US Business News

US BUSINESS NEWS

Race to Erase MS Unveils 2025-2026 Grant Awardees to Pioneer New Frontiers in Multiple Sclerosis Research

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 18, 2026

LOS ANGELES, CA, March 16, 2026 — Nancy Davis, the visionary force behind Race to Erase MS and MS warrior, is proud to announce the 2025-2026 class of grant awardees, a “Dream Team” of scientific luminaries’ hand-selected to guide research and innovation toward a world without Multiple Sclerosis (MS). These prestigious grants represent more than mere funding; they are an investment in the brilliance and audacity required to transform the landscape of neurological medicine.

With a discerning eye for innovation, Race to Erase MS bestows Young Investigator Awards ($60,000 annually for two years) and Innovation Awards ($60,000 for one year) to those whose research promises to shatter existing paradigms. Each proposal undergoes a rigorous trial by the Scientific Advisory Board, ensuring that only the most groundbreaking and novel inquiries receive financial support.

“Race to Erase MS funding provides critical support for innovation and junior investigators in MS research,” said Emmanuelle Waubant, MD, PhD, Medical Director of Race to Erase MS and Professor of Neurology at UCSF. “Nancy’s vision to bolster the career of the next generation of scientists will directly advance MS care.”

Jack Antel, MD, Professor at McGill University and Director of the Race to Erase MS Scientific Advisory Board, added: “This year’s awards will drive new discoveries into the causes and progression of multiple sclerosis and help translate these findings into meaningful approaches for prevention and treatment. The Foundation’s proven track record demonstrates how investing in Young Investigators accelerates innovation and scientific success.”

The foundation further bolsters this mission by championing the North American Imaging in MS Cooperative (NAIMS), a pioneering network dedicated to the art and science of state-of-the-art MRI research founded by Race to Erase MS.This year’s laureates were chosen for their exceptional contributions to the Center Without Walls program, a world-renowned collective weaving together the intellectual leaders of Hopkins, UCSF, USC, UCLA, and OHSU.

“When I was first diagnosed, the horizon was dark—there was no hope and no treatment. Today, through our collective fire and unwavering resolve, we have witnessed the birth of 24 miracle medications,” said Nancy Davis. “Our race will not cease until the shadow of MS is erased forever. I am profoundly honored to champion these brilliant minds as they sprint toward the finish line of a cure.”

The 2025-2026 Grant Awardees for Innovation and Young Investigator are:

Ben Emery, PhD, Oregon Health & Science University

Neuronal metabolic changes in response to demyelination

Myelin is a protective layer that allows electrical signals to travel through the brain. In MS, this insulation is destroyed. Dr. Emery’s study investigates how neurons change their energy production to cope with this loss and whether these changes make them more vulnerable over time. The goal is to identify new ways to protect neurons and slow disease progression.

Joseph Sabatino, MD, PhD, University of California San Francisco

Relationship of EBV reactivation and anti-EBV immunity in long-term MS outcomes

While Epstein Barr virus (EBV) is a known risk factor for MS, its role after diagnosis is unclear. Dr. Sabatino will study whether EBV reactivation triggers inflammation in patients with worsening outcomes, potentially leading to new ways to treat or even prevent MS.

Ellen M. Mowry, M.D., M.C.R., Johns Hopkins University

Wearable devices to accelerate the development of new therapies for progressive MS

Traditional scales for measuring disability can be imprecise. Dr. Mowry’s team will evaluate if scalable commercial devices, like Fitbits, can reliably capture disability worsening and brain atrophy. This could significantly accelerate clinical trials for progressive MS treatments.

Rhonda Voskuhl, MD, University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA)

Sex-Aging-APOE4 Interactions in Neurodegeneration: A Region-Specific Approach

With women outnumbering men with MS 3:1, Dr. Voskuhl is investigating how the APOE4 gene interacts with aging and biological sex to drive neurodegeneration. This research aims to uncover region-specific treatments for the progression of disability.

Marjan Gharagozloo, Ph.D., Johns Hopkins University, School of Medicine

Investigating the Regulatory Role of NLRX1 in Reactive Astrocytes to Mitigate Neurodegeneration

Dr. Gharagozloo is exploring how the mitochondrial protein NLRX1 can protect neurons from inflammatory injury. By enhancing NLRX1 activity, this research seeks to uncover novel neuroprotective pathways for progressive MS.

Christopher Orlando, MD, Keck School of Medicine of USC

Factors Associated with Delayed Diagnosis and Treatment of Multiple Sclerosis

Timely diagnosis is critical, yet many face barriers. Dr. Orlando will examine how insurance, distance to care, and physician specialization impact diagnosis speed. Notably, studies show that Black and Hispanic patients often experience longer delays in diagnosis and higher disability scores at the time of first treatment compared to white patients. Dr. Orlando’s goal is to design interventions to ensure equitable and timely treatment for all.

About Race to Erase MS:

Founded by Nancy Davis in 1993, Race to Erase MS is dedicated to the treatment and ultimate cure of Multiple Sclerosis. The foundation has raised over $58 million and has been instrumental in the development of 24 FDA-approved therapies. All funds raised support the Center Without Walls program, a nationwide collaboration of physicians and scientists working as a team to accelerate breakthroughs and eradicate MS. www.erasems.org

Media Contact:

Denise Finnegan

denise@rcourihaycpr.com

T: 646.431.7663

Airline Revenue Growth Signals Resilient Demand Amid Rising Fuel Cost Pressures

US Business News Staff 2 US Business News Staff 2 on March 18, 2026

Airline revenue has shown positive signs for U.S. carriers, with major companies such as Delta Air Lines and American Airlines updating their first-quarter 2026 revenue projections. Although challenges remain, including rising fuel prices, both companies are seeing stronger-than-expected performance driven by consistent demand in both leisure and corporate travel. This trend highlights the sector’s ability to adapt and maintain a relatively stable outlook despite external pressures.

Strong Travel Demand Propels Airline Revenue Forecast Increases

Delta and American Airlines have adjusted their airline revenue forecasts upwards for the first quarter of 2026. Both companies report that demand across leisure and corporate travel segments has been notably strong. Early bookings for the spring and summer months have exceeded previous expectations, with particular strength in premium cabin services. These high-yield segments are contributing positively to overall revenue growth, helping to offset the impact of rising fuel costs.

While rising operational costs, especially jet fuel, remain a concern for airlines, the increase in fares, driven by higher demand, has allowed these carriers to maintain solid revenue forecasts. In particular, the trend of travelers paying more for premium services appears to have bolstered airline revenue expectations. Analysts have noted that this pricing power is helping to mitigate the impact of fuel price fluctuations, providing airlines with a cushion as they navigate economic uncertainty.

Rising Fuel Prices Put Pressure on Airline Profit Margins

Fuel costs, which constitute a significant portion of airline operating expenses, have surged in recent months, driven by volatility in global energy markets and geopolitical factors. These increases in jet fuel prices have created additional operational challenges for airlines, pressuring their profit margins and contributing to higher overall expenses.

However, despite these challenges, airlines are responding strategically. Delta and American Airlines have implemented adjustments to flight schedules and increased the use of fuel-efficient aircraft to reduce the impact of rising fuel prices. By focusing on improving operational efficiency, these airlines are working to manage fuel costs while maintaining their ability to meet strong demand.

While the higher fuel prices present a challenge, both airlines have shown flexibility in their approach to mitigating the effects. The adjustment of schedules and fleet upgrades reflects their efforts to maintain service levels while minimizing fuel consumption, which should help protect overall profitability. This combination of strategic planning and strong demand has helped these carriers manage rising fuel costs more effectively than might have been expected under such circumstances.

Financial Markets Respond to Airline Revenue Forecast Revisions

Following the announcement of updated revenue projections, airline revenue growth has been positively reflected in the stock market, with shares of Delta and American Airlines seeing gains. Investors have interpreted these adjustments as an indication that airlines are navigating rising costs effectively, thanks to sustained demand and solid operational management.

The revisions to revenue expectations have highlighted the role that premium travel segments play in boosting overall airline revenue. With passengers willing to pay higher fares for premium services, airlines have been able to offset some of the additional operating expenses, even in the face of rising fuel costs. The fact that airlines can maintain strong outlooks despite these pressures has reinforced investor confidence in the industry’s ability to weather potential challenges.

These positive market reactions also underline the broader view that, while fuel price volatility and economic uncertainty remain ongoing concerns, airlines appear to be well-positioned to manage these risks through a combination of strong demand and effective cost-control strategies.

Corporate Travel Shows Continued Recovery

Corporate travel, which had been slower to recover after the pandemic, has been showing signs of improvement in recent months. Both Delta and American Airlines report that business travel demand has gradually increased, contributing to their positive revenue outlooks. While leisure travel remains the dominant force driving airline revenue, the recovery of corporate travel provides a more diversified revenue stream, adding stability to airlines’ financial outlooks.

The recovery in corporate travel, though not as rapid as leisure travel, represents a promising trend for airlines. Business travel traditionally accounts for a significant portion of airline revenue, and its gradual rebound signals a return to normalcy in the broader economy. As more companies resume travel for meetings, conferences, and business operations, this will likely continue to contribute positively to the airlines’ bottom lines in the coming months.

However, while corporate travel has made progress, it is important to note that it still lags behind pre-pandemic levels, and there may still be some uncertainty surrounding the pace of full recovery in this segment. Despite this, airlines have adapted by focusing on flexible pricing and services to accommodate the varying needs of corporate travelers, helping to ensure that this segment continues to provide meaningful contributions to overall airline revenue.

Airline Revenue Forecasts Reflect Industry Resilience

The upward revision of airline revenue projections for the first quarter of 2026 reflects a broader trend of resilience within the U.S. airline industry. Despite the challenges posed by rising fuel prices and global uncertainties, airlines have demonstrated their ability to adapt by managing costs and capitalizing on strong demand. The success of airlines like Delta and American Airlines in navigating these pressures reflects the broader strength of the sector.

Airlines have emphasized their focus on capacity management, flexible scheduling, and premium service offerings as key strategies to ensure that they can continue generating strong revenue, even in a challenging environment. These operational strategies, combined with ongoing consumer demand, have positioned U.S. airlines to maintain stable revenue growth in the coming months, despite external headwinds.

As the airline industry faces continued uncertainty, these developments suggest that carriers are adjusting to current challenges and positioning themselves for sustained growth. By maintaining flexibility and focusing on high-yield segments like premium travel, U.S. airlines are demonstrating their ability to manage risk and maintain profitability, even as fuel costs rise.

Broader Implications for the Travel Industry

The positive revisions to airline revenue forecasts have broader implications for other sectors within the travel ecosystem. Strong airline demand is expected to positively impact hotels, rental car companies, and other travel services. The continued strength of air travel should help support the recovery of these related industries, as both leisure and business travelers continue to book trips and stay at hotels.

However, corporate travel managers may face challenges in managing increased travel needs alongside rising costs. As airlines adjust their pricing models to reflect higher fuel costs, businesses will need to assess their travel budgets and policies to accommodate these changes. Corporate travelers may also need to adjust to higher fares and reduced flexibility in some cases, which could impact overall corporate travel strategies.

At the same time, airlines’ ongoing emphasis on premium services and high-yield travel segments suggests that the broader travel and hospitality industries may see increased competition. Providers will need to adjust to evolving consumer preferences and demand for higher-end services as airlines continue to focus on maximizing revenue from premium 

Circle and the Role of Online Communities in Shaping Customer Engagement and Brand Strategy

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 18, 2026

Photo Courtesy: Circle

Businesses have increasingly begun focusing on ways to incorporate their communities into the customer journey. Brands are attempting to create peer interactions, collaborative learning opportunities, and other forms of engagement with their communities while going through the process of discovering new products and services by potential customers. All of these actions represent an evolution of business strategy, where trust, shared experiences, and belonging have become significant factors in evaluating long-term commitments and establishing loyalty among customers. 

According to Circle’s 2026 Community Trends Report, based on survey responses from more than 750 community builders, 48 percent of respondents reported that people first engage with their community before making a purchase. The same report found that 69 percent expect community to play a larger role in their 2026 strategy. These findings suggest a measurable shift in how brands view engagement, with structured, membership-based communities becoming part of the decision-making process rather than serving solely as post-purchase support. In response, many community builders are moving away from standardized templates and instead designing approaches tailored to their members’ behaviors, values, and long-term goals. 

Circle, founded by Sid Yadav, Rudy Santino, and Andrew Guttormson in 2019, is one such example of a platform that can assist companies with their community needs. Circle enables organizations to facilitate discussions through community discussion forums, cohort-based learning, live events, and monetizing through member-driven revenue streams, thus allowing brands to communicate with and engage their members pre-purchase, during-purchase, and after-purchase. By providing these tools, organizations can create a cycle of value within their communities where potential customers can have impactful interactions with their respective content, as well as their peers and the organizations that facilitate those experiences. 

According to the Year in Review 2025, Circle supported over 18,000 communities globally with over 12 million members, which provides the opportunity for organizations to gain insight into member engagement patterns across all of their community-building efforts.

Data from 2025 suggest that active participation in community spaces correlates with measurable business outcomes. Users frequently interact with posts, events, and courses prior to subscribing to paid services or making a transaction. According to the Community Trends Report, 48 percent of users engage with a community before committing to a purchase. This interaction offers organizations insights into member preferences and pain points, while also fostering trust and social proof, which are increasingly crucial for conversions in knowledge-based and wellness-driven markets. Such engagement metrics provide context for why companies are seeking platforms that centralize community management and customer engagement.

Member-centered experiences built on Circle are designed to offer both structure and flexibility for community managers. Circle provides all-in-one workflow tools and AI-supported moderation features that, when combined with customized engagement settings, allow organizations to build structured yet flexible pathways for member interaction. For example, cohort-based learning or staged event series enable brands to guide members through educational or onboarding journeys without disrupting the natural rhythm of community conversation. The platform’s continued focus on moderation and support also aims to maintain interaction quality, balancing automation with human oversight, as referenced in the 2025 Year in Review.

Several notable organizations illustrate the range of sectors employing community as a strategic tool. Harvard University has leveraged Circle to manage alumni and student networks, providing structured forums for knowledge sharing and mentorship. Similarly, wellness professionals such as Dr. Becky Kennedy and public figures like Mel Robbins and Jay Shetty use the platform to deliver coaching, workshops, and interactive courses. In each case, the communities are designed not as marketing funnels alone but as spaces where members experience meaningful transformation and learning, demonstrating that community-based engagement can extend across knowledge, lifestyle, and professional sectors.

Financial and operational data indicate that this emphasis on community is both scalable and sustainable. Circle remained profitable while expanding feature sets, hiring directly from operating income, and reaching over 200 employees by the end of 2025. Platforms that support multiple sectors, education, wellness, and professional services, demonstrate the practical benefits of integrating community as a core component of operations. By allowing brands to build controlled, interactive, and meaningful spaces for their members, the platform functions as infrastructure rather than merely a communication tool.

As companies increasingly recognize community as a strategic lever for transformation and loyalty, the shift away from one-size-fits-all strategies becomes more apparent. Circle exemplifies a platform architecture that supports experimentation, measurement, and human-centric design. Data points from both the Year in Review and the 2026 Community Trends Report suggest that embedding community into the customer journey is no longer optional but central to brand strategy, influencing conversion, retention, and the overall customer experience.

As of early 2026, Circle has grown into a functional global infrastructure provider serving thousands of organizations in the fields of education, wellness, and business throughout the world. The evolution of Circle is guided by Sid Yadav, Rudy Santino, and Andrew Guttormson, who are focused on ensuring the ongoing alignment between technology and human engagement as part of the overall community strategy of Circle. The community-driven approach illustrated here supports how brands can use community-based platforms to include customer engagement and learning as core elements within the customer journey with measurable results.

Catherine Rocheleau Returned to Public Stage With Leadership Focus at the Women to Watch Summit

US Business News Staff US Business News Staff on March 18, 2026

By: Emily Carter 

As organizations navigate mounting pressure on leaders, executive coach and business strategist Catherine Rocheleau is stepping back into the public arena with a renewed focus on resilience and human-centered leadership.

Rocheleau, Founder and CEO of Ignite Leadership International®, recently appeared on the Health & Wellness Panel at the Women to Watch Summit. The two-day virtual event, held March 7–8 in recognition of International Women’s Day, drew approximately 250 registrants per day and brought together women leaders across industries to discuss leadership, entrepreneurship, and personal development.

The appearance marked Rocheleau’s return to broader public visibility following an extended medical sabbatical, a period she says reshaped her approach to leadership development and executive support.

“Leadership and life can shift quickly. It can drop you into uncertainty without warning. I’m dedicated to helping leaders slow the spin, get clear, and take purposeful action so they can protect their well-being while leading through real pressure. When you lead from purpose, the impact shows up in the work and in the people,” Rocheleau says.

Rocheleau brings more than three decades of business experience to her work with executives and organizational leaders. Over the past 17 years, she has worked as a leadership coach across sectors, including professional services, nonprofits, health care, hospitality, food services, and manufacturing. Her experience includes executive leadership roles, organizational change initiatives, performance management systems, and strategic transformation programs.

Before launching Ignite Leadership International® in 2014, Rocheleau built a career in corporate leadership and industry associations. Earlier in her career, she was recognized as Food Executive of the Year in Vancouver and was named Western Canada’s regional winner by the Canadian Food Service Executives Association.

Her work has also drawn media attention. Rocheleau has appeared on Worldwide Business with Kathy Ireland® on Fox Business Network and has been featured on outlets including Bloomberg Television, CTV, Citytv, and CUTV News Radio. She is a three-time international best-selling author and recipient of the Quilly Award from the Academy of Best-Selling Authors.

Now based in Victoria, British Columbia, after relocating from Vancouver, Rocheleau works primarily with purpose-driven executives and business owners navigating periods of growth, transition, or organizational strain.

In recent years, conversations about leadership have increasingly focused on burnout, workplace culture, and the mental health of senior leaders. Rocheleau’s work centers on helping executives maintain strategic clarity while managing the demands placed on them by teams, stakeholders, and rapidly changing market conditions.

Her current coaching program, Catalyst: Human Centered Leadership for Sustainable Impact, aims to help leaders regain focus during periods of uncertainty or operational pressure. The program encourages leaders to step back from reactive decision-making and instead build sustainable leadership rhythms that support both organizational performance and personal well-being.

Catalyst builds on Rocheleau’s SPARK™ framework, a model designed to guide leaders from uncertainty toward committed action. The framework emphasizes accountability and disciplined decision-making while recognizing the human dynamics that shape workplace performance.

According to Rocheleau, balancing empathy with accountability is one of the most important leadership skills in modern organizations.

“Human-centered leadership is not soft. It asks leaders to be clear, to be consistent, and to follow through. When leaders can hold compassion and accountability at the same time, trust grows, and performance becomes easier to sustain,” she says.

The Women to Watch Summit featured speakers and panelists discussing leadership visibility, entrepreneurship, wellness, and social impact. Rocheleau’s panel focused on how leaders can maintain personal resilience while navigating increasing expectations in their professional roles.

Alongside her summit appearance, Rocheleau has several upcoming media engagements, including guest appearances on the podcasts Making It! by Mirasee and Mission Accepted, with release dates expected later this year.

Through Ignite Leadership International®, Rocheleau works with senior leaders through executive coaching, consulting, and leadership training. The boutique firm also operates the MoreThanGreen™ initiative, which commits at least 2% of the company’s top-line revenue to charitable causes and contributes volunteer time and resources.

As leadership demands continue to evolve across industries, Rocheleau says the conversation around leadership development must also evolve to reflect the realities leaders face today.

“Organizations rely on leaders to carry enormous responsibility. Supporting those leaders in a sustainable way is no longer optional. It’s essential for the long-term health of the organization,” she says.

For Rocheleau, returning to the public stage at the Women to Watch Summit represented both a professional milestone and the beginning of a new chapter in her leadership work.

For more information, please visit https://igniteleadership.co