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THIRTEEN Launches Your Voice Matters Digital Series, Unpacking Key 2024 Election Issues for New Yorkers and New Jerseyans

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New eight-part YouTube series equips voters with clear insights on housing, climate change, immigration and more.

NEW YORK, Oct. 1, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Launching today on YouTube, THIRTEEN’s Your Voice Matters is an eight-part digital series examining the issues shaping the lives of New Yorkers and New Jerseyans ahead of the 2024 election. The series delves into key topics like housing, climate change and immigration, offering in-depth analyses to help voters make informed decisions at the polls.

Designed to break down complex issues, Your Voice Matters combines interviews with everyday citizens, subject matter experts, and policymakers. Each 6- to 8-minute episode provides viewers with an accessible yet thorough examination of key issues, helping voters make more informed decisions at the polls.

“Your Voice Matters aims to bring crucial election issues closer to home,” said Neal Shapiro, president and CEO of the WNET Group. “By featuring local voices and real-life stories, we hope to engage and empower our audience, helping them feel more connected, informed, and ready to vote.”

Episodes will be released on YouTube through Nov. 12, with complementary content shared on Instagram, TikTok, and Facebook. The series kicks off with episodes focused on housing, caregiving, and immigration.

Housing – Premieres Oct. 1 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
The series premiere examines the housing challenges faced by New Yorkers and New Jerseyans, featuring a new mom searching for space for her family and a resident of New York’s first LGBTQ+ safe senior housing development. Attorney, former Rent Guidelines Board member and current NYC Planning Commissioner Leah Goodridge, along with Cea Weaver, coalition director of Housing Justice for All, discuss efforts to reduce housing costs. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Caregiving – Premieres Oct. 3 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode explores the financial challenges New Yorkers face while caring for loved ones and how this year’s election could affect families. Rebecca Bailin, co-founder of New Yorkers United for Childcare, discusses the national campaign for childcare reform, while Dr. Vasundhara Kalasapudi and residents of India Home address culturally informed senior living services. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Immigration – Premieres Oct. 8 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
As immigration remains a key issue, this episode explores how the election affects New York, where 40 percent of residents are foreign-born. Your Voice Matters speaks with coaches and players from the Raccoons, a Queens-based basketball academy helping immigrant children adjust to life in the city, and with Clinton Hill residents about the local migrant crisis. Professor and journalist Felipe De La Hoz breaks down immigration policy. Produced in collaboration with Epicenter NYC.Transportation – Premieres Oct. 15 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode tackles the region’s aging transportation infrastructure, featuring commuter stories and expert insights on how these issues could affect election outcomes. Produced in collaboration with NJ PBS.Reproductive Rights – Premieres Oct. 22 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode covers the intense emotions and political battles surrounding reproductive rights, featuring personal stories from representatives and citizens involved in the ongoing debate. Produced in collaboration with NJ PBS.Climate – Premieres Oct. 29 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode highlights the impact of climate change on Long Island’s coastal communities, as residents voice their concerns ahead of the 2024 election. Produced in collaboration with The Express News Group.Youth Vote – Premieres Nov. 5 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode focuses on the issues motivating young voters, featuring students and first-time voters mobilizing for change and influencing election outcomes. Produced in collaboration with Hofstra University’s The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication.2025 and Beyond – Premieres Nov. 12 on youtube.com/thirteenwnet
This episode takes a forward-looking view at how the results of the 2024 election will shape the future of New York and New Jersey politics, with insights from experts and community leaders. Produced in collaboration with THE CITY.

The series is part of THIRTEEN’s Your Election 2024 initiative, which provides comprehensive election-related programming — available on-air, online, and on YouTube — across THIRTEEN, NJ PBS, and WLIW/WLIW-FM.

Your Voice Matters is produced in collaboration with local partners, including NJ PBS, which provides news coverage across New Jersey; Epicenter NYC, a multiplatform community journalism organization; Hofstra University’s The Lawrence Herbert School of Communication, whose students collaborated with the Your Voice Matters team to engage younger audiences; The Express News Group, which covers news across the East End of Long Island; and THE CITY, a nonprofit newsroom dedicated to accountability journalism for New Yorkers.

Viewers are invited to join the conversation about the upcoming election and share how they are preparing to vote using the hashtag #ReadytoVote2024. Follow @ThirteenWNET on Facebook, Instagram and TikTok to participate and stay connected.

Your Voice Matters is produced by THIRTEEN Productions LLC for WNET. Executive producers are Joe Lee, Diane Masciale and Dana Roberson. Shant Alexander is the associate producer. Joe Harrell is the managing editor. Erin McIntyre is the associate director.

Support for Your Voice Matters is provided by the Barbara Hope Foundation and by The WNET Group’s News and Public Affairs Fund. For more information and a list of supporters, please visit: wnet.org/support/wnet-funds/.

Websites:
https://www.thirteen.org/your-election-2024/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/thirteenwnet
Facebook: http://facebook.com/thirteenwnet
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thirteenwnet
TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@thirteenwnet
#ReadytoVote2024

About The WNET Group
The WNET Group creates inspiring media content and meaningful experiences for diverse audiences nationwide. It is the community-supported home of New York’s THIRTEEN – America’s flagship PBS station – WLIW21, THIRTEEN PBSKids, WLIW World and Create; NJ PBS, New Jersey’s statewide public television network; Long Island’s only NPR station WLIW-FM; ALL ARTS, the arts and culture media provider; newsroom NJ Spotlight News; and FAST channel PBS Nature. Through these channels and streaming platforms, The WNET Group brings arts, culture, education, news, documentary, entertainment and DIY programming to more than five million viewers each month. The WNET Group’s award-winning productions include signature PBS series Nature, Great Performances, American Masters and Amanpour and Company and trusted local news program NJ Spotlight News with Briana Vannozzi. Inspiring curiosity and nurturing dreams, The WNET Group’s award-winning Kids’ Media and Education team produces the PBS KIDS series Cyberchase, interactive Mission US history games, and resources for families, teachers and caregivers. A leading nonprofit public media producer for more than 60 years, The WNET Group presents and distributes content that fosters lifelong learning, including multiplatform initiatives addressing poverty, jobs, economic opportunity, social justice, understanding and the environment. Through Passport, station members can stream new and archival programming anytime, anywhere. The WNET Group represents the best in public media. Join us.

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SOURCE The WNET Group

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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 

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/3m-announces-collaboration-with-gseo-to-advance-expanded-beam-optical-manufacturing-and-development-302913170.html

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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