Featured Stories
Seeds of Success: NWTF New Jersey Bolsters Habitat on Public Land
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Sept. 10 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
* * *
Seeds of Success: NWTF New Jersey Bolsters Habitat on Public Land
During his first year as a crew supervisor with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Fish and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management, Joe Burke has dedicated his time to planning out habitat plantings for wild turkey, deer, pheasant and other wildlife species on wildlife management areas across the northern region of the state.
On his way to and from the office, he drives past fields that the NJDEP team
... Show Full Article
EDGEFIELD, South Carolina, Sept. 10 -- The National Wild Turkey Federation issued the following news release:
* * *
Seeds of Success: NWTF New Jersey Bolsters Habitat on Public Land
During his first year as a crew supervisor with New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection's Fish and Wildlife Bureau of Land Management, Joe Burke has dedicated his time to planning out habitat plantings for wild turkey, deer, pheasant and other wildlife species on wildlife management areas across the northern region of the state.
On his way to and from the office, he drives past fields that the NJDEP teamhave planted with seed mixes that were purchased by the New Jersey State Chapter of the National Wild Turkey Federation. Just a few weeks after the plots were seeded, Burke can already see progress, and he keeps an eye out for wildlife that might be using the property.
"I think there is a pretty good story to tell with these plantings," Burke said. "And it was super beneficial to work with the NWTF because planning and coordinating habitat plantings of this scale across multiple WMAs was a learning curve for me in this new position. A big part of that is procurement. We have to determine acreage and seed needs well in advance and often purchase seed in preparation for the following planting season. The NWTF funding helped streamline that process and allowed us to get these plantings established across more than 40 acres."
The NWTF purchased a fall seed mix comprised of winter rye, wheat, oats, winter peas and crimson clover that is currently being planted across five different WMAs, as well as corn that was planted across two WMAs in June. Plantings included 10.5 acres of NWTF purchased grain mix at Clinton WMA, 4.5 acres of NWTF purchased grain mix at Whittingham WMA, 5 acres of NWTF purchased grain mix at Flatbrook WMA, 7 acres of NWTF purchased grain mix and 6 acres of corn purchased by NWTF at Paulinskill River WMA and 3 acres of NWTF purchased grain mix and 6 acres of corn purchased by NWTF at Bearswamp WMA.
Food plots such as these are a reliable fall and winter food source for wild turkey, deer and other wildlife as the seasons change. Corn provides food and cover for wildlife and increases bear activity during the October hunting season. As black bears move through and feed in the area, they knock down stalks, leaving the remaining grain more accessible at ground level to wild turkeys.
"Overall, I think the combination of the fall grain, clover mix and the corn gives us some really good seasonal diversity," Burke said. "It allows us to provide benefits over a much longer period rather than just having a short-term food source."
Early next spring, after the crops overwinter and green up, wild turkeys will experience major benefits from these plots, which will act as a reliable food source that is otherwise limited during the early northern spring season. In the summer, plots will support brood-rearing areas for hens and increased insect activity that provides nutrition for poults. In line with the Forests and Flocks Initiative, these food plots are addressing each stage of the wild turkey life cycle all across northern New Jersey.
"The seed purchased for the Northern New Jersey WMA wildlife openings will provide a great diversity of species available for wild turkeys throughout the year," said Mitch Blake, NWTF district biologist. "These projects are a great example of how the Forests and Flocks Initiative is targeting all stages of wild turkeys' needs in the Northeast."
This work goes beyond just creating food plots for wildlife. These properties were previously non-productive, fallow fields with relatively poor soil health. Burke and Tony McBride, NJDEP Fish and Wildlife regional superintendent, coordinated with the New Jersey DEP Forest Fire Service to conduct prescribed burns on several of these fields last winter. In fields scheduled for planting, the burns removed accumulated thatch and helped prepare the seedbed for planting by Burke's team. Other fields were burned and left fallow to help set back undesirable and invasive vegetation, while some were also disked by his crew following the burns. These treatments prepared the seedbed and improved early successional habitat that will sustain rich insect biodiversity and habitat for wild turkey brooding.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.nwtf.org/content-hub/seeds-of-success-nwtf-new-jersey-bolsters-habitat-on-public-land
[Category: Animals]
Rising Risk Complexity Outpaces Organizations' Strategic Readiness Finds New AICPA & North Carolina State University Study
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (TNSrep) -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
* * *
Rising Risk Complexity Outpaces Organizations' Strategic Readiness Finds New AICPA & North Carolina State University Study
DURHAM, N.C., -- Organizations are facing a more volatile, interconnected, and unpredictable risk environment than ever before, yet most continue to struggle to fully integrate risk management into strategic decision-making, according to the latest The 2026 State of Risk Oversight: An Overview of Enterprise Risk Management Practices report released today by the American
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Sept. 10 (TNSrep) -- The American Institute of CPAs issued the following news release:
* * *
Rising Risk Complexity Outpaces Organizations' Strategic Readiness Finds New AICPA & North Carolina State University Study
DURHAM, N.C., -- Organizations are facing a more volatile, interconnected, and unpredictable risk environment than ever before, yet most continue to struggle to fully integrate risk management into strategic decision-making, according to the latest The 2026 State of Risk Oversight: An Overview of Enterprise Risk Management Practices report released today by the AmericanInstitute of CPAs (AICPA) and the Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative at NC State University.
Now in its 17th year, the study surveyed 331 senior executives and board-level leaders and found that 69% believe the volume and complexity of risks facing their organizations have increased significantly over the past five years. At the same time, only 11% say their organization's risk management process provides a unique strategic or competitive advantage.
The findings point to a growing disconnect between rising risk levels and organizations' ability to transform risk intelligence into better business decisions. While many organizations have expanded governance structures and oversight practices, risk management remains focused largely on operational and compliance concerns rather than emerging strategic threats, according to the report.
"The business environment is changing faster than most organizations can adapt," said Tom Hood, EVP, Business Engagement & Growth at AICPA & CIMA. "Leader's today are navigating geopolitical uncertainty, technological disruption, cyber threats, talent challenges, and economic volatility simultaneously. The organizations that will thrive are those that move beyond viewing risk management as a compliance exercise and instead use risk insights to inform strategy, strengthen resilience, and create long-term value."
Among the report's key findings:
* 69% of executives say the volume and complexity of risks have increased over the past five years.
* 74% report experiencing a significant operational surprise within the last five years.
* 72% say geopolitical uncertainty is affecting their organization's business model or strategic initiatives.
* Only 30% describe their organization's risk oversight processes as mature or robust.
* Just 29% have formally articulated risk appetite in the context of strategic planning.
* Only 22% say their risk management processes explicitly engage leadership in thinking about risks five to ten years into the future.
The report also highlights increasing expectations from boards, audit committees, regulators, and other stakeholders for greater executive engagement in risk oversight. More organizations are appointing chief risk officers, establishing management-level risk committees, and formalizing board oversight responsibilities. However, many organizations still rely on informal discussions rather than robust, data-driven risk reporting to support strategic decision-making.
"One of the most important findings from this year's study is that awareness of risk is high, but strategic integration remains limited," said Mark Beasley, director of the ERM Initiative at NC State University and Alan T. Dickson Distinguished Professor of Accounting. "Organizations are clearly recognizing that risks are becoming more interconnected and disruptive. The next step is ensuring risk management is embedded in strategic planning, resource allocation, and boardroom discussions. Those that accomplish that shift will be better positioned to anticipate disruption, respond with agility, and build sustainable competitive advantage."
The study suggests that while organizations have made steady progress over the past 17 years in developing governance structures and risk management processes, significant opportunities remain to enhance risk maturity, improve communication of risk information, and better leverage risk insights to guide strategic decision-making.
* * *
About the Report
The 2026 State of Risk Oversight: An Overview of Enterprise Risk Management Practices (https://www.aicpa-cima.com/resources/download/2026-state-of-risk-oversight-report-17th-edition) report is based on survey responses from 331 executives representing organizations across a wide range of industries, including publicly traded companies, financial services organizations, not-for-profit entities, and large organizations with more than $1 billion in annual revenue. The survey was conducted during the second quarter of 2026 by NC State University's ERM Initiative in collaboration with the AICPA.
* * *
About North Carolina State University ERM Initiative
The Enterprise Risk Management (ERM) Initiative in the Poole College of Management at North Carolina State University provides thought leadership about ERM practices and their integration with strategy and corporate governance. Faculty in the ERM Initiative frequently work with boards of directors and senior management teams helping them link ERM to strategy and governance, host executive workshops and educational training sessions, and issue research and thought papers on practical approaches to implementing more effective risk oversight techniques (www.erm.ncsu.edu).
* * *
About American Institute of CPAs (AICPA)
The American Institute of CPAs (AICPA) is the world's largest member association representing the CPA profession, with a history of serving the public interest since 1887. AICPA members represent many areas of practice, including business and industry, public practice, government, education, and consulting. A founding member of the Association of International Certified Professional Accountants, the AICPA sets ethical standards for the profession, attestation standards, and U.S. auditing standards for private companies, not-for-profit organizations, and federal, state, and local governments. It develops and grades the Uniform CPA Examination, offers specialized credentials, partners across the profession to build future talent, and drives continuing education to advance the vitality, relevance, and quality of the profession.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.aicpa-cima.com/news/article/rising-risk-complexity-outpaces-organizations-strategic-readiness-finds-new-aicpa-and-north-carolina-state-university-study
[Category: Accounting]
ProSet Modular Expands National Installation Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand for Permanent and Relocatable Modular Construction
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 10 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate ProSet Modular:
* * *
ProSet Modular Expands National Installation Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand for Permanent and Relocatable Modular Construction
Expanded field capacity, leadership and operational infrastructure position ProSet to support larger modular projects, workforce housing and relocatable installations nationwide.
-
ProSet Modular is announcing an expansion of its national installation capabilities, reflecting significant investment in equipment, field
... Show Full Article
CHARLOTTESVILLE, Virginia, Sept. 10 -- The Modular Building Institute posted the following news release from its affiliate ProSet Modular:
* * *
ProSet Modular Expands National Installation Capabilities to Meet Growing Demand for Permanent and Relocatable Modular Construction
Expanded field capacity, leadership and operational infrastructure position ProSet to support larger modular projects, workforce housing and relocatable installations nationwide.
-
ProSet Modular is announcing an expansion of its national installation capabilities, reflecting significant investment in equipment, fieldleadership, team capacity and operational infrastructure. The expansion positions ProSet to take on greater project volume while supporting both permanent modular construction and large-scale relocatable projects across the United States.
The company's expanded capabilities are designed to serve a broad range of modular applications, including multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, workforce housing, data-center-related projects, temporary housing, industrial camps and remote projects. With experienced field teams and the ability to mobilize nationally, ProSet is strengthening its role as an installation partner for modular manufacturers, general contractors, developers and project teams.
A major area of growth is relocatable workforce housing. As demand increases for temporary and rapidly deployable housing supporting major construction, infrastructure, industrial and data-center projects, ProSet is expanding its ability to coordinate and execute complex installations in markets where schedule, logistics and field performance are critical.
ProSet's experience includes relocatable and workforce-related projects in Winnemucca, Nevada; Nome, Alaska; and Hubbard, Texas. These projects demonstrate the company's ability to support challenging locations, large-scale field requirements and project teams that need experienced modular installation resources.
"You may know ProSet for the work we've done in the past, but our capabilities today are significantly broader," said Scott Bridger, CEO, ProSet. "We have invested in our people, equipment, leadership and field capacity so we can support more projects and mobilize where our clients need us. We are ready to bring that experience to the next generation of permanent and relocatable modular projects."
The expansion is also part of ProSet's longer-term strategy to strengthen its national market position and build deeper partnerships across the modular construction ecosystem. The company is focused on becoming involved earlier in project planning, helping teams anticipate installation requirements before field execution becomes a constraint.
For organizations planning upcoming modular projects, ProSet is inviting early conversations around project location, module count, installation schedule, logistics and field requirements. The goal is straightforward: bring experienced installation leadership into the conversation early enough to help projects move from planning to execution more effectively.
* * *
About ProSet Modular
ProSet Modular provides modular installation and field execution services for permanent and relocatable construction projects. With expanded field capacity, experienced leadership and nationwide mobilization capabilities, ProSet supports project teams across multiple markets, including workforce housing, multifamily, hospitality, healthcare, data centers, temporary facilities and other large-scale modular applications.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.modular.org/2026/09/09/proset-modular-expands-national-installation-capabilities/
[Category: Construction]
National Network for Microelectronics Education Announces Inaugural Industry Advisory Committee to Help Shape America's Semiconductor Workforce Strategy
MILPITAS, California, Sept. 10 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release from its member company National Network for Microelectronics Education:
* * *
National Network for Microelectronics Education Announces Inaugural Industry Advisory Committee to Help Shape America's Semiconductor Workforce Strategy
Industry, university, community college, and workforce leaders unite to guide the future of America's semiconductor workforce
-
MILPITAS, Calif. - September 9, 2026 - The National Network for Microelectronics
... Show Full Article
MILPITAS, California, Sept. 10 -- SEMI, an association serving the manufacturing supply chain for the electronics industry, posted the following news release from its member company National Network for Microelectronics Education:
* * *
National Network for Microelectronics Education Announces Inaugural Industry Advisory Committee to Help Shape America's Semiconductor Workforce Strategy
Industry, university, community college, and workforce leaders unite to guide the future of America's semiconductor workforce
-
MILPITAS, Calif. - September 9, 2026 - The National Network for MicroelectronicsEducation (NNME), a national workforce development initiative supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce, today announced the formation of its inaugural Industry Advisory Committee, bringing together senior leaders from the semiconductor industry, universities, and community colleges to help guide the network's national workforce strategy and strengthen the talent pipeline supporting America's growing microelectronics ecosystem.
Funded through an NSF Other Transaction Authority (OTA) award, the NNME benefits from NSF's ongoing technical collaboration and strategic guidance to help accelerate the development of innovative workforce solutions that address the nation's critical microelectronics talent needs. The SEMI Foundation serves as the Hub Operator of the NNME and is the workforce development arm of SEMI.
Representing semiconductor manufacturers, technology companies, equipment and materials suppliers, universities, community colleges, and workforce leaders, the Industry Advisory Committee will provide strategic insight as NNME works to align with industry needs across the United States. The announcement comes as the nation experiences unprecedented investment in domestic semiconductor manufacturing and increasing demand for a highly skilled workforce capable of supporting innovation, advanced manufacturing, and long-term economic competitiveness. A national workforce landscape analysis conducted by McKinsey & Company found that the U.S. semiconductor industry could face a talent gap of approximately 127,000 to 157,000 workers by 2030, underscoring the urgency of building a coordinated, industry-aligned workforce development system.
"Building the workforce needed to support the future of microelectronics requires sustained collaboration across industry, education, and workforce partners," said Dr. Jennifer Ellis, Director of the National Network for Microelectronics Education. "The expertise represented on the committee reflects the depth of commitment across the semiconductor ecosystem, and their guidance will help ensure NNME remains closely aligned with industry needs while strengthening pathways into high-demand careers."
Through ongoing collaboration, the Industry Advisory Committee will help identify emerging workforce challenges, validate employer workforce needs, inform education and training strategies, strengthen connections across the semiconductor ecosystem, and provide strategic input on national workforce initiatives.
"The challenges and opportunities facing the semiconductor workforce are larger than any one organization can address alone," said Shari Liss, Vice President of Global Workforce Development and Initiatives at SEMI. "This Industry Advisory Committee brings together remarkable leaders who understand both the technical and workforce needs of our industry. Their collective expertise will help strengthen national collaboration and ensure we are preparing the workforce needed for the next generation of semiconductor innovation."
The inaugural Industry Advisory Committee includes:
* * *
Member ... Organization
* Janine Rush-Byers (Chair) ... * Micron Technology
* John Dallesasse ... * University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign
* Katherine Dei Cas ... * Qnity
* Elizabeth Greene ... * Lam Research
* David Harrison ... * Columbus State Community College
* Michael Lercel ... * ASML
* Shari Liss ... * SEMI
* Tara McCaughey ... * GlobalFoundries
* Andrew Schmidt ... * AMD
* Martin A. Schmidt ... * Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI)
* Kwee Lan Teo ... * Samsung Semiconductor
* Gabriela Cruz Thompson ... * Intel Corporation
* Jared Zerbe ... * Apple
* * *
Collectively, committee members provide a broad perspective on the evolving workforce needs of the U.S. microelectronics ecosystem. The NNME will continue to expand membership to ensure broad representation across the national microelectronics ecosystem.
"The ability of the U.S. to compete globally depends on developing a workforce that can meet the pace of innovation across the semiconductor ecosystem," said Michelle Williams, Executive Director of the SEMI Foundation. "The Industry Advisory Committee represents an extraordinary group of leaders who are committed to shaping workforce solutions that are scalable, industry-informed, and built for long-term impact. Their guidance will help ensure NNME continues to create meaningful opportunities for learners while supporting the needs of the ecosystem."
Established to strengthen the nation's microelectronics workforce, NNME is building a coordinated national network that connects employers, education providers, workforce organizations, and regional partners to develop industry-aligned talent pathways. Through its Regional Nodes and national initiatives, NNME is creating a more connected and responsive workforce ecosystem capable of supporting continued semiconductor growth across the United States.
* * *
About the SEMI Foundation
The SEMI Foundation advances economic opportunity for workers while supporting the sustained growth of the global microelectronics industry. As the workforce development arm of SEMI, the Foundation works across industry, education, workforce systems, and community partners to build clear pathways into semiconductor and microelectronics careers while helping employers attract, develop, retain, and advance a highly skilled workforce. Together with SEMI's network of more than 4,000 companies, the SEMI Foundation helps strengthen the talent pipeline powering the future of technology. Visit the SEMI Foundation online to learn more, and follow the SEMI Foundation on LinkedIn.
* * *
About NNME
The NNME is a national workforce development initiative supported by NSF in partnership with the U.S. Department of Commerce. The NNME connects industry, education, workforce systems, and regional partners through a national network designed to accelerate the development of America's microelectronics workforce ecosystem. Visit the NNME online to learn more.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.semi.org/en/semi-press-release/national-network-for-microelectronics-education-announces-inaugural-industry-advisory-committee-to-help-shape-americas-semiconductor-workforce-strategy
[Category: Electronic Products]
Financial Technology Association Names Ebony Sunala Johnson as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- The Financial Technology Association issued the following news release:
* * *
FTA Names Ebony Sunala Johnson as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer
September 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Financial Technology Association (FTA) today announced Ebony Sunala Johnson as the organization's first Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer. Johnson will oversee FTA's legal and operational functions as the trade association continues to grow and advocate for modern policies to reflect the digital transformation of financial services.
"Ebony brings a rare
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- The Financial Technology Association issued the following news release:
* * *
FTA Names Ebony Sunala Johnson as Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer
September 8, 2026
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The Financial Technology Association (FTA) today announced Ebony Sunala Johnson as the organization's first Chief Operating Officer and Chief Legal Officer. Johnson will oversee FTA's legal and operational functions as the trade association continues to grow and advocate for modern policies to reflect the digital transformation of financial services.
"Ebony brings a rarecombination of regulatory expertise, legal judgment, and operational discipline to FTA at a critical moment for our industry," said Penny Lee, President and CEO of the Financial Technology Association. "Her experience operating at the highest levels within government, a bank, a fintech, and a trade association will be invaluable to FTA as we continue advocating for thoughtful, forward-looking policy."
"Fintech is reshaping how people access and manage their money, and the rules that govern it need to reflect that reality," said Johnson. "I've spent much of my career working to ensure regulation reflects both consumer protection and innovation, and I'm excited to bring that perspective to FTA's stellar team and growing roster of member companies."
Johnson brings extensive experience across multiple sectors of the financial services industry to the role, including service in two different Administrations as Senior Litigation Counsel in the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau's Office of Enforcement. Most recently, she served as Head of Regulatory Affairs at Block, Inc. Before that, Johnson served as Senior Vice President and Associate General Counsel for Consumer Regulatory and Public Affairs at Truist and as Vice President and Associate General Counsel at the Consumer Bankers Association. In these private-sector roles, she advised senior leaders on consumer finance issues and engaged regulators to promote rules optimized for both consumers and industry.
Johnson began her legal career as a complex commercial litigator at Kirkland and Ellis LLP. She is a cum laude graduate of Howard University School of Law and received her Bachelor of Science degree from the United States Air Force Academy. She served as an Air Force intelligence officer before becoming an attorney.
* * *
ABOUT US
The Financial Technology Association (FTA) is a network of fintech industry leaders shaping the future of finance. We champion financial innovation and advocate for policies that expand competition, access, and opportunity.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.ftassociation.org/fta-names-ebony-sunala-johnson-as-chief-operating-officer-and-chief-legal-officer/
[Category: Financial Services]
American Academy of Neurology: Early Multiple Sclerosis Treatments Differ Most in Relapses and MRI Lesions, Not Disability
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Sept. 10 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
* * *
Early MS treatments differ most in relapses and MRI lesions, not disability
Highlights:
* A study of 509 people newly diagnosed with MS found only small differences after two years, based on the first treatment they used.
* People taking B-cell treatments had fewer MS attacks and a small drop in MRI lesions compared with people taking oral platform treatments.
* After two years, researchers did not find differences between the treatment groups in disability scores or blood
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Sept. 10 (TNSjou) -- The American Academy of Neurology issued the following news release:
* * *
Early MS treatments differ most in relapses and MRI lesions, not disability
Highlights:
* A study of 509 people newly diagnosed with MS found only small differences after two years, based on the first treatment they used.
* People taking B-cell treatments had fewer MS attacks and a small drop in MRI lesions compared with people taking oral platform treatments.
* After two years, researchers did not find differences between the treatment groups in disability scores or bloodsigns of nerve damage.
* The study does not prove that one treatment causes better outcomes than another; it only shows an association.
-
MINNEAPOLIS -- For people recently diagnosed with multiple sclerosis (MS), early treatment choices were associated with only slight differences after two years, based on the first treatment they used, according to a study published September 9, 2026, in Neurology(R) Open Access, an official journal of the American Academy of Neurology. The study found that B-cell-depleting therapies, which are given through an infusion in a vein and lower the number of B cells, a type of immune cell that can play a role in MS, were associated with lower relapse rates and reduced MRI lesion volume compared with oral therapies. While some treatments were associated with fewer relapses and MRI changes, researchers found no differences in disability scores after two years. The study does not prove that one treatment strategy causes better outcomes than another; it only shows associations.
"People with MS and their doctors have more treatment choices than ever before, but it is still hard to know which treatment to start with," said study author Fredrik Piehl, MD, PhD, of Karolinska Institutet in Stockholm, Sweden. "The treatment groups already differed in important patient characteristics, suggesting that doctors were to some extent selecting treatments based on the individual patient. Even so, B-cell-depleting therapies and other strong treatments were linked to fewer relapses and fewer MRI changes. But after two years, we did not see clear differences in disability scores."
The study involved 509 people with an average age of 33 who were newly diagnosed with relapsing or progressive MS and had not previously received disease-modifying therapy. Participants were followed for two years.
Participants were grouped by the first treatment they started within six months of the start of the study: 17% received injectable platform therapies; 30% received oral platform therapies; 16% received high-efficacy therapies, or stronger MS treatments used when doctors want to control disease activity more aggressively; 20% received B-cell-depleting therapies; and 18% received no treatment.
B-cell-depleting therapies included rituximab and ocrelizumab. High-efficacy therapies included fingolimod, cladribine, natalizumab and alemtuzumab. Oral platform therapies included dimethyl fumarate and teriflunomide. Injectable platform therapies included interferon-beta and glatiramer acetate.
Researchers looked at relapse rate, change in MRI lesion volume and blood levels of serum neurofilament light chain, a biomarker of nerve cell injury. They also looked at another biomarker called serum glial fibrillary acidic protein, change in disability scores and whether participants remained on their initial therapy at two years.
The relapse rate was lowest among people taking B-cell-depleting therapies, at 0.04 relapses per year on average, compared with 0.16 for people taking oral platform therapies.
After adjusting for factors such as age, sex and disease duration, people taking B-cell-depleting therapies had a 62% lower relapse rate than those taking oral platform therapies. They did not find an association between high-efficacy therapies and relapse rate.
For MRI findings, B-cell-depleting therapies were associated with a slight reduction in lesion volume, a measure of disease-related brain lesions, compared with oral platform therapies. A similar trend was observed with other high-efficacy therapies, but the difference was not statistically significant.
People taking B-cell treatments were most likely to stay on their first treatment. After two years, 94% of people in this group were still taking it. This compared with 87% of people taking high-efficacy therapies, 72% taking oral platform treatments, 63% who were not treated and 61% taking injectable platform treatments.
However, researchers found no differences between treatment groups in disability score changes at two years. They also found no differences between treatment groups in serum neurofilament light chain levels at two years.
"These findings may help doctors and people with MS talk about what to expect from early treatment," Piehl said. "No single treatment will be the best choice for everyone, and patient characteristics need to be considered when selecting therapy. Some treatments were linked to fewer attacks and fewer MRI changes, and by following this group for several more years, we will be able to determine whether differences emerge over the longer term."
A limitation of the study was that people were not randomly put into treatment groups, so the results may have been affected by which treatment they chose.
The study (https://www.neurology.org/journal/wn9) was supported by the European Union, the Swedish Research Council, the Region Stockholm, the Swedish Brain Fund, Erling Perssons Foundation, Knut and Alice Wallenberg Foundation, the German Research Foundation and the Clinical Mass Spectrometry Center Munich.
* * *
Discover more about MS at BrainHealth.com, a free public resource from the American Academy of Neurology. It offers a website, podcast, and books, connecting you with trusted information from the world's leading experts in brain health. Follow BrainHealth.com on Facebook, X, and Instagram.
* * *
The American Academy of Neurology is the leading voice in brain health. As the world's largest association of neurologists and neuroscience professionals with more than 44,000 members, the AAN provides access to the latest news, science and research affecting neurology for patients, caregivers, physicians and professionals alike. The AAN's mission is to enhance member career fulfillment and promote brain health for all. A neurologist is a doctor who specializes in the diagnosis, care and treatment of brain, spinal cord and nervous system diseases such as Alzheimer's disease, stroke, concussion, epilepsy, Parkinson's disease, multiple sclerosis, headache and migraine.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.aan.com/PressRoom/Home/PressRelease/5365
[Category: Medical]
ABA Continues to Monitor Evolving U.S.- Canada Trade Landscape
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- The American Bus Association issued the following news:
* * *
ABA Continues to Monitor Evolving U.S.-Canada Trade Landscape
The United States and Canada continue to escalate trade measures as both countries take stronger positions amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding negotiations toward a new trade agreement.
-
Canada's latest round of retaliatory tariffs took effect September 8, 2026, covering approximately $20 billion in U.S. goods, with tariff rates ranging from 15% to 50%.
At this time, ABA does not believe the latest U.S. tariffs apply to complete motorcoaches.
... Show Full Article
WASHINGTON, Sept. 10 -- The American Bus Association issued the following news:
* * *
ABA Continues to Monitor Evolving U.S.-Canada Trade Landscape
The United States and Canada continue to escalate trade measures as both countries take stronger positions amid ongoing uncertainty surrounding negotiations toward a new trade agreement.
-
Canada's latest round of retaliatory tariffs took effect September 8, 2026, covering approximately $20 billion in U.S. goods, with tariff rates ranging from 15% to 50%.
At this time, ABA does not believe the latest U.S. tariffs apply to complete motorcoaches.However, the motorcoach industry relies on deeply integrated North American supply chains, including steel, aluminum, and other components and parts sourced from both countries. As a result, changes in tariffs or trade policy could have downstream impacts on motorcoach manufacturers, suppliers, and ultimately operators.
ABA is actively monitoring developments and engaging with OEMs and suppliers to better understand potential impacts on the industry. ABA is also working with policymakers and other industry stakeholders to ensure the unique North American supply chain supporting motorcoach manufacturing is understood as trade policies continue to evolve.
Protecting the interests of ABA members remains our priority. ABA will continue to engage with policymakers, manufacturers, suppliers, and other industry stakeholders, while closely monitoring U.S.-Canada negotiations and any additional tariff actions or changes. The United States has announced plans to increase tariffs on Canadian metals and vehicles to 50%, effective January 1, 2027, providing additional time for negotiations before those measures take effect.
As part of the upcoming ABA and ABA Foundation Board Meetings in Quebec City later this month, ABA will also host a gathering with Canadian government officials. The goal is to build relationships with key partners in the Canadian government, foster goodwill, and pursue constructive advocacy that supports a healthy trade and travel economy between the United States and Canada. Maintaining strong cross-border relationships is particularly important for an industry whose businesses, supply chains, and customers depend on the continued movement of people and commerce between the two countries.
* * *
Original text here: https://www.buses.org/news/aba-continues-to-monitor-evolving-u-s-canada-trade-landscape/
[Category: Transportation]
