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Big Brothers Big Sisters of America Honors 2026 Bigs and Littles of the Year

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Exceptional volunteers and youth recognized for their resilience, leadership and life-changing relationships

TAMPA, Fla., June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA), the preeminent one-to-one youth mentoring organization in the United States, announced the recipients of the 2026 Big and Little of the Year awards during the organization’s annual National Conference in Atlanta, Georgia on June 18.

Selected from thousands of mentoring matches across the country, the 2026 honorees exemplify the transformative impact of one-to-one mentorship and the power of consistent, supportive relationships.

The 2026 BBBSA Bigs and Littles of the Year are:

Jaleesa (Big) and Jaime (Little) from Big Brothers Big Sisters of Central Indiana

Jaime and Jaleesa’s match began during a difficult period in Jaime’s life following the traumatic loss of her father. Seeking additional support for her daughter, Jaime’s mother enrolled her in Big Brothers Big Sisters, which matched her with Jaleesa. Over the years, their relationship has evolved into a deep sisterhood rooted in trust, encouragement, and shared growth.

“Jaleesa is literally my big sister,” Jaime shared. “She has always been there. She’s always been a constant.”

Jaleesa’s mentorship helped Jaime navigate her grief and inspired her to discover new experiences and pursue ambitious goals for her future. Jaime now plans to attend Indiana University to study astronomy and accounting with aspirations of becoming an astronaut. She credits her Big Sister and the BBBSA organization with helping open doors to internships, professional mentorship opportunities and personal growth.

“What I would say to Jaleesa to thank her for her time with me is that I couldn’t really express it into words,” Jaime said. “Her presence alone just makes me happy.”

For Jaleesa, becoming a Big Sister was deeply personal. Raised by a single mother and surrounded by supportive adults who helped shape her own childhood, she wanted to provide that same sense of stability and encouragement to another young person.

“I wanted to be someone that she could turn to and trust,” Jaleesa said. “I think we’ve really grown together.”

Matt (Big) and Sterling (Little) from Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area

Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Bay Area matched Matt and Sterling when Sterling was just eight years old. Shortly after they met Sterling was diagnosed with leukemia, dramatically reshaping the early days of their relationship. Throughout hospital stays, treatments and recovery, Matt remained a steady presence in Sterling’s life.

“When I was first diagnosed with leukemia, Matt would always come visit and hang out and play games with me in the hospital,” Sterling said. “It felt like I had a buddy there with me.”

Playing video games in hospital rooms, talking through life’s challenges and learning to play baseball together, the two built a bond grounded in consistency, trust and friendship. Years later, their story had a full circle moment when Matt underwent brain surgery and Sterling was able to support him through the experience.

“It was really sweet to see how he wanted to care for me,” Matt said. “I’m really proud for both of us to be out on the other side.”

Over nearly a decade together as Big and Little, Matt and Sterling have supported one another through milestones, hardships and personal growth.

Sterling says the relationship helped him build confidence, strengthen his social skills and become the person he is today.

“One word I would use to describe Matt is longevity,” Sterling said. “He’s always been there for me.”

Matt encourages others considering mentorship to simply take the first step.

“Mentorship doesn’t mean always having the right answer,” Matt said. “It just means showing up.”

Big Brothers Big Sisters of America presents these prestigious awards annually to celebrate outstanding mentoring matches that embody the organization’s mission. These two pairs join a distinguished legacy of Bigs and Littles whose stories demonstrate how consistent, caring relationships can overcome profound challenges and open pathways to brighter futures for both youth and the adults who mentor them

“The mentoring relationships showcased in our Bigs and Littles of the Year represent the very best of our mission,” said Artis Stevens, President and CEO of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America. “Jaleesa, Jaime, Matt and Sterling show us that mentorship is the power of one caring adult showing up with unwavering belief and commitment to empowering young people. Their stories remind us of the importance of expanding access to these life-changing connections so every young person can experience the joy, hope and possibility that comes from knowing someone is truly in their corner.” 

About Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

Founded in 1904, Big Brothers Big Sisters of America (BBBSA) is the largest and most experienced youth mentoring organization in the United States. The mission of Big Brothers Big Sisters of America is to create and support one-to-one mentoring relationships that ignite the power and promise of youth. Big Brothers Big Sisters’ evidence-based approach is designed to create positive youth outcomes, including educational success, avoidance of risky behaviors, higher aspirations, greater confidence, and improved relationships. Big Brothers Big Sisters serves more than 5,000 communities across all 50 states.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/big-brothers-big-sisters-of-america-honors-2026-bigs-and-littles-of-the-year-302805838.html

SOURCE Big Brothers Big Sisters of America

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Competition Bureau advances investigation into Sobeys’ use of property controls across Canada

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June 22, 2026

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GATINEAU, QC, June 22, 2026 /CNW/ – The Competition Bureau has obtained court orders to advance its investigation into Empire Company Limited’s use of property controls in Canada. Empire is the parent company of Sobeys, Farm Boy, Safeway, IGA, Foodland and FreshCo, among others.

The Bureau’s investigation is examining the company’s use of property controls across Canada to assess whether their practices harm competition in the retail grocery industry. Lack of competition in the grocery industry can result in higher prices, lower quality and less availability.

The court orders, granted by the Federal Court, require the production of records, written information and oral testimony relevant to the Bureau’s investigation.

Earlier in the investigation, the Bureau obtained an initial court order requiring Empire to produce information focused on property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality. The new orders will provide the Bureau additional information about the scope of Empire’s practices in Canada, including how the company negotiates property controls and their potential impacts on competition across Canada.

The investigation is ongoing and there is no conclusion of wrongdoing at this time.

The Bureau focuses its work on sectors that matter to Canadians, including those affecting essential household expenses like food.

Quick facts:

Property controls are restrictions on the use of commercial real estate that limit how a property can be used by others. These property controls are common across Canada, especially in retail settings. They can harm competition by making it difficult, or even impossible, for businesses to open new stores.In June 2023, the Bureau published its grocery market study, which concluded that property controls can limit competition from new grocers and can deny consumers the benefits of competition including lower prices, greater choice and increased innovation.In June 2024, the Bureau obtained two court orders to advance its investigations into the use of property controls by Sobeys’ and Loblaw’s parent companies related to property controls in the Halifax Regional Municipality.In January 2025, the Bureau took investigative actions that resulted in Empire agreeing to remove a property control that restricted retail grocery store competition in Crowsnest Pass, Alberta.In June 2025, the Bureau announced that it continues to monitor Loblaw’s public commitment to end property controls in Canada.The Bureau urges Canadians to report any property controls that may be anti-competitive using the online complaint form.

Related products

Competitor property controls and the Competition Act

Associated links

Competition Bureau advances investigations into Sobeys and Loblaw’s use of property controls Competition Bureau takes action to protect competition in the grocery industry in an Alberta communityCompetition Bureau monitors Loblaw’s commitment to end property controlsRetail Grocery Market Study

General information:
Request for information | Complaint form

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The Competition Bureau is an independent law enforcement agency that protects and promotes competition for the benefit of Canadian consumers and businesses. Competition drives lower prices and innovation while fueling economic growth.

SOURCE Competition Bureau

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Survey: 1 in 3 World Cup Fans Perceive the Hydration Break as More of an Advertising Opportunity Than a Health Break

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June 22, 2026

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New MFour Data Research survey of 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers reveals the 90-second window where Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, and Nike get to put their biggest stars — and the world’s biggest athletes — right in front of a captive global audience

LOS ANGELES, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The whistle blows. Players grab water bottles. Sponsor logos flood the screen. And somewhere in the stands, and on couches across the country… a debate quietly plays out: is this break for the athletes, or for the advertisers?

According to a new survey by MFour Data Research, the answer depends on who you ask.

MFour surveyed 1,000 U.S. World Cup viewers in the U.S. during the group round of the 2026 tournament and found that 64% see hydration breaks as a genuine player health measure — while 36% see them for what they also are: a primo 90-second slot for Michelob Ultra, Gatorade, New Balance, and Nike to roll out their glossiest advertising, complete with celebrity appearances, slow-motion athlete close-ups, and whatever Lionel Messi is currently selling. One in three fans knows exactly what’s happening. The other two-thirds are just relieved their striker is getting fluids.

“The hydration break is the best two minutes in advertising — players get water, Michelob Ultra gets eyeballs, and Christian Pulisic gets another advertising deal. Everybody wins. Especially the fans who just spotted Messi in a Mich Ultra ad.”

— Chris St. Hilaire, Chief Executive Officer, MFour Data Research

Survey Methodologys

MFour surveyed n=1,000 U.S. residents who watch the World Cup on June 18, 2026 via its proprietary mobile panel — the largest mobile survey panel in the U.S. The sample is nationally balanced and representative of U.S. adults ages 18-64. Demographic breakdowns available upon request.

About MFour Data Research

MFour Data Research operates the largest mobile survey panel in the United States, connecting brands with real consumers in real moments — on their phones, in their lives, as it happens. MFour Data Research enables companies to understand consumer behavior with unmatched speed and precision. For more information, visit mfour.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/survey-1-in-3-world-cup-fans-perceive-the-hydration-break-as-more-of-an-advertising-opportunity-than-a-health-break-302805735.html

SOURCE MFour Data Research

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 returns as Africa’s defining platform for digital transformation, investment and innovation

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June 22, 2026

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Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation

CAPE TOWN, South Africa, June 22, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Africa Tech Festival (https://AfricaTechFestival.com), the continent’s longest running and most influential technology gathering, will return to the Cape Town International Convention Centre from 16 to 19 November 2026, bringing together key stakeholders driving the next phase of Africa’s digital growth.

Now in its 29th edition, Africa Tech Festival, originally launched as AfricaCom, has evolved alongside the continent’s digital transformation, expanding its focus to encompass the full spectrum of technology, investment opportunities and policies that drive economic growth.

At a time when investment in connectivity, subsea cables, fibre networks, data centres and cloud infrastructure is reshaping Africa’s digital landscape, Africa Tech Festival serves as a catalyst for the conversations and partnerships driving that progress. South Africa’s Department of Communications and Digital Technologies is a Strategic Partner of the event, with Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies, Hon. Solly Malatsi, confirmed to deliver the opening address.

“Africa Tech Festival is a strategic platform shaping Africa’s digital future, bringing together leaders from across the continent in government and industry to drive collaboration, investment, and innovation. As host country, South Africa is proud to champion an event that not only strengthens partnerships, but advances a shared vision of an inclusive, connected and globally competitive African digital economy,” said Minister Malatsi.

Africa Tech Festival 2026 is structured around six interconnected pillars that reflect the technologies and priorities driving Africa’s digital economy: Telecoms & Connectivity; Data Centres; AI; Cybersecurity; Startups; and Digital Transformation.

Together, these pillars provide a framework for addressing some of the continent’s most pressing priorities, including digital infrastructure expansion, greater connectivity and digital inclusion, responsible AI adoption, stronger data sovereignty and digital trust, and the partnerships and investments needed to unlock Africa’s next wave of innovation and economic growth.

The event will feature dedicated content programmes, executive forums, exhibitions, networking opportunities and investment-focused discussions designed to connect decision-makers from across Africa and around the world.

“It is now clear that this is a defining moment for the ICT sector in Africa. AI adoption is transforming business processes, but it also raises questions around inclusion, data sovereignty and the capacity of digital infrastructure. Africa Tech Festival is the only forum where leaders from across the tech ecosystem – telecoms operators, hyperscalers and corporate end-users – can come together to find the answers,” said David Monaghan, VP, Africa Tech Festival.

As Africa’s digital economy continues to attract global investment and attention, Africa Tech Festival showcases the continent’s capabilities and leadership while connecting African stakeholders with international investors, technology companies and policymakers. Beyond the annual event, it continues to serve as a year-round forum for thought leadership, industry engagement and ecosystem development, helping shape the policies, investments and innovations that are accelerating Africa’s digital transformation.

Register to attend Africa Tech Festival 2026

General registration: https://apo-opa.co/3Sq6goC
For more information, as well as exhibitor and sponsor applications, visit https://AfricaTechFestival.com.
Distributed by APO Group on behalf of Africa Tech Festival.

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About Africa Tech Festival:

Africa Tech Festival is the continent’s leading platform for shaping the future of the digital economy. Taking place annually in Cape Town, the festival brings together the full technology ecosystem, from telecoms and infrastructure providers to enterprise leaders, startups, investors and policymakers.

Through six core pillars spanning connectivity, AI, cybersecurity, data centres, digital transformation and the startup ecosystem, Africa Tech Festival delivers a comprehensive view of the trends, challenges and opportunities defining Africa’s digital landscape.

The festival combines high level content with large scale exhibition and networking, creating a space where strategy meets execution. Across three days, it convenes global technology leaders, decision makers and innovators to share insight, build partnerships and drive real business outcomes.

Africa Tech Festival is part of Informa Festivals, a division of Informa. 

Contact:
marie@apo-opa.com 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/africa-tech-festival-2026-returns-as-africas-defining-platform-for-digital-transformation-investment-and-innovation-302806448.html

SOURCE Africa Tech Festival

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