Featured Stories
State Regulators Seek Mortgage Loan Originators Input on National Licensing Test
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Conference of State Bank Supervisors posted the following news release:
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State Regulators Seek Mortgage Loan Originators Input on National Licensing Test
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Washington, D.C. - The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) today launched a job analysis survey to gather information from state-licensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs). The survey will help ensure the SAFE MLO National Test continues to remain current and reflects the work MLOs perform.
MLOs nationwide will receive an email invitation from CSBS, which manages the
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Conference of State Bank Supervisors posted the following news release:
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State Regulators Seek Mortgage Loan Originators Input on National Licensing Test
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Washington, D.C. - The Conference of State Bank Supervisors (CSBS) today launched a job analysis survey to gather information from state-licensed mortgage loan originators (MLOs). The survey will help ensure the SAFE MLO National Test continues to remain current and reflects the work MLOs perform.
MLOs nationwide will receive an email invitation from CSBS, which manages theNationwide Multistate Licensing System & Registry (NMLS) on behalf of state regulators, to take the survey. The survey will be conducted Oct. 12 through Nov. 6.
The job analysis survey for the SAFE MLO National Test is standard industry practice to ensure licensure or certification exams reflect the knowledge and skills needed for a given profession.
"It's important that we hear directly from MLOs during the survey period," said Brenda Fanning, chair of the Mortgage Testing and Education Board, and senior compliance examiner State of Wyoming Division of Banking. "Their insight and industry experience is invaluable and will help us ensure the SAFE MLO test continues to align with the skills and knowledge MLOs need in today's dynamic market."
The Secure and Fair Enforcement for Mortgage Licensing Act of 2008 (SAFE Act) established standards for the licensing and registration of all MLOs. The Act requires that the NMLS program develop and maintain a qualified test to measure candidates' knowledge of key topics. These topics include ethics; federal law; state law; laws and regulations covering fraud, consumer protection, fair lending, and the nontraditional mortgage marketplace; and more.
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Original text here: https://www.csbs.org/newsroom/state-regulators-seek-mortgage-loan-originators-input-national-licensing-test
SEMI and Semiconductor Digest Announce 2026 Best of West Award Finalists
MILPITAS, California, Oct. 12 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release:
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SEMI and Semiconductor Digest Announce 2026 Best of West Award Finalists
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San Francisco, Calif. -- October 12, 2026 -- SEMI and Semiconductor Digest today announced finalists for the Best of West award to be presented at SEMICON West 2026, October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The Best of West Award winner will be announced at SEMICON West 2026 on Thursday, October 15,
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MILPITAS, California, Oct. 12 [Category: Electronic Products] -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release:
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SEMI and Semiconductor Digest Announce 2026 Best of West Award Finalists
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San Francisco, Calif. -- October 12, 2026 -- SEMI and Semiconductor Digest today announced finalists for the Best of West award to be presented at SEMICON West 2026, October 13-15 at the Moscone Center in San Francisco, California. The Best of West Award winner will be announced at SEMICON West 2026 on Thursday, October 15,on the Smart Theater stage located inside the North Expo Hall, Lower Level Hall F.
Presented by SEMI Americas and Semiconductor Digest each year, the Best of West award recognizes innovative new products or services that are significantly advancing the electronics manufacturing supply chain or a particular manufacturing capability.
The following Best of West 2026 finalists will showcase their products on the SEMICON West 2026 show floor:
Edwards, part of the Atlas Copco Group: Ganymede Dry Pump -- Booth 633
Ganymede is Edwards' next-generation dry vacuum pump, designed for the most demanding semiconductor applications. Setting new benchmarks in productivity, operational efficiency, reliability, and sustainability, Ganymede redefines vacuum performance for harsh process environments.
Nordson Test & Inspection: SonoFlex Acoustic System -- Booth 5844
The SonoFlex automated inspection tool delivers high throughput and better sensitivity for accurately locating defects in small panel-based assemblies. Scanning 2x faster than legacy systems with advanced pulser and transducer technology, panels can be inspected over the widest frequency range yet achieved in a production environment.
Siemens Industry, Inc.: Eigen Engineering Agent -- Booth 5982
Eigen Engineering Agent applies purpose-built AI to industrial engineering. Working alongside Siemens TIA Portal, it plans, generates and validates PLC code, hardware configuration and HMI screens from plain-language input, delivering 2-5x faster execution and up to 80% higher solution quality.
About Semiconductor Digest
Through a mix of news, contributed articles and staff-written articles, Semiconductor Digest (www.semiconductor-digest.com), is dedicated to providing global information about the design, manufacturing, packaging and testing of semiconductors and other types of electronic devices, including MEMs, LEDs, displays, power electronics, optoelectronics/photonics, biomedical devices, solar cells, thin film batteries and flexible electronics. Semiconductor Digest consists of a website, magazine and topic-focused newsletters.
SEMI(r) is the global industry association connecting over 4,000 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.
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Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/semi-and-semiconductor-digest-announce-2026-best-of-west-award-finalists
Pearl of the week: How to identify patients at risk for suicide
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release:
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Pearl of the week: How to identify patients at risk for suicide
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The goal of the Reimagining Residency grant program is to transform residency training to best address the workplace needs of our current and future health care system.
Stay informed with top advocacy news and essential updates on key national and state issues impacting physicians, patients and the healthcare environment in October 2026.
For a limited time this fall, UWorld is offering exclusive product
... Show Full Article
CHICAGO, Illinois, Oct. 12 [Category: Medical] -- The American Medical Association posted the following news release:
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Pearl of the week: How to identify patients at risk for suicide
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The goal of the Reimagining Residency grant program is to transform residency training to best address the workplace needs of our current and future health care system.
Stay informed with top advocacy news and essential updates on key national and state issues impacting physicians, patients and the healthcare environment in October 2026.
For a limited time this fall, UWorld is offering exclusive productdiscount codes to members of the AMA. Don't miss this opportunity to access exclusive savings.
The council investigates general ethical conditions and all matters pertaining to the relations of physicians to one another or to the public, and make recommendations to the House of Delegates or the constituent associations through the issuance of reports.
Studies show more than 50% of patients who contemplate suicide interact with their primary care provider within 30 days of their death. With proper training, primary care physician practices can leverage their relationships with patients and play an important role in suicide prevention, treatment and recovery.
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Original text here: https://www.ama-assn.org/practice-management/ama-steps-forward-program/pearl-week-how-identify-patients-risk-suicide
National Survey of Healthcare Professionals Reveals Knowledge Gaps Around Indoor Air Quality and Offers Opportunities to Better Support At-Risk Patients
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Lung Association posted the following news release:
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National Survey of Healthcare Professionals Reveals Knowledge Gaps Around Indoor Air Quality and Offers Opportunities to Better Support At-Risk Patients
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According to the American Lung Association's new nationwide survey, more education and training is needed for health professionals to confidently address the health impacts of indoor air pollution with their patients. With people in the United States spending up to 90% of their time indoors, where air quality is often two
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Lung Association posted the following news release:
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National Survey of Healthcare Professionals Reveals Knowledge Gaps Around Indoor Air Quality and Offers Opportunities to Better Support At-Risk Patients
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According to the American Lung Association's new nationwide survey, more education and training is needed for health professionals to confidently address the health impacts of indoor air pollution with their patients. With people in the United States spending up to 90% of their time indoors, where air quality is often twoto five times more polluted than the air outside, early risk identification and intervention are key to minimizing exposure and health impacts for patient groups who are at greatest risk.
"Healthcare professionals can play a vital role in protecting their patients from the health impacts of indoor air pollution--especially those who are at high risk, like children and people living with lung or heart disease. As trusted messengers of health-related matters, providers can effectively communicate the risks and offer mitigation strategies for patients," said Harold Wimmer, President and CEO of the American Lung Association. "The Lung Association is leveraging the findings to support, equip and enhance providers' ability to improve patient health outcomes."
The Lung Association surveyed more than 900 healthcare professionals in all 50 states and the District of Columbia to gauge attitudes, beliefs and practices related to indoor air pollution and its health impacts. Key findings include:
* Nearly all respondents agreed that providers should assess patients' exposure to indoor air pollution and play an active role in helping patients understand the impacts of indoor air pollution.
* However, only one in four respondents were satisfied with their current knowledge of the health effects of indoor air pollution. Only two in five felt well-prepared to discuss health impacts with their patients.
* Nearly half of respondents reported discussing indoor air pollution with only a few or none of their patients, citing barriers such as lack of knowledge and time constraints.
* While familiar with some common indoor allergens, such as dust mites, pet dander, mold, and secondhand smoke, respondents reported significantly lower familiarity with the health effects of pollutants like radon, which is the second leading cause of lung cancer, emissions from residential combustion, lead paint dust, particulate matter and volatile organic compounds (VOCs)--all of which pose substantial health risks.
* When patients report indoor air pollution symptoms, three in four providers were likely to recommend interventions to mitigate exposure, including reducing the source of pollution, using a HEPA air cleaner and increasing ventilation.
* Respondents were most likely to discuss limiting indoor air pollution with patients with asthma and other respiratory conditions and patients over the age of 65.
The survey findings underscore a clear need for enhanced training and resources for healthcare professionals on the diverse range of indoor air pollutants, their health consequences and effective communication strategies.
The Lung Association is using the survey findings to engage, educate and empower healthcare professionals in indoor air quality and help at-risk individuals, including providing clinical assessment and decision support tools, working with professional health organizations and launching an Indoor Air Quality Ambassador Program.
Indoor air pollution impacts everyone at all stages of life, but children, older adults, pregnant individuals and people with lung disease, heart disease and other underlying health conditions are especially vulnerable. Communities of color and communities with lower incomes are disproportionally impacted by indoor air pollution. The World Health Organization attributes 3.2 million deaths related to household air pollution to lower respiratory infections, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), ischemic heart disease, stroke and lung cancer.
Indoor air pollution can cause both short- and long-term health effects including headaches; eye, nose and throat inflammation; coughing and painful breathing; bronchitis; skin irritation; reduced immune response; impacts to the central nervous system and cognition; exacerbations in respiratory diseases like asthma and COPD; strokes; heart attacks; and even cancer.
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Original text here: https://www.lung.org/media/press-releases/fy27-iaq-survey-release (TNSmrp)
MBA Education Presents Cenlar FSB with the 2026 Residential Educator of the Year Award
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Mortgage Bankers Association posted the following news release:
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MBA Education Presents Cenlar FSB with the 2026 Residential Educator of the Year Award
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CHICAGO (October 12, 2026) - MBA Education, the education division of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), today awarded Cenlar with its Residential Educator of the Year Award here at MBA's 2026 Annual Convention and Expo.
Founded in 1912, Cenlar is one of the nation's leading mortgage subservices, providing servicing solutions to banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 12 [Category: Financial Services] -- The Mortgage Bankers Association posted the following news release:
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MBA Education Presents Cenlar FSB with the 2026 Residential Educator of the Year Award
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CHICAGO (October 12, 2026) - MBA Education, the education division of the Mortgage Bankers Association (MBA), today awarded Cenlar with its Residential Educator of the Year Award here at MBA's 2026 Annual Convention and Expo.
Founded in 1912, Cenlar is one of the nation's leading mortgage subservices, providing servicing solutions to banks, credit unions, and mortgage companies.At Cenlar, learning and development is viewed as a strategic business capability, with investments in formal development programs, role-based training, compliance education, professional development, and executive education. Over the past year, Cenlar developed 351 learning assets and delivered more than 13,280 instructor-led training hours, while expanding its leadership development and AI education programs.
"Cenlar has demonstrated that investing in education is an investment in the future of the mortgage industry," said Owen Lee, 2027 MBA Chair and Chief Executive Officer, Success Mortgage Partners, Inc. "Through its leadership development programs, support for professional credentials, and innovative AI education, Cenlar is equipping its employees with the skills and capabilities needed to navigate a changing industry while strengthening the organizations and communities they serve."
Cenlar also supports employees pursuing industry credentials and academic programs through tuition reimbursement, professional development funding, and partnerships with organizations such as MBA. Over the past year, employees completed 346 MBA-sponsored courses and webinars and participated in MBA's Residential Certified Mortgage Servicer (RCMS) curriculum, School of Mortgage Banking, and Future Leaders Program, while Cenlar's AI programs required leaders to document how they applied AI to a business challenge.
Cenlar's commitment to innovative learning is also demonstrated through its Ascend program, which prepares Directors and senior leaders to lead across organizational functions through executive education, cross-functional collaboration, design-thinking exercises, and experiential projects tied to business priorities. The program measures effectiveness through participants' application of learning to real business challenges, with leaders documenting actions, outcomes, metrics, and stakeholder feedback to demonstrate leadership growth and organizational impact. Approximately 95 senior leaders have participated in Ascend since its inception.
The Residential Educator of the Year Award was founded in 2023 and recognizes an MBA member company that exemplifies a commitment to learning and development by acknowledging an organization's dedication to improving the skills of professionals within the industry. The Education of the Year award focuses on three key areas: a culture of--and commitment to--organizational learning, a focus on enhanced career development and growth through designations and certification programs and delivering innovative and holistic approaches to learning.
MBA Education's Residential Education Networking Group, a member-driven effort to assemble thought leaders to discuss the latest innovations and best teaching practices across the mortgage banking industry, created the award to highlight the importance of investing in education and training.
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Original text here: https://www.mba.org/news-and-research/newsroom/news/2026/10/12/mba-education-presents-cenlar-fsb-with-the-2026-residential-educator-of-the-year-award
First international hypertension center certification expands global care access
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:
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First international hypertension center certification expands global care access
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DALLAS, October 12, 2026 -- High blood pressure remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke globally, yet consistent, evidence-based care is not universally available. Al Dhafra Family Medicine Center, in Madinat Zayed City, U.A.E., is doing the work to change that.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere,
... Show Full Article
DALLAS, Texas, Oct. 12 [Category: Health Care] -- The American Heart Association posted the following news release:
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First international hypertension center certification expands global care access
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DALLAS, October 12, 2026 -- High blood pressure remains one of the leading risk factors for heart disease and stroke globally, yet consistent, evidence-based care is not universally available. Al Dhafra Family Medicine Center, in Madinat Zayed City, U.A.E., is doing the work to change that.
The American Heart Association, a relentless force changing the future of health for everyone everywhere,has certified Al Dhafra as a Hypertension Practice Center, recognizing it as the first facility outside the United States to meet the rigorous standards for this certification.
The certification recognizes health care organizations that demonstrate a commitment to comprehensive, high-quality, patient-centered hypertension care. The certification is grounded in evidence-based protocols, multidisciplinary care coordination and continuous quality improvement.
"Expanding access to high-quality hypertension care is critical as cardiovascular disease continues to rise worldwide," said D.P. Suresh, M.D., volunteer co-chair of the American Heart Association's International Committee and executive medical director of the Heart & Vascular Institute at St. Elizabeth Healthcare, in Ohio. "By bringing this certification beyond the United States, we are helping ensure that more communities benefit from consistent, evidence-based approaches that can improve outcomes and save lives."
High blood pressure, often called a "silent killer," frequently has no visible symptoms but significantly increases the risk for heart attack, stroke and kidney disease.
Certified centers are evaluated on their ability to deliver accurate diagnosis, evidence-based treatment, patient education and ongoing blood pressure management aligned with the latest science.
Al Dhafra Family Medicine Center achieved certification by meeting rigorous standards that include:
* Implementing standardized, guideline-directed hypertension treatment protocols;
* Using data-driven performance measurement and continuous quality improvement;
* Providing coordinated, team-based care; and
* Supporting patient engagement, education and sustained blood pressure control.
"We are honored to achieve this certification and to be recognized for our commitment to quality care and patient outcomes," said Shaik Mohiuddin Moinuddin, chief quality officer of Al Dhafra Family Medicine Center. "This milestone reflects the dedication of our entire team to delivering consistent, evidence-based hypertension care and improving the health of our community."
The Association developed the Hypertension Center Certification to improve blood pressure control rates by helping organizations reduce variation in treatment by standardizing care to meet guidelines. By expanding the certification internationally, the Association is advancing its mission to address global inequities in cardiovascular care and outcomes.
Learn more about the American Heart Association's international quality improvement programs at heart.org/internationalQI.
Additional Resources:
* Stroke Care Excellence Certification | International Heart Association | American Heart Association International
* Certification in Chest Pain Care | American Heart Association International
* Heart Failure Certification | American Heart Association International
* Follow AHA/ASA news on X @HeartNews
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Original text here: https://newsroom.heart.org/news/first-international-hypertension-center-certification-expands-global-care-access
ACS Studies Find Widening Rural-Urban Survival and Mortality Gaps for Women With Breast Cancer
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 12 [Category: Medical] -- The American Cancer Society posted the following news release:
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ACS Studies Find Widening Rural-Urban Survival and Mortality Gaps for Women With Breast Cancer
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Key takeaways:
* Women living in rural communities experienced worse breast cancer survival than those living in metropolitan areas.
* Before 2000, breast cancer mortality rates were lower in rural than in metropolitan areas, but in the most recent years, the gap reversed, and breast cancer mortality rates are now higher in rural than metropolitan areas.
* Barriers to cancer care
... Show Full Article
ATLANTA, Georgia, Oct. 12 [Category: Medical] -- The American Cancer Society posted the following news release:
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ACS Studies Find Widening Rural-Urban Survival and Mortality Gaps for Women With Breast Cancer
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Key takeaways:
* Women living in rural communities experienced worse breast cancer survival than those living in metropolitan areas.
* Before 2000, breast cancer mortality rates were lower in rural than in metropolitan areas, but in the most recent years, the gap reversed, and breast cancer mortality rates are now higher in rural than metropolitan areas.
* Barriers to cancer carein rural areas include longer travel distances, fewer oncology specialists, financial barriers, and limited access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment.
* Results highlight the need to strengthen rural healthcare infrastructure and access to quality cancer care.
ASCO Quality Care Symposium Abstract #208/Poster Board #F6/Session B
(Trends in survival disparity among women diagnosed with breast cancer by rural-urban residency in the U.S.)
ASCO Quality Care Symposium Abstract #253/Poster Board #H4/Session B
(Distant-stage Incidence and All-stage Mortality Trends of Cancers Amenable to Early Detection by Rural-urban Status in the United States, 1995-2023)
ATLANTA, October 12, 2026 -- Life-saving advances in breast cancer care are failing to reach rural America equally. In two new, large studies led by the American Cancer Society (ACS), scientists found that survival and mortality disparities between rural and urban women diagnosed with breast cancer widened over time in the United States. The findings will be presented at the annual American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Quality Care Symposium in Boston, October 16-17, 2026.
"What stands out is not simply that women in rural communities experienced worse breast cancer survival, but that the gap widened over time," said Dr. Jingxuan Zhao, principal scientist, health services research at the American Cancer Society, and lead author of the study. "At a time when breast cancer detection and treatment have improved substantially, our findings raise concern that the benefits of those advances may not be reaching women in rural communities."
Researchers identified 2,821,166 women age 18 and older who were newly diagnosed with breast cancer between 2010 and 2023 from the National Cancer Database. Scientists compared survival after diagnosis among women living in large metropolitan, small metropolitan, and nonmetropolitan communities while adjusting for sociodemographic characteristics.
Study results showed that women with breast cancer living in small metropolitan and nonmetropolitan areas experienced worse survival than women living in large metropolitan areas. Among women living in nonmetropolitan areas with breast cancer, the rate of death was 3.4% higher than among women living in large metropolitan areas during 2010-2016, and this difference increased to 9.3% during 2017-2023. Similar patterns were observed across racial groups.
"Women living in rural areas often face longer travel distances, fewer oncology specialists, and more limited access to screening, diagnosis, and treatment services," Zhao added. "Strengthening rural healthcare infrastructure, reducing travel barriers, and improving access to cancer care could help ensure more women benefit from advances in breast cancer treatment."
The other study, led by Dr. Xuesong Han, used information from the North America Association of Central Cancer Registries' public research dataset and the National Center for Health Statistics mortality data from 1995 to 2023 to examine long-term trends in late-stage cancer incidence and mortality. Study results showed that breast cancer mortality rates were lower in rural areas than in urban areas during 1995-1999, but then reversed. By 2018-2023, breast cancer mortality rates were higher in rural areas than in urban areas.
"Your ZIP code shouldn't determine your cancer outcome," said Lisa A. Lacasse, president of the American Cancer Society Cancer Action Network, ACS' advocacy affiliate. "The challenges patients living in rural areas face in accessing cancer preventive and treatment services must be addressed. We urge lawmakers to support policies that help improve access to comprehensive, affordable health insurance and require health plans to maintain strong networks, so that patients can access the health care professionals and treatments they need, no matter where they live."
Other ACS researchers contributing to this study include Nova Yang, MSPH, Dr. Farhad Islami, Dr. Ahmedin Jemal, and senior author Dr. Robin Yabroff.
* About Breast Cancer
* Cancer's Impact on Rural America
* Breast Cancer Statistics Report
* Report on the Status of Cancer Disparities
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Original text here: https://pressroom.cancer.org/rural-survival-rates-breast-cancer (TNSmrp)
