Expanded platform supports wearable patches across diverse recording devices; Company to showcase new capabilities at HRX 2026 in Atlanta.

STONY BROOK, N.Y., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- ZBeats Inc. today announced it has received U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) 510(k) clearance (K261580) for its ZBPro Diagnostic v2.0 software. This clearance expands ZBeats' independent ECG analysis platform to support recordings from one minute up to 14 days, including Holter configurations and wearable patches. The ZBeats team will showcase the newly cleared version this week at HRX Live 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia.

Experience ZBPro v2.0 at HRX 2026

Attendees can explore the platform's capabilities or schedule a meeting with the ZBeats executive team at HRX Live 2026, taking place September 18–20 at the Signia by Hilton Atlanta. Visit hrsonline.org/event/hrx-live-2026.

"This clearance advances our vision for independent ECG intelligence," said Bin Fang, PhD, CEO and co-founder of ZBeats, Inc. "ZBPro combines NoiseGuard with a common intelligence layer that transforms data from supported recording technologies into consistent, clinically meaningful analysis at scale. By separating ECG intelligence from the hardware, ZBPro creates a flexible foundation for clinical research, monitoring centers, and consumer wearables."

ZBPro combines automated retrospective beat and rhythm analysis, including detection of atrial fibrillation, with advanced review, editing, and reporting tools in an intuitive technician interface. Flexible workflows and configurable permissions help clinical teams standardize review and move studies efficiently from analysis to final report, improving operational efficiency for high-volume IDTFs.

About ZBeats Inc.

ZBeats Inc. is a medical technology leader in independent, cloud-native ECG intelligence solutions. Founded in 2019 and headquartered in Stony Brook, New York, the company specializes in device-agnostic software that transforms raw electrocardiographic data into structured clinical intelligence. ZBeats' FDA-cleared flagship platform, ZBPro Diagnostic, combines AI-driven analysis with review and reporting tools, maximizing operational efficiency for clinical research, IDTFs, and healthcare networks. Learn more at zbeats.co.

SOURCE ZBeats Inc.

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Congressional leaders recognized for their support of the children of first responders

at Capitol Hill reception

PHOTOS: HERE

Credit: First Responders Children's Foundation

NEW YORK, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Last night, First Responders Children's Foundation (FRCF), the only national nonprofit dedicated to serving the children of first responders, honored Senator Jim Justice of West Virginia and Congressman George Latimer of New York with the inaugural United for First Responder Families Award for their support of our nation's first responder children. The reception, hosted at Florida House on Capitol Hill, also introduced the Foundation's national mission, programs, and impact to congressional offices to help understand how FRCF can serve the children of first responders in their states and districts.

"First responders risk everything to keep our communities safe, and their children serve alongside them, carrying the quiet weight of that sacrifice every day," said Jillian Crane, President and CEO of First Responders Children's Foundation. "At First Responders Children's Foundation, we believe it is our duty to stand with these families and ensure they are supported, because when a hero runs toward danger for all of us, their loved ones deserve to know they are never alone. We are grateful to Senator Justice and Congressman Latimer for recognizing this shared responsibility and for their support of our nation's first responders and the families who stand beside them."

The United for First Responder Families Award, a new annual honor, recognizes public leaders whose service shows an ongoing commitment supporting the children of first responders in their states.

"Our first responders represent the absolute best of West Virginia, and our entire nation, and we owe them a debt of gratitude that can never fully be repaid," said Senator Jim Justice. "Advocating for first responders and their children isn't just a policy priority — it's a sacred duty that I am proud to have supported throughout my career. I am humbled to receive this recognition from the First Responders Children's Foundation, and I will always keep fighting to ensure our heroes and their loved ones have the resources, care, and unwavering support they have earned."

"Every single day, our first responders in New York and across the country answer the call without hesitation, stepping into harm's way to keep our neighborhoods safe," said Congressman George Latimer. "Behind each of these brave men and women are their families who often shoulder the burden of their service. I am deeply honored to receive this recognition from the First Responders Children's Foundation, and I remain steadfast in my commitment to fighting for our first responders and the loved ones who stand behind them."

Matt McCauley, Turken, Heath & McCauley, FRCF Board Member and Tom Livingston, CSX, served as the First Responders Children's Foundation Government & Business Relations Advisory Committee Leaders and Event Co-Chairs. The Florida House Reception event sponsorship was provided by CSX, a long-time partner and supporter of FRCF.

ABOUT FIRST RESPONDERS CHILDREN'S FOUNDATION:

First Responders Children's Foundation is a national nonprofit that provides programs and resources that address the specific needs of first responders and their families. The Foundation focuses on five key areas: Scholarships, Financial Assistance Grants, Natural Disaster Relief, Mental Health Resiliency with free counseling; and Community Engagement. The Foundation was founded 25 years ago in response to 9/11 when 800 children lost a first responder parent and today uplifts all children of first responders across the country. Additional information about FRCF can be found at www.1stRCF.org and on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram @1strcf.

CONTACT:

Sunshine Sachs Morgan & Lylis

[email protected]

(212) 691-2800

SOURCE First Responders Children's Foundation

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Individuals recognized for their contributions across the alternative investments industry

WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) today announced the recipients of the 2026 IPA Awards, recognizing 21 leaders whose service and expertise have made a meaningful impact on the alternative investments industry and the IPA community.

Presented during IPAVision in Atlanta, the IPA Awards recognize the many ways industry leaders contribute to the association and strengthen the broader alternative investments marketplace. This year's honorees were recognized across five categories: Outstanding Service, Policy Leadership, Rising Voice, Emerging Champion and Lifetime Achievement.

"The IPA Awards recognize individuals who give their time and expertise to strengthen our industry and our community," said Anya Coverman, President and CEO of the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives. "Each of this year's honorees has made a meaningful contribution to IPA, whether by advancing important policy priorities or stepping forward to share their perspective with their peers. We are proud to recognize their impact and the leadership they continue to demonstrate."

The awards were presented before more than 550 professionals gathered at IPAVision, representing firms from across asset management, wealth management and the broader alternative investments ecosystem.

Outstanding Service

The Outstanding Service Award honors individuals who consistently demonstrate exceptional leadership and dedication to advancing the alternatives industry and the work of IPA.

- Bill Duffy, Head of Alternative Investment Platform Solutions, Fidelity Investments

- Kimberly Flynn, President, XA Investments

- Martin Griffin, Senior Director, Head of Product and Sales Support, SS&C

- Bora Lim, Managing Director, Head of Hedge Fund & Alternative Credit Origination, Bank of America Merrill Lynch

- Matthew Malone, President and Head of Investment Management, Opto Investments

- Emily Reagan, Managing Director and Global Head of Evergreen Products for Alternatives Capital Formation, Goldman Sachs Asset Management

- Paul Weisenfeld, 1st Vice President, Head of Strategic Partnerships - Private Wealth, CIM Group

Policy Leadership

The Policy Leadership Award recognizes individuals whose expertise and advocacy have strengthened IPA's policy efforts and helped advance a more effective regulatory environment for alternative investments.

- John Cronin, Vice President, Head of State Government Relations, LPL Financial

- John Mahon, Partner, Cleary Gottlieb

- Peter Matejcak, Partner, Baker McKenzie

- Nick Rosenthal, Co-Chief Executive Officer, Griffin Capital

- Benjamin Wells, Partner, Simpson Thacher & Bartlett

Rising Voice

The Rising Voice Award honors individuals who are newer to the IPA community but have already demonstrated meaningful engagement and leadership in advancing the association's mission.

- Jason Cross, Managing Director, Capital Markets and Head of Investor Relations, Redbrick LMD

- Sydney Friedman, Managing Director in Blackstone Private Wealth, Blackstone

- Paula Noble, Vice President of Key Accounts & Client Education, CNL

- Nick Tiemeyer, Vice President of Wealth Alternatives Product, Nuveen

- Natalya Zernitskaya, Senior Due Diligence Analyst, Cetera Financial Group

Emerging Champion

The Emerging Champion Award recognizes leaders who are helping expand the role of alternative investments within the broader wealth management marketplace and creating new opportunities for industry growth.

- Peter Aliprantis, Partner and Head of Private Wealth Americas, EQT Partners

- Danielle Hickey, Director of Platform Development for Private Markets Solutions, Macquarie Asset Management

- Bill Stout, Head of Private Markets Strategy, Vanguard

Lifetime Achievement

The Lifetime Achievement Award recognizes an individual whose career has demonstrated sustained leadership and a lasting contribution to financial services and the alternative investments industry.

- Thomas Selman, President and CEO, SCOPUS Financial Group. Selman previously served as the Executive Vice President for Regulatory Policy and Legal Compliance Officer at FINRA. During his more than two decades at FINRA, he led numerous regulatory functions, including Advertising Regulation and Corporate Financing, as well as the Office of Financial Innovation.

For more information about the 2026 IPA Awards and this year's honorees, visit www.ipa.com.

About the Institute for Portfolio Alternatives

The Institute for Portfolio Alternatives (IPA) serves as the leading industry voice for alternative investments. IPA is the preeminent trade organization championing alternatives—including private real estate, private credit, private equity, infrastructure, and other alternative assets. IPA hosts innovative events and conferences, offering world-class networking opportunities and educational resources, while also engaging in impactful advocacy at both federal and state levels.

More information on IPA can be found at www.ipa.com, or follow IPA on LinkedIn.

MEDIA CONTACT

Erik James Rancatore

312.438.1779

[email protected]

SOURCE Institute for Portfolio Alternatives

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WASHINGTON, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Following today's announcement by the U.S. Department of the Treasury regarding FY 2025 and FY 2026 awards through multiple Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund) programs, Opportunity Finance Network provided the following statement from Harold Pettigrew, President and CEO of Opportunity Finance Network.

"CDFIs are an essential part of America's economic and financial infrastructure, helping finance small businesses, affordable housing, community facilities, and local investment in communities across the country. After more than a year of advocacy from OFN, the CDFI industry, our partners and bipartisan Congressional champions, we are pleased to see the CDFI Fund move forward with these awards. We also recognize and thank the staff of the CDFI Fund for their continued work during this critical time to advance resources that communities across the country are counting on.

"The CDFI Fund has earned broad bipartisan support because it produces measurable economic results in rural, urban, and Native communities alike. These resources strengthen institutions that help entrepreneurs grow businesses, families access housing, and communities build stronger local economies.

"Today's announcement reinforces the important role CDFIs play in expanding economic opportunity on Main Streets across America. Historically, that impact has extended well beyond the initial investment: CDFIs leverage an estimated $8 in private sector investment for every $1 in public funding, helping attract additional capital to entrepreneurs, families, businesses, and communities.

"As additional information becomes available, OFN will continue working to ensure members, partners, and communities have the information they need to understand what today's announcement means for the field. OFN continues to advocate for movement on those programs that were not included in today's announcement including the fiscal year 2026 Bond Guarantee Program, the Capital Magnet Fund program, and the remaining fiscal year 2026 programs. CDFIs remain focused on attracting private investment, putting capital to work, and helping communities build stronger local economies."

Opportunity Finance Network (OFN) is the nation's leading network and intermediary focused on community development investment, managing more than $1 billion in total assets and a membership of nearly 500 community development financial institutions (CDFIs), which includes community development loan funds, credit unions, green banks, banks, minority depository institutions, and venture capital funds. Our network of CDFIs works to ensure communities left behind by mainstream finance have access to affordable, responsible financial products and services, with a deep focus on serving rural, urban, and Native communities across the United States. OFN is a trusted investment partner to the public, private, and philanthropic sectors – foundations, corporations, banks, government agencies, and others – and, for more than 40 years, has helped partners invest in communities to catalyze change and create economic opportunities for all.

Since its founding in 1986, OFN members have originated $136 billion in cumulative financing, helping to create or maintain nearly 3.8 million jobs, start or expand more than 1.2 million businesses and microenterprises, and support the development or rehabilitation of more than 3 million housing units and more than 16,000 community facility projects.

SOURCE Opportunity Finance Network

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Singtel Receives Frost & Sullivan's 2026 APAC Company of the Year Recognition for 5G Enterprise Leadership

Singtel's 5G enterprise innovation, intelligent connectivity, and customer-centric solutions are helping how APAC enterprises adopt robotics, AI, and connected technologies.

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Frost & Sullivan is pleased to announce that Singtel has received the 2026 APAC Company of the Year Recognition in the 5G enterprise industry for its outstanding achievements in enterprise connectivity, innovation, strategy execution, and customer impact. The recognition highlights Singtel's consistent leadership in addressing complex enterprise requirements through secure, low-latency connectivity and technology solutions that accelerate digital transformation across the region.

Frost & Sullivan evaluates companies through a rigorous benchmarking process across two core dimensions: strategy effectiveness and strategy execution. Singtel excelled in both, demonstrating its ability to align strategic initiatives with evolving enterprise needs while executing them with efficiency, consistency, and scale.

"Singtel is demonstrating how 5G infrastructure can evolve beyond connectivity to become an agile, secure, and financially optimized enterprise utility. Its ability to combine network intelligence, security, and flexible business models is helping enterprises unlock new levels of digital productivity," said Mei Lee Quah, Senior Director, ICT Research at Frost & Sullivan.

Guided by a long-term growth strategy focused on connected intelligence, advanced 5G capabilities, AI, robotics, and flexible technology adoption, Singtel has shown its ability to adapt to rapidly evolving enterprise requirements. Its strategic agility and sustained investment in intelligent network infrastructure have enabled it to address critical needs across smart logistics, warehousing, security, and other high-consequence environments.

Innovation remains central to Singtel's approach. Through solutions that combine 5G network slicing, high-performance mobility, cloud connectivity, AI, and robotics, the company enables enterprises to support real-time applications while improving operational responsiveness and scalability. Its collaboration with AGIBOT integrates embodied AI-powered robotics with Singtel's 5G network, enabling remote operations and supporting the broader adoption of intelligent robotic systems across APAC.

At The GEAR by Kajima, Singtel deployed a dedicated 5G campus network to create a connected robotics ecosystem. The low-latency, high-bandwidth environment enables real-time telemetry, remote control of autonomous machinery, faster prototyping, and more efficient workflows, while helping reduce safety risks associated with labor-intensive processes.

Singtel's customer-focused approach strengthens its position in the market. Its robotics-as-a-service model enables enterprises to access advanced robotics through a predictable operating expense structure, reducing upfront investment barriers and supporting faster technology adoption. Meanwhile, Singtel CUBΣ provides a unified orchestration platform that brings together 5G, cloud, AI, autonomous vehicles, and robotics to create secure, responsive, data-driven enterprise environments.

The evolution of Singtel CUBΣ through AI Studio further strengthens this proposition. Its low-code, agentic AI capabilities support autonomous decision-making, predictive insights, performance assurance, root cause analysis, and automated remediation, helping enterprises operationalize AI at scale.

Frost & Sullivan commends Singtel for maintaining high standards in competitive strategy, execution, and market responsiveness. Its vision, innovation pipeline, and customer-first approach are shaping the future of 5G enterprise connectivity and intelligent digital infrastructure.

Each year, Frost & Sullivan presents the Company of the Year Recognition to an organization that demonstrates outstanding strategy development and implementation, resulting in measurable improvements in market position, customer value, and competitive differentiation. The recognition highlights forward-thinking organizations that are reshaping their industries through innovation and growth excellence.

Frost & Sullivan Best Practices Recognition

Frost & Sullivan's Best Practices Recognitions honor companies across regional and global markets that exhibit exceptional achievement and consistent excellence in areas such as leadership, technological innovation, customer experience, and strategic product development. Each recognition is the result of a rigorous analytical process in which Frost & Sullivan industry experts benchmark performance through comprehensive interviews, deep-dive analysis, and extensive secondary research. The goal is to identify true best-in-class organizations that are driving transformative growth and setting new industry standards.

Contact us: Start the discussion.

Contact:

Tarini Singh

E: [email protected] 

SOURCE Frost & Sullivan

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Users of the first R8 will immediately feel at home with a variety of returning features, though the R8 II isn't without its updates. Most notably will be the physical design of the camera, which has a much more angular design when compared to the smooth, rounded shapes of previous Canon models.

Canon EOS R8 Mark II Mirrorless Camera

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/product/2001101-REG/canon_7503c002_eos_r8_mark_ii.html 

Key Features

- 24.2MP Full-Frame CMOS Sensor

- 4K60p 10-Bit Internal Video, Canon Log 3

- 40 fps Electronic Shutter, Pre-Capture

- 5-Axis In-Body Image Stabilization

- Dual Pixel CMOS AF II with Tracking

- 2.36m-Dot OLED Electronic Viewfinder

- 3.0" 1.62m-Dot Vari-Angle Touchscreen

- Multi-Controller Joystick for Navigation

- Microphone Input, Headphone Output

- Multi-Function Shoe, Wi-Fi & Bluetooth

This also comes with fewer visible controls, at least atop the camera. The mode dial, power switch, record button, and M-Fn function button all sit in familiar spots, though the video mode switch is noticeably absent from the right side of the EVF housing.

Minimalism may be the goal, but that doesn't come at a cost to functionality. Canon has finally added the highly sought after multi-controller joystick to the back of the camera, which can be used to maneuver autofocus points as well as navigate the menus. Additionally, the AF on button has been moved over, putting it in a more comfortable position. External appearance aside, let's take a look inside the camera.

The R8 Mark II comes equipped with a 24.2-Megapixel Full Frame CMOS sensor, the same one found in the R8 and R6 Mark II cameras. This decision comes as no surprise, as this sensor delivers excellent quality across lighting conditions, and delivered superb color accuracy, especially for skin tones, one of Canon's longtime strengths.

Behind the sensor is where things get interesting, as Canon has added in-body stabilization with 7.5 stops of compensation at the center and 7 at the periphery. This allows users to shoot confidently in a wider range of lighting conditions without worrying about shutter speeds and fast apertures, although they do help.

Autofocus sees a notable improvement, with the R8 Mark II adopting many of the upgrades found in newer models. Animal and vehicle detection are present, with animal mode being specially developed for pets, birds, and horses, and the vehicle detection designed around motorsports, trains, and airplanes. The people detection feature can prioritize the subjects head, upper torso, and eyes with left or right-side priority or automatic selection of the eye closest to the camera.

Of course, if isn't broken, don't fix it! Alongside the 24.2-megapixel sensor, many of the R8's best features return. The EOS R8 Mark II is capable of shooting continuously at 40 fps when using the electronic shutter. This is perfect for nailing birds in flight, fast paced sports, or even the odd hair flip here and there. Note that this is not a stacked or partially stacked sensor, so rolling shutter distortion may occur when panning.

Luckily, keeper rates have been improved with larger overall buffers when shooting at these fast frame rates. If recording in JPEG format, the R8 Mark II sees a 58% increase in buffer performance, allowing users to shoot up to 190 shots. RAW shooters gain a 30% increase from the first R8 and are now able to shoot up to 73 shots continuously in the Mark II, but that's enough about speed.

The EOS R8 Mark II offers 16 color filters to apply creative visual storytelling to both stills and videos. Additionally, the camera features a Positive and Negative Filmtone to recreate the brilliant, nostalgic aesthetic of classic analog film directly in camera. Alongside these creative filters are 14 SCN presets tailored for night scenes, smooth skin portraits, and beyond.

Content creators too have much to look forward to, with the return of vertical movie mode alongside 4K60p 10-bit internal video and Canon Log 3 recording. Movie mode Image Stabilization also makes a comeback, and with a built-in microphone and headphone jack, users have an all-in-one rig ready for anything they throw at it.

Advanced color grading is now possible with the Custom Picture Mode, which provides the aforementioned Canon Log 3 with up to 14 stops of dynamic range, HDR video options such as PQ and HLG, alongside two 709 options. For added detail or to slow things down in post, the camera is also able to record Full HD at up to 180p. The EOS R8 Mark II also features a slow and fast mode, to easily capture slow motion or fast motion timelapses in camera.

Available alongside the EOS R8 Mark II will be a new optional EG-E2 Extension grip that significantly improves handling for those with bigger hands, or those seeking more control and comfort when working with larger lenses. This grip, much like its predecessor, features a built-in tripod socket, so there's little to no impact to overall functionality.

Lastly, we can't go on without talking connectivity. As with other EOS R series mirrorless bodies, the R8 Mark II camera features built-in Wi-Fi and Bluetooth connectivity, meaning it can pair with smart devices seamlessly for control or image sharing via Canon's app.

The Canon R8 Mark II is the perfect choice for those looking to shoot on the go. It's small, lightweight, and delivers exceptional, professional results in an unassuming package. The camera will be available as the body alone, or in a kit paired with the RF 24-50mm f/4.5-6.3 IS STM.

YouTube First Look on Canon EOS R8 Mirrorless Camera https://youtu.be/XOKWW7H2sVA 

Learn more about Canon EOS R8 Mark II camera with B&H Explora blog

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/explora/photography/news/canons-r8-mark-ii-sees-improvements-big-and-small 

Tune in - Wednesday September 16 2026

Canon EOS R8 Mark II Live Panel Discussion  https://youtube.com/live/r0pLMefJO5M

About B&H Photo Video

As the world's largest source of photography, video, and audio equipment, as well as computers, drones, and home and portable entertainment, B&H is known worldwide for its attentive, knowledgeable sales force and excellent customer service, including fast, reliable shipping. B&H has been satisfying customers worldwide for over 50 years.

Visitors to the website can access a variety of educational videos and enlightening articles. The B&H YouTube Channel has an unmatched wealth of educational content. Our entertaining and informative videos feature product overviews from our in-house specialists. You can view the B&H Event Space presentations from many of the world's foremost experts and interviews with some of technology's most dynamic personalities. Tap into this exciting resource by subscribing to the B&H YouTube Channel here. In addition to videos, the B&H Explora blog presents new product announcements, gear reviews, helpful guides, and tech news written by product experts and industry professionals, as well as our award-winning podcasts.

When you're in Manhattan, take a tour of the B&H Photo SuperStore, located at 420 Ninth Avenue. The techno-carousel spins all year round at the counters and kiosks at B&H. With hundreds of products on display, the B&H Photo SuperStore is the place to test-drive and compare all the latest gear.

The B&H Payboo Credit Card offers the industry's best instant savings and special financing, subject to credit approval. Visit B&H's Payboo Page to learn more and apply.

Contact Information

Geoffrey Ngai

B&H Photo Video

212-615-8820

https://www.bhphotovideo.com/ 

SOURCE B&H Photo

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TWO NEW BOULDER COUNTY MURALS AIM TO TURN WILDFIRE AWARENESS INTO ACTION

Boulder County Wildfire Partners Commissioned the Artwork to Build Community Empowerment Around Wildfire Resilience as Part of Routine Home Maintenance

BOULDER, Colo., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Boulder County is now home to two new, vibrant murals created for a cause: to spark conversations around wildfire resilience and the actions residents can take to reduce risk. The public art was commissioned by Wildfire Partners, the Boulder County program helping residents take collective and individual action to reduce wildfire risk at home. Mobilizing the community is critical since the USDA Forest Service ranks Boulder County in the top 10 most at-risk areas for wildfire in the Rocky Mountain Region.

The murals are part of Wildfire Partner's "Home Sweet Mitigated Home" campaign, which spreads the message that a home that's resilient to wildfire is a safer, sweeter place to be. The lasting public art reflects the reality that wildfires are now a year-round threat. A 2025 analysis published by Colorado State University researchers shows the annual average number of wildfires in Colorado has increased sharply, from 13 in the 1990s to more than 70 by the 2020s.

"We know this community is keenly aware of the potential for wildfires in our area yet often don't know where to start in protecting their homes," said Jim Webster, program manager for Wildfire Partners. "These murals should remind our residents that mitigating your home against wildfires is a necessary, achievable and empowering part of living in Boulder County. Together, we can build steps into routine home maintenance to make our entire community more resilient."

Created in collaboration with notable artists, Taylor Shaw and Colorado-based Rachel Dinda, the newly-installed murals are located in Nederland at 74 CO-72 at Nederland Feed and Pet, and in Lyons on Broadway between 4th and 5th Ave. They feature bold colors, beautiful vistas and the "Home Sweet Mitigated Home" headline, each in the artists' distinct style. The bright designs will also be featured on campaign merch like tote bags and stickers, which will be given away to the first 20 people to post a photo with the murals, tagging @wildfirepartners on Instagram or Facebook and sharing what mitigation steps they're inspired to take.

Embedded cleverly in each mural are images of homes shown with proper mitigation, helping build awareness for the tasks that can help protect homes, such as removing highly-combustible juniper plants near your home. In 2026, Boulder County online searches like "junk your junipers", "how to remove juniper bushes", and "boulder county juniper removal" have been steadily rising every week since June. Wildfire Partners is hopeful the murals will help keep the momentum going.

Because wildfire mitigation isn't a one-time event, Wildfire Partners encourages homeowners to start with what's easy to achieve: cleaning gutters, raking and removing clutter from under the deck. These are effective everyday mitigation actions that don't require a big budget. For the projects that do, all Boulder County residents may be eligible for a rebate up to $500 from Wildfire Partners by completing one of the approved mitigation actions.

To learn more, visit wildfirepartners.org.

About Wildfire Partners

Wildfire Partners is a nationally recognized Boulder County government program designed to help residents prepare for wildfires. Technical and financial assistance is available to residents of the county through custom wildfire mitigation assessments and certification, grant funding, educational events, community programs, a free community chipping program, rebates, and youth mitigation crews helping vulnerable individuals and communities.

The rebate program is funded by the Wildfire Mitigation Sales Tax, approved by Boulder County voters in 2022. The tax supports a wide range of wildfire resilience efforts, including landscape-scale forest and grassland management, community-level mitigation planning, and parcel-level home hardening initiatives.

For more information, contact Wildfire Partners at 303-441-1420 or [email protected].

MEDIA CONTACT

Danielle Aires

SchroderHaus

SOURCE Boulder County

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NOVATO, Calif., Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Brayton Purcell LLP is drawing attention to a major Bloomberg Businessweek investigation examining the growing artificial stone silicosis epidemic affecting countertop fabrication workers across the United States.

The article, "Death Sentences: Crafting America's Favorite Countertops Is Killing Workers," documents the experiences of workers who developed fatal accelerated artificial stone silicosis after fabricating artificial stone countertops. The report explores the expanding litigation involving artificial stone manufacturers, distributors, and other participants in the artificial stone supply chain, while examining scientific research, product warnings, and questions of accountability.

According to the report, artificial stone has become one of the most popular countertop materials in North America. At the same time, physicians, researchers, workers, and families have become increasingly concerned about the devastating fatal health consequences associated with fabricating it. Artificial stone contains at least 90% nano-sized high-surface-area respirable crystalline silica and approximately 10% other highly toxic ingredients, including resins, glues, dyes and heavy metals.

Among the workers featured in Bloomberg's reporting is Brayton Purcel LLP client Tyler Jordan, a former countertop fabricator who developed artificial stone silicosis and kidney failure. Bloomberg reported that Jordan underwent dialysis, chemotherapy, a kidney transplant, and numerous other medical procedures after working with artificial stone products.

Reflecting on the impact of his illness, Jordan told Bloomberg:

"Right now, it's just focusing on my kids. I can do frisbee with them, but I stand in one spot, and if they miss me, then they have to go get the frisbee."

The report also highlights the perspective of pulmonologist Jane Fazio, who has treated workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis. Bloomberg reported that Dr. Fazio described the severity of the disease by stating:

"My patients with silicosis, I wish they only had lung cancer. Lung cancer can be cut out."

"The Bloomberg Businessweek investigation brings important national attention to an issue affecting workers and families throughout the country," said James Nevin, partner at Brayton Purcell LLP. "The reporting highlights the human consequences of artificial stone silicosis while examining the scientific evidence and legal issues surrounding a disease that continues to affect countertop fabrication workers."

The article also discusses litigation involving numerous defendants, including Cambria, Caesarstone, Cosentino, Daltile, Arizona Tile, Architectural Surfaces Group, Surface Warehouse, Paragon Industries, Hyundai L&C, various distributors, and other participants in the artificial stone supply chain.

The report notes that litigation involving artificial stone silicosis continues to expand as more countertop fabrication workers undergo medical evaluations and receive diagnoses of artificial stone silicosis associated with exposure to artificial stone dust.

The investigation further discusses findings from researchers and public health agencies around the world, including the position of the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH), which has stated that "the safest approach" is to use slabs containing little or no crystalline silica. The report also examines international and domestic regulatory responses to the crisis. According to Bloomberg, Australia implemented a nationwide ban on artificial stone fabrication in 2024 following a review of mounting scientific evidence. The article also notes that California regulators are taking the necessary steps to ban the fabrication of crystalline silica artificial stone, reflecting increasing concern among public health officials regarding the extraordinary risks associated with artificial stone fabrication.

"As awareness of artificial stone silicosis continues to grow, it is essential that workers, families, healthcare providers, and policymakers understand the magnitude of this issue," Nevin added. "The workers featured in this reporting put a human face on a disease that has changed countless lives."

About Brayton Purcell LLP

Brayton Purcell LLP is an accomplished California law firm with decades of experience representing individuals and families affected by occupational diseases, toxic exposures, and wrongful death. The firm's attorneys represent workers diagnosed with artificial stone silicosis and other serious illnesses associated with hazardous substance exposures.

Read the Full Bloomberg Businessweek Investigation

"Death Sentences: Crafting America's Favorite Countertops Is Killing Workers"

https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-09-14/silicosis-lawsuits-mount-as-workers-seek-billions-in-damages

Media Contact

Nolan Lowry

Chief Marketing Officer

Brayton Purcell LLP

415-399-3107

[email protected]

www.braytonlaw.com

SOURCE Brayton Purcell LLP

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Thesis Gold & Silver Announces Results of Annual General and Special Meeting of Shareholders

VANCOUVER, BC, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Thesis Gold & Silver Inc. ("Thesis", or the "Company") (TSXV: TAU) (OTCQX: THSGF) (WKN: A422AH) is pleased to announce that all matters submitted to shareholders of the Company (the "Shareholders") for approval at the annual general and special meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") held on September 15, 2026 were approved.

At the Meeting, all director nominees, comprised of Ewan Webster, William ("Bill") Lytle, Russell Ball, Jody Shimkus, Thomas Mumford, Lisa Peterson, and Coille Van Alphen, were re-elected as directors of the Company.

Shareholders also voted in favor of appointing Deloitte LLP as auditors of the Company for the ensuing year and authorized the board of directors of the Company to fix their remuneration. At the Meeting, Shareholders also approved and ratified the Company's Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan.

For further details regarding the matters considered at the Meeting, please refer to the Company's management information circular dated August 5, 2026, which is available on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca.

Grant of Equity Compensation

Thesis granted an aggregate of 275,000 stock options (the "Options") to employees, with all awards governed by the Company's Omnibus Long-Term Incentive Plan and each applicable award agreement. Each vested Option entitles the holder to purchase one common share of the Company (each, a "Common Share") at an exercise price of $3.66 per Common Share for a period of five years from September 15, 2026 (the "Grant Date"). The Options vest one third on each of the first, second and third anniversaries of the Grant Date.

On behalf of the Board of Directors,

Thesis Gold & Silver Inc.,

"Ewan Webster"

Ewan Webster Ph.D., P. Geo.

President, CEO, and Director

About Thesis Gold & Silver Inc.

Thesis is a Canadian precious metals development company focused on advancing its 100%-owned Lawyers-Ranch Gold-Silver Project in British Columbia's prolific Toodoggone Mining District, one of North America's most prospective emerging precious-metals districts. Lawyers-Ranch hosts a large, high-quality gold equivalent Mineral Resource with meaningful exposure to silver, which represents a significant component of the Project and long-term value proposition.

Thesis is advancing Lawyers-Ranch through feasibility, permitting, and continued exploration, with the objective of unlocking long-term value for shareholders and stakeholders.

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release.

Cautionary Statement Regarding Forward-Looking Information

This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Forward-looking information includes, without limitation, statements regarding fixing the remuneration of the auditors of the Company and the vesting timeline of the Options. Generally, forward-looking information can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "plans", "expects" or "does not expect", "is expected", "budget", "scheduled", "estimates", "forecasts", "intends", "anticipates" or "does not anticipate", or "believes", or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results "may", "could", "would", "might" or "will be taken", "occur" or "be achieved". Forward-looking statements are necessarily based upon a number of assumptions that, while considered reasonable by management, are inherently subject to business, market, and economic risks, uncertainties, and contingencies that may cause actual results, performance, or achievements to be materially different from those expressed or implied by forward-looking statements. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated, or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Other factors which could materially affect such forward-looking information are described in the risk factors in the Company's most recent annual management's discussion and analysis, which is available on the Company's profile on SEDAR+ at www.sedarplus.ca. The Company does not undertake to update any forward-looking information, except in accordance with applicable securities laws.

SOURCE Thesis Gold & Silver Inc.

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Xpansiv to Acquire Formbay, Australia's AI-Enabled Renewable Energy Certificate and Compliance Technology Platform

Acquisition strengthens Xpansiv's position in global electricity and environmental markets

SYDNEY, Sept. 15, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Xpansiv, the leading infrastructure provider for the global energy transition markets, announced it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire Formbay, an Australian company that creates, validates, and trades the certificates issued to support a significant portion of the country's fast-growing rooftop solar and home battery installations.

Formbay operates Australia's leading electrification and AI-enabled compliance platform for renewable energy certificates, which is used by retailers, installers, and other market participants to verify installations and manage compliance and payments across solar, batteries, and energy efficiency programs. Supporting around one-quarter of the country's Small-scale Technology Certificates (STCs), its systems create almost 100,000 certificates per day or more than 25 million per year, facilitating more than AUD $1 billion in certificate transactions in 2025. The company works with nearly 30,000 registered retailers and installers, handling one in three home solar installations nationally.

Xpansiv brings deep experience in renewable energy certificate (REC) markets globally, providing neutral market infrastructure that supports market participants. The company facilitates the creation, management, and monetization of RECs for both distributed and large-scale energy resources, with more than 320 GW of renewable generation capacity registered across more than 60 countries.

"Australia has one of the highest rates of rooftop solar in the world, a mature set of small-scale certificate schemes, and a home battery market that is growing rapidly," said John Melby, CEO, Xpansiv. "As a major renewable energy facilitator, we see Formbay as a natural fit within our platform. This acquisition is an important step in our strategy of uniting key energy and environmental market infrastructure in a single global platform."

Formbay has developed advanced AI-enabled verification and workflow technologies that help automate the validation of renewable energy assets and certificate creation processes. Combined with Xpansiv's AI-enabled registry, market infrastructure, and data solutions, these capabilities create opportunities to accelerate verification, improve auditability, reduce administrative costs, and scale environmental markets more efficiently.

"Formbay has been built alongside Australia's solar and renewable energy industry over more than a decade, and protecting the trust of our retailers and installers has always been incredibly important to us," said Dan Sullivan, Founder and CEO of Formbay. "As we've considered opportunities to grow Formbay, we have been very deliberate about finding the right partner. Xpansiv understands certificate markets, regulators, market participants and, importantly, the technology required to make these markets work at scale. They give Formbay the platform and resources to continue investing in our Australian customers while taking the technology and expertise we've developed here into renewable energy markets around the world. For our customers, this is about a stronger Formbay and the opportunity for us to take them on that journey with us."

"The acquisition will unite Xpansiv and Formbay, two Australian-born companies that have built critical infrastructure to scale and accelerate the global energy transition," said Nathan Rockliff, Chief Strategy Officer, Xpansiv, who co-founded the company with Ben Stuart in 2009. "We are excited to advance our global electricity markets presence and significant AI capabilities with Formbay's deep portfolio of proprietary IP, including production-grade AI capabilities. Across Xpansiv, we are increasingly applying AI and automation to solve complex verification, compliance, registry, and multi-party workflow challenges. Formbay brings proven AI capabilities operating at scale in Australia's electrification market, providing a platform we can extend across energy and environmental markets globally."

The combination will create new opportunities across Xpansiv's global platform. Formbay customers will benefit from access to Xpansiv's global market infrastructure and deep market expertise, while Formbay's technology and certificate capabilities can be extended into additional products and markets over time.

The acquisition will further broaden Xpansiv's strong and growing position in global electricity markets. Around 4% of total global electricity generation and 7% of renewable energy generation are managed through the Xpansiv platform, and about 28% of renewable energy certificates issued globally in 2025 are on its registry network.

For Formbay customers, there are no changes planned to day-to-day operations, platform access, pricing, or existing customer relationships. Formbay will continue to operate as the trusted technology and certificate partner to its retailers and installers, now with the backing of a well-capitalized global company and greater resources to invest in technology, customer experience, and new products.

Formbay will be Xpansiv's 13th acquisition since 2017, and reflects its longstanding strategy to grow organically and through acquisitions with the goal of building a comprehensive infrastructure platform to support the global energy transition. The acquisition is expected to be immediately accretive to Xpansiv's Adjusted EBITDA upon closing. The acquisition, which is subject to regulatory approval, is expected to close later this year.

About Xpansiv

Xpansiv is the leading infrastructure provider for the energy transition markets.

The company's comprehensive platform includes registries, online marketplaces, market execution services, wholesale power solutions, and market data for energy and environmental commodity markets. Trusted worldwide, Xpansiv helps market participants capture opportunities and drive environmental impact.

Xpansiv provides solutions that enable stakeholders to deliver transparent, credible, and auditable environmental claims to address the growing global demand for assurance and accountability on climate action and sustainability performance.

Company investors include Blackstone Group, Bank of America, Goldman Sachs, Aramco Ventures, Macquarie Group Ltd., S&P Global Ventures, Aware Super, BP Ventures, and Commonwealth Bank.

To learn more about Xpansiv, visit xpansiv.com

About Formbay

Formbay is an Australian technology platform providing critical infrastructure for renewable energy certificate creation, compliance, field documentation and asset verification.

Its platform enables solar retailers, installers, renewable energy businesses and market participants to efficiently navigate Australia's renewable energy incentive schemes. By digitising the collection of field data, customer documentation and compliance evidence, Formbay streamlines the process from installation through to verification, certificate creation and submission.

Formbay's technology is designed to improve the accuracy, efficiency and integrity of renewable energy programs while reducing the administrative burden on industry participants. Its growing capabilities extend beyond certificate origination into broader asset verification and lifecycle assurance.

To learn more about Formbay, visit formbay.com.au

SOURCE Xpansiv

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