It can be difficult to keep up with everything on PR Newswire for Journalists. As we near the end of the year, we’re taking a look back at some of the biggest news releases which were distributed by PR Newswire. These are some of the best releases of the first half of 2019.

Switzerland Maintains Top Spot Overall, Japan Captures Second Place in 2019 Best Countries Report

Switzerland is the No. 1 country in the world for the third consecutive year, according to the 2019 Best Countries Report, a rankings and analysis project by U.S. News & World Report, BAV Group, and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. The rankings evaluate 80 countries across a range of categories, from economic influence and military might to education and quality of life, to capture how nations are perceived on a global scale.

And the Winner Is … the Wire Fox Terrier!

GCHB CH Kingarthur Van Foliny Home, also known as King for short, a wire fox terrier handled by Gabriel Rangel, received top honors at the 143rd Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show at Madison Square Garden in New York City, becoming the 12th Purina Pro Plan-fed “Best in Show” winner in the last 13 years.

Alex Trebek Announces Stage IV Pancreatic Cancer Diagnosis

Alex Trebek, longtime host of television game show Jeopardy!, announced Wednesday, March 6, that he has been diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer. Trebek made the announcement in a YouTube video he released in the afternoon. Pancreatic cancer is the third leading cause of cancer-related death in the U.S. with a 5-year survival rate of just 9%. Most patients are diagnosed with stage IV pancreatic cancer because symptoms are vague and the location of the pancreas deep in the abdominal cavity is a factor hindering early detection. There is no standard diagnostic tool or established early detection method for pancreatic cancer.

In Consultation with the FAA, NTSB and its Customers, Boeing Supports Action to Temporarily Ground 737 MAX Operations

Boeing said it continues to have full confidence in the safety of the 737 MAX. However, after consultation with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), and aviation authorities and its customers around the world, Boeing has determined — out of an abundance of caution and in order to reassure the flying public of the aircraft’s safety — to recommend to the FAA the temporary suspension of operations of the entire global fleet of 371 737 MAX aircraft.

NYC Gets Easier to Navigate: Digital Firm Reflexions Launches OMNY to Replace Iconic MetroCard

Reflexions, a digital strategy and development firm, is pleased to announce the launch of OMNY, a new tap-and-go contactless fare payment system designed for New York’s Metropolitan Transportation Authority. The system will replace New York City’s iconic MetroCard used by the system’s 8 million daily riders.

Washington Is the Best State in the U.S., Says 2019 Best States Report

Washington is the best state in the country, according to the third annual 2019 Best States rankings from U.S. News & World Report, the global authority in rankings and civic journalism. U.S. News evaluated all 50 states across a range of criteria, including education, health care, infrastructure, and the economy, to capture how states best serve their citizens.

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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.