Author: EIN Newswire

Met-Ed’s 8.9% rate hike and Arctic cold push bills over $200/month. UtilityRates.com urges customers to lock in fixed rates before June PJM increases.

READING, PA, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Met-Ed Customers Brace for High Winter PTC Bills

Ratepayers from Bethlehem to Reading to York may despair when they open their Met-Ed power bills for December. Not only did the Met-ed electricity rate rise last month but winter weather drove temperatures down – a combination that sent electric bills soaring.

Utilityrates.com warns that Met-Ed Price to Compare customers should expect significantly higher electric bills this month. On December 1, Met-Ed increased its default rate by 8.9%, pushing the average monthly supply charge from $95.22 to $103.72 for southeast Pennsylvania households. The rate hike combined with December temperatures running 8% colder than normal will likely drive up power bills considerably.

The Energy Information Agency has revised its outlook to expect weather similar to the 2024-2025 winter, meaning January and February could bring wave after wave of Arctic cold.

Adding to the challenge, Pennsylvania electricity rates have risen significantly for all homeowners. The National Energy Assistance Directors Association (NEADA) reports electric prices are at a 10-year high. Since January 2021, the Met-Ed Price to Compare (PTC) alone has doubled; going from 6.174 ¢ per kWh to today’ s 12.96 ¢ per kWh. That’s an increase of nearly 110%.

As a result, UtilityRates.com is warning southeast PA consumers that their average monthly electric bills may cost them over $200 a month this winter.

Key Takeaways
1. Starting in December, an average home using 854 kWh per month will pay approximately $103.72 in monthly supply charges. That’s about $8.50 more than in November.
2. Met-Ed customers normally use more electricity during winter, so supply charges could increase further by $10 or more per month.
3. Once Met-Ed distribution charges are added, the average monthly winter bill in southeast PA could exceed $200.

What Met-Ed Customers Can Do

UtilityRates.com encourages southeast PA customers to compare Pennsylvania electric suppliers and choose the lowest-priced fixed-rate plan available right now. For the best protection, Met-Ed customers should consider 12-month (or longer) plans that lock in a steady rate to avoid high those Price To Compare costs.

It can also shield customers from high bills when new Price To Compare rates take effect on June 1, 2026. These new rates could add another 1.5% – 5% from the PJM Capacity Auction to the average monthly bill.

Still, Met-Ed customers need to compare Met-Ed electricity rates soon or their next bill will be a mean one.

Karl Trollinger, CEO of Electricity Ratings, says, “We understand that southeast PA electric customers are frustrated by another Met-Ed PTC rate hike. Even though Pennsylvania’s energy market is dealing with new supply and demand pressures, the Price to Compare isn’t their only option. Southeast PA customers still have the power to choose their electricity supplier, and we’re here to help them find the best deals for their needs.”

UtilityRates.com also warns all Met-Ed customers that federal energy tax credit programs have expired. However, Pennsylvania electric customers can still find rebates and discounts to help with home energy upgrades through their local utility.

About UtilityRates.com

UtilityRates.com is a website operated by Electricity Ratings, LLC.

Electricity Ratings, LLC operates a network of energy shopping websites serving 17 states and 56 utilities, providing our energy comparison and ratings service to over 80 million customers. We provide our customers with the power to choose the best providers through our consumer reviews platform which provides a reliable, unbiased source of valuable consumer insight. And we back that up by offering in-depth energy company service analysis, personalized recommendations, and practical advice. Our mission is to help consumers harness the power of information to find, compare, and buy electricity and energy services from the best providers.

###
https://www.utilityrates.com/
Houston, TX
(866) 303-9147

Vernon Trollinger
UtilityRates.com
email us here

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As travelers continue to seek meaningful, high-quality travel experiences, Intense Peru announces its curated collection of the Best Luxury Tours of Peru.

CUSCO, CUSCO PROVIDENCE, PERU, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — As discerning travelers continue to seek meaningful, high-quality travel experiences, Intense Peru, a leading women-led luxury travel company based in Cusco, announces its curated collection of the Best Luxury Peru Tours of 2026. Designed for travelers who value authenticity, comfort, and expert guidance, these journeys highlight Peru’s cultural depth, diverse ecosystems, and world-renowned gastronomy—without relying on rigid seasonal formulas.

High-Season Luxury Travel: April to October
Peru’s high travel season runs from April through October, offering ideal conditions across the Andes and Sacred Valley. During these months, travelers can enjoy clear skies, comfortable weather, and seamless access to Peru’s most iconic destinations.
This period is particularly well suited for Cusco, the Sacred Valley, and Machu Picchu experiences; private cultural tours and archaeological exploration; the Short Inca Trail entering Machu Picchu through the iconic Sun Gate; and curated culinary experiences highlighting Peru’s varied ecosystems and indigenous ingredients.

“Luxury travel in Peru isn’t about traveling at a specific moment—it’s about traveling the right way,” said Sofia Arce, Founder of Intense Peru. “Our focus is on designing journeys that reflect travelers’ interests while respecting Peru’s natural rhythms, regional diversity, and cultural heritage.”

Mid-Season Travel: March and November
March and November offer an appealing alternative for travelers looking for greener Andean landscapes and fewer crowds. While these months can bring occasional rain, they reward visitors with vibrant scenery and a more tranquil travel pace, making them ideal for cultural and culinary-focused itineraries.

Year-Round Discoveries: Northern & Coastal Peru
Northern and coastal regions of Peru offer excellent year-round travel opportunities, distinct from Andean seasonality. These regions are particularly strong for culinary experiences, archaeology, and cultural immersion, presenting a different expression of luxury rooted in flavor, history, and authenticity.

Sustainable Amazon Experiences (Seasonally Advised)
Intense Peru carefully curates Amazon experiences to align with environmental conditions and traveler comfort. Jungle programs are not recommended during the rainy season from December to February. When conditions are optimal, Intense Peru partners exclusively with Rainforest Expeditions lodges, including Posada Amazonas, Refugio Amazonas, and the Tambopata Research Center.

Why Choose Intense Peru
For more than 15 years, Intense Peru has specialized in custom-designed luxury travel, offering personalized itineraries crafted by local experts, private guides, seamless logistics, carefully selected accommodations, and a strong commitment to sustainability and women’s empowerment in tourism.

About Intense Peru
Intense Peru SAC is a Peru-based luxury travel agency specializing in tailor-made journeys throughout Peru and Bolivia. Founded by Sofia Arce, the company is known for its high-touch service, cultural expertise, and responsible tourism philosophy.

Sofia Arce A
Intense Peru SAC / RUC: 20516178516
+51 994 008 833
sales@intenseperu.com
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WASHINGTON, DC, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The journey of helping a child find their voice is deeply personal. Sometimes, it’s filled with uncertainty. But today, Little Feet Pediatric Therapy in Washington D.C. proudly shares a new educational report designed to support families facing one of the most challenging speech disorders in early childhood: Childhood Apraxia of Speech (CAS).

Titled “Speech Therapy for Childhood Apraxia of Speech: What Parents Should Know,” this compassionate, accessible resource invites parents and caregivers into a clearer understanding of CAS. This includes what it looks like, why it matters, and how specialized speech therapy can make a lasting difference.

Childhood apraxia of speech is a specific type of speech disorder called a “motor speech disorder”. These are speech disorders related to a child’s oral motor skills, the muscles used to articulate speech. With childhood apraxia of speech, children typically know what they want to say, but have difficulty coordinating the precise oral movements needed to speak clearly.

“There are already medical textbook summaries of childhood apraxia of speech out there,” says a spokesperson from the clinic. “ASHA has plenty of them. Instead, we wrote this report to center real experiences, real questions, and real support.”

The report acknowledges that early intervention speech therapy is key to reducing the risk of long-term problems children with CAS may face. It emphasizes why parents should trust their instincts and seek professional guidance early on.

Bringing Families Into the Conversation

One of the most powerful aspects of the new report is its family-centered voice. It works to validate what parents are feeling, and offers insights into how speech therapy at Little Feet Pediatric Therapy goes beyond practice.

The report outlines what parents might notice, which include:

• Inconsistent speech patterns in everyday words
• Delayed speech milestone development
• Struggles with transitioning between sounds
• Vowel and consonant distortions that don’t match typical speech development
• The emotional experience of knowing what your child wants to say but not seeing the words come out as intended

However, the report also acknowledges that these signs often come with an emotional weight.

When a family first suspects a speech challenge like CAS, it can feel isolating. However, caregivers can see speech therapy not as a last resort but as a strategic partner in communication growth.

The clinicians at Little Feet Pediatric Therapy are clear that there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to CAS. What works for one child may not be the best fit for another. Through tailored assessment and customized therapy plans, therapists help children practice speech movements, build confidence, and develop communication skills at a pace that respects each child’s unique needs.

What the report doesn’t do is oversimplify; it acknowledges that significant speech changes take time, encouragement, and family involvement. It also highlights that therapy can integrate augmentative and alternative communication tools when needed.

Some parents see this as giving up on speech, but the report stresses that it’s more a tool to enrich a child’s ability to interact and express themselves while they learn.

Shawn Leis
Little Feet Pediatric Therapy
+1 704-931-8022
email us here
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Community releases industry outlook as brands shift from one-way blasts to meaningful, two-way relationships

LOS ANGELES, CA, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Today, Community, the leading conversational engagement platform, released its Top 6 SMS Trends of 2026, highlighting how direct messaging channels are evolving from simple marketing tools into full-fledged relationship layers between brands, creators, organizations, and their audiences

SMS is entering a new era. As email performance declines, social algorithms tighten reach, and third-party cookies disappear, brands and creators are turning to the most personal, most used channel in their consumers’ lives: text messaging. But SMS can no longer be treated like email. Mass blast tactics pushed into audiences’ pockets is losing effectiveness. Today it’s about building trust with an audience that wants to hear from you.

“Direct messaging channels like SMS, MMS and other rich channels are the most personal and valuable communication channels consumers use daily,” said Jeremy Schultz, CEO of Community. “But brands must respect that intimacy. Treating direct messaging like another generic broadcast channel will do more harm than good. The brands that win will use it to create authentic, human communication.”

Below are 6 trends shaping the future of two-way conversational messaging in 2026:

1. Two-Way Messaging Overtakes One-Way Blasts
The most effective SMS programs in 2026 will be conversational. Those that treat SMS like email blasts will see diminishing returns and high opt-out rates. Audiences want to respond, ask questions, and engage in dialogue. Two-way messaging will drive higher loyalty, greater lifetime value, and revenue. MMS and other rich channels will support this shift. The paradigm is changing: SMS is no longer about reaching people, but engaging them.

2. SMS Emerges as the Primary Source of Reliable Zero-Party Data
As advertising grows more volatile and third-party tracking fades, owned, consent-based data will become essential. With no algorithms or intermediaries between brands and audiences, every SMS interaction generates clean, trustworthy zero-party data. In 2026, SMS will be recognized not just as a messaging channel, but as one of the most valuable data engines in modern marketing.

3. AI and Automation Become Essential for Scaling Personalization
As audiences grow and expectations rise, AI and automation will be critical to maintaining personalization at scale. Brands will increasingly rely on automated flows, branching logic, conversational assistants, and behavior-based journeys to deliver timely, relevant experiences. Rather than replacing human connection, AI will enhance it, allowing SMS programs to feel smarter, more responsive, and more personal, even as they scale.

4. Trust and Consent Become the Gatekeepers of Deliverability
With iOS updates classifying unsaved numbers as “Unknown Senders,” brands must earn their place in a consumer’s inbox. Organizations will need to give audiences a reason to save their contact card and continue engaging. Programs built on “blast and pray” tactics will suffer declining visibility, while those focused on value, relevance, and relationship-building will stand out as trusted senders.

5. SMS Integrates Deeply Into the Marketing Tech Stack
SMS will no longer operate in isolation. It will serve as connective tissue across CRM systems, loyalty platforms, ecommerce engines, help desks, analytics suites, and engagement tools. Brands that integrate SMS data across their stack will unlock deeper personalization, trigger smarter workflows, and maintain a unified view of the customer journey, transforming SMS into a strategic intelligence layer.

6. The Winners Won’t Be ‘SMS Platforms,’ They’ll Be ‘Fandom Platforms’
The platforms that gain the most market share will evolve beyond message delivery into fan relationship systems. These platforms will help organizations identify, understand, and nurture their most valuable audience segments across the entire relationship lifecycle, from engagement and intent to loyalty and long-term value. This shift reflects a broader industry move from communication to connection.

“When SMS insight is connected with the rest of the marketing stack, brands can finally deliver the level of personalization they’ve long aspired to, but haven’t known how to achieve,” Schultz added.

About Community
Community is the leading two-way customer engagement platform that activates audiences with unmatched conversational engagement delivered via text messages. It connects businesses, brands, public figures, and creators with their audiences at scale – building trust, capturing insights, and increasing lifetime customer value. Transforming SMS from a transactional tool into a relationship-building channel, Community enables high-intent engagement through meaningful conversations that inspire action.

Michelle Genser
Community
+1 847-452-2723
michelle.genser@community.com
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TAMPA, FL, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — Gasparilla Arts, in collaboration with community, cultural, and educational partners, will officially unveil a new public mural honoring the women who have shaped East Tampa’s history during a free community celebration on January 22.

The mural is located at the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa’s Chloe Coney Urban Enterprise Center, at 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue. It will be celebrated with an on-site unveiling event from 2:00 to 4:00 p.m. The public is invited to attend, and RSVP is encouraged.

Spearheaded by Gasparilla Arts as part of its ongoing commitment to public art, cultural storytelling, and community engagement, the project represents a true collaboration from concept to completion. The mural was designed by acclaimed artist Michelle Sawyer, with historical guidance provided by Fred Hearns of the Tampa Bay History Center, ensuring the artwork authentically reflects East Tampa’s rich legacy.

By adding a powerful intergenerational dimension to the project, students from the Pace Center for Girls contributed creative ideas. They participated directly in the painting process, bringing youth voices, perspectives, and pride to the finished work.

“This mural reflects what Gasparilla Arts does best—bringing together artists, community organizations and members, and young people to create meaningful public art that tells local stories,” said Jeffery Nader, President of the Gasparilla Arts Board of Directors. “It honors the women of East Tampa while inspiring future generations to see themselves as part of that legacy.”

The project was made possible by a grant from Community Foundation Tampa Bay, the cooperation of the Corporation to Develop Communities of Tampa and Pace Center for Girls, Hillsborough, and the generous support of community sponsors committed to cultural equity, education, and neighborhood
revitalization.

The mural now stands as a lasting addition to East Tampa’s visual landscape—celebrating history, creativity, and the power of collaboration.
Event Details:
Location: (at the mural site) 1907 E. Hillsborough Avenue, Tampa
Date: January 22
Time: 2:00–4:00 p.m.
Cost: Free and open to the public
Click here to RSVP: https://gasparillaarts.salsalabs.org/rsvpeasttampamural or email: Marketing@GasparillaArts.com

Terri Hall
Doubletake Marketing & PR
+1 813-251-6308
email us here
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Biennial Event – Eight Impact Leaders- Interactive Panel

CHICAGO, IL, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) is hosting its biennial convening, “State of Health of Chicago,” on Jan. 21, 2026, with an interactive panel of eight impact leaders at Maggiano’s Little Italy. Open to all-more details and to register here.

The State of Health of Chicago will take a critical eye on the healthcare and public health ecosystem, including access to care, behavioral health, maternal and child health, homelessness, cancer rates, vaccines, fluoride and oral health, building trust, and social determinants of health, as well as addressing social challenges and improving resources for better health outcomes. Through decisive collaborative discussions and rigorous evidence-based strategies, the Institute is committed to tackling disparities and transforming healthcare in our communities.

MISSION and PROGRAMMATIC FOCUS
Advancing health equity by reducing healthcare disparities.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago is a dynamic, forward-looking association that unites industry leaders, community advocacy groups, and experts throughout Chicagoland and the State of Illinois. The convening is a pivotal event, as it will drive meaningful change and bring together those who play a role in transforming the public and healthcare fields.

Speakers addressing key issues in an interactive panel discussion led by moderator Ryan Voyles, owner and editor, Health News Illinois.

-Dr. Arti Barnes, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Illinois Dept. of Public Health
-Dr. Kimberley Darey, MD, CEO & President, Edward – Elmhurst Hospital, Endeavor Health System
-Mr. Ollie Idowu, JD, MPH, President + CEO, Illinois Primary Health Care Association
-Dr. Simbo Ige, MD, MPH, Commissioner of the City of Chicago – Public Health
-Dr. Ian Jasenof, MD, FACOG, MHA, CPE, Chief Medical Officer, Mile Square Center, University of Illinois Health Center
-Dr. Doriane Miller, MD, Director, Center for Community Health & Vitality, University of Chicago Medical Center
-Ms. Sana Syal, MPH, Senior Director of Programs & Strategic Impact Leader, Greater Chicago Food Depository
-Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, Cook County Health

We are thankful for our sponsors: Illinois Association for Behavioral Health, Golden Square, The Portes Foundation, and Merck & Company.

The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC), since 1915, is an independent 501 (c) (3) nonprofit organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public. Drawing upon the expertise of a diverse membership and other regional leaders, the IOMC addresses critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches, including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement. To learn more about the Institute’s initiatives and how to get involved, visit www.iomc.org.

Deborah J Hodges
Institute of Medicine of Chicago
+1 312-709-2685
email us here
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VIENNA, VA, UNITED STATES, January 8, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ — The Chesapeake Foot & Ankle Institute, a trusted leader in foot and ankle care in the Tysons Corner area, has released a new educational resource designed to shed light on foot bursitis, a common but often misunderstood source of heel and foot pain. The report, which is now available on the institute’s website, aims to help patients, athletes, and active adults better understand the nature of foot bursitis and the range of treatment approaches offered by podiatry professionals.

Foot bursitis occurs when tiny fluid-filled sacs called bursae, which cushion joints and minimize friction, become inflamed. While many people associate foot pain with plantar fasciitis or tendon injuries, bursitis is a distinct condition that can affect the heel, sole, or toes, leading to persistent discomfort and mobility challenges.

“Foot bursitis often starts quietly,” explains Dr. Shruti A. Patel, MS, DPM, AACFAS, one of the institute’s experienced podiatrists. “A little irritation here, a little swelling there, and suddenly, everyday walking or being on your feet becomes uncomfortable.” It’s this patient experience that the new report seeks to address. We aimed to do so in everyday language that anyone dealing with foot pain can relate to.

Report Highlights

Many people who experience foot pain try to “push through it,” assuming it will simply go away. Unfortunately, ignoring symptoms can lead to prolonged discomfort and even changes in the way a person walks. This in turn can create strain elsewhere in the body.

The new report underscores that recognizing early signs of bursitis and seeking professional care can make a real difference in quality of life.

This resource highlights:
• Common causes of bursitis, including ill-fitting footwear, repetitive stress, and trauma.
• How bursitis feels, from localized heel pain to swelling or stiffness.
• When it’s time to consult a podiatrist and what to expect from a professional evaluation.
• A range of treatment strategies, from conservative management to specialist-guided interventions.

What sets this report apart is its practical orientation. It’s designed to be a roadmap for individuals who are navigating foot pain and seeking clarity on their next steps. Whether someone is an active adult whose footsteps echo through gyms and trails, or a professional whose day is spent on their feet, this guide offers useful insights.

A Resource With Real-World Value

The Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute places a strong emphasis on patient education. According to clinic specialists, many patients report relief simply from understanding what’s causing their discomfort and how to manage it effectively with guidance from foot care professionals.

The release of this report reflects the institute’s ongoing commitment to blend clinical excellence with accessible health education, ensuring that people don’t feel alone when confronting foot pain. The goal is to empower individuals to make confident, informed decisions about their care.

Access the Full Report
The complete guide, titled “Heel or Foot Pain? A Podiatrist Explains Foot Bursitis & Treatment Options“, is available for free on the clinic’s website.

For patients, caregivers, and healthcare providers alike, this report offers a valuable tool for understanding and addressing foot bursitis with confidence and clarity.

Dr. Shruti A. Patel, MS, DPM, AACFAS
Chesapeake Foot and Ankle Institute
+1 571-619-8923
email us here
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