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Xcel Energy Encourages Customers to Consider Conserving Energy as Cold Weather Causes Higher Wholesale Natural Gas Prices
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 24 -- Xcel Energy issued the following news release:
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Xcel Energy encourages customers to consider conserving energy as cold weather causes higher wholesale natural gas prices
Customers can take action to reduce the impact on their energy bills
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As cold weather across a significant portion of the U.S. increases demand for natural gas, Xcel Energy would like its customers to be aware of a short-term increase in the price of wholesale natural gas the company purchases from its suppliers.
Xcel Energy passes along the wholesale cost of natural gas to its customers,
... Show Full Article
MINNEAPOLIS, Minnesota, Jan. 24 -- Xcel Energy issued the following news release:
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Xcel Energy encourages customers to consider conserving energy as cold weather causes higher wholesale natural gas prices
Customers can take action to reduce the impact on their energy bills
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As cold weather across a significant portion of the U.S. increases demand for natural gas, Xcel Energy would like its customers to be aware of a short-term increase in the price of wholesale natural gas the company purchases from its suppliers.
Xcel Energy passes along the wholesale cost of natural gas to its customers,and it does not make a profit on it. Customer bill impacts from the higher natural gas prices over the next few days are not expected to be significant and will add less than a dollar per month to the average residential customer's bill over the coming year.
While we have taken steps to mitigate the impacts to customer bills from the higher natural gas prices, customers may want to consider conserving energy for the next few days.
Xcel Energy purchases natural gas to deliver to its customers and to use to generate electricity. Cold weather across a large section of the U.S. is affecting production of and demand for natural gas, which leads to higher wholesale prices. The increase in wholesale prices is significantly smaller than the increase experienced several years ago during Winter Storm Uri.
Xcel Energy works hard to keep costs low for customers, leading to natural gas rates that are among the lowest in the nation, remaining 27% below the national average since 2015. Average natural gas bills that have been about 18% below the national and state averages over the last decade. Customers' natural gas bills so far this winter have been lower than last winter, with the milder weather.
The biggest step customers can take to conserve is by lowering their thermostats a few degrees, if they have a natural gas furnace. Savings tips include:
* Lower your thermostat - During winter months, set the thermostat between 65-70 degrees while you're home, and 58 degrees when you're away. A programmable thermostat automatically adjusts the temperature based on your routine and could help you save on heating costs.
* Let the sunlight in and keep the cold out - Open blinds to take advantage of the sun's warmth during the day but close them at night to insulate against the cold air outside.
* Make sure exterior doors are fully closed - A major source of a home's heat loss is from exterior doors that are left cracked open or not latched.
* Use fans to your advantage - During colder months, run ceiling fans clockwise, so the warm air near the ceiling is forced down.
* Keep your oven's heat where it belongs - Use your oven light or timer to avoid opening it often while you cook; each time the door is opened even for just a few seconds, the temperature drops 25 degrees.
* Lower your water heater's temperature or insulate it - By lowering your water heater's temperature 10 degrees, you can save 3-5% on your water heating costs; be sure to keep it at least 120 degrees. You can also insulate it to maximize efficiency.
* Keep filters clean - Dirty furnace filters reduce airflow, requiring your furnace to work harder and use more energy. Change the filter once a month during the winter to reduce your heating costs by 5-15%.
* Don't let the heat escape - Affordable window sealing kits can be found in most local home improvement stores and can help you save. Have your home evaluated for leaky ducts, drafts around doors and windows, fireplace dampers and other places where air might escape.
* Improve insulation - Improving the insulation of walls, crawl spaces, floors and heating ducts is one of the fastest and most cost-effective ways to reduce energy costs, saving you up to 10% on your monthly energy bill.
More information on ways to save energy can be found on the Energy- Opens in new window Saving Tips page- Opens in new window at xcelenergy.com. While natural gas price increases primarily affect the bills of natural gas customers, the company also purchases natural gas to generate electricity, so electric customers may see some savings by conserving as well.
Xcel Energy takes many steps to minimize the impact of natural gas price fluctuations on customer bills, including purchasing and storing a portion of its expected natural gas needs for the winter heating season before winter, when prices are lower. For the company's electric service, it uses a broad range of electricity sources to help minimize the effect of natural gas price increases on electric bills.
Xcel Energy will always work with customers to provide options such as payment plans and assistance programs to get them through difficult times. If you're facing challenges paying your energy bills, you are encouraged to contact Xcel Energy to set up a payment arrangement or learn more about assistance options that may be available. Learn more by visiting xcelenergy.com/EnergyAssistance- Opens in new window or by calling 1-800-895-4999. You can also enroll in the Averaged Monthly Payment program- Opens in new window to help make your monthly energy bills more predictable.
As an important safety reminder, if customers ever detect a sulfur or rotten egg smell inside or near their home, it could be the odorant that Xcel Energy puts in natural gas to help detect leaks. If they notice that smell, customers should leave home immediately and should not turn any electrical devices on or off, use a garage door opener, or use any phone until they are outside and away. Once outside, they should call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999. In a life-threatening emergency, call 911.
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About Xcel Energy
Xcel Energy (NASDAQ: XEL) is a leading energy provider, dedicated to serving millions of customers with excellence. We make energy work better for customers, helping them thrive every day. That means always raising the bar -- delivering better service and providing more reliable, resilient and sustainable energy. We are committed to leading the clean energy transition, meeting our customers' need for more, cleaner power, while keeping bills as low as possible. Because the people we serve depend on us to power their lives. Headquartered in Minneapolis, we work every day to generate and distribute electricity and gas to customers across eight states: Minnesota, Colorado, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, New Mexico, and Texas.
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Original text here: https://newsroom.xcelenergy.com/news/xcel-energy-encourages-customers-to-consider-conserving-energy-as-cold-weather-causes-higher-wholesale-natural-gas-prices-6916160
[Category: BizEnergy]
Tailored Treatment Approach Shows Promise for Reducing Suicide & Self-harm Risk in Teens & Young Adults
LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 24 (TNSrep) -- The UCLA Health issued the following news release:
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Tailored treatment approach shows promise for reducing suicide and self-harm risk in teens and young adults
Largest randomized trial of stratified stepped-care for youth suicide prevention demonstrates significant reductions in self-harm behaviors
Closeup of stressed teenage girl talking to mental health therapist in session
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A new study by UCLA and Kaiser Permanente Northwest's Center for Health Research demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risk
... Show Full Article
LOS ANGELES, California, Jan. 24 (TNSrep) -- The UCLA Health issued the following news release:
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Tailored treatment approach shows promise for reducing suicide and self-harm risk in teens and young adults
Largest randomized trial of stratified stepped-care for youth suicide prevention demonstrates significant reductions in self-harm behaviors
Closeup of stressed teenage girl talking to mental health therapist in session
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A new study by UCLA and Kaiser Permanente Northwest's Center for Health Research demonstrates a health care approach matching treatment intensity to individual risklevels can significantly reduce self-harm and depression among at-risk adolescents and young adults while improving patient satisfaction with care.
The randomized clinical trial, published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry, is the largest study to date evaluating a stratified stepped-care approach for reducing suicide risk in young Americans.
Suicide is a leading cause of death among young people in the U.S. Self-harm, including suicide attempts and self-injury, is even more common and represents the leading cause of morbidity worldwide for youth ages 10-24. Self-harming behavior is also a strong predictor of future suicide attempts and deaths, making early intervention critical to save lives, said study first author Dr. Joan Asarnow of UCLA Health.
Existing therapies such as dialectical behavior therapy have shown benefits but are time- and resource-intensive for both patients and healthcare systems.
The new study (https://www.jaacap.org/action/showPdf?pii=S0890-8567%2825%2902238-5) sought to test the efficacy of a stepped-care and care-stratification model to match treatment intensity to the patient's needs.
Researchers enrolled 301 youth ages 12-24 who were at elevated risk for suicide or self-harm and compared two approaches:
1. Zero Suicide Quality Improvement (ZSQI): a health system-wide initiative featuring improved suicide-risk screening, treatment access, electronic health record safety planning templates and continuous quality improvement.
2. ZSQI Plus Stratified Stepped-Care for Suicide Prevention: An enhanced ZSQI approach that triaged youth to different levels of care based on assessed risk using a dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)-informed cognitive-behavioral therapy model. Lower-risk youth received care management, monitoring and digital mental health tools, while higher-risk youth were offered additional DBT skills groups and individual therapy.
Key Findings
Over the 12-month study period, researchers found:
* 54% reduction in self-harm risk among youth receiving the stepped-care approach compared to standard quality improvement alone
* Significant reduction in depression severity among stepped-care participants
* Higher patient satisfaction with mental health care in the stepped care group
* No deaths in either group during study period
* Lower-than-expected suicide attempt rates in both groups
Asarnow said the stepped-care model offers a potentially scalable solution for health systems to match treatment intensity to patient needs, providing effective yet less resource-intensive treatment for youth with lower risk and reserving more intensive services for higher-risk patients.
"Our results suggest the promise of combining health system quality improvement initiatives with stratified, stepped care that provides more intensive treatment services as assessed risk levels increase," said Asarnow, professor of Psychiatry and Biobehavioral Sciences at UCLA and director of the UCLA Center for Adolescent Suicide and Self Harm Treatment and Prevention & the UCLA Youth Stress and Mood Program. "This approach can lead to significant reductions in self-harm and depression with high levels of patient satisfaction."
The study also maintained high follow-up rates, with 94% of participants completing at least one follow-up assessment over the 12-month period.
While the study did not find significant differences in suicide attempts between groups, lower-than-expected attempt rates were observed in both conditions supporting other research indicating that health system quality improvement using the Zero Suicide Model can lead to reductions in suicide attempts. The researchers note that the significant reduction in self-harm represents an important clinical outcome, as self-harm is associated with elevated risk of later suicide attempts and deaths as well as significant morbidity.
Further research is needed to clarify optimal suicide and self-harm prevention strategies that can be implemented within health care systems, Asarnow said.
New study demonstrates the value of delivering suicide prevention care within health systems.
The study was funded by the National Institute of Mental Health.
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Original text here: https://www.uclahealth.org/news/release/tailored-treatment-approach-shows-promise-reducing-suicide
[Category: Medical]
Radisson Hotel Group Expands in Indore With Opening of Its First Radisson RED, Marking Another Growth Milestone
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, Jan. 24 -- Rezidor Hotel Group issued the following news release:
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Radisson Hotel Group expands in Indore with the opening of its first Radisson RED, marking another growth milestone
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Radisson RED Indore, a significant milestone in its expansion across India. Designed to redefine Indore's hospitality scene, the hotel features 115 stylish rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center and stunning rooftop infinity pool. Radisson RED Indore offers travelers with a vibrant, social, and
... Show Full Article
MINNETONKA, Minnesota, Jan. 24 -- Rezidor Hotel Group issued the following news release:
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Radisson Hotel Group expands in Indore with the opening of its first Radisson RED, marking another growth milestone
Radisson Hotel Group has announced the opening of Radisson RED Indore, a significant milestone in its expansion across India. Designed to redefine Indore's hospitality scene, the hotel features 115 stylish rooms and suites, an all-day dining restaurant, a state-of-the-art fitness center and stunning rooftop infinity pool. Radisson RED Indore offers travelers with a vibrant, social, andconnected experience, setting a new benchmark for contemporary stays in the city.
Prime location with seamless connectivity
Strategically located on MR-10 Road, Radisson RED Indore offers easy access to the city's business districts, shopping hubs, and cultural landmarks including Rajwada Palace and Khajrana Temple. The hotel features 115 well-appointed rooms and suites, each designed with bold accents, modern comforts, and smart in-room technology.
Guests can dine at The Red Table, an all-day dining restaurant serving global favorites and local specialties with a creative twist such as Singaporean Chilli Fish, Choice of Mutton Curry and Bhopali Murgh Rezala, or unwind at Off The Clock, a chic high-energy bar that doubles as a social hub.
Additional facilities include RED Fit, a state-of-the-art fitness center; RED Splash, a rooftop infinity pool with panoramic city views; and RED Conclave, a modern boardroom for intimate corporate meetings.
Poised to become a new hotspot for events and celebrations, the hotel offers dynamic indoor and outdoor venues for weddings, parties, and social gatherings, complete with curated menus and immersive setups. Whether for business or leisure, Radisson RED Indore creates a seamless blend of comfort, style, and connectivity, reflecting the city's youthful and entrepreneurial energy.
Second Radisson RED fuels RHG's lifestyle growth
"We are delighted to introduce Radisson RED to Indore, furthering our vision of building a strong presence in India's high-potential Tier II and III markets. Indore represents the new face of urban India which is energetic, aspirational, and deeply connected and Radisson RED's bold, lifestyle-driven personality fits seamlessly into this environment. Our strategy continues to focus on creating differentiated experiences that resonate with modern travelers who seek more than accommodation, but spaces that inspire interaction, creativity, and community. With this launch, we are reinforcing Radisson Hotel Group's commitment to offering dynamic, design-led hospitality across India's evolving cityscapes," said Nikhil Sharma, Managing Director and COO, South Asia, Radisson Hotel Group.
Celebrating strong partnership with the opening of a second RED
"Partnering with Radisson Hotel Group is a significant milestone for us. Our association with Radisson Hotel Group spans over 20 years, and we are proud to strengthen this relationship with our second hotel after Radisson RED Chandigarh Mohali. By combining the Group's global expertise with our local market knowledge, we aim to introduce a fresh, lifestyle-led hospitality experience to Indore. Radisson Hotel Group's reputation for excellence and innovation aligns perfectly with our vision for the hotel. We are confident that Radisson RED Indore will become a destination for the city's new-age travelers and social connectors," said Sunil Satija, Managing Director, Bestech India Pvt Ltd.
"Our partnership with Radisson Hotel Group for Radisson RED Indore is built on a shared vision to introduce distinctive, lifestyle-led hospitality to high-growth cities like Indore. The Group's strong brand equity, operational expertise, and deep understanding of evolving traveler expectations have been instrumental in shaping this hotel. Together, we have created a property that aligns global standards with the character and energy of the city. We are confident that Radisson RED Indore will set a new benchmark for contemporary hospitality in the region and deliver long-term value for the market," said Dharmendra Bhandari, Managing Director, Bestech India Pvt Ltd.
Indore: A thriving market for lifestyle hospitality
Known as the commercial capital of Madhya Pradesh, Indore continues to witness strong economic growth and rising demand for lifestyle hospitality experiences. The hotel caters to both business and leisure travelers seeking a vibrant, design-led stay infused with the city's energy.
Radisson Hotel Group continues to command a leading presence in the Indian market and is one of the country's largest international hotel operators with over 200 hotels in operation and development. It continues to be the largest hotel operator in a tier-1 market like Delhi NCR, while over 50% of its portfolio is in tier-2 and 3 markets such as Prayagraj, Guwahati, Vellore and Bhopal.
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Original text here: https://www.radissonhotels.com/en-us/corporate/media/press-releases/radisson-hotel-group-expands-in-indore-with-the-opening-of-its-first-radisson-red-marking-another-growth-milestone
[Category: BizTravel]
Newmark Promotes Jeff Mayer to Lead Valuation & Advisory's Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Specialty Practice
NEW YORK, Jan. 24 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Promotes Jeff Mayer to Lead Valuation & Advisory's Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Specialty Practice
Newmark announces the promotion of Jeff Mayer to Senior Managing Director and National Specialty Practice Leader for Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure within the Company's Valuation & Advisory (V&A) practice. In his new role, Mayer will lead Newmark's national team of hospitality-focused valuation professionals, overseeing business development, client strategy and execution across a wide spectrum of hospitality, gaming
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 24 -- Newmark Group posted the following news release:
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Newmark Promotes Jeff Mayer to Lead Valuation & Advisory's Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Specialty Practice
Newmark announces the promotion of Jeff Mayer to Senior Managing Director and National Specialty Practice Leader for Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure within the Company's Valuation & Advisory (V&A) practice. In his new role, Mayer will lead Newmark's national team of hospitality-focused valuation professionals, overseeing business development, client strategy and execution across a wide spectrum of hospitality, gamingand leisure assets.
Mayer brings more than 20 years of sector-specific valuation experience and has been a key contributor to Newmark's V&A business since joining the Company in 2018. His appointment reflects the continued growth and institutionalization of Newmark V&A's specialty practice groups, which deliver tailored, best-in-class advisory services to complex property types.
"Jeff's deep sector knowledge and thoughtful leadership style will drive real client impact as we scale this practice," said Helene Jacobson, MAI, MRICS, V&A U.S. Practice Lead. "Hospitality assets require a nuanced, experience-driven approach, and Jeff understands the dynamics of this market and how to translate them into meaningful solutions for owners, operators and investors."
Newmark's V&A Hospitality, Gaming & Leisure Specialty Practice offers valuation, consulting and appraisal services for a broad array of assets including hotels, casinos, resorts, restaurants, stadiums, amusement parks and mixed-use developments. The team advises major financial institutions, REITs, developers, law firms and public sector entities across the U.S.
"This is a dynamic moment for hospitality real estate, and Newmark is investing in the right areas to meet client demand," said Mayer. "I'm honored to take on this role and excited to lead a talented national team focused on delivering high-quality insights and solutions in a fast-evolving landscape."
Prior to joining Newmark, Mayer held senior positions at CBRE and HVS, where he completed valuation and feasibility assignments for hospitality assets in more than 50 markets across 25 states. Based in New York City, he is a certified general real estate appraiser in eight U.S. states.
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About Newmark
Newmark Group, Inc. (Nasdaq: NMRK), together with its subsidiaries ("Newmark"), is a world leader in commercial real estate, seamlessly powering every phase of the property life cycle. Newmark's comprehensive suite of services and products is uniquely tailored to each client, from owners to occupiers, investors to founders, and startups to blue-chip companies. Combining the platform's global reach with market intelligence in both established and emerging property markets, Newmark provides superior service to clients across the industry spectrum. For the twelve months ended September 30, 2025, Newmark generated revenues of over $3.1 billion. As of September 30, 2025, Newmark and its business partners together operated from approximately 170 offices with over 8,500 professionals across four continents. To learn more, visit nmrk.com or follow @newmark.
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Discussion of Forward-Looking Statements about Newmark
Statements in this document regarding Newmark that are not historical facts are "forward-looking statements" that involve risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. These include statements about the Company's business, results, financial position, liquidity, and outlook, which may constitute forward-looking statements and are subject to the risk that the actual impact may differ, possibly materially, from what is currently expected. Except as required by law, Newmark undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statements. For a discussion of additional risks and uncertainties, which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see Newmark's Securities and Exchange Commission filings, including, but not limited to, the risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information set forth in these filings and any updates to such risk factors and Special Note on Forward-Looking Information contained in subsequent reports on Form 10-K, Form 10-Q or Form 8-K.
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Original text here: https://www.nmrk.com/insights/press-releases/newmark-promotes-jeff-mayer-to-lead-valuation-advisorys-hospitality-gaming-leisure-specialty-practice
[Category: BizReal Estate]
NBC's 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' Premiere Draws 5.8M Viewers, Becoming Season's Most-Watched Comedy
NEW YORK, Jan. 24 [Category: BizMedia] -- NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, posted the following news:
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NBC's 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' Premiere Draws 5.8M Viewers, Becoming Season's Most-Watched Comedy
'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' | Starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe | NBC
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NBC 's new comedy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, from creators Robert Carlock and Sam Means, debuted with a special series premiere on Sunday, January 18th.
The premiere drew 5.8 million viewers on the network and a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demo, making it the most-watched
... Show Full Article
NEW YORK, Jan. 24 [Category: BizMedia] -- NBCUniversal, a subsidiary of Comcast, posted the following news:
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NBC's 'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' Premiere Draws 5.8M Viewers, Becoming Season's Most-Watched Comedy
'The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins' | Starring Tracy Morgan and Daniel Radcliffe | NBC
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NBC 's new comedy, The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins, from creators Robert Carlock and Sam Means, debuted with a special series premiere on Sunday, January 18th.
The premiere drew 5.8 million viewers on the network and a 1.4 rating in the 18-49 demo, making it the most-watchedcomedy episode this season among the broadcast networks in both total viewers and the demo.
Plus, the episode was NBC's most-watched comedy series debut in three years since Night Court in January 2023.
The series will return on Monday, Feb. 23 at 8 p.m. with an encore of the pilot followed by a new episode at 8:30 p.m. for its timeslot premiere. It will continue in its regular 8:30 p.m. Monday slot the following week on March 2.
The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins airs next day on Peacock.
About The Fall and Rise of Reggie Dinkins
Disgraced former football star Reggie Dinkins ( Tracy Morgan ) is on a mission to rehabilitate his image with the help of award-winning filmmaker Arthur Tobin ( Daniel Radcliffe ). In order to earn back the admiration of his fans and the respect of his family, Reggie will also have to confront the ghosts of his past.
The cast includes Tracy Morgan, Daniel Radcliffe, Erika Alexander, Bobby Moynihan, Precious Way, and Jalyn Hall.
Robert Carlock and Sam Means serve as co-showrunners, writers and executive producers. Tina Fey, Tracy Morgan, Eric Gurian, and David Miner also executive produce.
The series is produced by Universal Television, a division of Universal Studio Group, Little Stranger, Inc., 3 Arts Entertainment, Bevel Gears, Means End Productions and Streetlife Productions, Inc.
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Original text here: https://www.nbcuniversal.com/article/nbcs-fall-and-rise-reggie-dinkins-premiere-draws-58m-viewers-becoming-seasons-most-watched-comedy
Government of Telangana and Pearson Announce Collaboration to Advance AI Skilling at a Global Scale
HOBOKEN, New Jersey, Jan. 24 [Category: BizEducation] -- Pearson Education issued the following news release:
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Government of Telangana and Pearson Announce Collaboration to Advance AI Skilling at a Global Scale
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DAVOS, Switzerland -Jan. 24, 2026 - The Government of Telangana, through Aikam(tm), its newly formed autonomous, unified and globally-oriented AI innovation entity, announced Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, as the first partner of Aikam(tm) to strengthen AI skilling, assessment, and credentialing as part of the Global AI Academy being built under
... Show Full Article
HOBOKEN, New Jersey, Jan. 24 [Category: BizEducation] -- Pearson Education issued the following news release:
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Government of Telangana and Pearson Announce Collaboration to Advance AI Skilling at a Global Scale
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DAVOS, Switzerland -Jan. 24, 2026 - The Government of Telangana, through Aikam(tm), its newly formed autonomous, unified and globally-oriented AI innovation entity, announced Pearson (FTSE: PSON.L), the world's lifelong learning company, as the first partner of Aikam(tm) to strengthen AI skilling, assessment, and credentialing as part of the Global AI Academy being built underAikam(tm).
The collaboration, formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed at the World Economic Forum Annual Meeting in Davos, reflects a shared intent to support Telangana's ambition to build a future-ready AI talent pipeline aligned with global standards and industry needs.
Under the MoU, Pearson and Aikam(tm) will explore opportunities to work together on AI-focused education and skilling initiatives, leveraging Pearson's expertise in learning content, assessments, and globally recognized credentials.
The collaboration brings together Telangana's policy leadership and execution platform with Pearson's global experience in learning and credentialing, with the aim of enabling high-quality, industry-relevant AI learning pathways for students, professionals and institutions.
"Building AI capability at scale requires not just access to technology, but strong learning frameworks, trusted assessment, and globally portable credentials," said Sanjay Kumar, Special Chief Secretary, Information Technology, Electronics & Communications and Industries & Commerce Department, Government of Telangana. "Our collaboration with Pearson supports our goal of creating a robust AI skilling ecosystem that is aligned with international standards while being responsive to India's and Telangana's talent needs."
"AI is reshaping how people learn, work and build careers," said Vishaal Gupta, President, Enterprise Learning & Skills. "Through this collaboration with the Government of Telangana and Aikam(tm), Pearson aims to contribute our global expertise in learning and credentialing to support learners and workers as they navigate this transformative era of AI. We are thrilled that this partnership can help address the urgent need to aid people in building the skills needed to work alongside new technologies."
"Aikam(tm) is being built as a global institution to convert AI ambition into durable, workforce-ready capability," said Phani Nagarjuna, Founding CEO, Aikam(tm). "Partnering with Pearson allows us to anchor AI skilling in globally trusted learning frameworks, assessments and credentials, while delivering at population scale. Together, we aim to create AI learning pathways that are internationally portable, industry-relevant and aligned with the future of work."
About Pearson
At Pearson, our purpose is simple: to help people realize the life they imagine through learning. We believe that every learning opportunity is a chance for a personal breakthrough. That's why our c. 18,000 Pearson employees are committed to creating vibrant and enriching learning experiences designed for real-life impact. We are the world's lifelong learning company, serving customers in nearly 200 countries with digital content, assessments, qualifications, and data. For us, learning isn't just what we do. It's who we are. Visit us at plc.pearson.com.
About Aikam(tm)
Aikam(tm) is India's first ecosystem-approach based open innovation entity, architected to propel the state into the ranks of the world's Top 20 Innovation Hubs. Aikam(tm) unleashes a first-of-its-kind innovation engine by converging critical pillars: the mobilization of population-scale datasets, mass upskilling of talent to create a globally competitive, AI-fluent workforce, and the nurturing of globally relevant AI-first startup acceleration, backed by significant high-performance compute infrastructure. This robust, AI-first ecosystem is fortified by globally recognized leadership and a deep financing model via a dedicated Fund-of-Funds. By fostering deep, symbiotic collaborations across top-tier global enterprises, research institutions, and academia, Aikam(tm) serves as a borderless 'Global Proving Ground' for responsible innovation where the world converges to solve humanity's most pressing challenges. To learn more, visit https://aikamglobal.ai or follow us on LinkedIn @Aikam.
Media contact
Bhavya.suri@pearson.com
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Original text here: https://plc.pearson.com/en-GB/news-and-insights/news/government-telangana-and-pearson-announce-collaboration-advance-ai-skilling
BWH Hotels Enters 2026 With Powerful Growth & Momentum
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 24 -- Best Western Hotels and Resorts issued the following news release:
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BWH(R) Hotels Enters 2026 with Powerful Growth and Momentum
Strategic expansion across brand segments fuels a balanced, high-performing portfolio
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BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise including WorldHotels(TM), Best Western(R) Hotels & Resorts and SureStay(R) Hotels, is proud to announce the addition of more than 200 hotels in 2025. Guided by a commitment to deliver authentic experiences, unparalleled value and personalized service, the company is poised to accelerate development
... Show Full Article
PHOENIX, Arizona, Jan. 24 -- Best Western Hotels and Resorts issued the following news release:
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BWH(R) Hotels Enters 2026 with Powerful Growth and Momentum
Strategic expansion across brand segments fuels a balanced, high-performing portfolio
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BWH Hotels, a leading global hospitality enterprise including WorldHotels(TM), Best Western(R) Hotels & Resorts and SureStay(R) Hotels, is proud to announce the addition of more than 200 hotels in 2025. Guided by a commitment to deliver authentic experiences, unparalleled value and personalized service, the company is poised to accelerate developmentworldwide in 2026.
"Our continued progress reflects the strength of our diverse portfolio, the trust of our owners, and our commitment to creating exceptional experiences for travelers. This past year brought meaningful expansion across our brands, underscoring the value of our proven delivery systems and hotelier support," said Larry Cuculic, President and CEO of BWH Hotels. "As we enter 2026, we will continue reaching new destinations and evolving our business to meet the needs of current and future guests."
2025 Highlights and Trends:
A Soft Brand Powerhouse
BWH Hotels is now the second-largest soft brand operator in the industry, furthered by the rising momentum of WorldHotels, BW Signature Collection(R) and BW Premier Collection(R). These brands offer eclectic, character-rich experiences that resonate with today's travelers and developers seeking flexible brand options.
Unique and Boutique
Aiden(R) remains one of the company's strongest conversion opportunities, with more than 50 hotels in the pipeline and 35+ open across 15 countries. Its modern aesthetic, local character and development flexibility continue to fuel rapid expansion in North America and across major Asia Pacific markets. Notable openings in the first half of 2026 include locations in Sacramento, Kansas City, Thousand Oaks, Newark Airport and Vancouver Airport, with additional properties opening in Dallas-Fort Worth, West Palm Beach, Bangkok, Perth and Jeddah.
Experiential Stays
Wellness and glamping became a major focus for WorldHotels in 2025, with the signing of several spa escapes and three outdoor experiences. New properties to open include Monarch Casino Resort Spa, WorldHotels Elite (Colorado); Soul Spring Sanctuary, WorldHotels Luxury (Cuernavaca and Cabo); and Zion Wildflower Resort, WorldHotels Crafted (Utah).
Footprint in Vibrant Cities
BWH Hotels is expanding across some of the world's most dynamic city destinations, adding stylish stays such as Collini Rooms, WorldHotels Crafted (Milan); Velvet Hotel, WorldHotels Crafted (Manchester); Wenlan Hotel, WorldHotels Elite (Hangzhou); The Longemont, WorldHotels Elite (Shenyang); The DEXTRO Little Italy, BW Premier Collection (San Diego); Arya Hotel & Suites Coconut Grove, WorldHotels Distinctive (Miami); and WorldHotels Acueducto Guadalajara, one of two hard-branded hotels signed last year.
Flexible Living: Branded Residences & Extended Stay
The first WorldHotels Residences, located in Ho Chi Minh City, is finalizing construction, while extended-stay options through @HOME by Best Western, Executive Residency by Best Western(R), and SureStay Studio(R) by Best Western continue to advance in North America.
2026 Global Outlook:
With more than 230 properties in its international pipeline, BWH Hotels continues to demonstrate sustained growth across a diverse global portfolio.
* Asia Pacific: APAC expansion is accelerating in India, South Korea and Vietnam, where demand for modern, internationally branded accommodations across value, upscale and luxury tiers remains strong.
* EMEA: Europe shows significant opportunity, led by demand in France and Italy as travelers seek culturally rich, design-centric destinations across both markets.
* Latin America: With 40 locations in the pipeline, LATAM continues to accelerate, fueled by rising leisure demand in beach, heritage and urban corridors and strong interest in value and conversion-friendly brand options.
* North America: This region remains a core growth engine with 165 projects in progress, supported by concentrated demand for core brands and @Home by Best Western and bolstered by consistent contributions from soft brand collections as developers lean into flexible formats across hotel segments.
* Middle East: In Saudi Arabia, 11 new projects reinforce the company's long term investment strategy and its ambition to reach 70 hotels within the kingdom.
These achievements set the stage for another transformative year as BWH Hotels continues shaping the future of modern hospitality.
A full list of 2025 conversions and openings is available online, along with high-resolution images. For more information about BWH, please visit our development website.
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About BWH(R) Hotels
BWH Hotels is a leading, global hospitality enterprise comprised of three hotel companies, including WorldHotels(TM), Best Western(R) Hotels & Resorts and SureStay(R) Hotels. The global enterprise boasts approximately 4,300 hotels in over 100 countries and territories worldwide./* With 18 brands across every chain scale segment, from economy to luxury, BWH Hotels suits the needs of developers and guests in every market.
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* Numbers are approximate, may fluctuate, and include hotels currently in the development pipeline.
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Original text here: https://www.bestwestern.com/en_US/about/press-media/2026-press-releases/bwh-strategic-expansion-across-brands.html
