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ASSOCIATION OF PICKLEBALL PLAYERS AND HUMANA ANNOUNCE MULTI-YEAR PARTNERSHIP EXTENSION

Association of Pickleball Players

The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) has announced a multi-year extension of its partnership with leading health and well-being company Humana Inc. as the official healthcare partner of the APP Tour. Humana has joined forces with the world’s first pickleball tour on a variety of initiatives, including the return of the season-long Humana Cup pro player competition and title sponsorship of the season-opening 2025 Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open. “We are proud to see our partnership continue to grow with Humana, who are steadfast supporters of pickleball and the sport’s role in a healthy lifestyle,” said APP Chief Revenue Officer Ryan McSpadden. “Together, we’ll continue to share the benefits of pickleball for staying active and maintaining good health, both on and off the court.” "This exciting opportunity not only builds upon our already successful partnership with APP but also our strong commitment to putting health first for our members and the communities we serve," said Humana Chief Marketing Officer Jennifer Ilecki. “Supporting the APP – along with its groundbreaking initiatives and competitions – showcases the importance of staying active for both physical and mental fitness. Whether you are a professional player, new to the sport, or prefer to come out and watch or volunteer at a tournament, pickleball offers something for everyone.” First introduced in 2024, the Humana Cup is the first-of-its-kind season-long team competition format exclusively for professional pickleball players in two divisions – Champions (50 and older) and Masters (60 and older). The 2025 Humana Cup will take place over seven APP Tour events throughout the country, with season-long prize money, and the title of Humana Cup champions up for grabs. Ten total Humana Cup teams competed in 2024, with full results available at theapp.global. “The Humana Cup showcases some of the best pickleball players in the world and is a truly unique part of the APP Tour,” added APP Founder Ken Herrmann. “The competition brings intensity, camaraderie, and a level excitement you won’t find anywhere else at this level and with such an important group of players. May the best team win!” The Humana Cup is scheduled to take place at the following events in 2025: APP Vlasic Classic – Daytona Beach | Feb. 4-9 APP Sacramento Open ^ | Feb. 25 – Mar. 2 APP Fort Lauderdale Open | Apr. 1-6 APP New York City Open ^ | May 20-25 APP Newport Beach Open | July 1-6 APP Dallas Open % | Oct. 8-12 APP Boca Raton Open ^ | Nov. 4-9 APP International Championships (Fort Lauderdale) | Dec. 9-14 ^ Champions (50+) division only % Masters (60+) division only *All dates and locations subject to change The 2025 Humana Cup competition will feature six Champions pro teams of 14 players—seven men and seven women—and six Masters pro teams of 10 players—five men and five women—totaling 84 Champions players and 60 Masters players. Players will be drafted by team captains to their respective teams in the coming weeks. The teams will go head-to-head in men’s doubles, women’s doubles and mixed doubles in a round-robin format for the majority of its 2025 events leading up to a semifinal weekend. The 2025 Humana Cup season will then conclude with a final weekend held at the APP’s global headquarters at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale to determine the overall Humana Cup team champions. The 2025 APP Tour season began with the Humana APP Fort Lauderdale Open, held Jan. 15-19 at The Fort. Players and spectators were part of pickleball history with a first look at the world-class venue, which boasts 43 courts and the world’s first pickleball stadium. The Humana brand was immersed prominently within the event, and will continue at all APP Tour events throughout 2025, with the Humana Backcourt recovery lounge, the Humana Human Care Spotlight featured on the APP’s national television broadcasts, signage and more. Player registration for 2025 APP Tour events is now live via theapp.global. The pickleball community can stay in the know on the latest APP updates by following the APP’s Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn channels. # # # APP Media Contact: Daniel Sagerman, dsagerman@theapp.global or 847-800-8182 Humana Media Contact: Kelli LeGaspi, klegaspi1@humana.com About the APP: The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be featured on nationally televised broadcasts on CBS Sports, ESPN and FOX Sports. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The APP opened its official headquarters and player development center in January 2025 at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while its corporate offices continue to be located in Chicago. The APP Tour’s 2025 schedule will feature the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions accompanied by youth development programs, grassroots charity initiatives and international partnerships to continue to grow the game. Schedules, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. About Humana: Humana Inc. is committed to putting health first – for our teammates, our customers, and our company. Through our Humana insurance services, and our CenterWell health care services, we make it easier for the millions of people we serve to achieve their best health – delivering the care and service they need, when they need it. These efforts are leading to a better quality of life for people with Medicare, Medicaid, families, individuals, military service personnel, and communities at large. Learn more about what we offer at Humana.com and at CenterWell.com. The Association of Pickleball Players (APP) provides opportunities for pickleball players of all ages and skill levels—professionals, amateurs and recreational—to compete in world-class pickleball events for the opportunity to win prize money and be featured on nationally televised broadcasts on CBS Sports, ESPN and FOX Sports. Since its launch in 2019, the APP has operated the first and only pro and amateur pickleball tour fully and officially sanctioned by USA Pickleball. The APP opened its official headquarters and player development center in January 2025 at The Fort in Fort Lauderdale, Fla., while its corporate offices continue to be located in Chicago. The APP Tour’s 2025 schedule will feature the most robust pickleball showcase across pro and amateur competitions accompanied by youth development programs, grassroots charity initiatives and international partnerships to continue to grow the game. Schedules, recent news and additional information about the APP are available at theapp.global and on Instagram, X, Threads, TikTok, Facebook and LinkedIn. Contact Details Association of Pickleball Players Daniel Sagerman +1 847-800-8182 dsagerman@theapp.global Humana Kelli LeGaspi klegaspi1@humana.com

February 04, 2025 12:46 PM Eastern Standard Time

ALTITUDE SPORTS RETURNS TO XFINITY!

Comcast Mountain West

Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE), owner of the Altitude Sports television network, and Comcast announced today that Altitude Sports has returned to Xfinity TV customers throughout Colorado and New Mexico, plus parts of Arizona and Kansas. Xfinity customers will now have access to all live game broadcasts of the KSE-owned Denver Nuggets (NBA) and Colorado Avalanche (NHL). “We are thrilled to once again make Denver Nuggets and Colorado Avalanche games available on Comcast and Xfinity platforms in Colorado and the surrounding region,” said KSE Vice Chairman Josh Kroenke. “This is the best possible outcome for Nuggets Nation and Avs Faithful, who now have a straightforward way to see every game on one service.” Where available, Altitude Sports will be accessible through multiple platforms, providing Xfinity customers with options for how to watch and subscribe to the network, whether on television, online, or through their mobile device. Beginning today, Altitude is on Xfinity channel 1250 in the Denver market as part of the Xfinity More Sports and Entertainment (MSE) video package, an add-on that can be purchased by subscribers to the Xfinity Sports & News, Popular TV, or Ultimate TV video services. The price for MSE on television will be adjusted to $15.95, effective April 8. To add the MSE package to existing Xfinity service, click here. To sign up for new Xfinity service, click here. Current subscribers to the MSE package in the territory will see the Altitude network in their channel lineup today Xfinity internet-only customers also will be able to subscribe to live-game streaming via the Altitude+ app for $19.95 per month. “Xfinity delivers the sports and entertainment customers love,” said J.D. Keller, Senior Vice President of Comcast’s Mountain West Region. “We’re excited to give fans more ways to watch the recent world-champion Avalanche and Nuggets through this new agreement with Altitude.” The channel lineup for Popular TV and Ultimate TV packages include the national networks that carry designated Nuggets and Avalanche games – ABC, ESPN, and TNT – making every game available on one service. “The real winners today are the fans,” said Mayor Mike Johnston. “In 20 years we’ll tell our children and grandchildren what it was like to watch Nathan MacKinnonand Nikola Jokić in theirprimes. This agreement gives fans more options on how to easily access games and ensures they won’t miss a second of the action. I’m thankful that Altitude and Comcast came to the table and worked together to close this deal. Their teamwork will benefit the fans, the players, and the city.” Altitude Sports will remain available on all of its other current carriers. A series of free over-the-air broadcasts of Nuggets and Avalanche games on 9NEWS and My20 are not impacted by the Comcast agreement and will continue to be shown on all Xfinity plans with local channels. About Comcast Corporation Comcast Corporation (Nasdaq: CMCSA) is a global media and technology company that connects people to moments that matter. We are principally focused on broadband, aggregation, and streaming with over 56 million customer relationships across the United States and Europe. We deliver broadband, wireless, and video through our Xfinity, Comcast Business, and Sky brands; create, distribute, and stream leading entertainment, sports, and news through Universal Filmed Entertainment Group, Universal Studio Group, Sky Studios, the NBC and Telemundo broadcast networks, multiple cable networks, Peacock, NBCUniversal News Group, NBC Sports, Sky News, and Sky Sports; and provide memorable experiences at Universal Parks and Resorts in the United States and Asia. Visit www.comcastcorporation.com for more information. About Kroenke Sports & Entertainmen t Denver-based Kroenke Sports & Entertainment (KSE) is one of the world's leading ownership, entertainment, and management groups. KSE's portfolio of professional sports teams and venues include Arsenal F.C. (EPL), Los Angeles Rams (NFL), Denver Nuggets (NBA), Colorado Avalanche (NHL), Colorado Rapids (MLS), Colorado Mammoth (NLL), SoFi Stadium, Emirates Stadium, Ball Arena, DICK's Sporting Goods Park, and the Historic Paramount Theatre. Additional properties under KSE'ss umbrella include Altitude Sports & Entertainment, a 24-hour regional television network; Altitude+, the direct-to-consumer streaming service; KSE Radio, which includes Altitude Sports Radio 92.5 FM, MIX 100, KOOL, and Altitude Sports Radio 950 AM; and Outdoor Sportsman Group, the largest media company devoted to outdoor sports. About Altitude Sports Seen in a nine-state territory, Altitude Sports is the television network of the Denver Nuggets, Colorado Avalanche, and Colorado Mammoth. Altitude Sports broadcasts University of Denver sports (including hockey, basketball, soccer, volleyball, gymnastics, and lacrosse), the Air Force Academy (football, basketball, and hockey), as well as other local and regional sports, entertainment, and public service programming. A full list of Altitude Sports programming and other information can be found at www.altitudesports.com. Contact Details Comcast Leslie Oliver +1 303-810-6326 Leslie_Oliver@comcast.com KSE Jim Mulvihill +1 720-385-9149 Jim.Mulvihill@TeamKSE.com Company Website https://colorado.comcast.com

February 04, 2025 10:30 AM Mountain Standard Time

Door Pro America Expands Presence in North Carolina with American Garage Door Systems Partnership

Rotunda Capital Partners LLC

Door Pro America (“Door Pro ”), a leading installer and service provider of residential garage doors across nine U.S. markets, today announced its acquisition of American Garage Door Systems (“AGDS”), a family-owned provider of residential overhead garage door solutions headquartered in greater Charlotte, North Carolina. This acquisition supports Door Pro’s strategic expansion into North Carolina, a priority market. Door Pro is a portfolio company of Rotunda Capital Partners. Led by Dave Nodine, President, who will continue to oversee day-to-day operations of AGDS post-transaction, the Company has built a reputation for dependable, high-quality installation, repair and replacement solutions and exceptional customer care. The partnership with Door Pro positions both companies for continued growth and success in the region. “American Garage Door Systems has built an impressive legacy, and we’re excited to join forces,” said Larry Notto, President of Door Pro. “This acquisition strengthens our ability to serve the greater Charlotte market, and we’re confident that AGDS’s values and commitment to excellence align perfectly with ours. By working together, we’ll unlock even more opportunities for our customers and team.” Dave Nodine, President of AGDS, is excited about the partnership: “For AGDS, this is an important step forward. Partnering with Door Pro gives us the resources and support we need to grow while staying true to what has made us successful. I’m optimistic about the future and what we can achieve together for our customers and employees.” Door Pro is actively looking for additional garage door installation and service providers to partner with across the U.S. Business owners and intermediaries interested in learning more should contact Margaux Valle, Head of Business Development at Rotunda Capital Partners, at mv@rotundacapital.com. About Door Pro America Founded in 1998, Door Pro America is a leading provider of residential garage door installation, repair, and replacement services. Operating across nine markets in the U.S., including Virginia, Maryland, Illinois, Washington, Oregon, New York, New Jersey, North Carolina, and Colorado, Door Pro America is recognized for its customer-first approach and high-quality service. The Company is a Double Diamond and Premier dealer with Amarr Garage Doors & Commercial Doors and LiftMaster. For more information, visit www.doorproamerica.com. About American Garage Door Systems Founded in 2000, American Garage Door Systems sells, installs, replaces, and repairs residential garage doors for customers in the Charlotte, NC market. AGDS prides itself on delivering dependable, high-quality solutions with a focus on American-made products and exceptional customer service. For more information, visit www.americangds.com. About Rotunda Capital Partners Rotunda Capital Partners is an operationally oriented private equity firm focused on transforming family-founder owned companies into dynamic, data-driven platforms able to achieve and manage significant growth. Since its founding in 2009, Rotunda has partnered with management teams to build great businesses within three primary sectors: value-added distribution, asset-light logistics and industrial, business & residential services. Rotunda strives to achieve replicable results by implementing its Rotunda Performance System to create strategic alignment, develop lean processes and create robust, data-driven infrastructures. For more information, visit www.rotundacapital.com. Contact Details Rotunda Capital Partners Margaux Valle +1 240-499-3362 PR@rotundacapital.com Company Website https://www.rotundacapital.com

February 04, 2025 09:52 AM Eastern Standard Time

How The New US Administration Could Impact Critical Materials Outlook – And How To Trade It

Benzinga

By Kyle Anthony, Benzinga The new administration of President Donald Trump could reshape the outlook for the critical materials sector through the trade and economic policies enacted by his administration. As noted in his presidential campaign and reiterated many times after his election win, President Trump’s ‘American First’ agenda emphasizes instituting tariffs on foreign-sourced goods and services, of which China is his most prominent target, with a promised tariff of at least 60% on all items from the country. Such an action has far-reaching implications, as it is estimated that approximately 80% of critical mineral supply chains run through the People’s Republic of China. China’s Recent Retaliatory Actions Against the backdrop of the growing trade war between the two nations, China announced a ban on exports of several minerals to the U.S., namely gallium, germanium, antimony and so-called “superhard materials” used heavily in manufacturing. It argued that these minerals have both military and civilian applications. These recent actions taken by the Chinese government were in response to the outgoing Biden Administration’s recent broader restrictions on advanced technology that can be sent to China to prevent the country from developing its advanced chips for military equipment and artificial intelligence. Critical Minerals And A Trade War Both nations' escalating rhetoric and actions could have repercussions across the economic landscape. China’s recent actions could impact the semiconductor, defense and electric vehicle sectors. Companies rely on gallium to produce a variety of military and electronics components, including satellite systems, power converters, LEDs and the high-powered chips used in electric vehicles. Germanium is used in fiber optics, infrared optics and solar cells. Antimony is used in armor-piercing ammunition, night vision goggles, infrared sensors, bullets and precision optics and the electronics industry, including semiconductors, cables and batteries. A recent U.S. Geological Survey study highlighted that China's outright ban on gallium and germanium could reduce U.S. gross domestic product by $3.4 billion. Though China’s recent actions are noteworthy, they also set a precedent for further actions that could be taken to limit access to critical materials in the future. As noted in China’s announcement, there will also be a stricter review of end-usage for graphite items shipped to the U.S., which makes up most of the material in the lithium-ion battery anodes used in electric vehicles, grid storage plants and consumer electronics. As the Center For Strategic and International Studies notes, China accounts for 77% of natural graphite production, over 95% of synthetic graphite production and nearly 100% of graphite refining. The United States, meanwhile, contains less than 15 of the world’s graphite reserves and is 100% import-reliant. Should China choose to escalate its actions, banning the export of graphite, lithium and copper – all critical materials used in power transmission lines, solar panels, wind turbines, electric vehicles and many electrification developments – is a possibility. Trump’s Agenda And Possible Outcomes President Trump’s move toward American economic and industrial independence could shift the critical materials market. Beyond engaging in a trade war with China and the previously mentioned potential implications, Trump has been vocal about his willingness to remove the U.S.’s financial and military contribution to the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Should this occur, regions such as Europe would need to accelerate their strategic options in safeguarding critical materials needed for military applications. Conversely, resource-rich nations may be less inclined to share these resources, keeping them for their own interest or selling them to the highest bidder. Ultimately, the president's actions could redefine market dynamics for critical materials and reshape global supply chains and geopolitical partnerships, ushering in a more insular and competitive ecosystem for global resources. Investing In Critical Materials Now The global landscape is shifting, with the U.S. moving toward greater energy and resource independence, and potentially forcing other nations to take similar actions to ensure their own resource supplies. As governments increase their demand for critical materials, the companies and entities capable of supplying them will likely continue to grow. For investors who believe in the growth story, now may be an opportune moment to gain exposure to investment solutions that provide pure-play 1 exposure to a broad range of critical materials and mining equities essential to electrification and power generation. Sprott offers several ETFs that provide exposure to a diverse range of critical materials, including uranium, copper, lithium, nickel, cobalt, graphite, manganese, rare earths and silver. A key part of the energy independence narrative is nuclear energy, and essential to nuclear energy is uranium, a very heavy metal that can be used as an abundant source of concentrated energy for nuclear reactors. The Sprott Uranium Miners ETF (ARCA: URNM) provides investors with exposure to companies that devote at least 50% of their assets to the uranium mining industry, which may include mining, exploration, development and production of uranium, or holding physical uranium, owning uranium royalties or engaging in other, non-mining activities that support the uranium mining industry, by tracking the North Shore Global Uranium Mining Index. The index is designed to track the performance of companies that devote at least 50% of their assets to the uranium mining industry, which may include mining, exploration, development and production of uranium, or holding physical uranium, owning uranium royalties or engaging in other non-mining activities that support the uranium mining industry. Meanwhile, the Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF (NASDAQ: URNJ) reflects the performance of mid-, small- and micro-cap companies in uranium mining-related businesses. Copper’s exceptional electrical conductivity and contribution to energy efficiency make it a critical element in energy transmission. It possesses the necessary physical properties to transform and transmit energy derived from sustainable sources – electromagnetic (solar), kinetic (wind) and geothermal – to their useful final state, such as moving a vehicle or heating a home. Both the Sprott Copper Miners ETF (NASDAQ: COPP) and the Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF (NASDAQ: COPJ) provide pure-play exposure to a broad range of copper miners potentially positioned to capitalize on the increased demand for copper and its usage in electrification. Though both funds share a thematic focus on capitalizing on the growing demand for copper and its integral role in transitioning to a carbon-neutral society, COPP provides comprehensive exposure to mining companies across the large, mid- and small-capitalization spectrum. In contrast, COPJ predominately focuses on small copper miners with significant revenue and asset growth potential. The lithium market is of pressing interest to a world looking to replace internal combustion engine vehicles with electric vehicles (EVs) in the decades to come. Estimates put the global market for lithium at $7 billion in 2022, and some project that it will reach more than $22 billion by 2030. For investors seeking pure-play exposure to the lithium industry, the Sprott Lithium Miners ETF (NASDAQ: LITP) is a turnkey solution that tracks the Nasdaq Sprott Lithium Miners™ Index, which is designed to track the performance of companies that derive at least 50% of their revenue and/or assets from mining, exploration, development or production of lithium. The index generally consists of 40 to 50 constituents. Another mineral key to electrification, as stated by the Nickel Institute, is nickel. The major advantage of using nickel in batteries is that it helps deliver higher energy density and greater storage capacity at a lower cost. Further advances in nickel-containing battery technology mean it could be set for an increasing role in energy storage systems, helping make the cost of each kilowatt-hour (kWh) of battery storage more competitive. Ultimately, this will allow energy derived from sustainable but intermittent sources, such as solar and wind, to be captured and stored more efficiently. The Sprott Nickel Miners ETF Fund (NASDAQ: NIKL) seeks to provide investment results that reflect the total return performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners™ Index. The index is designed to track the performance of a selection of global securities in the nickel industry, including nickel producers, developers and explorers. Finally, for investors seeking an investment solution that provides comprehensive exposure to all critical minerals, the Sprott Critical Materials ETF (NASDAQ: SETM) provides pure-play access to a range of critical materials essential to generating, transmitting and storing clean energy. The ETF’s investment results will reflect the total return performance of the Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials™ Index. The index is designed to track the performance of a selection of global securities in the energy transition materials industry. (1) The term “pure-play” relates directly to the exposure that the Funds have to the total universe of investable, publicly listed securities in the investment strategy. Featured photo by Albert Hyseni on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Important Disclosures Before investing, you should consider each Fund’s investment objectives, risks, charges and expenses. Each Fund’s prospectus contains this and other information about the Fund and should be read carefully before investing. A prospectus can be obtained by calling 888.622.1813 or by clicking these links: Sprott Critical Materials ETF Prospectus, Sprott Uranium Miners ETF Prospectus, Sprott Junior Uranium Miners ETF Prospectus, Sprott Copper Miners ETF Prospectus, Sprott Junior Copper Miners ETF Prospectus, Sprott Lithium Miners ETF Prospectus, and Sprott Nickel Miners ETF Prospectus. The Funds are not suitable for all investors. There are risks involved with investing in ETFs, including the loss of money. The Funds are non-diversified and can invest a greater portion of assets in securities of individual issuers than a diversified fund. As a result, changes in the market value of a single investment could cause greater fluctuations in share price than would occur in a diversified fund. Exchange Traded Funds (ETFs) are bought and sold through exchange trading at market price (not NAV) and are not individually redeemed from the Fund. Shares may trade at a premium or discount to their NAV in the secondary market. Brokerage commissions will reduce returns." Authorized participants" may trade directly with the Fund, typically in blocks of 10,000 shares. Funds that emphasize investments in small/mid-cap companies will generally experience greater price volatility. Diversification does not eliminate the risk of experiencing investment losses. ETFs are considered to have continuous liquidity because they allow for an individual to trade throughout the day. A higher portfolio turnover rate may indicate higher transaction costs and may result in higher taxes when Fund shares are held in a taxable account. These costs, which are not reflected in annual fund operating expenses, affect the Funds’ performance. Nasdaq®, Nasdaq Sprott Lithium Miners™ Index, Nasdaq Sprott Nickel Miners™ Index, and Nasdaq Sprott Critical Materials™ Index are registered trademarks of Nasdaq, Inc. (which with its affiliates is referred to as the “Corporations”) and are licensed for use by Sprott Asset Management LP. The Product(s) have not been passed on by the Corporations as to their legality or suitability. The Product(s) are not issued, endorsed, sold, or promoted by the Corporations. THE CORPORATIONS MAKE NO WARRANTIES AND BEAR NO LIABILITY WITH RESPECT TO THE PRODUCT(S). One cannot invest directly in an index. Sprott Asset Management USA, Inc. is the Investment Adviser to the Sprott ETFs. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is the Distributor for the Sprott ETFs and is a registered broker-dealer and FINRA Member. ALPS Distributors, Inc. is not affiliated with Sprott Asset Management LP. SPT001326 – 1/15/26 Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 04, 2025 08:45 AM Eastern Standard Time

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Join The Revolution: Skyren DAO Launches Community-Driven Airdrop Collection Platform

Skyren DAO

By Simon Frasier Cryptocurrency airdrops have long been a way for blockchain projects to distribute tokens, encourage adoption and build communities. Despite their potential, participation has remained complicated and risky, requiring users to track distributions, manually claim rewards, and avoid potential scams. Skyren DAO is revolutionizing this process with a new approach — automating airdrop collection while ensuring security and transparency. Built around a community-driven model, the platform is changing how users interact with DeFi incentives, making participation effortless for both seasoned investors and newcomers. The launch of this automated airdrop collection platform represents a shift toward accessibility in DeFi, removing unnecessary barriers while offering users a seamless way to maximize their holdings. Why Traditional Airdrops Have Fallen Short Airdrops have existed for years as a marketing tool and distribution method for new tokens. While the idea is simple — rewarding users with free tokens — the process of participating has often been time-consuming, expensive and risky. 1. Missed opportunities due to manual tracking Most airdrop campaigns require users to monitor multiple projects, follow announcements and check eligibility criteria. Without dedicated tracking, many investors miss out on valuable token distributions. 2. Security risks and fraudulent airdrops Scammers frequently exploit airdrop hype, creating fake claim sites that trick users into connecting wallets or signing malicious transactions. Even experienced investors struggle to distinguish legitimate campaigns from security threats. 3. High gas fees Network fees for claiming rewards often outweigh the value of the airdrop itself, making participation not worth the effort for smaller distributions. These challenges have limited the true potential of airdrops, leaving many crypto users disengaged from an otherwise rewarding process. Skyren DAO’s Solution: Automated Airdrop Collection Skyren DAO is changing how airdrops work by eliminating manual steps and security concerns. Through blockchain automation and community governance, the platform ensures that users receive eligible airdrops without the usual complications. How It Works Skyren DAO’s system monitors, verifies and collects airdrops on behalf of users. Instead of searching for opportunities and navigating multiple claim steps, token holders benefit from seamless integration that automatically tracks and distributes rewards. Verified airdrop tracking – The platform scans multiple blockchain networks, identifying eligible airdrops and filtering out fraudulent projects. Smart contract-driven claims – Instead of requiring manual claiming, Skyren DAO automatically collects rewards, sending them directly to users' wallets. Cost-optimized distribution – Gas fees are minimized through aggregated claiming, ensuring users receive maximum value with lower costs. This automation ensures that airdrops become a passive income stream, rather than a process requiring constant attention. Why Skyren DAO’s Community-Driven Model Stands Out While many DeFi platforms rely on centralized teams for decision-making, Skyren DAO empowers its community. Token holders play a direct role in shaping the platform’s development, governance and expansion. Governance Through Token Voting Instead of a top-down development approach, Skyren DAO allows SKYRN holders to vote on proposals, ensuring that the community determines which features, airdrop partnerships and platform upgrades get prioritized. This model encourages greater transparency, ensuring that all changes are publicly recorded and verifiable on-chain. Transparent And Secure Operations Security remains a top priority, and Skyren DAO integrates multiple layers of protection and compliance measures to safeguard users. Audited smart contracts – The platform undergoes regular security audits to eliminate potential vulnerabilities. The latest audit report can be accessed here. KYC compliance – The project team has completed Know Your Customer (KYC) verification, reinforcing trust in the platform’s legitimacy. More details are available here. This commitment to security ensures that users can interact with Skyren DAO with confidence, knowing their assets remain protected. The Bigger Picture: The Future Of Airdrop Collection Skyren DAO’s automated airdrop system is more than just a tool — it represents a fundamental shift in how DeFi incentives are distributed. By solving the problems associated with traditional airdrops, the platform is setting a new standard for reward collection in the crypto space. More users are expected to adopt automated airdrop systems, not just because they simplify the process, but because they eliminate unnecessary risks. As DeFi continues evolving, automation-first approaches like Skyren DAO’s will likely become the norm. For those looking to engage with DeFi without the hassle of manual reward tracking, this could mark a significant step forward. Final Thoughts Skyren DAO is looks to reshape DeFi participation by removing the barriers associated with airdrop collection. With automation, security and decentralized governance at its core, the platform provides users with a streamlined way to benefit from token rewards. Through its community-driven approach, Skyren DAO looks to offer a shift toward smarter, safer and more efficient participation in DeFi. For more information on Skyren DAO’s Airdrop Collection Platform, visit https://skyren.io/. Feature photo courtesy of Skyren. Your Gateway to Exclusive Cryptocurrency Airdrops.Skyren is a groundbreaking airdrop collection service that connects cryptocurrency enthusiasts to unique token airdrops they might have missed or were unaware of their eligibility.With cutting-edge proprietary technology, Skyren tirelessly scans all layer one, two, and standalone blockchains to unearth new and exciting airdrops, ensuring its users never miss out on potential opportunities.By holding the $SKYRN token, users can enjoy the benefits of cryptocurrency airdrops without the need to search for projects and become eligible themselves.Skyren simplifies the complex task of airdrop hunting with a user-friendly interface, offering a streamlined experience accessible to anyone. This post was authored by an external contributor and does not represent Benzingaâs opinions and has not been edited for content. This contains sponsored content and is for informational purposes only and not intended to be investing advice. Cryptocurrency is a volatile market; do your independent research and only invest what you can afford to lose. New token launches and small market capitalization coins are inherently more risky than large cap cryptocurrencies. These tokens are subject to larger liquidity and market risks. Contact Details Info@skyren.io maverick@skyren.io Company Website https://skyren.io/

February 04, 2025 08:40 AM Eastern Standard Time

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How This Long-Time Blockchain Innovator Is Pushing The Bounds Of Crypto

Benzinga

By Johnny Rice, Benzinga Charles Allen, CEO of BTCS, Inc. (NASDAQ: BTCS), was recently interviewed by Benzinga. BTCS is a blockchain company committed to innovation and building next-generation blockchain infrastructure. The company is committed to fostering scalable growth through diverse business initiatives that integrate with its robust blockchain infrastructure. In 2021, the company shifted its focus to Ethereum and started operating validator nodes. Following this, in early 2024, it further expanded into Ethereum block building with the introduction of its advanced Builder+ technologies. Watch the full interview here: Featured photo by NASA on Unsplash. Benzinga is a leading financial media and data provider, known for delivering accurate, timely, and actionable financial information to empower investors and traders. This post contains sponsored content. This content is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be investing advice. Contact Details Benzinga +1 877-440-9464 info@benzinga.com Company Website http://www.benzinga.com

February 04, 2025 08:30 AM Eastern Standard Time

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PayMedix and XO Health Announce Strategic Partnership that Redefines Healthcare Financing and Payments

PayMedix

PayMedix, a leading healthcare financing and payments solutions provider, and XO Health, a pioneering value-based care and benefits platform dedicated to transforming healthcare for self-insured employers, today announced a strategic partnership that expands access to PayMedix’s healthcare financing solution to XO Health’s extensive network of self-insured employers, TPAs, and value-based providers. XO Health members nationally will benefit from PayMedix’s interest-free payment plans that work for their unique financial situations and cover all in-network medical bills, up to their out-of-pocket maximum. All participating providers will benefit from prompt payment for both member and plan-pay portions of their claims. The partnership will help reduce costs and administrative inefficiencies. “Our mission has always been to improve people’s ability to access and afford healthcare when they need it, while simultaneously removing the complexity and administrative burden of bill collection and processing from providers, and simplifying billing for patients,” said Tom Policelli, CEO of PayMedix. “Our partnership with XO Health aligns with this mission. We’re disrupting the way people access and pay for healthcare together.” PayMedix creates a holistic healthcare payment experience and simplifies the process of billing for all parties involved – patients, providers, employers, and TPAs. Patients receive the benefit of flexible repayment plans that remove financial barriers to care. Providers benefit from prompt payment and a reduction in administrative costs. Employers benefit by improving their employees’ well-being, reinvigorating their benefits, and enhancing their employees’ medical experience through simplified statements. The result is employees across the credit spectrum access care earlier and more often, improving health equity and reducing overall cost. XO Health is redefining how healthcare is delivered and paid for by dramatically expanding access to value-based care with new advanced payment models and a modern tech platform that completely rewires health plan operations, delivering a better healthcare experience to self-insured employers, level-funded plans and TPAs. Key features of XO Health’s health plans include: provider networks built on trust and autonomy; secure, real-time data, and analytics powered by a cloud-native data and generative AI; a proprietary pricing and payments engine that enables the creation, pricing, and tracking of “smart care packages” in real time with full transparency into claims, pricing, and payments; and integrated member and provider tools that provide high-touch frictionless transactions and interactions for both plan members and providers. “At XO Health, we believe that bringing trust, transparency, and common sense to healthcare requires foundational changes to how we pay for care,” said Swati Mathai, Co-founder and CEO, XO Health. “Our partnership with PayMedix enables us to deliver on this vision by offering a more straightforward approach to billing that prioritizes simplicity and fairness for both members and providers. By eliminating meaningless complexities of healthcare payments, it allows providers and members to focus on what’s truly important, better care and better health.” About PayMedix PayMedix is the only company solving the problem of high out-of-pocket costs for all parties involved -- providers, patients, employers, and TPAs. PayMedix is changing how people access, use, and pay for healthcare by guaranteeing payments to providers and providing financing for all patients. PayMedix has processed more than $5 billion in medical payments for hospital systems and physician practices and can be implemented in conjunction with any network. About XO Health XO Health is a groundbreaking value-based care and benefits platform with a mission to bring trust, transparency, and common sense back to healthcare. Built on a foundation of real-time data and analytics and offering a broad solution set, the XO Health platform powers excellence across the entire healthcare ecosystem. With an unparalleled team of experienced leaders from diverse domains, XO Health is uniquely positioned to disrupt the healthcare landscape and deliver the transformative change the industry deserves. To learn more, please visit www.xohealth.com. Contact Details Brodeur Partners Sam LeCompte +1 603-660-9407 slecompte@brodeur.com PayMedix/TempoPay Hattie Ninteau hninteau@hps.md Company Website https://paymedix.com/

February 04, 2025 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

Intain and Texture Capital Announce Strategic Partnership to Enhance Digital Market Infrastructure for Structured Finance

Texture Capital

Texture Capital Inc., an SEC-registered broker-dealer specializing in digital securities, and Intain Inc., a provider of advanced structured finance technology, have announced a strategic partnership to deliver a fully digital market infrastructure for structured finance investments and administration. This partnership integrates IntainMARKETS, Intain’s blockchain and AI-powered platform, with Texture Capital’s Alternative Trading System (ATS), creating an end-to-end solution for the issuance, trading, and lifecycle management of structured finance products. Additionally, Texture Capital, leveraging its broker-dealer license, will act as a placement agent on IntainMARKETS, expanding distribution opportunities and accessibility for institutional investors. Through this collaboration, a new set of investors will gain access to structured finance assets, increasing market participation and secondary trading opportunities. Over time, this will contribute to more efficient price discovery, driving transparency and efficiency in the structured finance ecosystem. Richard Johnson, CEO of Texture Capital, commented: "We are thrilled to collaborate with Intain to bridge the gap between traditional finance and blockchain-powered efficiencies. This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to bring regulatory-compliant digital securities solutions to private markets." Siddhartha, Founder and CEO of Intain, added: "By partnering with Texture Capital, we are taking a significant step toward transforming structured finance into a fully digital and transparent ecosystem. Our goal is to provide investors with seamless access to structured products backed by reliable technology." Working with verification agents, more than two hundred thousand loans have been certified with IntainAI, This certification can help bring off-chain assets on-chain and then connect to the capital markets for financing. Further, more than $15B in asset-backed transactions are administered by leading Trustee on Intain platforms. This capability proven at scale is now available through this partnership. Texture Capital brings deep expertise in operating digital securities trading platforms, facilitating compliant primary and secondary market transactions for issuers and investors across asset classes. In addition to operating a proprietary marketplace for digital securities offerings and trading, Texture also provides API solutions to empower partners like INTAIN across a range of asset classes. About Texture Capital: Texture Capital is a FINRA member and SEC-registered broker-dealer specializing in digital securities. We empower clients to compliantly issue tokens representing equity, debt, revenue share, royalties, or other investment contracts. Leveraging blockchain technology and smart contracts, we aim to transform the traditional capital markets' structure, offering tools for issuance, tokenization, and secondary market trading via our Alternative Trading System.Visit www.texture.capital for more information. About Intain: Intain is building the future of structured finance with blockchain and AI, offering a collaborative ecosystem for lenders, issuers, and investors. Headquartered in New York with operations in Chennai and Pune, Intain is backed by prominent investors including JAM FINTOP and Avalanche's Blizzard Fund. Learn more at www.intainft.com. Contact Details Texture Capital Marketing +1 646-979-8550 Info@Texture.Capital Intain Inc. Steven Odesser steve.odesser@intainft.com Company Website https://www.texture.capital/contact

February 04, 2025 08:00 AM Eastern Standard Time

From One Mother’s Heart to Another: Share the Love This February

The Mothers' Milk Bank

This February, in the spirit of love, Mother’s Milk Bank California, Human Milk Connection and the Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition invite mothers to make a heart-warming difference in the lives of vulnerable babies by joining the “Share the Love” virtual milk drive. For many babies born prematurely or with critical medical conditions, breast milk isn’t just food—it’s medicine. While the need for donor breast milk continues to grow, ensuring a steady supply is essential to support fragile infants who rely on it. Janel Silva, co-founder of Human Milk Connection, is dedicated to ensuring more babies have access to donor breast milk. “We believe every baby deserves the opportunity to receive human milk, and mothers with extra breast milk have the power to make that possible,” she said. The “Share the Love” campaign is inspired by the idea that breastfeeding is a deeply personal act of love. “Donating breast milk takes that love even further by sharing it with babies who need it most,” Silva added. Who: Human Milk Connection, in collaboration with Mothers’ Milk Bank California and the Sacramento Breastfeeding Coalition, invites breastfeeding mothers to make a life-changing impact by donating their breast milk through the virtual milk drive this February. When: All throughout February 2025. Why: What makes this milk drive truly unique is its convenience. Mothers can participate without leaving their homes. Through the virtual milk drive, donors will receive pre-paid shipping kits and a courier will collect the milk at a time that works best for them. With just a little extra effort, mothers can give a medically fragile baby the greatest gift—a chance at life. Get Involved Join this movement to “Share the Love” this February. Mothers with extra breast milk are encouraged to visit https://humanmilkconnection.org/milkdrive or call Mothers’ Milk Bank California at (408) 998-4550 to learn more about how to donate. Founded 50 years ago, Mothers' Milk Bank California is a leading nonprofit dedicated to providing screened, donated human milk to babies in need. As a founding member of the Human Milk Banking Association of North America (HMBANA), it helped set standards for nonprofit milk banks across North America. The organization collects, pasteurizes, and distributes safe human milk to hospitals and families, ensuring essential nutrition for infants. Committed to improving lives, Mother's Milk Bank California supports families and advances neonatal care. Contact Details Andrea Racelis +1 408-998-4550 andrea.racelis@mothersmilk.org Company Website https://mothersmilk.org/

February 03, 2025 12:00 PM Pacific Standard Time

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