At UN Global Compact Leaders Summit, EDB Reinforces Governance at the Data Layer as Energy Becomes a Defining Constraint in the Agentic AI Era

With 69% of respondents in new EDB research giving energy greater weight in AI infrastructure decisions, EDB outlined its work to govern autonomous agents at the data layer and reduce AI energy demands.

NEW YORK, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Featured at the United Nations Global Compact Leaders Summit this week, EnterpriseDB (EDB) called on business and government leaders to treat energy efficiency and sustainability as core architectural decisions in the age of agentic AI, not afterthoughts. As AI agents scale, EDB made the case that responsibility must be engineered into AI infrastructure, highlighting a patent-pending approach to governing autonomous agents and validated results showing dramatically lower compute and emissions. In a keynote, EDB Chief Legal Officer Rob Feldman argued that the world already has the chips, the models, and the infrastructure for the AI era but is missing the operating system to tie them together securely, sovereignly, and sustainably.

Initial findings from new EDB research among 300 respondents underscores the pressure on organizations to make AI more efficient (Sept. 2026). Sixty-nine percent say energy receives more consideration in data and AI platform decisions than a year ago. Reliability of supply ranks among the leading energy factors at 49 percent, followed by cost and energy efficiency, both at 48 percent.

The findings put energy firmly among the operating requirements for AI infrastructure. By 2030, more than one billion AI agents could be at work, while global data-center electricity demand is projected to roughly double, according to the International Energy Agency. In his address, Feldman said companies cannot wait for regulation to anticipate every use or consequence of autonomous technology. The protections need to be part of how these systems are designed.

Building responsibility into the core

EDB framed the challenge through its Responsible AI work, guided by a set of principles: that AI systems should be sovereign, governed, trusted, and beneficial, and that these qualities must be part of how systems are designed, not added after the fact. Organizations, the company argued, need control over where their data resides, how it is accessed, and how AI systems interact with it. What ties the chips, models, and infrastructure of the AI era together, EDB said, is a governing layer for how they interact with data, a sovereign AI operating system.

To that end, the company is building governance directly into the data layer, giving organizations the tools to govern their data at the source. The company recently filed a patent application for an approach that uses AI agents to govern other agents. This is comparable, Feldman noted, to the redundant, self-checking systems built into modern aircraft. EDB also pointed to its support for open source software and sovereign data as a means of bringing greater security and control to sensitive information.

Intelligence per watt: Efficiency as a design principle

Central to EDB's argument is that efficiency belongs in that same list of elements designed from the start. Rather than build technology that simply requires customers to add more servers and compute to support AI workloads, EDB Postgres® AI (EDB PG AI) reduces unnecessary compute, consolidates workloads, and moves less data, an approach it calls "intelligence per watt." EDB benchmarks show the approach can cut token consumption by up to 57 percent for one customer, reducing the processing required to support agent activity.

Making a measurable difference

To test whether responsible design makes a measurable difference, EDB worked with three of its larger customers, operating more than 120 data centers, and is now building a carbon calculator to measure the before-and-after impact of consolidating workloads. In one case, independent analysis by Incendium Consulting found up to 94 percent fewer compute cores and up to 87 percent expected emissions reduction. EDB was careful to note that such steps do not eliminate every risk but offered them as an example of the design thinking the AI era demands.

"We don't believe performance and the planet have to be a trade-off," said Rob Feldman, chief legal officer at EDB. "Using fewer resources can mean better performance, lower costs, lower environmental impact, and more resilient businesses. To me, that is what responsible innovation looks like."

Those results echo EDB's broader research. Its global Sovereignty Matters study of 2,050 executives across 13 economies found that 13 percent of enterprises are treating AI and data sovereignty as mission critical today. These leaders achieve up to 5x the ROI of their peers and are 250 percent more likely to build their data centers to be green.

And that urgency is showing up in how organizations buy: In initial findings from EDB's latest research, more than two-thirds of enterprise technology decision-makers (69 percent) say they now weigh energy more heavily in AI and data infrastructure decisions than they did a year ago, with energy efficiency (48 percent) ranking alongside cost and reliability as a top consideration, well ahead of purely environmental factors (EDB, Sept. 2026).

Energy, in other words, has become an operational infrastructure criterion, not only an ESG one. That shift is reinforced by rising disclosure expectations: Environmental reporting through frameworks such as CDP has become a baseline demand from capital markets and large buyers, making the efficiency of the infrastructure underneath AI both an operational and a reporting concern.

Leading by example, and calling for shared action

Beyond its products, EDB pointed to its own practices: The company has set science-based emissions reduction targets and is working to reduce its environmental footprint, and more than a year ago it established an internal AI Governance Committee and an "AI for Good" initiative to align its development and deployment of AI with its principles. Feldman, who serves on the UN Global Compact Legal Council and the UN's Think Lab on AI for Business Integrity, closed with a call for shared action, arguing that no organization will solve these challenges alone and that leaders should openly share what works and what does not.

"AI is creating extraordinary possibilities. The challenge for all of us is making sure responsibility keeps pace," Feldman told the summit. "At EDB, we are focused on the part we can influence: protecting and governing data, giving organizations greater control, making the infrastructure underneath AI more efficient, and holding ourselves accountable for our own impact."

EDB noted that its platform is already in production. EDB Postgres AI runs live for approximately 1,700 customers worldwide, spanning financial services, telecommunications, manufacturing, retail, transportation, and the public sector. Organizations can estimate the potential energy, cost, and performance gains of the approach using EDB's public Efficiency Calculator.

About EDB

EDB Postgres® AI (EDB PG AI) is the sovereign data and AI platform for the agentic enterprise. Built on Postgres, the world's leading open source database, EDB PG AI unifies transactional, analytical, and AI workloads in a single architecture, eliminating the data movement, ETL, and operational fragmentation that slow enterprises down. With governance enforced at the data layer and the flexibility to deploy on-premises, in hybrid environments, or across clouds, enterprises operationalize their data and AI on infrastructure they own and control—reaching production-ready sovereign AI in weeks, not months. As one of the most active contributors to the PostgreSQL project, EDB is deeply invested in the vitality of the global open source community. To learn more, visit www.enterprisedb.com.

EnterpriseDB and EDB are registered trademarks of EnterpriseDB Corporation. Postgres and PostgreSQL are registered trademarks of the PostgreSQL Community Association of Canada and used with their permission. All other trademarks are owned by their respective owners.

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Anwar Ahmad

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Recognition underscores Zifo's continued leadership in applying AI, clinical expertise, and data standards.

CAMBRIDGE, Mass. and CAMBRIDGE, England, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Zifo, a leading global enabler of AI and data-driven enterprise informatics for science-driven organizations, has been named runner-up in the 2026 CDISC AI Innovation Challenge for TLFGenix, its AI-driven solution for generating clinical trial tables, figures, and listings.

TLFGenix was recognized in Use Case 3: AI-Driven Tables, Figures, and Listings Generation, one of three use cases featured in this year's global competition. The use case challenged participants to apply AI to automate the creation of clinical outputs while maintaining an auditable connection from study objectives and statistical analyses through to final tables, figures, and listings.

The recognition marks the second consecutive year that Zifo has been honored in the CDISC AI Innovation Challenge. In 2025, Zifo was named runner-up for solutions addressing both Unified Study Definitions Model-driven study design and semantic traceability across the clinical data lifecycle.

Advancing Standards-Based Automation in Clinical Research

Tables, figures, and listings are essential outputs in the statistical analysis and reporting of clinical trial results. Their production typically requires specialized programming, detailed interpretation of study documentation, and extensive review to ensure accuracy, consistency, traceability, and compliance.

Zifo's TLFGenix is an end-to-end AI pipeline that converts Statistical Analysis Plans and ADaM datasets into traceable tables, figures, and listings. Six specialized agents digitize the SAP into a structured logical model, profile ADaM data, generate an ARS-aligned analysis specification, produce R driver scripts, execute them in a network-isolated sandbox, and check schemas and output consistency. Statisticians approve the analysis specification before code generation and sign off on each TLF. All models run on secure internal infrastructure, so clinical data remains within the enterprise boundary. A lineage graph connects objectives, endpoints, analyses, and results; when an SAP or approved specification changes, it identifies affected outputs for selective regeneration and reapproval. Each TLF includes a structured evidence record containing the traceability matrix, execution logs, generated code, and approvals. This approach reduces repetitive programming and manual errors while preserving expert oversight and auditability.

By connecting study objectives, analysis requirements, metadata, and CDISC-aligned data standards, the solution is designed to support the efficient generation of reviewable and traceable clinical outputs. The approach brings together automation and human expertise rather than treating AI as a replacement for scientific or statistical judgment. This allows clinical teams to reduce repetitive effort while retaining the oversight, transparency, and control required in regulated environments.

"TLFGenix is part of our end-to-end AI Clinical workbench, a key component in Zifo's Practical AI initiative, focused on helping the industry adopt AI across the value chain through real-world use cases with clear, measurable value. It combines AI, CDISC standards, and proven statistical programming practices to generate traceable tables, figures, and listings from study specifications while keeping humans firmly in control of review and decision-making. We are pleased to see this practical, ROI-led approach recognized by CDISC for the second time," said Deepak Ananthan, Head of Clinical Services and AI Scaling at Zifo.

The 2026 CDISC AI Innovation Challenge attracted 50 submissions from 30 organizations and individual entrants, more than doubling the 22 submissions received in the inaugural 2025 competition. Submissions were independently evaluated on innovation and relevance, technical quality and feasibility, and standards integration, traceability, and impact.

Zifo also submitted an AI-enabled approach to synthetic data generation for automation testing. The solution focused on creating realistic SDTM and ADaM datasets with clear traceability to source inputs and metadata, reflecting the company's broader commitment to applying AI and clinical data standards across the research lifecycle.

Building on Zifo's 2025 Recognition

Zifo's latest achievement builds on its strong showing in the inaugural CDISC AI Innovation Challenge.

In 2025, Zifo was recognized for two solutions addressing critical points in the clinical research lifecycle. The first transformed clinical study protocols into structured, compliant Unified Study Definitions Model outputs with validation and traceability. The second connected protocols, case report forms, SDTM, ADaM, tables, figures and listings, Biomedical Concepts, and USDM within an interactive clinical data lineage environment.

With TLFGenix, Zifo extends this standards-based innovation further into clinical analysis and reporting. The solution aligns with the broader industry objective of creating a more connected clinical data pipeline in which information can flow from protocol and study design through data collection, analysis, and reporting with greater automation and traceability.

Supporting CDISC 360i and a Connected Clinical Data Pipeline

The 2026 AI Innovation Challenge was aligned with CDISC 360i, an initiative exploring how standards, technology, and automation can support a connected, end-to-end clinical research data flow.

According to CDISC, the Challenge provides a collaborative platform for vendors, researchers, pharmaceutical organizations, and other innovators to explore how AI and machine learning (ML) can advance the adoption and impact of clinical research data standards. The program was launched in 2025 and continues as an annual initiative.

Zifo will have the opportunity to showcase TLFGenix to the broader clinical data community in connection with the 2026 CDISC US Interchange in Denver this October, where winning and runner-up solutions from the Challenge are expected to be presented.

About Zifo

Zifo is the leading global enabler of AI and data-driven enterprise informatics for science-driven organizations. With extensive solutions and services expertise spanning research, development, manufacturing, and clinical domains, we serve various industries, including pharma, biotech, chemicals, food and beverage, oil and gas, and FMCG. Trusted by over 190 science-focused organizations worldwide, Zifo is the partner of choice for advancing digital scientific innovation. For more information, visit https://www.zifo.com.

About CDISC

CDISC is a 501(c)(3) global non-profit charitable organization that streamlines research and enables connections to healthcare through the development of clinical research data standards. CDISC has developed a suite of standards to support clinical research from protocol through analysis and reporting. CDISC standards make it possible for data to speak the same language, empowering simple data collection and private sharing that makes the most of the valuable information offered by patients participating in research studies around the globe. https://www.cdisc.org

SOURCE Zifo

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Interface is available now to Beagle clients using Yardi Voyager®

DALLAS, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Beagle today announced it is now a fully qualified Yardi® Standard Interface Vendor, joining the approved network for Yardi, the leading provider of connected real estate software solutions. With this interface, companies using Yardi Voyager® can access their property management system data via the interface with Beagle.

With a focus on streamlining operations and increasing efficiency, Yardi Voyager and its single connected solution suite allow companies to manage operations, execute leasing, run analytics, and provide effective resident, owner and investor services. By interfacing with Yardi, vendors can provide Yardi clients with solutions that empower them within the Yardi ecosystem.

The Yardi ecosystem services the most vendors, APIs, units and square footage in the industry with more than 450 active interface partners in the Yardi network. Yardi's goal is to make it easier for clients to choose best-for-you products that allow harmony across the many platforms they use. Yardi welcomes Beagle to the most robust platform ecosystem in the real estate industry.

"Beagle has worked alongside Yardi systems for years, and this interface creates a more connected experience for our current customers while giving other Yardi users a simpler path to adopt Beagle without changing their property management system," said Greg Knox, Chief Strategy Officer at Beagle.

For the complete list of the Yardi ecosystem, please visit: yardi.com/interface-vendors.

About Yardi

Yardi® develops industry-leading software for all types and sizes of real estate companies across the world. With over 10,000 employees, Yardi is working with our clients to drive significant innovation in the real estate industry. For more information on how Yardi is Energized for Tomorrow, visit yardi.com.

About Beagle

Beagle helps property managers administer resident protection programs and manage renters insurance compliance. Beagle also provides commercial insurance products for property owners and operators. Learn more at joinbeagle.com.

Media Contact:

Greg Knox

Beagle

(217) 691-6279

[email protected]

SOURCE Beagle

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LONDON, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Nscale Limited, the full-stack AI cloud platform, today announced its $3.36bn raise via convertible loan notes, led by Third Point. The convertible funding round was also supported by new and existing investors including NVIDIA, funds managed by Apollo, Citadel, Hudson Bay Capital, Abu Dhabi Investment Council, and 8090 Industries. Other investors that participated in the financing include Davidson Kempner Capital Management, Qube Research & Technologies (QRT), Context Capital Management, Longaeva Partners L.P., Wellington Management, Castleknight, Ghisallo Capital Management, LionTree Investment Fund, L.P., Javelin Venture Partners, and Irving Investors.

Nscale's full stack AI cloud platform serves hyperscalers, frontier model labs, AI natives, and enterprises building and scaling AI. With over $103bn in total contracted value (TCV), this capital will further accelerate expansion of Nscale's vertically integrated AI cloud platform – from behind-the-meter power plants to liquid cooled AI data centers and large-scale GPU clusters – to support accelerating demand for AI cloud services.

"This marks a milestone for Nscale as we continue scaling our full-stack AI infrastructure to meet unprecedented global demand," said Josh Payne, Founder and CEO of Nscale. "With the backing of these world-class investors, we are strongly positioned to accelerate our data center buildouts globally."

The financing consists of an initial $2.36bn tranche at closing and an additional $1bn commitment from NVIDIA with funding expected in mid-November, 2026. The loan notes are convertible into ordinary shares (or non-voting shares in the case of NVIDIA) automatically upon completion of Nscale's initial public offering.

Goldman Sachs & Co. LLC acted as placement agent for Nscale in connection with this capital raise.

About Nscale

Nscale Limited (Nscale) is a full-stack AI cloud platform. We bring together software, compute, and power in a vertically integrated offering – from a unified cloud platform for running AI training and inference, to the data centers and low-cost power that make it possible. Our mission is to build the engine of superintelligence and enhance access to the benefits of advanced AI for enterprises, governments, and the communities that depend on them.

Forward-Looking Statements & Offering Disclosures

This press release contains forward-looking statements regarding the proposed convertible loan note financing, the expected closing of tranches, and the intended use of proceeds. These statements are based on current expectations and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. The Notes and any underlying securities have not been registered under the Securities Act of 1933 or state securities laws, and may not be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an applicable exemption. This release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any securities.

SOURCE Nscale

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Xinhua Silk Road: Zhejiang's Yandangshan in E China expands partnerships with more int'l peers

BEIJING, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Yandangshan, renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty in Wenzhou City, Zhejiang Province in east China, has recently expanded its partnerships with international peers.

A delegation from Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark was recently invited to attend the 9th Asia Pacific Geoparks Network (APGN) Symposium 2026, which took place in Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Malaysia, in early September 2026.

During the symposium, Yandangshan UNESCO Global Geopark formally signed sister geopark cooperation agreements with Jeonbuk West Coast UNESCO Global Geopark in South Korea and Rinjani-Lombok UNESCO Global Geopark in Indonesia.

This followed its sister geopark partnership with Kütralkura UNESCO Global Geopark in Chile last year. Yandangshan has further expanded its international partnership network, bringing the total number of its international sister geoparks to eight.

Under the agreements, the parties will carry out comprehensive and in-depth cooperation in geological research, science education, cultural tourism promotion, personnel exchanges, and other fields, working together to protect global geological heritage and promote the coordinated development of regional geoparks.

Moreover, the Yandangshan delegation showcased the park's development appeal and achievements in an all-round way. During the keynote session, a Yandangshan representative delivered a presentation, systematically promoting local cultural tourism resources and detailing the park's practical achievements in upgrading business formats, community empowerment, and regional sustainable development.

At the Geopark Fair Exhibition, Yandangshan's distinctive public science materials, cultural and creative products, and specialty agricultural products from Yueqing, such as Yandang Maofeng tea, were displayed together, drawing delegates from many countries to visit its booth.

Meanwhile, a ceremony was held during the symposium to issue Global Geoparks Network (GGN) membership certificates, and Yandangshan formally received its GGN membership certificate.

Guided by the theme "Celebrating Networking in Geotourism: Innovate - Connect - Transform," the symposium brought together the geopark community to strengthen collaboration, share knowledge, and shape a more sustainable future.

Original link: https://en.imsilkroad.com/p/352348.html

SOURCE Xinhua Silk Road

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Chinese Opera Gala Opens in Zhouzhuang, Showcasing 46 Opera Genres Through November

KUNSHAN, China, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The 2026 Chinese Opera Gala (Kunshan) opened September 23 in Zhouzhuang, launching a program of performances, exhibitions and cultural experiences that continues through November. Co-hosted by the Ministry of Culture and Tourism and the Jiangsu Provincial People's Government, the gala presents 57 excerpts and 10 full-length productions across 46 opera genres. New productions and creative ways to connect with audiences place China's opera traditions in a contemporary setting.

At the opening ceremony, 16 organizations received commemorative certificates recognizing outstanding opera-related media projects from across China. The program also introduced The China Kunqu Opera Blue Book 2026 and Meeting Liang Chenyu — The Origins of Kunqu Opera, an AI-generated micro-drama produced in Kunshan.

On opening day, visitors to Yongqing Garden in Zhouzhuang Ancient Town could take part in an immersive opera experience. The Kunshan Opera Museum opened Flourishing Opera — An Exhibition of Folk Art Masterpieces on Opera from the Collection of the National Art Museum of China. The "See a Hundred Operas, Tour Jiangsu" cultural tourism initiative also began, inviting travelers to explore the province through opera.

The program extends well beyond opening night. Its five main components include opening and closing ceremonies; performances of classic opera excerpts and the techniques that distinguish them; activities to help preserve opera genres at risk of disappearing and bring their practitioners together; a showcase of invited productions; and opera forums and presentations of new work. Three additional programs focus on introducing opera to new audiences, enhancing the Opera Arts Center's presentation of Wenhua Award winners, and bringing opera appreciation and outreach to communities across Jiangsu. A series of "Opera+" events will connect the performances with the province's cultural attractions, businesses and visitor experiences.

Since Kunshan established the gala in 2018, it has held seven editions through 2025, becoming a gathering place for China's living opera traditions. Across those editions, performers have represented all 348 opera genres found nationwide, alongside puppet theater and shadow puppetry. In all, 547 performing organizations have staged 713 productions for more than 214,000 in-person attendees, while online views have exceeded 355 million.

SOURCE Jiangsu Provincial People's Government

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- McGee Air Services has elected Ben Reed as President, effective Oct. 1, after he served six months in the interim role.

- A 17-year veteran of Alaska Air Group, Reed was a founding leader of McGee and has held leadership roles across safety, compliance and operations.

SEATTLE, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- McGee Air Services has elected Ben Reed as President, effective Oct. 1, formalizing the leadership role he has held on an interim basis for the past six months. The appointment recognizes Reed's business and operations expertise, commitment to safety and long-term dedication to Alaska Air Group.

As President, Reed oversees more than 3,200 employees at Alaska Airlines' subsidiary, managing ground services across six airports. He directs strategy, growth and financial performance while fostering a culture rooted in safety, service, integrity, mutual respect, accountability, and pride. A 17-year veteran of Alaska Air Group, Reed was one of McGee's founding leaders, helping launch the organization in 2016 and shape its operation and culture from the ground up. Since starting with McGee in 2016, Reed has held the managing director of safety and compliance role twice — from 2016 to 2017 and from 2020 until 2025. He also led the Seattle station as managing director of operations from 2017 to 2020 and again from November 2025 until March 2026, when he was named interim President.

Prior to joining McGee, Reed held multiple leadership roles at Alaska Airlines after joining the company in 2009, including internal audit manager, manager of airports quality assurance, director of aviation security and regulatory compliance, and director of station operations support.

"McGee is an important part of how we deliver on Alaska Accelerate safely, reliably and with care for our guests and employees every day," said Jason Berry, Alaska Airlines chief operating officer and chair of the McGee Board. "Ben brings deep operational experience, strong relationships across Alaska Air Group and a clear commitment to McGee's people, making him the right leader for this next chapter."

Reed's appointment brings leadership continuity to McGee as the organization continues supporting Alaska Airlines' ground operations across the network.

About Alaska, Hawaiian and Horizon

Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines and Horizon Air are subsidiaries of Alaska Air Group, and McGee Air Services is a subsidiary of Alaska Airlines. We are a global airline with hubs in Seattle, Honolulu, Portland, Anchorage, Los Angeles, San Diego and San Francisco. We deliver remarkable care as we fly our guests to more than 140 destinations throughout North America, Latin America, Asia, the Pacific and Europe. Guests can book travel at alaskaair.com and hawaiianairlines.com. Alaska and Hawaiian are members of the oneworld alliance. Members of our Atmos Rewards loyalty program can earn and redeem points with oneworld airlines and our additional global partners that serve over 1,100 worldwide destinations. Learn more about what's happening at Alaska and Hawaiian at news.alaskaair.com. Alaska Air Group is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) as "ALK."

SOURCE Alaska Air Group

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DRB Group selects Alta after a competitive search and extensive due diligence

SAN ANTONIO, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- Alta Home Lending has been selected by DRB Group, one of the nation's largest homebuilders, as its mortgage joint venture partner in the West, following a competitive search and extensive due diligence. The new venture, DRB Home Loans, will serve DRB homebuyers in Texas, Colorado and Arizona. DRB Group announced the partnership on September 23, 2026.

"We ran Alta through a rigorous process and called references across the builder community. The feedback was consistent," said Matt Wolf, VP of Financial Services at DRB Group. "Their performance history held up, and they were willing to structure the venture around how we actually run our business rather than handing us a standard model."

"No two builders run their businesses the same way, so no two joint ventures should look the same," said Andrina Valdes, CEO of Alta Home Lending. "We design each JV around what matters most to that builder, whether that's forward commitments, incentive costs or something unique to their operation. That's what makes the partnership work for the builder and their buyers."

Alta's builder division is led by Valdes, a leading voice in builder joint venture lending with more than 25 years in the industry, and Michelle Gonzales, Executive Director of Strategic Partnerships. Together, they have launched mortgage joint ventures with some of the nation's most respected homebuilders, including several on the Builder 100 list.

"In this market, we are seeing more builders looking to switch their JV lender in search of a more transparent partner that offers better execution and sales support to win more buyers," said Gonzales.

Alta's executive team is built to scale alongside its builder partners, and with additional builder partnerships expected, the company is positioned to grow with them.

About Alta Home Lending

Founded in 1994, Alta Home Lending is a privately held mortgage banker with a joint venture platform built for homebuilders who expect more from their mortgage partner. Led by CEO Andrina Valdes and Managing Director Manuel Valdes, Alta serves homebuyers in 21 states through its retail lending team and its joint venture partnerships with some of the nation's leading homebuilders.

Alta Home Lending is a d/b/a of Republic State Mortgage Co., NMLS #62411. Equal Housing Lender. www.altahl.com

SOURCE Alta Home Lending

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iLOQ and Kimi Räikkönen unlock the next generation in new global campaign

New campaign builds on iLOQ's longstanding relationship with the Räikkönen family, bringing Kimi and aspiring young racer Robin together to explore what one generation can give the next – and a new chapter in Kimi's life as father and mentor

OULU, Finland, Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- iLOQ, a global technology company providing sustainable smart access management solutions that enhance security, flexibility and convenience, has partnered with Formula 1 World Champion Kimi Räikkönen and his son Robin Räikkönen for a new global brand campaign centered on the next generation – and the opportunities that can be created when they are given access to move forward.

Under the theme "The Next Generation Is Coming," the campaign builds on iLOQ's longstanding relationship with the Räikkönen family and its broader history of sports partnerships. Having supported Kimi for many years, iLOQ extended that relationship to Robin as he began his own racing journey. The campaign now follows Kimi and Robin at a moment when their respective relationships with racing look very different. Kimi, who retired from Formula 1 in 2021 after a career spanning more than two decades, is now supporting Robin as he develops his own path in karting. As Robin begins to make his own mark on the track and see results from years of hard work, the campaign captures a coming-of-age moment in that journey – and the perseverance, commitment and independence being passed from one generation to the next.

For Kimi, that has meant exchanging the driver's seat for a new role.

"I'm a mechanic now, so it's different," said Kimi Räikkönen. "I enjoy doing the mechanic work for Robin and supporting him, and trying to explain some corners – maybe you should try this or that. But I always give him his own option. I only say, maybe this could be better, and at least give it a go – and then it's up to him to choose."

The campaign's focus on opening opportunities for the next generation reflects iLOQ's broader vision of what access can enable. Through its battery-free digital locking and mobile access solutions, iLOQ enables secure access to the places people need to enter, while the new campaign takes that idea beyond the literal door to consider what access can make possible.

"Access has always been at the heart of what we do, but what really matters is what it makes possible," said Heikki Hiltunen, iLOQ Board Member and former CEO. "We've worked with Kimi for many years because he personifies many of the values that have shaped iLOQ – integrity, hard work, perseverance, and the confidence and competence to deliver beyond what people expect. Our own story has always been about combining that heritage with innovation and continuing to move forward. Supporting Robin as he begins his own journey feels like a natural next chapter. It's about opening opportunities for the next generation and giving them the freedom to make those opportunities their own."

The campaign marks a different kind of appearance for Räikkönen. Rather than looking back at his Formula 1 career, the campaign focuses on what comes next for his family – racing, the lessons he is passing on to Robin and his belief that young athletes need space to develop independently.

That extends to how Kimi approaches Robin's development. While data and video analysis have become an increasingly familiar part of modern motorsport, Räikkönen says their approach is deliberately more instinctive.

"We don't really look at videos, we don't look at data, and I don't own a computer, so it's slightly different than maybe many others," Räikkönen said. "But I prefer that he learns himself. It's probably going to take longer, but at least he figures out in his own head what is the correct way. And I think if he wants to keep going and try to achieve something in the future, it's the better way."

For Räikkönen, that also means taking a longer view of what success looks like. While results matter, he says watching Robin learn and continue to enjoy racing is more important than any individual finish.

The campaign is led by a cinematic hero film featuring Kimi and Robin together on the racetrack, supported by photography, digital and out-of-home advertising, and a four-part interview content series with Kimi. Conversations explore his transition from racing to supporting Robin, his philosophy on developing young talent, the realities of family life around racing, and what experience has taught him about learning from the past while continuing to look forward.

The campaign will roll out across iLOQ's key global markets through digital out-of-home, social media, print, online video and other channels, alongside iLOQ's own platforms, industry events and partner communications, continuing to build on the longstanding relationship between iLOQ and the Räikkönen family.

For more information about iLOQ and its sustainable smart access management solutions, visit www.iloq.com.

Media materials

Campaign photography and additional Kimi Räikkönen interview content are available here. Campaign video available here.

Media enquiries

Erika Kuorikoski

San Francisco Agency

+358 41 3271472

[email protected]

About iLOQ

iLOQ is a technology disruptor that has revolutionized the locking industry by replacing mechanical locking to make life limitless. Battery and cable-free smart locks maximize security, minimize lifecycle costs, and enhance the value and sustainability of properties and infrastructures. iLOQ operates in more than 55 countries with over 1,800 partner locations globally. In 2025, iLOQ had a turnover of €150 million and more than 310 employees. www.iLOQ.com

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HOLLYWOOD, Fla., Sept. 25, 2026 /PRNewswire/ -- The South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners has unanimously approved maintaining its millage rate at 0.0805, the lowest in the district's recorded history.

The 0.0805 rate was established in 2025 following 15 consecutive years of millage rate reductions. Maintaining the rate comes as Memorial Healthcare System continues to expand services, facilities and access to care across South Florida while maintaining a strong financial position.

"Maintaining the lowest tax rate in the district's history reflects our commitment to being responsible with taxpayer dollars," said Elizabeth Justen, chair of the South Broward Hospital District Board of Commissioners. "It's a commitment we're proud to continue while keeping the needs of our community at the center of every decision."

Despite rising healthcare costs and continued industry pressures, Memorial continues to make significant investments in patient care, technology, facilities and access to services. The health system's financial performance has enabled it to support those investments while limiting its reliance on property tax revenue.

"Memorial's financial strength gives us the ability to invest in the future without placing a greater tax burden on our community," said Shane Strum, president and CEO of Memorial Healthcare System. "We are expanding access, strengthening our facilities and advancing the care we provide while maintaining the financial discipline that has positioned Memorial for long-term success."

What Does the Millage Rate Mean?

The approved 0.0805 millage rate is projected to generate approximately $8.3 million in gross tax revenues. After accounting for early payment discounts and estimated uncollectible taxes, the net revenue will be directed exclusively toward statutory governmental obligations, including:

- Broward County's Medicaid Match Program

- Contributions to community redevelopment agencies (CRAs)

- Property appraiser fees

As in previous years, these obligations result in a net expense for the district. No tax dollars will be used to fund uncompensated care throughout Memorial's health system. Instead, these critical services will continue to be fully supported through operating income.

About Memorial Healthcare System

South Florida-based Memorial Healthcare System is a national leader in quality care and patient, physician and employee satisfaction. Its commitment to deeper caring, smarter health and community outreach prioritizes a person-centered approach that has delivered safe, positive outcomes for more than 70 years.

Memorial is committed to healing the body, mind and spirit of those in its care. For more information, visit mhs.net and connect on Facebook, X, Instagram, YouTube and LinkedIn.

SOURCE Memorial Healthcare System

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