Author: Sai Krishna

NAHA PORT AUTHORITY, CRUISE PORT NAHA G.K., MSC CRUISES AND ROYAL CARIBBEAN GROUP BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF NEW CRUISE TERMINAL AT NAHA PORT, OKINAWA

The new terminal will support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa, strengthen regional connectivity, and enhance the guest experience.

NAHA, OKINAWA, Japan, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., Royal Caribbean Group and MSC Cruises celebrated the groundbreaking of a new cruise terminal at Naha Port, marking a significant milestone in the continued growth of cruising in Japan and across the East Asia region.

Cruise Port Naha G.K. is a joint venture between CTL Maritime and RCL Cruises Ltd., representing the respective interests of MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group. Under the Cruise Hub Formation Agreement concluded with the Naha Port Authority in August 2026, Cruise Port Naha G.K. will develop and operate the new terminal, with completion and the start of operations targeted for March 2028.

The new terminal will provide modern, purpose-built facilities designed to enhance the guest experience, improve operational efficiency, and support the long-term growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa.

As one of Japan’s most strategically located ports, Naha offers year-round accessibility and serves as an ideal gateway for cruise itineraries throughout the region. Once completed, the new terminal will provide enhanced passenger facilities, strengthening the port’s ability to accommodate some of the most advanced cruise ships in the world, thereby supporting increased passenger capacity and growing demand for cruise vacations in Asia.   

“For Royal Caribbean Group, Japan is one of the most important cruise markets in Asia – not only as a destination, but as a long-term partner in our global business. We do not simply bring guests here, we also invest here and with Naha Okinawa, we are investing in infrastructure that will benefit the local community for years to come,” said Jason Liberty, chairman and CEO of Royal Caribbean Group. “The future of cruising in Japan is about shared ambition, collaboration, and responsible innovation, and we are honored to be a part of it.”

“Okinawa is uniquely positioned at the crossroads of some of Asia’s most exciting cruise destinations, and we see real potential for its future,” said Pierfrancesco Vago, Executive Chairman, MSC Group, Cruises Division. “This project forms part of our long-term vision to expand our presence in the region and create new opportunities for guests of MSC Cruises and Explora Journeys to enjoy Asia year-round. As we continue to develop our itineraries and invest in infrastructure, we are making cruising more accessible for both international and Asian travellers while strengthening connections across the region. We are proud to partner with Royal Caribbean Group and the Naha Port Authority in bringing this vision to life, and I thank all those whose commitment, collaboration and shared ambition have made today’s milestone possible. Together, we are investing not only in a port, but in the future growth of cruise tourism in Okinawa and across Asia.”

The project follows Naha Port’s designation by Japan’s Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism as an International Cruise Ship Hub Formation Port in 2019 and represents an important public-private collaboration to support the long-term development of tourism in Okinawa.

Today’s groundbreaking included a traditional Japanese ceremony at the future terminal site, marking the formal start of construction and bringing together several esteemed public officials for the event, including Okinawa Governor Genta Koja and representatives from the Cabinet Office of Japan, alongside representatives from Naha Port Authority, Cruise Port Naha G.K., MSC Cruises and Royal Caribbean Group.

About Royal Caribbean Group

Royal Caribbean Group is a leading global vacation company spanning cruise, one-of-a-kind destinations, and land-based vacation experiences. The company operates 71 ships sailing to more than 1,000 destinations across all seven continents through its three wholly owned brands – Royal Caribbean, Celebrity Cruises, and Silversea – and a 50% joint venture interest in TUI Cruises, which operates the Mein Schiff and Hapag-Lloyd brands.

The Group is expanding its portfolio of private destinations through its Perfect Day and Royal Beach Club collections, and the company will enter river cruising in 2027 with Celebrity River Cruises. Powered by innovative brands, advanced technology, and an industry-leading loyalty program, the company has built a connected vacation ecosystem, turning the vacation of a lifetime into a lifetime of vacations. 

Named to the Fortune World’s Most Admired Companies 2026 list and to Forbes’ 2026 Best American Companies lists, Royal Caribbean Group is guided by its mission to deliver the best vacations responsibly. For more information, visit royalcaribbeangroup.com.

About MSC Cruises

Headquartered in Geneva, Switzerland, the privately-owned MSC Cruises is the world’s third largest cruise line and the market leader in Europe with a strong and growing presence in North America. A global cruise brand with 23 modern ships offering cruises across five continents, guests can visit more than 100 countries worldwide with more than 300 destinations, making unforgettable memories and enjoying the finest hospitality. For more information visit MSC Cruises.

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World Trade Centers Association Appoints Annette Gregg as First Female CEO in 57-Year History

Global association executive selected to lead WTCA into its next chapter, strengthening Member value and connections across its network across nearly 100 countries and territories

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — World Trade Centers Association^® (WTCA^®) — an international trade organization connecting more than 300 World Trade Center^® (WTC^®) locations across nearly 100 countries and territories — today announced the appointment of Annette Gregg as its first female Chief Executive Officer in the Association’s 57-year history.

Gregg joins WTCA as the Association enters a new chapter, following the recent return of its global headquarters to the World Trade Center site in Lower Manhattan after 25 years, signaling an exciting new chapter for the organization, and further advancing its mission of “Connecting Businesses, Globally.” As CEO, Gregg will provide strategic leadership to WTCA and its global staff, working closely with the Board of Directors and Members to advance the Association’s strategic and business priorities. She will also serve as a leading public voice for WTCA, focused on strengthening engagement across its Membership, expanding the global network and creating new opportunities for Members to connect businesses, markets and communities through international trade and investment.

“Annette brings the combination of strategic vision, financial acumen and global stakeholder engagement that WTCA needs as we look toward the future,” said John E. Drew, Chair of the WTCA Board of Directors. “Throughout her career, she has demonstrated that she knows how to strengthen international organizations by listening to their Members, creating meaningful value and building connections across markets and cultures. With Annette stepping into this new role and WTCA recently establishing its headquarters at One World Trade Center, we are building on a strong legacy while positioning the Association for its next era of global growth and impact.”

Gregg brings more than 30 years of leadership experience spanning global associations, private enterprise and the international business events and hospitality sectors. Most recently, she served as CEO of the Society for Incentive Travel Excellence (SITE), where she led a global association of approximately 3,700 members and 27 chapters. Under her leadership, SITE increased topline revenue by 160% in three years through diversified revenue streams while expanding membership by more than 70%. She was also recently named the 2026 Marin Bright Legacy Award Recipient for her work with SITE, and her leadership in meetings and events, and was awarded at the 2026 Smart Women in Meetings Awards Gala.

Previously, Gregg served as Chief Revenue Officer for Meeting Professionals International (MPI), where she was responsible for approximately 70% of the organization’s revenue and helped expand global product distribution across Europe, Asia and Latin America. Her career has consistently centered on building international communities, strengthening stakeholder engagement and translating the reach of global networks into tangible value for their members.

“WTCA has an extraordinary foundation — a trusted global brand and a network of Members with deep connections to businesses and communities across nearly 100 countries and territories,” said Annette Gregg, Chief Executive Officer, WTCA. “I see tremendous opportunity to build on that strength — listening to our Members, connecting ideas and opportunities across markets and finding new ways for this network to create meaningful business value. I’m honored to lead WTCA into this next chapter and excited to help strengthen the connections that make international business possible.”

Gregg’s appointment comes as businesses are navigating an increasingly complex global environment, making trusted relationships, market intelligence and direct connections across borders increasingly important. Through its network, events and programming, WTCA brings together business leaders, economic development organizations and WTC businesses to exchange market intelligence, develop cross-border relationships and identify opportunities for trade and investment.

She assumes her CEO responsibilities effective October 5 and will lead WTCA from its recently established global headquarters at One World Trade Center in New York City, working alongside the Association’s headquarters and regional teams serving Members around the world.

MEDIA CONTACTS: 

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

Chanelle Dimalanta

Phone: +1 212 432 2644

Email: cdimalanta@wtca.org 

Violet PR

Christina Forrest

Phone: +1 646 586 9932

Email: christina@violetpr.com

About World Trade Centers Association (WTCA)

World Trade Centers Association (WTCA) is a network of more than 300 highly connected, mutually supporting businesses and organizations in nearly 100 countries and territories. As the owner of the “World Trade Center” and “WTC” trademarks, WTCA licenses exclusive rights to these brands for members to use in conjunction with their independently owned, iconic properties, facilities and trade services offerings. Through a robust portfolio of events, programming and resources that it offers its members, the goal of WTCA is to help local economies thrive by encouraging and facilitating trade and investment across the globe, creating an ecosystem built around commerce, community and connection. To learn more, visit www.wtca.org.

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Gas Liquids Engineering Completes Detailed Engineering for TAQA North’s Ferrier Gas Plant

CALGARY, AB, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd. (GLE) is pleased to announce the successful completion of its detailed engineering Issued for Construction (IFC) scope for TAQA North Ltd.’s new Ferrier Gas Plant in west-central Alberta. The facility is currently under construction.

The Ferrier Gas Plant is a new sweet natural gas processing facility designed to process production from TAQA North’s surrounding development areas. Phase 1 of the facility is designed for 105 MMSCFD of natural gas processing capacity, with the facility designed to accommodate a potential future Phase 2 expansion.

GLE provided multidisciplinary engineering and project support across process, mechanical, piping, civil/structural, electrical, instrumentation and controls. The facility incorporates inlet separation, mechanical refrigeration, de-ethanization and de-butanization, recycle compression, NGL and condensate storage, flare systems, heat medium, instrument air and associated utilities.

The plant is designed to recover hydrocarbon liquids from the inlet gas while producing pipeline-quality sales gas. The refrigeration and fractionation systems provide for the recovery and separation of natural gas liquids and condensate for sale.

“We are pleased to have completed the detailed engineering and IFC scope for TAQA North’s Ferrier Gas Plant and to be part of the project as it moves through construction,” said Ryan Arnold, Vice President Business Development, Gas Liquids Engineering. “This project draws directly on GLE’s long-standing experience in refrigeration, liquids recovery and natural gas processing, and we are proud to work with TAQA North in bringing this new facility into operation.”

GLE’s scope included development of the design basis, engineering calculations and equipment specifications, drawing development, 3D modelling, procurement support, vendor integration, HAZOP participation, regulatory engineering support and preparation of construction documentation. GLE is also providing engineering support during the construction phase.

The facility was designed with an emphasis on reliability, performance, safety and regulatory compliance, while providing flexibility for future expansion.

About Gas Liquids Engineering

Gas Liquids Engineering Ltd. is a Calgary-based engineering firm providing engineering, procurement and construction management services to the energy industry in Canada and internationally. Since 1987, GLE has developed extensive experience in natural gas processing, refrigeration, liquids recovery and fractionation, compression, pipelines, terminals, power generation, carbon capture and CO₂ infrastructure.

www.gasliquids.com

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Estée Lauder at NYSE for Breast Cancer Awareness Month: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on October 5th

• The Estée Lauder Companies’ Breast Cancer Campaign was founded in 1992.
  • Evelyn Lauder founded the campaign and co-created the iconic Pink Ribbon to bring awareness to the disease and address stigmas in women’s health.
  • The Campaign and Estée Lauder Charitable Foundation have funded over $182 million for research, education, and medical services.
  • Chairman William Lauder will speak with NYSE’s Kristen Scholer in an interview that will be distributed across NYSE platforms in the coming weeks.
• The Ronald McDonald House NY’s annual gala will take place on Tuesday.
  • The theme of this year’s event is ‘The Next Chapter’ in the organization’s story of hope for families battling pediatric illness.
  • The event will feature honorees, a family story, and the organization’s expanding mission.
  • Ronald McDonald House New York Chair Steven Bensinger will join NYSE Live to discuss the new ways the organization has been helping patients and families fight cancer.
• Investors are tracking the latest Treasury yield moves ahead of Wednesday.
  • The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield is trading close to 5.3% as of 8 a.m. ET.
  • Fed Minutes from September’s meeting will come out on Wednesday at 2 p.m. ET.
  • According to the latest data, about 80% of traders expect the Fed to leave interest rates unchanged later this month.

Opening Bell

Estée Lauder recognizes Breast Cancer Awareness Month

Closing Bell

Sony (NYSE: SONY) celebrates the 80^th anniversary of its founding

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

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EpiSign and Geneyx Announce Partnership to Integrate Genomic and Epigenomic Analysis for Rare Disease

LONDON, ON and HERZLIYA, Israel, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — EpiSignInc. and GeneyxGenomex Ltd. today announced a partnership to advance the integration of genomic and epigenomic analysis for rare-disease interpretation.

The collaboration combines EpiSign’s expertise in DNA methylation episignature analysis with Geneyx’s genomic and multi-omics capabilities. EpiSign METRIC is available to Geneyx customers, allowing laboratories to incorporate epigenomic evidence alongside genomic and phenotypic information in an integrated interpretation workflow.

EpiSign METRIC automates the analysis of disease-associated DNA methylation episignatures across more than 300 EpiSign-associated conditions. EpiSign METRIC 5-base extends this capability beyond methylation microarrays to methylation data generated by Illumina 5-base, PacBioHiFi and Oxford Nanopore sequencing.

More than a decade of episignature discovery, validation and clinical experience has been built largely on methylation-array frameworks. EpiSign METRIC 5-base now brings that established knowledge and comprehensive reference framework directly into 5-base sequencing workflows, enabling laboratories to apply mature episignature analysis to sequencing data today rather than rebuilding that knowledge base for each new sequencing platform.

“Genomic interpretation is rapidly moving beyond looking at DNA variants in isolation,” said David Yizhar, Chief Executive Officer of Geneyx. “Our partnership with EpiSign brings together two highly complementary capabilities: Geneyx’s genomic and multi-omics analysis platform and EpiSign’s deep expertise in DNA methylation and episignatures. By making these additional layers of biological evidence accessible within the interpretation process, we aim to help laboratories resolve more complex cases and move from data to meaningful answers more efficiently.”

Dr. Bekim Sadikovic, co-founder and Chief Scientific Officer of EpiSignInc., said the collaboration reflects the growing role of integrated genomic and epigenomic information in rare-disease analysis.

“Genome sequencing is increasingly capable of generating both genetic and epigenetic information from the same assay, creating an important opportunity to bring these complementary data together during interpretation,” Sadikovic. “Working with Geneyx will expand access to comprehensive episignature analysis and help move the field toward integrated genomic and epigenomic workflows for evaluating complex and unresolved cases.”

Dan Sinai, Chief Executive Officer of EpiSign Inc., said the collaboration can also address two practical challenges in rare-disease diagnosis.

“By generating genomic and epigenomic information together from a single assay, laboratories have the opportunity to reduce wet-lab testing and data-generation costs,” said Sinai. “At the same time, bringing these complementary answers together earlier can reduce sequential testing and help shorten the diagnostic odyssey for patients and families.”

The collaboration supports laboratories using array, and short- and long-read sequencing workflows and enables geneticists and laboratory teams to consider DNA methylation evidence alongside genomic variants, phenotypic information and other relevant data during case interpretation.

“Rare-disease cases are often not solved by a single type of data,” Yizhar added. “The future is multi-omics. Our goal is to give geneticists the ability to bring together the evidence they need in one analytical environment, while preserving the expertise and clinical judgment of the professionals interpreting each case.”

The companies will collaborate to expand integrated genomic and epigenomic workflows for clinical and research laboratories worldwide.

EpiSign METRIC 5-base is available for research use only.

About EpiSign Inc.

EpiSignInc. develops advanced DNA methylation analysis software for rare-disease and clinical epigenomic applications. Its EpiSign METRIC platform provides automated analysis of disease-associated DNA methylation episignatures through a comprehensive reference and multi-class classification framework. EpiSign works with clinical and research laboratories internationally through the EpiSign Clinical Testing Network and EpiSign Discovery Network.

About Geneyx

Geneyx develops comprehensive genomic and multi-omics analysis solutions designed to support geneticists, clinical laboratories and research organizations in the analysis and interpretation of complex genomic data. The Geneyx Analysis platform supports germline and somatic analysis across short- and long-read sequencing technologies and brings genomic, phenotypic and other relevant biological information together within an integrated interpretation environment.

Media Contacts

For Geneyx:

RavivItzhaky

Co-founder / CMO

Raviv@genyx.com 

www.geneyx.com

For EpiSign: 

Katy Evans

Director, Business Operations

Katy.evans@episign.com 

https://episign.com/

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GAC Exports 197,000 Vehicles in Jan-Sep, Marking Nine Consecutive Months of Year-on-Year Doubling

GUANGZHOU, China, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — In September, GAC’s own-brand exports reached 25,693 units, up 160.9% year-on-year, marking 9 consecutive months of over 100% growth. Cumulative exports from January to September reached 197,701 units, up 138.9%, reaching 156.7% of last year’s full-year total and charging toward the annual target of 300,000 units.

Asia-Pacific: Localization Efforts Reach New Heights, Brand Building Achieves Breakthroughs

In September, Southeast Asian sales rose 32% year-on-year, with Laos up 433%, the Philippines up 301%, and Indonesia up 79%. In Hong Kong SAR, the E9 PHEV reclaimed No.1 in MPV sales in August. On September 17, GAC’s Cambodia KD plant launched, marking a shift from complete vehicle exports to local manufacturing. GAC won the 2026 Philippine Automotive Industry Breakthrough Brand Award. On September 20, Myanmar’s First Vice President Nyo Saw visited GAC. The GAC GN8 served as the official vehicle for the APEC SME Ministerial Meeting and the 2026 Fortune Global 500 Forum.

Europe: Accelerating New Market Expansion, Product Strength Receives Authoritative Certification

In September, the UK was up 392%, Greece up 102%, and Switzerland up 650% month-on-month. The AION UT and AION V ranked 3rd in Greece’s BEV segment in August. The AION UT earned a 2026 Euro NCAP five-star rating and won the 2026 TADA Turin Automotive Design Award for Best Exterior Design. It launched in the UK, Denmark, Norway, and France. GAC became the official automotive partner of La Liga club Villarreal.

Americas: Continuously Improving Product Portfolio, Supporting Local Green Transportation Transformation

In September, terminal sales rose 111% year-on-year, with Brazil up 280%, Colombia up 337%, and Ecuador up 137%. In Uruguay, GAC ranked 3rd in all-brand sales in August, and the AION V won the compact SUV sales championship for 2 consecutive months. The GS4 MAX HEV and S7 ULTRA AWD PHEV launched in Uruguay. GAC delivered 100 AION UT units in Chile.

Middle East, Africa & CIS: Brand Upward Breakthrough, Reshaping Market Landscape with Tech Luxury

In September, African sales surged 560% year-on-year, with Libya up 41% and Côte d’Ivoire up 84%. CIS sales rose 176%, with Azerbaijan up 191%. The GS7 PHEV launched in Dubai on September 12. On September 24, GAC launched the GN8 PHEV, HYPTEC HT and HYPTEC SSR in Casablanca, Morocco.

For further information about GAC, please visit: https://www.gacgroup.com/en or follow us on social media.

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Manulife Announces Presenting Partnership of The Hinton Lectures™ on AI Safety

C$ unless otherwise stated                                                                               TSX/NYSE/PSE: MFC     SEHK: 945 

This partnership will advance public understanding of AI safety, led by Nobel Laureate Geoffrey Hinton and supported by Manulife’s commitment to Responsible AI

TORONTO, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Manulife is proud to announce a two-year presenting partnership with The Hinton Lectures™, supporting the 2026 and 2027 lecture series dedicated to advancing public understanding and scientific discourse on AI safety. The 2026 lectures, which will be held in Toronto this November, are co-founded by Nobel Laureate Professor Geoffrey Hinton, a renowned AI expert, and the AI Safety Foundation.

This partnership builds on Manulife’s commitment to Responsible AI and support for informed dialogue on the responsible development of AI. Guided by its Responsible AI Principles, Manulife is focused on developing and deploying AI in a way that creates value for customers, colleagues and society while maintaining trust, managing risk, and promoting accountability.

“Our support for The Hinton Lectures™ reflects Manulife’s commitment to advancing responsible AI,” said Jodie Wallis, Manulife’s Global Chief AI Officer. “AI is evolving quickly, and so are the questions around how we develop and use it responsibly. The Hinton Lectures bring together thoughtful perspectives from across research, industry and policy, and we’re proud to be part of that conversation.”

The Hinton Lectures™ are hosted by Professor Geoffrey Hinton and feature world-leading experts in AI safety. This year’s keynote speaker is Paul Christiano, a leading expert in AI safety and alignment. The lecture series will take place November 9-11, 2026, at the Metro Toronto Convention Centre in Toronto. The events are open to the public and will also be livestreamed.

Manulife senior leaders will participate throughout the series, delivering opening remarks and sharing perspectives on responsible AI, governance, trust and innovation alongside leaders from research, industry and policy.

“We’re pleased to welcome Manulife back to The Hinton Lectures, this year as our presenting partner,” said Ankesh Chandaria, CEO of the AI Safety Foundation. “Their expanded support reflects a shared commitment to advancing thoughtful conversations about the responsibilities that come with AI. We’re proud to partner with an organization that is helping drive the responsible adoption of AI and bring these important discussions to a broader audience.”

Manulife has been actively investing in and scaling AI capabilities since 2016. In the past four years, the firm has significantly increased the value enabled through AI by expanding its AI solutions portfolio and increasing efficiency through data and AI platform investments. Manulife has been named the number one life insurance company for AI maturity for the second consecutive year, and ranks among the top insurers overall in the 2026 Evident AI Index for Insurance. More information on Manulife’s AI progress can be found on Manulife.com/AI.

The public can register for tickets or the livestream online at HintonLectures.com. The event is organized by the AI Safety Foundation and hosted by Professor Geoffrey Hinton.

For additional details on the 2026 Hinton Lectures, including this year’s distinguished lecturer announcement, please see the AI Safety Foundation’s announcement here. 

About Manulife   

Manulife Financial Corporation is a leading international financial services provider, headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Anchored in our ambition to be the number one choice for customers, we operate as Manulife across Canada and Asia, and primarily as John Hancock in the United States, providing financial advice, insurance and health solutions for individuals, groups and businesses. Through Manulife Wealth & Asset Management, we offer global investment solutions, financial advice, and retirement plan services to individuals, institutions, and retirement plan members worldwide. At the end of 2025, we had more than 37,000 employees, over 106,000 agents, and thousands of distribution partners, serving over 37 million customers with operations across 25 markets globally. We trade as ‘MFC’ on the Toronto, New York, and Philippine stock exchanges, and under ‘945’ on the Hong Kong stock exchange. Not all offerings are available in all jurisdictions. For additional information, please visit manulife.com.

Media Contact

Emily English (647) 544-2800

emily_english@manulife.ca

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Habitat for Humanity’s new global research report finds three in four people are cutting back on essentials to afford housing

ATLANTA, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Housing costs are forcing millions of people around the world into difficult trade-offs, coming at the expense of food, healthcare, financial security and major plans for the future, according to a global research report released today by Habitat for Humanity International. Titled Home at What Cost? and based on nationally representative surveys of 30,000 people across 22 countries, the report reveals that the full cost of housing extends far beyond rent or mortgage payments — it includes what people give up to secure a place to call home.

Three in 4 survey respondents (75%) say they have cut back on at least one expense in the past year to afford housing costs, with the greatest pressures falling on people already facing greater housing vulnerability, including those living in informal arrangements (89%), lower-income groups (85%) and younger generations — Gen Z and Millennials (81%). The trade-offs reach the essentials, with one-third of respondents (33%) spending less on food, 32% dipping into savings or emergency funds, and 13% delaying or avoiding medical care to afford their homes.

Despite these sacrifices, many households are still exposed, with nearly half of people globally (48%) saying one unexpected problem could threaten their ability to stay housed. Housing affordability is also forcing compromises on safety, with 40% saying they accept some level of housing risk because safer options are out of reach. Across the board, people lack confidence that solutions are on the horizon, with 56% saying the housing system in their country is broken or does not work.

“A home should never come at the cost of your health or your future. It should be the foundation of health, opportunity and financial security. Yet more than half of people believe the housing system in their country is broken or simply isn’t working for them,” said Jonathan Reckford, CEO of Habitat for Humanity International. “We cannot accept a future where people have to lower their expectations for what a home should provide. The research shows why we need governments, businesses and communities to work together to create housing systems that help people build a future instead of simply surviving the present.”

Delayed families, declining well-being

The impact of housing costs extends beyond household budgets, affecting people’s well-being today and the futures they hope to build.

• Over half of people (56%) say housing costs make it difficult to consider starting a family. This rises to 62% for Gen Z and Millennials.
• Nearly 6 in 10 parents and guardians (58%) worry that housing costs are limiting opportunities for their children, highlighting how housing pressures are delaying major life milestones and making long-term security harder to achieve.
• Concerns over future homeownership are highest in higher income countries, particularly in North America where more than half of non-homeowners in Canada (56%) and nearly half in the U.S. (42%) say they don’t expect to own a home at some point in their life.
• Meanwhile, lack of housing satisfaction is highest in countries with low national gross income, such as Côte d’Ivoire (66%) and Ethiopia (63%), compared with a global average of 35%.
• More than 1 in 3 people (35%) say their housing situation is one of the biggest sources of stress in their lives, rising to 64% among respondents living in informal housing arrangements, and 39% among younger generations (Gen Z and Millennials).

Renters are nearly 1.5 times as likely as homeowners to say their housing situation could negatively affect their health (28% vs. 19%).

Meanwhile, nearly 9 in 10 respondents globally (89%) say safe, comfortable and reliable housing helps them stay mentally healthy, underlining that housing is not simply a financial issue but one that increasingly shapes people’s well-being, resilience, and ability to care for themselves and their families.

Housing safety also is increasingly impacted by climate change, with nearly a third of people (30%) expecting extreme weather to make living where they are harder over the next three years, while 18% say their home does not protect them from extreme weather such as heat, cold or flooding.

Governments, private-sector businesses, civil society and individuals all have a role to play in ensuring people can access housing that expands opportunity rather than limiting it. Habitat for Humanity is calling on governments to move from housing promises to housing pathways through political commitment and investment; on businesses to expand and innovate housing finance opportunities; on peers and partners to turn evidence into action by urging policy change, financing and accountability; and on individuals and communities to use their voices, skills and networks to help drive lasting housing solutions.

The report includes a more detailed breakdown of these findings, including country and demographic insights. To find out more about the report or Habitat for Humanity International, visit habitat.org/HomeAtWhatCost.

Methodology

The nationally representative survey was conducted between April 10 and June 30, 2026, across 22 countries, with the views of 30,758 people. The research was conducted across countries, including Argentina, Australia, Barbados, Brazil, Canada, Côte d’Ivoire, Egypt, Ethiopia, Guatemala, Indonesia, Ireland, Kenya, Mexico, Nepal, Nigeria, Poland, South Africa, South Korea, Trinidad and Tobago, Turkey, the United Kingdom, and the United States. This report is based on original public opinion research commissioned by Habitat for Humanity International to better understand how people experience housing in their daily lives. The research was designed to complement existing housing data by moving beyond system-level indicators and capturing how housing affects people’s sense of safety, affordability, stability, dignity, health, opportunity and community.

About Habitat for Humanity

Habitat for Humanity is a movement of people in your local area and around the world, working together to build more prosperous and vibrant communities by making sure everyone has a safe, affordable place to call home. Since our founding in 1976 as a Christian organization, together we have helped more than 65 million people globally build their futures on their own terms through access to decent housing. We’ve done that by working alongside people of all walks of life to build, repair and finance their homes, by innovating new ways of building and financing, and by advocating for policies that make constructing and accessing housing easier for everyone. Together, we build homes, communities and hope. To learn more, visit habitat.org 

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Quantinuum and The University of Western Australia Partner to Advance Australia’s Quantum Capability

• Quantinuum and The University of Western Australia (UWA) sign MOU to help prepare Australia’s workforce and innovation ecosystem for the hybrid quantum-AI-HPC computing era
• Quantinuum will provide UWA-affiliated researchers, students and entrepreneurs with access to its full-stack quantum computing ecosystem, including Helios, the world’s most accurate commercial quantum computer¹
• Collaboration will focus on developing quantum applications for sectors critical to Australia’s economy, including critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and healthcare

BROOMFIELD, Colo. and PERTH, Australia, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Quantinuum (NASDAQ: QNT), a leading quantum computing company, today announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with The University of Western Australia (UWA) to advance Australia’s quantum capability by expanding access to advanced quantum computing, developing quantum talent, and accelerating the development of practical applications that integrate quantum computing, AI, and high-performance computing (HPC).

Through the collaboration, UWA-affiliated researchers, students, and entrepreneurs will gain cloud-based access to Quantinuum’s full-stack quantum computing platform, including Helios, the company’s latest-generation quantum computer. The partnership is designed to provide hands-on experience with advanced quantum technologies while creating new opportunities to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing can work together to address complex real-world challenges.

The organisations will also explore opportunities to expand UWA’s Quantum and AI research ecosystem through a university-wide quantum computing applications centre that would bring together academic, industry, and government stakeholders to identify and develop high-value use cases in critical sectors for Australia’s economy, including critical minerals, energy, agriculture, and healthcare.

“Australia has set an ambitious vision for quantum, and it is making meaningful progress toward turning that vision into reality thanks to leadership from institutions like UWA,” said Dr. Marvin Lee, Country Leader at Quantinuum. “Together, we’re bringing our full suite of capabilities, from world-leading hardware and software to application expertise and ecosystem programs, to develop practical quantum applications and hybrid workflows that will prepare Australia for the quantum era and support the nation’s future prosperity.”

Beyond providing access to advanced quantum systems, the partnership aims to help build the technical capabilities and innovation networks needed to support Australia’s long-term quantum ambitions. Through engagement with Quantinuum programs such as Q-Net and the Startup Partner Program, researchers, developers, and entrepreneurs will have opportunities to access training, collaborate with peers across the global quantum ecosystem, and accelerate the development of quantum-enabled solutions.

Working alongside UWA researchers and industry stakeholders, Quantinuum experts will help evaluate candidate use cases, establish technical benchmarks and assess hybrid workflows that integrate quantum computing, artificial intelligence, and high-performance computing.

Professor Jingbo Wang, founder and Director of UWA’s Research Centre for Quantum Information, Simulation and Algorithm (QUISA), said the partnership built on UWA’s strengths in quantum computing research.

“Through co-design with potential end users and quantum computing hardware providers, this initiative will create new opportunities for UWA researchers, students and industry partners, while strengthening interdisciplinary collaboration across the University. We look forward to exploring all the opportunities this will bring for our researchers as well as student pathways, internships and workforce training initiatives,” Professor Wang said.

“Access to leading quantum technologies helps Australian researchers, students and companies build capability and understand where quantum can deliver real value,” said Petra Andrén, CEO of Quantum Australia. “Collaborations like this create opportunities to develop skills, test applications and connect research with industry challenges. Australia has strengths across the quantum technology stack. Access to the best capabilities, both here and internationally, will help translate those strengths into economic and community benefit.”

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to ensuring Australia remains not only a source of quantum discovery, but a place where quantum technologies are put to work solving real-world challenges and creating economic value.

About Quantinuum

Quantinuum is a leading quantum computing company offering a full-stack platform designed to make quantum computing deployable in real-world environments. The company has commercially deployed multiple generations of trapped-ion based quantum systems built on the well-established QCCD architecture, which it has implemented with novel designs and capabilities to achieve the industry’s highest accuracy levels based on average two-qubit gate fidelity.² Quantinuum has active engagements with market leaders across pharmaceuticals, material science, financial services, and government and industrial markets, as well as academic and research institutions globally. The company has a global workforce of approximately 800 employees, including top scientists and researchers. Over 70% of its technology team holds PhDs or Master’s degrees. Quantinuum’s headquarters is in Broomfield, Colorado, with additional facilities across the United States, United Kingdom, Germany, Japan, Qatar, and Singapore. For more information, please visit www.quantinuum.com.

About UWA

For more than 110 years, The University of Western Australia has been a place where ambition meets action. As the state’s first and leading university, we inspire students, researchers and partners to create meaningful change and tackle the world’s most pressing challenges. Located on the banks of the Derbal Yerrigan (Swan River), our main campus stands on land where kaartdjin (knowledge) has been shared for tens of thousands of years. This enduring legacy of learning shapes our diverse global community of more than 28,000 students from 100 countries, connected to a powerful network of over 150,000 graduates making an impact worldwide. Ranked in the global top 100 (QS 2027) and a member of the prestigious Group of Eight, UWA is recognised for excellence in teaching, research and industry collaboration. From sustainability and health to technology and communities, our work drives real-world outcomes.

At UWA, impact starts here. For more information visit: uwa.edu.au

Forward-Looking Statements 

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, including statements about the expected scope, activities and benefits of the collaboration between Quantinuum and The University of Western Australia; the potential establishment of a university-wide quantum computing applications centre; the development of quantum applications, hybrid quantum-AI-HPC workflows and quantum talent; and the potential impact of quantum computing on sectors including critical minerals, energy, agriculture and healthcare. Words such as “aim,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “could,” “expect,” “explore,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “potential,” “seek,” “will,” “would” and similar expressions identify forward-looking statements, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words.

Forward-looking statements are based on Quantinuum’s current expectations and assumptions and are subject to risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those expressed or implied. These risks include, among others: the Memorandum of Understanding is non-binding, and the parties may not enter into definitive agreements or carry out the activities described; the proposed applications centre may not be established; the collaboration may not produce commercially viable applications or the expected benefits; the pace of technical progress in quantum computing; Quantinuum’s ability to maintain the availability and performance of its systems, including Helios; competition; the availability of funding, personnel and government support; and the other risks described under “Risk Factors” in Quantinuum’s Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026 and its subsequent filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this press release. Quantinuum undertakes no obligation to update any forward-looking statement, except as required by law.

¹ Based on two-qubit fidelity, as of December 31, 2025.

² As of December 31, 2025.

Contact: press@quantinuum.com

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redBus Streamlines Passenger Journeys with Real-Time Tracking, Seat Selection, and Comprehensive Route Comparison

BENGALURU, India, Oct. 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — redBus is strengthening the role of digital booking in India’s intercity bus travel journey by bringing search, comparison, seat selection, boarding information and journey updates into a connected booking experience.

As travellers increasingly evaluate practical details before confirming a bus, the platform is enabling more of the travel decision to take place within the booking process itself.

Search Is Becoming A Part of Journey Planning

Intercity travel decisions often begin with a route and travel date. Once these details are entered, passengers can view the services available for the journey and compare options before moving ahead with a booking.

On redBus, online bus booking brings route search, service availability and filtering tools into one place. Travellers can narrow services based on factors such as departure timing, bus type, boarding point and drop-off location. This makes it easier to focus on options that fit the practical requirements of the journey instead of going through every available service individually.

Boarding Details Can Shape the Final Choice

The location of a boarding or dropping point can affect whether a bus service is convenient. A suitable departure time may still be difficult to manage if the boarding location is far from where the passenger is staying.

Digital booking brings this information forward. redBus allows passengers to review boarding and dropping points during the booking process, helping them consider local travel arrangements before confirming the ticket.

Seat Selection Adds More Control

Bus type and seat availability can also influence the final decision. Where seat selection is supported, travellers can check available seats and choose according to their preference before completing the booking.

This gives passengers greater visibility into the journey rather than leaving seating details until a later stage. The booking process therefore becomes more closely connected with comfort and personal travel preferences.

App Features Extend beyond Booking

The role of online booking can continue after a ticket has been confirmed. For supported services, redBus offers live bus tracking that can help travellers follow the location of their bus and prepare for reaching the boarding point.

Travellers who use the platform to book bus tickets can also access their booking information digitally from their devices. Depending on the selected service and applicable terms, they may find flexibility-related features that can help when travel plans change.

Service Information Makes Comparison Easier

redBus also uses service information and platform features to help passengers assess available options more closely. Travellers can compare operators, bus categories and other journey details within the same booking environment.

This reduces the need to gather basic journey information from several different places before deciding which service to book.

Digital Booking Is Becoming a Wider Travel Tool

Online bus booking is increasingly moving beyond payment and confirmation. Search tools, timing information, boarding details, seat selection and journey updates can all contribute to the travel decision.

By bringing these elements together, redBus is making the booking process more connected with the wider journey. Passengers can use the platform not only to book a bus ticket but explore all the online booking features and make a more informed purchase. 

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/in/news-releases/redbus-streamlines-passenger-journeys-with-real-time-tracking-seat-selection-and-comprehensive-route-comparison-302898310.html