Featured Stories
HFTP Recognizes Top Chapters in 2026 With Annual Awards
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 3 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
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October 2, 2026
HFTP Recognizes Top Chapters in 2026 with Annual Awards
Each year, HFTP strives to recognize the chapters who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to engage their local members and provide educational and networking opportunities to advance their professional development. The chapters who went above and beyond in 2026 were celebrated at the HFTP 2026 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada.
Congratulations to the following chapters!
* Tier A (1-35 members): HFTP Central Carolina
... Show Full Article
AUSTIN, Texas, Oct. 3 -- Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals issued the following news:
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October 2, 2026
HFTP Recognizes Top Chapters in 2026 with Annual Awards
Each year, HFTP strives to recognize the chapters who demonstrate extraordinary efforts to engage their local members and provide educational and networking opportunities to advance their professional development. The chapters who went above and beyond in 2026 were celebrated at the HFTP 2026 Annual Convention in Reno, Nevada.
Congratulations to the following chapters!
* Tier A (1-35 members): HFTP Central CarolinaChapter
* Tier B (36-70 members): HFTP North Texas Chapter
* Tier C (71+ members): HFTP Gulf Coast Chapter
* Student Chapter of the Year: HFTP Cougar Chapter -- University of Houston
Representatives from all four winning chapters were in attendance at the HFTP 2026 Annual Convention to receive their awards.
HFTP has approximately 66 chapters organized in countries and regions around the world including the United States, Canada, Mexico, Caribbean, United Kingdom, Italy, United Arab Emirates and India. Upon joining HFTP, members have the option to join a local chapter. Members can engage with their local chapter by attending chapter meetings to connect with a local network of their fellow members, share solutions with other professionals in the community, and access tremendous opportunities for education and leadership. Learn more about chapters on the HFTP website.
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Original text here: https://www.hftp.org/news/hftp-recognizes-top-chapters-in-2026-with-annual-awards
[Category: Travel]
U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Mike Kennedy for Utah's Fourth District
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Mike Kennedy for Utah's Fourth District
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. Mike Kennedy for Utah's Fourth District. The U.S. Chamber endorses candidates for federal office who will support policies that drive innovation, grow the economy, and create opportunities for American businesses and workers.
"Congressman Mike Kennedy is a champion for job creators and hard-working families in Utah," said
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 [Category: Business] -- The U.S. Chamber of Commerce posted the following news release:
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U.S. Chamber Endorses Rep. Mike Kennedy for Utah's Fourth District
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WASHINGTON, D.C. - Today, the U.S. Chamber of Commerce announced its endorsement of Rep. Mike Kennedy for Utah's Fourth District. The U.S. Chamber endorses candidates for federal office who will support policies that drive innovation, grow the economy, and create opportunities for American businesses and workers.
"Congressman Mike Kennedy is a champion for job creators and hard-working families in Utah," saidNikkie Nguyen, Western Region Government Affairs Manager at the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. "As a small business owner, Congressman Kennedy understands how pro-growth, free market policies create prosperity. Meanwhile, in Congress, he's led bipartisan efforts to support innovation and investment in Utah's critical infrastructure and transportation network. The U.S. Chamber is proud to stand with Congressman Kennedy and endorse his reelection to Utah's 4th congressional district."
About the U.S. Chamber of Commerce
The U.S. Chamber of Commerce is the world's largest business organization representing companies of all sizes across every sector of the economy. Our members range from the small businesses and local chambers of commerce that line the Main Streets of America to leading industry associations and large corporations. For more than 114 years, we have advocated for pro-business policies that help businesses create jobs and grow our economy.
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Original text here: https://www.uschamber.com/improving-government/u-s-chamber-endorses-rep-mike-kennedy-for-utahs-fourth-district
National Association of Realtors Announces 2027 Leadership Academy Class
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following news release:
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National Association of REALTORS(R) Announces 2027 Leadership Academy Class
20 REALTORS(R) selected for program that helps develop future association leaders
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WASHINGTON (October 1, 2026) - The National Association of REALTORS(R) announced its 2027 Leadership Academy class today. The Leadership Academy is a 10-month program that prepares emerging state and local volunteers for future leadership positions at NAR. The 2027 class consists of 20 REALTORS(R) representing 16 states across the country.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The National Association of Realtors issued the following news release:
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National Association of REALTORS(R) Announces 2027 Leadership Academy Class
20 REALTORS(R) selected for program that helps develop future association leaders
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WASHINGTON (October 1, 2026) - The National Association of REALTORS(R) announced its 2027 Leadership Academy class today. The Leadership Academy is a 10-month program that prepares emerging state and local volunteers for future leadership positions at NAR. The 2027 class consists of 20 REALTORS(R) representing 16 states across the country.Class members have an average of more than 13 years of real estate experience.
During the program, participants will learn about the history, structure and inner workings of NAR while gaining key insights designed to prepare them to serve in leadership positions at all levels of the association. The program concludes with a capstone project that allows participants to apply what they have learned, collaborate with their classmates, and strengthen the leadership skills needed to address challenges facing the association and the real estate industry.
"Congratulations to the newest Leadership Academy class. Through the Leadership Academy they will build on NAR's proud tradition of service by preparing to lead at the local, state and national levels," said NAR President Kevin Brown. "The REALTORS(R) in the 2027 class bring valuable experience and perspectives from communities across the country, and we look forward to them applying those strengths to serve our members, shape the association's future, and strengthen the industry."
Since the Leadership Academy was established in 2008, more than 300 participants have graduated from the program. More than 160 graduates have chaired an NAR committee or volunteer group, 98 have served as state association presidents and 39 have served as NAR regional vice presidents. Several members of NAR's current Leadership Team are also graduates, including Immediate Past President Kevin Sears (2008), President-elect Christine Hansen (2009), Vice President of Advocacy Asa Fleming (2014), and First Vice President Colin Mullane (2015).
The 2027 NAR Leadership Academy roster is as follows:
* Melissa Atchley (Texas)
* Michelle Braat (North Carolina)
* Robert Carney (Virginia)
* Keianna Carty (Florida)
* Annie Caruso (Indiana)
* Joel Cooke (Texas)
* Jade Crow (Arkansas)
* Tiffany Harris (Maryland)
* Katey McGrath (Pennsylvania)
* Theresa Miller (California)
* LaurieAnne Minoff (Florida)
* Tamar Myers-Moffatt (Virginia)
* Lisa Nguyen (Colorado)
* Kyla Niewinski (New Jersey)
* Aline Pitney (Colorado)
* Brian Sharp (Ohio)
* Christopher Tanner (New Mexico)
* Wendy Uzelac (Minnesota)
* Carrie Vos (Michigan)
* Robin Wallace (Montana)
The program will begin in January 2027 and culminate in November 2027 at NAR NXT. Volunteer leaders with local and state board experience are encouraged to submit an application for the 2028 class. For more information about NAR's Leadership Academy, including resources for prospective applicants, visit nar.realtor/leadershipacademy. The application period for the 2028 class will run from December 14, 2026, through February 10, 2027.
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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-realtors-announces-2027-leadership-academy-class
[Category: Real Estate]
Myelin Repair, Exercise, and EBV: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Announces New Funding for Research
NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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September 30, 2026
Myelin Repair, Exercise, and EBV: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Announces New Funding for Research
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed $8.9 million in multi-year funding to support 15 research grants. All projects are aligned with the Pathways to Cures roadmap that focuses on three critical areas: stopping MS, restoring function that is lost, and ending MS through prevention.
Research grants are awards of up to 3 years to support basic studies in the laboratory
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Oct. 2 -- The National Multiple Sclerosis Society issued the following news:
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September 30, 2026
Myelin Repair, Exercise, and EBV: National Multiple Sclerosis Society Announces New Funding for Research
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society has committed $8.9 million in multi-year funding to support 15 research grants. All projects are aligned with the Pathways to Cures roadmap that focuses on three critical areas: stopping MS, restoring function that is lost, and ending MS through prevention.
Research grants are awards of up to 3 years to support basic studies in the laboratoryor research in people with MS (including projects in MS treatment and rehabilitation). Investigators worldwide submit applications with their research ideas, which are reviewed by committees of their peers, as well as a special committee of people affected by MS.Some of these innovative investigators are seeking to:
* create brain maps that show how tissue damage affects pathways responsible for depression
* understand genetic reasons why spontaneous myelin repair may occur in some people's brains
* test if exercise helps restore function in people with MS who use a wheelchair
* engineer T cells that may silence Epstein-Barr virus in people with MS
* determine whether a home-based method of stimulating nerves can restore bladder control in people with MS
These projects are part of the Society's $119.6 million in total multi-year investments to support more than 200 new and ongoing MS research studies around the world.
Learn More...
Summaries of the newly funded research projects (https://cdn.sanity.io/files/y936aps5/production/fc69aa3cbd0932dbde1dda2ea11acb7a70bdf649.pdf)
Read about the process (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/news-and-magazine/momentum-magazine/research-and-science/finding-a-cure-for-ms) of deciding what research to fund.
Read more about the Research We Fund (https://www.nationalmssociety.org/about-the-society/who-we-are/research-we-fund).
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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/new-research-grants
[Category: Health Care]
Latin America Business Travel Spending Forecast to Reach $67.7 Billion USD in 2026 as Growth Accelerates Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 2 [Category: Travel] -- The Global Business Travel Association posted the following news release:
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Latin America Business Travel Spending Forecast to Reach $67.7 Billion USD in 2026 as Growth Accelerates Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures
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At GBTA LATAM Conference 2026, industry leaders examine business travel's growth, innovation, impact and resilience in the region
Business travel spending in Latin America is forecast to reach $67.7 billion USD in 2026, an increase of approximately 11% year over year and among the highest regional growth rates globally, according
... Show Full Article
ALEXANDRIA, Virginia, Oct. 2 [Category: Travel] -- The Global Business Travel Association posted the following news release:
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Latin America Business Travel Spending Forecast to Reach $67.7 Billion USD in 2026 as Growth Accelerates Amid Ongoing Economic Pressures
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At GBTA LATAM Conference 2026, industry leaders examine business travel's growth, innovation, impact and resilience in the region
Business travel spending in Latin America is forecast to reach $67.7 billion USD in 2026, an increase of approximately 11% year over year and among the highest regional growth rates globally, accordingto research unveiled yesterday at the Global Business Travel Association's(GBTA) LATAM Conference 2026 held in Mexico City.
Despite the near-term growth, the broader outlook in Latin America remains measured with regional spending growth forecast to slow to 3.3% in 2027 due to a high dependence on broader economic stability. Even so, the latest expectations underscore the resilience and strategic importance of business travel across Latin America.
The 18th GBTA LATAM Conference, held at Hotel Camino Real Polanco, brought together over 450 registered attendees representing 17 countries from Latin America and beyond, including 277 buyers and suppliers. The Expo featured 40 exhibiting companies.
This year's Conference theme, "AI With Purpose: Reimagining Business Travel Through Human-Centric Innovation," featured programming that combined research and leadership perspectives with practical education on the trends reshaping managed travel. Topics included artificial intelligence and data analytics, pricing and economic projections, traveler experience, sustainability, geopolitical risk and the growing pressure to demonstrate the return on every business trip. GBTA leadership and top executives from international companies such as Deloitte, Microsoft, and Qualcomm also offered their industry perspectives.
"Latin America has strong momentum and a clear opportunity to turn business travel growth into broader economic value," said Katharine Farrell, Vice President, Americas. "The research points to rising spend and renewed confidence, while higher costs and geopolitical uncertainty reinforce the need for resilient, purposeful travel programs. The outlook is positive, but continued success will depend on smart planning and measurable returns. The conversations at this year's Conference demonstrate the strength and optimism we're seeing across the region."
Latin America Outlook: Strong 2026 Growth, Moderation Ahead
Mariana Ponce de Leon, GBTA Regional Director, Mexico, Central America & Colombia, added, "The strong forecast reflects the essential role of in-person engagement in building customer relationships, entering new markets and strengthening organizations across the region," said Ponce de Leon. "At the same time, travel programs must remain disciplined and focused on value as cost and risk pressures persist."
Part of the Main Stage session was comprised of LATAM-specific research from the 2026 GBTA Business Travel Index (BTI) unveiled in August. Highlights included:
* Business trip volume originating in Latin America is forecast at 64 million trips in 2026, up 1.5% year over year.
* Mexico ranks 20th globally, with forecast spending of $10.4 billion USD in 2026.
* Brazil, the region's only market among the global top 15, is forecast to reach $35.8 billion USD in spending, an increase of 13.8% from 2025.
* Argentina is forecast at $6.1 billion USD; Colombia at $5.5 billion USD, Peru at $5.9 billion USD and Chile at $3.4 billion USD.
* Manufacturing, public administration and defense, construction, retail trade, and agriculture, forestry and fishing are among the sectors expected to show the strongest business travel growth in Latin America.
Business Travel Delivers Local Economic Value
Additionally, new findings presented from the just-released 2026 GBTA Global Cities Economic Impact Study demonstrate the significant value and impact for the destinations where business travel takes place.
Business travel to and within Mexico City generated $3.3 billion USD in industry revenue for the destination based on 2024 data, including $2.1 billion USD in direct contribution and $1.1 billion USD in indirect and induced contribution. It supported 50,858 jobs, generated $867 million USD in local value-added revenue and contributed $419 million USD in taxes. For every $1 USD spent on business travel in Mexico City, 41% remains in the local economy.
"These findings show that business travel's impact is visible in local revenue, jobs, supplier activity and commercial growth," said Daniel Duarte, GBTA Regional Manager, LATAM South. "The opportunity ahead is to sustain that momentum through smarter investment, strong regional partnerships and travel programs that balance growth with resilience."
Increased Confidence Among LATAM Industry Professionals
Findings were also presented from GBTA's September 2026 Industry Sentiment Poll which reflected the highest level of renewed confidence among global regions: 76% of Latin American travel industry professionals were optimistic about the next 12 months (although the regional sample was limited.)
Honoring Regional Volunteers and Board Service
The Conference also recognized the contributions of part of the 2026 GBTA LATAM Advisory Board. Chaired by Felipe Cardona, Travel Manager for the Americas at DHL, GBTA LATAM Advisory Board members Miguel Ruiz, Vice President, Solutions Advisory Americas at SAP; Monica Crawfurd, Managing Director of Sales, CALA at Hilton; Estela Pedrozo, Director, Business Development & Corporate Solutions at Mastercard; and Conrado Sainz, Corporate Travel Global Coordinator at Exiros/Techint, provide strategic guidance and regional insight to support GBTA's mission across Latin America.
Turning Insight into Action Across LATAM
Attendees also learned about the GBTA Foundation's professional development and sustainability opportunities aimed at supporting a more sustainable, inclusive and resilient future for business travel:
* GBTA WINiT, offering mentorships, events, workshops, awards and professional development opportunities for women in the business travel industry.
* The Sustainability Acceleration Challenge, a tool to support companies on their journey toward net zero travel emissions and to strengthen their sustainability efforts.
Ways to Become Involved in GBTA
The Conference ended with a calendar of events taking place in LATAM and beyond, including the GBTA Europe Conference 2026, going on Nov 2-4 in Vienna, and upcoming GBTA 2027 LATAM events:
Business Travel Forums
* March in Monterrey, Mexico
* April in Santiago, Chile
* May in Bogota, Colombia
* July in Guadalajara, Mexico
* November in Buenos Aires, Argentina
The New Business Travel Summit
* June in Sao Paulo, Brazil
GBTA is also planning Fundamentals of Business Travel Management and Advanced Principles of Business Travel Management in-person courses for Mexico and Brazil in the second half of 2027, as well as buyer-only webinars for the region.
For more information about the GBTA LATAM Conference, visit mexicoconference.gbta.org, and access pictures from the Conference in the coming days here.
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Original text here: https://gbta.org/latin-america-business-travel-spending-forecast-to-reach-67-7-billion-usd-in-2026-as-growth-accelerates-amid-ongoing-economic-pressures/
CHPA Responds to FDA Annual Forecast
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release:
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CHPA Responds to FDA Annual Forecast
Oct 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association's (CHPA) Senior Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Dr. Scott Furness released the following statement regarding FDA's 2026 Annual Forecast for Planned Monograph Activities:
"This year's forecast is largely consistent with the prior year. As FDA moves forward with these and other monograph activities, continued progress, predictability, and transparency will
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Oct. 2 -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association issued the following news release:
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CHPA Responds to FDA Annual Forecast
Oct 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Healthcare Products Association's (CHPA) Senior Vice President of Regulatory & Scientific Affairs Dr. Scott Furness released the following statement regarding FDA's 2026 Annual Forecast for Planned Monograph Activities:
"This year's forecast is largely consistent with the prior year. As FDA moves forward with these and other monograph activities, continued progress, predictability, and transparency willbe important to realizing the goals of the modernized OTC Monograph system. CHPA remains committed to working with FDA to advance an efficient regulatory framework that maintains rigorous safety standards while supporting innovation and continued consumer access to safe and effective over-the-counter medicines."
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The Consumer Healthcare Products Association (CHPA), founded in 1881, is the national trade association representing the leading manufacturers and marketers of consumer healthcare products, including over-the-counter (OTC) medicines, dietary supplements, and OTC medical devices. CHPA is committed to empowering self-care by ensuring that Americans have access to products they can count on to be reliable, affordable, and convenient, while also delivering new and better ways to get and stay healthy. Visit www.chpa.org.
CHPA Contact Logan Tucker Vice President, Public Affairs & Media Relations ltucker@chpa.org 202.429.3534
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Original text here: https://www.chpa.org/news/2026/10/chpa-responds-fda-annual-forecast
[Category: Health Care]
ALPA Applauds Senate HELP Committee Vote Advancing Capt. Doug Ralph's NMB Nomination
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 2 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
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ALPA Applauds Senate HELP Committee Vote Advancing Capt. Doug Ralph's NMB Nomination
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) voted today to advance the nomination of Capt. Doug Ralph to serve as a member of the National Mediation Board (NMB):
"We thank the HELP Committee for moving Capt. Doug Ralph's
... Show Full Article
MCLEAN, Virginia, Oct. 2 -- The Air Line Pilots Association International issued the following news release:
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ALPA Applauds Senate HELP Committee Vote Advancing Capt. Doug Ralph's NMB Nomination
October 1, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Capt. Jason Ambrosi, president of the Air Line Pilots Association, Int'l (ALPA), issued the following statement after the Senate Committee on Health, Education, Labor, and Pensions (HELP) voted today to advance the nomination of Capt. Doug Ralph to serve as a member of the National Mediation Board (NMB):
"We thank the HELP Committee for moving Capt. Doug Ralph'snomination forward. Capt. Ralph has flown the line as a union pilot and also served as the union-elected represented on the Delta Air Lines Board of Directors.
"The NMB is the sole venue protecting the right of private-sector airline and rail workers to organize and bargain collectively. Its work keeps labor relations productive and interstate commerce moving. Capt. Ralph knows what workers need, and he understands the business realities employers face. That balanced perspective is exactly what the Board needs as major contract negotiations get underway across the airline industry.
"We urge the full Senate to confirm Capt. Ralph without delay so the NMB can carry out its mission at full strength. We look forward to continuing ALPA's longstanding partnership with the Board in support of fair, effective labor relations."
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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/alpa-applauds-senate-help-committee-vote-advancing-capt-doug-ralph-nmb-nomination
[Category: Transportation]
