On PR Newswire: Most Newsworthy Headlines of 2017, Part 1

With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire for Journalists. This week, we’re taking a look back at some of the most significant releases of the first half of 2017.

Source: PRNewsFoto/NASA

NASA, NOAA Data Show 2016 Warmest Year on Record Globally (Jan.)

Earth’s 2016 surface temperatures were the warmest since modern recordkeeping began in 1880, according to independent analyses by NASA and the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA). Globally averaged temperatures in 2016 were 1.78 degrees Fahrenheit (0.99 degrees Celsius) warmer than the mid-20th century mean. This makes 2016 the third year in a row to set a new record for global average surface temperatures.

Source: PRNewsfoto/Traffic accident

Motor Vehicle Deaths in 2016 Estimated to be Highest in Nine Years; Sharpest Two-Year Climb in 53 Years (Feb.)

For the first time in nearly a decade, preliminary 2016 data from the National Safety Council estimates that as many as 40,000 people died in motor vehicle crashes last year. That marks a 6% increase over 2015, and a 14% increase over 2014 – the most dramatic two-year escalation since 1964 – 53 years. The preliminary estimate means 2016 may have been the deadliest year on the nation’s roads since 2007. An estimated 4.6 million additional roadway users were seriously injured in 2016, and estimated cost to society was $432 billion.

Source: PRNewsfoto/Twitter

Twitter Announces First-Ever Participation in Digital Content Newfronts, Offering Slate of Digital Video and Original Programming (March)

Twitter announced its participation in the Digital Content Newfronts, with its presentation taking place on May 1 in New York. For the first time, Twitter is showcasing new original content offerings and live programming to brands and agencies. “We have made major investments in video over the past few years, and being able to present the breadth, depth and quality of that content at the Newfronts is the ultimate culmination of those efforts,” said Matthew Derella, vice president of global revenue & operations at Twitter. “In 2017 and beyond, we are investing further in the video viewing experience, content development and collaborations, and video solutions for advertisers and we are excited to tell that story to the industry.”

Source: PRNewsfoto/United Airlines

United Airlines Announces Changes to Improve Customer Experience (April)

United Airlines on April 27 announced 10 substantial changes to how it flies, serves, and respects its customers. The changes are the result of United’s thorough examination of its policies and procedures, and commitment to take action, in the wake of the forced removal of a customer aboard United Express Flight 3411 on April 9.

Source: PRNewsfoto/New England Patriots

Statement from Jonathan Hernandez Regarding His Younger Brother and Former New England Patriots Star Aaron Hernandez (May)

Following is a statement from Jonathan Hernandez, who is the older brother to former New England Patriots star Aaron Hernandez. It was issued in May 2017. “From the bottom of my heart, I want to thank everyone who has supported my mother and me during such difficult times. My younger brother Aaron was far from perfect, but I will always love him. Many stories about my brother’s life have been shared with the public – except the story Aaron was brave enough to share with our mother and me.  It’s the one story he wanted us to share with the world. It is Aaron’s truth.”

Source: PRNewsfoto/Newsstand

Enquirer Responds to Morning Joe Report (June) 

The following statement is from Dylan Howard, chief content officer, vice president of American Media Inc. from June 2017.  “At the beginning of June we accurately reported a story that recounted the relationship between Joe Scarborough and Mika Brzezinski, the truth of which is not in dispute.  At no time did we threaten either Joe or Mika or their children in connection with our reporting on the story.  We have no knowledge of any discussions between the White House and Joe and Mika about our story, and absolutely no involvement in those discussions.”

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Larry Grady is online content manager at PR Newswire for Journalists.  He has worked in business media for nearly 30 years and enjoys reality TV and daydreaming about travel and wine.