New Poll: Louisiana Voters Demand Transparency in Coastal Restoration Decisions
Fri, Mar 20, 2026 10:52 EDT
A new, comprehensive statewide poll released today finds Louisiana voters overwhelmingly want greater transparency and accountability in how coastal restoration decisions and funding are handled. The survey shows strong opposition to Governor Jeff Landry's decision to cancel two major sediment diversion projects and broad support for continuing Louisiana's science-based Coastal Master Plan. And nearly all voters surveyed say the state should more clearly explain how remaining Deepwater Horizon oil spill settlement funds will be used and publicly report spending on coastal projects. The polling release comes just a day after the Louisiana Coastal Protection Restoration Authority approved its annual plan which now must go to the Louisiana Legislature for approval. A nearly unanimous 98% of voters say the state should clearly explain how it plans to use remaining Deepwater Horizon funds, and 93% say the state should publicly report how much money it is spending on coastal restoration projects. Notably, the survey finds more than three-quarters of voters - 76% - oppose the Governor's decision to cancel the sediment diversion projects, including 47% who strongly oppose it. When asked to choose directly between competing approaches to coastal restoration, 73% prefer continuing the Coastal Master Plan over Governor Landry's alternative shorter-term strategy. "This poll shows Louisiana voters expect transparency, accountability and science to guide decisions about the future of our coast," said Simone Maloz, Campaign Director for Restore the Mississippi River Delta. "People want clear answers about how restoration funding will be spent in their communities and why major projects were canceled without discussion. The Coastal Master Plan was built through decades of research and public input, and voters overwhelmingly support continuing that approach." Key Findings from the Survey: Voters demand transparency and accountability: 98% agree the state should clearly explain how it plans to use remaining Deepwater Horizon funds. 93% agree the state should publicly report how much it is spending on coastal projects. Voters oppose canceling the sediment diversion projects: 76% of voters oppose canceling the sediment diversion projects, including 47% strongly opposed. 73% prefer the Coastal Master Plan including the diversions when asked to choose between it and Governor Landry's new approach. 89% support building sediment diversions once they are explained. Vast majority of voters support science-based coastal planning: 95% agree it is important to maintain as much coastal land as possible, including 75% who strongly agree. 93% agree the state must have a plan that keeps up with the latest science. 91% agree Louisiana should emphasize larger, long-lasting projects rather than smaller, cheaper ones. Voters believe canceling the projects will have real consequences: 67% say it will increase storm surge risk. 65% say it will increase homeowners' insurance costs. "This survey shows that Louisiana voters expect transparency in how coastal restoration decisions are made and continue to support large-scale sediment diversion projects as part of the Coastal Master Plan," said Andrew Baumann, Partner at Global Strategy Group. "Voters overwhelmingly believe long-term, science-based restoration remains the right path forward." "At a moment when voters are deeply divided on many issues, this survey shows clear agreement across the spectrum," said Dan Judy, Vice President at North Star Opinion Research, which helped conduct the survey. "A large majority recognizes the seriousness of coastal land loss and support long-term restoration efforts guided by science and clear public accountability." Methodology: The poll was conducted by Global Strategy Group and North Star Opinion Research on behalf of Restore the Mississippi River Delta. Global Strategy Group and North Star Opinion Research conducted a multi-channel survey of 800 registered voters in Louisiana between February 2 and February 5, 2026. The margin of error at the 95% confidence level is not greater than plus or minus 3.5 percentage points for the overall sample. To learn more about the polling results visit here .
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC Named One of Kentucky's Best Places to Work for Ninth Consecutive Year
Fri, Mar 20, 2026 10:38 EDT
Steptoe & Johnson PLLC has been named to the 22nd Annual " Best Places to Work in Kentucky " list by the Kentucky Chamber of Commerce and the Kentucky Society for Human Resource Management for the ninth consecutive year. "We are honored to once again be recognized as one of Kentucky's best places to work," said Christopher L. Slaughter, CEO of Steptoe & Johnson. "While we take great pride in delivering outstanding legal service, our greatest strength is our people. This recognition reflects our continued commitment to fostering a workplace where individuals feel supported, valued, and empowered to succeed." The "Best Places to Work" are selected through an assessment of the company's employee policies and procedures and the results of an internal employee survey. Steptoe & Johnson is one of the winners in the large-sized employer category. Final rankings will be announced during a dinner at the Central Bank Center in Lexington on Thursday, June 18, 2026.
FILM & FLIRT: THE IRL DATING EVENT THAT DITCHES THE APPS FOR ROM-COMS
Fri, Mar 20, 2026 07:57 EDT
New event series combining speed-friending, icebreaker games, and cinema to help singles connect face-to-face. London, 20 March 2026 - A new event series launching this April is bringing dating back to real life with a romantic comedy twist. Film & Flirt is a fun new screening series that combines matchmaking social experiences with independent cinema, creating a low-pressure, high-fun supplement to dating apps. Think speed-friending, themed games, and actual human conversation - followed by a film about unexpected connections. "Many dating apps have left people exhausted and disconnected," says Urvisha Patel, creator of Film & Flirt, and co-founder of Big Picture Film Club. "We're creating a space where you can meet someone the old-fashioned way: face-to-face, over drinks, with no algorithms involved. And if sparks fly, you get to sit next to them during a rom-com. It's basically the perfect first date." The debut event launches at Genesis Cinema in London on Tuesday 14th April, with further planned events to follow. Film & Flirt targets the growing number of singles experiencing "swipe fatigue" - research shows 78% of dating app users feel burned out, yet keep swiping because they don't know where else to meet people. "We're pro-actually-meeting-people. There's something magical about in-person chemistry that no profile can capture." Each event welcomes 50-60 singles aged 25-45, with a focus on achieving gender balance (organisers are actively recruiting men to combat the typical female-heavy ratio at dating events). About Film & Flirt Film & Flirt is an event series created by Big Picture Film Club in collaboration with matchmaking service Introducing Two, that combines IRL matchmaking experiences with independent cinema. The mission: bring back face-to-face connection in a world oversaturated with digital dating, while supporting quality independent film. Key Details What: Film & Flirt - IRL dating event + rom-com screening When: April 2026 (series continues through the summer) Where: Genesis Cinema, London (more sites to be confirmed) Who: Aged 25-45, single/actively dating\open to meeting new people Cost: £15-20 per ticket Capacity: 50-60 per event Film: Due Dating (90 mins, British rom-com) Film trailer: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I57sm194hzQ Film/event assets: Film & Flirt - Promo Images Ticket link: filmandflirt.co.uk filmandflirt.eventbrite.co.uk
Pallet Trucks UK Warns of Post-Peak Warehouse Hangover
Fri, Mar 20, 2026 06:29 EDT
While the winter retail rush may be over, many UK warehouses are now facing what Pallet Trucks UK describes as the "post-peak hangover" - the operational strain that lingers long after peak trading has passed. Returns processing, inventory balancing and restocking cycles continue to place heavy demands on fulfilment centres well into the early months of the year, often revealing equipment fatigue and delayed maintenance that built up during the festive surge. The weeks following peak retail periods are frequently just as demanding as the run-up itself. Large volumes of returned goods must be received, sorted, inspected and redistributed, while warehouses simultaneously work to rebalance stock levels and prepare for the next seasonal cycle. These overlapping tasks create complex internal logistics flows, particularly in facilities where space is limited and equipment has already been pushed to its limits. During peak trading, pallet trucks and handling equipment are often used continuously across extended shifts, leaving little time for servicing or inspection. As operations return to more typical volumes, underlying issues can begin to surface. Worn wheels, hydraulic wear and general fatigue in high-use equipment can slow pallet movement and create bottlenecks in areas such as goods-in, returns processing and restocking zones. Many warehouse managers underestimate how much strain peak trading places on core equipment. When the immediate pressure of meeting order deadlines subsides, teams often find themselves dealing with the consequences of months of intensive use. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Pallet Trucks UK, said, "The busiest warehouse period isn't always peak - it's the clean-up afterwards. Once the main rush is over, businesses still must deal with returns, stock reorganisation and preparing for the next cycle. That's often when equipment fatigue becomes obvious. "Pallet trucks tend to work extremely hard during peak months, often around the clock. If servicing has been delayed or equipment is nearing the end of its working life, those problems tend to appear once the pressure eases and teams start moving stock around again." The company advises operators to use the post-peak period as an opportunity to review the condition of manual handling equipment such as pallet trucks, stackers and lift tables, and address maintenance backlogs before activity builds again in spring. For more information, please visit: www.pallettrucksuk.co.uk .
Caracal USA® Awarded Government Contract in The Bahamas for CMP9K Platform
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 22:00 EDT
Agreement reinforces Caracal USA®'s growing presence and trusted reputation among Caribbean government agencies. Caracal USA ®, a leading U.S.-based manufacturer of small arms for the law enforcement and defense markets, announced today that it has secured a new supply contract with various government agencies in The Bahamas for the CMP9K platform. The award reflects Caracal USA's continued expansion throughout the Caribbean and highlights the company's reputation for delivering reliable, modern weapon systems to professional end users. The CMP9K is a compact 9x19mm NATO semi-automatic platform built around Caracal USA's advanced blowback operating system, engineered to provide consistent reliability with minimal felt recoil. Designed for duty and tactical applications, the lightweight system incorporates fully ambidextrous AR/M4-style controls, allowing intuitive operation and seamless integration into existing training programs. The platform features a 6-inch cold hammer forged barrel, all-aluminum machined upper and lower receivers for durability, and a modular accessory interface including a 1913 Picatinny rail and M-LOK mounting points. The design also supports reliable feeding from 30-round MP5-pattern magazines and offers multiple configuration options to meet mission-specific requirements. The contract represents another milestone in Caracal USA's ongoing commitment to supporting allied government agencies and regional partners with dependable and innovative firearm solutions. "Working with our Caribbean regional representatives, I.I. & E, Caracal USA products have become well known with the government agencies of Caribbean nations," said Jeffrey Spalding, CEO and President of Caracal USA. "Our dedication to safety, reliability, and durability has proven to showcase the quality of Caracal USA weapon systems and allowed us the opportunity to compete within tender solicitations and be awarded supply contracts for new modern weapon systems to the Bahamas." Caracal USA continues to strengthen its relationships with international partners and regional representatives to deliver advanced firearms platforms that meet the operational needs of military and law enforcement professionals worldwide. For more information about Caracal USA and its full line of firearms, visit www.caracalusa.com . Follow along on Instagram , Facebook , YouTube , or LinkedIn .
SGS hosts webinar on EU IVDR certification for in vitro diagnostic devices manufacturers
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 11:30 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, is pleased to host a complimentary webinar, 'A Step-by-Step Guide to EU IVDR Certification.' Placing in vitro diagnostic (IVD) medical devices on the European Union market requires compliance with Regulation (EU) 2017/746, the In Vitro Diagnostic Regulation (IVDR). This regulation establishes the framework for conformity assessment, including the involvement of a Notified Body (NB) for most IVD devices. Covering products ranging from COVID-19 and pregnancy tests to blood glucose meters and diagnostic software, the IVDR applies to a wide spectrum of IVD technologies. In this complimentary webinar, Mari Levula, IVDR NB Manager at SGS Fimko Oy, will outline the key phases of the IVDR conformity assessment process and provide an overview of the main regulatory requirements that manufacturers must meet. This session is intended for IVD device manufacturers preparing for IVDR certification or seeking certification for new devices. The webinar takes place on March 26, 2026, at 10:00 am CET. Stakeholders are invited to register now to ensure access to this informative webinar.
Old South End Partnership Announces Coordinated Housing Pilot Backed by $1 Million in Initial Investment
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 10:30 EDT
Today, the newly formed Old South End Partnership (OSE Partnership) hosted a press conference at Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center to announce the launch of a coordinated housing pilot in Toledo's Old South End. The OSE Partnership brings together housing, philanthropic, and community partners committed to aligning their work around a shared goal: improving coordination of services, strengthening housing infrastructure, and using reliable data to guide long-term decision-making in the neighborhood. A Coordinated Approach to Housing The OSE Partnership includes six founding partners: John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation Historic South Initiative (HSI) Lucas County Land Bank LISC Toledo Maumee Valley Habitat for Humanity LadderUp Housing All the partners participated in a commemorative signing of the MOU (memorandum of understanding) as part of the press conference. Additional partners include the Greater Toledo Community Foundation, the Fair Housing Center, and Sofia Quintero Art & Cultural Center. Rather than launching standalone programs, the OSE Partnership is aligning existing critical home repair, new home construction, and developer gap financing under a shared framework. The pilot will focus on: Strengthening neighborhood-level data collection and analysis Coordinating critical home repair, rehabilitation, and new construction Providing developer gap project funding Establishing shared metrics to measure impact and guide future investment In a major boost to this effort, the Lucas County Land Bank has designated the Old South End as a RISE (Rebuild, Invest, Stabilize, and Engage) neighborhood. This status prioritizes targeted investment, property stabilization, and strategic redevelopment. The designation strengthens the OSE Partnership's ability to coordinate parcel-level planning, address nuisance properties, and activate vacant land for new housing. Combined with the OSE Partnership's coordinated approach, the RISE designation creates the framework for one of the most comprehensive, aligned housing efforts in Toledo in decades. Building Infrastructure for the Long Term The pilot is supported by a combined $1 million initial investment from the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation and The Stranahan Supporting Organization of the Greater Toledo Community Foundation. This funding provides the foundation for a multi-year effort focused on building the systems, partnerships, and data needed to support sustainable housing outcomes over time. This announcement marks the beginning of a long-term commitment with the initial $1 million investment supporting the early phase of the pilot. Coalition partners are clear that meaningful progress requires sustained focus, consistent communication, and ongoing partnership with residents and community stakeholders. "The Old South End has extraordinary history, culture, and resilience," said Mike Deetsch, executive director of the John Henry Eldred Jr. Foundation and co-chair of the coalition steering committee. "By aligning our efforts, listening to residents, and investing strategically, we can be more effective and more responsive to the needs of the Old South End over the long term." The March 19 press conference outlined the OSE Partnership's structure, the scope of the pilot, and the shared commitment guiding the work moving forward.
NORLI Accepting Applications for the Leadership Class of 2027
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 10:28 EDT
The New Orleans Regional Leadership Institute (NORLI) is now accepting applications for its prestigious leadership development program, set to begin in August 2026. Leaders from business, civic, nonprofit and public sectors across the ten-parish region-including Jefferson, Orleans, Plaquemines, St. Bernard, Sr. Charles, St. James, St. John the Baptist, St. Tammany, Tangipahoa and Washington-are encouraged to apply to join the Class of 2027. Each year, NORLI selects approximately 50 emerging and established leaders for an immersive 10-month experience designed to build regional awareness, foster collaboration and inspire meaningful change. Through a combination of networking, hands-on learning and expert-led discussions, participants will explore key issues shaping Southeast Louisiana, including education, health care, public policy, environment, economic development, inclusive leadership, criminal justice and arts and culture. "For more than 25 years, our program has served as a transformative experience for leaders across Southeast Louisiana," said Stephen Reuther, Executive Director of NORLI. "Built on the principles of regionalism, inclusion and nonpartisanship, NORLI connects leaders with high-level discussions, thought leaders and policymakers who are shaping the future of our region." The Class of 2027 will begin with an orientation event in August 2026 and conclude in June 2027. The program includes opening and closing retreats to foster connection and strategic thinking. As well as eight monthly session days which feature behind-the-scenes facility tours, expert panels and interactive discussions on regional challenges and opportunities. Interested individuals can apply online at www.norli.org . The deadline to apply is May 8, 2026. The program's tuition is $3,600 which includes all program costs, materials, meals and lodging. Financial assistance such as tuition assistance and flexible payment plans are available. Interested applicants can schedule a personal meeting with Executive Director Stephen Reuther at info@norli.org to learn more. For more information about NORLI, visit norli.org or connect with NORLI on Facebook , LinkedIn and Instagram .
Keeper Security Introduces KeeperDB™, Integrating Zero-Trust Database Access into KeeperPAM®
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 07:50 EDT
New capability embeds a secure, zero-trust database interface directly into the Keeper Vault, eliminating exposed credentials, unmanaged tools and insecure access paths Keeper Security , the leading zero-trust and zero-knowledge identity security and Privileged Access Management (PAM) platform, today announces KeeperDB , a new vault-embedded database access capability that enables secure, policy-controlled database interactions directly from the Keeper Vault. KeeperDB enables developers, database administrators and security teams to work with sensitive data through a unified interface that simplifies workflows while maintaining strict access governance. KeeperDB will be officially launched at RSA Conference 2026. Enterprise databases are among the most sensitive assets in any organisation, yet access is often managed through a mix of desktop tools, shared credentials and network tunnels, which provide limited visibility and control. Databases are frequent targets of cyber attacks and insider misuse, and fragmented tools substantially increase risk of credential exposure, data exfiltration and audit gaps while inhibiting least-privilege access. KeeperDB broadens KeeperPAM with a beautiful, vault-native interface that unifies database session management within the zero-trust and zero-knowledge platform. Access is governed by centralised policies and fully recorded for audit and compliance purposes. By embedding database access directly into the Vault, KeeperDB helps reduce credential sprawl, standardise database access workflows and strengthen audit readiness across cloud and on-prem environments. "Database access has historically been one of the most used yet least-governed areas of enterprise security," said Darren Guccione, CEO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "KeeperDB brings database management into the vault - allowing organisations to apply the same zero-trust controls, visibility and auditing they rely on for privileged access - without introducing new tools, credentials or attack paths." KeeperDB enables users to launch database sessions directly from a database record in the Keeper Vault, with the option to connect through either a Graphical User Interface (GUI) or Command-Line Interface (CLI). Initial support includes MySQL, PostgreSQL, Oracle and Microsoft SQL Server. Key benefits include: Eliminating credential exposure by ensuring database credentials are never revealed to users or stored on endpoints. Reducing data exfiltration risk through granular controls such as read-only access and governed data transfer policies. Strengthening audit readiness with full visual session recording of database activity, Standardising and centralising database access within the Keeper Vault, replacing fragmented tools and unmanaged workflows. Improving usability for technical teams by providing a modern, browser-based interface without sacrificing zero-trust controls. For organisations that continue to rely on existing database clients, KeeperDB will be complemented by KeeperDB Proxy , which enables secure connections through Keeper while maintaining centralised policy enforcement, credential protection and session visibility. Additional details on availability will be provided alongside upcoming Keeper Gateway and Keeper Vault releases. "Most database access today happens through disparate tools that sit outside security controls," said Craig Lurey, CTO and Co-founder of Keeper Security. "We built KeeperDB so teams can work the way they're used to, but inside a zero-trust environment. It's a simpler, safer way to manage database access that enhances productivity." To learn more about Keeper's product suite, visit KeeperSecurity.com . ### About Keeper Security Keeper Security is one of the fastest-growing cybersecurity software companies that protects thousands of organisations and millions of people in over 150 countries. Keeper is a pioneer of zero-knowledge and zero-trust security built for any IT environment. Its core offering, KeeperPAM®, is an AI-enabled, cloud-native platform that protects all users, devices and infrastructure from cyber attacks. Recognised for its innovation in the Gartner Magic Quadrant for Privileged Access Management (PAM), Keeper secures passwords and passkeys, infrastructure secrets, remote connections and endpoints with role-based enforcement policies, least privilege and just-in-time access. Learn why Keeper is trusted by leading organisations to defend against modern adversaries at KeeperSecurity.com . Learn more: KeeperSecurity.com Follow Keeper: Facebook Instagram LinkedIn X YouTube TikTok
ScribeEMR Launches New ScribeRyte AI Site for Direct Access to Latest AI Medical Documentation Solutions
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 07:10 EDT
ScribeEMR , a leading provider of AI-powered healthcare documentation solutions, remote scribing, and a host of other virtual medical office services, has launched a new ScribeRyte AI website so healthcare providers and administrators can easily access and start using extremely accurate AI medical scribe solutions that reduce documentation time, improve accuracy, and potentially increase revenue by seeing more patients daily. ScribeRyte AI records patient encounters and delivers close to 100% accurate clinical notes generated instantly during a patient visit with intelligent, human assisted scribing. With minimal training, ScribeRyte AI's ambient clinical documentation system intuitively monitors a physician's charting habits and the details of a patient's medical history, and predicts what should be included in each note, saving hours of valuable time. The new site offers provider testimonials and case studies, one click to a free trial , and detailed information on the two simple product options: ScribeRyte AI Instant : Pure AI, real-time, fast, and affordable. Perfect for primary care, urgent care, family medicine, telehealth, high-volume, and routine visits. Most users see dramatic time savings immediately. ScribeRyte AI Plus : This human-in-the-loop solution uses AI to draft the note, then one of our trained medical scribes reviews and refines it within a few hours. It is recommended for complex specialties - orthopedics, psychiatry, neurology, OB/GYN, cardiology - where subtle wording can make or break medical necessity, coding, or audit defense. The human element ensures the chart includes what AI might have missed or misunderstood, and ensures that SOAP notes are in compliance. Both versions support multi-language visits, let you customize templates, macros, prescription preferences, and billing language. "ScribeRyte AI uses advanced ambient listening technology, based on knowledge gained from ScribeEMR's over 3.5 million live virtual scribing encounters each year, to achieve a high level of accuracy, reliability and privacy," says ScribeEMR Senior Vice President Terry Cielsa. "Our new site crystalizes the advantages of our ScribeRyte AI solutions, separate from our other product platforms, so practices can obtain more targeted information, contact specialized customer and sales support, and easily implement our solutions." ScribeRyte AI is multi-lingual, and may be customized with specialty templates, predictive phrases and prescription preferences. Seamless integration with most leading EMRs optimizes workflow efficiency. A new ClickNote solution is also now available as a free browser extension in the Google Chrome Web Store to auto-insert notes directly into the correct patient chart fields on any browser-based EMR. "ScribeEMR's advanced AI captures every subtlety of my interactions with patients, creating detailed documentation that is essential for continuity of care," says Dr. Bellamy Brook, Family Medicine, Catholic Health. "Clinical notes are seamlessly uploaded to the EMR, ensuring all information is readily available and secure. What's particularly impressive is the human touch-the scribe team diligently polishes each document, delivering a faultless and comprehensive note instantly." ScribeEMR recently completed both its PwC HIPAA Security & Privacy Assessment and its Accorp SOC 2 Type II Audit to ensure enterprise-grade security standards for all AI-driven and remote scribing workflows.
Retail Cost Pressure Is Forcing Warehouses to Sweat Equipment Harder
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 07:04 EDT
Retail margin pressure is increasingly being felt far beyond the shop floor, according to materials handling specialist Midland Pallet Trucks - and this can have serious, unintended consequences. As UK retailers continue to grapple with rising wage bills, energy costs and lingering inflationary pressures, many warehouses are pushing existing equipment harder rather than investing in upgrades. Across distribution centres and stockholding facilities, pallet trucks and handling equipment are seeing heavier workloads as operators look to control costs wherever possible. While this approach can help manage short-term expenditure, it also places greater strain on essential warehouse tools that are often overlooked in wider cost planning. Warehouse efficiency still depends heavily on reliable manual handling equipment such as pallet trucks, stacker trucks and lift tables, particularly in operations where automation remains limited or selective. When these tools are expected to operate beyond their intended duty cycles, the risk of slowdowns and mechanical wear inevitably increases. The is particularly noticeable in retail supply chains where volumes fluctuate rapidly and operational margins remain tight. Businesses are often choosing to extend the life of existing equipment fleets rather than replacing them immediately, especially when budgets are under scrutiny. Phil Chesworth, Managing Director at Midland Pallet Trucks, said the financial pressures affecting retailers are now clearly visible in warehouse operations. "Retail margin pressure is showing up on the warehouse floor," he said. "We're seeing more businesses trying to stretch the lifespan of their pallet trucks and stackers rather than replacing them straight away. That's understandable in the current climate, but equipment that's working harder also needs closer attention. A pallet truck that slows down or fails during a busy shift can quickly create bottlenecks "Regular checks, proper maintenance and making sure the right truck is being used for the right task can go a long way in keeping operations running smoothly," Chesworth said. "The risk comes when equipment is pushed harder without any corresponding focus on upkeep or suitability." For more information, visit https://www.midlandpallettrucks.com .
Consultation on Proposed Canadian Restriction on Benzophenone in Coating Products
Thu, Mar 19, 2026 05:15 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published SafeGuardS 038.26, focusing on moves in Canada to increase regulatory control over benzophenone in paint, stain and coating products. Benzophenone is a potentially carcinogenic substance that has been linked to liver and kidney damage, as well as endocrine disruption. Exposure occurs with skin contact, inhalation and ingestion, and the danger to human and animal health has led to its listing as a dangerous substance under the Canadian Environmental Protection Act, 1999 (CEPA) A 60-day consultation was launched by Health Canada on February 14, 2026, regarding proposed restrictions on benzophenone in paints, stains and coating products. Comments will be accepted until April 15, 2026. SGS experts publish SafeGuardS to keep stakeholders informed about regulatory changes that could impact their business. SafeGuardS 038.26 provides a useful table with key highlights of the planned restrictions in Canada, including substance scope and maximum permitted levels. Stakeholders are encouraged to refer to the original SafeGuardS 038.26 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 Canada Consults Over Proposed Restriction on Benzophenone in Coating Products 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
KAI Completes Northside Movement Center Supporting Justice, Advocacy in North St. Louis
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 18:33 EDT
KAI joined a crowd of more than 500 people on Feb. 27 to celebrate the official opening of the Northside Movement Center ( https://www.northsidemovementcenter.org ), a transformative project honoring generations of Black-led organizing while investing in the future of community-led advocacy. Minority-owned and -led KAI provided at-risk construction management services on the $5.5 million renovation of the former New North Side Family Life Center/Gateway Community Church of Christ building at 5939 Goodfellow Blvd., just miles from Ferguson where protests followed the 2014 death of Michael Brown. The newly renovated, 36,000-square-foot building will serve as the shared home of ArchCity Defenders ( archcitydefenders.org ), a holistic legal advocacy organization that fights the criminalization of poverty and state violence, and Action St. Louis ( actionstl.org ), a grassroots organization working to build power for Black communities in the St. Louis area through organizing, advocacy and racial justice initiatives. Characterized as a home for movement-building and a centralized location for advocacy, organizing, direct services and events, the center will soon offer rental and co-working space for community groups, along with flexible gathering spaces for meetings and community events. "As an African American-owned firm rooted in the heart of St. Louis, we are deeply honored to help bring this project to life," said KAI CEO Michael B. Kennedy. "These civil rights organizations represent more than just legal advocacy. This project is a symbol of empowerment, access, and justice in a community that has long been underserved. We believe that building in neighborhoods like this is not just construction, it's restoration, healing and investment in our people's future." The organizations' search for a centralized location in North St. Louis began in 2021 and was driven by a commitment to be rooted in and invest in the communities they serve and organize alongside. "We're very excited about this project and to be coming into this community and working with the residents here," said Blake Strode, executive director of ArchCity Defenders. "Our organizations believe deeply in community power. We provide services, engage in advocacy and organizing, and believe that power is built from the grassroots up. We're going to be here in this footprint for the people of North Pointe, Mark Twain, Baden, Walnut Park, and surrounding areas to better understand what they need and how we can help them." Years in the making, the building was selected for its proximity to communities across North St. Louis city and county where many of the organizations' clients live, and because the building itself has long served as a neighborhood anchor. "We were really excited to complete the project because this has been a multi-year process of finding this building, purchasing it, and now completing the rehabilitation phase," said Kayla Reed, executive director of Action St. Louis. "We focused on North St. Louis because that's where the residents we serve live. We're grateful to have a permanent place where they know they can find us, where they can come for resources and to connect with others. We hope to be a lighthouse for the people of North City, a hub where they can get what they need and where we can help connect them to resources." St. Louis-based Trivers served as the architect on the project, with Construction Management Partners serving as the owner's representative.
SGS Wins Another Three Years of Kenyan PVoC Contract Services
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 12:52 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has announced the renewal of its contract to supply pre-export verification of conformity (PVoC) services for the Kenya Bureau of Standards (KEBS). This three-year contract runs from 2026 to 2029. The announcement also details an update for KEBS destination inspection (DI) coverage. This is a compliance control mechanism applied at destination by KEBS to consignments originating from countries not covered under the PVoC program, and has been expanded, with the following regions added: Africa Central Europe Canada and the USA DI does not remove the need for shipments to meet pre-export conformity checks required for PVoC-covered areas. Before shipment, trade stakeholders must obtain certificates of analysis and test reports from laboratories accredited to ISO/IEC 17025 in the country of export. On arrival, these products are subject to a fee of 0.6% of the cost, insurance and freight (CIF) value. A Free Sales Certificate must also be produced to demonstrate that the products are freely sold and comply with applicable regulations in their country of origin. A revision in inspection fees, charged on a case-by-case basis, has also been announced under the new contract cycle in line with the approved regulatory framework. Fees cover documentary verification, physical inspection and sampling, including applicable container sealing. The approval of a seventh consecutive PVoC contract cycle for SGS reflects continuing confidence in the company's technical capabilities, governance standards and service delivery, marking the company's commitment to operational excellence, regulatory alignment and strengthened stakeholder collaboration. Further details of SGS's PCA services for Kenya are available in the PCA newsletter
SGS Highlights Fully Standardized PCA Compliance System for Morocco
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 12:33 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has reported on Morocco's new streamlined product conformity assessment (PCA) process. The article highlights the implementation of a fully standardized and importer-led compliance framework introduced in December 2024 as part of a new operational phase of the Morocco program. This framework improves consumer protection and simplifies international trade procedures. A good understanding of these updated requirements is key to avoiding customs penalties and delays. At the center of the changes is the focus on the responsibility of importers, who must now solely initiate and manage the PCA process. They must submit conformity documentation, interact with the assigned certification body and monitor decisions throughout the conformity process with PortNet, Morocco's mandatory national digital platform. Fully standardized workflows and harmonized assessment rules are now automatically implemented across all PortNet-assigned certification bodies. Any communication outside the platform is not legally valid, and importers and exporters cannot select the certification body. Exporters benefit from enhanced neutrality, consistency and transparency through these centralized procedures, ensuring the PCA process is trusted and simplified. Early coordination between exporters and importers, along with accurate and rigorous compliance documentation that adheres to PortNet-based procedures, is essential for smooth market access. Further details of SGS's PCA services for Morocco are available in the PCA newsletter
SGS Reports on Participation at the WCO Technology Conference & Exhibition 2026
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 12:22 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article on its participation in the World Customs Organization Technology Conference and Exhibition 2026. This high-profile event focused on trusted digital ecosystems and pre-border compliance solutions to improve the way Customs agencies facilitate trade while ensuring strengthened regulatory compliance. SGS's Trade Facilitation Services (TFS) team demonstrated solutions that address the most urgent challenges in border management, including fragmented processes, fraud risks, limited interoperability, valuation inconsistencies, inspection bottlenecks and operational inefficiencies. SGS presented its Trade Integrity Program, positioning the company as a strategic digital partner for modern Customs administrations. Through the use of digital platforms, the team also explained how innovative technologies such as SGS e-Valuator®, SGS Cross-Border e-Invoicing, SGS D-TECT® and the Single Electronic Window form part of a trusted digital ecosystem for stakeholders to integrate trade processes using state-of-the-art technologies. Strengthened internal collaboration was also highlighted at the conference, with SGS illustrating how its technology-driven Trade Integrity Program offers a scalable suite of solutions to deliver real-world improvements in revenue, efficiency and compliance. Further details of SGS's trade facilitation services are available in the PCA newsletter
SGS Highlights Updates to Ivory Coast PCA Labeling Requirements
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 12:01 EDT
SGS, the world's leading testing, inspection and certification company, has published an article advising of the Ivory Coast's update to its product conformity assessment program (C171) rules on labeling. These important revisions aim to ensure compliance with applicable standards and technical regulations while making them clearer for consumers and professionals. The updates apply to foodstuffs, cosmetics, tobacco, tobacco products and pesticides. Separate requirements are listed for industrial and professional products. There are also rules for new electric lamps, air conditioners, refrigerators and freezers imported into the Ivory Coast. Exporters of products not yet subject to the mandatory requirements are advised to begin aligning to ensure continuing compliance. Further details of SGS's PCA services for the Ivory Coast are available in the PCA newsletter .
SGS launches new global food intelligence platform to help industry predict safety and regulatory risks
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 09:20 EDT
Two of the food industry's most advanced intelligence platforms are joining forces. SGS has announced the combination of its regulatory intelligence platform SGS Digicomply with Agroknow, a leader in food safety analytics and AI-driven risk intelligence, creating SGS Nexus - a unified platform designed to help food companies anticipate regulatory change and manage safety risks across global supply chains. The move reflects growing demand for integrated, real-time intelligence as food businesses navigate rapidly evolving regulations, increasingly complex supplier networks and expanding volumes of safety data. By bringing regulatory, risk and compliance intelligence together in one environment, SGS Nexus aims to help companies move from reactive compliance to predictive risk management. The platform will bring together three complementary capabilities: SGS's global quality and inspection expertise, Agroknow's food risk analytics, and SGS Digicomply's real-time regulatory intelligence. The combined platform will enable food companies to monitor regulatory changes, identify emerging safety risks and generate audit-ready evidence across their supplier networks. Complementary capabilities, immediate benefits Unlike many technology integrations, this merger brings together complementary client bases and capabilities. Existing SGS Digicomply and Agroknow clients will continue using their current solutions while gaining access to expanded intelligence and analytics as the platform evolves. "With SGS Nexus, we're not just merging technologies - we're establishing a new global standard for food intelligence," said Géraldine Picaud, CEO of SGS. "This platform reflects our Strategy 27 ambition to build trust through digital ecosystems and reinforces our role as an independent partner helping clients navigate growing regulatory and safety complexity." "Our goal is to become the go-to intelligence layer for food companies worldwide," said Nikos Manouselis, CEO of Agroknow. "By combining regulatory data, food safety incidents and machine learning in a single environment, we're transforming how risk is assessed, managed and prevented." A unified platform for food safety and compliance Over the next 12 months, SGS Nexus will roll out a unified platform combining the capabilities of SGS Digicomply and Agroknow while introducing powerful new tools to help food companies manage safety, compliance and supplier risk more proactively. Key capabilities will include: Real-time global compliance intelligence - tracking food laws, standards, regulatory updates and safety alerts worldwide and mapping them to product portfolios and ingredients Predictive risk detection - using machine learning across recalls, import refusals, border rejections and monitoring programs to identify early warning signals before risks escalate Audit planning and readiness support - transforming external data into structured evidence and audit-ready reports, aligned with major standards such as GFSI, FSMA, and customer requirements Lab testing and specification optimization - helping teams prioritize lab testing budgets and ingredient approvals based on real-world risk profiles and historical incident patterns Supplier and material risk assessment - enabling benchmarking of suppliers using external risk scores and incident data, supporting annual audit planning and proactive sourcing decisions. AI-powered insights - allowing teams to ask complex regulatory or risk questions in plain language and receive relevant insights and recommendations instantly In addition to the SaaS platform, the company will also offer Data-as-a-Service (DaaS) channels allowing organizations to integrate food safety and regulatory intelligence directly into PLM systems, ERP tools and custom risk models. Supporting a more predictive approach to food safety SGS Nexus marks a key milestone in SGS's digital strategy, designed to help food businesses move from fragmented compliance management toward a more predictive, data-driven approach to safety and risk management. Further details about SGS Nexus and its rollout will be announced in the coming months.
Salt Security Launches Industry's First Agentic Security Platform for the AI Stack Across LLMs, MCP Servers and APIs
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 09:00 EDT
New platform gives enterprises full visibility and governance across the Agentic Security Graph connecting LLMs, MCP servers and APIs, helping security teams understand not just what AI agents can say, but what they can do Salt Security , the leader in API security, today announced the launch of the Salt Agentic Security Platform , a new platform designed to secure the rapidly expanding Agentic Security Graph inside modern enterprises and enable organisations to adopt AI agents safely and at scale. As enterprises deploy AI agents to drive greater efficiency and productivity, their success depends on more than model quality alone. It depends on how effectively those agents connect to enterprise systems, data and workflows. The more connected an agent is, the more valuable it becomes, and the more security risk it can introduce. To understand that risk, security teams need visibility into the full set of relationships between LLMs, MCP servers, and APIs that enable agent behaviour. A simple way to think about an AI agent is as a digital employee: LLM: The brain - responsible for reasoning and decision-making. MCP servers: The hands - enables the agent to press buttons and pull levers APIs: The buttons and levers - allow the hands to take real action across enterprise environments. Together, LLMs, MCP servers and APIs form the pillars of what Salt calls the agentic stack. Mapped together, they create the Agentic Security Graph, a security context layer that helps organisations understand how agents reason, connect, and take action across the enterprise. APIs are the action layer that allows AI agents to interact with enterprise systems, execute workflows, and access sensitive data. When those interactions are not properly secured, an AI agent can move beyond generating responses to taking actions that can cause real operational harm. As organisations accelerate adoption, the number of LLM connections, MCP servers, APIs and autonomous interactions across enterprise environments is growing exponentially. The Salt Agentic Security Platform gives security teams a unified way to discover, visualise, govern and protect this entire Agentic Security Graph rather than just individual components within it. "Most AI security solutions focus on prompts and models," said Roey Eliyahu, CEO and co-founder of Salt Security. "But the real enterprise risk is not just in what an agent can say. It is in what an agent can do through MCP servers and APIs. These systems connect agents to data, workflows and enterprise services. That is what we call the Agentic Security Graph , and Salt's Agentic Security Platform is designed to expose and secure it." To secure the agentic fabric, Salt introduces two new security capabilities: Agentic Security Posture Management (AG-SPM) and Agentic Detection and Response (AG-DR) , creating a unified approach to securing the full agentic lifecycle from code to runtime. Agentic Security Posture Management (AG-SPM): Continuous discovery and governance of LLM connectivity, agents, MCP servers, APIs and the relationships between them. Agentic Detection and Response (AG-DR): Real-time detection of abuse, misuse, and anomalous behaviour across LLM connectivity, agent-driven activity, MCP servers and APIs. Together, these capabilities help organisations adopt AI agents safely, turning security from a potential blocker into a true enabler of business innovation. Customer Validation Early customers are already benefiting from using the platform to gain visibility into rapidly expanding AI environments: "As we deploy more AI agents across our organisation, the complexity of the systems they interact with has increased dramatically and is challenging to manage," said Shawn Griffin, Chief Information Security Officer, CFIUS Security Officer & Cybersecurity Officer at Siemens. "Salt is uniquely positioned to secure this new environment because every agent interaction ultimately runs through APIs. The Agentic Security Platform has already given us improved visibility and protection that we need to confidently scale AI across the Siemens Software business." Map Your Agentic Security Graph Salt Security is offering a limited number of Agentic Security Graph Discovery Sessions during the RSA Conference that reveal how LLMs, MCP servers and APIs connect across your enterprise. In minutes, Salt reveals the hidden API relationships powering your AI systems. Availability is limited. Request your discovery session here. For more information, visit www.salt.security . About Salt Security Salt Security developed the industry's first Agentic Security Platform, designed to secure the agentic infrastructure created by LLMs, AI agents, MCP servers and APIs. As organisations deploy autonomous agents that interact with enterprise systems through APIs, traditional security boundaries break down. The Salt platform continuously discovers, governs and protects this new architecture, providing visibility into agent capabilities, API interactions and sensitive data exposure across the agentic enterprise from code to runtime.
2026 International Collegiate Conference Award Winners Announced by the American Marketing Association
Wed, Mar 18, 2026 08:16 EDT
Contact: Amy Gwiazdowski, agwiazdowski@ama.org 2026 International Collegiate Conference Award Winners Announced by the American Marketing Association Students and advisors from around the world gathered in Chicago for conference and competitions Chicago, IL -The American Marketing Association (AMA) is excited to announce the competition and scholarship winners from this year's 2026 International Collegiate Conference (ICC) held in Chicago. The conference is an opportunity for the next generation of marketers to make professional connections in the marketing field, learn and grow skills, and compete in marketing competitions. "The marketing talent on display at the 2026 International Collegiate Conference was nothing short of inspiring," said Bennie F. Johnson, CEO of the AMA . "Our winners and scholarship recipients didn't just meet the bar; they raised it. This year's theme, Level Up, perfectly captured the drive and ambition our collegiate members brought to every competition. These students have proven they have the skill and vision to lead the next generation of marketing." "I also want to extend my gratitude to our conference co-chairs, Dr. Delonia Minor-Cooley and Dr. Loran Jarrett. The success of this event is due to their brilliant leadership, wisdom, and commitment to helping our students excel," said Johnson . Competition Winners Case Competition - co-sponsored by Major League Baseball & Deloitte Consulting 1st Place: University of Wisconsin - Whitewater 2nd Place: British Columbia Institute of Technology Montana State University - Bozeman Florida State University 3rd Place: University of Cincinnati High Point University University of Nevada - Reno George Washington University Ferris State University Temple University University of Pennsylvania Marketing Strategy Competition - sponsored by Medill School of Journalism & PPAI 1st Place: Bob Jones University Zan Herzog & Eric Weist 2nd Place: Montana State University - Bozeman Lizzy Totten & Lindsay Posewitz 3rd Place: Plymouth State University Thomas Giessler & Carissa Adams Perfect Pitch Competition - sponsored by Gartner 1st Place: Hailey Hesseltine, Texas State University Madison Silcox, Virginia Commonwealth University 2nd Place: Mohamed Turay, Virginia Commonwealth University Michael Van Offeren, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater 3rd Place: Ashlynn Chavez, California State University - Long Beach Kayla Lee, Virginia Commonwealth University 4th Place: Paris Graham, Florida State University Peter Waning, Marian University 5th Place: Kaarthika Vinayak, Virginia Commonwealth University Nicholas Williams, University of Tampa 6th Place: Eli Givens, Marian University Lexi Urbassik, Bloomsburg University - Pennsylvania 7th Place: Zane Herzog, Bob Jones University Ella Crouch, Lipscomb University 8th Place: Nicole Nowak, University of Tampa Addison Villegas, Texas State University 9th Place: Diego Vacaflores, Texas State University Russell Magpayo, Virginia Commonwealth University 10th Place: Caitlyn Muniz, North Carolina State University Valeria Collazo Muñiz, University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Sales Competition - sponsored by Insight Global 1st Place: Paris Graham, Florida State University Jordan Rosenblum, Florida State University Luis Lopez, University of Texas - Arlington 2nd Place: Adam Hvitfeldt-Matthews, Virginia Commonwealth University Valeria Ruiz, Kennesaw State University Isaac Oh, California State University - Long Beach 3rd Place: Dylan Green, California State University - Chico Abby Zimmerman, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Victoria Adams, Virginia Commonwealth University 4th Place: Daniela Jarpa Sarmiento, Lipscomb University Joshua Fisher, Robert Morris University Taylor Wojcinski, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater 5th Place: Michael Van Offeren, University of Wisconsin - Whitewater Jason Schiltz, St. John Fisher University Chloe Pasquet, Florida State University Marketing Business Simulation Competition - sponsored by Marketplace Simulations 1st Place: Florida International University 2nd Place: California State University - Long Beach 3rd Place: Missouri State University 4th Place: St. John Fisher University 5th Place: John Carroll University Digital Marketing Competition - sponsored by Minus33 & McGraw Hill 1st Place: North Carolina State University 2nd Place: Pennsylvania State University 3rd Place: Rice University Design Lab Marketing Competition - sponsored by Polymarket 1st Place: Virginia Commonwealth University 2nd Place: West Chester University 3rd Place: Robert Morris University Award Winners Faculty Advisor Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Delonia Minor- Cooley, Texas Southern University Hugh G. Wales Faculty Advisor of the Year John Davis - University of Oregon Student Marketer of Year Anjali Sharma, University of Maryland - College Park Chapter Winners International Chapters of the Year: Small Chapter Division Bellarmine University International Chapters of the Year: Large Chapter Division Pennsylvania State University University of Nevada - Las Vegas University of Puerto Rico - Rio Piedras Scholarship Recipients Diversity Leadership Scholarship Billy Zheng, University of Pennsylvania Ryan Dong, University of Pennsylvania Kayla Dahmer, University of Southern Indiana Dwight R. Smith, University of Maryland Global Campus Yisel Irizarry, University of Puerto Rico Mayagüez Robert DeLay Social Impact Scholarship Maggie Gu, University of Pennsylvania Christopher Kwok, University of Pennsylvania Uma Mukhopadhyay, University of Pennsylvania Stryker Buoncristiano Scholarship Samuel Richards, California State University Chico Andie Lovejoy, University of Maine Lee Epstein Scholarship Caitlin Eng, Clemson University Christian Kim, University of Pennsylvania EBSCO Student Scholar Award Kate Ahn, University of Pennsylvania Giana Colonna, University of Maryland College Park Luke Robinson, University of Maryland College Park Finally, a thank you to all of this year's competition sponsors, exhibitors and recruiters: Case Competition Co-Sponsors Major League Baseball & Deloitte Consulting Sales Competition Sponsor Insight Global Perfect Pitch Competition Gartner Event Partner Enterprise Mobility & L'Oreal Marketing Business Simulation Competition Sponsor Marketplace Simulations Digital Marketing Competition Sponsor Minus33 & McGraw Hill Design Lab Marketing Competition Sponsor Polymarket Dinner Sponsor PPAI Sales Showcase Sponsors Black Diamond Networks Cintas Gartner Goosehead Insurance Gray Television Insight Global Samsara Tom Jones Skill Up Station Sponsors Enterprise Mobility Gartner Purdue University West Virginia University Reed College of Media Faculty Reception Sponsors Enterprise Mobility Digital Marketing Institute Exhibitors and Recruiters Black Diamond Networks CED Chicago Fire FC Cintas Eight Eleven Group Enterprise Mobility Florida Atlantic University Gartner Goosehead Insurance Gray Media Harvard Business School Insight Global Jackson Family Wines Kambia L'Oreal Marriott Vacations Worldwide Medill School of Journalism, Integrated Marketing Communications Polymarket Purdue University Daniels School of Business Samsara Savannah College of Art Tom James WPP Media WVU John Chambers College of Business & Economics Next year's ICC will take place April 8-10, 2027 in New Orleans, LA. More information: 2027 AMA International Collegiate Conference . ###
