Including the 2026 TIME100 Next list, acquisitions by Scholastic and Choice Hotels, and the reason The Laughing Cow stopped laughing.

NEW YORK, Oct. 2, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire. To help journalists and consumers stay on top of the week's most newsworthy and popular releases, here's a recap of some major stories from the week that shouldn't be missed.

The list below includes the headline (with a link to the full text) and an excerpt from each story. Click on the press release headlines to access accompanying multimedia assets that are available for download.

1. TIME Reveals the 2026 TIME100 Next List of the Leaders Shaping the Future
   "Our team spent months working with our editorial colleagues around the world, seeking out the individuals who best represent the stories shaping our world. Among the key themes: those working to increase access to education, individuals leading the AI revolution, leaders tackling immigration, and politicians seeking to create a new kind of leadership in their own countries and around the world," said TIME Editor-in-Chief Sam Jacobs.
2. Johnnie Walker Blue Label Welcomes India's Festive Season with a New Blend, Continuing Its Creative Partnership with Rahul Mishra
   Developed specifically to complement the richness and diversity of Indian cuisine, the Indian Festive Blend is inspired by the harmony at the heart of India's culinary heritage, where spice, sweetness and aromatic complexity exist in perfect balance.
3. ADP National Employment Report: Private-Sector Employment Increased by 90,000 Jobs in September
   "It's a strong report," said Dr. Nela Richardson, chief economist, ADP. "After a three-month slowdown, job creation rebounded and pay growth remained solid."
4. Scholastic to Acquire Cottage Door Press, a Leading, Fast-Growing Innovator in Early Childhood Publishing
   The transaction is expected to broaden Scholastic's children's publishing portfolio across formats, categories and channels, creating new opportunities to reach children and families.
5. Choice Hotels to Acquire Harvest Hosts, Expanding Its Reach with the Value-Minded Traveler Into Outdoor and RV Travel
   Harvest Hosts connects RV travelers with unique overnight experiences at more than 11,200 host locations, including wineries, farms, breweries, museums and other attractions. It provides members with an accessible way to discover distinctive destinations while supporting local businesses.
6. Tulavi Therapeutics Awarded Breakthrough Technology Designation for Synthetic Implantable Products with Premier, Inc.
   Effective September 15, 2026, the new agreement allows Premier members, at their discretion, to take advantage of special pricing and terms pre-negotiated by Premier for the allay™ Hydrogel Cap, the first and only fully resorbable, in situ forming medical device indicated to reduce the risk of symptomatic neuroma formation. 
7. Princess Cruises Becomes First Global Cruise Line to Launch AI-Powered Cruise Planning App For Large Language Models
   Through the Princess native LLM app, ChatGPT can now connect directly with trusted information and services within the Princess Cruises' website. For guests, the experience is simple and seamless.
8. Peoples Bancorp Inc. and Capital Bancorp, Inc. Announce Merger Agreement
   Upon completion of the Merger, the combined company is expected to have approximately $14 billion in total assets, $10 billion in total loans and $11 billion in total deposits, with over 150 banking locations across eight states and Washington, D.C., in addition to nationwide specialty financial services platforms.
9. AT&T, T-Mobile, and Verizon Launch Joint Venture That Helps End Dead Zones; Name Paul Roth Interim CEO
   Terrestrial mobile networks will continue to deliver the high-quality experience customers expect every day. However, reliable connectivity has never been more important. In areas where traditional cell service is a challenge, the joint venture will aim to provide customers with stronger, even more reliable connectivity and greater choice.
10. SKITTLES® Adds a Satisfying Crunch to Gummies with New SKITTLES Gummy Crystals
    As consumers continue to seek out bold texture experiences, SKITTLES is bringing the popular crunchy gummy candy trend to its iconic soft candy. With a unique blend of crunchy and gummy textures in one bite, SKITTLES Gummy Crystals bring an innovative twist to the classic fruity treat fans know and love.
11. Leica Biosystems Completes Acquisition of StatLab to Bolster Delivery of More Precise, Timely Diagnostics for Cancer Patients
    For patients and their care teams, precision cancer diagnostics can provide critical information about the type and characteristics of the disease, helping inform more personalized treatment decisions.
12. The Laughing Cow® Finally Reveals Why She Stopped Laughing: It's Those Trivial Everyday Disagreements Driving a Wedge Between Us
    With a lighthearted nod to its iconic cheese wedges, The Laughing Cow is reminding consumers that a wedge should be something we share, not an issue that comes between us. Now, the brand is asking fans to laugh off those little disagreements, come together and help get The Laughing Cow laughing again.
13. Red Bull® Advent Calendar for 2026 Launches in the U.S.
    The Red Bull Advent Calendar brings together fan-favorite flavors, including Red Bull Apple Edition and a pack-exclusive Red Bull Festive Edition Arctic Berry, into one covetable holiday package. Consumers can also scan the QR code on the pack and access a holiday-themed mini-game on RedBull.com for a chance to win festive prizes.
14. Hormel Foods Announces Definitive Agreement To Acquire Brakebush, A Leading Value-Added Chicken Company
    Hormel Foods Corporation has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Brakebush Brothers, LLC. The acquisition advances Hormel Foods' strategy of investing in growing protein categories, will meaningfully expand the company's position in value-added chicken and is expected to strengthen its leading Foodservice platform.
15. The Home Depot Announces 2026 Holiday Decor Collection and Seasonal Savings on Gifts for Everyone on Your List
    The 2026 Home Depot holiday decor collection rolls out in stores nationwide beginning October 5, including the Grand Duchess SMART trees and 6.5-foot app-controlled Santa.

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