Canada welcomes the advancement of the Safe Social Media Act to the Standing Committee on Canadian Heritage yesterday, but notes that while the bill does mention violent and extremist content, it fails to include specific provisions for animal harm. As Canada's voice for animal welfare, we have been advocating for improved animal protections as content involving animal torture and abuse posted online has substantially increased. Our experience has been that unless animal harm is explicitly included in legislation, it will be ignored. Animal abuse has emerged as a red flag in the online radicalization of Canadian youth, according to new research from Humane Canada. Our study , released earlier this year and believed to be the first of its kind in this country, demonstrates how violent online networks use animal cruelty to groom, desensitize, and manipulate young people. Experts interviewed for the report describe a troubling rise in online misogyny and extreme violence, with algorithms amplifying increasingly harmful content. Boys and young men are frequent targets, but the findings suggest that girls and young women are increasingly affected, both as victims and, in some cases, as participants. Canadian law does not specifically prohibit the possession or distribution of non-sexual animal cruelty images. A recent case illustrates the gap: in R v Mrozik, 2025 MBPC 54 , an offender was convicted of possessing child sexual abuse material, while investigators also recovered thousands of other images and videos, including depictions of animal cruelty. No charges were laid in relation to the animal cruelty images, despite animal cruelty itself being a Criminal Code offence. Bill C-16, the Protecting Victims Act, has addressed part of this gap with a new offence for representations of bestiality. However, broader concerns about the possession and distribution of animal torture and abuse images remain, leaving children and animals at risk. Humane Canada is calling for explicit protections against this content, which can be used to groom children and desensitize them to violence. "Protecting animals also protects people. This is an animal welfare issue as well as a child protection and public safety issue," said Kerri Thomson, who manages Humane Canada's Justice and Legislative Affairs program . "We hope that Canada's Safe Social Media Act can be amended to reflect that." Access the Report A summary of key findings of the report, Beyond Promising Practices : Examining Root Causes of Online Radicalization , is available now in English and French, with the full report accessible through Humane Canada's website. Quick Facts 80% of survey respondents reported that rhetoric from boys and young men has become more violent and aggressive over the past five years. (Humane Canada, 2026) 73% of respondents indicated that girls and young women are also exhibiting violent behaviour online, pointing to broader shifts in online interaction dynamics. (Humane Canada, 2026) Statistics Canada: Despite a 16% decrease from 2023 to 2024, the rate of online child sexual exploitation has risen by 347% since 2014 (Statistics Canada, 2026) Among adults who actively sought child sexual abuse material, 49% also encountered or searched for other harmful or illegal content , including animal cruelty, self-harm and suicide, death and murder, and gore. (Protect Children Finland & Ofcom, 2026) 39% of these respondents reported that online platform algorithms recommended harmful or sexual content they had not actively searched for , underscoring concerns about automated content distribution. (Protect Children Finland & Ofcom, 2026)
Under Armour Selects TACTICALGEAR.COM WHOLESALE as STRATEGIC Tactical Distribution Partner
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 13:00 EDT
Strategic Partnership Delivers Industry's Largest Selection of Under Armour Tactical Products to Military, Law Enforcement, Public Safety, and Government-Focused Resellers TACTICALGEAR.COM WHOLESALE (TGW) today announced a strategic distribution partnership with Under Armour Tactical, creating a dedicated channel resource for dealers and resellers serving military, law enforcement, first responder, public safety, and government customers. Through the partnership, TGW provides access to a broad assortment of Under Armour Tactical products and programs designed to support operational professionals. Under Armour selected TGW to support wholesale distribution of its tactical product category, strengthening product availability and service for tactical dealers and resellers. The partnership, which began in January 2026, represents a significant milestone for TGW and gives dealers access to a comprehensive assortment of Under Armour Tactical footwear, apparel, outerwear, and mission-specific products. Beyond Under Armour Tactical, TGW offers complementary product categories, delivering a complete sourcing solution that enables reseller partners to meet diverse customer needs through a single distribution relationship. TGW supports a wide range of channel partners, including uniform stores, tactical and outdoor retailers, law enforcement and public safety dealers, cop shops, sporting goods retailers, custom apparel and branding providers, and government and agency procurement suppliers. TGW also provides resources and product access that help partners pursue agency, contract, and government business opportunities. With continued momentum through 2026 and into 2027, TGW and Under Armour remain focused on expanding product availability, enhancing dealer support, and delivering industry-leading access to Under Armour Tactical products across the wholesale channel. Interested in learning more or becoming a dealer? Visit TacticalGear.com/Wholesale to request to speak with a member of our team.
El Mito De Que Las Parejas Felices No Son Infieles
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 06:51 EDT
Los datos de Gleeden - la plataforma líder en encuentros extramatrimoniales, pensada por y para mujeres - confirman que no toda infidelidad es consecuencia de una crisis de pareja. La sexóloga de Gleeden, Eva Moreno, explica por qué una aventura extraconyugal no siempre es síntoma de una relación deteriorada y cómo el deseo, la búsqueda de una identidad propia y la necesidad de novedad pueden influir en estas experiencias. ¿Es necesario que una pareja atraviese una crisis para que uno de sus miembros tenga una relación extramatrimonial? ¿Puede alguien sentirse feliz con su pareja y, al mismo tiempo, experimentar deseo por otra persona? Aunque tradicionalmente la infidelidad se ha interpretado como una señal de que algo no funciona en la relación, la realidad de los vínculos humanos es mucho más compleja. Los datos de Gleeden - la plataforma líder en encuentros extramatrimoniales, pensada por y para mujeres, con más de 15 millones de usuari@s en todo el mundo y 1,2 millones en España - son reveladores: un 55% de sus usuari@s se encuentra en una situación de pareja estable y considera que su relación es feliz y que, de hecho, mantener relaciones paralelas le ayuda a conservar su relación de pareja. En cuanto a la población española, según el Centro de Investigaciones Sociológicas (CIS), en 2008 ya existía un 21% de personas que consideraba que una pareja puede funcionar bien y ser feliz, aunque uno de sus miembros mantenga una aventura extraconyugal. En 2023 volvió a abordar el tema y concluyó que el 41,4 % de españoles está de acuerdo o muy de acuerdo con que los miembros de una pareja pueden acordar mantener relaciones sexuales con otras personas sin establecer un vínculo sentimental. Como queda claro, la infidelidad no siempre es el termómetro de una relación: siempre habla más de lo que le pasa a la persona infiel que de lo que ocurre en la relación en la que se encuentra esa persona. "La insatisfacción, la soledad dentro de la pareja o una sexualidad que ha perdido intensidad pueden favorecer una aventura, pero no explican - ni mucho menos - todos los casos, ya que en un elevado número de éstos se debe más a una crisis personal del/a infiel.", afirma Sílvia Rúbies, responsable de comunicación de Gleeden en España. "A veces buscamos una explicación sencilla para una conducta compleja. Si alguien ha sido infiel, tendemos a pensar que ya no quería a su pareja o que la relación estaba mal. Pero en muchos casos lo que hay es una búsqueda de novedad, de reconocimiento, de emoción o de una parte de uno mismo que siente que ha perdido con los años", explica Eva Moreno, sexóloga de Gleeden, La diferencia entre amor y deseo En las relaciones de larga duración, el amor y el deseo pueden evolucionar de maneras diferentes: la convivencia, las responsabilidades, el trabajo, la crianza y la rutina tienden a consolidar la seguridad y la intimidad, pero también modifican la forma en que cada persona se percibe a sí misma. En ese contexto, una aventura puede representar algo más que una experiencia sexual, ya que puede proporcionar una sensación de vitalidad, novedad o libertad, o permitir que alguien vuelva a sentirse deseado, admirado o conectado con una faceta de su identidad que creía olvidada. «Amor y deseo no son exactamente lo mismo. Puedes querer profundamente a una persona, admirarla y sentirte bien a su lado, y experimentar al mismo tiempo atracción por alguien más. El amor suele encontrar seguridad en la estabilidad, mientras que el deseo se alimenta más de la novedad y la sorpresa. En ocasiones, lo que una persona busca fuera de su relación no es necesariamente sustituir a su pareja, sino recuperar una sensación de sí misma que echa de menos», concluye la sexóloga de Gleeden.
Two gift ideas that don't need anyone's measurements
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 06:42 EDT
Made-to-measure clothing is one of the most personal gifts there is, and one of the hardest to give. Anyone thinking of giving a suit or a blazer rarely knows the recipient's measurements, and can hardly ask for them. Hockerty and Sumissura , the online platforms for made-to-measure menswear and womenswear, solve this in two ways: with shoes, which need no body measurements, and with a gift card, which lets the recipient design the garment and give their measurements only once the present has been opened. Shoes: ordered by shoe size At Hockerty from UK 2 to 15, with a choice of width; at Sumissura from UK 1 to 10. Leather, colour and details can be designed in the online designer before the pair is given, and every pair is only made once it has been ordered. The gift card: design, measure, wear Whoever receives it chooses the fabric, cut and details such as lapels, collars and buttons. An AI predicts the measurements from a few details and builds a digital body profile from them. If something doesn't fit as expected, the cost of alterations is covered. Under the tree in time Delivery within 21 days, shoes in two weeks. The gift card comes by email or as a printable card and is valid for one year. READY TO GIVE: SHOES Design them yourself, the shoe size is all you need. For him - Hockerty Brown leather trainers Black-tie shoes Black velvet slippers Tweed brogue boots For her - Sumissura Wingtip Oxfords Velvet Derbys Horsebit loafers Chelsea boots WITH THE GIFT CARD The recipient chooses the design and gives the measurements. For him - Hockerty Under £100 Burgundy piqué polo Corduroy chinos Under £250 Stain-resistant white shirt Red jacket Over £300 Brown overcoat Velvet suit Hockerty gift card For her - Sumissura Under £100 Black lace blouse Orange blouse Under £250 Red velvet waistcoat Burgundy midi dress Over £300 Double-breasted suit Camel coat Sumissura gift card DOWNLOAD HIGH RESOLUTION IMAGES
Tokenisation platform Assetize secures JFSC registration for its Jersey trust company
Fri, Oct 30, 2026 05:23 EDT
Assetize Financial Services (Jersey) Limited is believed to be the first Jersey trust company business established specifically to administer tokenisation structures St Helier, Jersey, 30th October. Assetize Financial Services (Jersey) Limited, part of the Assetize group, has been registered by the Jersey Financial Services Commission (JFSC) to carry on trust company business. The new company will provide capital markets administration to tokenisation structures, including tokenised real world assets, managed strategies and tokenised interests in existing funds. It will provide the corporate and trustee services that tokenised issuers in Jersey need, from formation and directors through to day-to-day administration. Assetize offers issuance as a service: pre-established issuance structures, regulated administration, pre-wired banking, trading and custody rails and the technology to issue and manage tokenised products, with both permissioned and permissionless options. With a regulated administrator now in the group, Assetize can now offer sponsors, asset managers and asset owners the issuance structure, the administration and the technology in one relationship. Assetize has over USD 300 million of assets issued and serviced on its platform as at October 2026. Jersey has become a home for tokenised issuance by major market participants. It is now the leading issuer domicile for tokenised equities, with 27.4% of the global market by value (US$651.4 million as at 5 September 2026), according to RWA.xyz data published by Jersey Finance. Backed Assets (JE) Limited, the Jersey issuer of xStocks tokenised equities, was acquired by Kraken in December 2025, and Robinhood now issues its Stock Tokens through Robinhood Assets (Jersey) Limited. The JFSC's guidance on the tokenisation of real world assets requires Jersey issuers to be administered by a JFSC-regulated trust company business. "Jersey has given tokenisation a clear regulatory framework, and firms such as Kraken and Robinhood have chosen it for their tokenised issuers," said Andrew Horbury, Founder of Assetize. "With a regulated administration business now part of the Assetize group, our clients get the issuance structure, the regulated administration and the technology in one relationship, under a regulator institutional investors already know across both TradFi and digital assets. We expect to bring a number of new tokenised products to market through Jersey over the coming year." "Institutional investors want tokenised products that sit inside a legal and regulatory framework they already recognise," said Rory Forrest, General Counsel of Assetize. "Jersey requires every issuer of tokenised real world assets to be administered by a regulated trust company and to obtain JFSC consent to issue, which gives investors real comfort. Having a regulated administration business within the group means the structures we bring to market meet that standard from day one." About Assetize Assetize provides issuance as a service for tokenised capital markets. It gives sponsors, asset managers and asset owners pre-established issuance structures in leading international finance centres, regulated administration and the technology to bring institutional grade tokenised products to market across asset classes and chains. assetize.xyz
Tucson Federal Credit Union Returns as Kids & Family Zone Presenting Sponsor and Official Credit Union of the 2026 Tucson Greek Festival
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 16:58 EDT
Elevated partnership brings TFCU deeper into the heart of Tucson's beloved Hellenic celebration - and adds a new community giving campaign Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) today announced its return as a presenting-level partner of the Tucson Greek Festival, this year serving as the Kids & Family Zone Presenting Sponsor and the festival's Official Credit Union. The Tucson Greek Festival, produced by the Southern Arizona Hellenic Association, is scheduled for Friday, November 6, 2026, 3:00-10:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m., in Jácome Plaza. Building on its 2025 debut as an Olympus Level Community Sponsor, TFCU deepens its commitment to this culturally rich Tucson tradition with an elevated sponsorship that places the credit union at the center of one of the festival's most family-oriented experiences. As Kids & Family Zone Presenting Sponsor, TFCU will receive prominent visibility at the zone's activation entry and will host a dedicated on-site presence designed to engage attendees of all ages through brand awareness and community connection. Beyond the festival floor, TFCU's sponsorship will help power a first-of-its-kind fundraising campaign - a Partner Raffle Ticket Sales Program running in the weeks before and during the event - with proceeds designated to purchase musical instruments for a TFCU-selected Tucson-area high school. The campaign is projected to generate between $3,000 and $5,000 for the instrument donation, with TFCU playing a key role in selecting the beneficiary school and supporting any related publicity. "There is nothing quite like the Tucson Greek Festival, and it remains one of my absolute favorite local events to experience," started Krystal Adams, TFCU COO. "TFCU's passion for Southern Arizona runs deep, and we are thrilled to elevate our partnership this year. From creating a dedicated, fun space for families to placing musical instruments into the hands of local students, we are proud to stand with the Hellenic community in making a lasting, positive impact right here in Tucson." The Tucson Greek Festival has been a cornerstone of Southern Arizona cultural life for decades, rooted in the community surrounding St. Demetrios Greek Orthodox Church and drawing on the estimated 25,000 Arizonans of Greek ancestry who call this region home. The festival showcases authentic Hellenic food, music, dance, and traditions, and with the addition of a dedicated Kids & Family Zone, the 2026 edition is designed to welcome the youngest generation of festival-goers with experiences built just for them. Event Details What: Tucson Greek Festival When: Friday, November 6, 2026, 3:00-10:00 p.m.; Saturday, November 7, 2026, 11:00 a.m.-10:00 p.m. Where: Jácome Plaza, 101 N. Stone Avenue, Tucson, AZ 8570 1 Tickets: General Admission and VIP available at https://www.eventbrite.com/e/tucson-greek-fest-tickets-1990368907983
Tucson Federal Credit Union Wins Two 2026 GoWest Awards, Including First-Ever Storytelling With Purpose Award
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 16:45 EDT
Proudly Tucson campaign earns inaugural storytelling honor; Tucson Welcome Home homeownership partnership recognized for Cooperation in Action Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) has been named a winner in two categories at the 2026 GoWest Awards, presented October 9 at the GoWest Awards Dinner and Gala during the MAXX convention in Denver. TFCU received the first-ever Storytelling With Purpose Award for its Proudly Tucson campaign and shares the Cooperation in Action Award with four fellow Tucson-area credit unions for Tucson Welcome Home, a joint homeownership program. The GoWest Awards recognize credit unions and leaders across Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Oregon, Washington and Wyoming. This year's awards drew a record number of nominations and were presented in nine categories. "Being named the first-ever recipient of GoWest's Storytelling With Purpose Award is an incredible honor because Proudly Tucson is rooted in the authentic stories of our members, our neighbors, and the community we're proud to serve. To also be recognized for Tucson Welcome Home through the Cooperation in Action Award makes this especially meaningful. That second win reflects what's possible when credit unions choose to collaborate, bringing our collective strengths together to help more Tucson families achieve homeownership and strengthen the community we all share." said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. Storytelling With Purpose: Proudly Tucson Proudly Tucson was built around a simple idea: people should not have to choose between sophisticated financial services and a financial partner that is deeply rooted in their own community. Rather than leading with products and rates, the campaign told the story of TFCU's nearly 90 years in Southern Arizona, from its founding in 1937 by local educators as Tucson Teachers Federal Credit Union to its role today as a neighbor, advocate and community partner. The campaign reached members, prospective members, business and civic leaders and the broader community through television, digital and social media, community sponsorships, business media and thought leadership, sharing real stories of member support, community investment and local partnerships. Cooperation in Action: Tucson Welcome Home Tucson Welcome Home brings together five Tucson-area credit unions to address housing affordability, one of Southern Arizona's most pressing challenges. TFCU, Pima Federal Credit Union and Vantage West Credit Union serve as mortgage lenders, while Hughes Federal Credit Union and Pyramid Federal Credit Union provide referrals and community outreach. A GoWest Foundation grant supports the program's loan-loss reserves. The program offers: 100% financing with no private mortgage insurance No origination or application fees Free pre-approval and rate locks Competitive fixed rates According to GoWest, Tucson Welcome Home has received 432 applications since launch, funded 93 loans totaling more than $26 million and issued 70 pre-approvals, with 79 additional loans pending. Both winning initiatives will be featured in the weeks ahead through GoWest's On The Go news channel. TFCU's winner video is available on YouTube at https://youtu.be/FtMxKhefBME
Adept Armor Launches BulletFoam™ Torso Pad, First Armor Made from Its New Ballistic Foam
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 13:00 EDT
231-gram panel stops 9mm and fragments, works alone or behind a rifle plate, and floats more than three times its own weight. Adept Armor , developer of next-generation armor materials and plates, today announced the BulletFoam™ Torso Pad, a 231-gram (0.51-pound) ballistic panel that stops handgun rounds and fragments. The 10-by-12-inch panel is the first product made from BulletFoam, a molded ballistic fiber-foam composite that stops projectiles through depth rather than dense layers of fiber. The Torso Pad is built as one panel with several jobs. It can be worn alone as lightweight armor, worn as blunt-impact padding, placed behind a rifle plate instead of a trauma pad, used to stage a plate carrier, carried in a bag, or worn on and near water for added buoyancy. "A soldier already wears knee pads, elbow pads and a helmet liner, and almost none of it stops anything," said Jake Ganor, founder and CEO of Adept Armor. "BulletFoam is light enough to change that. The Torso Pad is the first step: armor that weighs what padding weighs. The next step is making the padding they already wear into armor." Element U.S. Space & Defense in Belcamp, Maryland, tested the Torso Pad on July 8, 2026. A single panel stopped a 9mm 124-grain full metal jacket round at 1,330 feet per second and again at 1,430 feet per second on the same panel. As a free-standing panel, it recorded a 17-grain fragment-simulating projectile V50 of 1,385 feet per second (422 meters per second) under MIL-STD-662F. That protection comes in a panel 10 by 12 inches and half an inch thick that weighs less than Apple's flagship iPhone: at 231 grams, the Torso Pad is lighter than an iPhone 18 Pro Max (249 grams). Its low density has to be felt to be believed. The Torso Pad is not rifle-rated. For rifle threats, Adept Armor suggests a hard plate with the Torso Pad behind it. The panel has been independently tested but is not an NIJ-listed model. Six Ways to Use It: Standalone Armor - In a plate carrier or concealable carrier, the panel provides handgun and fragment protection light enough to wear all day for low-profile, light-duty, and long-duration work. Blunt Trauma Protection - The semi-rigid panel spreads and absorbs blunt impacts from batons, thrown objects, kicks, and falls, for riot control, corrections, mounted and equestrian work, and other high-contact duty. Behind a Rifle Plate - It replaces the non-ballistic trauma pad with a second layer of armor that manages backface loading, improves fit, and adds its own handgun and fragment protection. Carrier Staging Insert - Panels keep the carrier shaped, seated on the body, and protective. Rifle plates drop in when the threat level rises, with no re-rigging. On and Near Water - Each panel provides about 0.8 kilograms (1.8 pounds) of net positive buoyancy in fresh water to offset heavy kit. It complements a life jacket but does not replace one. Outside the Carrier - As a backpack, laptop sleeve, jacket, or travel-kit insert, it carries protection where armor is normally left behind. "Most armor does one job. This panel does six. Wear it alone, behind a rifle plate, or as padding on a riot line or in the saddle. Keep it in your carrier until you need plates, or slip it into a bag. And it floats. All at 231 grams," said Ganor. Conventional soft armor compresses fiber into dense laminated layers. BulletFoam holds aramid and UHMWPE fiber inside a proprietary closed-cell foam structure at roughly one-quarter the density of water. It slows a projectile through the thickness of the panel rather than stopping it at a single plane. The semi-rigid material holds its shape, spreads impact over a wider area, tolerates repeated hits, and floats. Adept filed a patent application for BulletFoam in August 2026. Knee, elbow, and helmet pads made from the material are planned to follow the Torso Pad. Adept BulletFoam Torso Pad Specifications: Weight: 231 g (0.51 lb.) per panel Size: 10 × 12 in; 13 mm (0.51 in) thick; multi-curved Areal Density: 2.99 kg/m² (0.61 lb./ft²) Handgun: 9mm 124-gr FMJ stopped at 1,330 ft/s and again at 1,430 ft/s on the same panel (Element U.S. Space & Defense, July 2026) Fragmentation: 17-grain FSP V50 of 1,385 ft/s (422 m/s), MIL-STD-662F, free-standing panel Blunt Trauma: Semi-rigid foam spreads and absorbs blunt impacts (strikes, thrown objects, kicks, falls); suited to riot-control, corrections, and mounted duty Independent Lab: Element U.S. Space & Defense, Belcamp, Maryland, USA; tested July 8, 2026 Buoyancy: About 0.8 kg (1.8 lb.) net positive buoyancy per panel in fresh water Rifle Rating: None. For rifle threats, pair with a hard rifle plate. Certification: Independently tested; not an NIJ-listed model. Price: $179 single - $299 two-panel set - $549 four-panel set Warranty: Seven years Availability: Available now at ade.pt For more information on Adept Armor, visit its website or follow along on Instagram or YouTube .
Businesses Are Automating Content Before Research, and They May Have AI Backwards
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 10:48 EDT
Emails, social media posts, product descriptions and reports are among the tasks businesses are handing over to generative AI. The technology can produce a first draft in seconds, making it an obvious place to start for teams looking to save time. ResearchCollab Technologies, an AI consultancy that helps organisations adopt and govern AI systems, thinks there is a case for looking at other uses first - and that much of the value lies in information businesses have already collected. Businesses collect customer feedback in all sorts of places. There are reviews, survey answers, messages to support teams and notes in CRM systems. Add industry reports and information on competitors, and there is a lot to get through. Much of it ends up in shared drives or inboxes, and rarely gets looked at as a whole. Going through everything by hand takes time. A team could spend days reading responses and reports before finding anything useful. In practice, some of that work never gets done. AI can help with the reading. It can group similar comments together, find complaints that appear repeatedly in support records, track competitors' prices and pull relevant details out of long reports. Someone still needs to check the results, particularly when a decision depends on getting the details right. The same applies to content. A business can use AI to write more emails, posts and reports, but that won't help much if it hasn't taken the time to understand its customers or what its competitors are doing. If the underlying research has not been examined, AI can simply help it make the same mistakes at a greater speed. Imran Chughtai, Founder and CEO of ResearchCollab Technologies, said, "Content is the visible part of AI, so that is where most businesses begin. But a model that writes beautifully from a shaky understanding of your market is just producing confident noise at scale. The smarter starting point is research. Use AI to read what you already hold, surface what your customers are really telling you, and check it against the source. Once that's in place, the content gets better almost by default." AI summaries can miss things. Two reports might reach different conclusions, for example, and a summary that glosses over the disagreement could leave a business with the wrong impression. There is also the question of checking the information. Without a record of the original source, it becomes much harder to establish whether a finding is accurate. ResearchCollab Technologies uses AI to extract information and compare findings across sources. People review the results and check them against the original material, so the reasoning behind an insight can be traced back to the evidence. Businesses should start with the research they already have: customer surveys, support records and industry reports are obvious places to look. Then, the next step is to pick a question the business needs answered and see whether AI can help find the answer. There is no need to automate everything at once: one useful result gives the company a basis for deciding what to try next. For more information, visit researchcollabtech.com .
Navigate Medical Device Compliance and Global Market Access with SGS at MEDICA 2026
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 09:22 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, will be exhibiting at MEDICA 2026 in Düsseldorf, Germany, where attendees can explore solutions that address the evolving regulatory and technical requirements shaping today's healthcare sector. As regulatory expectations evolve and product technologies become increasingly sophisticated, manufacturers face growing pressure to bring safe, compliant and high-quality products to market more efficiently. From connected and AI-enabled medical devices to diagnostics, implants, wound care products and personal protective equipment (PPE), organizations require trusted support to navigate complex requirements, manage risk and maintain product confidence. Attendees can visit booths G56, Hall 10, and D80, Hall 3, to learn how SGS supports manufacturers throughout the product lifecycle with regulatory and market access services, testing and verification, cybersecurity and software assurance, quality system and compliance assessments, validation services and technical training. SGS experts will be available to discuss practical approaches to overcoming compliance challenges, accelerating market access and supporting product quality and performance. Backed by a global network of specialists, laboratories and technical experts, SGS helps medical device manufacturers address evolving market demands while demonstrating compliance with applicable requirements. Visitors will have the opportunity to explore solutions designed to streamline product development, strengthen product confidence and support efficient market access. MEDICA 2026 takes place November 16-19, 2026. Discover more about SGS at MEDICA 2026 and book a meeting .
With Black Friday One Month Away Manual Handling Expert Highlights The Need for Pre-Emptive Maintenance Checks
Thu, Oct 29, 2026 05:29 EDT
Black Friday lands on 27 November, five weeks from now, leaving little time for retailers and warehouses to adapt to increasingly selective shoppers grappling with the higher cost of living, Pallet Truck Shop has warned. KPMG's latest retail figures with the British Retail Consortium showed total sales up just 1.3% in September, with online non-food sales up 0.7%. Even so, 38.3% of non-food purchases are now made online, up from 37.9% a year earlier - and the BRC says households are cautious ahead of expected rises in bills and taxes. Pallet Truck Shop's view is that selective shoppers make for spikier trading. People watching their spending tend to hold off until there's a reason to buy, and Black Friday is the biggest reason of the year. For smaller online retailers, that can mean a quiet stretch followed by a surge, with no real way of knowing how big until it lands. Once an order's placed, it still must be picked, packed and out of the door quickly, which puts the pressure on the warehouse floor rather than the website. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said, "Spare capacity is the thing people forget. A fleet that copes fine on a normal Tuesday has nothing in hand when volumes double. If you've got four electric pallet trucks , stackers or table trucks and one's off the floor with a fault, that's a quarter of your capacity gone in the busiest week of the year - and you can't just borrow one. "Charging is the other one. If every truck comes off charge at the same time, they all go flat at the same time. A simple rota, who charges what and when, so there are always a few ready, costs nothing and saves an awful lot of faffing about. Check the maker's guidance for your battery type, though, because they don't all like the same treatment. "And think about who's using the trucks, too. If extra hands are coming in for the week, they'll be sharing the same ones, and a spare or two stops people queueing for the one that works. With just one month to go until the festive shopping season moves into high gear, I'd urge all businesses to prioritise maintenance checks and ensure their vital material handling equipment is in good working order." To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk .