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New Campaign Encourages Hispanic Parents to Store Their Firearms Safely

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Brady, Casanova//McCann and the Ad Council partner for the first national Spanish language public education campaign on safe firearm storage, aimed at reaching Hispanic gun owners, which are among the fastest-growing demographic groups purchasing firearms

NEW YORK, June 26, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — This Gun Violence Awareness Month, Brady: United Against Gun Violence, Casanova//McCann and the Ad Council have launched “Da El Siguiente Paso” or “Take the Next Step,” the first-ever national public education campaign on safe firearm storage reaching Hispanic gun owners. The effort, which is the latest campaign by the award-winning End Family Fire program, responds to the fact that the number of Hispanic adults who own firearms has doubled since 2017.

By expanding the audience focus and adding educational materials in Spanish, this work can reach one of the fastest-growing populations of gun owners in the US, especially as Hispanic individuals account for 19 percent of the 7.5M new gun owners between 2019-2021. The latest available data shows that over a quarter of Hispanic people own a firearm, or approximately 14M Hispanic adults. And with such a dramatic rise in ownership comes an increased need for public education on safe firearm storage. As part of the new campaign, a new Spanish-language website, DaElSiguientePaso.org, launched featuring in-language videos and resources.

Developed pro bono by Casanova//McCann, an integrated marketing agency specialized in reaching Hispanic audiences, this new campaign focuses on reaching both Spanish and English-speaking Hispanic parents who own firearms. The work builds on and further extends End Family Fire’s existing efforts to encourage gun owners to take the next step to store all of their firearms more securely. 

WATCH THE PSAS IN SPANISH and ENGLISH

Currently, in the U.S, approximately 4.6 million children live in a home with access to unlocked and loaded guns. According to a study from the Journal of the American Medical Association, despite 70 percent of parents believing their child could not access firearms within the home, over 30 percent of children from those households claimed to have the ability to access a firearm in less than five minutes.

Family fire refers to a shooting caused by someone having access to a gun from the home when they shouldn’t have it; this includes children as well as those who display behavior that indicates they could harm themselves or others when accessing a firearm. Access to unsecured guns in the home can lead to a broad range of gun violence — including unintentional shootings, intentional shootings, and firearm suicide — which can be prevented through safe gun storage.

“We are so proud to bring this campaign to life with Brady and the Ad Council to help our community. While the data shows the need, we were floored by the lack of information available for Hispanic gun owners,” said Ingrid Smart, president/CEO, Casanova//McCann. “As parents ourselves, it was very meaningful to have this opportunity and we are grateful to the End Family Fire team for trusting and supporting us. We hope this work reaches gun owners and will create lasting change.”

“When people make the decision to buy a firearm for the home, they’re often doing it with protection in mind, but protection does not immediately equal safety,” said Kris Brown, president of Brady: United Against Gun Violence. “Safe storage is essential to preventing a means of securing your home from causing an irreversible tragedy. With the number of Hispanic gun owners doubling in recent years, a national Spanish campaign is vital in eliminating barriers faced by Spanish speakers in accessing safe firearm storage education. We are grateful for this critical partnership with Casanova and the Ad Council that will ensure nearly 14 million Hispanic gun owners have the resources they need to take the next step and end family fire.”

“As a parent, you want your home to be the safest place for your children,” said Michelle Hillman, chief campaign development officer, the Ad Council. “We are thankful for our amazing partners at Brady and Casanova//McCann for their collaboration and commitment for reaching Hispanic audiences on such a critical issue. It is our hope that through this lifesaving work, gun owners across America will be inspired to take the next step in protecting their homes and communities by storing their guns securely.”

The new PSAs feature two Hispanic fathers who are real gun owners, not actors, sharing how they currently store their personal firearms. The parents are presented with heartfelt letters written by parents whose children were killed in gun-related tragedies, emphasizing the importance of safe gun storage and prompting the two fathers to reconsider their storage habits in real time. The spot ends by encouraging viewers to visit EndFamilyFire.org and DaElSiguientePaso.org for information about safe gun storage and resources to help prevent shooting injuries and deaths.

Since 2018, End Family Fire has been working to shift the way gun owners think about and store their firearms. Gun violence is an issue that impacts everyone and by including gun owners throughout research, development, and production, the program intentionally brings these voices in as a part of the solution to reduce preventable firearm deaths.  

To date, End Family Fire has garnered over $120 million in donated media and over 5.2 billion impressions and has had proven success at changing attitudes and behaviors around gun usage and safe storage: According to an Ad Council study, 42 percent of respondents with a child in the home who are aware of the End Family Fire campaign have reported seeking information on safe gun storage in the past 12 months, compared to 10 percent of those not aware. (Source: Ad Council online survey of 1,815 U.S. adults who reside in gun-owning households, fielded by Ipsos January 1, 2024 – March 31, 2024).

This new creative will run across broadcast TV, social, digital, online video, radio and print media nationwide donated by both Spanish and English media. TelevisaUnivision is providing additional support to ensure the new PSAs further reach intended audiences by donating TV, social and digital inventory. Additional forthcoming audio assets will be produced by SiriusXM Media’s Studio Resonate and supported by donated inventory. To learn more about End Family Fire and how to promote responsible gun ownership, visit EndFamilyFire.org or DaElSiguientePaso.org.

About End Family Fire
End Family Fire, a joint effort from Brady and the Ad Council, encourages safe gun storage by putting a name to the preventable tragedies that occur when guns in the home are misused. “Family fire,” a term developed for the campaign, refers to a shooting caused by someone having access to a gun from the home when they shouldn’t have it. This includes children as well as those who display behavior that indicates they could harm themselves or others. The national public education program brings awareness to the issue of family fire, gives gun owners a role in preventing firearm death and injuries, and encourages a national dialogue around safe storage practices—all of which can help prevent tragedies of family fire.

End Family Fire (then known as the ASKing Saves Kids, or ASK, campaign) was rated the only effective national safe storage education effort by the U.S. Government Accountability Office (GAO) in an analysis that included programs from notable gun organizations across the country.

About Brady
In America, there are more guns than there are people. And that’s matched with a gun homicide rate that is 26 times greater than that of other high-income countries. Brady – the nation’s oldest gun violence prevention organization – works to enact reasonable solutions to free America from gun violence. We tackle three critical areas: change the laws, change the industry, and change the culture. This three-point strategy is unique in the movement and follows the roadmap behind other successful public health campaigns, like those around youth smoking, seatbelt use, and drunk driving. By changing hearts and minds and fostering a culture of responsible gun use and ownership, we can free America from gun violence. Join the movement at bradyunited.org.

About Casanova//McCann 
Casanova//McCann is one of the leading Hispanic integrated communications agencies in the U.S. Founded in 1984, the company is headquartered in Costa Mesa, CA and handles Hispanic advertising and integrated communications services for Clients like Nestlé, Chevrolet, Pernod Ricard, US Postal Service, U.S. Bank, among others. Casanova became a minority and female owned certified Agency in 2020 and continues to be an affiliate of McCann.

About The Ad Council
The Ad Council convenes creative storytellers to educate, unite and uplift audiences by opening hearts, inspiring action and accelerating change around the most pressing issues in America. Since the non-profit’s founding, the organization and its partners in advertising, media, marketing and tech have been behind some of the country’s most iconic social impact campaigns – Smokey Bear, A Mind Is a Terrible Thing to Waste, Love Has No Labels, Tear the Paper Ceiling and many more. With a current focus on mental health, gun safety, the opioid epidemic, skill-based hiring and other critical issues, the Ad Council’s national campaigns encompass advertising and media content, ground game and community efforts, trusted messenger and influencer engagement, and employer programs, among other innovative strategies to move the needle on the most important issues of the day. To learn more or get involved, visit AdCouncil.org, join the Ad Council’s communities on Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn and X, and view campaign creative on YouTube.

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SOURCE The Ad Council

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China’s Long March: The Journey Goes On

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MACAO, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report from Xinhua News Agency:

There is a chapter of history every Chinese child learns in school.

There is a poem that generations of Chinese people have learned by heart.

There is a song millions can sing from its very first notes.

In stories, in verses, in melodies, they all point to the same chapter of history: the Long March.

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SOURCE Xinhua News Agency

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Target Makes it Easier for Guests to Discover Stylish Holiday Gifts They Can’t Wait to Give

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Target is offering more than 8,000 new gifts, with more than half exclusive to the retailerMost new holiday items at Target are $20 or less, including thousands $5 and underNew AI-powered shopping experiences, daily deals and early Black Friday savings simplify gifting

MINNEAPOLIS, Oct 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) is putting gifting at the heart of the holidays, bringing guests more than 8,000 new stylish gifts they can’t wait to give. More than half of the new assortment is available only at Target, with thousands of gifts priced at $5 and under. New AI-powered shopping experiences, fresh ways to discover gifts and deals throughout the season will make it easier for guests to find something special for everyone on the list.

“This holiday season, guests will see and feel the changes we’ve been making across Target, bringing together the style, design and value they expect from us with an experience that makes shopping easier and more inspiring,” said Michael Fiddelke, chief executive officer, Target. “We know guests turn to Target for gifting, gathering and everything in between, and our team is ready to help busy families discover more joy in those moments throughout the season.”

Stylish gifts at an incredible value
As consumers continue to look for affordable ways to give gifts that feel special, Target is leaning into one of the season’s biggest trends: luxe-for-less gifting. This year’s assortment includes 100% cashmere (excluding functional trim) starting at $25, pajamas for all from $10, festive decor from $5, faux fur throws at $30, top toys from LEGO, Barbie and Nintendo, new and exclusive gifts from prestige, emerging and global beauty brands at Target Beauty Studio, nostalgic sweet treats and host gifts from Favorite Day and exclusive finds for sports and wellness fans, making it easy for guests to find gifts that feel elevated at every price point.

“Guests tell us they want to give gifts that are thoughtful and personal, while feeling good about what they’re spending,” said Cara Sylvester, executive vice president and chief merchandising officer, Target. “That’s why we’ve brought together the brands they love, exciting trends and unexpected finds they won’t see anywhere else — all at prices that make it easier to get that ‘I can’t wait to give this’ gift.”

More ways to discover the perfect gift
New this season, Ask Target, an AI-powered shopping assistant available in beta on Target.com and the Target app, helps guests find inspiration, narrow their choices and shop with confidence and ease. Additional AI-powered features and a digital holiday kids catalog offer more ways to discover gifts for everyone on the list.

Target’s new Academy of Giftology holiday marketing campaign, launching in November, will tackle familiar gifting dilemmas with playful inspiration to help guests gift it their all and find gifts they’ll be excited to give.

More ways to save, from the first gift to the last
Beginning Nov. 1, guests can shop a new Deal of the Day every day through Dec. 24, with a first-ever one-day preview of upcoming offers to help them plan ahead. Early Black Friday deals run Nov. 5–7, followed by new limited-time offers every weekend throughout the holiday season.

The joy of gift giving
Through Target’s partnership with St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, guests can give a gift that helps give back with the Gigglescape St. Jude bear, with a donation tied to each purchase while supplies last.

About Target
Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) brings together style, design and value to offer a distinct assortment and elevated shopping experience across more than 2,000 U.S. stores and online. Powered by more than 400,000 team members, Target serves millions of families each week and invests in the communities where they live and work to support growth and opportunity for all.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/target-makes-it-easier-for-guests-to-discover-stylish-holiday-gifts-they-cant-wait-to-give-302914635.html

SOURCE Target Corporation

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illumend CEO: Building a COI Tracker with AI Is Easy. Verifying Insurance Compliance Is Not.

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Kristen Nunery warns that homegrown Certificate of Insurance tracking tools can create a false sense of security when businesses mistake collecting insurance documents for verifying coverage and compliance

INDIANAPOLIS, Oct. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — As general-purpose artificial intelligence (AI) makes it easier for businesses to build their own software, Kristen Nunery, founder and CEO of illumend, is warning construction and property management companies against a costly misconception: that building a Certificate of Insurance (COI) tracking system is the same as verifying that contractors and other third parties have the insurance coverage their contracts require.

In her new article, “You Can Build a COI Tracker with AI. That Doesn’t Mean You Should,” Nunery explains that general-purpose AI tools such as ChatGPT can help businesses create applications that collect certificates, track expiration dates, and automate reminders. But those capabilities address only part of the insurance compliance process. Determining whether coverage satisfies contractual requirements involves interpreting insurance documents, reviewing endorsements, identifying exclusions and resolving discrepancies that basic tracking software may overlook.

“AI has democratized the ability to build software. It hasn’t democratized the expertise to make the right insurance decision,” said Nunery, who has spent 16 years in insurance compliance. “If you don’t have a compliance process today, you’re not automating a process. You’re automating your best guess.”

Why a COI Tracker Is Not an Insurance Compliance Verification System

According to Nunery, the critical distinction is between tracking the existence and expiration of insurance documents and verifying whether the underlying coverage meets contractual obligations.

A homegrown COI tracker may confirm that a certificate is current, record policy limits, and flag missing documents. But a current certificate does not necessarily mean a contractor is adequately insured or compliant with an agreement’s terms.

For example, a subcontractor may submit a certificate showing sufficient general liability limits and additional insured status. Yet the underlying endorsement may be a CG 20 10 covering ongoing operations only, while the contract also requires completed-operations coverage under a CG 20 37 or equivalent endorsement. A basic tracker could mark the subcontractor as compliant despite the missing coverage.

“The tracker didn’t misread anything,” Nunery said. “It never had the contract requirement, the endorsement language, or the connection between the two.”

Other potential gaps include incorrectly named insured entities, missing endorsements, inadequate completed-operations coverage, and policy provisions that fail to satisfy contractual insurance requirements. Identifying these issues requires evaluating insurance evidence in context, not simply extracting data from a certificate.

Why Insurance Compliance Verification Requires Specialized Technology

Nunery argues that businesses seeking to move beyond basic COI tracking need technology designed specifically for insurance compliance verification, with insurance expertise embedded in how the system evaluates coverage.

Unlike homegrown tracking tools, specialized compliance platforms such as illumend compare insurance documents against established contractual requirements, examine supporting endorsements, identify coverage gaps, and explain findings that require attention.

This approach powers Lumie, illumend’s specialized AI-powered insurance compliance expert. Lumie reviews certificates and endorsements against established requirements, flags potential deficiencies and provides supporting evidence for its determinations, while allowing compliance professionals to review and resolve exceptions.

“AI should do more than flag a problem. It should show you what it found, which requirement it evaluated, and the evidence behind its assessment,” Nunery said. “Lumie applies insurance expertise at scale and creates a clear record of its findings, so teams can act on routine determinations efficiently and focus their attention on exceptions that need a closer look.”

Nunery’s perspective draws on her experience building myCOI, whose technology has reviewed more than 45 million insurance documents and identified more than 2 million coverage gaps before they became claims, according to company figures.

Build a COI Tracker or Buy a Compliance Platform? The Questions Businesses Should Ask

For organizations considering building their own COI software, Nunery recommends first determining whether they need a document-tracking application or a comprehensive insurance compliance verification system.

Basic tracking needs may be addressed with spreadsheets, conventional software, or applications built with general-purpose AI. But verifying compliance requires substantially more: translating contractual insurance requirements into rules, reviewing endorsements and policy evidence, identifying exceptions, documenting decisions, and maintaining an auditable compliance process.

Businesses must also consider who will keep insurance requirements current, validate the system’s determinations, investigate discrepancies, and maintain the records needed to support compliance decisions during claims or audits.

“Building the software happens once,” Nunery said. “Running a compliance system means keeping requirements, evidence, follow-ups, decisions and the audit trail current, every day it’s in use.”

To read Nunery’s full article, visit https://www.illumend.ai/evaluation-buying/build-vs-buy-coi-tracking-software-ai

About illumend
Founded in 2025, illumend™ is the AI-powered platform redefining how businesses manage third-party insurance compliance and risk. Backed by myCOI, the leader in third-party insurance compliance management with more than 16 years of expertise, illumend reimagines compliance by guiding every step of the process—from document review and expiration tracking to risk flagging, communication, and resolution—within one intuitive system. Built on myCOI’s institutional foundation—having processed more than 45 million documents, managed over 1.2 million agreements, cleared more than 750,000 third-party partners, and identified more than two million coverage gaps before claims—illumend brings this depth of compliance intelligence into an AI-native platform. At its core is Lumie, illumend’s conversational AI guide that reads complex insurance documents, flags issues in real time, and explains them in language anyone can act on. To learn more, visit https://www.illumend.ai.

Media contact:
Michael Tebo
Gabriel Marketing Group (for illumend)
Phone: 571-835-8775
Email: michaelt@gabrielmarketing.com

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SOURCE illumend

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