Featured Stories
National MS Society: Study Links Physical Therapy With Disability Improvement in Multiple Sclerosis
NEW YORK, Oct. 10 (TNSjou) -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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October 8, 2026
Study Links Physical Therapy With Disability Improvement in Multiple Sclerosis
A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who received ongoing physical therapy were more likely to experience confirmed disability improvement than those who did not.
Background: Physical therapy (PT) is a type of rehabilitation that can help people with MS manage symptoms and improve mobility, strength, and balance. However, its potential influence on measures of overall disability
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NEW YORK, Oct. 10 (TNSjou) -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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October 8, 2026
Study Links Physical Therapy With Disability Improvement in Multiple Sclerosis
A new study found that people with multiple sclerosis (MS) who received ongoing physical therapy were more likely to experience confirmed disability improvement than those who did not.
Background: Physical therapy (PT) is a type of rehabilitation that can help people with MS manage symptoms and improve mobility, strength, and balance. However, its potential influence on measures of overall disabilityimprovement in MS is not well understood. Further, PT is generally not considered when designing and analyzing MS clinical trials.
The Study: Researchers analyzed data from the German Multiple Sclerosis Registry to examine whether people with MS who received ongoing PT were more likely to experience confirmed disability improvement, which was measured using the Expanded Disability Status Scale. They compared 362 people who received tailored PT programs for at least 6 months with 362 matched people who did not receive PT. Participants were followed for up to 8 years.
Results: People who received PT were more likely to experience confirmed disability improvement than those who did not (16.3% versus 11.1%). The difference was greatest among people with higher levels of disability and people who were older.
Why Does This Matter? The findings suggest that PT is associated with disability improvement for people with MS. Because this was an observational study - meaning that investigators watched individuals in their natural setting without changing any variables - it cannot prove that PT caused the improvements. However, it indicates the importance of integrating physical therapy into MS care.
The findings also highlight the importance of considering rehabilitation when evaluating disability improvement in MS clinical trials. PT may influence tests used to measure treatment effectiveness.
Learn More...
Physical therapy is just one type of rehabilitation strategy for people with MS. Read or watch a webinar to learn more about rehabilitation.
You don't need to wait until there is a problem - you can consider "prehabilitation." Learn more in this webinar.
Rehabilitation interventions are appropriate at any stage of MS - learn more about rehabilitation tools for progressive MS.
"Physiotherapy and confirmed disability improvement in people with multiple sclerosis (https://www.msard-journal.com/article/S2211-0348(26)00949-1/fulltext)" by Kiarra Ning, Matteo Foschi, Melanie Peters, Christian Cordano, Alexandra Beaudry-Richard, Peter Flachenecker, Alexander Stahmann, Valerie J Block, Bruce A C Cree, Ari J Green, David Ellenberger, and Ahmed Abdelhak was published in Multiple Sclerosis and Related Disorders (2026).
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About Multiple Sclerosis
Multiple sclerosis is an unpredictable disease of the central nervous system. Currently there is no cure. Symptoms vary from person to person and may include disabling fatigue, mobility challenges, cognitive changes, and vision issues. An estimated 1 million people live with MS in the United States. Early diagnosis and treatment are critical to minimize disability. Significant progress is being made to achieve a world free of MS.
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About the National Multiple Sclerosis Society
The National MS Society, founded in 1946, is the global leader of a growing movement dedicated to creating a world free of MS. The Society funds cutting-edge research for a cure, drives change through advocacy and provides programs and services to help people affected by MS live their best lives. Connect to learn more and get involved: nationalmssociety.org, Facebook, X, Instagram, Threads, YouTube or 1-800-344-4867.
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Original text here: https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/news/pt-and-disability-improvement
[Category: Health Care]
National Federation of Independent Business: Ohio Small Businesses Endorse Eric Conroy for Election to Congress
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Ohio Small Businesses Endorse Eric Conroy for Election to Congress
NFIB backs pro-small business candidate in Ohio
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 2, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed Eric Conroy for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Ohio's 1st Congressional District.
"Eric Conroy has a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Main Street,"
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Ohio Small Businesses Endorse Eric Conroy for Election to Congress
NFIB backs pro-small business candidate in Ohio
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COLUMBUS, Ohio (Oct. 2, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed Eric Conroy for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Ohio's 1st Congressional District.
"Eric Conroy has a deep understanding of the issues that matter most to Main Street,"said Jared Weiser, NFIB Ohio State Director. "He has pledged to be a reliable small business voice in Congress by advocating for policies that cut taxes and promote economic growth. We are eager to work with him to ensure that small business owners can continue to thrive in Ohio."
"NFIB is proud to endorse Eric Conroy to represent Ohio in Washington," said Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Political Director. "He understands what Cincinnati businesses need to compete, grow, and thrive. We look forward to working with him as a Congressman."
The endorsement is issued from NFIB FedPAC, NFIB's political action committee. NFIB FedPAC is funded by voluntary contributions by NFIB members over and above their membership dues. Decisions made by the NFIB FedPAC are managed by a member-driven grassroots evaluation.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/ohio-small-businesses-endorse-eric-conroy-for-election-to-congress/
National Federation of Independent Business: Georgia Small Businesses Endorse Pro-Main Street Candidates for Election to Congress
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Georgia Small Businesses Endorse Pro-Main Street Candidates for Election to Congress
NFIB announces support for eight Georgia candidates running for federal office
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Oct. 7, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed the following candidates for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Georgia:
* Rep. Brian Jack (GA-03)
* Rep. Rich McCormick
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WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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Georgia Small Businesses Endorse Pro-Main Street Candidates for Election to Congress
NFIB announces support for eight Georgia candidates running for federal office
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ATLANTA, Ga. (Oct. 7, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business (NFIB), the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, endorsed the following candidates for election to the U.S. House of Representatives to represent Georgia:
* Rep. Brian Jack (GA-03)
* Rep. Rich McCormick(GA-07)
* Rep. Austin Scott (GA-08)
* Rep. Andrew Clyde (GA-09)
* Houston Gaines (GA-10)
* John Cowan (GA-11)
* Rep. Rick Allen (GA-12)
* Rep. Clay Fuller (GA-14)
"On behalf of Georgia small businesses, we are proud to endorse a slate of candidates who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to advancing Main Street interests," said Hunter Loggins, NFIB Georgia State Director. "Georgia is home to a vast number of small businesses, and it is important that owners continue to have strong voices advocating for them in Congress. We are eager to work with these leaders to ensure that Georgia remains a place where independent businesses can continue to grow and create jobs."
"The candidates we endorsed have a deep understanding of what Georgia small business owners have to navigate every day," said Louis Bertolotti, NFIB Political Director. "Electing legislators who prioritize Main Street will allow independent businesses in Georgia to continue to thrive. We look forward to working with these leaders in Washington."
The endorsement is issued from NFIB FedPAC, NFIB's political action committee. NFIB FedPAC is funded by voluntary contributions by NFIB members over and above their membership dues. Decisions made by the NFIB FedPAC are managed by a member-driven grassroots evaluation.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/georgia-small-businesses-endorse-pro-main-street-candidates-for-election-to-congress/
NFIB Urges Senate to Increase Coverage Options and Lower Health Benefit Costs for Small Businesses
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Urges Senate to Increase Coverage Options and Lower Health Benefit Costs for Small Businesses
Small businesses raise concerns about costly proposals in Senate healthcare report
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 7, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, sent a letter to Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, in response to the Committee's Request for Information
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Urges Senate to Increase Coverage Options and Lower Health Benefit Costs for Small Businesses
Small businesses raise concerns about costly proposals in Senate healthcare report
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 7, 2026) - The National Federation of Independent Business, the nation's leading small business advocacy organization, sent a letter to Senator Ron Wyden, Ranking Member of the U.S. Senate Committee on Finance, in response to the Committee's Request for Information(RFI) regarding the future of health coverage. The letter includes testimonials from small business owners across the country who are impacted by rising health benefit costs.
Excerpts of the letter:
"The RFI lists many priorities for the next Congress. Unfortunately, many of these priorities would continue American healthcare down the path of more government control. Over decades, this government control has removed the consumer from healthcare decisions, empowered insurance companies by increasing mandates, increased red tape leading to fewer options, and put bureaucrats in DC in control of personal healthcare decisions."
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"As small businesses continue to struggle to attract qualified job applicants, the need to provide benefits like health coverage becomes even more critical. To give small businesses a level playing field with their larger competitors, Congress should instead pursue reforms that empower consumers by expanding Health Savings Accounts (HSAs), strengthening employer-driven coverage options such as Individual Coverage Health Reimbursement Arrangements (ICHRAs) and Association Health Plans (AHPs), reducing red tape and mandates, and increasing consumer-driven competition and transparency."
Small business testimonials:
Marcie Strouse
Capitol Benefits Group
Grimes, Iowa
"My family is on a pre-ACA individual policy in Iowa. We currently have 4 family members on the plan from ages 18-51. Our current premiums under to the grand-mothered plan are $1065 a month. In the Marketplace we are not even able to find a plan with the same benefits so we would have to move to higher out of pockets and our premiums in 2026 would have been $2700 for my family. That right there tells you that the Affordable Care Act is not affordable. We need to lessen the restrictions in the ACA to allow for more plan choice and to allow for more plans outside the Marketplace. We need competition. We have allowed the government many years to make the ACA better, and it has not happened. Now it's time for Congress remove restrictions that hold back competition and to get out of the way so we can freely shop the options that are the best fit for us."
Metal Fabricator
Oregon
"Cost of small group insurance per employee has almost doubled since 2020, and that is with increasing the deductibles/out of pocket maximums from $500/$2500/yr per individual to $2500/$7000/yr per individual today. We pay almost $1200/month per employee for health coverage now. Employees are complaining that even with insurance, because of the higher deductibles, they can't afford to go to the doctor. If we see a big increase again next year, we can't keep covering 100% of the cost."
Mary Schaufler
Salient Inc.
Hutchinson, MN
"Double digit increases in health insurance premiums are unsustainable for small companies like mine. We have 6 healthy employees and pay nearly $95,000.00 per year for premiums. Deductibles have also gone up each year and it's hard for families to make these high payments with everything else in their lives increasing as well; food, gas, utilities, etc. It would be helpful to level the playing field with healthcare costs to eliminate the vast differences between large corporations and small businesses. Keeping costs more affordable through the Choice Act could be a good option."
Kelly Baltzell
Beyond Indigo Pets
Hanover, MN
"I run a small Minnesota business. Large companies can spread health costs. I cannot. My premium is $1,107 per employee per month, up 18.9% this year. The company is paying $30,000 more this year for nine people than five years ago -- employer share only. I need a benefit I can budget."
Read the full letter here (https://www.nfib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/10/NFIB-Letter-Senate-Finance-RFI.pdf).
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For over 80 years, NFIB has been advocating on behalf of America's small and independent business owners, both in Washington, D.C., and in all 50 state capitals. NFIB is nonprofit, nonpartisan, and member-driven. Since our founding in 1943, NFIB has been exclusively dedicated to small and independent businesses, and remains so today. For more information, please visit nfib.com.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-urges-senate-to-increase-coverage-options-and-lower-health-benefit-costs-for-small-businesses/
NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Hiring Slows in September
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Hiring Slows in September
Job openings, compensation pressures, and labor quality concerns remain elevated
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 1, 2026) - NFIB's September jobs report shows a decrease in hiring activity among small businesses as the labor market continues to soften. A seasonally adjusted 32% of owners reported job openings they could not fill, down 3 points from August but remaining 8 points above the historical average.
"Overall
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 10 [Category: Business] -- The National Federation of Independent Business issued the following news release:
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NFIB Jobs Report: Small Business Hiring Slows in September
Job openings, compensation pressures, and labor quality concerns remain elevated
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WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 1, 2026) - NFIB's September jobs report shows a decrease in hiring activity among small businesses as the labor market continues to soften. A seasonally adjusted 32% of owners reported job openings they could not fill, down 3 points from August but remaining 8 points above the historical average.
"Overallemployment conditions are softening, though the small business labor market is still tighter than normal," said NFIB Chief Economist Bill Dunkelberg. "Between the ongoing difficulty of finding qualified workers and elevated operation costs, employers are proceeding more cautiously as they look to make hiring decisions."
The Small Business Employment Index, which measures the current state of the small business labor market, declined 1.2 points in September to 100.6, falling below the 2025 average of 101.2, but remaining above the historical average of 100.0.
Overall, 51% of small business owners reported hiring or trying to hire in September, down 5 points from August. Forty-five percent (87% of those hiring or trying to hire) of owners reported few or no qualified applicants for the positions they were trying to fill. Twenty-five percent of owners reported few qualified applicants for their open positions and 20% reported none.
Twenty-seven percent have openings for skilled workers (down 4 points) and 16% have openings for unskilled labor (up 3 points).
A seasonally adjusted net 17% of owners plan to create new jobs in the next three months, unchanged from August.
The percent of small business owners reporting "labor quality or availability" as their top operating problem increased 3 points from August to 26%, 14 points above the historical average of 12%. Labor costs reported as the single most important problem for business owners fell 1 point from August to 6%, the lowest level since December 2020.
Seasonally adjusted, a net 28% of small business owners reported raising compensation in September, down 3 points from August. A net 20% (seasonally adjusted) plan to raise compensation in the next three months, up 2 points from August.
Click here (https://www.nfib.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/09/NFIB-September-2026-Jobs-Report.pdf) to view the entire NFIB Jobs Report.
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Original text here: https://www.nfib.com/news/press-release/nfib-jobs-report-small-business-hiring-slows-in-september/
Minnesota Credit Union Network: Royal Credit Union Earns Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions Award for Team Hebert Curling Campaign
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 10 -- Royal Credit Union, a member company of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, issued the following news:
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Royal Credit Union Earns Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions Award for Team Hebert Curling Campaign
10/9/2026
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Royal Credit Union (Royal) received a Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Award for its social short-form video campaign created in partnership with Team Hebert Curling. The award was presented during the 2026 Marketing Association of Credit Unions Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The campaign paired
... Show Full Article
ST. PAUL, Minnesota, Oct. 10 -- Royal Credit Union, a member company of the Minnesota Credit Union Network, issued the following news:
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Royal Credit Union Earns Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions Award for Team Hebert Curling Campaign
10/9/2026
EAU CLAIRE, Wis. - Royal Credit Union (Royal) received a Bronze Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) Award for its social short-form video campaign created in partnership with Team Hebert Curling. The award was presented during the 2026 Marketing Association of Credit Unions Conference in Scottsdale, Arizona.
The campaign pairedfinancial education with the strategy, precision, teamwork, and excitement of Olympic-level curling. Through short-form videos, behind-the-scenes content, and athlete testimonials, Royal connected financial topics with Team Hebert Curling's pursuit of the Winter Olympics. The campaign featured content focused on Royal's Save & Spend Duo, money market account, business checking, and a Member testimonial.
"This recognition is especially meaningful because it celebrates more than a marketing campaign. It reflects the impact of community partnerships and Royal's ongoing commitment to support the people and organizations that make our communities stronger," said Alexis Roux-Seboe, Marketing Content Coordinator at Royal. "Partnering with Team Hebert Curling allowed us to bring financial topics to life through the lens of their passion for the sport and pursuit of the Winter Olympics. We're grateful for the opportunity to support their journey while using creative storytelling to help make financial well-being more engaging and accessible for our Members."
A record-breaking 548 entries from 103 credit unions across the country were carefully reviewed by a panel of judges, recognizing campaigns for their creativity, strategic vision, execution, and impact.
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About Royal Credit Union
Royal Credit Union is a federally insured credit union proudly serving over 340,000 Members in Minnesota and Wisconsin. Royal is driven by a core ideology built on a strong purpose and values. Royal was recognized by Forbes as one of America's Best-In-State Credit Unions 2026 in Wisconsin and Minnesota. You can open an account or apply for a low-rate loan at Royal Credit Union if you live or work in 26 counties in western Wisconsin or 16 counties in Minnesota. Counties served in Wisconsin include Adams, Ashland, Bayfield, Barron, Buffalo, Burnett, Chippewa, Clark, Douglas, Dunn, Eau Claire, Jackson, Lincoln, Marathon, Pepin, Pierce, Polk, Portage, Price, Rusk, Sawyer, St. Croix, Taylor, Trempealeau, Washburn, and Wood.?Counties served in Minnesota include Anoka, Carver, Chisago, Dakota, Goodhue, Hennepin, Isanti, Olmsted, Pine, Ramsey, Scott, Sherburne, Wabasha, Washington, Winona and Wright. A complete list of Member eligibility requirements is available on the Royal Credit Union website. To learn more about Royal, visit rcu.org or call 800-341-9911.
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About the Marketing Association of Credit Unions:
The Marketing Association of Credit Unions (MAC) was created in 1986 by Marketers for Marketers and is dedicated to supporting and advancing the marketing and communications efforts of credit unions. Through educational programs, networking opportunities, and recognition of excellence, MAC strives to enhance the effectiveness of its members and promote the credit union difference. For more information about MAC and the annual awards, please visit Marketing Association of Credit Unions (macnetwork.org).
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Original text here: https://web.mncun.org/atlas/articles/13024
[Category: Financial Services]
Air Line Pilots Association International: Army Report Underscores Why Congress Must Finish the Job on ADS-B In
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
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Army Report Underscores Why Congress Must Finish the Job on ADS-B In
October 9, 2026
McLean, Va. -- Following the release of the U.S. Army's report on the PSA Flight 5342 midair collision, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement calling on Congress to require integrated ADS-B In technology for civilian and military aircraft and ADS-B Out transmission by military aircraft nationwide.
"The Army's report is
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 10 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
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Army Report Underscores Why Congress Must Finish the Job on ADS-B In
October 9, 2026
McLean, Va. -- Following the release of the U.S. Army's report on the PSA Flight 5342 midair collision, Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement calling on Congress to require integrated ADS-B In technology for civilian and military aircraft and ADS-B Out transmission by military aircraft nationwide.
"The Army's report isanother call to action to honor the 67 lives lost over the Potomac on January 29, 2025, by making sure a tragedy like this never happens again. This accident could have been prevented if the PSA Flight 5342 aircraft and the U.S. Army Sikorsky UH-60 Black Hawk helicopter had been equipped with integrated ADS-B In technology.
"In addition, the Army's report affirms multiple National Transportation Safety Board recommendations and validates the need for legislation requiring all military aircraft to transmit ADS-B Out nationwide. These improvements are needed to close safety gaps identified during the accident investigation by ensuring airline pilots can see all other aircraft, including military aircraft.
"Aviation has a long history of learning from tragedy, and we are continuing that work today in honor of our fallen colleagues, all those lost, and their families. Integrated ADS-B In and ADS-B Out transmission could have made the difference that night, which is why they are the foundation of our advocacy coming out of this tragedy.
"We owe it to the 67 people we lost, and to the millions who trust us with their lives every day, to finish this job. Pilots deserve every second technology can give them."
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Founded in 1931, ALPA is the largest airline pilot union in the world and represents more than 80,000 pilots at 42 U.S. and Canadian airlines. Visit ALPA.org or follow us @ALPAPilots on LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and X.
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Original text here: https://www.alpa.org/press-room/2026/10/army-report-underscores-why-congress-must-finish-the-job-on-adsb-in
[Category: Transportation]
