Beignet Fest debuts new culinary storytelling experience, 'The Porch'
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 13:52 EDT
Beignet Fest returns Saturday, Nov. 7 and will debut a new signature experience for festgoers called The Porch. Presented by Blue Runner, The Porch will serve as a gathering place where local chefs and food personalities will share the stories, traditions and people behind Louisiana's celebrated culinary culture - all set against the backdrop of a welcoming front porch motif. Celebrity chef, Kevin Belton, will host intimate, guided conversations on The Porch. Confirmed guests include Chef Nick Cook of Brigtsen's Restaurant and Robbie Harrison of Loretta's Authentic Pralines. Additional guests will be announced as the lineup comes together. "We created Beignet Fest to celebrate the legacy of the iconic beignet from its roots as an 18th-century sweet treat brought to New Orleans by the French to the creative dishes and new interpretations we see today." said Sherwood Collins, co-founder and executive director Beignet Fest. "It felt natural to create an experience that allows us to share stories like this about other traditions in our community." For presenting sponsor Blue Runner, the experience is a natural extension of a brand with deep roots in Louisiana food culture. "Food has a way of bringing people together, and so do great stories," said Katie Bautsch, president of Blue Runner Foods. "Blue Runner has been part of Louisiana kitchens and traditions for generations, and we're proud to help create a place where people can gather, connect and celebrate the food culture we all share." Beignet Fest is Saturday, Nov. 7 at New Orleans City Park's Festival Grounds. It's the ninth annual celebration of beignets, food, music and community. The Porch is part of Beignet Fest's continued evolution as a signature New Orleans festival while supporting the mission of the Beignet Fest Foundation. Founded in 2016, the Beignet Fest Foundation was created to increase awareness and support for children on the autism spectrum. To date, Beignet Fest has raised more than $3 million to support education and enrichment programs serving children with autism and their families. For more information about The Porch and to purchase discounted early bird tickets through Oct. 3, visit beignetfest.com . The 2026 Beignet Fest menu will be announced Oct. 5. ### *Editor's Note: For Beignet Fest images, click here .
THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Returns Across England for Christmas 2026
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 07:01 EDT
Families across England can climb aboard THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride this Christmas as the acclaimed immersive experience returns to five destinations for 2026: Tunbridge Wells in Kent, Buckfastleigh in Devon, Wensleydale in North Yorkshire, Birmingham Moor Street Station and London Euston. Tickets are now on sale for departures running from 7 November to 30 December, depending on location. From heritage railways in the South East, South West and North Yorkshire to landmark city-centre stations in Birmingham and London, each production offers families a local gateway into the much-loved Christmas story. The five experiences share the same combination of cinematic storytelling, live theatrical performance and festive hospitality, while drawing on the character of their individual settings. PNP Events, together with its partner railways and venues, Rail Events Inc. and Warner Bros., will once again bring the story to life at destinations across England. The 2026 productions continue PNP Events' collaboration with theatre director Pip Minnithorpe, who has worked as an associate or resident director on productions including Mamma Mia!, Wicked, The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe, Spamalot and Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. With five destinations across England, families can choose an experience close to home or make it the focus of a festive weekend away. Whether departing from Kent, Devon, North Yorkshire, the West Midlands or London, every guest can enjoy the same signature journey inspired by Chris Van Allsburg's book and the 2004 film. From pyjamas on the platform to the first chime of a silver sleigh bell, the approximately one-hour theatrical journey transforms a train ride into a family Christmas adventure. Many guests embrace the occasion in matching festive sleepwear, adding to the atmosphere before the train has even departed. On board, performers bring the story's characters to life as the conductor punches golden tickets, dancing chefs serve hot chocolate and a cookie, and passengers read along with the original tale on their journey towards the North Pole. Guests can watch out for their favourite characters from the film before Santa and his elf assistant make their way through the carriages to present every passenger with a silver sleigh bell - the cherished first gift of Christmas. Each guest also receives a souvenir golden ticket to take home. 2026 Dates and Locations South East - Spa Valley Railway, Tunbridge Wells, Kent: departures from 7 November to 30 December 2026. www.spavalleythepolarexpressride.com South West - South Devon Railway, Buckfastleigh, Devon: departures from 27 November to 23 December 2026. www.southdevonrailwaythepolarexpressride.com North - Wensleydale Railway, North Yorkshire: departures from 13 November to 23 December 2026. www.yorkshiredalesthepolarexpressride.com West Midlands - Birmingham Moor Street Station: 2026 departures from 22 November to 23 December 2026. www.birminghamthepolarexpressride.com London - London Euston: departures from 5 December to 23 December 2026. www.londonthepolarexpressride.com Popular departures sold quickly last year, so families are encouraged to book early through the website for their chosen location. Ticket prices vary by destination, date and departure time. Across all its events, PNP Events will again support the Cairngorm Reindeer Herd, with 5p from each biodegradable carrier bag sold at on-site shops helping to maintain Britain's only free-ranging herd of reindeer in the Cairngorm mountains. Media Contacts: Caroline Edmunds at Pennington PR: 01892 616647 or 07775 943305, caroline@penningtonpr.com Mark Haynes | Emily Woodcock | PNP Events LTD: 01952 946 053 | marketing@pnpevents.co.uk Notes to Editors About THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride Official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides are licensed by Rail Events Inc. on behalf of Warner Bros. Consumer Products, Inc. Since 2007, Rail Events Inc. has held the exclusive licence to operate THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Rides in the US, Canada, United Kingdom, and Australia. About THE POLAR EXPRESS Book THE POLAR EXPRESS film is based on Chris Van Allsburg's award-winning Christmas picture book, telling the tale of a young boy's extraordinary journey to the North Pole aboard a magical train. First published in 1985 by the Houghton Mifflin Company, the book has become a holiday staple and has sold over 12 million copies worldwide. It won the prestigious Caldecott Medal for Illustration in 1986. About Warner Bros. Consumer Products Warner Bros. Consumer Products (WBCP), part of Warner Bros. Entertainment, brings the Studio's iconic brands to life through licensing and merchandising. Working with top-tier licensees globally, WBCP offers a wide range of toys, apparel, home décor, and publishing inspired by properties such as DC, Wizarding World, Looney Tunes, and Hanna-Barbera. The division also oversees immersive themed experiences such as The Wizarding World of Harry Potter and Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi. WBCP continues to lead in global licensing and entertainment experiences for fans worldwide. About Rail Events Inc. Rail Events Inc. is the industry leader in rail-based themed events. In 2024, its licensed experiences drew over 1.5 million guests at 54 partner railways in the US, UK, Canada, and Australia. Rail Events Inc. and its production arm, Rail Events Productions, are wholly owned by American Heritage Railways - the premier heritage rail operator in the United States. About PNP Events Ltd Headquartered in Telford, Shropshire, PNP Events Ltd specialises in immersive, licensed events. Since 2019, the company has staged official THE POLAR EXPRESS™ Train Ride experiences across the UK. PNP Events also produces Indie Explosion, Hail, Hail, Rock & Roll Show, and Wonderglow - Light Experience, based on the classic Alice in Wonderland tale. Credentialed press and influencers are invited to apply for preview tickets by emailing: marketing@pnpevents.co.uk Photographs available THE POLAR EXPRESS and all related characters and elements © & ™ Warner Bros. Entertainment Inc. Based on THE POLAR EXPRESS book and characters © & ™ 1985 by Chris Van Allsburg. Used by permission of Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
SGS Highlights Gibraltar's New Chemicals Regulations
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 04:30 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 122.26, highlighting Gibraltar's Chemicals Regulations 2026 (LN. 2026/183). Published on July 13, 2026, the Chemicals Regulations 2026 establish a framework for the management of chemical substances, whether supplied on their own, in mixtures or in articles. The Regulation was made under the powers granted by the Treaty on Gibraltar and the European Union Act 2026 (Act No 2026-11). The Regulation incorporates provisions from two key EU regulations into Gibraltar's domestic law: Regulation (EC) No 1907/2006 Registration, Evaluation, Authorization and Restriction of Chemicals (REACH) and Regulation (EC) No 1272/2008 Classification, Labeling and Packaging of Substances and Mixtures (CLP Regulation). The Chemicals Regulations 2026 affect stakeholders across the consumer products supply chain, including manufacturers, importers, retailers and other intermediaries operating in Gibraltar, and became effective on July 15, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 122.26 includes a useful table outlining key provisions of the new law. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 122.26 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 Gibraltar Issues New Legislation for Chemicals Management 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
Intellian & Network Innovations Sign Strategic Deal for Multi-Orbit WGS Military Terminals
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 04:23 EDT
Intellian Technologies Inc ., a global provider of advanced satellite communications technologies and mission-critical connectivity solutions, and Network Innovations , a global technology systems integrator focused on government, military and enterprise sectors, today announced a strategic partnership to jointly develop and distribute next-generation tactical ground Wideband Global SATCOM (WGS) flyaway terminals for military and government customers. Developed with insights from Network Innovations' 20+ years of real-world operational experience in supporting military and WGS customers in some of the most demanding missions, the new flyaway terminal platform is designed to be the world's first to support simultaneous Mil-X, Mil Ka-band and Commercial Ka and Ku-band connectivity, with electronic switching across an extended range of Ka-band frequencies. Purpose-built for operations utilizing the WGS constellation, the system is engineered to deliver secure, resilient, high-capacity communications for expeditionary forces and other mission-critical deployments. The deployable systems can be operational in as little as 30 minutes and have been designed from the outset for multi-band and multi-orbit operations across LEO, MEO, GEO, and HEO constellations. The platform is also being designed for interoperability with leading and emerging satellite networks, as well as sovereign NGSO constellations. Built for demanding operational environments, the flyaway terminals are being engineered to achieve full WGS certification and compliance with key MIL-SPEC requirements. Intellian also plans to introduce non-WGS commercial variants of the platform, extending the technology to a broader range of government, enterprise, and critical communications applications. "Developing our first tactical ground WGS flyaway platform represents an important expansion of Intellian's military and government portfolio," said Eric Sung, CEO of Intellian. "By combining simultaneous X-band and Military Ka-band capability, access to wider commercial Ka frequencies, and multi-orbit connectivity in a rapidly deployable architecture, we are addressing the increasingly complex communications requirements of modern defense operations. Our goal is to give operators greater flexibility, resilience, and assured connectivity wherever their missions take them." Derek Dawson, CEO of Network Innovations, added, "Network Innovations and Intellian have worked together successfully for many years, and this multi-year agreement represents a significant expansion of our strategic relationship. By combining Intellian's advanced terminal technology with Network Innovations' deep experience serving military and government customers worldwide, we can accelerate the introduction of this new capability. This next generation solution supports not only WGS satellites, but also the combination of all existing and new LEO/MEO satellites, which is increasingly important to our customers and their missions." The partnership combines Intellian's expertise in advanced satellite terminal technology, multi-orbit connectivity, RF systems, and ruggedized communications platforms with Network Innovations' established military and government market presence, systems integration capabilities, and global distribution network.
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SGS publishes SafeGuardS on revised ISO toy element testing standard
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 04:16 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 123.26, highlighting the International Organization for Standardization (ISO)'s publication of ISO 8124-5:2026, 'Safety of Toys - Part 5: Determination of total concentration of certain elements in toys'. This second edition of the standard updates the test methods used to determine the total concentration of eight elements in toys - antimony, arsenic, barium, cadmium, chromium, lead, mercury and selenium. It cancels and replaces the 2015 edition and has applied since August 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders across the toy supply chain informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 123.26 includes details of the changes introduced in this edition, including revised digestion methods, updated detection limits and a new EDXRF screening method for plastic toys. The standard may also be used to support migration testing decisions under ISO 8124-3 and equivalent standards such as EN 71-3 and ASTM F963. Stakeholders are encouraged to read SafeGuardS 123.26 for more details. SGS Toy & Juvenile Product Services SGS offers a wide range of services to ensure that products comply with relevant standards for childcare articles and children's equipment. They provide consulting, training, product development, testing, audit and inspection services to ensure that products comply with strict regulations worldwide, demonstrating the safety and quality of juvenile products being brought to the market. After all, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's Toy & Juvenile Product Services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full ISO Updates Standard for Measuring Certain Elements in Toys SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information contact: Dr. HingWo Tsang Global Information and Innovation Manager Tel: +852 2774 7420 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Former Primary School Teacher Starts New Chapter with Toddler Sense Bridgend
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 04:15 EDT
After ten years working with children, Carys Daniel thought she knew what direction her career was heading in. As is often the case, maternity leave changed her mind. The former primary school teacher has just taken up the mantel as the new class leader for Toddler Sense Bridgend, swapping the school day for a very different kind of work with young children and their families. Before joining Toddler Sense, Carys worked as a camp counsellor, teaching assistant and, most recently, a primary school teacher. But after returning to work following maternity leave, she realised teaching was no longer where she wanted to be. The answer came from an unlikely place: an email. Carys had previously taken her little boy to Baby Sensory classes and had been disappointed when their time there came to an end. When she later received an email about the opportunity to run Toddler Sense in Bridgend, the timing felt right. "I loved taking my little boy to Baby Sensory, and I really missed it when we finished," said Carys. "At the same time, I had come to the point where I knew I didn't want to continue teaching. When I saw the Toddler Sense opportunity, I started looking into it and it just felt like the right move. "I've spent so many years working with children, so I knew I still wanted that to be part of my life. What I liked about this was the chance to work with families in a completely different way." Toddler Sense is aimed at children aged from around 13 months to five years. The programme combines movement, play and sensory activities, with sessions built around routines and activities developed through years of research and development. For Carys, that structure was one of the things that stood out. "There is a lot of thought behind the classes," she said. "Everything has been developed for a reason, from the routines to the activities themselves. But, from a child's point of view, they're simply coming somewhere to play, have fun and try new things." Carys now hopes to build Toddler Sense Bridgend into somewhere families feel comfortable from the moment they arrive. "I want parents to feel at ease and children to have the freedom to explore, socialise and enjoy themselves," she added. "Those early years go so quickly, and I think having somewhere you can go together, meet other people and make memories along the way really matters." For more information, please visit www.toddlersense.com/bridgend .
E-commerce Warehouses Urged to Plan Ahead of 2027 Zero-hours Contract Restrictions
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 04:02 EDT
New restrictions on zero-hours contracts, due to take effect under the Employment Rights Act during 2027, are expected to push many e-commerce and fulfilment businesses towards more structured, predictable staffing models. Pallet Truck Shop says that while the changes are still some way off, businesses that currently lean heavily on flexible or casual warehouse staff would be wise to start planning now - including thinking about the equipment those changing teams will be using. The reforms will give workers greater rights around guaranteed hours and reasonable notice of shifts, moving many businesses away from the highly flexible staffing patterns that have become common in fast-growing online retail. For fulfilment operations that scale staffing up and down heavily around seasonal peaks, this represents a genuine change in how warehouse teams are likely to be built and managed in the coming years. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said, "A lot of e-commerce businesses have built their whole staffing model around flexibility, bringing people in when volumes are high and scaling back when they're not. These changes don't remove that need, but they do mean businesses will need to think more carefully about how they achieve it. "One knock-on effect that doesn't get talked about much is what this means for equipment. If you're moving towards a smaller, more stable core team rather than a constantly rotating pool of casual staff, that's a good opportunity to invest properly in equipment those staff will use regularly, rather than defaulting to whatever's cheapest or easiest to hand to someone on their first shift. A more settled team can be trained properly on equipment, and equipment can be chosen with their long-term comfort and efficiency in mind, rather than just being simple enough for someone to pick up for a single busy weekend. That's a meaningful change in how businesses should be thinking about their pallet trucks , stackers , table trucks . "While 2027 feels a way off, but workforce changes like this take time to plan properly," Chesworth added. "Businesses that start thinking now about what a more stable team actually needs, including the equipment they'll be using day in, day out, will be in a much stronger position when the changes land." To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk .
Turnstone Estates and Diocese of Ely Partner on £200m Cambridge Fringe Development
Wed, Sep 16, 2026 03:53 EDT
Plans could deliver up to 646,000 sq ft of employment space on 43-acre Milton Park site Cambridge, 16 th September 2026 : Independent property developer and investor Turnstone Estates has entered into a Promotion and Option Agreement with the Ely Diocesan Board of Finance (EDBF) to bring forward planning proposals for a major mixed employment scheme on a 43-acre site at Milton Park, on the northern fringe of Cambridge. Turnstone will act as EDBF's land promotion partner, seeking planning permission for a first phase of around 350,000 sq ft of employment floorspace. The scheme is intended to address a shortage of suitable space for businesses in sectors including advanced manufacturing, mid-tech, trade counters and final-mile distribution. Milton Park could also provide new premises for established Cambridge businesses currently occupying sites identified for residential redevelopment - including those in the trade counter and motor trade sectors - helping to release constrained sites in and around the city for new housing while retaining businesses and employment in the Cambridge area. The benefits of this approach are already demonstrated at Milton Park, where the construction of the new South Cambridgeshire Police Station has enabled the release of the constabulary's former site in central Cambridge for residential redevelopment. Located on the western side of the A10, within half a mile of Junction 33 of the A14, Milton Park is well connected to Cambridge and the wider region. The site benefits from the existing 800-space Milton Park & Ride, with buses running every 10 minutes into Cambridge city centre. The proposed Cambridge to Waterbeach Busway would also include a stop at Butt Lane, further strengthening the site's sustainable transport connections. A potential second phase could provide a further 296,000 sq ft of employment floorspace if the existing Park & Ride is eventually considered surplus following the proposed opening of a new facility at Waterbeach in 2031. Tim Deacon, Director, Turnstone Estates , said: "Cambridge has a shortage of suitable space for a range of businesses that are important to the local economy, while some established occupiers are also facing pressure to relocate as existing employment sites are identified for housing. Milton Park offers an opportunity to address both challenges, providing modern, well-connected employment space while helping to release other sites for much-needed homes. "We believe this represents a sustainable approach to Cambridge's continued growth and can help support the wider objectives of the Local Plan. With strong existing transport connections and limited requirement for major new infrastructure, the site also has the potential, subject to planning, to be delivered relatively quickly." The Diocese of Ely added: "The Diocese owns a parcel of land in this area and has long been keen for it to be used for the benefit of the people of Cambridge. Many years ago, the County Council took part of the site on lease and built the Park & Ride on it. More recently, the Police & Crime Commissioner asked to buy a further part of the site for the new police station, which is due to open shortly. And currently, an operator is building an electric vehicle charging station on another part of the site, which will be well-placed to charge EVs using the A10 and the Park & Ride. The agreement with Turnstone Estates is a natural follow-on from this activity and will, we hope, create high-quality commercial space and jobs for the benefit of the people of Cambridge." Carter Jonas and Mills & Reeve acted for EDBF. Howes Percival acted for Turnstone Estates. ENDS
Tucson Federal Credit Union Presents Rock the Old Pueblo: Battle of the Bands, a Halloween Showcase for Tucson's Next Generation of Musicians
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 13:37 EDT
Student bands get visibility and more from Tucson radio and the regional music scene. Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) today announced Rock the Old Pueblo: Battle of the Bands, presented by Tucson Federal Credit Union, a new music competition for Tucson-area musicians ages 12 to 25. The event will take place Saturday, October 31, 2026, from 11:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m. at La Rosa in Tucson, with doors opening at 10:00 a.m. Ten acts will take the stage in front of a live, all-ages audience and a panel of judges drawn from Tucson radio and the regional music scene. The competition runs in two rounds: every act opens with a cover song, and the finalists return to perform an original. Judges score songwriting, performance, and stagecraft, with audience energy factored into the mix. Winners compete for a prize package that includes eight hours of studio recording time at Solid Rock in Phoenix, guitars and gear from local partners, opening slot opportunities at larger regional shows, and judges' feedback and follow-up for every act. Funding for band, orchestra, and choir programs has been cut across Tucson's public schools, and TFCU created Rock the Old Pueblo to help close that gap. "At Tucson Federal Credit Union, we believe one of the best investments we can make is in the next generation. Rock the Old Pueblo is about creating opportunities for young people to express themselves through music, build confidence, and gain experiences that can positively shape their future. Rather than simply awarding a cash prize, we're providing opportunities that help these talented musicians develop their craft and create long lasting memories. Supporting youth and strengthening our community has always been part of who we are, and we're so proud to launch what we hope becomes an annual Tucson tradition that celebrates creativity, inspires young talent, and brings our community together," said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. TFCU intends for Rock the Old Pueblo to return each fall as an annual Tucson tradition, spotlighting young talent from across Southern Arizona. General admission is $15, available in advance online at Larosa.com. The show is all ages. Musicians interested in competing can submit an entry at: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdoofzHC1cAe2CgbQoK95z3AxfNcFnnNWF7o1gbDs2nk2JzPg/viewform. Day at a Glance 10:00 a.m. - Doors open 11:00 a.m. - Show starts, Round 1 cover sets 1:00 p.m. - Finalists announced, short break 1:30 p.m. - Finals, original songs 3:00 p.m. - Winners announced 4:00 p.m. - Wrap, out of La Rosa ### About Tucson Federal Credit Union Tucson Federal Credit Union exists to empower people and improve lives within the community. Their vision is to raise the level of prosperity for all generations and create thriving communities, and they fulfill this vision by creating opportunities through service, education, and access. For more information, please visit www.tucsonfcu.com.
IWI, Taran Tactical, Atlas Gunworks, and Charter Arms Among 20+ Manufacturers Connecting Websites to Local Gun Store Inventory
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 10:00 EDT
New technology routes manufacturers' marketing spend into foot traffic and sales for the 4,200+ dealers who stock their products. The firearms industry has a path-to-purchase problem no other retail category shares. Consumers research online, but a majority of sales finish in person at a licensed dealer, and until now, no complete bridge connected the two. Manufacturers spend millions driving shoppers to product pages, while most local dealers stocking those products never see the customers that marketing paid for. That is starting to change. More than 20 manufacturers, including IWI, Taran Tactical, Atlas Gunworks, and Charter Arms, have connected their websites to live dealer inventory, with five more brands set to launch in the next six weeks. When a shopper views a product on a participating brand's site, they now see exactly which local gun stores, big-box retailers, and online dealers have it in stock at that moment. The system lists local shops with the product on the shelf first, so customers can walk in and buy the same day instead of paying transfer fees and waiting on an FFL transfer. For dealers, the change is already showing up at the counter. Shops carrying participating brands report higher sales on those lines and a rise in first-time, walk-in customers who found them through a manufacturer's website. "We've seen 25 percent more sales on the brands that support us, and a big chunk of that is customers who had never bought from us before," said Bill M., owner of Nagel's Gun Shop. "Manufacturers and dealers should be partners, not adversaries." The scale behind the system comes from Gun Made's consumer platform . More than 1.5 million people a year use www.gunmade.com to find where firearms and outdoor products are available, searching nearly 1 million SKUs across more than 4,200 integrated stores, including Bass Pro Shops, Cabela's, Sportsman's Warehouse, and Academy Sports, as well as independent dealers and major online retailers, like Brownells, Midway USA, Optics Planet, Euro Optic, and Natchez. That figure does not count the shoppers searching directly on the manufacturer websites that use Gun Made's tools. The company's Product Locator, which Gun Made calls the first complete solution built specifically for the firearms industry to show live inventory from local dealers, big-box retailers, and online sellers in one place, updates every 15 minutes, installs with a few lines of code, and enforces minimum advertised price (MAP) rules automatically. "Almost every firearm sold in America goes through a local dealer, but the path from a manufacturer's website to that dealer's counter never existed. Manufacturers were spending millions on marketing products that customers couldn't figure out how to buy or see in person. At the same time, local gun stores, the backbone of this industry, watched everything move online," commented Brady Kirkpatrick, founder of Gun Made. "We built the bridge. Now that marketing spend supports the dealers stocking those products, and customers can see who has it nearby, walk in today, and get their hands on the product before they buy." Gun Made does not sell firearms, takes no listing fees, and sends every customer directly to the dealer. Dealers list for free, and the company positions itself as a partner to both sides of the counter rather than a competitor to anyone in the industry. Kirkpatrick continued, "We're not trying to compete with brands, dealers, or anyone else. We're trying to make the entire path to purchase work better for the whole industry, and that only happens if dealers sell more and manufacturers sell more at the same time." Manufacturers can learn more at https://www.gunmade.com/solutions/manufacturers/ . Dealers can list their inventory for free at https://www.gunmade.com/solutions/dealers/ .
Kinetic's New Report Reveals Structured Return-to-Work Programs Cut Workers' Compensation Costs by 60%
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 09:58 EDT
New study based on analysis of 800+ parcel delivery workers' compensation claims reveals how structured RTW programs reduce total costs by more than $11,500 per claim and yield zero indemnity payments in two-thirds of cases. Kinetic Insurance , a technology-driven workers' compensation managing general agent (MGA), today announced the publication of its new report, " The 2026 Return-to-Work Gap: What hundreds of parcel and last-mile delivery want to bring injured workers back. What's been missing is a way to do it. " The study demonstrates that structured return-to-work (RTW) programs can dramatically reduce workers' compensation expenses for employers while keeping injured frontline workers connected to their jobs. U.S. workplace injuries generate an estimated total cost of $181.4 billion annually, with $54.9 billion linked directly to lost wages and productivity. Return-to-work programs are the primary lever organizations use to mitigate wage-replacement costs, but too many employers still rely on manual processes and outmoded playbooks. Kinetic's report compares more than 600 closed workers' comp claims in which injured employees received modified-duty accommodations, against over 200 closed claims in which documented restrictions were not accommodated. Seven out of ten claims analyzed came from parcel and last-mile delivery employers, an industry that has historically struggled due to the physical demands of delivery roles and the lack of light-duty accommodations. Key Findings from the Report include: Two-Thirds of Duty-Accommodated Claims Close with Zero Indemnity: Over 65% of accommodated claims closed without a single dollar paid in wage-replacement benefits, compared to under 45% for unaccommodated claims. 60% Reduction in Total Claim Cost: Total incurred claim costs ran more than $11,500 lower per closed claim when accommodation was provided. Two-Thirds Lower Indemnity Expenses: Accommodated claims averaged approximately $5,750 less in indemnity payments per closed claim. Accelerating Tech-Guided Adoption: Return-to-work adoption among eligible policyholders grew from 55% in 2023 to over 75% in 2025, with growth centered around Kinetic's tech-guided Rapid Return-to-Work program. Identical Case Mix: Injury profiles were nearly identical between the accommodated and unaccommodated groups, with both groups dominated by strains and sprains, confirming that cost differences were driven by employee accommodation rather than by lower injury severity. Bridging the Frontline Infrastructure Gap "Historically, parcel and last-mile delivery businesses face a unique structural obstacle. When an employee is injured, there often isn't an obvious 'light-duty' task available for them, resulting in higher indemnity costs," said Adam Price, CEO of Kinetic Insurance. "Our report shows frontline employers see the same results as any other industry, and technology can help close the gap. In Kinetic's book, the share of employers accommodating injured workers grew from 55% to 75% between 2023 and 2025, and most of that growth sits in our proprietary, tech-guided Rapid Return-to-Work." "The data is unambiguous: accommodated claims cost about 60% less to close, and the difference holds across every year we've measured it," said Beth Kurina, FCAS, Chief Actuary at Kinetic Insurance. "But it's not just a cost story. It's a win-win: employees heal faster and stay engaged in their work, while employers retain valuable people and lower their workers' compensation costs." To request a copy of the report, visit https://kineticcomp.com/2026-return-to-work-gap .
NA-ROAD Announces the 2026 Women and Girls in Astronomy Program Cohort
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 09:16 EDT
Ten community-rooted projects across the North American region selected to receive 2026 Women and Girls in Astronomy Program mini-grants The Women and Girls in Astronomy Program (WGAP), led by Associated Universities, Inc. (AUI), under the North American Regional Office of Astronomy for Development (NA-ROAD), is proud to announce the selection of ten regional projects to receive funding through the 2026 cycle. WGAP inspires and empowers women, girls and underrepresented genders in astronomy by supporting innovative, community-rooted projects that foster participation and inclusion in the field. From a highly competitive pool of proposals submitted across the United States, Canada, Mexico, Greenland and the Caribbean, ten projects were selected to each receive a US$2,000 mini-grant. The program year will conclude in January 2027 at the 249th American Astronomical Society (AAS) meeting, where WGAP fellows will present their project outcomes and highlight their contributions to advancing opportunities for women, girls and underrepresented genders in astronomy across North America. Following the meeting, NA-ROAD will produce a comprehensive report documenting the projects, their results and the overall impact of the cohort. Funding for WGAP 2026 is made possible through the generous support of the Henry Luce Foundation's Women in STEM Program. The 2026 WGAP Cohort This year's fellows represent a rich cross-section of communities across North America, bringing astronomy to classrooms, cultural centers, and Indigenous and underserved communities. The 2026 projects are: 1. Masterman Stars Led by Richard Jacob Zimny, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA This grant will fund WISH (Women in STEM Haven) at Julia R. Masterman School to build a sustained astronomy pipeline for young women, combining a girl-focused outreach day with hands-on demonstrations. The goal is to help girls see themselves in astronomy careers through site visits, direct instruction and competition preparation for events like Science Olympiad, ultimately building lasting representation in STEM fields. 2. Aerospace Baby Project: Stars Across Cultures Led by Dedelolia Olungwe, Baltimore, Maryland, USA The Aerospace Baby Project: Stars Across Cultures brings hands-on astronomy education to underserved youth, especially girls of color ages 8-16, in a Maryland community space, blending core astronomy concepts with African sky knowledge and storytelling to make science feel culturally relevant and personal. The program aims to reach 30-50 participants, boost STEM confidence and interest among girls, and culminate in a family stargazing showcase that strengthens community ties to science. 3. Sun in Our City: Girls Leading Solar Science in Paterson Led by Carlos Miranda, Paterson, New Jersey, USA Sun in Our City partners the P-Tech Planetarium with the Paterson Girl Goals Summer Camp to engage 50 girls ages 5-14 in a "dome to sky" program combining immersive planetarium learning with hands-on solar observation, environmental investigation and solar engineering challenges at local sites. The program builds STEM confidence and leadership through creative storytelling and culminates in a community "Solar Saturday" event where students present their findings as visible, confident science communicators. 4. Star Sowers: Inspiring STEM Careers Led by Lizbeth Solís Gayosso, Tulancingo, Hidalgo, Mexico Growing out of the Universidad Autónoma del Estado de Hidalgo's (Autonomous University of the State of Hidalgo) itinerant astronomy group, "Sembradores de Estrellas," the Centro de Bachillerato Tecnológico Industrial y de Servicios (Center for Industrial and Services Technological Baccalaureate). Astronomy Club will train mostly female students in Tulancingo, Hidalgo, to lead their own outreach, delivering astronomical observations and STEM talks to underserved and rural schools while maintaining 75 percent women's participation. The project aims to expand its model across the region, incorporate accessibility programming for people with disabilities, and eventually scale to other Dirección General de Educación Tecnológica Industrial y de Servicios (General Directorate of Industrial and Technological High School Education) campuses nationwide. 5. Training Future Women Scientists: Astronomy Pathways for Gifted Girls Led by Rosa Martha Torres López, Guadalajara, Jalisco, Mexico This project builds a structured astronomy program for gifted girls at the Centro Educativo Para Altas Capacidades (CEPAC) in Guadalajara, addressing the gap where high-potential students show early scientific interest but lack sustained programming and mentorship to maintain STEM trajectories. Through hands-on telescope observations, data analysis and biweekly virtual sessions with professional astronomers and University of Guadalajara physics students, the program will strengthen participants' scientific identity and confidence while creating a replicable model for supporting gifted girls' sustained engagement in science. 6. Sketches of the Cosmos Led by Gabriela Garcia Arroyo, Cuernavaca/Tepoztlán, Morelos, Mexico Cosmos Urbano seeks to democratize astronomical knowledge among youth in Chimalhuacán, especially girls and young women, using urban art, graphic storytelling and characters rooted in local Indigenous identity to connect astronomy with community problem-solving. The project will culminate in tangible, publicly accessible outputs, including a fanzine, collage workshops and a community graffiti mural, designed to strengthen both scientific critical thinking and local cultural identity. 7. Science in Space Led by Alice Curtin, Montreal, Quebec, Canada Science in Space is a 10-week informal astronomy program for underrepresented-gender students ages 10-12 in under-resourced Montreal-area schools, combining hands-on activities, Minecraft-based design projects and mentorship from underrepresented-gender astrophysics graduate students to build scientific thinking and a strong sense of belonging in STEM. Since 2022, the program has run 15 iterations, reaching over 300 students across six schools, with roughly 50 percent returning for a second year. 8. Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy Youth Leadership Led by Thelma Akyea, Toronto, Ontario, Canada The Black Girls in Physics and Astronomy (BGPA) Youth Leadership Program expands a Toronto-based initiative for BIPOC women ages 14-29, using astronomy outreach, peer mentorship and leadership training to build science communication skills and address the severe underrepresentation of Black women in physics and astronomy. Through a two-phase model of leadership development and applied co-facilitation, culminating in youth-led community events, the program strengthens belonging, mentorship pathways and generational continuity among BGPA cohorts. 9. Sky Wonders: Astronomy for Indigenous Youth Led by Melissa Keats, Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador, Canada Women In Science and Engineering Newfoundland and Labrador (WISE NL) will bring an astronomy exhibit to the 2026 Indigenous Youth Gathering in Happy Valley-Goose Bay, adding curated, captioned astronomy image prints to a three-day program that already engages approximately 40 Indigenous high school students, primarily girls and gender-diverse youth, through hands-on STEM workshops and mentorship. The prints, selected by astronomy education expert Dr. Svetlana Barkanova, will be displayed during the gathering and then sent home with participants, extending the project's reach into their schools and communities. 10. Her Sky, Our Story: Mapping Jamaica Through Space Led by Shari Oliver, Kingston, Jamaica Her Sky, Our Story brings 40 girls ages 13-18 from rural and underserved Jamaican schools to University of the West Indies (UWI Mona) for a one-day program combining Stellarium-based sky mapping of Jamaican historical moments, satellite-based climate science and a team-based astronomy escape room to make space science feel personally and culturally relevant. Participant's "Sky Stories" will feed into two lasting outputs: a community textile installation and an interactive digital sky map extending the project's impact beyond the event. Reach Across the Region The selected projects span four countries across North America and the Caribbean, including: United States (3 projects): Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Baltimore, Maryland; and Paterson, New Jersey Mexico (3 projects): Tulancingo, Hidalgo; Guadalajara, Jalisco; and Cuernavaca/Tepoztlán, Morelos Canada (3 projects): Montreal, Quebec; Toronto, Ontario; and Happy Valley-Goose Bay, Labrador Jamaica (1 project): Kingston About AUI AUI is an independent, not-for-profit corporation founded in 1946 that builds, manages and operates large research and development (R&D) facilities for the federal government including the U.S. National Science Foundation's National Radio Astronomy Observatory (NRAO) facilities, the Center for American Supply Chain Resilience (CASCR) and the AUI Center for Advancing Therapeutics. AUI also develops and implements innovative approaches to education, outreach, and workforce development. About the Office of Astronomy for Development The Office of Astronomy for Development (OAD) is a joint initiative of the International Astronomical Union (IAU) and the South African National Research Foundation (NRF), supported by the Department of Science and Innovation (DSI). The OAD leverages astronomy, its skills, practitioners, and infrastructure as a tool for global development by mobilizing resources to realize astronomy's scientific, technological, and cultural benefits for society. The OAD coordinates with 11 Regional Offices and Language Centers worldwide, each advancing this vision within its own geographic, cultural, or language context. View past WGAP reports. For mor information about WGAP and their 2026 cohort, please visit: https://naroad.astro4dev.org/na-road-projects/women-and-girls-astronomy-program/
Robbins Dance & Performing Arts Expands Division; James Fayette Named VP of Business Development
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 09:00 EDT
Robbins Sports Surfaces today announced the expansion of Robbins Dance & Performing Arts as a dedicated division, reinforcing the company's longstanding commitment to dancers and performers with the same focus it has long delivered to professional athletes. Leading the charge is James Fayette, former New York City Ballet Principal Dancer, who joins as Vice President of Business Development. Robbins Dance & Performing Arts is a dedicated division of Robbins Sports Surfaces that engineers precision-engineered, biomechanically informed flooring for dancers and other performers. This expansion reflects a deeper investment in the dance and performing arts community, dedicated leadership, an expanded go-to-market strategy, and a sharpened focus on the biomechanics of dance specifically. Robbins has spent decades engineering flooring trusted by professional sports teams like the 2026 Champion New York Knicks, and Robbins Dance & Performing Arts brings that same rigor, research and craftsmanship to dancers-artists whose training and recovery increasingly mirror those of professional athletes. Leadership Driving the Division An accomplished dancer and business leader, Fayette began his performing career with the New York City Ballet, retiring as a principal dancer. He was then recruited by the American Guild of Musical Artists, the union representing professional dancers, where, in addition to improving overall employment conditions, he championed health and safety standards, including ensuring union dancers performed on quality, resilient "sprung" dance floors. Fayette's passion for dance continued through leadership roles as Associate Dean of Dance at the Colburn School and as Managing Director for the contemporary dance company L.A. Dance Project. "I have spent my entire life in service to dance, and I am excited to say that this next chapter will be the most impactful of my career. The dance floors at Robbins are marvels of design, informed by biomechanic study to support both artistry and athleticism unique to dancers. With expertise already earned protecting million-dollar pro athletes, Robbins is now bringing that same dedication to the well-being of performing artists at scale. I get to lead a team built to ensure the safest conditions for dance and performance at every school, studio, university and theater, for generations of artists to come," said Fayette. Biomechanics-Driven Floor Design As Vice President of Business Development, Fayette will manage the go-to-market strategy for Robbins Dance & Performing Arts: Precision-engineered, purpose-built floor systems for dance and performing arts Uniform surface that reduces ground-reaction force and harmful vibration Helps dancers perform longer, recover faster and move with more confidence Consistent surface that doesn't degrade and lasts for decades Sale, delivery and installation supported across the U.S. and Canada Trusted by Leading Dance & Performing Arts Organizations Robbins dance and performing arts floors already protect artists in hundreds of locations around the country, supporting a range of dance genres and disciplines, including ballet, contemporary, modern, tap, jazz, hip-hop, ballroom, dance team and cheer. The floors are installed in theaters, dance studios and K-12 schools, and are trusted by some of the most respected dance organizations in the country, including Jacob's Pillow (MA), Open Jar Studios (NY), Ballet West (UT), Alberta Ballet (AB) and Wonderbound Contemporary Ballet (CO). "James' history as a celebrated dancer and business leader, combined with his longstanding relationships and reputation for protecting dancers, made him the perfect person to lead this next chapter for Robbins. Paired with the award-winning innovation and design already behind our floors, this division and this new leadership will drive the continued growth of our work with the dance and performing arts community for years to come," said Todd Braun, President & CEO of Robbins Sports Surfaces. "We're excited for the experienced guidance James brings to Robbins, and together we are setting a new standard for dancer wellbeing." ###
Prairie Farms Dresses Fall Favorites in Playful New Cartons
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 08:55 EDT
Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup flavored milks arrive in new limited-edition quart packaging Prairie Farms' fall favorites are showing up in costume this year. Pumpkin Spice and Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup flavored milks will begin arriving at participating retailers in newly designed, limited-edition quart cartons in early September. Each colorful carton showcases its own illustrated Trick-or-Treat character. Pumpkin Spice features a cheerful jack-o'-lantern sipping a pumpkin-spice drink, while Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup is wrapped like a friendly mummy. Warm fall colors, festive scenes, and the Prairie Farms Holiday Collection banner tie the two designs together, making the limited-time flavors easy to spot in the dairy aisle. "The new cartons are every bit as fun as the flavors inside," said Ryan Murphy, vice president of marketing at Prairie Farms. "We wanted packaging that would capture the season's excitement and stand out in the dairy case. Pumpkin spice and chocolate peanut butter are flavors people look forward to, and these playful designs give shoppers another reason to pick them up while they're available." Inside the cartons, Pumpkin Spice Milk delivers the warm, familiar flavor of fall, while Chocolate Peanut Butter Cup Milk pairs rich chocolate with the unmistakable taste of peanut butter. Both can be enjoyed cold from the glass, paired with a favorite snack, or used to add a creamy twist to seasonal drinks and desserts. The seasonal flavored milks will begin arriving in stores in early September. Shoppers can look for the new quart cartons at their favorite retailers that carry Prairie Farms products. Both flavors will be available for a limited time while supplies last. Product selection and availability may vary by market and retailer. For more information visit PrairieFarms.com
You Asked. Hiland Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk Is Back
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 08:45 EDT
The fan favorite is in stores in early September Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk fans, this one is for you. After a few years away and many consumer requests, Hiland Dairy is bringing back the rich, creamy flavor combination fans have been missing. The limited-edition favorite began arriving at participating retailers in early September. Hiland produced Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk several years ago, but fans never forgot it and have kept asking for its return. Hiland heard them. Now, the wait is over. "You asked, and we listened," said Sarah Carey, Hiland Dairy's marketing manager. "We are thrilled to bring back Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk for fans who remember and love it, and for everyone who will try it for the first time. Just don't wait too long to get it, because it will be available for a limited time." Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk is best enjoyed cold from a glass, paired with a favorite snack, or used to add chocolate-peanut-butter flavor to milkshakes and desserts. The returning favorite will be joined by Halloween Egg Nog. These flavors will be available for a limited time while supplies last. Product selection and availability may vary by market and store location. These fan favorites are returning with a fresh look. Each seasonal flavor arrives in a new, colorful quart carton. Chocolate Peanut Butter Milk features chocolate-and-peanut-butter treats, while Halloween Egg Nog stands out in bright orange, with playful ghosts and bats. For more information about Hiland Dairy and its products, visit HilandDairy.com .
Acuity Trading launches Market Companion to bring market explanations and relevant analysis into broker platforms
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 08:01 EDT
Powered by MarketReader, this innovative new service connects explanations of market moves with Acuity analysis to support traders' own research. Acuity Trading, the AI-driven market intelligence provider for brokers, platforms and financial institutions, has announced the launch of Market Companion, a new service that brings together explanations of market movements and relevant analysis within the broker's own branded environment. Powered by MarketReader's market intelligence engine, Market Companion provides plain-language explanations of the likely drivers behind price movements. It draws on price action, news, macroeconomic data and cross-asset context to help traders assess market developments within their existing research workflow. Where a suitable match exists, Market Companion displays a relevant piece of Acuity analysis, such as an analyst rating or a live trade idea, alongside the explanation. The selection reflects the direction and context of the market move and the datasets included in the broker's subscription. Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity Trading and MarketReader; "Understanding a price move takes context. Market Companion brings together explanations of potential market drivers and relevant Acuity analysis, helping traders assess developments within the platform they already use. "For brokers, our focus is on making research more accessible and useful within their own branded experience. By connecting market explanations with relevant analysis, we aim to support traders' own research and judgement while reducing the need to move between separate information sources." Market Companion features The Global Market Update - a real-time feed that continuously tracks and highlights unusual market movements. Top Movers organised by sector or asset class, and a searchable All Insights feed. Traders can explore individual instruments through the Moves Explained feature and review available explanations of previous market activity. Its unique Price Move Strength metric compares a movement with the instrument's own one-year price history, providing context beyond percentage returns. The metric highlights how unusual a move is relative to that history. The multi-asset engine starts with observed price action and assesses potential drivers across multiple sources before generating an explanation. AI-generated content is labelled throughout the experience. Coverage includes US equities and a Popular CFDs universe, with available instruments determined by the selected configuration. Delivered as a stand alone service, via API or within the Acuity Research Terminal, Market Companion allows brokers to configure asset universes and watchlists, customise branding, and organise sections to suit their platform experience. The launch expands the Market Intelligence pillar of Acuity Intelligence and connects market explanations with relevant content from Acuity's broader Trade Intelligence and Event Intelligence capabilities. It is designed to help brokers and prop firms make research and market context more accessible within their own platforms. Brokers and prop firms can contact Acuity Trading to discuss Market Companion's availability, coverage and integration requirements or request a demonstration at acuitytrading.com/market-companion . About Acuity Trading Acuity Trading provides AI-driven market, event and trade intelligence for brokers, trading platforms and financial institutions. Combining AI, data and analyst expertise, its solutions deliver market context, sentiment, technical analysis, trade ideas and event intelligence within clients' existing workflows. For more information, visit acuitytrading.com . About the information provided Market Companion provides market information and analysis to support users' own research. Explanations identify potential drivers of market activity and may be incomplete or inaccurate. Analysis and trade ideas do not take account of an individual user's circumstances and do not constitute personal investment recommendations. Neither historical price movements nor the analysis provided guarantee future results. Trading involves risk, and users should not rely on this information in isolation when making investment decisions.
Personal Collection of Swinging Sixties Star Photographer Sam Haskins comes to Sloane Street Auctions on September 24
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 06:47 EDT
The iconic personal collection of one of the most celebrated photographers of the 1960s comes to auction at Sloane Street Auctions on September 24. Consigned by the son of Sam Haskins (1926-2009), it includes 78 original images from the three Swinging Sixties photobooks that made him famous: Five Girls (1962), Cowboy Kate & Other Stories (1964), and November Girl (1967). Born in South Africa, Haskins was a British photographer who made his name in the 1960s with this trilogy of figure photography books and played a key role in defining that decade despite working far from the world's style capitals in a commercial studio in Johannesburg. While other photographers worked with celebrity models, Haskins found inspiration among friends, family, colleagues and off the street. Model agencies didn't exist yet or set builders or make-up artists. As Norman Hall (Picture Editor at the Times ), explained in his forward to Cowboy Kate (1965), "Sam Haskins' studio came alive at night with his personal creative projects. It was a place where the smell of pine sawdust and paint constantly filled the air. He built his own sets, personally printed his work and in the case of November Girl crafted the make-up." Although he made his name in the 1960s, Haskins set off on his career in photography in the late 1940s, arriving in London to study the artform in 1949. "The post-war city (food rationing was still in place) represented an explosion of inspiration for him, enhanced by the contemporary visual and cultural excitement around the Festival of Britain," wrote Norman Hall. "He returned permanently in 1968 with his wife and their two sons opening a studio in Glebe Place, Chelsea, a studio which itself became part of the cultural landscape of the city through the 70s." Haskins did work with celebrity models at the end of his career, but he initially became famous for literally turning the girl next door into icons of their decade. He was a huge influence on the fashion world but deliberately kept the glossies at arm's length for most of his career. "As can be seen from the highlights on offer in this auction, the images he created helped shape the zeitgeist of both the Swinging Sixties and the early Hippy era that followed," said Sloane Street Auctions' owner Daniel Hunt. "We are very grateful to his son, Ludwig Haskins, for entrusting us with these works." "Wonderful works like this are often to be found in our auctions, especially since the demise of Christie's South Kensington, whose catalogues they might previously have graced," said Daniel Hunt. "We have been delighted to pick up the baton where they left off as the premier source of such lots, and it is also a happy coincidence that our auctioneer, Hugh Edmeades, was Christie's South Kensington's former chairman." Live online bidding is available via Sloane Street Auctions' website at www.sloanestreetauctions.com For further information contact info@lucasfieldmedia.com Tel 07968 952850 Images courtesy of Sloane Street Auctions Hat Cover image for Sam Haskins' 1962 book Five Girls. Printed c.1980 in double weight silver gelatin, from a limited edition of three. In excellent condition, with image measuring 15.3 x 11.4 in. Estimate £300-500. Stream Gill Staring Into Stream , from Five Girls (1962). Printed 1961, in double weight silver gelatin, the only known copy. Image measures 15 x 8in. Estimate £300-500. Curl Gill and Curl , from Five Girls (1962). Printed 1961, in double weight silver gelatin, the only known copy at this scale. Image measures 11.6 x 9.7in. Estimate £300-500. Notch Anna in Notch Set , from Five Girls (1962). Printed 1961, in single weight silver gelatin, the only known copy. Image measures 6.9 x 11.7in. Estimate £300-500. Vivi Vivi in the Long Grass , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed 1963 in single weight silver gelatin, one of only two copies. Image measures 14.6 x 11.4in. Estimate £300-500. Flowers Vivi Behind Flowers , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed 1963 in single weight silver gelatin, only known copy. Image measures 13.9 x 5.9in. Estimate £300-500. Kate Front cover image for Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed c.1980 in single weight silver gelatin, from an edition of six. Image measures 11.4 x 15.3in. Estimate £300-500. Holster Kate Gunbelt Standing Front Both Hands , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed c.1980 in double weight silver gelatin, from an edition of five. Image measures 11.4 x 15.3in. Estimate £300-500. Braid Cheating the Ace , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed c.1980 in double weight silver gelatin, from an edition of five. Image measures 15.7 x 11.5in. Estimate £300-500. Skip Kate Running - Single Bum , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed c.1963 in single weight silver gelatin, only known copy of this version. Image measures 15.1 x 5.9in. Estimate £300-500. Jail Kate in Jail with Three Windows , from Cowboy Kate (1964). Printed c.1963 in single weight silver gelatin, from an edition of four. Image measures 15.7 x 20.4in. Estimate £300-500. Pensive Pensive on the Beach , from November Girl (1967). Printed 1966 in single weight silver gelatin, from an edition of five. Image measures 14.5 x 11.7in. Estimate £300-500. Dream November Girl Flower Dream , from November Girl (1967). Printed 1966 in single weight silver gelatin, one of only two known copies. Image measures 15 x 12.1in. Estimate £300-500. Marsh November Girl Running Across Marsh , from November Girl (1967). Printed 1966 in single weight silver gelatin, one of three known copies. Image measures 15 x 12.1in. Estimate £300-500.
Recent HSE Prosecutions a Reminder That Load Stability and Equipment Maintenance Still Catch Businesses Out
Tue, Sep 15, 2026 06:25 EDT
The Health and Safety Executive has issued a run of prosecutions in recent weeks involving unstable stockpiles, workers becoming entangled in machinery, and equipment failing during operation. Midland Pallet Trucks says the pattern, while involving different businesses and circumstances, points to a familiar and largely preventable set of failures that Midlands manufacturers and warehouse operators should take seriously. None of these cases are unusual in isolation. Loads that haven't been stacked or secured correctly, machinery that isn't properly guarded, and equipment that's allowed to become unstable during use are among the most consistently cited causes of serious workplace injury. What links these incidents isn't a single big failure, but smaller, everyday gaps in maintenance and handling practice that build up over time until something goes wrong. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said, "You see prosecutions like these come through fairly regularly, and it's easy to read them as one-off failures at a particular site. In our experience, the underlying causes are usually much more common than that. A pallet stacked wrong, a piece of equipment that hasn't been checked in a while, a load that's heavier or more awkward than the kit handling it was really designed for. None of that looks dangerous day to day, right up until it is. This is exactly the kind of thing worth reviewing before it becomes a problem, not after. Checking that pallet trucks , stacker trucks and lift tables are properly maintained, correctly rated for the loads they're handling, and being used the way they're meant to be, is a straightforward thing to do - but it's often the first thing that slips when a site gets busy. Chesworth added, "Nobody sets out to cut corners on safety. It tends to happen gradually, through equipment not being replaced when it should be, or loads being handled in a way that's become normal without anyone really questioning it. Recent enforcement activity is a useful prompt to take a proper look, rather than assuming everything's fine because nothing's gone wrong yet." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Tucson Federal Credit Union Sponsors Little Heroes at Tucson Comic-Con
Mon, Sep 14, 2026 19:01 EDT
Tucson Federal Credit Union (TFCU) is the official Little Heroes Sponsor of Tucson Comic-Con, a special event that welcomes children and families facing serious illness for a morning of connection, comfort and fun. An hour before Tucson Comic-Con opens to the public on Saturday morning, families are welcomed into the convention and greeted by cosplayers from groups across the community. Children receive goodie bags, take part in photo opportunities and experience the convention in a way many otherwise would not be able to, given the illnesses they are fighting or living with. Kids and families joining Little Heroes come from Candlelighters, Ronald McDonald House, and a military family support program. "Tucson Federal Credit Union exists to empower people and improve lives right here in our community, and Little Heroes is one of the purest examples of that mission in action. For one morning, these kids get to be kids first, surrounded by joy instead of illness, and we're honored to help make that possible," said Matthew Gaspari, President and CEO of Tucson Federal Credit Union. Tucson Comic-Con takes place September 4 through 6, 2026, at the Tucson Convention Center. The Little Heroes event will start at 9am before general admission to Comic Con begins at 10am on Saturday, September 5.
Upgrades Transform Casino Del Sol Stadium In Time for Start of UA Football Season
Mon, Sep 14, 2026 14:21 EDT
Naming Rights Partnership Comes Fully Into View as New Exterior and Interior Branding Join Sound, Lighting and Seating Upgrades Ahead of September 5 Season Opener TUCSON, Ariz. - August 25, 2026 - Casino Del Sol, an enterprise of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe, and the University of Arizona celebrate the next phase of their historic 20-year naming rights partnership with upgrades to Casino Del Sol Stadium. New exterior and interior branding arrive alongside a broader set of game day upgrades, including a new sound system, upgraded stadium lighting, and expanded premium seating, all completed ahead of the Arizona Wildcats' home opener against Northern Arizona on September 5. Following the landmark agreement announced on November 17, 2025, valued at more than $60 million over 20 years, Arizona Athletics and Casino Del Sol have moved forward with a comprehensive signage and facility integration plan introducing the new stadium identity across the venue. As part of the agreement, Casino Del Sol holds Pillar Partner status with Arizona Athletics, including category exclusivity in casino, gaming, and resorts. "Seeing the Casino Del Sol name come to life at the stadium is a proud, visible representation of the Pascua Yaqui Tribe's commitment to education, opportunity, and the continued growth of Southern Arizona." said Amanda Sampson Lomayesva, Interim CEO of Casino Del Sol. Stadium-Wide Branding Updates Include - Exterior Stadium Signage: New Casino Del Sol Stadium lettering installed on exteriors and entrances of the venue. - Interior Facility Branding: Updated signage throughout the stadium, including concourse branding, fan-facing displays, and enhanced digital integrations. - Digital Assets: New Casino Del Sol Stadium branding across digital concourse boards, video boards, and other in-venue technology platforms. - Field Integration: Updated field-level branding elements, including transition of logo placements and other game-day visual assets. - Broadcast and Fan Experience Enhancements: New branding opportunities integrated into the stadium environment and national broadcast presentation. A Season-Ready Stadium Arizona Athletics finalized its game day enhancement plan following a fan survey and feasibility study conducted earlier in the year. The upgrades include a new state-of-the-art sound system, upgraded lighting designed to enhance the atmosphere during night games, and new premium seating options, including the "Cats Corner" tabletop section. Combined with the new stadium signage, the improvements give fans a fully refreshed Casino Del Sol Stadium experience for the season opener. Casino Del Sol Stadium - Quick Facts - Naming Rights Agreement: 20-year partnership between Casino Del Sol and the University of Arizona, announced November 17, 2025 - Deal Value: More than $60 million - Partnership Tier: Pillar Partner, with category exclusivity in casino, gaming, and resorts - 2026 Season Opener: September 5 vs. Northern Arizona, 6:30 p.m. MST - Season-Ready Upgrades: New exterior and interior stadium signage, new sound system, upgraded lighting, expanded premium seating About Arizona Athletics: The University of Arizona's Department of Athletics, a member of the National Collegiate Athletic Association (NCAA) and the Big 12 Conference, supports more than 500 student-athletes across 22 sports. The Wildcats have captured 24 team national championships and 199 individual national championships in their storied history. Arizona Athletics is dedicated to developing and graduating leaders in its mission to win championships and galvanize the community. For more information visit arizonawildcats.com.
