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February 27, 2025 8:00 AM
EDT
HERMITAGE, PA

Looped Solutions™ Launches Corporate Sponsorship Program to Support Domestic Violence Survivors and Advocates Providing Safe Access to Services From Any Mobile Device

Getting help in an abusive relationship isn’t easy when an abuser is monitoring your cell phone. When every call, text, and email is being watched, getting help to escape an abusive relationship can feel impossible. Looped Solutions™, a technology company specializing in safe communication, today announced a Corporate Sponsorship program designed to eliminate financial barriers and provide immediate access to life-saving technology for victim service agencies.

Agencies need this technology now—not in their next budget cycle. Victim service agencies are struggling to meet overwhelming demand while facing staffing shortages and funding gaps that put survivors at risk. Looped Fusion Purple™ was built specifically for these agencies, ensuring that survivors can safely connect with their advocates—even if their devices are being monitored or controlled by an abuser.

“For far too many, safety is stolen by an abuser—leaving survivors vulnerable, isolated, and afraid to reach out for help. Over 70% will never seek help through traditional methods. That’s where Looped Fusion Purple makes a difference,” said Looped Solutions’ CEO, Kara Wasser.

By keeping all client-advocate communications within a single safe system, Looped Fusion Purple eliminates the risks of phone calls, emails, and text messages that can be monitored by an abuser. The platform also helps agencies manage growing caseloads more efficiently without increasing advocate burnout or compromising survivor confidentiality.

The Urgent Need for Funding & How Corporate Sponsorships Make an Immediate Impact

While agencies urgently need this technology, many are struggling to secure funding fast enough. “Agencies both want and need our technology, but funding cycles often delay adoption. Many are working it into future budgets, but the need is critical now,” Wasser emphasized.

Through the Corporate Sponsorship program, companies can immediately provide agencies with access to Looped Fusion Purple, ensuring that survivors are not left waiting for safety. In just the past few weeks, five victim service agencies across three states have been fully funded for multi-year access, impacting thousands of lives.

National companies and individuals are stepping up to support this cause. Wheatland Tube, a division of Zekelman Industries, led by visionary leader Barry Zekelman, has committed to a multi-year sponsorship for several agencies, ensuring that more agencies can protect survivors without financial barriers.

Karen Cone, Venture Partner at Mastersfund, an investor in Looped Solutions, shared: “Knowing how essential it is for victims to safely and securely get the help that these agencies provide and recognizing the increasing risks associated with obtaining grant funding, I am tremendously supportive of this Corporate Sponsorship program and also value opportunity to personally step up with individual sponsorships.”

A Direct Path to Saving Lives

Looped Solutions maintains a growing list of agencies in urgent need of funding. The Corporate Sponsorship program provides a seamless way for companies to direct social responsibility funds where they are needed most, ensuring that victims have a secure way to seek help, access resources, and take steps toward safety.

“We have agencies looking for immediate help,” Wasser stressed. “This program provides a direct pathway for organizations to make a charitable donation that immediately empowers agencies to keep survivors safe.”

For companies looking to make a direct impact, sponsorship opportunities are available now. Every moment matters. Every connection saves lives.

Interested organizations are urged to contact Looped Solutions directly at kw@loopedsolutions.com or by calling (724) 734-6909.

About Looped Solutions

Looped Solutions™ is a women-led tech company that innovates personal and critical connections to users' most valued networks through its cross-platform applications. We empower service providers and communities by delivering technology solutions that prioritize safety, privacy, and efficiency. By leveraging our proprietary platform, Looped Launchpad™, we uniquely build products that enable safe connection, streamline communication, enhance customization, bridge gaps, and innovate with purpose. Our mission is to design solutions that innovate the connections that encompass how we live, how we work, and how we engage with our most valued networks and communities. Learn more at www.loopedsolutions.com.

About Mastersfund

Mastersfund is a global venture capital investment firm based in Seattle, USA. We invest in women-led, revenue-generating companies building better ways to live and work together. Mastersfund is managed by a diverse team of financial experts with decades of experience, multiple exits, and powerful, venture-scale returns. Our novel approach to venture capital mitigates risk and preserves upside potential for investors and entrepreneurs alike. Learn more at www.masters.vc.

Media Contact

Lisa DiMuccio-Zgela
lzgela@loopedsolutions.com

February 26, 2025 11:30 AM
EDT
SAN FRANCISCO, CA

Continue Launches 1.0 with Open-Source IDE Extensions and a Hub that Empowers Developers to Build and Share Custom AI Code Assistants

Continue, the open-source AI code assistant platform, today announced the launch of Continue 1.0, a major milestone on its journey to empower developers with fully customizable AI code assistants. Continue enables developers to create, share, and use custom AI code assistants with open-source IDE extensions that can now seamlessly leverage a vibrant hub of models, context, and other building blocks. With hundreds of thousands of users, 20k+ GitHub stars, and a thriving Discord community of 10k+ developers, Continue is setting a new standard for open-source AI-enhanced development.

The release of Continue 1.0 includes a new hub that makes it frictionless to create AI code assistants with a registry for defining, managing, and sharing Continue building blocks. There are blocks published and maintained by verified partners like Claude 3.5 Sonnet from Anthropic, Codestral from Mistral, DeepSeek-R1 from Ollama, voyage-code-3 embeddings from Voyage AI, and MCP servers from Docker. Blocks and assistants may also be created and shared to the hub by individual developers, independent software vendors (ISVs), and other organizations.

Also included is the first major release of Continue’s open-source extensions for VS Code and JetBrains. Developers can use these extensions with assistants and blocks from the hub via a free, solo tier. Organizations can take advantage of paid teams and enterprise tiers. Working with early enterprise users such as Siemens, Morningstar, and IONOS helped to shape the product. The hub provides engineering leaders with governance, security, and infrastructure control over AI code assistants within their organizations.

"Continue 1.0 is a huge leap forward in making AI-powered development truly customizable, private, and developer-first. The ‘one-size-fits-all’ AI code assistant will be a thing of the past. With this release, we’re making it easier than ever for individual developers and teams to take full control over their AI coding experience through both our open-source community and our hub of building blocks for custom AI code assistants," said Ty Dunn, co-founder of Continue.

Continue is built on the foundation of developer empowerment and data control. Unlike closed-source alternatives, Continue ensures that every developer has the power to decide how AI integrates into their coding environment. Key features of the teams and enterprise tiers on hub.continue.dev include:

  • Standardize development practices: Teams can establish custom AI code assistants that help developers align with shared development, review, and testing practices
  • Governance controls: Organizations can define and enforce policies around AI-assisted development, governing what blocks can be created, shared, and used within their teams
  • Private data plane deployment: Enterprises can deploy a data plane within their own infrastructure, ensuring that all code and analytics remain secure without exposing API keys or sensitive data

“Developers thrive when they have the freedom to build with the best tools available. Continue 1.0 amplifies every developer, team, and organization with the power to choose and customize AI code assistants to fit their unique workflows and preferences. This launch isn’t just about AI helping developers write code—it’s about making AI a natural, customizable extension of how they already work. Continue gives developers superpowers that amplify and enhance the way they already work. This is why Heavybit has been investing in developer-first startups for more than a decade,” said Jesse Robbins, General Partner at Heavybit and co-founder of Chef.

“At Mistral, our mission has always been to democratize artificial intelligence. Our partnership with Continue perfectly aligns with our vision of a developer-first ecosystem where AI code assistants are both secure and customizable. Whether you need local, on-prem, in your VPC, on the public cloud, or via serverless APIs, you can use Mistral models with Continue,” said Arthur Mensch, co-founder and CEO of Mistral AI. “Together, we’re building the future of AI-powered development on a foundation of openness and trust.”

“We believe that when it comes to AI coding tools, developers should be able to consume with confidence. In this period of rapid change, confidence requires openness, pluggability, and modularity. Now is the time to embrace the transparency and innovation of open source solutions. We believe in Continue's approach, and we're excited to partner with them and the community to define this ecosystem,” said Craig McLuckie, co-founder of Stacklok, Kubernetes, and the Cloud Native Computing Foundation

“At YC, we invest in teams that put developers first, and Continue’s 1.0 launch is a perfect example of that philosophy in action,” said Garry Tan, CEO of Y Combinator. He continued “By making it easy to create custom AI code assistants, they’re giving developers the power to tailor their coding experience like never before. This is a major step forward in building an open ecosystem where innovation and democratization go hand in hand.”

Backed by Heavybit and Y Combinator, Continue has raised a total of $5 million in seed funding to create a developer ecosystem built on trust, privacy, and developer empowerment. With 1.0, Continue is not only revolutionizing the AI coding assistant landscape but also ensuring that developers everywhere have the tools they need to harness AI on their own terms.

To learn more about Continue, visit www.continue.dev. If you’re interested in working at Continue, apply online.

About Continue

Continue enables developers to create, share, and use custom AI code assistants. Loved by hundreds of thousands of developers worldwide at organizations ranging from small startups to Fortune 500 companies, our open-source IDE extensions fit into existing workflows, while letting users leverage our vibrant hub of models, context, and tools. Backed by Heavybit, Y Combinator, and angels, including Julien Chaumond (co-founder of Hugging Face), Lisha Li (founder of Rosebud AI), and Florian Leibert (co-founder of Mesosphere), Continue was founded in 2023 and is based in San Francisco. For more information, visit https://www.continue.dev.

Media Contact

Kara Silverman
kara@variousand.com

February 26, 2025 10:06 AM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

Fabrik – Combatting the $460 Billion Loneliness Crisis – Celebrates Rapid Growth, Announces Brooklyn Expansion

Fabrik, the member-based network of locations for those seeking to build and join communities, announced it is opening a new location at 20 Jay Street in Brooklyn's DUMBO district, and reported significant growth in members and programming after just six months of operation in New York City. The Big Apple is Fabrik’s first market for this new model for “third spaces” and programming that is designed for meet ups, making friends, tackling work and unwinding. The company is aiming for further US expansion this year as it offers a solution to the global loneliness epidemic, which impacts 1 in 3 Americans and reportedly costs the economy $460 billion annually in lowered productivity and absenteeism.

Fabrik was developed as part of Hines Global Ventures, which supported the company with resources from concept to launch and beyond, including an initial seed investment. The company’s first location, which opened last June in Tribeca, has quickly become a popular option for people to find connection and belonging in between work and home. Fabrik is now home to 130 communities and clubs, whose builders regularly host events aimed at a range of interests: start-up founders, arts and creative groups, as well as gatherings for fitness enthusiasts, cookbook clubs, the “sober-curious,” self-care, and events for many other organizations who want a consistent, affordable place to connect over shared passions. Attendees range from college students to later stage professionals who are drawn to the varying topics and interests in Fabrik’s programming. Fabrik’s proprietary digital platform also helps community members discover kindred spirits, organize in-person meet-ups and build their own communities.

“At Fabrik, we believe that every community deserves a space to activate, grow and flourish,” said Jaclyn Pascocello, founder and CEO of Fabrik. “Our early success reflects a growing demand for spaces that foster authentic connections and empower builders to create meaningful impact. With our expansion to Brooklyn, we are excited to extend our vision to even more communities, and to offer Fabrik as an attractive solution to a dynamic commercial real estate market.”

Fabrik's second location is a 5,600 square foot, 2nd floor space at 20 Jay Street, a Two Trees Management building. Fabrik, whose membership has a waiting list of 1,400 New York area community leaders, expects to open in DUMBO later this spring. Will Grover and Ryan Gessin of Newmark Group, Inc. acted as Fabrik broker and advisors.

This human-led, technology-supported startup is also addressing commercial real estate’s glut of underutilized space and a marketplace demand shift for smaller spaces to accommodate hybrid work environments. As 69% of Manhattan leases in the first quarter of 2024 were for smaller spaces, the Fabrik team activates to rapidly transform harder-to-lease vacant spaces of between 5,000 and 8,000 square feet into comfortable open spaces that are more living room than office. Fabrik not only offers property owners and managers an incremental revenue stream; it brings under-used space to life and is an attractive feature for current and future tenants.

Open weekdays from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m., Fabrik offers Community members the option to attend a growing slate of events and engaging programming, and its Community Host members can organize meet-ups, workshops, panel discussions and other gatherings for its own members as well as the entire Fabrik community.

The Brooklyn location, set to open in the Q1 of 2025, marks a significant step forward in Fabrik’s growth. Building on the success of its flagship Tribeca space, the new location will continue to meet the diverse needs of its members and their communities. It will also help realize Fabrik’s commitment to scaling its impact and creating a citywide network of vibrant third spaces offering community and connection.

“An alarming 36% of Americans—1 in 3 people—report feeling lonely frequently or all the time. That number jumps to 63% for the 18–25 age group. And loneliness is not just a mental, social and physical health crisis; it’s an economic problem. The $460 billion annual expense borne by our economy because of absenteeism, lower productivity and other factors contributing to loneliness is a significant hit on a balance sheet,” said Gwen Wiscount, co-founder and COO of Fabrik. “In addition, much of commercial real estate remains underutilized. So we’re seizing multiple untapped opportunities, providing value and an antidote to loneliness for our members but also to businesses seeking innovative solutions to marketplace challenges.”

Pascocello, a seasoned hospitality leader and proptech entrepreneur, brings a wealth of experience to Fabrik. As the former COO of Spacious, a leading startup in the co-working arena acquired by WeWork in 2019, she is uniquely positioned to drive Fabrik’s mission of creating spaces that are more than just physical locations but essential hubs of community and connectivity.

“The current market dynamics have created an immense opportunity for Fabrik to deliver impact—both economically and socially—by creating more vibrant communities and ecosystems with its innovative model,”said Kathryn Scheckel, Venture Advisor at Hines and Fabrik board member. “Fabrik has already become home to hundreds of unique communities and individuals seeking connection and is proving its value to the commercial real estate marketplace.”

About Fabrik

For more information about Fabrik and its mission to transform community spaces, visit www.joinfabrik.com.

Media Contact

Loren Pomerantz
loren@combined-forces.com

February 26, 2025 9:29 AM
EDT
SHANGHAI, China

Expanding Global Partnerships: China International Import Expo (CIIE) Promotional Events in Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia

To strategically deepen the cross-border collaborative ties with global enterprises and encourage broader participation, the China International Import Expo (CIIE) promotional team embarked on an influential global promotion to Australia, New Zealand, and Malaysia from February 16 to 24. This promotional itinerary was designed to advance the recruitment process for the 8th CIIE, scheduled for November 2025 in Shanghai. The initiative sought to highlight the CIIE’s role as a premier platform, enabling multinational corporations to tap into China’s expansive consumer market and to capitalize on its robust supply chain ecosystem.
 
Premium Platform for Cooperation Opportunities

Australia and New Zealand, both longstanding partners in China’s agricultural and resource sectors, boast strong economic complementarity and hold significant potential for future cooperation. At the 7th CIIE, Australia participated with more than 250 companies, marking the highest attendance in its history. Various Australian products, including meat, seafood, wine, dairy products, health supplements, agricultural products, and consumer goods were well-received by the Chinese market. Meanwhile, New Zealand, represented by industry giants like Theland, have long benefited from the trade connections fostered by the CIIE. Theland, a leading dairy company from New Zealand, has gained significant popularity among Chinese consumers. At each edition of the CIIE, Theland introduces global debut products, leveraging the CIIE as a testing ground and a springboard for expansion. 
 
A Bridge for Enhanced Partnership

In celebration of the 50th anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China, the CIIE further solidifies the friendly cooperative ties between the two countries, a relationship highlighted by Malaysia’s status as one of the guest countries of honor at the 7th CIIE. Through its active participation, Malaysia showcased its diverse range of high-quality products and services, including electrical and electronics, agricultural goods, healthcare products, and innovative services such as ICT, e-commerce, and logistics. This engagement underscored Malaysia’s strategic importance as a key partner in China’s global trade network.

Following the tremendous success of the 7th CIIE, preparations for the 8th CIIE are well underway, focused on continuing to create valuable cooperation opportunities for global enterprises. The CIIE remains an unparalleled platform for companies to explore market opportunities and strengthen cross-border trade relations.

Join the 8th CIIE to unlock new opportunities in the Chinese market. Visit the official CIIE website for more information: https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/

About China International Import Expo (CIIE)

The China International Import Expo (CIIE) is a trade fair held in autumn annually since 2018 in Shanghai, China. It is the world's first import-themed national-level expo, featuring exhibitions of multiple countries and businesses and the Hongqiao International Economic and Trade Forum. The expo is co-hosted by the Ministry of Commerce of China and the Shanghai Municipal Government. Its partners include World Trade Organization, United Nations Conference on Trade and Development and United Nations Industrial Development Organization. For more information, visit https://www.ciie.org/zbh/en/.

Media Contact

Cui Yan
cuiyan@ciie.org

February 26, 2025 9:00 AM
EDT
CHICAGO, IL

Notable heywell Expansion: Sparkling Functional Water Brand Accelerates Momentum with Major Retail Expansion and Marketing in 2025

heywell, the innovative sparkling functional water brand, is making a bold leap forward in 2025 with rapid growth and major retail expansion. Following a year of tripling its DTC business and doubling its overall business year-over-year, heywell extends its brick-and-mortar footprint into almost 900 new stores across the U.S. with key retail partners including Target, The Fresh Market, Hy-Vee, Fresh Thyme, and Mariano’s—with more key retail partners to be announced soon.

As health-conscious consumers seek cleaner, multi-benefit drinks, heywell is outpacing the flavored sparkling water category by 5x (SPINS, 52 weeks ending 1/26/25). Thoughtfully made with adaptogens, antioxidants, minerals, herbs, and organic caffeine, heywell delivers all-day wellness support in a delicious, convenient format.

“We created heywell as an all-day ally—offering multiple functional benefits in each can to help people manage the demands of modern life,” says Ashley Selman, CEO of heywell. “Our drinks provide a combination of benefits like hydration plus stress support or energy plus immunity, making wellness easier and more efficient—without compromising on taste. The key to success in functional beverages isn’t just being healthy—it’s being craveable.”

With the functional beverage market projected to hit $62 billion by 2027 (SPINS), heywell has built its success on a disciplined, thoughtful expansion strategy—partnering with the right retailers at the right time and investing where it matters most: at the point of purchase. This latest expansion builds on heywell’s existing presence in 2,000 stores nationwide, including Erewhon, Central Market, Wegmans, Gelson’s, and more.

heywell’s latest innovation, energy + hydrate lemon fizz, launched to overwhelming success last year. Featuring 75mg of organic green coffee bean caffeine, L-theanine for focus, and natural electrolytes for hydration, the flavor taps into two of the largest functional beverage categories: energy ($6.8 billion) and hydration ($6.3 billion) (SPINS).

Now, with strong consumer demand and proven traction in retail, heywell is preparing for its next move: its first-ever marketing campaign.

“heywell has taken a unique path, showing strong product market fit and reaching profitability through organic growth and strategic distribution,” says Selman. “We’ve doubled our business year over year with almost no marketing spend” says Selman. “Now, it’s time to accelerate. With deep beverage marketing experience, co-founder Britt Dougherty, our CMO Scott Coligan, and I are ready to scale heywell’s momentum and build an even stronger community around our brand. 2025 is going to be an incredible year.”
 
Find heywell online at Amazon, livingheywell.com, and select retailers nationwide:

  • energy + immunity sparkling grapefruit
  • energy + focus sparkling strawberry lemon
  • energy + lift sparkling orange mango
  • energy + lift sparkling cherry limeade
  • energy + hydrate lemon fizz
  • calm + hydrate sparkling lime
  • calm + restore sparkling blackberry ginger

About heywell

Founded by Ashley Selman (CEO) and Britt Dougherty (COO), heywell was created to make wellness simpler and more accessible for everyone, every day. Unlike many functional beverages that prioritized function over flavor, heywell thoughtfully blends powerful ingredients with delicious taste, delivering the best of both worlds. Follow @livingheywell and learn more at livingheywell.com.

Media Contact

Ashley Selman
ashley@livingheywell.com

February 26, 2025 8:00 AM
EDT
DENVER, CO

Bruegger's Bagels Launches New Double-Stack Egg Sandwich

Bruegger’s Bagels, known for its New York-style, kettle-boiled bagels and craveable fresh-baked breakfast, invites all egg, bacon, and cheese lovers to indulge in their new Double-Stack Egg Sandwich. Starting February 26, 2025, the breakfast sandwich will be available at Bruegger’s Bagels locations nationwide.

Renowned for its craveable breakfast, Bruegger’s Bagels once again raises the bar with a hearty breakfast sandwich, piled high with bacon, cheese, and eggs. The new Double-Stack Egg Sandwich features not one, but two layers of melty American cheese, peppered bacon, and fresh-cracked eggs. But one could argue what makes it doubly delicious is its fresh-baked Cheesy Hash Brown Gourmet Bagel and the kick of creamy chipotle mayo that finishes it off.

“Our goal with this new sandwich was to craft something big and bold for the bacon, egg, and cheese lovers across the country,” said Anne Wilde, Director of Menu Innovation. “Every bite delivers two layers of delicious satisfaction that will start your day off right.”

Guests can order the Double-Stack Egg Sandwich by stopping by their local Bruegger’s Bagels bakery, ordering online, or using the brand’s app for easy pickup at participating locations. The breakfast sandwich will also be available via catering.

With over 175 locations nationwide, Bruegger’s Bagels has earned a reputation for its authentic kettle-boiled bagels and array of made-in-Vermont cream cheeses. It also offers an enticing lineup of crave-worthy breakfast sandwiches, including the Vermonter, Farmhouse, Smokehouse Brisket, and Sriracha Honey Sunrise, as well as other innovative creations that keep customers coming back for more.

For more information, visit https://www.brueggers.com/ and follow Bruegger’s on social for the latest updates on deals and promotions.

Bruegger’s® Bagels locations here.   

About Bruegger’s® Bagels

Since 1983, Bruegger’s Bagels has brought authentic New York-style bagels to neighborhoods nationwide, crafted with the traditional kettle-boiling and baking process. Also serving a variety of breakfast sandwiches, lunch sandwiches, coffee, sweets and catering, Bruegger’s Bagels has more than 175 locations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit www.brueggers.com.

Media Contact

Brynna Powell
brynna@proof-pr.com

February 25, 2025 4:08 PM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

Park Slope Cleaning Receives WBE Certification

Park Slope Cleaning, a leading provider of commercial cleaning and janitorial services in New York and Miami, proudly announced today that they have received their WBENC Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certificate. This certification further solidifies Park Slope Cleaning's commitment to diversity and inclusion in the industry.

Obtaining the WBENC Women's Business Enterprise (WBE) Certificate is a significant milestone for Park Slope Cleaning as it demonstrates their dedication to supporting women-owned businesses and promoting equality in the workplace. This certification also opens up new opportunities for Park Slope Cleaning to collaborate with government agencies and other organizations that prioritize working with certified women-owned businesses.

As a company that specializes in commercial cleaning and janitorial services for establishments in New York and Miami, being WBENC Certified sets Park Slope Cleaning apart from competitors. This certification showcases their expertise and reliability in providing top-notch services while also contributing to the advancement of women in the business world.

Diana Ciechorska, General Manager, expressed: “Earning our WBENC Certification is a significant milestone for our team. We look forward to continuing to provide our clients with the same exceptional service and professionalism they trust and expect from us.”

Looking ahead, Park Slope Cleaning plans to expand their reach and take on more corporate clients in the New York and Miami area. They are committed to upholding the values of their certification and continuing to provide exceptional services to businesses in need of reliable cleaning solutions.

For more information about Park Slope Cleaning and their services, please visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.

About Park Slope Cleaning

Park Slope Cleaning is a top-rated M/WBE and WBE-certified commercial cleaning company in New York City and Miami, serving all industries. Renowned for its commitment to excellence and client satisfaction, Park Slope Cleaning provides a comprehensive range of cleaning services tailored to meet the unique needs of businesses in Miami and the New York City area. To learn more, visit https://www.parkslopecleaning.com.

Media Contact

Diana Ciechorska
info@parkslopecleaning.com

February 24, 2025 5:14 PM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

Federation of Catholic Teachers Calls for Fair Wages, Benefits, and Respect for Educational Assistants

The Federation of Catholic Teachers (FCT) is calling for urgent action in its negotiations with the Archdiocese of New York (ADNY) to secure fair wages, benefits, and recognition for Educational Assistants (EAs)—the newly unionized teachers’ aides and assistants who play a critical role in Catholic schools.

With an average hourly wage of just $16, minimal benefits, and little job security, these essential educators face conditions that fall far short of industry standards. Yet, after multiple bargaining sessions, the Association of Catholic Schools (ACS), the ADNY’s negotiating arm, has rejected nearly all proposals for improvement—including a simple name change from “Aide” to “Educational Assistant” to better reflect their role.

A Call for Dignity and Fair Pay

  • EAs earn less than fast-food workers, with proposed wage increases as low as 5 cents per hour.
  • Most EAs have no paid sick leave, forcing them to work while ill.
  • Basic benefits—healthcare, job security, retirement—are virtually nonexistent.
  • The ADNY refuses to acknowledge them as Educational Assistants, despite the title’s standard use in other professional fields.

“Refusing to recognize these educators with a title that reflects their contribution is more than semantics—it’s a blatant disregard for their role,” said Leanne Cole, President of FCT. “These individuals dedicate their days to supporting teachers and shaping young minds, yet they are denied the respect, wages, and protections they deserve.”

To raise public awareness and push for change, the Federation of Catholic Teachers is organizing a rally with union members, parents, and allies. Details will be announced soon.

We call on parents, educators, faith leaders, and the community to stand with us. If you believe:

  • Educational Assistants deserve fair pay and benefits.
  • Respect in the workplace should not be optional.
  • A living wage is a basic right.

Then join us at the rally and make your voice heard.

About the Federation of Catholic Teachers

The Federation of Catholic Teachers is the collective bargaining representative for the lay faculty in both elementary schools and high schools within the Archdiocese of New York. We proudly represent thousands of teachers and other professionals including librarians, guidance counselors, and educational assistants. For the last 50 years, the Federation of Catholic Teachers has fought to improve working conditions, salary, medical insurance, pension benefits and much more. We are pleased to announce that we are now qualified to represent educators in both New York and New Jersey. For more information, visit https://fct153.com.

Media Contact

Leanne Cole
info@fct153.org

February 24, 2025 8:59 AM
EDT
NEW HAVEN, CT

Sufism Meets Academia: Shaykh Al Karkari’s Talk at Yale

Shaykh Mohamed Faouzi al-Karkari, a prominent Sufi scholar, delivered a talk on February 14, 2025, at Yale University, organized by the MacMillan Center for International and Area Studies. The lecture focused on the Islamic concept of wilāya (sainthood), exploring its metaphysical and spiritual dimensions within Sufi thought.

Moderated by Dr. Rami Koujah, the event attracted scholars and students from various disciplines, fostering a dynamic dialogue between Sufism and academic research.
Shaykh al-Karkari emphasized wilāya as a cornerstone of the spiritual journey toward divine union, blending scriptural, theological, and experiential insights. The discussion highlighted the importance of integrating lived Sufi traditions with scholarly inquiry, challenging reductive interpretations of Islamic mysticism. The event also introduced Nūn Magazine, a publication bridging contemporary Sufism and academic scholarship, which garnered significant interest.

This talk is part of the Al-Karkari Institute for Sufi Studies' broader mission to deepen understanding of Sufism as an integral aspect of Islam’s spiritual and intellectual heritage, fostering dialogue between Sufi practitioners and academics. The event underscored the need for renewed engagement with Islamic mysticism in academic contexts, emphasizing its relevance to the human-divine relationship.

This event at Yale University is part of Shaykh Al Karkari’s recent U.S. tour, which has included a series of workshops and lectures at leading academic institutions such as the University of Chicago, Yale, and Stanford. Through these engagements, Shaykh Al Karkari continues to foster meaningful dialogue between Sufi spirituality and academic inquiry, enriching the understanding of Islamic mysticism in contemporary scholarly contexts.

Shaykh Al Karkari also led a seminar on Islamic Sufi philosophy at Yale University, hosted by the Association for Philosophy in the Islamic World. The event, attended by researchers specializing in Islamic studies, explored epistemological, ontological, and metaphysical questions in Sufi thought. Shaykh Al-Karkari addressed participants’ inquiries and discussed Sufism’s role in human life, fostering lively engagement and intellectual exchange.

This seminar is part of the Al-Karkari Institute for Sufi Studies’ initiative to revive Sufi sciences through lived experience and academic rigor. It follows similar events at the University of Chicago, where the Shaykh explored Islamic psychology and existential philosophy, and at Indiana University Bloomington, where he delved into the spiritual significance of the patched cloak (khirqa muraqqaʿa).

By engaging with leading academic institutions, the Al-Karkari Institute continues to bridge Sufi practice and scholarly discourse, ensuring Sufism remains a vital part of contemporary intellectual inquiry.

About Al-Karkari Institute

The Al-Karkari Institute aims to engage in research and discourse on the diverse dimensions of Sufism. By exploring the historical significance and contemporary relevance of tasawwuf, we aim to illuminate the path of Islamic inner transformation for a global audience of seekers. For more information about Al-Karkari Institute and their initiatives, visit https://www.karkari.org.

Media Contact

Alan Noble
alan@karkari.org

February 22, 2025 8:38 AM
EDT
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia

Al-Ahsa Investment Forum 2025 Unveils $3.7 Billion in Investment Opportunities

The Al-Ahsa Investment Forum 2025, which concluded on Thursday, showcased investment opportunities exceeding $3.7 billion across various sectors, including tourism, real estate development, transportation and logistics, industry, and agriculture. The event also featured the signing of more than 20 strategic agreements aimed at bolstering economic growth.

Now, in its seventh edition, the Al-Ahsa Chamber of Commerce organized the forum in collaboration with the Al-Ahsa Development Authority and Saudi Aramco. Held under the patronage of Prince Saud bin Nayef bin Abdulaziz, Governor of the Eastern Province, the event was attended by Prince Saud bin Talal bin Badr, Governor of Al-Ahsa and Chairman of the Forum’s Supreme Committee, along with government officials, industry experts, corporate executives, and investors from both local and international markets.

Since its launch in 2003, the Al-Ahsa Investment Forum has become a key platform for promoting regional investment. Al-Ahsa, located in eastern Saudi Arabia, is renowned for its oil and gas reserves, tourism, agriculture, and industrial projects, particularly energy and petrochemicals.

The forum is critical in highlighting investment opportunities in the public and private sectors, positioning Al-Ahsa as a leading contributor to Saudi Arabia’s economic diversification and energy sector expansion in alignment with Saudi Vision 2030.

Al-Ahsa’s Agricultural Contributions and Foreign Investment

Addressing the forum, Eng. Mansour bin Hilal Al-Mushaiti, Deputy Minister of Environment, Water, and Agriculture, noted that Al-Ahsa contributes 12% to Saudi Arabia’s agricultural GDP, which reached $29.9 billion in 2024. He highlighted Al-Ahsa’s pioneering achievement as the first Saudi region to attain full water sustainability and efficiency.

Additionally, Eng. Ibrahim bin Youssef Al-Mubarak, Assistant Minister of Investment and CEO of the Saudi Investment Promotion Authority (SIPA), announced that 103 foreign investment licenses had been issued in Al-Ahsa, representing a total investment of $666.7 million. He also revealed new investment opportunities worth approximately $13.3 billion, backed by competitive advantages that position the region as a prime destination for foreign capital.

In a further effort to attract investors, the Saudi Ministry of Investment integrated Al-Ahsa into the “Invest in Saudi Arabia” platform—a digital initiative designed to provide investors with streamlined access to projects, advisory services, and insights into the country’s business climate.

Energy, Storage, and Supply Chain Enhancements

As part of the discussions, Eng. Mohammed Al-Ibrahim, Assistant Minister of Energy for Petroleum and Gas Affairs, announced plans to tender an integrated facility for gas and liquefied natural gas (LNG) storage in Al-Ahsa. The project aims to strengthen Saudi Arabia’s energy infrastructure, optimize supply chain operations, and enhance storage and distribution efficiency, with expected annual sales of 2 million barrels by 2030.

Meanwhile, Saudi Aramco CEO Amin Nasser emphasized the importance of the Jafurah unconventional gas project in Al-Ahsa. Estimated to contribute $23 billion annually to Saudi Arabia’s GDP, the Jafurah project is a cornerstone of Aramco’s strategy to increase gas production by more than 60% over the next five years.

As home to some of Saudi Aramco’s largest operational sites, Al-Ahsa is crucial in expanding investment opportunities and creating new jobs. Notably, Jafurah is the largest shale gas field under development in the Middle East, with a projected production capacity of 2 billion standard cubic feet per day of sales gas by 2030, reinforcing Saudi Arabia’s status as a key natural gas exporter.

King Salman Energy Park (SPARK) and Industrial Expansion

Saudi Aramco is also spearheading the development of King Salman Energy Park (SPARK), a state-of-the-art industrial hub. Commenting on its progress, Nasser stated:

“We have completed Phase One of SPARK’s development, attracting more than 60 local and international investors with total investments exceeding $3.2 billion, generating over 40,000 direct and indirect jobs.”

As Saudi Arabia continues its economic transformation, Al-Ahsa’s investment ecosystem is poised to play a pivotal role in its long-term growth and industrial expansion.

Media Contact

Ahmed Gari
info@iaicdacademy.org

February 21, 2025 4:08 PM
EDT
RIYADH, Saudi Arabia

Yemeni Journalists Syndicate Secures Leadership Role in West Asia Journalists Union

Nabeel al-Osaidy, a member of the administrative body of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate, has been elected to the Executive Office of the West Asia Journalists Union. Al-Osaidy will also serve as the union’s Financial Secretary-General for a three-year term.

The election took place during the General Assembly meeting of the West Asia Journalists Union, which convened today in the Saudi capital, Riyadh. The gathering, held alongside the Saudi Media Forum, brought together representatives from 14 journalists’ unions and syndicates. Also in attendance were prominent figures from the International Federation of Journalists (IFJ), including Nasser Abu Baker and Jim Boumelha.

In addition to al-Osaidy’s election, the assembly saw Adhwan al-Ahmari, head of the Saudi Journalists Association, assume the presidency of the West Asia Journalists Union, while Fadila Al Muaini, head of the UAE Journalists Association, was elected as vice president.

The West Asia Journalists Union aims to foster greater cooperation and solidarity among press unions and associations across the region. It plays a crucial role in shaping policies that uphold journalists’ rights, defend press freedom, and advocate for human rights. The union also works to enhance professional standards, strengthen media collaborations, and engage with organizations sharing common interests in the field of journalism and information.

In a statement to the Yemen News Agency (Saba), al-Osaidy underscored the significance of the Yemeni Journalists Syndicate’s presence in the regional and international media landscape. He emphasized that this election reinforces the syndicate’s commitment to defending press freedoms and advocating for Yemeni journalists on both regional and global platforms.

Al-Osaidy also highlighted that the West Asia Journalists Union’s program will align with the principles of the International Federation of Journalists and the West Asia and Pacific Journalists Union. He announced plans to develop an executive roadmap for the coming period, focusing on safeguarding journalistic freedoms and enhancing professional competencies.

Expressing his gratitude, al-Osaidy commended the unwavering support of the International Federation of Journalists and regional press associations for their solidarity with Yemeni journalists during this phase.

Media Contact

Ahmed Gari
info@iaicdacademy.org

February 21, 2025 2:01 PM
EDT
KYIV, Ukraine

President Zelenskyy Announces Expansion of Khmelnytskyi NPP with Westinghouse Amid Ukraine’s Nuclear Energy Breakthrough

During his speech at the 61st Munich Security Conference on February 15, President of Ukraine Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirmed plans to expand the Khmelnytskyi Nuclear Power Plant (NPP), emphasizing the key role of nuclear energy in ensuring Ukraine’s viability amid ongoing Russian attacks on the energy sector.

"We are currently preparing a project to expand our Khmelnytskyi NPP with the involvement of American business, including Westinghouse. Just a day before Munich, I was there at the plant. This project will strengthen energy security not only of Ukraine but of the entire European region," stated President Zelenskyy.

Khmelnytskyi NPP Expansion and the Role of Westinghouse

Khmelnytskyi NPP is a key facility within NNEGC Energoatom, operating 9 power units in Ukrainian-controlled territory. CEO Petro Kotin confirmed plans to:

  • Complete the construction of power units No. 3 and No. 4, which are already 80% and 25% finished.
  • Begin construction of power units No. 5 and No. 6, utilizing the latest Westinghouse AP1000 reactor technology.

This expansion solidifies Ukraine’s position as a leader in nuclear energy development in Europe and ensures long-term energy stability for the region.

High-Level Discussions with the U.S.

President Zelenskyy also revealed that nuclear energy was a key topic in his conversation with U.S. President Donald Trump, underlining Ukraine’s strategic partnership with the United States in securing a stable nuclear future.

About Energoatom

Energoatom, officially known as the National Nuclear Energy Generating Company of Ukraine, is the state-owned operator of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants. Established to ensure the safe, reliable, and efficient generation of nuclear power, Energoatom is a key player in Ukraine’s energy sector, providing nearly half of the country's electricity needs. With 15 reactors across four nuclear power plants, Energoatom ranks as Europe’s second-largest nuclear power generator by installed capacity.

Since the start of the conflict, Energoatom has not only maintained operations under challenging conditions but also expedited efforts to achieve full independence from Russian nuclear fuel and materials. In partnership with international companies like Westinghouse and Holtec International, Energoatom is advancing Ukraine's nuclear energy infrastructure to ensure long-term energy security, economic resilience, and alignment with international safety and environmental standards.

For more information, visit https://energoatom.com.ua.

Media Contact

JSC NNEGC Energoatom
pr@atom.gov.ua
+380 44 523 4026

February 21, 2025 11:07 AM
EDT
ZÜRICH, Switzerland

Flowable Shares Enterprise AI Agent Building Capabilities in Latest Automation Series Webinar

Flowable, a leader in intelligent business automation, invites businesses to explore the transformative potential of agentic AI in its upcoming automation series webinar, "AI agency in your hands: from assistants to autonomous agents." Flowable CTO, Micha Kiener, and Principal Software Architect, Joram Barrez, will delve into the practical applications of AI agents and demonstrate how the Flowable platform empowers organizations to build, orchestrate, and govern these intelligent systems as efficiency enablers within business teams.

The webinar addresses the growing need for effective and scalable AI solutions within enterprises. While AI has become a cornerstone of innovation, many organizations will face challenges in effectively managing and deploying AI agents. And Flowable provides a structured approach to overcome these hurdles with its powerful process management ability, offering a balance between autonomy and control.

"Businesses are increasingly innovative with AI integration to improve efficiency and scalability," says Kiener. "This webinar will provide valuable insights into how agentic AI can revolutionize business processes and demonstrate how Flowable's platform offers a practical and controlled way to harness this power effectively across your organization."

Flowable Automation Series Webinar Details


Attendees will learn how Flowable enables organizations to:

  • Build and orchestrate AI agents: Covers creating AI agents from scratch, and integrating ready-made agents in a controlled and transparent manner, whether performing simple task automation or complex decision-making.
  • Govern AI agent behavior: Explains how the software allows defining the level of autonomy for each agent, ensuring alignment with business goals and compliance requirements.
  • Integrate AI agents with existing systems: Explores how to connect AI agents with existing platforms and workflows for enhanced operational efficiency and teamwork.
  • Scale AI agent deployments: Looks into expanding AI agent usage as needed while maintaining consistent performance and security.

The webinar will also explore real-world successful use cases of agentic AI across various scenarios, with detailed examples of practical AI agent implementation. Discover how organizations are leveraging AI agents to enhance customer experiences, streamline operations, and improve the efficiency of your processes.

About Flowable

Flowable is a leading provider of intelligent business automation solutions, specializing in the orchestration and management of AI-powered workflows. Flowable empowers organizations to achieve their automation goals with innovative, scalable, and flexible solutions. For more information, head over to flowable.com.

Media Contact

Orjana Lico
marketing@flowable.com
+41 31 329 09 00

February 20, 2025 9:27 AM
EDT
BOGOTÁ, Colombia

Biz Latin Hub Reveals 2025 Minimum Wage Secrets That Could Transform Your Nearshoring Strategy in Latin America and the Caribbean

Biz Latin Hub, a leading provider of market entry and back-office solutions across Latin America and the Caribbean, has released its 2025 minimum salary overview, equipping businesses and investors with crucial insights into the latest wage adjustments across the region.

The full minimum salary report for Latin America details the impact of rising labor costs on nearshoring, workforce planning, and compliance—critical factors for businesses expanding into the region.

Minimum Wage Trends in Latin America and the Caribbean for 2025

Governments across Latin America and the Caribbean are continuously adjusting minimum wages in response to inflation, economic policies, and labor market dynamics. As the region remains at the heart of the nearshoring boom, staying ahead of wage changes is vital for businesses aiming to maintain cost-effective operations.

The 2025 overview includes:

  • Updated minimum wage figures for key markets.
  • Country-by-country wage comparisons, identifying the highest and lowest labor costs.
  • Regulatory updates affecting hiring, payroll management, and compliance.

Nearshoring and Wage Adjustments: What Companies Need to Know

With foreign investment in Latin America and the Caribbean on the rise, businesses must strategically plan for labor costs. The 2025 minimum salary report serves as a key resource for:

  • Budgeting for nearshoring expansion while maintaining profitability.
  • Ensuring compliance with local labor laws to avoid penalties and legal risks.
  • Attracting and retaining top talent as wage expectations shift.

“Latin America and the Caribbean present outstanding nearshoring opportunities, but rising labor costs can impact competitiveness if not managed effectively,” said Craig Dempsey, founder and CEO of Biz Latin Hub and Medical Tourism Packages. “Our 2025 report provides essential salary trends, compliance insights, and hiring strategies to help businesses make informed decisions in this evolving market.”

How Biz Latin Hub Helps Businesses Stay Ahead

With a presence in 17+ countries, Biz Latin Hub offers company formation, HR, payroll, and legal compliance solutions, ensuring businesses remain informed and compliant with Latin America and the Caribbean’s evolving labor laws.

About Biz Latin Hub

Biz Latin Hub is a leading provider of market entry and back-office solutions, specializing in helping companies expand and operate across Latin America and beyond. With a presence in 17+ countries, we offer multilingual, tailored, and reliable services, including company formation, legal support, accounting, and recruitment. Our team of local and expatriate professionals bridges the gap between foreign and local business cultures, ensuring seamless operations for our clients in complex markets. For more information, visit https://www.bizlatinhub.com.

Media Contact

Craig Dempsey
contact@bizlatinhub.com

February 19, 2025 12:47 PM
EDT
DALLAS, TX

Unlisted Platform Empowers Homeowners to Gauge Buyer Interest Before Officially Listing

In light of recent data from The Wall Street Journal revealing a surge in delisted homes due to absent buyers, Unlisted, the innovative platform for off-market real estate, is encouraging homeowners to take a proactive approach to selling.

Unlisted offers homeowners a unique opportunity to gauge buyer interest and build a roster of potential buyers before officially listing their property. This proactive strategy provides valuable market insights and minimizes the risk of unexpected delistings, a stressful experience highlighted in the Wall Street Journal report.

"Shielding homeowners from unwelcome surprises is a core tenet of the Unlisted approach to real estate," says Katie Hill, founder of Unlisted. "By enabling homeowners to attract a roster of interested buyers before officially listing their property, we offer a proactive approach to understanding the marketability of your specific property."

Unlisted's platform empowers homeowners to:

  • Create a comprehensive property profile: Showcase their home's unique features and attract potential buyers.
  • Gauge buyer interest: Gain valuable market feedback and understand the true demand for their property.
  • Build a roster of potential buyers: Ensure a smoother and more confident selling experience when they are ready to list.

Unlisted's proactive approach to selling offers homeowners greater control, transparency, and peace of mind in an unpredictable real estate market. By fostering connections between homeowners and pre-qualified buyers, Unlisted minimizes the risk of delisting and maximizes the potential for a successful sale.

Homeowners are invited to take control of their property profile and begin garnering buyer interest today, at no cost, by visiting unlistedhomes.com.

About Unlisted

Unlisted is an AI-powered real estate technology platform designed to reveal off-market property opportunities. By leveraging machine learning, the company creates more dynamic, efficient market opportunities for buyers, sellers, and real estate professionals. For more information, visit https://unlistedhomes.com.

Media Contact

Sophia Jacomet
sophia@unlistedinc.com

February 19, 2025 12:42 PM
EDT
SUNRISE, FL

Mamma Mia Covers Unveils Innovative Multi-Use Pet Protection Solutions

Mamma Mia Covers, an official distributor of a renowned Italian brand of premium furniture slipcovers by Paulato, has announced the launch of two innovative products designed to enhance furniture protection and pet comfort.

The new multi-layer blanket with WAVYPROOF technology and a multi-use protector blanket. They offer an advanced approach to home interiors, providing versatile solutions for pet owners seeking durability and ease of maintenance.

As more households embrace pet ownership, the demand for functional and aesthetically pleasing home protection solutions continues to grow. These products are developed to address the growing need for stylish, pet-friendly home accessories.

WAVYPROOF Technology for Ultimate Protection

A multi-layer blanket is a sofa runner designed to provide superior protection against spills, pet accidents, and wear while maintaining aesthetic appeal. Engineered with three functional layers, it ensures longevity and ease of use:

  • Waterproof layer: Shields furniture from liquid damage and messes.
  • Antislip layer: Keeps the blanket securely in place on sofas, chairs, and other furniture surfaces.
  • Soft fabric layer: Offers a comfortable, pet-friendly touch that blends seamlessly with home decor.

In addition to its protective benefits, this sofa runner is designed to complement modern interiors with its sleek and stylish appearance. Available in a variety of colors and sizes, it integrates seamlessly into different home aesthetics while providing functional advantages.
 
A multi-layer blanket is also machine washable, ensuring ease of maintenance while maintaining its quality over time. The durable Italian materials used in its production guarantee longevity, making it a sustainable and reliable choice for pet owners looking to protect their furniture.

Multi-Use Pet Protector for Versatile Applications

Beyond simple furniture covers, a multi-use protector blanket is designed for multiple applications, catering to pet owners who need adaptable solutions for their interiors and travel needs. This product serves several functions:

  • Furniture protection: Shields sofas, chairs, and beds from fur, scratches, and pet-related messes.
  • Car seat and travel companion: Keeps vehicle interiors clean during pet transport.
  • Floor rug: Provides a cozy resting area while safeguarding flooring.
  • Outdoor use: Functions as a pet lounging blanket for patios, gardens, or travel activities.
  • Post-bath mat: Absorbs excess water and protects furniture from dampness.
  • Pet training aid: Helps train pets to settle in designated spaces.
  • Kennel and crate insulation: Enhances warmth and comfort during colder months.
  • Play area setup: Creates a dedicated space for pet playpens.
  • Pet carrier comfort: Serves as an added cushion inside pet carriers during travel.
  • Cold weather insulation: Offers warmth to furry friends when used in crates or beds.

Addressing the Growing Demand for Pet-Friendly Interiors

With the rise in pet ownership, the demand for practical and stylish home protection products continues to increase. Mamma Mia Covers’ latest offerings align with this trend, ensuring pet owners do not have to compromise on decor while keeping their homes well-maintained.

Research indicates that more homeowners are investing in pet-friendly furniture and protective accessories to prolong the lifespan of their decor. Products like a multi-layer blanket and a multi-use pet protector blanket offer long-term solutions for those seeking to maintain a clean and stylish living space.

Pet owners today are looking for solutions that integrate seamlessly with their interiors without sacrificing functionality. These new products reflect the company’s commitment to innovative, high-quality solutions that offer both protection and comfort.

Commitment to Sustainability and Quality


Both new products are crafted with longevity and sustainability in mind, ensuring they withstand regular use and repeated washing. The use of premium Italian materials highlights Mamma Mia Covers’ dedication to quality, making a multi-layer blanket and a multi-use pet protector blanket reliable choices for those seeking long-term solutions.

Mamma Mia Covers prioritizes environmentally friendly production methods, selecting sustainable materials and ensuring minimal waste during manufacturing. By investing in durable and washable products, the company aims to reduce the need for frequent replacements, promoting a more sustainable lifestyle for consumers.

Additionally, the company is exploring new textile innovations that combine high-performance protection with eco-conscious materials. This initiative aligns with the increasing consumer demand for sustainable home products that minimize environmental impact without compromising on function or style.

Expanding Market Reach and Consumer Engagement

The launch of these new pet-friendly solutions underscores Mamma Mia Covers’ commitment to evolving with consumer needs. To engage with a broader audience, the company plans to expand distribution channels both online and through select retail partners.

Furthermore, Mamma Mia Covers is leveraging social media and customer feedback to refine and enhance its product offerings. Pet owners are encouraged to share their experiences and suggestions, contributing to future product development that aligns even more closely with real-world needs.

Mamma Mia Covers prioritizes customer insights in its innovation process. By actively listening to consumer feedback and integrating their needs into product development, the company ensures its offerings continue to evolve alongside the growing demand for pet-friendly home solutions.

Availability and Future Plans

The new sofa runner and a carpet/blanket collection are set to be available soon, with further expansions in pet-friendly home solutions on the horizon. As Mamma Mia Covers continues to develop innovative products, the company remains focused on merging functionality with home aesthetics.

Future developments include additional color variations, enhanced fabric options, and further research into materials that offer even greater protection against wear and tear.

About Mamma Mia Covers


Mamma Mia Covers specializes in high-quality, stylish slipcovers and protective home accessories designed to meet the needs of modern households. With a focus on durability, functionality, and aesthetics, we provide innovative solutions for furniture protection, child safety, and pet-friendly interiors. By staying ahead of industry trends and prioritizing quality, Mamma Mia Covers continue to be a trusted name in home decor, offering customers reliable and stylish solutions for protecting their homes.

For more information and updates on the latest releases and home decor solutions, visit https://mammamiacovers.com, follow us on social media (Pinterest, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, and TikTok), or stop by our store located in Sawgrass Mills mall at 12801 W Sunrise Blvd, Unit 960 in Sunrise, Florida.

Media Contact

Mamma Mia Covers
support@mammamiacovers.com
+1 855-708-0280

February 19, 2025 8:10 AM
EDT
DUBAI, United Arab Emirates

Moneta Markets CEO Highlights Geopolitical Risks, Safe-Haven Assets, and Strategic Trading Tactics in Exclusive 2025 Market Outlook

In an exclusive market analysis, Moneta Markets founder and CEO David Bily has shared critical insights on navigating the volatile financial landscape of 2025. As geopolitical uncertainty intensifies, Bily outlines the key risks and opportunities for investors and traders, highlighting the rise of safe-haven assets, market shifts, and evolving trading strategies that could define success in the months ahead.

Steering Through Global Uncertainty: Geopolitics and Market Dynamics

Bily underscores 2025 as a year of unprecedented market volatility, driven by escalating geopolitical tensions and macroeconomic shifts. “The evolving geopolitical landscape, including U.S. dollar fluctuations under the Trump administration, will exert a profound impact on both Forex and commodity markets,” Bily stated. This uncertainty has fueled record highs in gold, solidifying its status as a safe-haven asset, while oil prices remain volatile due to persistent supply chain disruptions and ongoing regional conflicts.

Shifting Client Behavior: The Rise of Diversification and Disciplined Trading

Investors are diversifying portfolios more aggressively than ever. “While Forex remains a dominant asset class, we are witnessing a significant surge in demand for commodities like gold and oil, along with increased interest in major stock indices,” Bily noted.

Moneta Markets has also observed strong momentum in Share CFDs, particularly in the tech and energy sectors, with companies like NVIDIA, Tesla, Netflix, and Amazon drawing investor attention.

Bily warns against common trading pitfalls: “Novice traders often fall into the trap of chasing market highs and lows or averaging down on losing positions. However, we are seeing a shift toward a more disciplined, strategic approach. Thanks to our educational resources, traders are increasingly cutting losses swiftly and averaging into winning positions—following trends rather than fighting them.”

Education at the Core: Empowering Traders with Knowledge

A strong advocate for trader education, Bily stresses the importance of understanding market fundamentals and technical analysis. “At Moneta, we’ve expanded our educational offerings—webinars, daily market updates, and in-depth trading tutorials—ensuring that traders are equipped to thrive in volatile conditions,” he explained.

2025 Market Outlook: Volatility as the New Norm

The financial markets are already experiencing significant turbulence, with investors pivoting toward safe-haven assets like gold amid inflationary pressures and economic instability.

“Global events and economic policy shifts have fundamentally reshaped market behavior. Forex markets have reacted sharply to tensions and policy changes, oil remains sensitive to supply disruptions, and Bitcoin is making waves as institutional investors enter the space,” Bily added.

Key Advice for Investors: Diversify, Stay Informed, and Think Long-Term

Bily’s key takeaway for investors is clear: “Spread risk across different asset classes, stay informed about market shifts, and always take a long-term approach. At Moneta, we provide the tools, insights, and support needed to help our clients not only survive but thrive in uncertain times.”

About Moneta Markets

Moneta Markets is a globally recognized CFD brokerage offering traders access to over 1,000 tradable products, including Forex, commodities, indices, and Share CFDs. With a commitment to competitive pricing, cutting-edge tools, and world-class educational resources, Moneta Markets empowers traders to capitalize on opportunities, even in the most volatile market conditions. For more information, visit www.monetamarkets.com.

Media Contact

Austen Plummer
austen.plummer@monetamarkets.com

February 18, 2025 1:53 PM
EDT
LOS ANGELES, CA

Kava Coalition Names Douglas La Rose as Executive Director

The Kava Coalition announced today that Douglas La Rose, an agriculturalist, anthropologist, and international development professional, has joined the Kava Coalition as its new Executive Director.

“The opportunity to further the mission of the Kava Coalition—a future where kava is understood and accessible—is a personal and professional thrill,” La Rose said. “This is a watershed moment in a career building partnerships and relationships from farming communities to kava bars, and I’m excited to get to work on behalf of the Kava Coalition’s members and kava consumers everywhere.”

Douglas has been a passionate advocate for kava since founding the blog Kavasseur in 2007, which grew to include discussion groups, podcasts, and a YouTube channel reviewing kava products. Since then, he has collaborated with kava bars and suppliers to promote kava as a natural means of relaxation and as an alternative to alcohol—efforts that played a key role in popularizing kava in the U.S. and beyond.

“Douglas’s specific experience with kava and general experience in agriculture provides a ready-made trajectory for the Kava Coalition’s continued growth,” said Matthew Lowe, formerly the Kava Coalition’s Executive Director, who will now serve on its board. “I echo our membership in my excitement to bring him aboard, knowing that the Coalition’s leadership is in qualified and capable hands.”

La Rose is an agronomist with extensive experience in agricultural development across more than 30 countries in sub-Saharan Africa, Latin America, and Oceania. His expertise in strengthening horticultural value chains and food systems has improved sustainability and resilience in agriculture in the developing world. He holds an M.A. in applied anthropology from San Diego State University, where his research focused on livelihoods and agricultural adaptations to environmental change in Ghana’s forest-savanna transition zone.

About the Kava Coalition

Kava Coalition is an alliance of kava consumers, experts, and industry leaders committed to advancing kava education, advocacy, and choice. The Kava Coalition aims to empower informed decisions about kava, promoting responsible consumption while understanding the importance of preserving kava’s history and cultural heritage. For more information, visit https://www.kavacoalition.org.

Media Contact

Patrick George
info@kavacoalition.org
+1 916-202-1982

February 18, 2025 9:40 AM
EDT
MIAMI, FL

2025 U.S. Immigration Analysis: Shamayev Business Law Reveals Key Changes

Licensed immigration firm Shamayev Business Law has shared a comprehensive analysis of U.S. immigration changes for 2025. Their research highlights significant shifts as the nation advances towards a merit-based system. Through detailed analysis, the firm covers changes in visa processing and employment-based immigration, emphasizing how USCIS modernization and improved legal pathways are shaping the landscape for qualified professionals.

In its analysis, Shamayev Business Law identifies four key areas of development:

USCIS Modernization

The U.S. government has introduced new policies that simplify visa processes and improve pathways to permanent residency. USCIS focuses on digital tools, offering online applications and digital appointments. For visa applicants, this means faster processing times and greater transparency throughout each step of the application.

Improvements in the Green Card Application Process

Processing times for Green Card applications are expected to decrease in 2025, potentially making the process more accessible. Additionally, Temporary Protected Status (TPS) holders can now move directly to Green Cards without leaving the U.S.

Development of Investment Immigration

The EB-5 investor visa program now prioritizes projects that contribute to job creation and economic growth. Recent policy updates include tax incentives and business support programs aimed at fostering investment in the U.S.

Changes in Employment Immigration

"The current administration strongly supports legal immigration for highly skilled professionals," says Stanislav Shamayev, founder and leading licensed immigration attorney at Shamayev Business Law. "With increased approvals expected for employment-based visas, particularly in AI, Fintech, Science, Technology, and Blockchain sectors, experts in these fields may have more pathways available in 2025."

Employment-based immigration available paths in 2025 include:

  • EB-1 (Talent Visa): For individuals with extraordinary abilities in technology, science, arts, education, business, or sports.
  • EB-2 (Work Visa): For professionals with advanced degrees or exceptional abilities in their field.
  • EB-2 NIW (National Interest Waiver): For professionals whose work contributes to U.S. national interests.
  • EB-3 (Work Visa): For skilled professionals with bachelor's degrees and experienced workers with at least two years of training.
  • EB-5 (Investor Visa): For investors contributing at least $800,000 to U.S. economic growth.

About Shamayev Business Law

Shamayev Business Law Corporation is one of the largest U.S. immigration companies specializing in talent, business, and investor visas. With over a decade of experience in American law, the corporation has achieved more than 3,400 approved cases, maintaining an approval rating between 90% and 98%, depending on the visa type. Licensed across all 50 states, it deploys a dedicated team of 8 to 11 specialists for each case under the expert leadership of Stanislav Shamayev. Drawing from over 100 professionals, the company is committed to staying ahead of regulatory changes to deliver great results for clients worldwide. Shamayev Business Law offers a Complimentary Immigration Case Evaluation within two business days. Interested individuals can fill out the questionnaire available here.

For more insights into U.S. immigration policies and updates, visit our website at shamayevlaw.com or on Medium, YouTube, and Instagram.

Media Contact

Violetta Ledeneva SMM & PR Team Lead
vledeneva@shamayevlaw.com

February 18, 2025 9:30 AM
EDT
NEW YORK, NY

Qnary Launches Amplify Feature To Streamline Executive Social Media Engagement

Today, Qnary, the market leader in modern executive reputation management, announces an addition to its enterprise platform, Amplify. The feature helps communications teams coordinate and optimize social media engagement across multiple executives from the same company in a seamless, pre-planned approach. Qnary’s original executive thought leadership and reputation solution has expanded over the last decade to now support tens to thousands of executives from the same enterprise.

“We are proud of the growth of our enterprise business and continue to add important features to our platform like Amplify,” stated Bant Breen, Founder and CEO of Qnary. “Our new Amplify feature provides an efficient way for company communications leaders to facilitate real-time amplification of announcements, press, and campaigns across LinkedIn, X, Bluesky, and other social platforms in a simple, secure, and error-proof manner.”

Studies show that social media content shared by executives generates 8x more engagement than content posted from brand pages. While executive engagement is crucial for maximizing the reach, trust, and impact of company news, manually coordinating these efforts can be time-consuming, inconsistent, and prone to errors. Amplify simplifies this process by allowing communication teams to pre-draft, approve, and schedule executive comments and shares. This ensures a coordinated, timely, and strategic rollout of key messages, maximizing exposure while maintaining consistency across platforms.

“To drive meaningful engagement, it’s essential that not just the brand’s official channels share an announcement, but also that company leaders actively participate by sharing and commenting,” Breen added. “Amplify makes managing this coordination in real-time much easier for organizations.”

Trusted by thousands of executives worldwide, Qnary’s platform helps leaders enhance their digital presence, establish thought leadership, and protect their online reputation. Qnary Amplify further strengthens Qnary’s suite of tools, providing enterprises with an effective solution to elevate executive engagement and amplify brand reputation.

About  Qnary

Qnary is an industry-leading provider of modern executive reputation management solutions. Founded in 2012, we empower professionals, executives, and organizations to take control of their digital presence, optimize their professional brand, and showcase thought leadership. Our innovative platform and tailored strategies enable customers to effectively manage their online reputation, increase visibility, and drive engagement across various digital channels. Listed as one of the 5,000 fastest-growing companies by Inc. and one of the 360 best companies by Entrepreneur, Qnary delivers technology-enabled solutions globally. For more information, visit https://qnary.com.

Media Contact

Haley Fullerton
haley.fullerton@qnary.com

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