Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. Launch Mortgage Assistance Program Along the Beltline
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 13:26 EDT
New down payment assistance program offers up to $30,000 to help longtime residents and public servants buy homes in Beltline neighborhoods on the south and west side For generations, families in Beltline neighborhoods have watched the streets around them change while wondering if there would still be a place for them to call home. For the teachers, firefighters, and city employees who serve those same neighborhoods every day, homeownership nearby has often felt out of reach. Today, Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. are working to change that story with the launch of the Atlanta Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program, a new downpayment assistance program built to help legacy residents and public sector employees. Eligible long-term residents and public sector employees may receive up to $30,000 in assistance. Other qualified homebuyers may receive up to $20,000. Eligible homeowners may purchase homes within the Beltline Tax Allocation District (TAD) on the south and west sides of the city. Funds can be used for down payments, closing costs, permanent interest rate buydowns, principal reduction, or a combination of these expenses. "The Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program reflects the City's commitment to protecting housing affordability and legacy neighborhoods," said Mayor Andre Dickens, Board Chair at Invest Atlanta and Board Member at Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "By removing the financial barriers that so often prevent residents from remaining in their communities or hinder potential buyers from taking the first step toward purchasing a home, we can achieve community-centered development that includes putting the dream of homeownership within reach for more Atlantans." Funded through Atlanta Beltline, Inc.'s affordable housing budget and administered by Invest Atlanta on behalf of the Beltline, the program will operate alongside Invest Atlanta's existing downpayment assistance programs, giving homebuyers in neighborhoods adjacent to the Beltline with an additional resource tailored to the geography and affordability goals of the Beltline itself. "Homeownership is one of the most powerful tools we have for building generational wealth, and for too long, rising costs along the Beltline have pushed that opportunity further out of reach for the very residents and public servants who make these neighborhoods thrive," said Dr. Eloisa Klementich, president and CEO of Invest Atlanta. "Invest Atlanta has provided downpayment assistance to more than 650 homebuyers totaling more than $13 million." This program was built around a simple idea: the people who have lived in and served Beltline communities the longest should have a real chance to own a home there. The program is designed to: Empower long-time residents to remain in, or return to, Beltline communities Attract and retain civil servants - teachers, first responders, and other public employees - as local homeowners Promote affordability while helping families build wealth through homeownership Advance Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc.'s shared commitment to inclusive, community-centered development. "The Atlanta Beltline is for all Atlantans, and that's why we like to call it 'the People's Project,'" said Clyde Higgs, President & CEO of Atlanta Beltline, Inc. "Affordable housing has always been central to the Atlanta Beltline mission, and homeownership is one of the most meaningful ways families build stability and generational wealth. This program helps ensure that longtime residents and the public servants who serve these neighborhoods have a real opportunity to own a home and share in the Beltline's success." Eligible buyers can purchase single-family homes, townhomes, condos, or 2-4-unit properties using FHA, VA, or conventional 30-year fixed-rate loans. Key eligibility highlights include: Minimum credit score of 620 Maximum household income of 140% AMI (120% AMI for land trust transactions) Loans up to $400,000, with no maximum home purchase price A minimum homebuyer contribution of $1,500 toward the transaction Completion of a HUD-approved, 8-hour homebuyer education course through an Invest Atlanta participating provider, plus an Invest Atlanta Q&A session To date, the Beltline has reached 81% of its goal to create or preserve 5,600 affordable housing units by 2030, delivering 4,555 units within the TAD. Since 2018, the Beltline has more than doubled the number of completed affordable housing units along the corridor, with nearly three-fourths of these reserved for people earning 60% or less of the Area Median Income (AMI). While much of the Beltline's affordable housing work has focused on creating and preserving rental housing, the Mortgage Assistance Program expands that commitment by increasing access to affordable homeownership. The timing of the program also aligns with new homeownership opportunities planned along the corridor, including approximately 150 for-sale homes at 425 Chappell Road. Investing in land for long-term affordability has guided the Beltline to create equitable, inclusive and sustainable development that meets and exceeds the needs of Atlanta's residents and small businesses. To date, the Beltline has secured 94 acres of land to support the expansion of affordable housing and affordable commercial space along the corridor. The Beltline Mortgage Assistance Program reflects a broader vision shared by Invest Atlanta and Atlanta Beltline, Inc. that the transformation happening along the Beltline should create opportunity for the people who already call these neighborhoods home, not just for those who arrive after the change. Prospective home buyers interested in learning more about eligibility and how to apply can visit Homebuyer Programs & Downpayment Assistance . ###
Tasmanian Tiger®'s TT Breacher Pack Earns Silver Rating in NTOA's Member Tested and Recommended Program
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 10:42 EDT
Purpose-built breaching pack scores 4.26 out of 5 in real-world evaluations by law enforcement tactical teams. Tasmanian Tiger®, a tactical nylon line of products distributed exclusively for the US market by Proforce Equipment, Inc., announced today that its TT Breacher Pack has been tested and recommended by the National Tactical Officers Association (NTOA) Member Tested and Recommended Program (MTRP), earning an overall score of 4.26 out of 5, placing it in the program's Silver tier. The TT Breacher Pack was tested by four NTOA members, including tactical operators specializing in breaching and less-lethal roles, who evaluated the pack across categories including design, durability, storage, versatility, and ease of use. Testers carried the pack during live training and operational deployments, assessing its ability to organize and secure breaching tools such as bolt cutters, sledges, hooligan tools, and detonation components. "It exceeded our expectations and is a reliable, mission-ready option that we would confidently recommend for tactical breaching operations," said one tester, a police officer from Pennsylvania who evaluated the pack over nearly two months of SWAT team training and operations. "We have been looking for a solution for our explosive breachers to be able to comfortably carry pre-made charges during certain deployments, and this has been just what we were looking for." A tester from Louisiana who used the pack in both breacher and less-lethal roles noted its "excellent durability, comfortable carry system, [and] outstanding modularity." He continued, "Overall, I am very pleased with the TT Breacher Pack. It offers excellent durability, a comfortable carry system, outstanding modularity, and sufficient capacity for most breaching operations. I would confidently recommend this backpack to breachers or other tactical operators who are looking for a compact, durable, and highly adaptable pack capable of supporting the majority of breaching mission requirements." The tester from New York, who scored the pack 4.66 individually, called it "very well thought out, well-constructed" and suited to agencies needing a compact, dedicated tactical breaching solution. Built on Tasmanian Tiger's 700-denier CORDURA® construction (500-denier in Multicam), the TT Breacher Pack is purpose-built to carry breaching tools securely and access them fast. Two removable tool compartments organize and separate the gear, while an extendable design accommodates long bolt cutters. Removable padded shoulder straps, side compression straps, and internal mesh pockets round out a system designed to move with the operator, not against them. The TT Breacher Pack weighs 3.4 lbs./54 oz. and measures 23 x 10.75 x 7 in. / 58 x 27 x 18 cm. It is available in black, olive, and coyote for an MSRP of $359. Multicam is available at an MSRP of $439. "Tasmanian Tiger built the TT Breacher pack to solve a real problem tactical teams face: organizing and protecting mission-critical breaching tools under real operational stress. Having that validated by NTOA's testers means a great deal," said Richard Lewis, President and CEO of Proforce Equipment, Inc. The MTRP has evaluated more than 3,000 products in real-world conditions since 2003 and is widely regarded by law enforcement agencies as a key resource in tactical equipment purchasing decisions. Results are shared with the law enforcement community through The Tactical Edge magazine, NTOA's online database, its e-newsletters, and directly with manufacturers. Under NTOA's MTRP rating scale, products scoring 3.00-3.99 receive the standard MTRP logo, 4.00-4.49 receive the Silver logo, and 4.50-5.00 receive the Gold logo. Check out the new 2026 product line digital catalog here. Click to see the Tasmanian Tiger Full Product Line Vol. 5 digital catalog here. Find a local dealer here for any of the exciting Tasmanian Tiger products. Stay in the conversation by following us on Facebook , Twitter , and Instagram . All sales inquiries can be directed to tt@tasmaniantigerusa.com .
2026 Chambers High Net Worth Guide Recognizes Steptoe & Johnson and Attorneys
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 09:29 EDT
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC is proud to announce that the firm has been recognized in the 2026 Chambers High Net Worth (HNW) Guide in Private Wealth Law in West Virginia. Additionally, Michael Barill in West Virginia was individually ranked in the Private Wealth Law category, and Laura McConnell-Corbyn in Oklahoma was individually ranked in the Family/Matrimonial: High Net Worth category. The guide recognizes firms and attorneys that understand the complex needs of high-net-worth individuals and provide unparalleled service and advice. Barill advises clients on wealth preservation, minimizing tax exposure, and future planning with a focus on high-value business succession and estate planning. He is the leader of the firm's Private Client/Wealth Management Team and has been named to the High Net Worth Guide for five consecutive years. McConnell-Corbyn counsels high-net-worth individuals navigating complex legal challenges involving business ownership, asset protection, and family dynamics. Her practice includes advising on high-stakes divorce and property division matters, estate planning modifications, and prenuptial agreements, particularly for clients with closely held business interests or sophisticated tax considerations. The Chambers High Net Worth Guide provides rankings and recommendations based on its in-depth analysis conducted by its seasoned research team. To learn more about the Chambers High Net Worth Guide, visit its website .
Musculoskeletal Injuries: How the Right Equipment on the Warehouse Floor Can Cut the Risk
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 04:55 EDT
New figures from the Health and Safety Executive (HSE) show that work-related musculoskeletal disorders (MSDs) remain one of the most persistent and costly health issues facing UK workplaces, with an estimated 511,000 workers affected in 2024/25 and 7.1 million working days lost as a direct result. Pallet Truck Shop says the figures are a reminder that, in warehouses and distribution centres, much of that risk sits at floor level - in the everyday manual handling equipment staff use dozens of times a shift. The company says well-designed manual pallet trucks , stackers and lift tables remain one of the simplest and most cost-effective ways for businesses to reduce manual handling strain - without the cost or complexity of powered alternatives. Features such as ergonomic tiller handles, smooth-rolling wheels, adjustable lift heights and lower push-pull forces are designed specifically to reduce the physical load on operators carrying out repetitive lifting, lowering and moving tasks. "When people talk about warehouse safety, the conversation often jumps straight to automation or big capital projects. But for a huge number of businesses, the equipment that matters most day to day is much simpler than that - it's the pallet truck, the stacker, the lift table that staff are using constantly, often without a second thought. "A well-designed manual pallet truck with the right handle height and a smooth, low-effort action can make a real difference to the physical strain on someone doing that job repeatedly, all day, every day. It's important that the basic tools they rely on aren't working against them. "With HSE confirming musculoskeletal disorder prevention as an ongoing priority, this is a good moment for businesses to look again at whether the manual handling equipment on their floor is actually doing its job properly, or whether it's quietly adding to the strain." Manual handling equipment is often overlooked in wider health and safety reviews, despite being some of the most frequently used equipment in any warehouse. The company recommends regular equipment audits alongside staff training as part of a wider approach to reducing musculoskeletal injury risk. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
Cardiff Mum Who Found Support at Baby Sensory During Difficult Times Returns as Class Leader
Thu, Jul 23, 2026 04:44 EDT
Cardiff mum Sophie Milner didn't set out looking for a turning point. She was just trying to get through the week - and she found a lifeline. Her son, Leo, was a baby, her partner Aaron was recovering after major bowel surgery, and life at home in Cardiff had shrunk down to hospital visits, sleepless nights, and just trying to keep going amid a pandemic. Somewhere in the middle of all that, Sophie found Baby Sensory. Now, she's the one leading Baby Sensory Cardiff East and has just celebrated her 5th anniversary with the award-winning parent and baby classes. Back then, Sophie wasn't thinking about careers or business decisions. She was a parent on maternity leave, getting through lockdown like so many others, looking for something that felt normal again. The classes gave her that: the soothing routine of turning up each week and being somewhere that felt safe. Baby Sensory sessions are built for babies from birth to 13 months, using simple sensory experiences - light, sound, movement, textures - to support early development. Parents are guided through what each activity is doing, but for many, it's also the first time in the week they get to sit down with other adults who understand what life with a baby truly is like. Sophie said, "I remember sitting there thinking, this is the first time in days I've properly exhaled. It wasn't just about Leo enjoying it, although he really did. It was about me too, having somewhere to go where nothing was expected of me except turning up. "I think that's stayed with me more than anything. You realise quite quickly that everyone in the room is carrying something you can't see. So I've never liked the idea of parents feeling like they must be 'on' when they walk into a class. Some days are messy. Some days you've barely slept. That's fine." The opportunity to take over Baby Sensory Cardiff East came later, after Sophie had stepped back from her original plans to become a primary school teacher and started rethinking what work needed to look like alongside family life. It wasn't a polished, carefully planned decision - more a moment of recognition that this was something she already believed in. What she wants now is simple: that the classes feel like they did for her. Familiar faces. No pressure. A place to sit on the floor with one's baby and not feel out of place doing it, finding joy in watching babies develop in leaps and bounds. "And if parents leave feeling a little more connected than when they arrived," Sophie says, "that is enough." She recently received the Wow World Group community impact award in recognition of her work in the local community. In addition to running weekly classes, Sophie also arranges meet ups for parents, produces what's on guides for half terms and summer holidays and runs summer events promoting the local businesses of mums attending Baby Sensory classes. For more information, please visit www. babysensory.com/cardiff-east .
STUDY: TRUMP ADMINISTRATION TARIFFS RAISED COSTS ON MIDWEST HOUSEHOLDS BY AN AVERAGE OF $2,000 IN 2025
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 08:30 EDT
Data shows import taxes hit Midwest harder than nation, raising costs, shrinking the economy, reducing manufacturing employment, and disproportionately impacting low-income families La Grange, IL: Tariffs imposed by the Trump Administration in 2025 raised costs for the average Midwest household by more than $2,000, shrunk the economy by $18 billion, reduced the region's manufacturing employment by more than 41,000, and disproportionately impacted low-income households, according to a new study by the nonpartisan Midwest Economic Policy Institute (MEPI) and the Project for Middle Class Renewal (PMCR) at the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Read the Report, "Tariffs and the Midwest: Impacts on Households, Manufacturing, and Economies in Six States" In 2025, the Trump administration increased tariffs on imported goods and supply chains to their highest levels since the 1930s, causing some nations to respond with retaliatory measures against U.S. exports. While many of the Trump administration's 2025 levies were ruled unconstitutional by the U.S. Supreme Court in February 2026, they were replaced with a temporary 10% global tariff that expires this week. The administration has already begun announcing new tariff rates, including a new 50% levy on most Canadian goods. The report uses data from the U.S. Department of Labor, U.S. Department of Commerce, U.S. Census Bureau, U.S. Department of Agriculture, and Pew Charitable Trusts alongside tariff impact modeling from the Budget Lab at Yale University to quantify the effects on six Midwest States: Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Michigan, Minnesota, and Wisconsin. Household costs are based on each state's consumer spending, market for imports, and manufacturing industry composition, while economic impacts are scaled by each state's trade exposure and trend-adjusted manufacturing job losses capture both direct layoffs and jobs that would have existed without the tariffs. "Research consistently shows the costs of tariffs are passed along to consumers, and the Midwest has faced outsized exposure because consumer spending accounts for more than two-thirds of all economic activity and the region is responsible for about one-fifth of the nation's manufacturing and agricultural output," said ILEPI Economist and study coauthor Frank Manzo IV. "The data confirms that the trade war launched in 2025 has been a substantial headwind for the economy, with Midwest households faring far worse than the nation as a whole."
The Overlooked Green Upgrade: Why Electric Pallet Trucks Are Becoming Part of Freight Decarbonisation
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 03:52 EDT
The push to decarbonise freight is gathering pace, but Pallet Truck Shop says one area of the logistics chain is still being overlooked: the movement of goods once they reach the warehouse. As the transport sector explores lower-carbon alternatives, including Bio-LNG-powered haulage and expanded rail freight capacity, the UK's largest supplier of pallet and sack trucks believes the next stage of emissions reduction will come from improving the final steps of the supply chain - inside distribution centres, fulfilment hubs and storage facilities. Electric pallet trucks, stackers and table trucks are increasingly being considered as a practical upgrade for businesses looking to reduce reliance on fossil-fuel-powered equipment while maintaining productivity in busy warehouse environments. Unlike larger infrastructure projects, Pallet Truck Shop says switching to electric handling equipment can offer businesses a relatively straightforward way to make day-to-day operations more efficient. While the action around greener logistics has traditionally focused on transport fleets and delivery vehicles, the warehouse itself remains a critical part of the emissions picture. Every movement of goods, from unloading deliveries to transferring stock between storage areas and dispatch zones, contributes to the overall environmental footprint of the supply chain. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Truck Shop, said businesses are beginning to recognise that sustainability improvements do not only happen on the road. "The biggest changes in freight are understandably focused on vehicles, fuel and infrastructure, but there is another part of the journey that happens behind the warehouse doors," he explained. "Moving goods around a facility is a constant process, and the equipment used every day has an important role to play in creating more efficient and lower-impact operations. "Warehouses are becoming more sophisticated, but they still rely on practical equipment that operators can depend on. For many businesses, electric pallet trucks provide a balance between reducing physical effort, improving efficiency and supporting wider sustainability goals." As freight decarbonisation continues to shape the future of UK logistics, the warehouse floor will become an increasingly important focus for businesses seeking realistic, measurable sustainability improvements. To find out more about Pallet Truck Shop, visit: www.pallettruckshop.co.uk.
Acuity Trading Selected by Bullwaves to Support Market Intelligence Experience Across Its Trading Platform
Wed, Jul 22, 2026 02:00 EDT
Acuity Trading, the AI-driven market intelligence provider for brokers and trading platforms, has announced a separate partnership with Bullwaves, the multi-asset trading brand operated by Equitex Capital Limited. Under the agreement, Bullwaves will integrate the full Acuity Intelligence software suite to support the delivery of structured market, event and trade intelligence across its platform environment. The partnership is focused on technology integration, analytics and market intelligence. It will enable Bullwaves to provide clearer, more structured market context within its own digital trading experience, including access to Acuity's market intelligence, event intelligence and trade intelligence tools. Bullwaves describes its trading platform as offering access to multiple asset classes through mobile and desktop environments, including MetaTrader 5. Its website states that Bullwaves is a trading name of Equitex Capital Limited, authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority of Seychelles. The integration with Acuity Trading is designed to help Bullwaves bring more structured intelligence into its platform experience. Acuity's technology helps brokers deliver market context, sentiment, news intelligence, economic event data and trade ideas inside their platforms, with flexible deployment across web, MT4, MT5, cTrader, APIs and other environments. The announcement follows a significant period of product development for Acuity Trading. In April 2026, Acuity launched Pattern Recognition within AnalysisIQ, enabling brokers and trading platforms to present recognised chart patterns as market analysis. Acuity has also recently announced an investment in MarketReader, an AI-powered financial intelligence platform focused on real-time explanations of market movements. The investment reflects Acuity's continued expansion towards a broader, more connected intelligence ecosystem for financial institutions and trading platforms. Paolo Vullo,Head of Operations at Bullwaves Group: "Our focus is on giving users a more informed platform experience, where market information is easier to understand and more relevant to the decisions they are considering. Acuity Trading's intelligence suite gives us the ability to bring together market context, event data, sentiment and structured trade intelligence in a more integrated way. This partnership supports our commitment to improving the quality and clarity of the information available across the Bullwaves platform." Andrew Lane, CEO of Acuity Trading and MarketReader: "Brokers are increasingly looking for intelligence partners that can help them deliver more than disconnected news, charts or signals. They want structured, contextual information that sits inside the platform experience and helps users understand what is happening, why it matters and what to watch next. Bullwaves shares that view, and we are pleased to support the next stage of its intelligence-led platform development." The full Acuity Intelligence integration will allow Bullwaves to use Acuity's suite of tools across multiple user touchpoints, supporting market education, platform engagement and informed analysis. The software is designed to provide structured information and market context, while Bullwaves retains control over how content is presented and governed within its own environment. Acuity's intelligence tools combine AI-supported processing with analyst expertise and are designed to support user understanding rather than provide personalised investment advice. AnalysisIQ content and trade ideas are informational in nature and are not tailored to individual users. Acuity's own product materials state that outputs do not constitute investment advice or a recommendation to trade. ENDS
MTA Positions for Alaska Broadband Growth with BEAD Funding, Fiber Expansion, and New Leadership
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 16:59 EDT
Matanuska Telecom Association is entering a new phase of broadband growth, backed by a $108 million BEAD award, continued fiber expansion across the Mat-Su, and new leadership under CEO Demian Voiles. The timing is significant for one of Alaska's fastest-growing regions. In 2025, MTA upgraded 4,000 locations , deployed 153 miles of fiber , improved capacity for more than 31,000 connections , and secured federal funding to bring fiber broadband to more than 10,000 homes and businesses across its service area. "Building out a fiber network to every single home in our network is the end game," said Demian Voiles, Chief Executive Officer of MTA. "The Mat-Su is growing quickly, and connectivity has to grow with it." For Voiles, the work is about making sure local infrastructure keeps pace with demand from households, businesses, schools, emergency services, and a changing regional economy. The BEAD award gives MTA a way to accelerate that buildout while strengthening the long-term broadband foundation for Alaska communities. Service performance is part of that story. In 2025, MTA resolved 93.66% of residential tickets and 88.5% of business tickets within a day. The cooperative also handled more than 57,000 inbound calls with average wait times of about 10 seconds . Those calls are supported by MTA's local, 24-hour support center based in Palmer , a service model rooted in the same communities the network serves. MTA's investment extends beyond the network itself. Through the MTA Foundation and community sponsorships, more than $300,000 went back into local communities in 2025, including nearly $95,000 in scholarships for 32 local students and more than $100,000 in grants to 10 organizations across six impact areas. The Youth Technology Tour added another workforce-focused piece, bringing more than 120 students inside MTA to explore careers in engineering, IT, marketing, construction, finance, and other technology-related fields. MTA also received recognition in 2025 for community outreach, cybersecurity, health and safety, customer experience, and support for Guard and Reserve members. "We are ready to stand up and take a bigger role in telecom in the state of Alaska," Voiles said. Next, MTA plans to keep moving fiber deeper into the Mat-Su, build the partnerships needed for large-scale deployment, and invest in the people and systems that will support Alaska's broadband future.
Louisiana Children's Museum invites families to become Planet Protectors
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 15:12 EDT
Louisiana Children's Museum (LCM), in partnership with Cox Communications, invites families to celebrate the power of play and environmental stewardship during Planet Protectors taking place Saturday, Aug. 1 from 9:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Museum in New Orleans City Park. Some of the best lessons in conservation begin when children see everyday materials in a whole new way. Presented by Cox Communications, the family-friendly event invites children and their caregivers to explore sustainability through play. Through interactive exhibits, creative challenges and a community electronics recycling drive, families will learn practical ways to reduce waste, conserve natural resources and care for the environment. "Children are naturally curious about the world around them, and Planet Protectors allows them to turn that curiosity into action," said Tifferney White, CEO of LCM. "By engaging families in playful, hands-on experiences, we're helping children understand that even small choices can make a meaningful impact on the health of our communities and our planet." Throughout the Museum, families can participate in interactive experiences designed to make environmental learning fun, including: Building and designing a sustainable cardboard city Creating artwork using recycled materials Exploring rainwater conservation through Water Harvesting Heroes Crushing and recycling aluminum cans at the Can Crushing Station Digging into gardening activities during Plant and Play Sorting recyclables through a sensory activity designed for children ages 0-3 Enjoying conservation-themed Eco-Story Time Celebrating the day at the Planet Play Wiggle Party As part of the event, LCM and Cox Communications will also host a free electronics recycling drive, open to the entire community. Museum admission is not required to participate in the recycling drive, making it easy for anyone to dispose of unwanted small electronics. Community members may drop off: Desktop and laptop computers Mobile phones Modems and routers TV and stereo remotes Small electronic toys and games Computer accessories, including keyboards and monitors CRT monitors and large household appliances, including refrigerators, washers, dryers, microwaves and stoves, will not be accepted. "Achieving our companywide zero-waste-to-landfill goal is something we're very proud of, and partnering with the Louisiana Children's Museum creates an opportunity for families to discover, in a fun, hands-on way, how small choices, from recycling old electronics to rethinking everyday materials, can help conserve resources long after Planet Protectors Day ends," said Sunni LeBeouf, Cox Communications Greater New Orleans Market Vice President. Planet Protectors is included with Museum admission and tickets are on sale now. Families are encouraged to reserve tickets in advance. For more information and to purchase tickets, click here.
Summerfield Homes and Monkton Elm Garden Centre launch exclusive partnership for new homeowners
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 06:31 EDT
Prospective buyers reserving a new Summerfield home this summer can enjoy a £2,000 garden furniture voucher thanks to a new partnership between two long-established Taunton family businesses. This exclusive offer is available on reservations made before the end of September across all Summerfield developments in Ashill, Horton, Middlezoy, Taunton and Watchet in Somerset, helping homeowners create beautiful outdoor spaces from the moment they move in. From two-bedroom homes to spacious family properties and bungalows, every Summerfield home benefits from its own private garden and incorporates the latest energy-efficient technology. Philip Morgan, Sales and Marketing Divisional Director at Summerfield Homes, said: "Buying a new home is one of life's biggest milestones and we want our customers to enjoy every part of that experience. By teaming up with another trusted Somerset family business, we're helping homeowners create outdoor spaces where they can relax, entertain family and friends, and enjoy the summer from the moment they move in." "At Summerfield, we build communities as well as homes, and this partnership reflects our commitment to helping customers settle in and enjoy their new lifestyle from day one." Mike Lind at Monkton Elm Garden Centre said: "Outdoor spaces are an extension of a home and have become increasingly more important, providing somewhere to relax and spend quality time with family and friends. We're delighted to be working alongside Summerfield to help homeowners create gardens they'll enjoy for years to come." As well as creating thoughtfully designed homes, Summerfield places a strong emphasis on sustainable communities. Every development is designed with energy-efficient homes and generous outdoor spaces that encourage biodiversity, healthier lifestyles and a stronger connection with nature - values that sit at the heart of both businesses. The partnership also brings together two businesses with deep roots in Somerset. Established in 2007, Summerfield Homes has built more than 2,000 homes across 56 developments, planted more than 1.1 million trees and contributed over £6 million to local community projects, reflecting its long-term commitment to creating sustainable communities where people and nature can thrive together. Further information about Summerfield's current developments and the £2,000 garden furniture offer is available at www.summerfield.co.uk . Terms and conditions apply.
Cleanroom differential pressure... a small value with a big impact!
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 06:07 EDT
Pressure differentials inside cleanrooms are not very large, as Vaisala's Senior Project Engineer Sean Murphy explains, most are set somewhere between 5-15 Pascal. However, maintaining that differential is a critical part of the overall cleanroom contamination control strategy. These small pressure differences help air move in the right direction; help separate cleaner areas from areas with higher contamination risk and help organizations demonstrate that the environment has remained under control. In short, it is an important measurement for quality, compliance, and production continuity. The key question is not whether you monitor, but how you monitor Many cleanrooms already monitor pressure. But when the data needs to be reviewed, for example during a deviation investigation, audit preparation, or batch release, the question becomes more specific: can these records clearly show the differential pressure relationship between critical areas? Can they demonstrate that airflow direction was maintained? Can quality and validation teams rely on the data to make a confident decision? The monitoring method is critical A key challenge is ensuring that the monitoring method truly supports compliance. When the measurement approach is not well matched to the application-or when sensor range, measurement uncertainty, and alarm logic are not carefully engineered-readings can look normal yet still be too weak to support a defensible compliance conclusion. BMS and EMS each have their own role A common misunderstanding is to treat the building management system (BMS), and the environmental monitoring system (EMS) as if they were the same type of system. They may all display pressure data, but they are designed for different purposes. The purpose of a BMS is to control and stabilize the cleanroom environment. It keeps the air handling unit, airflow, dampers, and room pressure at their intended setpoints, focusing on making real-time adjustments needed to maintain consistent operating conditions. The purpose of an EMS is to monitor conditions and maintain accurate records. It focuses on confirming that critical parameters stay within defined limits, alarms function reliably, and data records are complete. It also ensures that audit trails are available and that the documentation can support audits, deviation investigations, and quality review. A simple way to describe the difference is this: the BMS helps the cleanroom stay stable, while the EMS helps the organization prove that the cleanroom stayed stable. The two systems should have clearly defined roles. In regulated cleanrooms, control is important, but being able to demonstrate control is equally important. Why direct DP measurement is easier to trust In some systems, differential pressure is calculated. This means the system measures the pressure of two rooms against a common reference point and then subtracts one value from the other to calculate the room-to-room differential pressure. This approach is common in control applications. However, in low-pressure cleanroom applications, calculated DP can introduce uncertainty. It depends on two independent measurements, and each measurement has its own measurement uncertainty. Cleanroom pressure can also change quickly when doors open, airlocks operate, or people move between spaces. If the two values are not captured at the same moment, the calculated result may not accurately represent the true differential pressure relationship between the two spaces. Direct DP measurement is more straightforward. One differential pressure transmitter is connected directly between two spaces, with the high and low ports connected to the two sides of the boundary. The measured value is the actual differential pressure between those spaces. For critical cleanroom boundaries, this method is easier to explain and easier to trust. It measures exactly what matters: whether the correct pressure relationship is being maintained between two areas. Good alarms should not create alarm fatigue A cleanroom is not a static environment. Doors open, airlocks operate, passthroughs are used, and people move in and out. These normal activities can create short pressure transients. Differential pressure may briefly drop when doors are opened, it can even spike DP in the opposite direction when the door moves. These transient readings are expected to be captured by the EMS; they do not indicate the cleanroom is out of control. If a system generates an alarm for every short transient, the result is not necessarily better control. More often, it creates alarm fatigue. Important alarms may become harder to see because they are buried under too many non-actionable notifications. A better alarm strategy reflects how the cleanroom operates. The system should focus on extended duration events, such as a door left open, an airlock that does not recover, sustained loss of pressure cascade, or a change in HVAC balance. Duration-based alarming is often more meaningful than alarming on every momentary pressure change, because it helps teams respond to real excursions rather than normal behavior. From a value on screen to a defensible record The maturity of cleanroom differential pressure monitoring is not defined by whether the system can display data. It is defined by whether that data can become a defensible monitoring record. For critical boundaries, direct room-to-room differential pressure measurement, an appropriate sensor range, known measurement uncertainty, suitable alarm delays, and an EMS with data integrity features all influence the quality of the final record. This is where Vaisala solutions fit naturally into the monitoring architecture. With the CAB100 industrial control panel and PDT101 or PDT102 differential pressure transmitters, low differential pressures in cleanrooms can be measured and collected in a centralized way. When the data is brought into the viewLinc Continuous Monitoring System, it can be used for trending, alarming, reporting, audit trails, and data integrity management. This type of architecture helps teams clearly separate environmental control from compliance monitoring records, while giving quality, validation, and facilities teams a shared source of reliable data. Small differential pressure, significant responsibility Cleanroom differential pressure may change by only a few pascals, but behind those small values are airflow direction, contamination control, alarm decisions, and compliance evidence. The smaller the value, the more important it is to measure, understand, and record it correctly. For organizations, the real goal is not to collect more data. The goal is to build more reliable data records. These records help teams identify risks earlier, explain deviations more clearly, face audits with greater confidence, and support production continuity. That is why cleanroom differential pressure monitoring deserves serious attention. ENDS Words: 1032 About the author Sean Murphy is a Senior Project Sales Engineer at Vaisala with extensive experience in environmental monitoring for pharmaceutical manufacturing, medical devices, and other regulated environments. He has worked across system design, applications, project delivery, and integration, helping customers implement monitoring solutions that support both operational performance and compliance. Sean's background in instrumentation and real-world system implementation gives him a practical perspective on monitoring in demanding cleanroom settings.
Midlands Strengthens Position as UK's Logistics Capital as Warehouse Investment Accelerates
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 04:36 EDT
The Midlands is continuing to cement its reputation as the UK's logistics capital, with major warehouse investments confirming the region's growing importance as a national distribution hub. Recent developments from major logistics operators - including new facilities from CEVA Logistics in Derby and DHL Supply Chain in the wider Midlands region - reflect continued confidence in the area's strategic position. CEVA's new 508,000 sq ft Derby operation is designed to support high-volume ecommerce fulfilment, while DHL has announced major investment into Derby facilities as part of its wider UK logistics expansion. Midland-based materials handling specialist Midland Pallet Trucks is seeing this growth on the warehouse floor, where demand for reliable pallet trucks, stacker trucks, lift tables and other handling equipment continues to increase. The Midlands has long benefited from its central location, providing access to major road networks and allowing businesses to serve customers across the UK efficiently. However, the latest wave of warehouse investment suggests the region's role is evolving beyond simple geographic convenience. Today's logistics sites are being designed around faster fulfilment, more frequent stock movement and greater operational flexibility. That places additional pressure on the equipment used every day to keep goods moving. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said the company is seeing the impact of regional growth through changing customer requirements. "The Midlands has always been a strong location for logistics, but what's changing is the scale and pace of operations," he said. "Warehouses are handling more product lines, more frequent movements and tighter turnaround times. That means the equipment supporting those operations needs to be dependable because even small delays on the warehouse floor can quickly become bigger problems." He added that the growth of larger facilities does not remove the need for practical materials handling solutions. "There is a lot of attention on automation and high-tech systems, but every warehouse still needs reliable equipment for everyday movement," he said. "Pallet trucks and stackers remain essential for moving goods between storage areas, loading zones and production spaces. As sites become busier, the demand is for equipment that can keep up with that pace." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com.
SGS Summarizes European Study on Digital Product Passport Content for Textile Apparel under ESPR
Tue, Jul 21, 2026 04:22 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 091.26, focusing on the publication of the 'Study on DPP Content for Textile Apparel Products under ESPR' by the European Commission's (EC) Joint Research Centre (JRC). The Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation (ESPR) is intended to support a more standardized approach to sustainability-related product information through mandatory digital requirements. In response, the EC JRC study outlines proposed data content for textile apparel products under the ESPR, including how data will be structured and how the Digital Product Passport (DPP) will function as a regulatory gateway to the EU market. Published in May 2026 by the JRC, the study proposes structuring DPP data into four main categories, aligned with ESPR Annex III: Product identification and classification Producer information Product information Compliance and documentation Granularity and access rights under a role-based model are addressed in the study, which outlines how different stakeholders may access and manage DPP information within the proposed framework. Based on its review of the study, SGS recommends that economic operators map existing product data against the four main categories to strengthen the chain of custody for recycled materials, enhance chemical management systems and align durability testing with international standards. SGS also recommends close monitoring of stakeholder consultation activities and associated EC impact assessment processes. The Textile Delegated Act is expected to be adopted by the EC by late 2027 and will subsequently apply to apparel products placed on the EU market. Compliance with the DPP requirements is expected to become mandatory for apparel sold on the EU market following the applicable transition period. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 091.26 includes further information on the proposed product scope and DPP content. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 091.26 for more details. SGS softlines services SGS has a worldwide network of over 40 state-of-the-art laboratories, including 10 in China, specializing in the testing of apparel, footwear, and home textiles. Their committed team is drawn from multi-disciplinary backgrounds, allowing them to conduct a comprehensive range of physical, chemical, and functional testing services for components, materials and finished products. SGS helps companies ensure quality, performance, and compliance with international, industrial, and regulatory standards worldwide. In the end, it's only trusted because it's tested. Learn more about SGS's softlines services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full EU ESPR JRC Study Proposes DPP Content Requirements for Textile Apparel SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Dr. Min Zhu Senior Director, Technical Services and Operations, Softlines, US and Canada Tel: +1 (97) 346-11230 Website: www.sgs.com/softlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
Manning Family Children's names Mrs. Betty Lauricella as the 2026 Louisiana Legacy award recipient
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 16:16 EDT
Manning Family Children's proudly announces Mrs. Betty Lauricella as the hospital's 2026 Louisiana Legacy Award recipient in recognition for the significant impact she has made on child wellbeing across the state and region. The award will be presented during the 2nd annual Louisiana Legacy celebration planned for Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Orpheum Theater. "When we reflect on those who have been steadfast advocates for kids, there is hardly another person who matches the commitment, passion, generosity and leadership of Betty Lauicella," said Lucio A. Fragoso, President and CEO of Manning Family Children's. "Betty first joined the Children's Board in 1983, and was the first woman to serve as chair in 1992. A trailblazer in her own right, Betty has helped pave the way for many pivotal milestones throughout our history - overcoming financial challenges in the early days to ensure our sustainability, rebuilding in the years that followed Hurricane Katrina, the purchase of our State Street campus which enabled the vision for our most recent campus expansion, and key investments that have helped scale the hospital's impact over many decades." The Louisiana Legacy celebration was established with the Manning family in 2025 to honor the defining moments and leaders who have helped shape our state and region, while raising funds to support the vital mission of Manning Family Children's. Community support through the 2026 Louisiana Legacy event will help fund a new, 60-bed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) at Manning Family Children's - a critical expansion that will help Manning Family Children's continue to deliver the highest level of neonatal care in the state, at a time when more babies than ever before rely on its highly specialized, lifesaving care. "I have had the honor of working alongside Betty as a mentor and friend for nearly 30 years, both in my previous roles at Manning Family Children's, and through the formation and growth of LCMC Health," said Greg Feirn, CEO of LCMC Health. "Betty has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to our children. Her legacy is one of giving back and driving positive change. We look forward to honoring Betty's immeasurable impact on October 1." The Louisiana Legacy celebration will take place Thursday, Oct. 1 at the Orpheum Theater featuring gourmet food and cocktails, a fireside chat with members of the Manning family and special guests, along with live entertainment for approximately 500 patrons and supporters. The vibrant occasion will be co-chaired by Courtney and Ted Le Clercq and Tina and Barry Kern, with Olivia and Archie Manning and Ellen and Cooper Manning serving as honorary co-chairs. "We look forward to building upon the impact that began with our inaugural Louisiana Legacy event in 2025, as we began our new chapter as Manning Family Children's," said Cooper Manning. "We invite the community to join us for a celebratory and fun evening that will help fuel the mission of Manning Family Children's." For more information about sponsorship opportunities or to purchase tickets visit www.manningchildrens.org/legacy .
JTCVS Publishes AMT Medical's SAFE-CAB II: Sutureless, Laser-Assisted Coronary Bypass Proves Safe at One Year
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 09:09 EDT
The first suture-less, beating-heart bypass connection, shown to be safe with promising early effectiveness in a peer-reviewed clinical trial. Video: How does AMT'S ELANA ® system work? AMT Medical reports one-year results from the SAFE-CAB II prospective clinical trial in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 1 ( link ). Its results provide important first-in-human clinical experience with a technology designed to support a new generation of bypass surgery that could enable more standardized procedures and broader adoption of minimally invasive and robotic approaches. At a glance - A first-of-its-kind clinical trial: the ELANA ® system replaces hand-sewing of the bypass connection with a sutureless, laser-assisted technique that keeps the coronary artery open throughout surgery. - Strong safety profile: Only 2.9% of patients experienced a device-related major adverse cardiac event (MACE) within one year, meeting the pre-specified non-inferiority threshold (p = 0.0033). - Strong effectiveness: 92.5% of bypass connections remained fully open at six months across the full study, rising to 97.5% with the latest-generation laser catheter, in line with the performance gains anticipated from this device iteration. - Reproducible by design: a defined six-step procedure, described in detail in a companion technical publication in the Journal of Visualized Surgery (JOVS, 2026). Published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery (JTCVS), the flagship journal of the American Association for Thoracic Surgery. AMT Medical B.V., a clinical-stage Dutch medical technology company, today announced that the one-year results of the SAFE-CAB II clinical trial have been published in The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery . The study is the first prospective clinical evaluation of the ELANA ® Anastomotic System, a new technology designed to make coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) more reproducible and accessible to a far broader group of patients.
SGS Summarizes Updates to Australian Aquatic Toys Safety Standard
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 03:54 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 092.26, summarizing Australia's update to its aquatic toys safety standard, which aligns warning statements with AS/NZS ISO 8124.1/ISO 8124-1. Published on June 25, 2026, by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), the new Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard has a transitional period of 24 months from the day after registration. The previous 2020 version of the standard will be repealed on June 25, 2028. Key updates included in the standard are the introduction of a 'dynamic referencing' approach and alignment of the warning statement requirements with AS/NZS ISO 8124.1/ISO 8124-1. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 092.26 includes further information on the main updates in the new legislative instrument. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 092.26 for more details. SGS toy and 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 and juvenile product services. SGS SafeGuardS keep you up to date with the latest news and developments in the consumer goods industry. Read the full Australia publishes Consumer Goods (Aquatic Toys) Safety Standard 2026 SafeGuardS. Subscribe today and receive SGS SafeGuardS direct to your inbox. For further information, contact Media Inquiries or: Julian Kwok Senior Technical Manager, Hardlines Tel: +852 6018 5904 Website: www.sgs.com/hardlines LinkedIn: SGS Connectivity & Products
SGS Highlights Australia's Revision of the IChEMS Register
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 03:42 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 093.26, highlighting Australia's revision of the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS) Register. The Australian Department of Climate Change, Energy, the Environment and Water (DCCEEW) issued the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management (Register) Amendment (2026 Measures No.1) Instrument 2026 (the Amendment) in June 2026. Under the Amendment, several chemicals and groups of chemicals are added to the nation's IChEMS Register Instrument 2022, under the Industrial Chemicals Environmental Management Standard (IChEMS). Key provisions in the Amendment include an IChEMS Schedule 2 Register designation for glycerides, as well as listings for five chemicals under Schedule 3, five under Schedule 4 and eight under Schedule 5. A revision of the list of time-limited essential uses for UV-328 in Schedule 6 and the addition of two chemicals to Schedule 7 are also included. Another change is an update to risk management measures in Schedule 7 for hexabromocyclododecane (HBCD), a persistent organic pollutant that was widely used as a flame retardant. The Amendment became effective on June 19, 2026, the day after registration on the Federal Register of Legislation. It affects stakeholders across multiple industries and supply chains, such as manufacturers, users, importers and exporters of the applicable industrial substances, as well as those dealing with products that contain or are contaminated by them. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 093.26 includes further information on relevant substances and their abbreviations, as well as requirements and applications. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 093.26 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 Australia Updates IChEMS Register 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
Climate-only Lens on Alternative Proteins Risks Worsening Micronutrient Deficiencies
Mon, Jul 20, 2026 03:12 EDT
Over the past few years, alternative proteins have moved from sustainability narratives to real-world food products on plates. While the argument of alternative proteins helping reduce climate change sounds revolutionary, there are shortfalls. In a recent article published in the journal One Earth , researchers from the Global Alliance for Improved Nutrition (GAIN) argue that the case for alternative proteins is often made on narrow evidence-oversimplifying it to just mitigating climate change could have an unintended effect of worsening micronutrient deficiencies in the regions where nutrition is already most precarious. The article draws on a paired evidence base published this year: a scoping review of 247 studies comparing alternatives to animal-source foods (Alt-ASFs) with conventional animal products on nutrition and health, and a companion review of 125 product-level environmental studies with direct animal-source comparators. Read together, they show that the advantages of alternative proteins are real but conditional. According to the analysis by the authors, whole and traditional plant foods such as legumes, tofu, and tempeh are in a win-win zone: low environmental burden, strong nutritional value, and existing culinary familiarity. Whereas formulated meat often claims a climate and land-use advantage over beef, however, energy consumed in processing, sourcing ingredients and packaging can narrow the gap. For fungi, insect, algae, and cell-based products, outcomes swing widely with feedstocks, production design, scale, and the carbon intensity of the electricity used. Nutritionally, the findings are just as varied. Plant- and fungi-based options generally deliver more fiber and less saturated fat and can improve cardiometabolic markers. But they often supply less bioavailable protein, iron, zinc, and vitamin B12, with soy a notable exception on protein quality. Most plant-based milks, apart from fortified soy, fall short of cow's milk on protein, calcium, iodine, vitamin B12, and riboflavin. Researchers Ty Beal, Stella Nordhagen and Mduduzi Mbuya argue that whether alternative proteins are seen as good or bad, sustainable or unsustainable, depends on a holistic assessment across sustainability domains-nutrition, environment, livelihoods, affordability, and acceptability-not just climate change. What should change - The article makes the following recommendations: Make nutritional functional units standard practice. Life cycle assessment should report impacts not just per kilogram, per calorie, or per gram of protein, but per unit of holistic nutritional value, with transparent sensitivity analyses for fortification, bioavailability, processing level, energy mix, and comparator choice. Hold direct replacements to clearer labeling, composition, and fortification standards. Where a product is positioned to displace a nutrient-dense animal-source food, front-of-pack communication should make non-equivalence visible rather than leaning on category names that imply it, while also highlighting what the product adds, such as fiber. Minimum fortification standards are especially urgent for plant-based milks. Reward the win-win zone in procurement and dietary guidance. Minimally processed legumes, nuts, seeds, tofu, tempeh, and other culturally familiar plant foods often deserve priority. Guidance should distinguish reducing excessive animal-source food intake from replacing scarce intake in populations at risk of undernutrition. Tie novel products' environmental promise to production design and better evidence. Fermentation, insect farming, and cultivated-cell systems lose their advantage on carbon-intensive electricity or inefficient feedstocks, so claims should be tied to low-carbon energy, circular feedstocks, and transparent safety assessment. Research and investment must also move beyond high-income novelty markets toward low- and middle-income contexts. The true value of alternative proteins needs to be assessed holistically, based on what animal source food it replaces, in what context, and for whom. Sustainability without nutritional adequacy is not sustainability. The full commentary is free to read only till October 15, 2026 - worth reading in full before the 90-day free access window closes - https://www.cell.com/one-earth/fulltext/S2590-3322(26)00152-1
SGS helps food businesses prepare for new EU Listeria requirements with latest white paper
Fri, Jul 17, 2026 04:52 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has announced the release of a new white paper, 'Listeria monocytogenes and the New EU Regulatory Framework'. Developed for food business operators (FBOs) and food safety professionals, the white paper explains the scientific and regulatory background behind Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 and outlines the requirements that apply to ready-to-eat (RTE) foods from July 1, 2026. Listeria monocytogenes remains one of the most significant foodborne pathogens due to its high fatality rate, ability to grow at refrigeration temperatures and persistence in food processing environments. In response to increasing listeriosis notification rates across the European Union, Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 strengthens microbiological criteria for certain RTE foods and places greater emphasis on scientifically validated shelf-life studies. The white paper reviews the key regulatory changes and provides practical guidance to help FBOs understand their obligations and prepare for implementation of the amended requirements. The white paper explores: Why Listeria monocytogenes remains a regulatory priority and the public health factors driving increased regulatory attention Key changes introduced by Regulation (EU) 2024/2895, including stricter microbiological criteria and expanded responsibility across the food supply chain Which ready-to-eat food categories are impacted by the regulation Practical compliance strategies, including product assessment, shelf-life validation, HACCP review, environmental monitoring and cold-chain control The role of routine testing, challenge testing and shelf-life validation studies in demonstrating compliance The white paper also examines the importance of scientifically robust shelf-life studies and challenge testing in supporting regulatory compliance, particularly for food business operators seeking to demonstrate that Listeria monocytogenes will remain within regulatory microbiological limits throughout a product's shelf life. Stakeholders can now download 'Listeria monocytogenes and the New EU Regulatory Framework ' to learn how Regulation (EU) 2024/2895 will affect ready-to-eat foods and what steps they can take to prepare for compliance. For further information, please contact: Jennifer Buckley Senior Global Marketing Manager SGS, Health & Nutrition Tel: +1 9738669043
