DALLAS, TX, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- MegPrime has launched its MPP Token rewards system across rent, mortgage, car, and bill payments, giving consumers a way to earn crypto on purchases they were already making. The launch follows the issuance of a staff No-Action Letter from the SEC’s Division of Corporation Finance confirming that the MPP Token functions as a non-security utility and payment token.

Homeownership in the United States has been considered out of reach for many Americans. According to a housing market analysis from J.P. Morgan Private Bank, home prices have climbed roughly 60% since 2019, and mortgage rates remain near 7%, effectively locking out an entire generation of buyers. While most financial platforms have responded with budgeting tools and savings calculators, MegPrime is taking a different approach by rewarding consumers for spending they are already doing. 

A First in Regulations Sets the Precedent

In January 2026, MegPrime received an SEC staff No-Action Letter, which is one of only a handful ever issued for any crypto token and the first ever granted to a universal payments token. The SEC staff response confirmed it would not recommend enforcement action, based on MegPrime’s representations that the token is designed for consumer utility, carries no expectations of profit or governance rights, and is marketed strictly as a consumer reward and payment mechanism.

Most crypto tokens operate in a gray area that makes institutional partnerships, consumer trust, and mainstream adoption difficult to build. MegPrime prioritized regulatory clarity before scaling, a deliberate choice that reflects the background and approach of its founders. 

MegPrime was co-founded by Zach Ipour and Aaron Ipour. The platform’s Z5 Protocol is central to how MegPrime makes crypto payments practical. It allows a consumer to initiate a payment in crypto while the recipient, a landlord, lender, or billing company, receives the funds in conventional fiat currency deposited directly into a bank account. That means renters can earn MPP Token rewards without requiring their landlord to accept crypto. 

How the Rewards Model Works

Eligible users at MegPrime’s partnered Max Properties may earn up to 20% back in MPP Tokens on recurring expenses. Car payments earn 5% back, or a flat $200 in MPP Tokens per month for two years when made through a qualifying partner dealer. 

Under the platform’s RentForward program, consistent payment histories through the app may qualify participating users for down payment assistance credits ranging from $12,000 up to $25,000 on select partner home purchases, subject to program terms and property availability.

XRP Integration Launches Soon

MegPrime is developing functionality within its app to allow users to convert earned MPP Token rewards into standard digital assets, including USDC and XRP, subject to platform availability and regional regulatory requirements. The addition opens the platform to a large and active segment of the crypto community that has been waiting for real-world utility tied to XRP beyond trading. 

A Different Kind of Crypto Platform

With greater regulatory clarity and the XRP functionality launch, MegPrime is making a direct case that a crypto token built around everyday expenses can compete for the same consumers that have cash-back credit cards and traditional reward programs, while offering offering a novel alternative that connects daily household expenditure to developer-backed housing purchase incentives. 

MegPrime products, services, rewards, promotions, eligibility, and availability are subject to applicable terms and conditions and may change. See MegPrime’s Terms of Service for additional information.

About MegPrime

MegPrime is a financial technology platform powered by digital currency that helps individuals turn everyday expenses into real-world value and long-term financial progress. Designed as a universal payment ecosystem, MegPrime connects routine monthly expenditures — including rent, utility bills, and mortgage payments — to a unified rewards program that expands pathways to homeownership and household savings. By combining real estate expertise with digital currency infrastructure, MegPrime enables users to earn rewards on their daily spending while offering seamless on-ramp, off-ramp, and direct payment capabilities. For more information, visit megprimepay.com.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any security, digital asset, or financial product. The SEC staff No-Action Letter referenced herein represents the non-binding response of the SEC staff based solely on the specific facts and representations presented by MegPrime; it does not constitute an endorsement, official rule, or legal determination by the Commission itself. Digital assets, including the MPP Token, involve market risks and volatility. Program availability, reward percentages, down-payment credits, and partner integrations — including planned XRP functionality — are subject to eligibility criteria, partner participation, and applicable Terms of Service, which may change without prior notice.

Media Contact

media@press-nexus.com

KYIV, Ukraine, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The final stage of the GGBET Ukrainian 3x3 Basketball Championship took place in the capital of Ukraine. The tournament was held as part of a long-term collaboration between licensed betting operator GGBET.UA and the Ukrainian Basketball Federation as title sponsor.

The championship traveled all over the country for over three months, drawing teams and fans to outdoor courts across five Ukrainian regions. 12 teams faced off in the final for the grand prize after going head to head throughout the season.

The final turned out to be particularly tense, with the winner decided in overtime. The title shot came down from long range, securing a victory and the season’s gold medal.

GGBET.UA turned the championship final into a true celebration of basketball with a jam-packed entertainment programme for spectators: DJ sets, interactive activities, prize giveaways, and a performance by one of the country’s most decorated cheerleading squads. Watch the highlights and a full video recap on Instagram.

The total prize fund for the GGBET Ukraine Championship added up to nearly 1 million UAH. As is tournament tradition, the teams are donating 50% of their winnings to the Armed Forces of Ukraine.

The final in Kyiv marked a further step in the development of GGBET.UA's partnership with the Ukrainian Basketball Federation. Previously, GGBET.UA also served as the title sponsor of the Ukrainian men’s and women’s national basketball teams and as a partner of top Ukrainian football clubs. Support for the Ukrainian 3x3 Basketball Championship helps develop both amateur and professional players in Ukraine while bringing in new fans to the sport.

Disclaimer

This press release is issued for informational and editorial entertainment purposes only. It does not constitute financial advice, investment recommendations, or an invitation to participate in gambling. GGBET.UA operates as a licensed sports betting and iGaming platform in compliance with Ukrainian national regulatory frameworks.

Responsible Gaming Notice

Online sports betting and gambling involve financial risk and potential dependency. GGBET.UA is committed to promoting safe and responsible gaming. Betting services are strictly restricted to individuals who meet the legal age requirement (21+ in Ukraine) within their respective jurisdictions. If you or someone you know is experiencing signs of gambling-related harm, please seek confidential support from certified problem gambling resources.

Media Contact

Press Office
pr@ggbet.ua

WASHINGTON, DC, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association today announced it has filed a federal lawsuit in the United States District Court for the District of Columbia (Case No. 1:26-cv-02997) seeking declaratory and injunctive relief to ensure that the Drug Enforcement Administration’s temporary scheduling order for mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16 is not misapplied to traditional botanical kratom products that contain only incidental, naturally occurring, or naturally formed trace amounts of MGPI.

The complaint names the Drug Enforcement Administration, DEA Administrator Terrance C. Cole, and the U.S. Department of Justice as defendants. The lawsuit does not ask the court to invalidate DEA’s temporary scheduling order in the first instance. Instead, AKA asks the court to confirm that the order does not apply to traditional botanical kratom products merely because modern testing may detect naturally occurring or naturally formed trace amounts of pseudoindoxyl.

“This lawsuit is about regulatory clarity, preserving science-based oversight, and ensuring the DEA’s temporary scheduling order stays focused on deliberately manufactured, concentrated opioid compounds — not natural kratom leaf,” said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association. “The AKA supports aggressive enforcement against chemically manipulated MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16 products. But responsible kratom consumers and legitimate botanical kratom businesses should not be put at risk because trace-level chemistry is detected in otherwise traditional botanical kratom.”

The lawsuit cites DOJ’s own public statement that the emergency scheduling action is directed at “deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom.” AKA’s filing argues that DOJ’s statement should control how the temporary scheduling order is interpreted, and that traditional botanical kratom should not be criminalized when trace MGPI is present only as a result of the plant’s chemistry or ordinary post-harvest handling.

According to the complaint, the uncertainty arises because the agencies’ public statements point in one direction — targeting enhanced, synthetic, and concentrated kratom-related opioid products — while the unqualified chemical listing in the temporary scheduling order could be read to reach traditional botanical kratom if trace MGPI is detected by modern analytical methods.

“The federal government made the right decision to target dangerous chemically manipulated opioid products,” Haddow said. “But that objective is undermined if legitimate natural kratom leaf products are swept into Schedule I because laboratories can now detect trace compounds at levels that do not present the public safety threat DEA sought to address.”

The complaint asserts that mitragynine, 7-hydroxymitragynine, and pseudoindoxyl are chemically related, arguing that trace pseudoindoxyl can form through natural botanical processes, standard post-harvest handling, storage, or analytical conditions without intentional synthesis, enrichment, or fortification. The filing also notes that accredited laboratory testing found trace pseudoindoxyl in unprocessed kratom leaf and botanical powder at levels far below the concentrated products that prompted DEA’s action.

AKA emphasized that it is not seeking protection for intentionally manufactured, concentrated, fortified, or enhanced MGPI products. The complaint states that AKA’s GMP participants do not manufacture or sell products intentionally fortified with pseudoindoxyl and do not challenge federal control of intentionally synthesized, isolated, enriched, fortified, or concentrated pseudoindoxyl products.

“What we are asking for is simple: enforce the law against bad actors who manufacture and market dangerous concentrated opioid compounds, while preserving access to traditional botanical kratom products that comply with state Kratom Consumer Protection Acts,” Haddow said. “Consumers should not lose access to traditional botanical kratom because of an ambiguous emergency order that DOJ has already said is not aimed at botanical kratom.”

The lawsuit also points to DEA’s companion 7-OH scheduling approach, where DEA recognized the need for a threshold to distinguish botanical kratom containing naturally occurring trace 7-OH from enhanced or synthetic 7-OH products. AKA argues that the same kind of scientifically defensible threshold or objective line is needed for MGPI to prevent unintended consequences for traditional botanical kratom.

The complaint seeks a declaration that the temporary scheduling order does not apply to traditional botanical kratom products whose only pseudoindoxyl or MGM-related content is naturally occurring, naturally formed, or present only in trace quantities without intentional synthesis, isolation, enrichment, fortification, concentration, or addition. In the alternative, if DEA claims the order applies to traditional botanical kratom, AKA asks the court to set aside or enjoin that application and require a reasoned, scientifically defensible standard.

“This litigation is necessary because responsible companies, laboratories, researchers, and consumers need clarity now,” Haddow said. “Without clarification, the very testing and quality-control systems that protect consumers could become the basis for enforcement risk. That is bad science, bad policy, and bad consumer protection.”

AKA reiterated its support for strong federal enforcement against chemically manipulated opioids, including MGPI, MGM-15, MGM-16, and high-potency 7-OH products, while advocating for clear regulatory thresholds for natural kratom. While kratom has not been approved by the FDA, AKA maintains that traditional botanical products should be distinguished from synthetic chemical analogs.

“The right policy is not confusion,” Haddow said. “The right policy is targeted enforcement against dangerous chemically manipulated opioids, paired with clear federal standards for natural kratom products that protect consumers and preserve access.”

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Americans to safely use natural kratom products. The AKA supports federal and state enforcement actions targeting chemically manipulated 7-OH products and advocates for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act — including product testing, labeling standards, and age restrictions — in states across the country. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Disclaimer

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. This press release is provided for informational and public policy purposes only. Information contained herein reflects the policy analysis of the issuing party regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statements made regarding natural kratom have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified medical professionals before using any botanical products.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

LOS ANGELES, CA, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc. (NASDAQ: FFAI) (“Faraday Future”, “FF” or the “Company”), a California-based global Embodied AI (EAI) ecosystem company, today held its first ever FF EAI Robotics “Built in USA” Upstream & Downstream Business Partner Conference at its LA headquarters. FF made numerous announcements and Company updates, including presenting the three-phase execution roadmap for FF EAI Robotics’ “Built in USA” Acceleration Program.

Industry guests attending the event included Steven Newton, Senior Consultant of the U.S. General Services Administration and a member of the Los Angeles Unified School District Procurement Committee; Andrew Stokes, President of MOSO Robotics; and Praveen Penmetsa, founder of Motivo Engineering. They spoke highly of FF’s established industry foundation, technological strength, and compliance capabilities in robotics, as well as the industry alliance initiative proposed by the Company.

FF officially begin recruiting downstream partners and unveil the FF PAR Revenue Flywheel, enabling the Company’s partners to earn not only one-time sales margins, but also recurring income that builds over time as the ecosystem grows, creating higher returns for our partners.

On September 28, FF will host Part Two of the FF EAI Robotics “Built in USA” Launch and Business Partner Conference. Together with our upstream partners, FF will work to build the industry ecosystem. FF’s “Built in USA” strategy will provide a compliant entry point for upstream partners looking to expand into the U.S. market, turning advanced global technologies, supply chains, and system capabilities into market opportunities in the United States.

Against the backdrop of the FCC’s new policy framework, FF, as the first U.S. Company to have delivered both humanoid and bionic robots, is well positioned to capitalize on the market opportunities created by rising industry entry barriers and accelerate the conversion of its first-mover advantage in product delivery into a competitive market advantage.

FF has officially upgraded its EAI robotics strategy to the Four-Core Full-Stack AI Ecosystem Strategy, comprising the EAI Brain; EAI Devices; Industry Productivity Solutions and Developer Platform; and EAI Data Factory.

“Robotics companies fall into two types: EAI robotics companies and non-EAI robotics companies. What sets an EAI robot apart is a combination of critical capabilities, including an intelligent brain, foundation models, a physical embodiment, and the ability to generalize across different tasks and environments. EAI robotics companies tend to bring substantially greater value.” said YT Jia, founder and Global CEO of Faraday Future. “Join us on this ‘Built in USA’ journey. Together, we can move the robotics industry forward and maximize value for every distributor partner who joins us.”

FF EAI Robotics’ “Built in USA” Strategy and FCC Compliance

Built on FF’s “Four-Core Full-Stack AI” ecosystem, FF will build U.S.-based R&D, production, and supply chain capabilities for EAI Devices and key components in phases all while complying with the latest FCC policies targeted towards robotics. At the same time, it will strengthen its U.S. capabilities across the EAI Brain, Industry Productivity Solutions and Developer Platform, and EAI Data Factory.  targeting to establish itself as a leading EAI robotics platform company in the United States; and drive the rapid, long-term growth of the U.S. EAI robotics industry. 

FF began executing this strategy last year, when it accelerated its EAI robotics business; core Phase One capabilities are now complete. 

The new policies recently announced by the FCC are not intended to cut off global collaboration. Advanced technologies and supply chain capabilities from around the world can still be brought into the United States. For global partners, a compliant U.S. platform can still provide a more efficient path into the U.S. market. This is also where FF offers unique value.

FF has already established an evolutionary flywheel driven by its “Four-Core Full-Stack AI” ecosystem, its Global Industry Bridge, and scaled deliveries. Taken together, the new policies are reshaping the rules of the industry and, with full FCC compliance as a prerequisite, further strengthen the value of that bridge — positioning FF to translate its advantages in compliance, global connectivity, and early scaled delivery into market share and a stronger competitive moat.

Three-Phase Execution Roadmap for FF EAI Robotics’ “Built in USA” Acceleration Program

In Phase One, by the end of July this year, FF had completed the initial implementation of three core capabilities: the EAI Brain, Industry Productivity Solutions and Developer Platform, and the EAI Data Factory. This laid the technical foundation for the continued development of its EAI Devices. On the manufacturing side, FF also began establishing Its U.S. footprint, including evaluating a retrofit of the Company’s Hanford factory and possible sites for a new facility.

In Phase Two, from this August through the first quarter of 2027, FF will accelerate the “Assembled in USA” implementation for EAI Devices and the parts required for FCC compliance. FF’s goal is to bring its robotics factory online by the end of this year and have its first new EAI Device roll off the production line in February 2027.

In Phase Three, by the fourth quarter of 2028, FF’s ultimate goal is to achieve “Made in USA” for its EAI Devices, the parts required for FCC compliance, and a group of critical parts capable of driving major advances across the industry.

The following three-phase roadmap and timelines reflect the Company’s current targets and may be adjusted based on current FCC policies, applicable laws and regulations, and actual execution progress.

New EAI Devices Selected for the “Built in USA” Program

The first two new EAI Devices selected for the “Built in USA” program are the full-size humanoid Next Futurist and the quadruped Next Aegis.

Next Futurist is an “All-in-One Professional Expert,” designed for high-value use cases including research and education, industrial applications, services, and inspection. Its key upgrades will focus on motion control, multimodal perception, and AI capabilities. We will also explore advanced technologies such as NVIDIA SONIC, enabling it to progress from motion execution toward task understanding and autonomous operation.

Next Aegis is positioned as an “All-Scenario EAI Quadruped Robot” for education, inspection, security, and other applications at scale. Its key upgrades will focus on power, endurance, complex-terrain mobility, and autonomous navigation. Its modular design will also allow it to be configured for different use cases. More importantly, both products will share the EAI Brain, Data Factory, Developer Platform, and Skills system. Together, they will validate the technical approach of “One Brain, Multiple Forms; Multiple Forms, Multiple Capabilities” and help keep the evolutionary flywheel of FF’s “Four-Core Full-Stack AI” ecosystem moving.

EAI Education Ecosystem Updates

The Company has built the initial foundation of an education ecosystem covering EAI Devices, structured curricula, AI development tools, hands-on robotics training, and teacher support. We have also designed a curriculum framework spanning nine levels and three stages of learning. The Company has established partnerships with two public school districts in California — Lynwood Unified and El Segundo Unified — covering approximately 22 K-12 schools. Our EAI robotics summer camps have validated the model in real educational settings. This has established B2B educational institutions and B2C family education entry points along with a FF representative joining the El Segundo Unified School District’s CTE Advisory Committee.

FF has completed the initial development of Version 1.0 of FF’s Industry Productivity Solution for the EAI Education Ecosystem. It will officially launch on September 19. The solution will serve K-12 schools, after-school programs, and family education. It will empower our partners across eight dimensions, including EAI Devices, level-based curricula, development tools, teacher training, instructional management, and technical support.

FF has also officially launched its EAI EDU Nationwide Replication at Scale Sub-Campaign. Over the next four months, FF will expand its K-12 demonstration programs and advance blended learning, teacher training, and its classroom management platform. FF will also accelerate progress toward implementation for 11 potential education partnerships currently under development across 10 U.S. states.

Partnership Policy & Downstream Partner Recruitment:

FF officially launched its Partnership Policy & Downstream Partner Recruitment at today’s event. FF’s robotics business maintained ramp-up in sales and a positive contribution margin throughout the first half of the year. At the same time, the Data Factory has completed its first commercial closed loop, and the Developer Platform is live.

FF is recruiting four types of partners — each able to create value within the commercial flywheel and share in the returns. Channel partners — including distributors, regional agents, and rental operators, who bring market coverage and local service capabilities. Industry solution partners and developers, who bring industry expertise and project delivery capabilities. AI partners, who contribute Skills modules and model capabilities. And data and Skills partners, who contribute compliant data and validated assets.

FF PAR partners can access two forms of value.  Direct value includes product margins and business development incentives. These programs are supported by signed agreements and a fulfillment record. Flywheel value will be created after a robot enters a customer’s real-world environment. This includes deployment, training, operations, software subscriptions, curricula, upgrades, capacity expansion, and referrals. Each of these services is contracted, priced, and accepted independently. None of them constitutes a disguised discount on another.

RoboShare Updates

RoboShare is AIxC’s robot-sharing and operations platform, and FF is AIxC’s majority stockholder. RoboShare aims to build an “Uber + Turo”-style sharing and operations platform for robots. Its goal is to unlock their value as shared assets — transforming them from hardware sold through a one-time transaction into a new type of productive asset capable of generating ongoing revenue. RoboShare has already completed its first paid commercial order and secured a one-year rental order valued at $33,000. This long-term demand led an education customer to expand its original plan to purchase five NAVI robots into a firm order for 23 FFAI robots, generating 18 additional unit sales for FFAI.

AIxC officially launched RoboShare & Co. across North America, offering five partnership models: ROBOPARs support customer development, robot sales, local fulfillment, and lease-to-own programs; asset owners list eligible robots; users access diverse robots with transportation, operation, and on-site services; referral partners introduce customer demand and earn bonuses under official policies; and rental operators provide local transportation, operation, maintenance, repair, and after-sales support. Building on its initial orders, RoboShare is expanding its partner network with the goal of becoming North America’s largest and most diverse robot-sharing platform.

RoboShare is moving beyond its initial orders and beginning to expand its partner network across North America. It aims to build North America’s largest and most diverse robot-sharing platform.

Next, RoboShare will begin rolling out its Ten-City Strategy, starting in Los Angeles. We will validate repeat demand, equipment utilization, and its operating model. FF will provide AIxC with strategic, product, and technology support. In turn, RoboShare will help drive sales through real-world usage.

“FF combines deep roots in the United States with its role as a global Embodied AI industry bridge and today’s conference brought together many new ideas from the Company,” said YT Jia, FF founder and Global CEO. “FF is extending an invitation to all potential partners around the world: Let’s bring the best technologies, products, and supply chain capabilities to the United States, create value here, 'Built in USA, Benefit the World.'”

About Faraday Future

Founded in 2014, Faraday Future (FF) is a U.S.-based Physical AI ecosystem company dedicated to reshaping the future of robotics and mobility solutions through AI innovation and technologies. FF focuses on two major product strategies within the Embodied AI (EAI) robotics business: EAI humanoid and bionic robots, and EAI automotive-focused robots. By building a "Four-Core Full-Stack AI" ecosystem of EAI Brain, Device, Industry Productivity Solutions and Developer Platform, and Data Factory, FF aims to create an evolutionary flywheel: scaled device delivery, data collection and training, continuous evolution of the EAI Brain, stronger product capability, and even larger-scale delivery and deployment. Through this flywheel, FF seeks to maximize its commercial value and lead to the advancement of Physical AI. For more information, please visit Faraday Future's official website: ff.com. 

Disclaimer

This press release includes “forward looking statements” within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. When used in this press release, the words “estimates,” “projected,” “expects,” “anticipates,” “forecasts,” “plans,” “intends,” “believes,” “seeks,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “future,” “propose” and variations of these words or similar expressions (or the negative versions of such words or expressions) are intended to identify forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements, which include statements regarding Faraday Future Intelligent Electric Inc.’s (the “Company’s”) “Bridge Strategy,” the Company’s growth strategy, fundraising activities and prospects, the development of markets in which the Company operates or seeks to operate, the production and delivery of the FF 91, the Faraday X(FX) brand, and future compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements, are not guarantees of future performance, conditions or results, and involve a number of known and unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other important factors, many of which are outside the Company’s control, that could cause actual results or outcomes to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements speak only as of the date of this call, and the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to disseminate any updates or revisions to any forward-looking statement contained herein to reflect any change in the Company’s expectations with regard thereto or any change in events, conditions or circumstances on which any such statement is based.

Important factors, that may affect actual results or outcomes include, among others: the Company’s ability to continue as a going concern and improve its liquidity and financial position; the Company’s ability to pay its outstanding obligations, which it currently lacks; the availability of sufficient share capital to meet its current obligations and execute on its strategy; the willingness of convertible debt investors to fund the Company; demand for the Company’s robotics products; the ability of B2B preorder companies to locate customers to purchase our robotics products, on which their nonbinding preorders substantially depend; competition in the robotics industry, which includes companies with far superior experience, funding and name recognition; the ability of the Company to build an EAI education ecosystem that serves both the B2C consumer market and the B2B institutional education market; the acceptance by teachers and students of the Company’s robotics products in the education market; the ability of the Company to expand into additional markets for its robotics products; the Company’s reliance on a single OEM for most of its robotics products; the Company’s reliance on Chinese OEMs for all of its robotics products; the possibility of the federal government banning imports of Chinese robotics products; the Company’s ability to get the planned robotics products to comply with all applicable U.S. rules and regulations; the ability of the robotics OEM to timely supply robotics to the Company; tariff uncertainty for imported products, particularly from China; demand from automobile dealers for robotics products; the Company's ability to homologate FX vehicles for sale; the Company’s ability to secure the necessary funding to execute on the FX strategy, which is substantial; the Company’s ability to secure an occupancy certificate covering all of its Hanford facility; the Company's ability to remediate its material weaknesses in internal control over financial reporting and the risks related to the restatement of previously issued consolidated financial statements; the Company’s limited operating history and the significant barriers to growth it faces; the Company’s history of substantial losses and expectation of continued losses; the success of the Company’s payroll expense reduction plan; the Company’s ability to execute on its plans to develop and market its vehicles and the timing of these development programs; the Company’s estimates of the size of the markets for its vehicles and cost to bring those vehicles to market; the rate and degree of market acceptance of the Company’s vehicles; the Company’s ability to cover future warranty claims; the success of other competing manufacturers; the performance and security of the Company’s vehicles; current and potential litigation involving the Company; the Company’s ability to receive funds from, satisfy the conditions precedent of and close on the various financings described elsewhere by the Company; the result of future financing efforts, the failure of any of which could result in the Company seeking protection under the Bankruptcy Code; the Company’s indebtedness; the Company’s ability to use its “at-the-market” program; insurance coverage; general economic and market conditions impacting demand for the Company’s products; potential negative impacts of a reverse stock split; potential cost, headcount and salary reduction actions may not be sufficient or may not achieve their expected results; circumstances outside of the Company's control, such as natural disasters, climate change, health epidemics and pandemics, terrorist attacks, and civil unrest; risks related to the Company's operations in China; the success of the Company's remedial measures taken in response to the Special Committee findings; the Company’s dependence on its suppliers and contract manufacturer; the Company's ability to develop and protect its technologies; the Company's ability to protect against cybersecurity risks; and the ability of the Company to attract and retain employees, any adverse developments in existing legal proceedings or the initiation of new legal proceedings, and volatility of the Company’s stock price. You should carefully consider the foregoing factors and the other risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s Form 10-Q for the quarter ended June 30, 2026; the quarter ended March 31, 2026, filed with the SEC on May 14, 2026, and Form 10-K filed with the SEC on March 31, 2026, and other documents filed by the Company from time to time with the SEC.

Media Contact

john.schilling@ff.com

SANTO DOMINGO, Dominican Republic, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- New assessments analyzed by RD Noticias from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the U.S. International Trade Administration (Trade.gov) reaffirm the Dominican Republic’s position as one of the Caribbean’s largest and most dynamic economies under the administration of President Luis Abinader.

Foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic reached $3.2765 billion in the first half of 2026, with energy and tourism accounting for nearly half of total inflows. The figures provide a clearer view of where international capital is concentrating in the country and how key sectors continue to shape its investment profile.

Foreign direct investment in the Dominican Republic reached $3.2765 billion in the first half of 2026, an increase of 7.7% from the same period a year earlier, according to the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic.

The headline figure is significant, but the composition of those flows provides a more detailed view of the country’s investment profile. Energy accounted for 27.8% of FDI and tourism for 20.1%, meaning the two sectors together attracted nearly half of all foreign direct investment entering the country during the first six months of the year.

The data place two established economic sectors at the center of the investment picture: a tourism industry that continues to generate foreign-exchange earnings and an energy sector attracting capital as the country expands generation and infrastructure.

The figures do not establish that these trends are the result of any single administration. Tourism has been a major component of the Dominican economy for decades, while investment decisions reflect multiple economic, regulatory and international factors. What the latest data show is where foreign capital is concentrating during the current phase of the country’s development.

Dominican Republic FDI maintains momentum

The first-half figures follow a record year for foreign investment. The Central Bank reported that FDI reached $5.0323 billion in 2025, an increase of 11.3% from 2024. Tourism accounted for 26.3% of those inflows and energy for 23.8%, putting the two sectors at just over half of total FDI for the year.

Their continued prominence in the first half of 2026 suggests that the latest sector mix is not simply the result of a single quarter or isolated project cycle.

There has, however, been a shift within that mix. Energy moved ahead of tourism as the largest recipient of FDI during the first half of 2026, while tourism remained the second-largest destination for foreign capital. Real estate development and mining each accounted for another 12.4%.

The Central Bank expects total FDI toexceed $5.3 billion in 2026, although that remains a projection rather than a completed result. The institution has also noted that global investment flows are recovering unevenly and that competition among economies for strategic projects remains high.

That distinction matters. The investment story is not only that capital is entering the Dominican Republic, but that significant volumes continue to be allocated to sectors tied to infrastructure, international demand and foreign-exchange generation.

Tourism provides scale and demand visibility

Tourism remains one of the clearest sources of external revenue in the Dominican economy. Central Bank figures show that tourism receipts reached $6.716 billion in the first half of 2026, up 15.3% from the same period in 2025. Visitor arrivals increased 7.9%, surpassing 6.5 million during the period.

For investors, that scale has implications beyond hotels. Tourism demand supports activity across aviation, construction, real estate, food and beverage, transportation and other services. It also creates an established demand base for investment in destinations where accommodation capacity and supporting infrastructure continue to expand.

The regional context reinforces the sector’s scale. The Caribbean Tourism Organization reported that the Dominican Republic was the most visited Caribbean destination in 2024, with 8.5 million overnight tourists, within a regional market that recorded approximately 34.2 million international arrivals.

The country’s investment profile reflects that position. The U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement, published through Trade.gov, identifies tourism alongside real estate, telecommunications, free trade zones, mining and energy among the sectors that have attracted the most FDI into the Dominican Republic.

Tourism, in other words, is not the country’s only investment story. But its scale provides a visible source of demand against which international investors can evaluate projects in related sectors.

Energy becomes a larger part of the investment mix

The rise of energy to 27.8% of first-half FDI adds another dimension to the country’s investment profile. Electricity infrastructure has historically been an important consideration for investors assessing the Dominican economy.

Recent investment has increased the scale and diversity of the system, while transmission, distribution and storage are becoming increasingly important as generation capacity expands.

In 2025, 16 strategic energy projects added 1,138 megawatts of generation capacity, backed by more than $1.5 billion in private investment, according to government figures released in February 2026.

Of that new capacity, 697 MW came from renewable sources, primarily solar and wind, while 438 MW came from more efficient thermal generation, largely natural gas. Installed capacity increased from 4,921 MW in 2020 to 7,120 MW in 2025, according to the same official figures.

Energy is absorbing substantial private capital at the same time that demand, generation capacity and the need for transmission and storage infrastructure are increasing.

Trade.gov’s assessment similarly identifies energy among the sectors that have historically attracted significant FDI, reinforcing its growing relevance within the country’s investment profile. The combination of capital inflows and infrastructure requirements helps explain why energy has become a larger component of the Dominican Republic’s current investment mix.

Where tourism and energy intersect

Tourism and energy are usually measured as separate sectors, but their investment dynamics increasingly overlap. New hotels, residential developments, airports, ports and tourism corridors all depend on reliable electricity and supporting infrastructure.

As tourism expands geographically, the ability to provide power to emerging destinations becomes part of the economics of development.

Pedernales offers a concrete example. Government figures released in February 2026 highlighted the definitive connection of Pedernales to the national electricity system, an infrastructure step intended to strengthen supply in an area that is simultaneously being developed as a new tourism destination.

The significance is not that one project proves a national trend. Rather, it illustrates how tourism development and infrastructure investment can become mutually dependent: new destinations require utilities and connectivity, while infrastructure investment becomes more economically relevant when it supports areas attracting private development.

This interaction helps explain why the concentration of FDI in tourism and energy deserves attention beyond the individual sector percentages.

Investment climate and sector concentration

The broader investment climate remains important to this analysis. The U.S. Department of State’s 2026 Investment Climate Statement describes the Dominican Republic as an upper-middle-income economy in which FDI plays an important role. It notes that the country actively seeks foreign investment through incentives and identifies membership in CAFTA-DR as an advantage for international investors.

The United States remains the country’s largest single foreign investor, according to the report. That context helps explain why international capital flows continue to be relevant for sectors tied to infrastructure, tourism, energy and services.

The same assessment also points to institutional and investment-related measures implemented in recent years. Against that backdrop, the latest FDI figures provide another measurable indicator of the country’s ability to continue attracting international capital.

A more diversified investment signal

The first half of 2026 provides a relatively clear picture of where foreign capital is concentrating. Energy and tourism accounted for 47.9% of FDI, while real estate and mining added another 24.8%. Tourism receipts continued to rise, energy infrastructure attracted significant private capital and overall FDI increased from the previous year.

The Dominican Republic’s investment case is increasingly supported by the composition as well as the scale of foreign capital entering the country. The latest data show that foreign investment continues to flow into sectors with clear links to external demand, infrastructure and long-term development.

The trends coincide with a period in which the Dominican Republic has continued to promote foreign investment, expand energy capacity and sustain tourism development within an economy closely connected to the United States and international capital.

For investors assessing the Dominican Republic in 2026, the composition of that capital may be as informative as the headline FDI total itself.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Information contained herein is compiled from public third-party sources, including the Central Bank of the Dominican Republic, the IMF, and U.S. Trade.gov. Statements regarding projected 2026 Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) and economic trends are forward-looking expectations subject to global economic risks, market conditions, and regulatory shifts. Actual results may differ materially. Readers and potential investors should conduct independent due diligence before making investment decisions.

Media Contact

contacto@noticiaspais.com

STERLING, VA, August 27, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Wine & Champagne Gifts, a premier nationwide purveyor of curated beverage gifting, today announced the launch of its 2026 Holiday Corporate Gift Sale. The program offers enterprise clients and small businesses up to 20% savings on premium wine and champagne sets designed for employee, client, and partner appreciation.

To help organizations secure premium inventory and favorable pricing ahead of the Q4 rush, Wine & Champagne Gifts is introducing a flexible order-reservation system. Corporate customers who place a preliminary order by October 15 will lock in the up to 20% discount. Recognizing that corporate recipient lists frequently change, the company allows businesses to submit an estimated headcount now and finalize the exact list later. Any added recipients will receive the original discounted rate, while companies will be fully refunded for any initial recipients removed from the final manifest.

The 2026 holiday catalog features a curated selection of top-tier labels, including Veuve Clicquot, Dom Perignon, and Caymus. To enhance the gifting experience, clients can opt for custom bottle engraving or build fully tailored gift baskets to match specific corporate branding or recipient tastes.

To support tight holiday timelines, Wine & Champagne Gifts utilizes a robust logistics network, offering same-day delivery in Los Angeles, Virginia, and Washington, D.C., and next-day delivery across major hubs including California, Maryland, New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Tennessee, and Massachusetts.

Corporate buyers can access the Holiday Corporate Gift Sale and consult with bulk-order specialists directly at wineandchampagnegifts.com.

About Wine & Champagne Gifts

Wine & Champagne Gifts is a trusted U.S. online gift store offering premium wine gift baskets, champagne gift baskets, Hickory wine gift baskets, Tiffany champagne flutes, and other beverage gifts for every budget and special occasion. From birthdays and anniversaries to holidays, weddings, client appreciation, and corporate celebrations, our curated gifts are designed to make every occasion more memorable. For more information, visit wineandchampagnegifts.com and follow on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, YouTube, and Trustpilot.

Media Contact

Charu Smith
Wine & Champagne Gifts
charu@wineandchampagnegifts.com

SHANGHAI, China, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Since opening on July 3, Shanghai Summer 2026 has been turning the city into a season-long programme of sport, culture, gaming, exhibitions, and family entertainment, with major international events rolling out across Shanghai from July through October.

Under the theme “Shanghai Summer, Join the Family Fun,” this year’s international consumption season brings together 11 flagship events across six “S-U-M-M-E-R” (sports, urban, museum, music, entertainment, relax) themed categories, alongside family-focused ticketing, cross-venue packages, and services designed for international visitors.

The result is an increasingly connected event ecosystem in which major tournaments, exhibitions and festivals are extending their impact beyond individual venues and into shopping districts, attractions, restaurants, and neighbourhoods across the city.

Rolex Shanghai Masters Introduces New Festival Format

The 2026 Rolex Shanghai Masters, Asia-Pacific’s only ATP Masters 1000 tournament, will take place from October 5 to 18 at Qizhong Tennis Center.

This year, the event is expanding beyond the main competition with the launch of a new Masters Carnival from October 1 to 4. Ticket holders will receive consumption vouchers of equivalent value and gain access to player practice sessions, tennis culture exhibitions, amateur competitions, and youth events.

The tournament is also adding upgraded family zones, interactive areas, and the returning ACE Pet World, while a new “second venue” along Suzhou Creek will bring selected event experiences into the city centre.

A wider ticketing strategy includes products for families, office workers, traveling fans, and international visitors, as well as cross-event packages linked with Shanghai Disney Resort and the Formula 1 Chinese Grand Prix.

Gaming and Anime Take Over the City

Another major pillar is Shanghai International Game and Anime Month, which has expanded this year from an anime-focused programme into a broader gaming and youth culture platform.

On August 8, the 2026 Pudong ACG Merchandise Carnival opened at Super Brand Mall in Lujiazui in collaboration with ChinaJoy. Satellite venues and check-in points have been introduced across Pudong, while IP operators are developing new retail concepts including themed stores and restaurants.

In Huangpu, the Game and Anime Month programme is also bringing together Shanghai heritage brands, traditional crafts, domestic animation, and digital gaming IPs.

Products ranging from fragrance and personal care to collectibles are being reworked through character collaborations and contemporary Chinese design, demonstrating how established consumer brands are using entertainment IP to reach younger audiences.

Museum Exhibition Extends into Retail

The cultural programme is also producing activity outside traditional museum spaces.

Shanghai Museum’s The Summit of the World Tree: Ancient Civilizations of the Americas, which opened on July 9, has expanded into two creative retail pop-ups on Huaihai Road and Nanjing Road.

The Nanjing Road store attracts several thousand visitors on busy days with selected cultural merchandise regularly selling out. Interactive experiences derived from the main exhibition, together with VR and AI-enabled interpretation, have proved particularly popular with families and international visitors.

At the Huaihai Road location, weekend traffic has reached around 2,000 visitors with a purchase conversion rate approaching 30%.

Pet Fair Asia Expands into a Citywide Programme

From August 19 to 23, the 28th Pet Fair Asia will occupy 320,000 square metres at Shanghai New International Expo Centre and bring together more than 2,600 exhibitors.

For the first time, the event is introducing a dedicated Shanghai Summer family ticket package alongside new themed zones focused on imported products, cat lifestyles, and human-pet living.

The fair is also extending beyond the exhibition centre through Shanghai Pet Month, linking more than 100 commercial districts, shopping centres, and pet-friendly businesses across the city.

The City Becomes the Venue

Beyond the flagship events, Shanghai’s commercial and cultural districts are running their own summer programmes.

Panlong Tiandi in Qingpu has introduced a waterfront night festival with a water market and three-kilometre light show. Shanghai LEGOLAND Resort is marking its first anniversary with a play festival, drone performances, and a themed train. Shanghai Disney Resort is celebrating its 10th anniversary with extended summer evenings and new ticket products.

Nanjing Road, Yuyuan Garden, the Bund, and other commercial areas are also hosting exhibitions, digital entertainment festivals, family activities, and cross-venue promotions.

The programme will continue into September and October with the MXGP World Motocross Championship Shanghai, the Shanghai International Light Festival, Shanghai Fashion Week, and the second edition of RED LAND, which will transform an 80,000-square-metre site on Fuxing Island into an open-world entertainment experience.

From global sports and large-scale exhibitions to IP activations and citywide festivals, Shanghai Summer 2026 is increasingly positioning the entire city as one connected event platform — where a ticket is not simply entry to a venue, but the starting point for a wider urban experience.

BATUMI, Georgia, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Origami Holding, a real estate development and management group operating in Georgia, has announced the acquisition of land on Ambassadori Island Batumi for the construction of a new multifunctional complex. The project represents a $200 million investment in coastal real estate, modern urban engineering, and property development in the Black Sea region.

The complex will be integrated into the Ambassadori Island infrastructure. The initiative forms part of the ongoing economic and tourism development of the Adjara region, aiming to expand Batumi's hospitality and commercial real estate portfolio.

Development and Regional Infrastructure

Designed in accordance with current urban planning and environmental standards, the complex on the artificial island will include residential and commercial spaces constructed to international technical specifications. The project is expected to contribute to the expanding urban and business infrastructure of Batumi.

Operational Background and Performance Metrics

Origami Holding (founded in 2008 in Batumi as BWC) operates through three primary divisions: Architecture, Development, and Hospitality. The group employs up to 600 professionals across its operational branches. Key operational figures include:

• Over 3,000,000 square meters designed: Architectural planning and design across multiple urban projects in Georgia over an 18-year period.
• Over 200,000 square meters built: Completed construction projects, including the White Sails residential enclave and the Well Home complex in Batumi.
• Over 1,000,000 guests welcomed: Hospitality management across completed residential and hotel properties.

Investment Overview and Project Phase

The multifunctional complex incorporates several functional characteristics:

• Revenue potential: A mix of residential and commercial spaces intended to support year-round commercial activity and rental opportunities.
• Asset appreciation: Real estate developed on limited coastal land structures typically demonstrates long-term demand and value retention.
• Phased launch: Initial property releases will be made available to early-stage buyers ahead of the broader market launch.

Following the acquisition of the land plot, initial planning and preparatory site works are complete. Architectural plans, site layouts, and 3D visualization materials are available on the company platform.

Active sales are scheduled to open on September 1 with initial unit reservations currently available on the platform.

About Origami Holding

Origami Holding is a development, architectural, and hospitality company based in Georgia, focused on commercial and residential real estate projects across the region. For more information, visit www.origamiholding.ge.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell, a solicitation of an offer to buy, or a recommendation for any investment, real estate equity, or financial security. Financial and ROI projections relating to the project were based on project data and investment information provided by Origami Holding. Cushman & Wakefield | Veritas did not undertake a separate independent valuation or financial assessment of these projections, and they should not be regarded as a guarantee of future financial performance or asset appreciation. Real estate investments involve inherent market risks, including the potential loss of capital, fluctuation in property values, and shifting regional economic conditions. Prospective buyers and investors should conduct their own independent due diligence and consult with qualified financial, legal, and tax advisors before entering into any binding agreements or unit reservations.

Media Contact

Astamur Chazmava
info@origamiholding.ge

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Kommo, a conversational CRM focused on centralizing client communication, has released its new AI booking agent, which manages bookings and reduces administrative tasks.

The new feature reduced repetitive scheduling work by detecting client intent, finding real-time availability, and scheduling appointments automatically.

The AI booking agent is designed to reduce manual work and manage the scheduling lifecycle, helping minimize missed appointments and reducing the volume of tasks handled manually.

When activated, the booking agent can:

• Qualify booking requests: Kommo's AI agent asks clarifying questions and organizes incoming requests.
• Prepare booking types and service information: Set up and maintain the types of bookings handled, from initial scheduling to confirmations.
• Confirm booking requests and transfer them to a human agent: Route confirmed bookings to the appropriate team member.

"As a company that manages communication between people, we saw that the biggest challenge was organizing appointments and schedules in a fluid way," said Gabriel Motta, Head of Digital PR at Kommo. "We built this to reduce the manual work involved in managing a busy schedule."

About Kommo

Kommo is a CRM specializing in business communication and automation. Their focus is on offering innovative solutions that empower companies to streamline customer interactions, enhance engagement, and scale efficiently. In other words, Kommo supports businesses across various industries in optimizing their messaging strategies, focused on driving smarter business communication. For more information, visit www.kommo.com.

Media Contact

Stephanie Serafini
stephanie@kommo.com

WASHINGTON, DC, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association (AKA) today applauded the U.S. Department of Justice and the Drug Enforcement Administration for the emergency scheduling of three potent opioid compounds chemically related to 7-hydroxymitragynine: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (commonly known as MGPI or MP), MGM-15, and MGM-16.

The Justice Department announced that the DEA is temporarily placing these three 7-OH-related substances in Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act because they pose an imminent hazard to public safety. DOJ stated that preclinical evidence indicates all three are potent mu-opioid receptor agonists and may present risks associated with other mu-opioid agonists, including dependence and respiratory depression.

“This action is a critically important step in protecting American consumers from dangerous chemically manipulated opioid products that never should have been marketed as kratom,” said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the AKA. “The DEA and DOJ are properly targeting manufactured, concentrated, fortified, or intentionally added opioid compounds — not safely formulated natural kratom leaf products.”

The AKA particularly commends the DOJ for recognizing that the federal action is directed at deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom, and that the Department will exercise enforcement discretion when only incidental trace amounts of MGPI are confirmed in a product otherwise consistent with botanical kratom.

“That recognition is essential,” Haddow said. “Trace detection is not the same as chemical manipulation. The same principle that supports a threshold for dangerous 7-OH products should apply to MGPI: regulators should target intentionally manufactured or concentrated opioid compounds, while protecting consumers’ access to legitimate natural kratom products that are safely formulated, properly labeled, and age-restricted.”

“This is exactly the kind of precision that consumer protection requires,” Haddow added. “Bad actors have been chemically manipulating kratom alkaloids into opioid products and selling them in ways that put consumers at risk. At the same time, millions of responsible consumers rely on natural kratom leaf products. Those two categories must not be confused.”

The AKA has consistently urged federal and state policymakers to draw a bright line between natural kratom leaf and chemically manipulated products such as high-potency 7-OH, MGPI, MGM-15, and MGM-16. Responsible kratom regulation must protect consumers from adulterated, synthetic, semi-synthetic, concentrated, or manipulated products while preserving lawful access to natural kratom leaf products manufactured under appropriate consumer protection standards.

“The path forward is clear,” Haddow said. “Remove dangerous chemically manipulated opioids from the marketplace. Hold the perpetrators accountable. Preserve access to real kratom products that are safely formulated, accurately labeled, tested for contaminants, and restricted to adults.”

The AKA calls on state legislatures, attorneys general, health departments, and law enforcement agencies to align their enforcement strategies with the federal approach: target chemically manipulated opioids and bad actors, not natural kratom consumers.

“Natural kratom consumers deserve clarity and protection,” Haddow said. “This action recognizes that dangerous manufactured opioid compounds are the problem — not trace-level analytical findings in legitimate botanical kratom products.”

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Americans to safely use natural kratom products. The AKA supports federal and state enforcement actions targeting chemically manipulated 7-OH products and advocates for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act — including product testing, labeling standards, and age restrictions — in states across the country. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Disclaimer

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. This press release is provided for informational and public policy purposes only. Information contained herein reflects the policy analysis of the issuing party regarding federal administrative actions and does not constitute legal or medical advice. Statements made regarding natural kratom have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified medical professionals before using any botanical products.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

MIAMI, FL, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov"), the citizen and business services platform, today announced that Francis X. Suarez, the 43rd Mayor of Miami and former President of the United States Conference of Mayors, has joined the company as Advisor to the Board. Suarez, an attorney, will advise HelloGov on regulatory matters, compliance, and the company's work with government agencies as it scales following its merger with iVisa.

Suarez served two terms as Mayor of Miami from 2017 to 2025, becoming the first Miami-born mayor in the city's history and winning re-election in 2021 with more than 78% of the vote. As mayor, he championed the modernization of government services, overseeing the digitization of the city's permitting and plans-review processes so residents and businesses could complete government transactions online. He served as President of the U.S. Conference of Mayors from 2022 to 2023 and was named to Fortune's list of the World's 50 Greatest Leaders in 2021.

"Francis spent two decades in public service making government work better for the people it serves, and he did it by embracing technology and welcoming the private sector as a partner," said Adam Boalt, co-CEO of HelloGov. "As we expand from passports into travel visas, tag and title, and business services, his experience at the intersection of government, law, and innovation is exactly the guidance we want in the room."

"I have always believed that the private sector, working transparently alongside the government, can make public services more accessible for everyone," said Suarez. "Programs like the State Department's registered hand-carry courier program exist because many citizens simply don't have the time to navigate these processes themselves, and companies that operate within that framework — with full compliance and full disclosure — provide a real convenience to the public. The combination of HelloGov and iVisa brings that same approach to travelers worldwide, and I look forward to advising the team on regulatory and compliance matters as they grow."

Suarez's appointment follows HelloGov's merger with iVisa, completed July 1, 2026, which created the world's largest AI-powered consumer passport and visa platform — expected to process more than 1.5 million applications annually across over 100 destinations in 14 languages. HelloGov is registered as a hand-carry passport courier company with the U.S. Department of State and operates an online marketplace supporting a network of more than 40 registered couriers.

About HelloGov

HelloGov AI, Inc. is an AI-powered consumer and business platform for government documentation. Following its merger with iVisa, the company combines thirteen years of global visa infrastructure with an AI-assisted passport application platform across more than 100 destinations and 14 languages. HelloGov's services will be available to customers globally through retail partnerships and travel memberships. Every application receives specialist review. HelloGov is a private company registered with the U.S. Department of State as a hand-carry passport courier, and it operates a marketplace of independent registered couriers. For more information, visit hellogov.com.

Disclaimer

HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov") and its subsidiary iVisa are private commercial entities. HelloGov is not a government agency, is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, and is not affiliated with any foreign government or embassy. HelloGov provides third-party application preparation, AI-assisted review, and courier coordination services for an additional fee. Registration as a hand-carry passport courier with the U.S. Department of State allows submission and pick-up of applications at regional agencies on behalf of clients; it does not constitute government endorsement, authorization to issue government documents, or a guarantee of application approval or processing times. Government application forms and official information are available free of charge directly from official government portals (e.g., travel.state.gov). Third-party service fees are separate from non-refundable government processing fees. 

Media Contact

Paula Voto Bernales
pr@hellogov.com

BOSTON, MA, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Four Massachusetts retailers of natural kratom leaf products have filed a lawsuit in Suffolk County Superior Court against the state Department of Public Health and its commissioner, Robbie Goldstein, alleging the Commonwealth's new blanket ban on all kratom products does not meet standards established by the Legislature.

The complaint for declaratory and injunctive relief, dated Aug. 21, also faults the defendants for failing to distinguish between natural kratom leaf and chemically manipulated 7-hydroxymitragynine (7-OH), as well as for relying on death data that does not distinguish the traditional leaf from chemically manipulated products.

Natural kratom is derived from the leaves of a Southeast Asian tree and has been consumed for centuries. Today, millions of Americans and tens of thousands of Bay Staters regularly purchase natural kratom leaf products in the commercial retail marketplace. By contrast, concentrated or synthetically isolated 7-OH products represent high-potency formulations distinct from traditional, raw botanical kratom leaf.

Massachusetts' blanket kratom ban will have significant unintended economic consequences, particularly for businesses that operate legally, transparently, and in compliance with state and local laws. The new order risks crushing an entire category of legitimate commerce in natural kratom and will cause major job losses and economic harm.

Regulatory action threatens to eliminate retail inventory and jobs without providing a workable regulatory compliance framework, despite the fact that legal kratom businesses contribute to the economy through sales and payroll taxes, commercial rent, and local fees. Driving these businesses out of the regulated market reduces state and local revenue while pushing demand into unregulated channels.

This is why the Department of Public Health must reverse its order and pursue a targeted, science-based approach that protects young people, establishes appropriate consumer safeguards, and focuses enforcement on chemically manipulated products, not responsible retailers of natural kratom leaf. A narrower approach would align with recent federal actions by the FDA and DEA, which initiated temporary scheduling procedures targeting concentrated 7-OH and synthetic alkaloid derivatives while distinguishing them from raw leaf.

Retailers who have lawfully sold natural kratom leaf for years should not suddenly face criminal consequences because dangerous new products have entered the marketplace.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Americans to safely use natural kratom products. The AKA supports federal and state enforcement actions targeting chemically manipulated 7-OH products and advocates for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act — including product testing, labeling standards, and age restrictions — in states across the country. For more information, visit americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Disclaimer

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) advocacy organization. This press release is provided for informational and public policy purposes only. Content herein reflects the statements and unverified legal allegations of the issuing party and does not constitute endorsement, legal advice, or medical advice by this publication. Statements made regarding natural kratom have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. Readers should consult qualified medical professionals before using any botanical products.

Media Contact

Mac Haddow
Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

SAN DIEGO, CA, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Faro AI, Inc. today announced it has raised $37.3 million in Series B financing. The round was co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and S32, with participation from all existing investors, including General Catalyst, Northpond Ventures, Polaris Partners, PTX Capital, and Zetta, and new investors, including Ankona Capital.

The financing will fund Faro’s next stage of growth as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly look to AI agents to automate complex workflows across clinical development. Faro will use the proceeds to expand its agentic AI capabilities and accelerate its work with customers deploying AI agents across their development organizations, helping teams improve the quality and efficiency of the processes required to move medicines from first-in-human studies through approval.

Clinical development is built on a highly interconnected set of scientific, medical, regulatory, and operational decisions. Automating these processes requires more than applying large language models to the documents that describe them. AI systems need a structured understanding of the concepts, relationships, constraints, and intent that drive how clinical studies are designed and executed.

Faro has built proprietary clinical development data models that translate these complex and interconnected concepts into structured, machine-readable intent. This foundation allows AI agents to reason across clinical development processes and automate workflows while maintaining the context and oversight required by development teams. Protocols and other clinical documents can be generated from this foundation, but documents represent only one of the many outputs and workflows the underlying models can support.

Faro’s platform is now used by six of the world’s ten largest pharmaceutical companies, giving the company experience modeling clinical development programs across a broad range of therapeutic areas, study designs, and development workflows.

“By saving time and improving quality, agentic AI has the potential to transform the way the biopharmaceutical industry conducts clinical development," said Mike Morgan, Principal at Merck Global Health Innovation Fund. “Faro has built a foundational platform that creates an important opportunity to apply AI reliably to increasingly complex workflows across the clinical development continuum.” 

“This financing gives us the resources to accelerate what our customers are already asking us to do,” said Scott Chetham, co-founder and CEO of Faro. “Clinical development involves some of the most complex and interconnected workflows in biopharma. Our customers want to use AI agents not simply to generate content, but to understand development intent, reason across these processes, and automate more of the work required to move a program forward. Faro’s ontology and data models give those agents the foundation they need to do that reliably.”

Chetham continued, “We started by creating a structured model of the clinical trial because the protocol sits at the center of so many downstream development activities. As that foundation has grown, so has the opportunity. This round allows us to accelerate the development of agents that can operate across increasingly complex clinical development workflows and, over time, extend that foundation into other areas of biopharma.”

About Faro AI

Faro provides the structured data and AI infrastructure for modern clinical development. Its proprietary ontology and data models translate complex scientific, medical, regulatory, and operational concepts into structured intent that software and AI agents can reason over and act upon.

Used by six of the world’s ten largest pharmaceutical companies, Faro enables development teams to design and operationalize clinical studies, generate clinical documents, identify risks and inconsistencies, and automate increasingly complex workflows across the development lifecycle. By giving AI systems a structured understanding of clinical development rather than relying on documents alone, Faro helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations improve quality, reduce rework, and move development programs forward more efficiently.

For more information, visit faro.ai.

Media Contact

Chief Commercial Officer, Faro
marketing@faro.ai

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- According to research from McKinsey, global financial markets hold more than $400 trillion in assets, yet only a fraction of traditional financial activity has moved on-chain. The barrier is less about whether blockchain technology works and more about whether institutions can adopt it without giving up the privacy, control and compliance frameworks that they already rely on.

That trade-off has proven difficult to solve. Shared ledger consortium models provide one option, but they struggle to scale. Banks hesitate to share private data, transaction operations, or trading strategies on a common ledger. As a result, many institutions use traditional systems alongside smaller blockchain efforts, leading to manual and disconnected workflows. 

Rayls Sovereign, launched by Rayls on August 25, 2026, closes the gap between control and connectivity by giving each financial institution its own private blockchain environment that integrates with its core internal systems, while maintaining connectivity to other institutional networks and public blockchains.

The open-source, EVM-compatible system operates within an institution’s existing technology environment, keeping data, keys, security and governance internal and under the organization’s control. The infrastructure brings financial activity on-chain without exposing sensitive information or requiring institutions to rebuild existing systems.

Private infrastructure, not an isolated network

The key distinction behind Rayls Sovereign is that privacy and sovereignty do not have to mean isolation.

Institutions use Sovereign to create and manage tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and digital assets in their private environment. Sensitive client information, balances and trading activity remain within the institution’s system, while only the minimal data or cryptographic proofs required to compliantly transact with their counterparties are shared externally.

This setup lets institutions transact with approved counterparties or link assets to public blockchain networks without exposing confidential information. The model maintains governance and privacy at the institutional level while allowing assets access to broader on-chain infrastructure when needed.

Built for existing financial infrastructure

Rayls Sovereign sits within the technology environment financial institutions already operate rather than requiring an entirely separate blockchain stack. The system connects with existing banking, treasury, custody and data management systems, while APIs and developer tools allow internal teams to integrate blockchain functionality into existing workflows without Web3 engineering expertise.

Rayls Sovereign is built for high institutional activity. It handles over 15,000 transactions per second with hard settlement finality in under one second, powered by Rayls Axyl, the platform's permissioned consensus layer. This supports high-volume payments, atomic delivery-versus-payment exchanges, and post-trade activities.

The platform is fully EVM-compatible. Developers can use familiar Ethereum and Solidity tools instead of learning a new system. This lowers the technical barrier for financial institutions to bring their products and workflows on-chain.

Production infrastructure behind Sovereign

While Rayls Sovereign is a new architecture, the technology behind it is already operating inside financial institutions.

The platform is an evolution of the Rayls Privacy Node, which has been used in production by major financial institutions for more than two years. Sovereign re-architects that infrastructure with higher transaction capacity, customizable governance, greater scalability, simpler deployment and deeper integration with existing financial systems.

Around 30 financial institutions have installed Rayls infrastructure, with Núclea and XP among those already operating in production.

Núclea, Brazil's largest payments financial market infrastructure, processes approximately $3.5 trillion in payments annually and has been a live client on Rayls since June 2024, using it for corporate receivables tokenization. XP also uses Rayls infrastructure for USDXP, its fully US dollar-backed stablecoin launched in March 2026.

Those deployments provide evidence that Rayls’ infrastructure can operate in production within major financial institutions, creating a foundation for broader adoption across additional institutions, asset classes and markets. Beyond its existing deployments in Brazil, Rayls was selected by Kinexys by J.P. Morgan for Project EPIC and has also worked with Mastercard on cross-border payments through its Start Path and Crypto Partner program. 

The core Rayls Sovereign platform is open source, allowing banks and financial institutions to inspect, test, and deploy the infrastructure without being tied exclusively to proprietary software.

This is important in an institutional environment where technology often undergoes extensive internal security, compliance, and operational reviews before it reaches production. Institutions can access Rayls Sovereign through a public GitHub repository and a Rayls-managed sandbox, alongside technical documentation, demos and institutional case studies.

Additional performance and privacy capabilities, including Rayls Axyl and Enygma, are available as premium modules. These can be accessed and used for free during pre-production development, before institutions move into commercial production. This structure gives institutions a way to start testing the core infrastructure independently. They can add additional capabilities as deployments progress toward production.

From private systems to connected on-chain finance

Rayls Sovereign gives financial institutions the infrastructure needed to bring significant assets and transaction volumes on-chain while maintaining the governance, privacy and policy controls required within their existing businesses. 

The technology behind the platform already has live institutional activity to build on. Núclea provides a production example for tokenized receivables, XP uses Rayls infrastructure for USDXP, and about 30 financial institutions have already installed the underlying platform.

Rayls Sovereign takes that infrastructure and gives each institution its own environment to operate within. For banks and financial market infrastructures that have faced a choice between closed private networks and more open public blockchains, this model offers another option: institution-controlled infrastructure for data, governance, and financial activity, with connectivity to broader on-chain markets when needed.

With production deployments already underway, Rayls Sovereign’s next phase  will focus on broader adoption across financial institutions, asset classes and markets.  The significance of the launch is that infrastructure already proven in institutional production is now being opened up for broader use. 

From August 25, 2026, Rayls Sovereign will be publicly available for institutions to evaluate and deploy it seamlessly. Financial institutions can access the open-source platform, Rayls-managed sandbox, technical documentation and institutional case studies at rayls.com.

To learn more about Rayls Sovereign, visit rayls.com/products/sovereign. 

About Rayls

Rayls is a public-permissioned, hybrid blockchain purpose-built for banks and financial institutions to operate on-chain while meeting regulatory, privacy, and operational requirements. Through Enygma, its quantum-safe privacy framework protocol, native governance controls, and Privacy Node technology, Rayls enables compliant interaction between TradFi systems and DeFi. By securely linking institutional workflows to public blockchains, Rayls supports the adoption of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. Rayls is focused on expanding on-chain finance through institutional participation, enabling broader asset access, deeper liquidity, and a more resilient global financial ecosystem. Through one of its core developers Parfin, Rayls has been supported by engagement with public and private sector institutions, including collaborations involving the Central Bank of Brazil, the Bank for International Settlements and the European Commission. Its growing partner network includes infrastructure and financial services providers such as Núclea, J.P. Morgan, Cielo. For more information, visit rayls.com or follow on X, Telegram, Discord and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or regulatory advice, nor is it an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any digital assets, tokens, or financial instruments. Rayls Sovereign is a software infrastructure platform. Implementation, regulatory compliance, and governance of financial products — including tokenized assets and stablecoins — remain the sole responsibility of the deploying financial institution in accordance with applicable regional laws and regulations. Forward-looking statements regarding platform deployment, adoption, and performance are subject to operational and technological risks.

Media Contact

Romina Perino
romina@lunapr.io

ANTALYA, Türkiye, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For patients arranging dental treatment abroad, the clinical procedure is only one part of the experience. Initial assessment, treatment planning, appointments, imaging, travel arrangements and follow-up all need to work together. Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center, based in Antalya, Turkiye, has digitalised these services to create a more coordinated, transparent and manageable patient journey.

At a Glance

• Over 25 years of experience
• In-house digital laboratory
• Digitally integrated patient services
• London and Munich office
• International patient services

A Digitally Connected Route to Dental Treatment

From the first enquiry onwards, clinical and administrative information is organised within a connected digital infrastructure. Patients can receive an initial quotation and personalised treatment plan, while their dental history, X-rays, scans, and appointment information remain accessible throughout the process. Hotel details, VIP transfers, and practical information about Antalya are also coordinated as part of the same service model.

The objective is to make every stage of care easier to understand without replacing direct communication with clinicians and patient coordinators. Once patients return home, Attelia’s digitalised service structure continues to support online consultations, live assistance, and communication with dental professionals, extending the patient experience beyond the treatment visit itself.

Clinical Experience Strengthened By Digital Integration

Attelia has treated international patients since the early development of dental tourism in Antalya and traces its clinical experience to 1998. Its services include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, smile design, restorative dentistry, and advanced oral and maxillofacial procedures. These clinical services are supported by digital systems designed to improve continuity, precision, and coordination and are very easy to monitor through a mobile app.

Digital planning plays an important role across several treatments. The centre uses CEREC CAD-CAM and NewTom volumetric tomography, allowing clinicians to assess anatomy, plan procedures, and support in-house design and production. The clinic also has an internal dental laboratory, a three-dimensional design, a computer-assisted treatment unit, and six fully equipped operating theatres, bringing diagnosis, planning, and production into a closely integrated workflow.

For suitable candidates, the clinic offers computer-guided, minimally invasive implant surgery. Treatment options also include All-on-4, All-on-6, and full-mouth dental implant rehabilitation. Implant suitability depends on individual clinical assessment, including bone condition and general health. Where additional procedures such as bone grafting are required, they are incorporated into a personalised and digitally supported treatment plan.

A Modern Multidisciplinary Model in Antalya

The centre brings together dentists working across implantology, prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontic, and maxillofacial disciplines. General anaesthesia is available when clinically appropriate, enabling selected complex procedures to be managed within the centre rather than through separate providers. Digitally connected teams can share treatment information and coordinate each stage through a single clinical pathway.

Dentist Mehmet Islek, founder of Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center, has focused throughout his career on advanced surgical techniques, implant surgery, aesthetic dentistry, and prosthetic treatments. He was also among the early adopters of volumetric tomography and computer-guided implant technology in Antalya, reflecting the clinic’s longstanding approach to combining clinical expertise with modern systems.

Attelia supports clinical development through Attelia Academy, which follows current dental literature and evaluated treatment methods. The organisation says its aim is to integrate proven innovation into daily practice without compromising established quality and patient-safety procedures. This approach extends from clinical technology to the digital coordination of the entire patient experience.

Quality, Value, and Continuing Care

Attelia’s central message to international patients is that advanced dental care can combine recognised materials, current technology, coordinated service, and competitive pricing. The clinic uses internationally recognised implant systems, including Straumann and Neodent, while treatment materials and warranty terms are documented for the patient where applicable. Digital records help keep this information consistent and available throughout the care journey.

The centre reports a score of 93.8 in Turkiye’s Health Quality Standards assessment. It also holds certifications covering quality management, medical tourism, customer satisfaction, information security, occupational health and safety, and environmental management. These standards support a modern operating model in which clinical quality, data security, and patient communication are managed together.

Alongside its two Antalya locations, Attelia maintains international communication and aftercare support through offices including London and Munich. Its digitally integrated service structure is designed to give patients access to consultation before travel, coordinated support during treatment and continuing assistance after they return home.

Patients may come to Attelia looking for dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, or a Hollywood Smile. What they experience is a clinic where digital technology is seamlessly integrated into every stage of care, enhancing precision, comfort, and the overall patient experience. The result is a more modern pathway in which information, clinical planning, logistics, and follow-up are easier to manage.

As dentist Mehmet İşlek explains, “At Attelia, outstanding dentistry goes beyond clinical excellence. It means using modern systems to create a seamless patient experience, from the initial consultation through to long-term aftercare.”

About Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center

Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center is an Antalya-based dental organisation providing implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, smile design, restorative care and advanced surgical services. Its integrated patient pathway combines digital treatment planning, an in-house laboratory, multilingual care coordination and long-term international aftercare support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this press release is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans. Digital consultations, remote assessments, mobile applications, and preliminary cost estimates provided by Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center are intended solely for initial planning and travel coordination. All treatment recommendations — including eligibility for dental implants, bone grafting, general anesthesia, and full-mouth rehabilitations — are subject to an in-person clinical examination, diagnostic imaging (such as volumetric tomography), and evaluation by licensed dental professionals.

Media Contact

Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center
info@atteliadental.com
+90 541 312 50 24

BROKEN ARROW, OK, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Botanic Tonics today applauded the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) final temporary order (Docket No. DEA-1644) placing three synthetic opioid compounds: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (commonly known as MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act that takes effect August 26, 2026.

These three substances do not occur naturally in the kratom plant. The DEA’s own findings describe them as products of laboratory synthesis, chemically modified from purified alkaloid isolates and manufactured to produce opioid effects far more potent than morphine. According to the agency, they have been sold often as flavored, brightly packaged tablets marketed with language like “botanical,” “clean,” and “precision-formulated,” despite carrying documented risks of overdose, dependence, and death.

In its official announcement accompanying the scheduling action, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a press release:

“This action is directed at deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom. The published scientific literature has not established MGPI as a naturally occurring kratom alkaloid.”

Botanic Tonics has spent years drawing a hard line between natural kratom leaf and the synthetic, concentrated compounds now under federal scrutiny. The company’s flagship product, feel free CLASSIC, is formulated from natural kratom leaf and noble kava root. It does not contain mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, or MGM-16, and the DEA’s federal action does not apply to traditional, natural kratom leaf formulations.

“Consumers deserve products that are exactly what they say they are,” said Botanic Tonics. “What the DEA acted on this week were lab-made opioids dressed up in kratom packaging to fool people looking for a natural alternative. That’s a different category of product entirely, and drawing that distinction clearly has been a priority for us long before this ruling. We built feel free CLASSIC on natural kratom leaf, and nothing in this order touches that.”

Botanic Tonics has consistently supported regulatory efforts that separate unregulated, synthetically manufactured opioid products from naturally derived botanical ingredients like kratom leaf, and the company views this week’s action as validation of that distinction. Botanic Tonics continues to work with regulators, researchers, and industry partners to advance responsible standards for how kratom-based products are formulated, labeled, and sold.

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is the leader in botanical supplements. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the company's feel free® product line harnesses the wisdom of ancient botanical traditions to support energy, focus, and mood. Its flagship product, feel free CLASSIC®, combines noble kava root and natural kratom leaf, in a formulation that contains no synthetic ingredients, alcohol, or chemical extracts and is for responsible consumption, adults 21+. Its KavaMaté product delivers botanical pairings that provide sustained, grounded energy without the jitters associated with artificial energy drinks. With hundreds of millions of servings sold, feel free CLASSIC® is produced in accordance with strict manufacturing and quality standards, supported by independent batch testing and peer-reviewed research. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and undergo multiple tests for consistency and safety. Botanic Tonics continues to lead the energy and supplement category in education and transparency through extensive consumer education. Learn more at botanictonics.com.

Disclaimer

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Warning & Caution

feel free CLASSIC contains natural kratom leaf. Read and follow all packaging instructions carefully. Consult a healthcare professional before introducing new botanical supplements to your routine. Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications; consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant. To learn more, visit the Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

media@botanictonics.com

MELROSE, MN, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For those seeking personal or business banking services, it can feel like an inevitable choice between personal service and convenience. Magnifi Financial, a full-service community credit union, is built to deliver both. Founded in 1939, Magnifi has remained rooted in the communities it serves while evolving to meet modern expectations, growing to $2.7 billion in assets along the way. What began as a single location has expanded into a regional footprint of 27 branches across Minnesota and North Dakota.

This growth reflects a clear focus: combining relationship-driven service with the digital capabilities of a larger institution. Members benefit from tailored guidance, local expertise, and a team that understands their goals — alongside seamless, intuitive technology that simplifies their financial lives.

Through comprehensive business and personal banking solutions, Magnifi supports members at every stage of their financial lives. From checking and savings accounts to lending, investing, and financial guidance, the credit union provides personalized products that help individuals reach their unique goals. Magnifi’s commercial banking experts support businesses of all sizes: from real estate, equipment, and business loans to broader financial solutions like deposit and cash management tools.

“As a not-for-profit, Magnifi reinvests directly into our members through better rates, stronger programs, and meaningful community impact,” says Chuck Friederichs, CEO. “Whether someone is managing their household, building their business, or both, we provide a unified financial ecosystem that supports their journey with us as their trusted partner.”

Trust, Scale, Innovation

In today’s financial landscape, digital speed and convenience are expected — but on their own, they’re not enough. Large banks and fintechs often excel in scale and technology, yet can fall short when it comes to personal relationships that build lasting trust.

Magnifi brings these elements together in a way that prioritizes both experience and connection. Just as important is an ongoing focus on financial wellness and long-term member success.

Beyond products and services, Magnifi is committed to helping members build stronger financial futures through education, intuitive digital tools, and proactive support that help them achieve what matters most.

“The future is defined by institutions that master the balance of trust, scale, and innovation,” says Friederichs. “To ensure we fit that criteria, we’re investing boldly in our technologies and elevating the member experience through every interaction. We’re ready to lead, serve, and design to ultimately endure and be here for future generations.”

Investing in Impact

At Magnifi Financial, impact goes far beyond financial services. With a culture built around meaningful action and community giveback, the credit union provides crucial investment in communities it serves.

The 3 Essentials program, which supports local need for food, shelter, and clothing, was created to foster life essentials and provide peace of mind for those in need. Since its creation in 2016, the program has provided more than 1.3 million pounds of food, approximately 4,400 nights of shelter, and over 1,500 articles of clothing.

The Magnifi Financial Foundation®, which was founded in 2015, supports local organizations that enhance the lives of members and the communities where they live, play, and work. Over the years, the foundation has donated more than $200,000 to vital organizations like schools and police and fire departments.

“We don’t just serve our communities,” says Friederichs. “We help in building, supporting, and maintaining them.”

About Magnifi Financial

Magnifi Financial is a full-service community credit union offering retail banking, commercial banking, mortgages, and wealth management services to anyone within its field of membership in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Magnifi Financial serves members through an extensive network of branches and best-in-class digital services. Whether at home or on the go, members can access their accounts and manage funds with ease through a full suite of digital banking services. Magnifi Financial invests in each member’s personal financial needs and in initiatives that enhance the lives of members and their communities through the Magnifi Financial Foundation®. The Magnifi Financial Foundation funds initiatives that make a significant long-term impact on the betterment of Magnifi Financial’s members and the communities they serve. In addition, Magnifi gives back through its 3 Essentials Program. For every consumer checking account, auto loan, and mortgage loan opened, Magnifi's 3 Essentials Program provides food, shelter, and clothing to local communities. Magnifi is committed to its core values of building up our shared communities, providing financial solutions that are easy and simple, earning the trust and respect of each member through expertise, and doing what is right for the entire membership. For more information, visit mymagnifi.org.

Disclaimer

Magnifi Financial is an Equal Housing Lender. Federally insured by the NCUA. Investment and wealth management services offered through third-party partners are not NCUA-insured, have no bank or credit union guarantee, and may lose value. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or commitment to extend credit or financial services.

Media Contact

Rachel Endrizzi
SVP of Marketing
rachel.endrizzi@mymagnifi.org

ALBANY, NY, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Great work in government affairs usually happens behind the scenes. Not this time. Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege and supported by Times Union, today announced the 46 winners of the 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards for New York — standout professionals shaping policy across the Empire State, honored across seven categories and selected entirely by their peers.

The inaugural New York program is peer-nominated and reviewed by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. Nominations were submitted by peers across the state — colleagues, clients, and counterparts who see this work up close — and the strongest nominations pointed to specific impact: bills moved, coalitions built, crises navigated, and careers that have shaped how New York works. From veterans whose names are synonymous with Albany excellence to early-career operators already three steps ahead, the honorees reflect the full spectrum of government affairs talent in New York.

The recognition landed with the honorees. "I am so excited and honored to be a part of USLege's inaugural class for these awards," said one 2026 winner. "I'm thrilled about this, and knowing it came from peers means a lot," said another.

Winners were selected following an open, no-cost nomination period and review by the 2026 New York advisory board: Kenneth Zebrowski (Brown & Weinraub), Lisa Hofflich (Bolton-St. Johns), David Carlucci (Carlucci Consulting), and observed by Brendan Lyons (Times Union). There was no cost to nominate or to be featured — this is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated in person at Lark Hall in Albany this September, where each winner will be recognized on stage among peers, colleagues, and New York's government affairs community. In keeping with the spirit of public service the awards honor, the evening will also give back: Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege, will match guest donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, turning the celebration into direct support for New Yorkers facing hunger.

The 2026 Best in Government Affairs — New York Honorees

Association Advocates of the Year

• Therese Daly, United Way of New York State
• Catherine Chen, Asian American Federation of New York
• Kei Williams, New Pride Agenda
• Matt Nelligan, New Yorkers for Affordable Energy
• Jessica Klos Shapiro, Early Care and Learning Council
• Ashley Stuart, New York Health Plan Association
• Caroline Bobick, NYS School Boards Association

Longtime Legends in Government Affairs

• Perry Ochacher, Willett Public Affairs
• Bill Ferris, AARP New York
• Rick Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
• Christine Rutigliano, Roffe Group
• Robert Megna, Rockefeller Institute of Government
• Patricia Reilly, Patricia Reilly Consulting
• Ross Frommer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year

• Katie Hohman, Plummer, Wigger & Hohman
• Cheryl Kraus, Farrell Fritz
• Emily Whalen, Brown & Weinraub
• Joshua Oppenheimer, Greenberg Traurig
• Karin Spencer, Spencer Strategic Solutions
• Jay Holland, Statewide Public Affairs
• Evan Sullivan, Ostroff Associates

Powerhouse Lobbyists of the Year

• Carol Ann Lemon, Malkin & Ross
• Diana Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
• Jessica Schafroth, Malkin & Ross
• Jack O'Donnell, O'Donnell & Associates
• Evan Stavisky, The Parkside Group
• Alyssa Lovelace, Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth
• Vincent Rossetti, Rossetti Government Relations

Rising Stars of the Year

• Caiti Anderson, Harter Secrest & Emery
• Laura Manley Ladopoulos, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
• Jerry Hyppolite, Housing Solutions of NY
• Hunter Petro, Carlucci Consulting
• Sam Hartstein, Kol Yisroel
• Jasmine Wali, Elevating Action for Family Justice Fund

Strategic Communicators of the Year

• Adam Morey, J Strategies
• Nick Berkowitz, Open New York
• Joe Bonilla, Relentless Awareness
• Geoff Redick, Freelance
• Jaden Jules, DoorDash

Top Staffers of the Year

• Alana Sivin, New York State Assembly Speaker’s Office
• Godfre Bayalama, NYS Department of Financial Services
• Evan Schneider, Office of Senator Jamaal Bailey
• Mark Kissinger, Office of Assemblymember Amy Paulin
• Mary-Anne Dandles, New York State Assembly
• Darci Lindgren, Office of Assemblymember Charles Lavine
• Shalyn Ranellone, Office of Assemblymember John T. McDonald III

About USLege

USLege is an AI-powered legislative tracking platform transforming how government affairs professionals track, analyze, and act on policy at the local, state, and federal levels across the U.S. Built for the fragmented and fast-moving world of government relations, USLege unifies legislative CRM, live government video, and real-time bill tracking, powered by a customizable AI agent that delivers instant alerts, stakeholder-specific insights, and tailored content that matters.

About Capitol Confidential Pro

Capitol Confidential Pro is New York's dedicated legislative intelligence service, powered by USLege's AI-native platform and produced in partnership with the Times Union. Built for government affairs and policy professionals, it delivers faster, clearer visibility into the New York State Legislature — the bills, committees, hearings, and decisions shaping state policy — so the people who move New York can stay ahead of what matters.

About Best in Government Affairs Awards

The Best in Government Affairs Awards are a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed recognition program celebrating the professionals who shape state policy. Winners are put forward by their peers and selected through review by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. The program is free at every step — no cost to nominate, no cost to be featured, and no advertising or sponsorship dollars involved. It is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.

Media Contact

Head of Marketing, USLege
jess@uslege.ai

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Saint Kitts and Nevis will track the money in its medicinal cannabis sector as closely as the plants. The Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) has contracted GrowerIQ to run a national seed-to-sale system that records every financial transaction alongside every plant and batch, from the first licence application onward.

• Medicinal Cannabis Authority contracts GrowerIQ for national seed-to-sale tracking
• Requirement written into Regulation 55, tied to anti-money laundering obligations
• Deployed ahead of first commercial licence
• Third Caribbean government on the platform, after Barbados and Saint Lucia

The design follows the Federation’s own rulebook. The Cannabis (Medicinal Cannabis Licensing) Regulations, SRO No. 17 of 2022 require every financial transaction connected to a licensed cannabis business to be recorded in the national tracking system, with the Authority holding real-time read access. Regulation 55 names seventeen transaction categories, from investments, loans and capital expenditure through rent, salaries and taxes to dividends and banking. The regulation ties the requirement to the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations.

The Authority is putting that system in place ahead of the first commercial licence. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources the Hon. Samal Duggins has said the tracking system sets the foundation for the structured rollout of commercial licensing, patient registration and research.

“What is recorded properly from day one never has to be reconstructed later,” said Randel Thompson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources. “That is what this system gives the Federation, and it is in place before the first licence is issued.”

“As CEO I am committed to following all compliance regulations as laid out by our very comprehensive Cannabis Act, No. 8 of 2020 and the Cannabis (Medicinal Cannabis Licensing) Regulations, SRO No. 17 of 2022,” said Nadiv Mills, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority. “Although it is challenging, this is what it takes to build credibility, sustainability and accountability. Now that we have secured a system that meets our high standards, we can confidently and legally proceed.”

Legal advisor, Saboto Caesar, noted that, “I am indeed grateful to continue to provide legal advice to the cannabis sector in the region as it pertains to compliant banking and cross border investment. The inclusion of a state of the art track and trace system provided by GrowerIQ for the cannabis industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is a reflection of a global best practice. This will for sure assist the industry in satisfying its national legislative requirements of including a track and trace system and also its international banking obligations to ensure that available technology is utilized to guarantee full traceability of all of the medicinal cannabis industry's proceeds from seed to bank.”

GrowerIQ’s national seed-to-sale system is an integral component of the Federation’s solution. By embedding traceability into both cultivation and financial operations, the Authority ensures that every plant and every transaction is accounted for from day one.

“Saint Kitts and Nevis wrote the money into its traceability rules, then went looking for a system that could carry it,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of GrowerIQ. “The Authority set the standard. Our job is to meet it.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the third Caribbean government to select GrowerIQ for national cannabis traceability, after Barbados in 2023 and Saint Lucia in 2026. The platform supports EU-GMP and GACP workflows and operates in more than 24 countries and seven languages. Local producers will be trained on the system before commercial operations begin.

Learn more about the Saint Kitts and Nevis national cannabis traceability announcement.

About GrowerIQ

AI-powered GrowerIQ is the operational backbone ERP that unites the fragmented systems required by cannabis production facilities around the world. The company now powers country-level traceability and facilities in more than 24 countries and seven languages. For more information, visit groweriq.ca.

About St. Kitts & Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is the statutory body established under the Cannabis Act, No. 8 of 2020, responsible for licensing and regulating the medicinal cannabis sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Media Contact

Andrew Wilson
CEO, GrowerIQ
info@groweriq.com
+1 855-892-7500

LAS VEGAS, NV, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Rezerra, a clean-energy infrastructure investment company, announced it has completed a $23.8 million acquisition of 49 battery energy storage systems, marking a significant expansion of its clean-energy infrastructure portfolio.

The newly acquired systems store electricity for use when it is needed most, supporting a more flexible, efficient and reliable power grid. As demand on the grid continues to grow, battery storage has become one of the most practical tools for keeping electricity available during peak periods and stabilizing supply when generation fluctuates.

"This acquisition reflects exactly where we believe energy infrastructure is headed," said Jesse Williams, CEO of Rezerra. "Battery storage is no longer a niche asset. It is a core piece of how the grid will operate for decades to come, and we intend to own and operate these systems at the highest standard."

Battery storage plays a central role in expanding renewable energy. Solar and wind produce electricity on nature's schedule, not the grid's. Storage systems capture that output and make it available beyond peak production periods, extending the value of every megawatt generated and reducing waste across the system.

The portfolio is supported by a 20-year servicing arrangement, reflecting Rezerra's long-term commitment to maintaining and operating clean-energy infrastructure responsibly. Rather than a short-hold financial play, the structure positions Rezerra as a long-duration owner and operator with accountability for performance across the full life of the assets.

"We are not buying assets to flip them," Williams said. "A 20-year servicing arrangement means we are committed to these systems, the communities they serve and the grid they support for the long haul."

Through investments like this one, Rezerra aims to reduce reliance on higher-emission peak power generation and help build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. The company plans to continue evaluating opportunities across the energy storage and clean infrastructure landscape.

About Rezerra

Rezerra is a clean-energy infrastructure company focused on acquiring, maintaining and operating assets that strengthen the power grid and expand access to renewable energy. Led by CEO Jesse Williams, a Las Vegas-based entrepreneur and investor focused on the energy sector, Rezerra invests in long-duration infrastructure including battery energy storage systems. Learn more at rezerra.com.

Media Contact

Evelyn Caroline
Levitate Media Solutions
evelyn@levitatemediasolutions.com