On PR Newswire: Most Noteworthy Headlines of 2015, Part 2

With thousands of press releases published each week, it can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire for Journalists. With the end of the year fast approaching, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest stories of 2015. Today we bring you six of the most newsworthy releases from the second half of 2015.

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Source: AP News Photo/Mark Showalter

July 15, 2015: From Mountains to Moons: Multiple Discoveries from NASA’s New Horizons Pluto Mission

Icy mountains on Pluto and a new, crisp view of its largest moon, Charon, are among the several discoveries announced July 15 by the NASA’s New Horizons team, just one day after the spacecraft’s first ever Pluto flyby. “Pluto New Horizons is a true mission of exploration showing us why basic scientific research is so important,” said John Grunsfeld, associate administrator for NASA’s Science Mission Directorate in Washington. “The mission has had nine years to build expectations about what we would see during closest approach to Pluto and Charon. Today, we get the first sampling of the scientific treasure collected during those critical moments, and I can tell you it dramatically surpasses those high expectations.” See the full release to learn more about what was discovered on Pluto.

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Aug. 31, 2015: Statement From Avid Life Media, Monday, Aug. 31, 2015

“Recent media reports predicting the imminent demise of Ashley Madison are greatly exaggerated,” said Avid Life Media Inc., the company behind the Ashley Madison website, after it was hacked earlier this year. The company said that it would continue day-to-day operations even as it dealt with the theft of its private data. “Despite having our business and customers attacked, we are growing. This past week alone, hundreds of thousands of new users signed up for the Ashley Madison platform – including 87,596 women.”  See the full release to learn more about Ashley Madison’s plans.

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Sept. 8, 2015: Sam Smith to Sing Title Song to Spectre

Here, Albert R. Broccoli’s EON Productions, Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer Studios, and Sony Pictures Entertainment confirmed that Sam Smith recorded “Writing’s on the Wall,” the theme song to Spectre, the 24th James Bond adventure. Spectre was released in the U.K. on Oct. 26 and in the U.S. on Nov. 6. The song, released by Capitol Records, debuted and was made available to purchase and stream on Sept. 25. See the full release to learn more about the latest James Bond movie.

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Source: AP News Photo

Oct. 13, 2015: Playboy Takes Next Step in Major Brand Re-Alignment with Transformative Changes to Its Flagship Magazine

Playboy Enterprises Inc. announced on Oct. 13 that, following last summer’s highly successful re-launch of Playboy.com as a safe-for-work site, that it is taking the next step in its brand evolution. Playboy Magazine’s editorial team is in the midst of a top-to-bottom redesign that will be unveiled with the magazine’s March 2016 issue. The reimagined Playboy magazine will include a completely modern editorial and design approach, and, for the first time in its history, will no longer feature nudity in its pages. Playboy will continue to publish sexy, seductive pictorials of the world’s most beautiful women, including its iconic Playmates, all shot by some of today’s most renowned photographers. The magazine will also remain committed to its award-winning mix of long-form journalism, interviews and fiction. See the full release to learn more about the changes at Playboy.

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Nov. 16, 2015: Marriott International to Acquire Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide, Creating the World’s Largest Hotel Company

Marriott International Inc. and Starwood Hotels & Resorts Worldwide Inc. announced Nov. 16 that the boards of directors of both companies have unanimously approved a definitive merger agreement under which the companies will create the world’s largest hotel company. The transaction combines Starwood’s leading lifestyle brands and international footprint with Marriott’s strong presence in the luxury and select-service tiers, as well as the convention and resort segment, creating a more comprehensive portfolio. See the full release to learn more about the merger.

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Source: PRNewsFoto/Legacy Recordings

Dec. 16, 2015: Michael Jackson’s Thriller Is the First Album Certified RIAA 30X Multi-Platinum the King of Pop Makes History (Again)!

The Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), the Estate of Michael Jackson, Epic Records and Legacy Recordings announced Dec. 16 that Michael Jackson’s Thriller is the first album in RIAA Gold & Platinum Program history to be certified 30X Multi-Platinum for U.S. sales. The King of Pop continues his reign as the biggest selling artist of all time with worldwide sales of over 100 million for Thriller and 1 billion overall.   “RIAA has awarded Gold & Platinum records on behalf of the music business for nearly 60 years, but this is the first time an artist has crossed the 30X multi-Platinum plateau,” said Cary Sherman, chairman & CEO, RIAA. “We are honored to celebrate the unique status of Thriller in Gold & Platinum history. What an exceptional achievement and testament to Thriller’s enduring spot in our hearts and musical history.” See the full release to learn more about Thriller.

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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.