Room 330, Cannon House Office Building

WASHINGTON, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Artificial intelligence (AI) has the potential to revolutionize healthcare, but thoughtful regulations are needed in order for this technology to live up to its promise — particularly for America’s most vulnerable patients. Join the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM) to learn about how AI is currently being used in healthcare, the benefits and limitations of this evolving technology, and what Congress needs to do to ensure that healthcare AI is used judiciously and ethically.   

AI is rapidly changing how healthcare organizations manage their operations, analyze data, and diagnose disease. Because clinical laboratories generate approximately 80% of the data used to inform medical decisions, laboratory medicine is at the center of efforts to harness AI to improve patient care.

At this briefing, leading experts in laboratory medicine will discuss how AI is transforming their field and healthcare overall, as well as the top five policy changes needed to advance AI in an efficient and effective manner. Speakers will also provide a case study highlighting how AI is used in pediatric health, illustrating both the promise of this technology and the challenges that remain.

Attendees will gain a better understanding of the role that Congress can play to establish appropriate oversight and regulation of AI, as well as what is needed to ensure that this technology benefits all patients — especially children.

When: Luncheon briefing: 12 – 1 p.m., Tuesday, October 13

Where: Room 330, Cannon House Office Building

Who:

Moderator: Dr. Dennis J. Dietzen, chair of pathology and laboratory medicine, Phoenix Children’s HospitalSpeakers: Dr. Sarah Wheeler, clinical pathology medical director, University of Pittsburgh Medical Center Children’s Hospital of PittsburghDr. Stephen Master, vice chair for innovation, department of pathology and laboratory medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia

RSVP: Email Christine DeLong, ADLM director of editorial and media relations at cdelong@myadlm.org.

About the Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM)
Dedicated to achieving better health for all through laboratory medicine, ADLM unites more than 70,000 clinical laboratory professionals, physicians, research scientists, and business leaders from 110 countries around the world. Our community is at the forefront of laboratory medicine’s diverse subdisciplines, including clinical chemistry, molecular diagnostics, mass spectrometry, clinical microbiology, and data science, and is comprised of individuals holding the spectrum of lab-related professional degrees, certifications, and credentials. Since 1948, ADLM has championed the advancement of laboratory medicine by fostering scientific collaboration, knowledge sharing, and the development of innovative solutions that enhance health outcomes. For more information, visit www.myadlm.org.

Christine DeLong
ADLM
Director, Editorial and Media Relations
(p) 202.835.8722
cdelong@myadlm.org

Bill Malone
ADLM
Senior Director, Strategic Communications
(p) 202.835.8756
bmalone@myadlm.org

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SOURCE Association for Diagnostics & Laboratory Medicine (ADLM)

Grant funds to support the District’s Regional Innovation Center

ELDRIDGE, Iowa, Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic nonprofit organization established by American Water (NYSE: AWK), and Iowa American Water recently announced a $10,000 Workforce Readiness grant to the North Scott Community School District’s Regional Innovation Center.

“North Scott High School and its Robotics and LEGO League teams are incredibly thankful for the American Water Charitable Foundation’s generosity,” said Andrew Lehn, principal of North Scott High School. “The grant funding from the past two years has had a significant impact on the teams’ ability to purchase necessary materials, technology and curriculum to compete at the highest level.” 

The 2026 grant will support hands-on STEM, robotics, engineering and career-readiness opportunities for North Scott students. Funding will provide LEGO League materials and registration fees for three elementary school programs and help advance the district’s robotics program for students in grades 7–12 through tournament fees, new materials, technology upgrades, 3D-printing resources and equipment, including a planned CNC machine.

The Regional Innovation Center provides students with opportunities to develop technical, problem-solving, leadership and collaboration skills through real-world learning. Students design, manufacture and assemble custom parts; use computer-aided design programs and 3D printers; build and test robots; and share their knowledge with younger students and the broader community.

“The continuous support we’ve received from the American Water Charitable Foundation has allowed us to push past our limits and focus on developing and growing our program,” said Josh Le, a North Scott robotics student. “The new parts, electronics and machinery will give us an even richer engineering experience, including in-house machining and manufacturing. It has opened new doors for our team and will help us bring middle school students into the program so they can learn alongside us.”

Robotics Team Coach Michele Mess said the grant has generated enthusiasm and creative plans as students begin designing and testing this season’s robot.

“These learning opportunities are priceless in the growth of our students’ experience and can help lead them toward careers that allow them to reach their potential,” Mess said. “They are eager to challenge themselves, learn to design parts using computer programs, produce those parts with 3D printers and a CNC machine, and assemble them into working robot functions. They also want to share what they learn with junior high and elementary students. We are grateful for the grant funding that helps sustain these dreams and gives students the opportunity to become amazing young engineers.”

The Workforce Readiness grant is part of the American Water Charitable Foundation’s Keep Communities Flowing Grant Program, focusing on three pillars of giving: Water, People and Communities. This grant program focuses on general career readiness, financial and business literacy, positive youth development and life skills training.

“The American Water Charitable Foundation is proud to support initiatives that provide access to high-quality learning students need to be successful,” said Carrie Williams, president of the American Water Charitable Foundation. “We take pride in supporting American Water’s continued efforts to be a responsible neighbor and reliable partner in the community.”

Through its partnership with the North Scott Community School District, Iowa American Water is helping connect local students with innovative workforce-development experiences that prepare them for future careers in science, technology, engineering, manufacturing and other skilled fields.

“At Iowa American Water, our commitment to the communities we serve goes beyond providing safe, clean and reliable water,” said Brad Nielsen, president of Iowa American Water. “By supporting hands-on learning opportunities at the North Scott Regional Innovation Center, we are investing in the next generation and helping students build the skills, confidence and experience they need to become part of Iowa’s workforce of tomorrow.”

Learn more about Iowa American Water’s community impact at iowaamwater.com. 

About American Water
American Water (NYSE: AWK) is the largest regulated water and wastewater utility company in the United States. With a history dating back to 1886 and celebrating 140 years in 2026, We Keep Life Flowing® by providing safe, clean, reliable and affordable drinking water and wastewater services to approximately 14 million people with regulated operations in 14 states and on 19 military installations. American Water’s approximately 7,000 talented professionals leverage their significant expertise and the company’s national size and scale to achieve excellent outcomes for the benefit of customers, employees, investors and other stakeholders. For more information, visit amwater.com and join American Water on LinkedIn, Facebook, X and Instagram.

About American Water Charitable Foundation
The American Water Charitable Foundation, a philanthropic non-profit organization established by American Water, focuses on three pillars of giving: Water, People, and Communities. Since 2012, the Foundation has invested over $25 million in funding through grants and matching gifts to support eligible organizations in communities served by American Water. The Foundation is funded by American Water shareholders and has no impact on customer rates. For more information, visit amwater.com/awcf.

About Iowa American Water
Iowa American Water, a subsidiary of American Water, is the largest regulated water utility in the state with approximately 90 dedicated employees working to provide safe, clean, reliable and affordable water and wastewater services to approximately 225,000 people.  

About the North Scott Regional Innovation Center
The North Scott Regional Innovation Center in Eldridge provides hands-on STEM, robotics, engineering and career-readiness experiences for students. Through programs including elementary LEGO League and robotics opportunities for students in grades 7–12, participants build technical knowledge while strengthening problem-solving, teamwork, leadership and communication skills. Students also share their learning through outreach to younger students and community events.

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SOURCE American Water

New survey results from Burlington Stores illustrate how Americans are redefining value and embracing the hunt for great deals ahead of the 2026 holiday season

Key Points

A new survey from Burlington highlights how consumer shopping and purchasing sentiment remain positive despite facing nationwide economic pressure.Nearly 60% of shoppers expressed concern about going over budget, but dupe’ products and in-person shopping are the simple yet effective ways consumers say they plan to stretch budgets across holiday spending.For over half of respondents (58%), the idea of shopping on a smaller holiday budget this year excites them because of the hunt for the best deals.For those searching for the perfect gift at the perfect price, Burlington offers merchandise up to 60% off other retailers’ prices on trending styles, name brand merchandise and seasonal décor for the entire family and home.

BURLINGTON, N.J., Oct. 12, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Burlington Stores, one of the fastest-growing national off-price retailers, released today its latest consumer insights, revealing attitudes toward spending, style and savings. The survey, conducted by Wakefield Research on behalf of Burlington, offers a snapshot of how Americans say they plan to approach the 2026 holiday season as they balance gifting with spending budgets. 

Shoppers Remain Generous at the Holidays

Despite economic uncertainty, holiday shopping for others remains a priority for many Americans. Most respondents (80%) expect to spend the same amount or more this year on holiday shopping compared to last; however more than half of them (58%) are concerned about going over budget. That concern is even higher among parents (69%), particularly Gen Z parents (77%).

“Shoppers are savvy, and they’re strategically searching for ways to save this holiday season,” said Chris Miller, executive vice president, chief marketing officer at Burlington. “Supported by our reimagined store design and consistent rotation of fresh merchandise, Burlington delivers the trending brand names on consumers’ shopping lists at the prices they’re hunting for.”

Deal Hunting is Motivating and Exciting
With holiday purchases top of mind despite budget concerns, scoring an amazing bargain isn’t just smart shopping; for some, it’s a challenge they face head on. For over half of Americans (58%), the idea of shopping on a smaller holiday budget this year excites them because of the hunt for the best deals and 87% say getting a great deal is more satisfying than owning a luxury item.

Holiday shopping also begins early for U.S. shoppers. Thirty-seven percent said they plan to start holiday shopping before Black Friday and Cyber Monday, and the majority (86%) plan to begin holiday shopping beginning before December 1. It appears U.S. consumers are using a “slow-and-steady” strategy for purchasing, taking their time to decide on the perfect gift at the perfect price. With fresh merchandise arriving weekly, Burlington offers endless opportunities to discover something new and surprising.

For many Americans, in-store shopping offers unique opportunities not available online. The ability to interact with and try on items before purchasing is the leading factor (70%) for many when in-person shopping, followed by:

Discovering unexpected finds (55%)The simple pleasure of getting out of the house (54%)Scoring a great deal (50%)Taking purchases home immediately without waiting for delivery (50%)

Burlington combines the unique in-person shopping experience with the thrill of discovering a surprisingly great deal at a great price. Available across the continental U.S. and Puerto Rico, all new Burlington locations feature a modernized store format with wider aisles and bold, bilingual signage, making it easier than ever for shoppers to find the brands and must-have trends they know and love. With merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers’ prices on trending styles and new merchandise arriving daily for the entire family and home, every day is a new opportunity to discover the perfect gift.

About Burlington Stores, Inc.

Burlington Stores, Inc., headquartered in New Jersey, is a nationally recognized off-price retailer with Fiscal 2025 net sales of $11.5 billion. The Company is a Fortune 500 company and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange under the ticker symbol “BURL.” The Company operated 1,287 stores as of the end of the second quarter of Fiscal 2026 in 47 states, Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico, principally under the name Burlington Stores. The Company’s stores offer an extensive selection of in-season, high-quality branded merchandise at up to 60% off other retailers’ prices, including fashion-focused women’s apparel, menswear, youth apparel, baby, beauty, footwear, accessories, home, toys, gifts and coats.

Wakefield Research Methodology

The Burlington Survey was conducted by Wakefield Research among 2,000 nationally representative U.S. adults ages 18+, between July 24th and August 5th, 2026, using an email invitation and an online survey. The study included an oversample to increase the total number of Gen Z parents to 100. The data has been weighted to ensure representation of the U.S. adult population.

Results of any sample are subject to sampling variation. The magnitude of the variation is measurable and is affected by the number of interviews and the level of the percentages expressing the results. For this study, the margin of error is plus or minus 2.2 percentage points at the 95% confidence level for the main sample. It is higher for other subgroups, like the Gen Z parents subgroup at plus or minus 9.8 percentage points at the same confidence level. 

For all media inquiries and to receive additional information, please contact:
Burlington@clynch.com

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SOURCE Burlington Stores, Inc.