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THIRD ANNUAL CHICAGO DRIVES ELECTRIC DATES AND VEHICLE TEST DRIVE LINEUP ANNOUNCED

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OAKBROOK TERRACE, Ill., Sept. 4, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — The Chicago Automobile Trade Association (CATA), producer of Chicago Drives Electric and the Chicago Auto Show, announced the dates for the 2024 Chicago Drives Electric EV outdoor consumer test drive and EV education event: Oct. 3-6, 2024.

Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to experience a variety of EVs ranging from luxury to mainstream.

The third annual Chicago Drives Electric ride-and-drive event will once again be held at the CATA’s headquarters in Oakbrook Terrace, a centrally located site with plentiful entertainment and dining options in the area. The weekend-long event will offer the public a firsthand experience of the next generation of mobility while showcasing the latest all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicle lineup. Knowledgeable product specialists will be accessible to help consumers understand how EVs may fit individual needs and lifestyles and offer in-depth information about electric vehicle technology, the current charging infrastructure landscape and the environmental benefits of going electric. Attendees will have the exclusive opportunity to experience a variety of EVs ranging from luxury to mainstream.

“The fall Chicago Drives Electric event filled a void we originally didn’t realize how badly it existed, bringing much needed EV education to residents of the Chicagoland area,” said CATA President Jennifer Morand. “Whether you’re a seasoned EV enthusiast or new to the world of electric mobility, Chicago Drives Electric offers something for everyone to discover.”

The electrified vehicles available for test drives include:

Audi Q4 e-tronAudi Q8 e-tronBMW iXBMW i4BMW i5BMW i7Cadillac LYRIQChevrolet Blazer EV RSChevrolet Equinox EV 2RSChevrolet Silverado EV RSTFord F-150 LightningFord Mach-eGMC Hummer EV SUTGMC Hummer EV SUVGMC Sierra Denali EVHyundai IONIQ 5Hyundai IONIQ 5 LimitedHyundai IONIQ 6Hyundai IONIQ 6 LimitedKia EV6Kia EV9Kia Niro EVKia Sorento PHEVToyota bZ4XToyota Camry XLEToyota Prius PrimeToyota RAV4 PrimeVolkswagen ID.4Volvo EX90Volvo C40 Recharge Volvo XC40 Recharge

Cars.com and ComEd return to Chicago Drives Electric as premier sponsors of the event. Longtime Chicago Auto Show partner Cars.com will have experts on-hand throughout the duration of the weekend. ComEd will also have a presence onsite to answer questions about home charging, rebates and incentives and more. Powering Chicago will once again support Chicago Drives Electric as an official sponsor and resource to consumers looking for more information on home charging installation.  

Attendees must pre-register for a timeslot; tickets and registration is now open at ChicagoDrivesElectric.com. Test drive slots are limited to first come, first served. Participants who plan to drive must have a valid driver’s license. The hours are as follows: Oct. 3 (2-6 p.m.) and Oct. 4-6 (8 a.m. – 6 p.m.).

Interview and b-roll opportunities are available on Wednesday, Oct. 3, at the CATA headquarters, 18W200 Butterfield Rd., Oakbrook Terrace, Ill. 60181. Additional media opportunities can be arranged with CATA Communications and Marketing Manager Hayley Feichter (hfeichter@drivechicago.com).

In the next calendar year, the 2025 Chicago Auto Show public event will take place Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. The Media Preview dates are Feb. 6-7, and the First Look for Charity black-tie gala will be held the evening of Feb. 7. The EV education hub and indoor test track, Chicago Drives Electric, will also return to the show floor providing a central location to learn more about the EV lifestyle and vehicles on the market. The full brand lineup will be announced closer to the show dates.

“It wouldn’t be February in Chicago without the Chicago Auto Show, and we are looking forward to being back at McCormick Place for the 117th edition of the show,” said Chicago Auto Show Chairwoman Kelly Webb Roberts. “We have always kept our eye on the consumer and that will be no different this year as we continue to innovate in ways that help our attendees experience the latest cars, trucks and SUVs while also enjoying a family-friendly and educational event.”

Tickets for the 2025 Chicago Auto Show and First Look for Charity gala will go on sale this fall at ChicagoAutoShow.com. 

About Chicago Drives Electric

Chicago Drives Electric was established in 2022 as an interactive and information method to learn about electric vehicles (EV) due to the growth of both supply and demand for EVs. This EV-focused event occurs twice a year: during the Chicago Auto Show and once again in the fall. Chicago Drives Electric is aimed at raising awareness of the many benefits of all-electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid vehicles and help consumers understand how EVs can fit individual needs and lifestyles. For more information and upcoming event updates, visit ChicagoDrivesElectric.com.

About the Chicago Auto Show

First staged in 1901, the Chicago Auto Show is the nation’s longest running auto exposition in North America. The show is produced by Chicagoland’s new-car dealer association, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association, which has staged the show since 1935. The 2025 public show is Feb. 8-17 at McCormick Place. For more information and the latest updates, visit ChicagoAutoShow.com.

About the Chicago Automobile Trade Association

Founded in 1904 and located in Oakbrook Terrace, the Chicago Automobile Trade Association is comprised of more than 400 franchised new-car dealers and an additional 150 allied members. The group’s dealer members employ about 19,000 people in the metropolitan area. The association has produced the world famous Chicago Auto Show since 1935. For more information, please visit www.CATA.info.

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SOURCE Chicago Automobile Trade Association

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BCE reports results of Series S and T preferred share conversions

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MONTRÉAL, Oct. 19, 2026 /CNW/ — BCE Inc. (TSX: BCE) (NYSE: BCE) today announced that 400 of its 4,798,333 fixed-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series T (“Series T Preferred Shares”) have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into floating-rate Cumulative Redeemable First Preferred Shares, Series S (“Series S Preferred Shares”). In addition, 676,765 of its 1,866,877 Series S Preferred Shares have been tendered for conversion on November 2, 2026, on a one-for-one basis, into Series T Preferred Shares. Consequently, on November 2, 2026, BCE will have 5,474,698 Series T Preferred Shares and 1,190,512 Series S Preferred Shares issued and outstanding. The Series T Preferred Shares and the Series S Preferred Shares will continue to be listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbols BCE.PR.T and BCE.PR.S, respectively.

The Series T Preferred Shares will pay on a quarterly basis, for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE, a fixed cash dividend based on an annual fixed dividend rate of 5.523%.

The Series S Preferred Shares will continue to pay a monthly floating adjustable cash dividend for the five-year period beginning on November 2, 2026, as and when declared by the Board of Directors of BCE. The monthly floating adjustable dividend for any particular month will continue to be calculated based on the prime rate for such month and using the Designated Percentage for such month representing the sum of an adjustment factor (based on the market price of the Series S Preferred Shares in the preceding month) and the Designated Percentage for the preceding month.

About BCE
BCE is Canada’s largest communications company1, leading the way in advanced fibre and wireless networks, enterprise services and digital media. By delivering next-generation technology that leverages cloud-based and AI-driven solutions, we’re keeping customers connected, informed and entertained while enabling businesses to compete on the world stage. To learn more, please visit Bell.ca or BCE.ca.

1 Based on total revenue and total combined customer connections.

Media inquiries:
Ellen Murphy
media@bell.ca

Investor inquiries:
Krishna Somers
krishna.somers@bell.ca

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/bce-reports-results-of-series-s-and-t-preferred-share-conversions-302913268.html

SOURCE BCE Inc.

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3M announces collaboration with GSEO to advance Expanded Beam Optical manufacturing and development

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ST. PAUL, Minn., Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — 3M (NYSE: MMM) today announced a collaboration with Genius Electronic Optical Co., Ltd. (GSEO, Taiwan: 3406), an optical technology company, to advance technology development and manufacturing for 3M’s Expanded Beam Optical (EBO) solutions. In support of these efforts, 3M expects to make a strategic investment to acquire approximately 4.7% of GSEO’s common shares as part of the company’s private placement of newly issued shares, subject to customary closing conditions.

The collaboration brings together 3M’s EBO technology leadership, optical interconnect expertise, materials science, manufacturing scale and customer relationships with GSEO’s precision optics manufacturing capabilities and production scale. Together, the companies aim to support EBO commercialization and long-term capacity expansion to meet growing demand from hyperscale data centers and other advanced connectivity applications.

“3M is investing in capabilities and partnerships that can accelerate innovation for our customers,” said William Brown, 3M Chairman and CEO. “By selecting GSEO as a manufacturing partner and investing in the company, we are strengthening the path to scale next-generation optical connectivity solutions for high-performance data center infrastructure.”

GSEO’s existing precision optics manufacturing capabilities and technical development experience are expected to support manufacturing readiness for 3M’s EBO ferrules, co-packaged optics solutions and related optical interconnect applications. The collaboration is part of 3M’s broader EBO ecosystem strategy, which includes continued work with customers and partners across the optical interconnect market.

“GSEO is pleased to expand its relationship with 3M as we work together to advance optical interconnect solutions for next-generation data center infrastructure,” said Micro Kuo, GSEO CEO and President. “This collaboration brings together complementary technology and manufacturing strengths to support continued innovation and help meet the performance demands of high-growth connectivity markets.”

3M expects the strategic investment to close in the fourth quarter of 2026, subject to customary closing conditions.

Forward-Looking Statements
Certain statements in this release are considered “forward-looking statements” under the federal securities laws, including the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, as amended, and are intended to enjoy the protection of those laws. Forward-looking statements may appear throughout this release and are typically identified by the words “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “can,” “continue,” “could,” “estimate,” “evaluate,” “expect,” “forecast,” “future,” “goal,” “guidance,” “impact,” “initial,” “intend,” “likely,” “may,” “outlook,” “plan,” “possible,” “potential,” “predict,” “probable,” “project,” “seek,” “should,” “strategy,” “target,” “will,” “would,” and other words that are similar to, or have the opposite meanings of, those words. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date they are made, 3M assumes no duty to update those statements, and readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on any of those statements. Forward-looking statements are based on certain assumptions and expectations of future events and trends that are subject to risks and uncertainties, including those described in Part I, Item 1A, “Risk Factors” of 3M’s Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2025.

About 3M
3M (NYSE: MMM) is focused on transforming industries around the world by applying science and creating innovative, customer-focused solutions. Our multi-disciplinary team is working to solve tough customer problems by leveraging diverse technology platforms, differentiated capabilities, global footprint, and operational excellence. Discover how 3M is shaping the future at 3M.com/news.

Contacts
3M
Investor Contact:
Diane Farrow, 612-202-2449
Media Contact:
3MNews@mmm.com 

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SOURCE 3M Company

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Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers Announces Second Annual Operation Fur-Ever Home Pet Adoption Event at Lafreniere Park

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NEW ORLEANS, Oct. 19, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is excited to announce the return of its second annual Operation Fur-Ever Home, a free community pet adoption event taking place on Saturday, November 14, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. at Lafreniere Park in Metairie, Louisiana.

The free, family-friendly event will give attendees the opportunity to meet adoptable pets from local animal shelters, learn about responsible pet ownership, and potentially welcome a new furry companion into their homes. Those who preregister for the event will also be entered for a chance to win a Soundcore speaker and a free pet adoption.

“Last year’s event was everything we hoped it would be, and we are incredibly excited to bring Operation Fur-Ever Home back for a second year,” said David Vicknair, founding partner of Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers. “There is something special about watching a family meet a pet that could become part of their lives for years to come. We wanted to create another opportunity to make those connections while supporting the organizations that work tirelessly to care for animals in our community.”

Building on the success of the first event, this year’s event continues the firm’s commitment to supporting local animal shelters and creating meaningful opportunities for families throughout Southeast Louisiana.

“Giving back to our community has always been an important part of who we are as a firm,” said Vicknair. “Whether we are helping students prepare for school, recognizing deserving teachers, or supporting local animal shelters, our goal is to make a positive difference in the communities we serve.”

Operation Fur-Ever Home is free and open to the public. Families, animal lovers, and anyone interested in adopting a pet are encouraged to attend and preregister.

About Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers is a New Orleans-based personal injury firm committed to providing exceptional legal representation while also investing in the communities it serves. Their experienced team of dedicated attorneys specializes in car accidents, personal injury, and wrongful death cases in New Orleans. With diverse personal and professional backgrounds, they craft legal strategies tailored to each client’s specific case and needs.

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/scott-vicknair-personal-injury-lawyers-announces-second-annual-operation-fur-ever-home-pet-adoption-event-at-lafreniere-park-302913183.html

SOURCE Scott Vicknair Personal Injury Lawyers

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