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iBIO Launches 10th Annual STEMgirls Summer Camp: Campers Become Scientific Detectives in “Case Breakers”

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Milestone anniversary camp challenges girls to solve mysteries using forensic science, epidemiology, and engineering

CHICAGO, June 24, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — The Illinois Biotechnology Innovation Organization (iBIO) today kicks off its 10th annual STEMgirls Summer Camp, welcoming 125 young scientists to Cristo Rey St. Martin College Preparatory High School for a week of detective-themed STEM exploration. This milestone anniversary program, “Case Breakers,” invites girls in grades 3 through 8 to channel their inner scientists as they investigate a mysterious outbreak, a puzzling crime scene, and a security breach.

“When girls step into the role of scientific detective, they experience firsthand how science and technology work together to connect the dots. That’s not just a STEM skill — that’s a life skill.”

Scientists and engineers work together every day to design systems and technologies that identify the source of a problem — whether the culprit is a microorganism, a security failure, or foul play. This summer, campers will experience that process firsthand, learning forensic techniques, testing epidemiological diagnostics, and engineering security devices. Through inquiry-based exploration, campers will tackle problems with multiple layers of complexity, just as real-world scientists do.

“Solving mysteries is fascinating to humans of all ages,” said Ann Vogel, Senior Vice President at iBIO. “When girls step into the role of scientific detective, they experience firsthand how science and technology work together to connect the dots. That’s not just a STEM skill — that’s a life skill.”

What sets STEMgirls Camp apart is its combination of hands-on learning with real-world industry exposure. Campers will step inside Abbott’s mobile diagnostics demonstration semi-trailer, the “Transformation Tour,” for an interactive journey through medical innovation. In addition, Abbott’s lead sponsorship enables each participant to take home an iBIO STEM Kit featuring chromatography activities introduced during camp.

John Frels, vice president of research and development in Abbott’s core diagnostics business remarked “Abbott is proud to have been a part of STEMgirls from the very beginning. Over the past ten years, I’vewatched this program grow into something that truly moves the needle — inspiring thousands of young women to see themselves as scientists, engineers, and innovators. What’s especially gratifying is seeing STEMgirls alumnae return on Family Day to share their stories and inspire the next generation – proof that the impact of STEMgirls extends far beyond a single summer. Our ongoing collaboration with iBIO reflects our deep commitment to building a stronger, more diverse STEM workforce, and we look forward to another decade of impact.”

The program culminates on Friday, June 26, with a special Family Day and STEM Careers Event. This year’s celebration will feature industry partners alongside a milestone addition: the debut of STEMgirls Heroes — alumni of the program who are now out in the world making a difference in STEM fields. Their stories reflect the long-term impact of the program as it marks its 10th anniversary.

Abbott returns as lead sponsor for the 10th anniversary program. Additional financial support is provided by the Steans Family Foundation and TerSera.

Media Contact

John Conrad, IBIO, 1 3124221111, jconrad@ibio.org, http://ibio.org

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/ibio-launches-10th-annual-stemgirls-summer-camp-campers-become-scientific-detectives-in-case-breakers-302808430.html

SOURCE IBIO

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America’s Largest Political Group Is Getting Its Own Election Night

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A record 45% of Americans identify with neither party. On November 3, they get the first nationally televised Election Night built around the independent voter bloc, presented by United Independents, the organization behind the Independent National Convention, in partnership with DeFiance Media.

WASHINGTON, Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Can the country’s largest bloc of voters turn identity into representation? Independents now make up 45% of U.S. adults, a record high in Gallup’s 2025 data, yet partisan coverage continues to dominate mainstream mediums. On November 3, one broadcast will cover the election from the Independent point of view.

Broadcast live from the National Press Club’s television studio in Washington, D.C. Election Night 2026: Independent Edition is an eight-hour program hosted by Christopher Life, founder and CEO of United Independents, and Macy Gunnell, NewsForce’s White House correspondent. DeFiance Media will be producing and streaming the broadcast.

Built on live election data from The Associated Press (AP), the program will call the national races as the returns come in. Then it goes where other broadcasts don’t: race-by-race coverage of independent candidates in consequential congressional contests, and guest conversations with the strategists and organizers behind them.

Built for the Voters Both Parties Are Chasing

Two generations of Americans have come of age as independent voters, and in 74 years of nationally televised Election Night broadcasts, not one has been built around them. This one is: national results and the balance of power, dedicated coverage of the independent candidates who could tip the next Congress, and a live chat with selected viewer questions put to the hosts and guests on air.

Open to Every Newsroom

Television pool feed. U.S. television outlets, including local stations, can carry the program live, in full or in part, separate from DeFiance Media’s full-program streaming.Social streaming. The broadcast streams through participating social media partners. Channels that want to carry it can sign up at Election2026.live.Live clips and excerpts. Newsrooms, commentators, and creators can pull portions of the program for reporting and social distribution while the broadcast is underway.

Request access through the Media & Distribution Access Form at Election2026.live.

Free and Accessible Nationwide

Going live Tuesday, November 3rd, 2026, from 6 PM- 2 AM ET. Updates, guest announcements, and viewing instructions: Election2026.live.

Media Contact

Shaun Saunders
shaun@graffiticreativegroup.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/americas-largest-political-group-is-getting-its-own-election-night-302919753.html

SOURCE DeFiance Media

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Pianist Michael Weinstein Wins Best Social Media Music Collaborations at the 2026 Vega Awards

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With more than a million followers across social media, Weinstein’s piano collaborations bring together vocalists from around the world to create unique musical performances and reach new audiences.

SOUTH SALEM, N.Y., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire-PRWeb/ — Pianist, entrepreneur and social media creator Michael Weinstein has been recognized at the 2026 Vega Digital Awards in the Social Media Collaboration category for his music collaboration series, Piano Sessions: Bringing Voices Together Through Music.

“I love collaborating with talented singers including building friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

Weinstein has built a social media audience of more than a million followers across TikTok, Instagram and other platforms by sharing piano performances and collaborations with singers from around the world. His videos feature vocalists performing alongside his piano accompaniment, creating intimate musical performances that showcase each artist’s individual talent and style.

While Weinstein has spent much of his professional career building businesses and marketing consumer brands, music has always remained one of his greatest passions.

“Music has always been a huge part of my life and one of the things I enjoy most is collaborating with other musicians,” said Weinstein. “I’ve had the opportunity to work with so many incredibly talented singers and I love being able to play alongside them and create something special together. It’s also rewarding to introduce these artists to new audiences while building relationships and friendships that have become just as meaningful as the music itself.”

An accomplished pianist and keyboardist, Weinstein has collaborated with an impressive range of vocalists, including artists who have performed and recorded with Maroon 5, Sting, John Legend, Alicia Keys, Usher, Lauryn Hill and Jill Scott. He has also collaborated with standout performers from American Idol, America’s Got Talent and The Voice.

Weinstein is also planning a live concert in New York City in 2027, bringing together several of the talented vocalists featured on his social media channels for a special collaborative performance. Additional details will be announced in the coming months.

Outside of music, Weinstein is the Founder and CEO of JAM Direct, a marketing and advertising agency, and former Chief Marketing Officer of Allstar Products Group, where he was responsible for marketing some of the most successful products in “As Seen On TV” history, including the Snuggie, ShamWow and Shake Weight.

Watch Michael Weinstein’s performances here:

https://linktr.ee/mweinsteinmusic

About the Vega Digital Awards

The Vega Digital Awards is an international competition recognizing excellence in social media, digital marketing and brand strategy. Judged by the International Awards Associate (IAA), the competition honors work that demonstrates innovation, effectiveness and measurable impact across the global marketing landscape.

Media Contact

Michael Weinstein, JAM Direct, 1 9146610053, mw@jamdirect.com, https://michaelweinstein.me/

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prweb.com/releases/pianist-michael-weinstein-wins-best-social-media-music-collaborations-at-the-2026-vega-awards-302919551.html

SOURCE JAM Direct

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Landis+Gyr Secures Major Contract with Leading US Utility

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CHAM, Switzerland and ALPHARETTA, Ga., Oct. 26, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Landis+Gyr Group AG (SIX: LAND), a global energy technology leader driving intelligent innovation across the grid, today announced that it has secured a major contract with a leading US investor-owned electric utility. The agreement covers more than 3 million advanced metering endpoints.

Under the agreement, Landis+Gyr will provide Revelo meters and associated network and head-end system technologies, complemented by advanced security solutions, premium support, and software maintenance and services. The deployment is expected to advance the utility’s grid modernization objectives by enhancing security, grid visibility and operational performance.

“This important win reflects the strong momentum of our Grid Edge Intelligence portfolio and the trust customers place in Landis+Gyr to support large-scale grid modernization programs. By combining advanced metering, integrated technology, security and support capabilities, we look forward to helping this utility enhance grid visibility, reliability and operational performance,” said Peter Mainz, Chief Executive Officer of Landis+Gyr.

About Landis+Gyr

Landis+Gyr is a global energy technology leader, delivering intelligent solutions that connect devices, data, and decisions across the grid. Trusted by more than 2,000 utilities worldwide, we transform traditional devices into intelligent, networked sensors, giving utilities real-time grid visibility and system control. With these combined insights, electric, gas, and water companies can anticipate demand, optimize operations, and deliver energy that’s more reliable, resilient, accessible, safe, and sustainable for everyone. For more information, please visit our website www.landisgyr.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.co.uk/news-releases/landisgyr-secures-major-contract-with-leading-us-utility-302919687.html

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