Trade Associations
Here's a look at documents from national and international trade associations
Featured Stories
Americans Want Affordability. With Tort Reform, Florida Shows the Way.
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 13 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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Americans Want Affordability. With Tort Reform, Florida Shows the Way.
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Affordability. It's the hottest buzzword in public discourse today.
Americans are clamoring for it. Politicians base their campaign messages around it. Pollsters confirm it's a winning issue. Yet when rubber meets the road, too often, policymakers overlook the solutions that can meaningfully bring down costs for Americans.
That must change, and a good place to start would be to enact
... Show Full Article
ARLINGTON, Virginia, April 13 [Category: Transportation] -- The American Trucking Associations posted the following news release:
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Americans Want Affordability. With Tort Reform, Florida Shows the Way.
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Affordability. It's the hottest buzzword in public discourse today.
Americans are clamoring for it. Politicians base their campaign messages around it. Pollsters confirm it's a winning issue. Yet when rubber meets the road, too often, policymakers overlook the solutions that can meaningfully bring down costs for Americans.
That must change, and a good place to start would be to enacttort reform.
Every year, Americans pay a hidden "tort tax" that costs the typical household $4,207. But this tax isn't being used to pay for better schools, roads, and emergency services-it is simply lining the pockets of the trial bar. Billboard lawyers are increasingly filing frivolous lawsuits and "forum shopping" to score huge payouts. This exploitation of the legal system costs our economy over half a trillion dollars annually. Even worse, the wave of lawsuit abuse is swamping family budgets. As a top target for trial lawyers, the trucking industry bears a particularly heavy burden.
One of the most disturbing instances of lawsuit abuse-staged accidents-involves criminals intentionally crashing into 18-wheelers, risking lives to cash in on massive settlements. Recently, a short documentary exposed a staggering scheme involving an organized network of "slammers," corrupt attorneys, and even the murder of a witness who threatened to reveal the truth.
Clearly, the status quo of unscrupulous lawyers acting with impunity and driving up insurance rates is not working. Protecting the integrity of our justice system is simply common sense. Yet, inexplicably, Congress has dragged its feet on this issue. Fortunately, local legislatures are pointing the way forward.
Nearly a century ago, Supreme Court Justice Louis Brandeis famously described states as a "laboratory" of democracy. This feature of federalism has served as a proving ground for policies that can tackle serious problems in novel ways. The states that have had the temerity to experiment with tort reform have achieved transformational results.
Florida is a prime example of the paradigm shift that is underway. For years, the state was branded a judicial hellhole, but that changed in 2023. With the strong support of ATA and the Florida Trucking Association, Governor Ron Desantis pushed through legislation that created a level playing field for litigation and put an end to trial lawyers harassing job creators to line their own pockets.
The impressive statistics speak for themselves.Since Florida's reforms took effect, over three dozen auto insurers filed rate decreases according to Sentry Insurance. Policyholders received a reduction of 15% from AAA, 10.1% from State Farm, and 8% from Progressive, among many others. An analysis by the Perryman Group found that direct savings in the property and casualty market generate $4.2 billion in additional economic activity and support nearly 30,000 jobs.
The bottom line is that insurers want to do business in states with predictable, fair legal environments. This competition has created a windfall for Floridians, adding hundreds of dollars to their wallets, enabling them to pay their bills, boost their savings, support local businesses, and take that much-needed vacation.
To date, ATA's advocacy has been instrumental to the successful passage of tort reform in 15 states, including Florida. Additional victories are on the horizon, but what we need above all is a federal remedy that can expand these reforms from coast to coast.
With Congress returning to session today following a two-week recess, they would be wise to look to Florida as a model. This week, 16 members of the Florida Trucking Association will be in town for Call on Washington to meet with their Members of Congress and urge them to translate their state's tort reform triumph into a national one.
This is not a Red State vs. Blue State issue. At least, it does not have to be. Governor Kathy Hochul has courageously taken up the mantle to bring down New Yorkers' sky-high insurance premiums.
If lawmakers are serious about lowering costs for their constituents, they must pass comprehensive tort reform legislation. There are a suite of policy prescriptions available.
A good place to begin to restore justice to the justice system would be to simply improve transparency that ensures judges and juries are entitled to all of the facts. As Justice Brandeis put it in another famous aphorism, "Sunlight is the best disinfectant." Perhaps that is why the Sunshine State is leading the way.
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Original text here: https://www.trucking.org/news-insights/americans-want-affordability-tort-reform-florida-shows-way
MO HealthNet Proposes Pharmacy Regulation Change And Shares PDL List
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MO HealthNet Proposes Pharmacy Regulation Change And Shares PDL List
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MO HealthNet is planning a proposed regulation change in the fall of this year to carve out drugs on the preferred drug list for 340B entities. This carve out would be the same as existing carve outs if a claim comes in for a preferred PDL product with a 340B indicator or modifier the claim will deny.
Claims without the 340B indicator or modifier will pay at the standard MO HealthNet pharmacy
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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MO HealthNet Proposes Pharmacy Regulation Change And Shares PDL List
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MO HealthNet is planning a proposed regulation change in the fall of this year to carve out drugs on the preferred drug list for 340B entities. This carve out would be the same as existing carve outs if a claim comes in for a preferred PDL product with a 340B indicator or modifier the claim will deny.
Claims without the 340B indicator or modifier will pay at the standard MO HealthNet pharmacyhierarchy. Claims for drugs that are non-preferred on the PDL and claims for drugs not part of the PDL would still be able to utilize 340B stock.
The full PDL list as of March 20 can be found here. MO HealthNet plans on issuing updated PDL lists in April and July to help hospitals prepare for the change. Please note that the PDL list is "proprietary of the State of Missouri, MO HealthNet Division. All information is deemed reliable as of the date of the document, but not guaranteed."
The proposed regulation language change can be found below.
MO HealthNet Regulation 13 CSR 70-20.075 - 340B Drug Pricing Program
Full regulation can be found here.
Proposed Regulation Change:
(6) MHD may carve-out certain medications and categories of medications from 340B participation for MHD reimbursement. Medications subject to the carve-out will be reimbursed according to 13 CSR 70-20.070. The following medications and categories of medications are carved-out of reimbursement through the 340B program:
(A) ( ~~Drugs approved by the FDA for the treatment of obesity)~~ All preferred agents on the Preferred Drug List (PDL) on the date of service ; and
(B) Cell and gene therapies
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/mo-healthnet-proposes-pharmacy-regulation-change-and-shares-pdl-list
AACR Announces Recipients of the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 13 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
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AACR Announces Recipients of the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism
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PHILADELPHIA - The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism in the following categories:
Magazine
* " My Colon "
By Laurie Abraham ( Photo ), New York Magazine
Newspaper
* " NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it. "
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 13 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
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AACR Announces Recipients of the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism
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PHILADELPHIA - The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) is pleased to announce the recipients of the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism in the following categories:
Magazine
* " My Colon "
By Laurie Abraham ( Photo ), New York Magazine
Newspaper
* " NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it. "
By Carolyn Johnson ( Photo ), The Washington Post
Online/Multimedia
* " Cancer Capitalism "
By Robert Langreth ( Photo ) and Tanaz Meghjani ( Photo ), and Anna Edney ( Photo ), Bloomberg News
Television/Radio/Podcast
* " Researchers in Oregon aim to slow down cancer by remotely cooking tumors "
By Jes Burns ( Photo ) and Brooke Herbert ( Photo ), Oregon Public Broadcasting's All Science. No Fiction.
* " Diagnosis Young: The New Face of Cancer in NC "
By Cristin Severance ( Photo ) and Dwayne Myers ( Photo ), WRAL, Raleigh, North Carolina
The prize recipients will be recognized on Sunday, April 19, during the Opening Ceremony at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 in San Diego, California. The AACR Annual Meeting brings together thousands of researchers, clinicians, survivors, patients, and advocates to share the latest advances in cancer science and medicine.
The AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism was established in 2015 to raise awareness of the critical role that the media play in educating the public about cancer and cancer research. The prize showcases outstanding examples of cancer journalism and recognizes individual professional journalists who have produced accurate, informative, and compelling stories that enhance the public's understanding of cancer, cancer research, cancer advocacy, or cancer policy. The prize is named in honor of June L. Biedler, PhD, and is supported by a generous bequest she made to the AACR.
"The AACR is thrilled to honor these distinguished journalists with the 2026 AACR June L. Biedler Prize for Cancer Journalism," said Margaret Foti, PhD, MD (hc), chief executive officer of the AACR. "The recipients of this year's awards all demonstrated a remarkable ability to communicate complex scientific concepts in clear, accessible language while crafting a compelling narrative. Their stories exemplify impactful health and science reporting and have truly enriched the public's understanding of cancer. We are grateful to be able to continually recognize journalists with the generous bequest from Dr. Biedler and to celebrate and amplify their essential work."
"There is nothing about cancer-the science, treatment, drug development, survivorship, or the day-to-day experiences of millions of patients worldwide-that isn't steeped in complexity," said Clifton Leaf, adjunct professor at Columbia Journalism School, former editor-in-chief of Fortune, visiting member of the Ellison Medical Institute, and chair of the Biedler Prize since 2017. "And yet this year's Biedler Prize winners and finalists brought clarity and understanding to every question they explored. That is what great reporters do."
ABOUT THE WINNING SUBMISSIONS
Magazine
* "My Colon" by Laurie Abraham, New York Magazine
In this personal essay, freelance journalist and editor Laurie Abraham masterfully combines frank, first-person storytelling with a comprehensive look into current research and treatment in colorectal cancer. She uses blunt language and real-world examples throughout the piece to explain the natural aversion to talking about this cancer that is often, as she writes, shameful in the hierarchy of cancer diagnoses. A balance between a public service announcement and entertainment, Abraham takes readers through her diagnosis and treatment, fearlessly describing her own feelings and translating highly technical medical information into understandable language for a lay audience.
Newspaper
* "NIH scientists have a cancer breakthrough. Layoffs are delaying it." by Carolyn Johnson, The Washington Post
In this timely and important article, Carolyn Johnson skillfully merges two intersecting narratives: a look into promising new research in using tumor-infiltrating lymphocyte (TIL) therapy on solid tumors and the real-world impact of the reduction-in-force announcements for the National Institutes of Health (NIH). Johnson explores the history of cell-based immunotherapy and the elusiveness of its efficacy in solid tumors, underscoring why progress in this field, and particularly in TIL therapy, is critically important. Johnson also tells the story of a patient who turned to the NIH after years of treatment, where the promise of a clinical trial testing TIL therapy offered renewed hope, followed by uncertainty when important members of the trial team were laid off. Johnson's work highlights how politics can impede scientific progress and the many individuals who are directly affected by these types of decisions.
Online/Multimedia
* "Cancer Capitalism" by Robert Langreth, Tanaz Meghjani, Anna Edney, Bloomberg News
In this three-part series, Robert Langreth, Tanaz Meghjani, and Anna Edney shed light on a critical issue often speculated about in cancer treatment. They provide evidence-based, data-driven insights on what they call "cancer capitalism," in which the drive for profit can harm patients. The series begins with an analysis of the data behind high-cost cancer pharmaceuticals, followed by an examination of a medical device implanted in breast cancer patients that failed to dissolve as intended, and concludes with an exploration of how lower doses of $200,000 drugs may help hundreds of thousands of people around the world.
Television/Radio/Podcast
* "Researchers in Oregon aim to slow down cancer by remotely cooking tumors" by Jes Burns and Brooke Herbert, Oregon Public Broadcasting's All Science. No Fiction.
In this creative video report, Jes Burns and Brooke Herbert take a light-hearted approach to explaining innovative scientific research, humanizing the scientific process while clearly explaining an emerging nanotechnology-based approach to slowing tumor growth. The narration, visuals, and pacing work together seamlessly to make complex concepts understandable, using thoughtful graphics and physical props to illustrate how the technology functions and why it holds promise for the treatment of ovarian cancer and endometriosis.
* "Diagnosis Young: The New Face of Cancer in NC" by Cristin Severance and Dwayne Myers, WRAL
In this impactful documentary, Cristin Severance and Dwayne Myers present a compelling, well-executed exploration of the growing prevalence of cancer diagnoses among younger adults. Through powerful personal stories, the piece effectively educates viewers about how cancer is increasingly affecting populations that have not traditionally been seen as high risk, challenging long-held assumptions about age and cancer. By highlighting the physical, emotional, and life-stage disruptions faced by younger patients, the documentary deepens public awareness of an important and evolving cancer trend.
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Original text here: https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/aacr-announces-recipients-of-the-2026-aacr-june-l-biedler-prize-for-cancer-journalism/
AACR Announces 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 13 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
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AACR Announces 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
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SAN DIEGO - The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will honor leaders from government and the advocacy community with awards for distinguished service in support of cancer research at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, to be held April 17-22 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is being recognized with the 2026 Distinguished
... Show Full Article
PHILADELPHIA, Pennsylvania, April 13 [Category: Medical] -- The American Association for Cancer Research posted the following news release:
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AACR Announces 2026 Distinguished Service Award Recipients
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SAN DIEGO - The American Association for Cancer Research (AACR) will honor leaders from government and the advocacy community with awards for distinguished service in support of cancer research at the AACR Annual Meeting 2026, to be held April 17-22 at the San Diego Convention Center in San Diego, California.
Senator Susan Collins (R-Maine) is being recognized with the 2026 DistinguishedPublic Service Award for her longstanding support for medical research funding through the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and her extraordinary leadership during the fiscal year (FY) 2026 appropriations process, in which Senator Collins led the effort as one of the most powerful Republicans to speak out against the Administration's FY2026 budget proposal to slash NIH funding.
As Chair of the Senate Appropriations Committee, the first Republican woman to hold that position, Collins convened the very first Senate hearings of her tenure as Chair to examine the potential catastrophic consequences from the President's FY2026 budget proposal. In her opening statement, Chair Collins noted that the hearing "speaks to the highest priority that this committee places on biomedical research." She continued: "There is no investment that pays greater dividends to American families than our investment in this research, which can lead to lifesaving and life-enhancing discoveries." Her efforts were instrumental in Congress ultimately rejecting the President's proposal to cut NIH funding by over 40% and instead secured a $415 million increase for NIH in FY2026.
In addition to her extraordinary support for funding cancer research, Senator Collins has led efforts to expand access to cancer screening tests and increase opportunities for patients with cancer to participate in clinical trials. To this end, she coauthored the SCREENS for Cancer Act to reauthorize and strengthen the National Breast and Cervical Cancer Early Detection Program, which has provided screenings to more than 6 million women nationwide. She also introduced the bipartisan NIH Clinical Trial Integrity Act to increase demographic representation in NIH-funded clinical trials.
Senator Collins has noted the consequences of falling behind in biomedical innocation could be dire. She has stated that the U.S. should not take its hard-earned position as the "world leader in scientific research" for granted. Senator Collins has long made the case that NIH funding is not a partisan issue. Her steady leadership during a period of significant uncertainty and upheaval for the American medical and scientific research community has been a testament to that conviction, which is why AACR is proud to present her with the AACR 2026 Distinguished Public Service Award.
Jill Feldman is being recognized with the 2026 AACR Distinguished Patient Advocacy and Engagement Award for her extraordinary leadership, unwavering dedication, and transformative impact on both the lung cancer patient advocacy community and lung cancer research. An internationally recognized lung cancer research advocate, Feldman has spent more than two decades working to ensure that patients' and families' lived experiences shape research and care. She lost her father, mother, close aunt, and two grandparents to lung cancer, and in 2009, Jill herself was diagnosed with EGFR-positive lung cancer at just 39 years old.
Feldman has become a powerful and deeply trusted voice for patient advocates worldwide, known for bringing urgency, credibility, and the realities of living with lung cancer into spaces where scientific and clinical decisions are made. In 2017, Feldman co-founded EGFR Resisters, a grassroots, patient-driven community committed to accelerating research to extend and improve the lives of people diagnosed with EGFR-mutated lung cancer. Through her leadership, the organization has funded more than $1 million for lung cancer research. She serves as president of EGFR Resisters, a patient advocate on the ECOG-ACRIN Thoracic Committee, and a member of the programmatic committee for the Department of Defense Lung Cancer Research Program. Feldman is currently a member of the Patient Advisory Board of the Institute for Translational Medicine. She has previously served as chair of the Patient Advisory Committee of the International Association for the Study of Lung Cancer (IASLC).
With tireless resolve and clarity of purpose, she has championed the integration of the patient voice into medical research, clinical care, and cancer policy decisions. Her steadfast commitment to patient-centered research has helped bridge the gap between scientific innovation and lived patient experience, influencing clinical guidelines, research design, scientific meetings, and strategic collaboration. She has coauthored peer-reviewed publications, abstracts, and clinical guidelines, and is a co-developer of the IASLC Language Guide to reduce stigma, eliminate blame, and strengthen patient-physician trust. As a long-time attendee of scientific conferences, she has become a respected and internationally recognized speaker who clearly communicates the patient perspective. She has successfully convened patient and caregiver summits, further demonstrating her unique ability to mobilize the community, inspire collaboration, and drive meaningful progress against lung cancer.
Feldman has supported the AACR Scientist-Survivor Program(r) as an Advocate Mentor, an AACR Annual Meeting Social Media Ambassador, and a panelist at the AACR Annual Meeting 2025 Major Symposium, Redefining Cancer Survivorship for People Living with Advanced and Metastatic Cancers. She has also served on the AACR Annual Meeting Program Committee and has been a member of the AACR Women in Cancer Research constituency group since 2020. In May 2025, she was featured in Cancer Today in the article Redefining Cancer Survivorship.
Collins and Feldman will be honored and deliver brief remarks during the Opening Ceremony of the AACR Annual Meeting 2026 on Sunday, April 19.
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Original text here: https://www.aacr.org/about-the-aacr/newsroom/news-releases/aacr-announces-2026-distinguished-service-award-recipients/
ICBA to Congress: Ensure Digital Assets Legislation Bars Interest on Payment Stablecoins to Avoid Harming Local Economies
WASHINGTON, April 13 [Category: Financial Services] (TNSrpt) -- The Independent Community Bankers of America posted the following news release:
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ICBA to Congress: Ensure Digital Assets Legislation Bars Interest on Payment Stablecoins to Avoid Harming Local Economies
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As Congress looks to advance digital asset market structure legislation, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today is calling on lawmakers to ensure the measure addresses concerns with the harmful impact on local economies of allowing crypto exchanges and other intermediaries to pay interest or yield on payment
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 13 [Category: Financial Services] (TNSrpt) -- The Independent Community Bankers of America posted the following news release:
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ICBA to Congress: Ensure Digital Assets Legislation Bars Interest on Payment Stablecoins to Avoid Harming Local Economies
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As Congress looks to advance digital asset market structure legislation, the Independent Community Bankers of America (ICBA) today is calling on lawmakers to ensure the measure addresses concerns with the harmful impact on local economies of allowing crypto exchanges and other intermediaries to pay interest or yield on paymentstablecoins. A recent Council of Economic Advisers report downplays these risks, relying on faulty assumptions and ignoring a growing body of research showing that yield-bearing payment stablecoins would drain deposits from community banks and curtail credit in local communities.
"While the nation's community banks have a proven track record of keeping credit and banking services available to the nation's local economies through good times and bad, failing to extend the prohibition of yield and interest on payment stablecoins would severely damage the locally based economic growth that community banks support," ICBA President and CEO Rebeca Romero Rainey said today. "Community banks hold $4.9 trillion in deposits that fuel $4.1 trillion in total lending activity. Lawmakers cannot risk inflicting significant damage to the community bank lending that propels economic growth in our nation's local communities."
With the Treasury Department estimating opens in a new tab that stablecoins will grow from $300 billion to trillions of dollars by the end of the decade, research from the Federal Reserve opens in a new tab, New York Fed opens in a new tab, and Kansas City Fed opens in a new tab project that retail deposits substituting into stablecoins will increase liquidity risk and funding costs, hampering the supply of credit in local communities. Further, an ICBA data analysis opens in a new tab of industry research estimates that continuing to allow crypto intermediaries to pay interest or yield on payment stablecoins would reduce community bank lending by $850 billion due to a $1.3 trillion reduction in the industry's deposits-significantly diminishing lending and economic resilience in local communities.
Among the Council of Economic Advisers' flawed analysis, the report opens in a new tab :
* Acknowledges that stablecoin yield leads to a recirculation of aggregate bank deposits without recognizing that this reallocation will lead to deposits leaving rural communities to be concentrated as wholesale deposits at global financial institutions.
* Investigates increased lending caused by prohibiting stablecoin yield, rather than the potential decrease in lending from permitting yield due to the resulting loss of deposits.
* Bases its estimates on the current size of the $300 billion stablecoin market, not the Treasury Department's estimate of a $3 trillion stablecoin market by the end of this decade.
* Draws on research-funded by some of the largest conglomerates in the digital assets industry-that investigates historical deposit trends when the debate is centered on the future impact of an emerging stablecoin sector.
* Argues that stablecoins function as "safe assets," though many stablecoin holders have experienced significant losses while no depositor has ever lost a penny of FDIC-insured deposits.
Additional data show that community banks are vital partners to U.S. small businesses, farmers, and rural communities. For instance, community banks account for opens in a new tab 81% of farm real estate debt held by commercial banks and 74% of operating debt, make opens in a new tab nearly 90% of commercial bank farmland loans with original amounts of $500,000 or less, and represent over 71% of all bank branches in rural areas opens in a new tab while holding nearly two-thirds of rural deposits. These impacts illustrate that the diversity of the U.S. banking system, with thousands of community banks spread across the nation, is a hallmark of the nation's economy that policymakers should continue to preserve and promote.
The GENIUS Act took the first step in addressing the risks posed by yield-bearing payment stablecoins by prohibiting issuers from offering yield, interest, or other considerations. ICBA looks forward to continuing to work with policymakers to explicitly extend this prohibition to crypto exchanges, affiliates, and other intermediaries to enable community banks to continue powering local economies across the United States.
About ICBA
The Independent Community Bankers of America(r) has one mission: to create and promote an environment where community banks flourish. We power the potential of the nation's community banks through effective advocacy, education, and innovation.
As local and trusted sources of credit, America's community banks leverage their relationship-based business model and innovative offerings to channel deposits into the neighborhoods they serve, creating jobs, fostering economic prosperity, and fueling their customers' financial goals and dreams. For more information, visit ICBA's website at icba.org.
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REPORT: https://www.whitehouse.gov/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/Effects-of-Stablecoin-Yield-Prohibition-on-Bank-Lending.pdf
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Original text here: https://www.icba.org/w/icba-to-congress-ensure-digital-assets-legislation-bars-interest-on-payment-stablecoins-to-avoid-harming-local-economies
ESD Alliance Reports Electronic System Design Industry Posts $5.5 Billion in Revenue in Q4 2025
MILPITAS, California, April 13 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release:
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ESD Alliance Reports Electronic System Design Industry Posts $5.5 Billion in Revenue in Q4 2025
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Americas and APAC Region Reported Double-Digit Year-over-Year Revenue Increase
MILPITAS, Calif. -April 13, 2026 - Electronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 10.3% to $5,466.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 from the $4,955.2 million registered in the fourth quarter of 2024, the
... Show Full Article
MILPITAS, California, April 13 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release:
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ESD Alliance Reports Electronic System Design Industry Posts $5.5 Billion in Revenue in Q4 2025
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Americas and APAC Region Reported Double-Digit Year-over-Year Revenue Increase
MILPITAS, Calif. -April 13, 2026 - Electronic System Design (ESD) industry revenue increased 10.3% to $5,466.3 million in the fourth quarter of 2025 from the $4,955.2 million registered in the fourth quarter of 2024, theESD Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, announced today in its latest Electronic Design Market Data (EDMD) report. The four-quarter moving average rose 10.1%, based on a comparison of the most recent four quarters to the prior four.
"The electronic design automation (EDA) industry continues to report strong year-over-year revenue growth in Q4 2025," said Walden C. Rhines, Executive Sponsor of the SEMI Electronic Design Market Data report. "Product categories CAE, PCB and MCM, Semiconductor IP (SIP), and Services all reported gains. Geographic regions including Americas, EMEA, and APAC reported growth in Q4, with a double digit increase in Americas and APAC."
The companies tracked in the EDMD report employed 71,517 people globally in Q4 2025, a 13.8% increase over the Q4 2024 headcount of 62,833 but down 2.3% compared to Q3 2025.
The quarterly EDMD report contains detailed revenue information within the following category and geographic breakdowns.
Revenue by Product and Application Category - Year-Over-Year Change
* Computer-Aided Engineering (CAE) revenue increased 5.0% to $1,887.4 million. The four-quarter CAE moving average increased 5.6%.
* IC Physical Design and Verification revenue decreased 2.6% to $777.2 million. The four-quarter moving average for the category decreased 5.1%.
* Printed Circuit Board and Multi-Chip Module (PCB and MCM) revenue rose 1.8% to $484.6 million. The four-quarter moving average for PCB and MCM rose 4.5%.
* Semiconductor Intellectual Property (SIP) revenue increased 18.3% to $2,083.2 million. The four-quarter SIP moving average rose 17.4%.
* Services revenue increased 19.6% to $233.9 million. The four-quarter Services moving average rose 15.6%.
Revenue by Region - Year-Over-Year Change
* The Americas, the largest reporting region by revenue, procured $2,473.5 million of electronic system design products and services in Q4 2025, a 13.9% increase. The four-quarter moving average for the Americas rose 10.6%.
* Europe, Middle East, and Africa(EMEA) procured $683.4 million of electronic system design products and services in Q4 2025, a 9.8% increase. The four-quarter moving average for EMEA grew 9.4%.
* Japan's procurement of electronic system design products and services decreased 18.8% to $258.5 million in Q4 2025. The four-quarter moving average for Japan decreased 7.4%.
* Asia Pacific (APAC) procured $2,050.8 million of electronic system design products and services in Q4 2025, an 11.3% increase. The four-quarter moving average for APAC grew 12.6%.
About the EDMD Report
The ESD Alliance Electronic Design Market Data (formerly the Market Statistics Service) report presents Electronic Design Automation (EDA), SIP and Services industry revenue data quarterly. Both public and private companies contribute data to the report available from SEMI. Each quarterly report is published approximately three months after quarter close. EDMD report data is segmented as follows:
* Revenue by product category (CAE, IC Physical Design and Verification, SIP, PCB and MCM Layout, and Services) including numerous detailed sub-categories
* Revenue by geographic region (Americas, EMEA, Japan and APAC)
* Total employment at participating companies
For information about SEMI market research reports, visit the SEMI Market Research Reports and Databases Catalog.
About the Electronic System Design Alliance
The Electronic System Design (ESD) Alliance, a SEMI Technology Community, is the central voice to communicate and promote the value of the semiconductor design ecosystem as a vital component of the global electronics industry. As an international association of companies providing goods and services throughout the semiconductor design ecosystem, it is a forum to address technical, marketing, economic and legislative issues affecting the entire industry. For more information about the ESD Alliance, visit http://esd-alliance.org.
Follow the ESD Alliance
* X: @ESDAlliance
* LinkedIn
* Facebook
About SEMI
SEMI(r) is the global industry association connecting over 3,000 member companies and 1.5 million professionals worldwide across the semiconductor and electronics design and manufacturing supply chain. We accelerate member collaboration on solutions to top industry challenges through Advocacy, Workforce Development, Sustainability, Supply Chain Management and other programs. Our SEMICON(r) expositions and events, technology communities, standards and market intelligence help advance our members' business growth and innovations in design, devices, equipment, materials, services and software, enabling smarter, faster, more secure electronics. Visit www.semi.org, contact a regional office, and connect with SEMI on LinkedIn and X to learn more.
The information supplied by the ESD Alliance is believed to be accurate and reliable, but the ESD Alliance assumes no responsibility for any errors that may appear in this document. All trademarks and registered trademarks are the property of their respective owners.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/esd-alliance-reports-electronic-system-design-industry-posts-5.5-billion-dollars-in-revenue-in-q4-2025
CMS Releases Proposed Rule To Establish Deadlines For Payers To Issue Prior Authorization For Drugs
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Releases Proposed Rule To Establish Deadlines For Payers To Issue Prior Authorization For Drugs
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule to "slash long waiting periods for drugs." The Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule would establish clear decision deadlines for payers to issue a prior authorization decision for drugs. Payers would be required to issue prior authorization decisions for drugs
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Releases Proposed Rule To Establish Deadlines For Payers To Issue Prior Authorization For Drugs
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released a proposed rule to "slash long waiting periods for drugs." The Interoperability Standards and Prior Authorization for Drugs proposed rule would establish clear decision deadlines for payers to issue a prior authorization decision for drugs. Payers would be required to issue prior authorization decisions for drugsno later than 24 hours for urgent requests and 72 hours for standard requests. The rule also would increase transparency through requiring full disclosure of claims denials and appeals outcomes.
In addition, CMS is seeking comments on ways to streamline the step therapy process using technology and data sharing, such as the Payer-to-Payer API. Comments are due 60 days after the date of publication in the Federal Register. MHA will soon publish an issue brief with additional details.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-releases-proposed-rule-to-establish-deadlines-for-payers-to-issue-prior-authorization-for-drugs
CMS Releases Proposed Medicare Inpatient And Long-term Care Hospital PPS Payment And Policy Updates For FFY 2027
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Releases Proposed Medicare Inpatient And Long-term Care Hospital PPS Payment And Policy Updates For FFY 2027
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the proposed federal fiscal year 2027 Medicare payment and policy update for the Hospital Inpatient and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment Systems. Although CMS published that comments are due no later than 4 p.m. April 10, comments will be due 60 days following publication within the
... Show Full Article
JEFFERSON CITY, Missouri, April 13 [Category: Health Care] -- The Missouri Hospital Association posted the following news:
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CMS Releases Proposed Medicare Inpatient And Long-term Care Hospital PPS Payment And Policy Updates For FFY 2027
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The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services released the proposed federal fiscal year 2027 Medicare payment and policy update for the Hospital Inpatient and the Long-Term Care Hospital Prospective Payment Systems. Although CMS published that comments are due no later than 4 p.m. April 10, comments will be due 60 days following publication within theFederal Register. The following is a summary of the proposals.
IPPS
* Market basket increase of 2.4% (3.2% less 0.8% productivity adjustment)
* CMS estimates a net IPPS payment increase of $1.4 billion
* Proposes that approved medical residency training programs must not discriminate, or promote or encourage discrimination, on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, disability or religion
* IPPS quality reporting program updates
* Medicare Promoting Interoperability Program updates
* Medicare mandatory pay-for-program updates
* Proposal to expand the current mandatory CJR model into a new mandatory model, known as CJR-X
* Most hospitals paid under the IPPS would be mandatory participants except hospitals participating in the Transforming Episode Accountability Model or those hospitals not paid under both the IPPS and Outpatient PPS
LTCH PPS
* Market basket increase of 2.4% (3.2% less 0.8% productivity adjustment)
* CMS estimates a net LTCH PPS payment increase of $55 million
* LTCH quality reporting program updates
* Seeking comments about the future measure concept - advance care planning
MHA published an issue brief with additional details.
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Original text here: https://www.mohospitals.org/newsroom/cms-releases-proposed-medicare-inpatient-and-long-term-care-hospital-pps-payment-and-policy-updates-for-ffy-2027
Warehouse Automation Accelerates Across ASEAN, With Malaysia Emerging as a Key Growth Market
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 11 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
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Warehouse Automation Accelerates Across ASEAN, with Malaysia Emerging as a Key Growth Market
Malaysia - Frost & Sullivan Malaysia, in collaboration with Ally Logistic, has released new insights highlighting the accelerating adoption of warehouse automation across ASEAN, with Malaysia emerging as a key test market for near-term growth.
As e-commerce expansion, supply chain complexity, and rising service
... Show Full Article
SAN ANTONIO, Texas, April 11 -- Frost and Sullivan, a provider of market research and analysis, growth strategy consulting and corporate training services, posted the following news release:
* * *
Warehouse Automation Accelerates Across ASEAN, with Malaysia Emerging as a Key Growth Market
Malaysia - Frost & Sullivan Malaysia, in collaboration with Ally Logistic, has released new insights highlighting the accelerating adoption of warehouse automation across ASEAN, with Malaysia emerging as a key test market for near-term growth.
As e-commerce expansion, supply chain complexity, and rising serviceexpectations continue to reshape the logistics landscape, warehouses across the region are rapidly evolving into technology-enabled fulfilment hubs. The latest analysis underscores Malaysia's strong positioning, driven by its robust infrastructure, diversified industry base, and growing willingness among businesses to invest in advanced automation systems.
According to the study, demand for warehouse automation in ASEAN is no longer confined to logistics providers alone. While third-party logistics (3PL) players continue to lead adoption, sectors such as retail and e-commerce, manufacturing, food and beverage, and pharmaceuticals are increasingly contributing to market growth. Malaysia stands out for its balanced demand across these sectors, enabling a wider range of automation applications and faster project conversion.
Industry experts note that automation adoption in Malaysia has significantly increased over the past few years, supported by greater awareness, improved accessibility to technology, and evolving financing models. However, challenges remain, including capability gaps, cost sensitivities, and the need for stronger ecosystem partnerships to ensure long-term success.
The report also highlights emerging trends shaping the market, including the rise of modular and semi-automated solutions, increased participation of regional and global suppliers, and the growing importance of sustainable, data-driven, and AI-enabled warehouse operations.
In response to these developments, Frost & Sullivan Malaysia and Ally Logistic will be convening industry leaders, stakeholders, and experts at the upcoming:
Supply Chain Outlook 2026 - Malaysia
Theme: Strengthening Malaysia's Supply Chain Competitiveness Amid Global Realignment
Date: 22nd of April 2026, Wednesday
Venue: KL Eco City, Kuala Lumpur
The event will bring together key industry players to explore actionable strategies surrounding warehouse automation, infrastructure-led logistics models, evolving financing structures, and the broader impact of global supply chain realignment trends such as China+1.
Members of the media are cordially invited to attend the event to gain deeper insights into the future of supply chains in Malaysia and ASEAN, and to engage directly with leading industry experts.
For more information, please visit Frost & Sullivan's LinkedIn page or register for the event here:
https://forms.cloud.microsoft/r/vhHNbhsy90
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About Frost & Sullivan
YOUR TRANSFORMATIONAL GROWTH JOURNEY STARTS HERE. Frost & Sullivan's Growth Pipeline Engine, transformational strategies and best-practice models drive the generation, evaluation, and implementation of powerful growth opportunities. Is your company prepared to survive and thrive through the coming transformation? Join the Journey
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About Ally Logistic Property (ALP)
Ally Logistic Property (ALP) is a global pioneer in smart logistics infrastructure, founded in Taiwan in 2014. ALP acts as a logistics industry market innovator, providing world-class vertically integrated services that span logistics real estate planning, automated systems, operations, and asset management.
ALP's core mission is to upgrade regional supply chains through its proprietary OMEGA platform, which utilizes standardized, scalable design to build a smart warehousing network. We are dedicated to delivering sustainable hybrid-intelligence solutions via this connected ecosystem, specifically focused on Reducing Redundancies in Logistics through the integration of technology, real estate, and business proposition.
Looking ahead, ALP continues to expand its international footprint, offering flexible and forward-looking automated supply chain solutions to cross-industry and multinational enterprises. This commitment drives the creation of a new generation of smart logistics ecosystems worldwide, striving to realize its ultimate vision: Smart Logistics, Smarter Cities, Change for Better.
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Original text here: https://www.frost.com/news/press-releases/warehouse-automation-accelerates-across-asean-with-malaysia-emerging-as-a-key-growth-market/
[Category: BizConsulting]
Report Shows Graduates of NLN CNEA Accredited Programs Land Jobs at a Higher Rate Than the National Average
WASHINGTON, April 11 (TNSxrep) -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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New Report Shows Graduates of NLN CNEA Accredited Programs Land Jobs at a Higher Rate than the National Average
Success in Nursing Education Comes Despite Persistent Nursing Shortage
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As our nation's health care system and health institutions worldwide continue to grapple with a shortage of nurses, the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) is pleased to report that programs it accredits at all levels of higher education surpass the national
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 (TNSxrep) -- The National League for Nursing issued the following news release:
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New Report Shows Graduates of NLN CNEA Accredited Programs Land Jobs at a Higher Rate than the National Average
Success in Nursing Education Comes Despite Persistent Nursing Shortage
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As our nation's health care system and health institutions worldwide continue to grapple with a shortage of nurses, the National League for Nursing Commission for Nursing Education Accreditation (NLN CNEA) is pleased to report that programs it accredits at all levels of higher education surpass the nationalaverage of overall college students in graduating licensed and certified nurses who are then hired at a higher rate, making a nursing career a great return on investment for students.
Additionally, compared to the National Council of State Boards of Nursing (NCSBN) and other sources, the 2025 CNEA annual report shows that 82% of students in CNEA-accredited programs completed their course of study to earn a degree, exceeding the national average graduation rate of 71% for all pre-licensure programs. At the same time, nearly 91% of CNEA-accredited program graduates passed qualifying licensure and certification exams, compared with an average national passage rate of 87% for first-time PN/VN test-takers and 87% for RN first-time testers.
Further analysis of the 2025 data revealed an even stronger picture for CNEA-accredited programs. Of the 182 programs currently accredited by CNEA across 34 U.S. states, 47 or 26% are PN/VN programs, an extraordinary number considering that only 18% of PN/VN programs seek national accreditation. According to NCSBN, accredited PN/VN programs have significantly better outcomes for their rates of student completion, licensure/certification, and employment than unaccredited PN/VN programs.
The largest categories of CNEA-accredited programs fall into Associate Degree in Nursing (AD) and Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) programs. Non-CNEA-accredited AD programs, on average, graduate only 34 to 37% of students who initially enroll; BSN programs report completion rates in the 61 to 64% range. Even advanced degree programs accredited elsewhere demonstrate significantly lower completion averages -- 70 to 75% for master's candidates and 77% for Doctor of Nursing practice candidates -- than the over 82% completion rate on all levels, PN/VN through doctorate, of CNEA-accredited programs.
Little surprise then that graduates of CNEA-accredited programs, across the board, have reported finding employment faster than graduates with other college degrees, regardless of their licensure or certification, with an astonishing 92% post-graduate employment rate.
"We are incredibly proud of NLN CNEA leaders and staff who have achieved such impressive results after only 10 years since CNEA first began offering pre-accreditation services, and just five years since the agency gained full recognition as a program accreditor by the U.S. Department of Education," said NLN CNEA Board Chair Brooke McAtee, PhD, MSN, RN, director of nursing programs at Northwest Missouri State University.
"The NLN CNEA accreditation process respects a variety of program missions, curricula, students, and faculty, emphasizing a culture of continuous quality improvement to facilitate the preparation of a caring and skilled nursing workforce," said NLN CNEA Executive Director Teresa Shellenbarger, PhD, RN, CNE, CNEcl, ANEF, FAAN. "The outstanding graduation, licensure, and employment rates from CNEA-accredited nursing programs reflect our goals and standards in evaluating programs for accreditation. They also demonstrate the quality of CNEA-accredited programs and their successful program outcomes in graduating students who are highly desirable to prospective employers."
For more information about NLN CNEA accreditation, visit CNEA.NLN.org.
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About the National League for Nursing
Dedicated to excellence in nursing, the National League for Nursing is the premier organization for nurse faculty and leaders in nursing education. The NLN offers professional development, networking opportunities, testing services, nursing research grants, and public policy initiatives to its nearly 45,000 individual and 1,000 institutional members, comprising nursing education programs across the spectrum of higher education and health care organizations. Learn more at NLN.org.
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Original text here: https://www.nln.org/detail-pages/news/2026/04/09/new-report-shows-graduates-of-nln-cnea-accredited-programs-land-jobs-at-a-higher-rate-than-the-national-average
[Category: Nursing]
National Association of Realtors Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Homebuyer Claims in Tuccori Vs. At World Properties
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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National Association of REALTORS(R) Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Homebuyer Claims in Tuccori v. At World Properties
Settlement in Tuccori Litigation to Provide Broad Level of Protection and Release for Associations, Certain Brokers, and REALTOR(R) Members
Outcome Represents Latest Positive Legal Outcome for NAR and its Members Under New Legal Leadership Team, as the Association Continues Multi-Year Transformation
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Chicago - The National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) today announced
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Association of Realtors posted the following news release:
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National Association of REALTORS(R) Reaches Agreement to Resolve Nationwide Homebuyer Claims in Tuccori v. At World Properties
Settlement in Tuccori Litigation to Provide Broad Level of Protection and Release for Associations, Certain Brokers, and REALTOR(R) Members
Outcome Represents Latest Positive Legal Outcome for NAR and its Members Under New Legal Leadership Team, as the Association Continues Multi-Year Transformation
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Chicago - The National Association of REALTORS(R) (NAR) today announceda settlement agreement that would resolve claims brought by homebuyers in the case of Tuccori et al. v. At World Properties et al., a class-action antitrust lawsuit related to buyer-agent commissions. In connection with this agreement, and given the substantially similar allegations, NAR will seek a stay in Batton et al. v. National Association of REALTORS(R) et al., since NAR's settlement in Tuccori is intended to release the claims in the Batton case.
The agreement, which is subject to court approval, is being executed through an opt-in feature within the Tuccori master settlement. Under the terms of the agreement, NAR will pay $52.25 million into a settlement fund over a multi-year period. Importantly, the terms of the settlement require continued compliance with the practice changes as part of the Sitzer/Burnett settlement, but do not require any additional practice changes.
Central to the settlement is the scope of the release it provides, covering REALTOR(R) members, state and local REALTOR(R) associations (including those that do, and do not, operate Multiple Listing Services (MLSs)), REALTOR(R) MLSs, non-REALTOR(R) MLSs, and real estate brokerages with a REALTOR(R) as principal that have not previously settled or been named in similar litigation and meet specified eligibility criteria, including compliance with NAR rules and policies and not asserting claims contrary to the settlement. This extends protection to a broad segment of the industry and represents a more comprehensive release than has been achieved in any previous NAR settlement. By resolving these claims, NAR reduces the uncertainty and potential financial exposure associated with continued litigation, protecting its members and the industry as the association continues its multi-year transformation.
"In NAR's 2026-2028 Strategic Plan, we committed to the industry that we would protect and advance the legal interest of REALTORS(R). This settlement is a part of our efforts to fulfill that commitment and will promote a more resilient industry," said Nykia Wright, CEO of NAR. "This outcome, which provides a broader level of protection and release for the industry than has been secured in any previous NAR settlement, is a result of NAR's new legal team's diligent approach to addressing legal risk and reinforces our commitment to delivering greater value and stability for our members, so they can remain focused on their clients and getting to their next transaction."
"This outcome is a direct result of the more diligent and strategic legal approach our team has adopted," said Jon Waclawski, General Counsel of NAR. "We sought this settlement to secure meaningful protections for our members and the industry. We moved decisively to resolve these claims in a way that avoids significant potential liability and positions NAR more effectively going forward, ensuring our members can continue unlocking the American Dream for generations to come."
This agreement marks the latest in a series of positive legal developments under NAR's new legal leadership, including the dismissals of multiple antitrust cases over the past nine months and reflects a continued focus on diligently managing litigation risk and advancing strategies to protect REALTOR(R) associations and members nationwide.
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About the National Association of REALTORS(R)
The National Association of REALTORS(R) is involved in all aspects of residential and commercial real estate. The term REALTOR(R) is a registered collective membership mark that identifies a real estate professional who is a member of the National Association of REALTORS(R) and subscribes to its strict Code of Ethics. For free consumer guides about navigating the homebuying and selling transaction processes--from written buyer agreements to negotiating compensation--visit facts.realtor.
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Original text here: https://www.nar.realtor/newsroom/national-association-of-realtorsr-reaches-agreement-to-resolve-nationwide-homebuyer-claims
[Category: Real Estate]
NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted by Kantar, the list ranks the leading international retailers based on their retail revenues throughout 2025. As the largest global retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"The retail industry continues to show its strength, delivering a solid
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The National Retail Federation posted the following news release on April 10, 2026:
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NRF Announces 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers
The National Retail Federation today announced the 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers. Conducted by Kantar, the list ranks the leading international retailers based on their retail revenues throughout 2025. As the largest global retailers continue to expand outside of retail revenues, this list focuses only on retail-specific revenues and not overall organizational revenue.
"The retail industry continues to show its strength, delivering a solidyear despite a range of ongoing challenges," NRF Chief Economist and Executive Director of Research Mark Mathews said. "The retailers on this year's list have demonstrated impressive growth and an understanding of evolving consumer needs, highlighting the industry's continued resilience."
Walmart maintains its position as the world's largest retailer, driven by its continued investments internationally and across its digital services, which indirectly support the growth of its retail business.
Amazon, Schwarz Group, Aldi, Costco, Ahold Delhaize and Carrefour followed, all maintaining the same positions as last year. IKEA and The Home Depot each rose one spot to the eighth and ninth place respectively, while Walgreens rounded out the top 10. Seven & I, which ranked seventh last year, fell out of the top 10 following its sale of its department store holdings in Japan.
"The list reflects a year that started quietly but quickly grew more challenging due to U.S. policy shifts and rapidly changing tariffs on almost all goods," Kantar Senior Vice President of Global Insights and Technology David Marcotte said. "Volatility in key commodity costs, product availability and trade patterns forced global manufacturers and retailers to make quick strategic pivots."
Kantar's ranking system awards points to retailers based on their domestic and international retail revenues. To qualify for the ranking, retailers need to have a direct investment in at least three countries.
See more on the methodology (https://nrf.com/research-insights/top-retailers/top-50-global-retailers/top-50-global-retailers-2026#methodology), explore the complete 2026 Top 50 Global Retailers list and learn more from Kantar on the NRF blog about how this year's top companies are navigating the retail landscape.
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About NRF
The National Retail Federation passionately advocates for the people, brands, policies and ideas that help retail succeed. From its headquarters in Washington, D.C., NRF empowers the industry that powers the economy. Retail is the nation's largest private-sector employer, contributing $5.3 trillion to annual GDP and supporting more than one in four U.S. jobs -- 55 million working Americans. For over a century, NRF has been a voice for every retailer and every retail job, educating, inspiring and communicating the powerful impact retail has on local communities and global economies. nrf.com
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About Kantar
Kantar is the world's leading marketing data and analytics business and an indispensable brand partner to the world's top companies. We combine the most meaningful attitudinal and behavioral data with deep expertise and advanced analytics to uncover how people think and act. We help clients understand what has happened and why and how to shape the marketing strategies that shape their future.
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Original text here: https://nrf.com/media-center/press-releases/nrf-announces-2026-top-50-global-retailers
[Category: Business]
NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 11 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma's rejection of the state of Oklahoma's negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. Tyson
... Show Full Article
CENTENNIAL, Colorado, April 11 -- The National Cattlemen's Beef Association posted the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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NCBA and OCA Express Disappointment in Federal Court Ruling on Poultry Case
WASHINGTON - Oklahoma Cattlemen's Association (OCA) President, Ford Drummond, and National Cattlemen's Beef Association (NCBA) President, Gene Copenhaver, released the following statement after the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Oklahoma's rejection of the state of Oklahoma's negotiated settlement with four poultry companies in the decades-old State of Oklahoma v. TysonFoods, Inc., et al., lawsuit regarding the application of chicken litter in the Illinois River Watershed.
"Cattle producers across Oklahoma and the Illinois River Watershed are greatly disappointed by the U.S. District Court's rejection of a settlement between Oklahoma poultry producers and the state of Oklahoma. The decades-old lawsuit relies on outdated information and fails to consider the adoption of nutrient management plans, increased efficiencies, and the adoption of voluntary conservation practices," Drummond said.
While OCA and NCBA do not directly represent parties to the litigation, the ripple effect of this decision will reach far beyond the gates of Oklahoma broiler operations. Not only does this decision deal a death blow to poultry farmers across the state, but will severely impact all of Oklahoma agriculture, and any livestock operation that manages manure.
"The District Court's holding creates significant economic risk for farmers and ranchers throughout the Illinois River Watershed, while also diminishing faith in the nutrient management plan as a reliable tool for environmental compliance and regulatory protection," Copenhaver said.
NCBA and OCA will continue to work hard on behalf of all cattle producers who find themselves impacted by this decision and are prepared to support the appeal of the U.S. District Court's decision to the 10th Circuit Court of Appeals.
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Original text here: https://www.ncba.org/news-media/news/details/47614/ncba-and-oca-express-disappointment-in-federal-court-ruling-on-poultry-case
[Category: Agriculture]
MPA Film Ratings Maintain High Trust Among Vast Majority of American Parents, New Survey Shows
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Motion Picture Association issued the following news on April 9, 2026:
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MPA Film Ratings Maintain High Trust Among Vast Majority of American Parents, New Survey Shows
91% of Parents Believe Ratings Help Them Make Better Movie Choices
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An overwhelming majority of American parents continue to believe the Motion Picture Association's (MPA) film ratings help them make better movie choices for their families, according to a new survey released today by the MPA's Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), which administers the film rating system.
"Our ratings
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 -- The Motion Picture Association issued the following news on April 9, 2026:
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MPA Film Ratings Maintain High Trust Among Vast Majority of American Parents, New Survey Shows
91% of Parents Believe Ratings Help Them Make Better Movie Choices
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An overwhelming majority of American parents continue to believe the Motion Picture Association's (MPA) film ratings help them make better movie choices for their families, according to a new survey released today by the MPA's Classification and Rating Administration (CARA), which administers the film rating system.
"Our ratingsare built on a simple promise: we will protect all filmmakers' freedoms to tell the stories they wish to tell while empowering parents to decide what movie their children should watch onscreen," said Charles Rivkin, Chairman and CEO of the MPA. "At a time when audiences have more viewing options than ever before, our ratings' popularity is rooted in what's fueled this system for nearly 60 years - a robust, transparent process to review content, defend our industry from censorship, and deliver ratings everyone can trust."
CARA's survey (https://www.filmratings.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/04/American-Parents-Views-on-Movie-Ratings-2025.pdf) of American parents' views on movie ratings was conducted by PSB Insights, a global research and analytics consultancy. The research focuses on parents' perceptions, attitudes, and expectations regarding movie content and the film rating system. Similar to previous surveys, PSB surveyed 1,502 parents of children aged 5-16, where both parent and child have watched a movie within the last six months either in a theater or in their home.
"The survey is a critical component in how we maintain a useful, dynamic rating system," said Kelly McMahon, Chair of CARA. "These findings offer firsthand insight into the main concerns most American parents have today and enable us to enhance our ratings framework as a result. Through research and our team of raters - current parents with varying experiences, backgrounds, and beliefs - we're routinely ensuring our trusted system not only endures but continues to evolve."
KEY FILM RATINGS FINDINGS
* 85% of American parents are familiar with the ratings, and 75% are familiar with the rating descriptors.
* 91% find the ratings helpful, and 89% find the rating descriptors helpful.
* 83% believe the ratings are accurate, and 85% find the rating descriptors accurate.
* 85% felt that the movies they had seen in the past year had the appropriate rating.
* Parents in the Middle Atlantic (85%), South Atlantic (84%), and the West Pacific (84%) regions find the ratings most accurate.
* 96% of American parents look up information on the ratings when considering a movie for their child to see.
KEY ADVERTISING FINDINGS
As always, the survey includes questions related to movie advertising. The MPA's Advertising Administration is responsible for reviewing all advertising for movies rated by CARA, including trailers, billboards, posters, and social media ads. The Advertising Administration ensures that all advertising content is placed appropriately for the viewing audience. According to this survey, 81% of parents say the trailers or previews they have seen in the past 12 months were compatible with the movie they preceded. The few who report having seen incompatible trailers say most (3 in 4 trailers) were compatible.
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About The Motion Picture Association
The Motion Picture Association (MPA) serves as the leading voice and advocate of the motion picture, home video, and television industries. It works in every corner of the globe to advance the creative industry, protect its members' content across all screens, defend the creative and artistic freedoms of storytellers, and support innovative distribution models that bring an expansion of viewing choices to audiences around the world. Its member studios are: Netflix, Paramount Pictures, Prime Video & Amazon MGM Studios, Sony Pictures, Universal Studios, The Walt Disney Studios, and Warner Bros. Discovery. Charles Rivkin is Chairman and CEO.
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Original text here: https://www.motionpictures.org/press/mpa-film-ratings-maintain-high-trust-among-vast-majority-of-american-parents-new-survey-shows/
[Category: Entertainment Industry]
American Council of Life Insurers Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
WASHINGTON, April 11 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on the AM Best report on annuity reserves.
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American Council of Life Insurers President and CEO David Chavern made the following comments today on the A.M. Best report on annuity reserves:
"The A.M. Best report on annuity reserves makes no mention of how life insurers successfully managed a major recent test during the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, April 11 [Category: Insurance] -- The American Council of Life Insurers issued the following statement on April 10, 2026:
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American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) Responds to A.M. Best Report on Annuity Reserves
ACLI President and CEO David Chavern comments on the AM Best report on annuity reserves.
*
American Council of Life Insurers President and CEO David Chavern made the following comments today on the A.M. Best report on annuity reserves:
"The A.M. Best report on annuity reserves makes no mention of how life insurers successfully managed a major recent test during theCOVID pandemic, paying a record $100 billion in benefits while maintaining capital well above regulatory requirements--levels companies sustain today.
"In recent years, some life insurers have increased their holdings of private credit to meet increased demand for their products. These assets offer attractive returns and portfolio diversification while supporting long-term liabilities. However, there is no evidence that private credit is straining the life insurance industry's stability. In fact, a recent S&P report found that companies are responsibly handling the liquidity and complexity risks associated with these assets.
"Also missing from the AM Best report is mention of the long-term, effective oversight of state regulators. Since the financial crisis, regulators through the NAIC have improved their oversight with new tools and transparency measures that ensure the industry is financially strong and mitigate risks to policyholders and the financial system.
"Between now and 2030, 20 million Americans will reach age 65, increasing the demand for the financial security guarantees. Through sound investment practices and strong regulation, life insurers are well-positioned to meet this need."
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The American Council of Life Insurers (ACLI) is the leading trade association driving public policy and advocacy on behalf of the life insurance industry. 90 million American families rely on the life insurance industry for financial protection and retirement security. ACLI's member companies are dedicated to protecting consumers' financial wellbeing through life insurance, annuities, retirement plans, long-term care insurance, disability income insurance, reinsurance, and dental, vision and other supplemental benefits. ACLI's 275 member companies represent 94 percent of industry assets in the United States.
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Original text here: https://www.acli.com/posting/nr26-026
