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UNPLUG AND PLAY: BARBIE™ FLIP PHONE, THIS SUMMER’S HOTTEST ACCESSORY

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BARCELONA, Spain, Feb. 25, 2024 /PRNewswire/ — Human Mobile Devices, Europe’s largest and leading smartphone manufacturer, partners with Mattel, a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world, to create the Barbie Flip Phone arriving this summer 2024.  

Barbie is an icon of design, from the chevron stripes of No. 1 Barbie released in 1959 to the bold styling of Totally Hair Barbie which hit the market in 1992.  This device promises to embody the vintage chic of the original girl empowerment brand with a dash of pink and of course, sparkle.

Human Mobile Devices Chief Marketing Office, Lars Silberbauer, said: “Is it time to swap reel life for real life and take a breather from all the interruptions of notifications? We’re thrilled to partner with Mattel, a company that shares our commitment to meaningful innovation and societal change.”

Head of Consumer Products, Publishing, and LBE, Mattel EMEA, Ruth Henriquez said “At the heart of Mattel is design and innovation, and this latest collaboration is another step forward in that direction. The Barbie x HMD launch promises to be an exciting moment for Barbie fans of all ages, we’re excited to flip the switch and unveil it to the world at Mobile World Congress.”.

Flip phones are beloved for offering a solution for a digital detox in a world where almost four in ten (38%) of 16-24 year-olds worry they spend too much time on their smartphone[1].  In the US alone, a third of Gen Z are actively trying to limit time on social media, and their fear of missing out (FOMO) is creeping down. [2]

Gen Z are the only generation whose daily time on social media has fallen since Q1 2021 for the better. Since 2021 talking to friends online dropped 13%, while seeing friends in-person increased to 28%[3].

Feature phones are on the rise as Gen Z and millennials are choosing to limit their screen time for their own mental health. Self-named ‘screenagers’ took to TikTok with #bringbackflipphones garnering 60.2 million views[4].

But it’s not just a generational shift, it’s a cultural movement. The great switch-off trend, initiated in 2021, is gaining momentum as people of all ages seek balance in an increasingly digital world. Feature phones are making a comeback with HMD reporting Flip Phone sales alone more than doubled in Europe (2022 vs 2023) and expects further growth in 2024.

Even celebrities are jumping on board, with Michael Cera,  opting for a flip phone lifestyle.

Arne Mathiasen, advocate of the feature phone movement works with young people in Denmark to help them switch off and enjoy the present.  So far he has converted over 1500 university students from a smartphone to a feature phone. He said: “My students take part in experiments where they switch to a feature phone for ten days. The students noticeably chatted more with each other, reported better sleep and also said their anxiety levels dropped. It’s all about the balance; I like to say to my students, use your smartphone like a tablet, use it for what you need, then put it away, don’t get lost in it.”

Stay tuned for updates https://www.hmd.com

https://www.hmd.com/en_int/press/mwc-2024-announcements-press-release

About HMD

We are HMD, Human Mobile Devices. At HMD, we start by tuning into what people really want. Our consumers are passionate about the planet, often feel swamped by digital overload, and are keeping a close eye on their budget. That’s why we are thrilled to be Europe’s largest smartphone maker, championing repair-at-home phones, and a go-to for much needed digital time out.

Coming this year, you can expect to see a new portfolio of HMD original mobile devices, as well as Nokia phones and exciting new partnerships. For further information, see www.hmd.com.

About Mattel

Mattel is a leading global toy company and owner of one of the strongest portfolios of children’s and family entertainment franchises in the world. We create innovative products and experiences that inspire, entertain, and develop children through play. We engage consumers through our portfolio of iconic brands, including Barbie®, Hot Wheels®, Fisher-Price®, American Girl®, Thomas & FriendsTM, UNO®, Masters of the Universe®, and MEGA®, as well as other popular intellectual properties that we own or license in partnership with global entertainment companies. Our offerings include film and television content, gaming and digital experiences, music, and live events. Founded in 1945, we operate in 35 locations and our products are available in more than 150 countries in collaboration with the world’s leading retail and ecommerce companies. Mattel is proud to be a trusted partner in empowering children to explore the wonder of childhood and reach their full potential. Visit us online at mattel.com.

[1] GWI Core, Q3 2023, internet users aged 16-24, all locations

[2] GWI Social Behind the screens 2023, internet users all locations, 16-64, all locations

3GWI Social Behind the screens 2023, internet users all locations, 16-64, all locations

[4] Google Search TikTok views

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Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2346773/Barbie_3.jpg
Photo – https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/2346772/Hi_Barbie.jpg

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PlanetiQ Selected for NOAA’s Space-Based Environmental Monitoring IDIQ

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Selection builds on PlanetiQ’s long-standing relationship with NOAA and adds thermospheric neutral density to its environmental data offerings

GOLDEN, Colo., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — PlanetiQ, a leading provider of commercial satellite-based environmental data, today announced that it has been selected as an industry partner under NOAA’s new Space-Based Environmental Monitoring (SBEM) Indefinite Delivery, Indefinite Quantity (IDIQ) contract. Through the SBEM IDIQ, PlanetiQ will be eligible to compete for task orders to provide NOAA with two types of commercial environmental data: Global Navigation Satellite System-Radio Occultation (GNSS-RO) observations for atmospheric profiling and ionospheric monitoring, and thermospheric neutral density data for satellite orbit prediction.

“This selection builds on our long-standing partnership with NOAA and expands the ways our data can support the agency, from high-resolution atmospheric and ionospheric observations to thermospheric neutral density for satellite orbit prediction,” said Ira Scharf, CEO of PlanetiQ.  

The SBEM IDIQ, established by NOAA’s National Environmental Satellite, Data, and Information Service (NESDIS) through its Commercial Data Program. The contract has a five-year base period followed by a five-year option and is effective from September 1, 2026, through August 31, 2036.

Under SBEM, PlanetiQ will provide data from its existing satellite constellation as well as additional satellites planned for launch later this year. The company’s GNSS-RO observations provide high-resolution atmospheric profiles for numerical weather prediction and measurements of the ionosphere, including Total Electron Content (TEC) and scintillation. PlanetiQ will also introduce thermospheric neutral density data as a new commercial data product for NOAA NESDIS, supporting improved satellite orbit prediction and space-weather applications.

“PlanetiQ has built its business around delivering high-quality GNSS-RO data with the precision needed to improve weather forecasting,” said Ira Scharf, CEO of PlanetiQ. “This selection builds on our long-standing partnership with NOAA and expands the ways our data can support the agency, from high-resolution atmospheric and ionospheric observations to thermospheric neutral density for satellite orbit prediction. We look forward to continuing to work with NOAA to advance weather forecasting and space weather applications.”

Per NOAA’s own press release, NOAA is expanding its procurement and use of new commercial environmental satellite data streams that will enhance weather forecasting and space weather monitoring. The SBEM IDIQ contract is a key part in the agency’s ongoing effort to boost U.S. weather forecasting capabilities.

PlanetiQ currently provides GNSS-RO data to NOAA NESDIS under the agency’s previous commercial data contract vehicle. The company’s most recent task order, announced in August, provides GNSS-RO and ionospheric data and bridges the transition to the new SBEM contract.

About PlanetiQ

PlanetiQ provides the highest-quality GNSS radio occultation (RO) data available from a commercial constellation of satellites, offering unmatched temporal and spatial resolution. The data drive accurate, high-impact weather and climate forecast models, helping improve Numerical Weather Prediction and AI forecasts, safeguard lives and property from severe weather. In 2025, PlanetiQ was awarded NOAA’s largest-ever contract for satellite weather data, valued at $24.3 million. PlanetiQ is a space-tech company that serves the most mission-critical government, defense, and industry leaders, including international weather agencies, enabling more resilient operations across sectors. Founded in 2015 and privately owned, PlanetiQ designs, builds, and operates the preeminent commercial constellation of GNSS-RO satellites, setting the standard for precision and reliability in atmospheric monitoring. For more information, contact info@planetiq.com

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New Bloomberg Tax Projections Give Tax Professionals an Early Start on 2027 Planning

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ARLINGTON, Va., Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Bloomberg Tax & Accounting released its 2027 Projected U.S. Tax Rates, which indicates a 3.2% increase in inflation from 2026 (compared to the 2.7% increase from 2025). The full report is available at https://aboutbtax.com/bmN8.

Bloomberg Tax’s annual Projected U.S. Tax Rates Report provides early, accurate notice of the potential tax savings that could be realized due to increases in deduction limitations, upward adjustments to tax brackets, and increases to numerous other key thresholds.

In an unprecedented event, the Bureau of Labor Statistics did not report the data from October of 2025. Thus, the C-CPI-U has been computed on an 11-month average.

The report accounts for several new adjustments made under the One Big Beautiful Bill Act (OBBBA) that affect tax planning for taxpayers in 2027 and beyond. For corporate taxpayers and passthroughs, they include an adjustment to the employer-provided child care credit, initially enhanced by the OBBBA. It also includes an adjustment to the threshold for information at source reporting requirements, which was initially increased by the OBBBA. For individuals, the report includes varied income tax rates with steeper adjustments for lower brackets.

“Tax professionals are being asked to make consequential planning decisions amid constant policy change and growing complexity,” said Evan Croen, head of Bloomberg Tax & Accounting. “By providing trusted projections before official figures are released and carrying those updates directly into the tools where professionals work, we can help them move from information to action sooner and spend more time applying their expertise to the decisions that matter most.”

The updated rates flow directly into Bloomberg Tax’s innovative software solutions including Bloomberg Tax Provision, Bloomberg Tax Fixed Assets, and Bloomberg Tax Workpapers. This is an example of the power and efficiency of Bloomberg Tax & Accounting’s integrated suite of solutions, which modernizes the corporate tax process, from data collection to tax calculations that power key deliverable.

Other key adjustments, with comparisons of the 2026 amounts and 2027 projections, include:

Individual Income Tax Rate Brackets 

Married Filing Jointly and Surviving Spouses

2026 Tax Rate Bracket Income Ranges

Projected 2027 Tax Rate Bracket Income Ranges

10% – $0 to $24,800

10% – $0 to $25,600

12% – Over $24,800 to $100,800

12% – Over $25,600 to $104,050

22% – Over $100,800 to $211,400

22% – Over $104,050 to $218,250

24% – Over $211,400 to $403,550

24% – Over $218,250 to $416,650

32% – Over $403,550 to $512,450

32% – Over $416,650 to $529,100

35% – Over $512,450 to $768,700

35% – Over $529,100 to $793,650

37% – Over $768,700

37% – Over $793,650

Unmarried Individuals (other than Surviving Spouses and Heads of Households)

2026 Tax Rate Bracket Income Ranges

Projected 2027 Tax Rate Bracket Income Ranges

10% – $0 to $12,400

10% – $0 to $12,800

12% – Over $12,400 to $50,400

12% – Over $12,800 to $52,025

22% – Over $50,400 to $105,700

22% – Over $52,025 to $109,125

24% – Over $105,7000 to $201,775

24% – Over $109,125 to $208,325

32% – Over $201,775 to $256,225

32% – Over $208,325 to $264,550

35% – Over $256,225 to $640,600

35% – Over $264,550 to $661,375

37% – Over $640,6000

37% – Over $661,375

Standard Deduction

Filing Status

2026

Standard Deduction

Projected 2027

Standard Deduction

Married Filing Jointly/Surviving Spouses

$31,500

$33,200

Heads of Household

$23,625

$24,925 ($24,950)

All Other Taxpayers

$15,7500

$16,600

Alternative Minimum Tax (AMT)

Filing Status

2026

AMT Exemption Amount

Projected 2027

AMT Exemption Amount

Married Filing Jointly/Surviving Spouses

$140,200

$144,700

Unmarried Individuals

(other than Surviving Spouses)

$90,100

$93,000

Married Filing Separately

$70,100

$72,350

Estates and Trusts

$31,400

$32,500

About Bloomberg Tax

Bloomberg Tax delivers a comprehensive suite of solutions designed to help tax and accounting professionals navigate a complex global landscape. By combining practitioner-driven insights with intelligent, AI-powered tools, we provide the expertise you need to ensure compliance, streamline workflows, and drive strategic decision-making. Our integrated solutions simplify intricate calculations and adapt to changing regulations in real time, empowering your organization to mitigate risk, optimize tax strategies, and achieve measurable results with confidence and precision.

Bloomberg Tax is part of Bloomberg Industry Group, an affiliate of Bloomberg L.P., a global leader in business and financial information, data, news, and insights.

For more information, visit bloombergtax.com.

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SOURCE Bloomberg Tax

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o15 Capital Partners Announces Realization of $31 Million Senior Secured Credit Facility to Simplify Compliance

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ATLANTA, Sept. 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — o15 Capital Partners (“o15”), through its Emerging America Credit Opportunities (“EACO”) fund and its affiliates, is pleased to announce the successful exit of a $31 million senior secured credit facility provided to Simplify Compliance Holdings, LLC (“Simplify” or the “Company”), a diversified provider of B2B training, events, and subscription information backed by Leeds Equity Partners (“Leeds Equity”). Repayment followed the sale of the Company’s datacenterHawk business unit to S&P Global.

The successful realization reinforces o15’s continued conviction in the lower middle market, where disciplined underwriting, sector expertise, and close sponsor partnerships can drive strong investment outcomes. The facility provided flexible capital to support the Company’s strategic objectives and Leeds Equity’s ongoing value creation initiatives.

“Leeds Equity was an excellent partner throughout this investment, and the outcome speaks to their track record building durable businesses,” said Kenneth Saffold, co-CEO and Managing Partner at o15. “We were glad to underwrite behind the strength of Simplify’s digital-first product suite across compliance, workforce training, and data and information assets.”

“o15 was a thoughtful and responsive partner throughout this investment. Their speed and ability to tailor a solution to the Company’s needs were meaningful factors in our financing relationship,” said Chris Mairs, Managing Director at Leeds Equity.

The exit underscores o15’s differentiated investment approach, combining thoughtful structuring, sector expertise, and a focus on measurable impact. Business services and information platforms remain a core area of focus for o15, given the critical role these businesses play across the lower middle market.

About o15 Capital Partners

Based in Atlanta, o15 Capital Partners is an alternatives investment firm that provides growth capital to undercapitalized lower middle market businesses and communities in the Healthcare, Education and Business Services industries.

To learn more about o15 Capital Partners or discuss a new investment opportunity, please visit and follow us on LinkedIn, or reach out to a member of our investment team.

Disclaimer: The information herein should not be construed as investment advice or a recommendation of any security, investment, or investment strategy. References to this investment are for illustrative purposes only, are not representative of all investments made by o15, and should not be construed as a recommendation of any particular investment or investment strategy. Other investments made by o15 have had, and future investments may have different characteristics and results.

media@o15.com

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SOURCE o15 Capital Partners

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