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THE WILLOW, NAFTALI GROUP’S LATEST BOUTIQUE TOWER, LAUNCHES SALES IN GRAMERCY

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COOKFOX Architects and Rockwell Group-Designed Luxury Development Brings Timeless Interiors and Stylish Amenities to Historic New York City Neighborhood

NEW YORK, April 7, 2025 /PRNewswire/ — On the heels of launching four new buildings in late 2024, including the record-breaking One Williamsburg Wharf, The Henry, 255 East 77th Street and Viceroy Fort Lauderdale, Naftali Group, a leading privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York, today announced the launch of sales at The Willow, a new luxury residential building in the heart of New York’s historic Gramercy neighborhood. Designed by the award-winning COOKFOX Architects, with amenities and residences by the world-renowned Rockwell Group, The Willow represents a modern interpretation of classic New York architecture, offering 69 exceptionally crafted residences and a curated suite of club-like amenities that seamlessly integrate with the historic charm of the Gramercy neighborhood.

“The demand for well-designed, meticulously planned residential buildings is strong, especially for our recently launched projects in New York City,” said Miki Naftali, Chairman and CEO of Naftali Group. “With this impressive momentum, we’re proud to introduce The Willow in New York City’s Gramercy neighborhood. This development reflects the area’s rich architectural history through its beautiful arched windows and modern interpretation of classic Downtown buildings, and it showcases our collaboration with the incredible COOKFOX Architects and Rockwell Group. With the expertise of a world-renowned design team, we’re excited to see The Willow become a landmark in this cherished New York neighborhood.”

Located at 201 East 23rd Street, two blocks northeast of the historic Gramercy Park, The Willow features a stunning exterior by COOXFOX Architects, the global architecture firm known for its critically acclaimed work in environmentally responsive and sustainable architecture and design. Rising 19 stories on the prominent corner of East 23rd Street, the boutique building’s striking hand-laid masonry façade is crafted from a custom red brick blend, cast stone, and sleek black metal accents, paying homage to the architectural fabric of the historic Gramercy neighborhood Thoughtful, eye-catching design elements, such as one-of-a-kind arched windows and private setback terraces and loggias, provide residents with indoor and outdoor lifestyle experiences, while the custom black metal railings and entrance doors set the stage for a distinctive and timeless quality.  

Complementing the building’s remarkable façade, COOKFOX thoughtfully designed the layouts of The Willow’s residences, emphasizing contemporary elegance and refined style that mirrors the surrounding neighborhood. The spacious layouts, serene color palette, and luxurious finishes by Rockwell Group create a welcoming atmosphere throughout, from the custom millwork in the kitchens to the spa-like bathrooms that evoke a sense of tranquility.

Ranging from one to four-bedroom residences, including four half-floor penthouses and one full-floor penthouse at the crown of the building, The Willow boasts gracious homes with elegant floor plans and interiors, seamlessly blending loft-style living with classical details. Each home features white oak flooring throughout all living spaces and bedrooms, with select residences, including the building’s penthouses, offering expansive private outdoor loggia and terrace spaces that invite seamless indoor-outdoor living with dynamic views of the iconic New York City skyline. The homes also include beautiful open kitchens with honed quartz countertops, Miele kitchen appliances, and custom-designed cabinetry, while the baths are finished with honed Ice Grey stone and Waterworks fixtures for a spa-like experience. Residents of The Willow are welcomed home through custom black entrance doors that open to a 24-hour attended lobby with a custom stone patterned floor and artisan-made reception desk clad in hand-glazed tile that leads into a landscaped open courtyard designed by Future Green, inviting natural light into the lobby and adjacent library. 

Representing a new generation of luxury Downtown Manhattan living, The Willow comprises an exclusive club-like collection of indoor-outdoor lifestyle amenities designed by Rockwell Group, the firm internationally recognized for its innovative and luxurious design approach and decades of work in the high-end residential and hospitality spaces around the world. Rockwell Group crafted the amenities at The Willow to feel like an extension of the home, offering an array of stylish, thoughtfully designed spaces for wellness, entertainment, and leisure. Residents will have access to a state-of-the-art fitness center, complete with a sauna, as well as a cinema and a speakeasy-inspired lounge known as the Mermaid Room. The building’s signature Hearth Room features a striking travertine block fireplace and serves as a cozy gathering space, while the Glamercy Room offers a curated music lounge outfitted with instruments and an extensive vinyl collection, as well as a professional recording studio. Additional amenities include a nautical-themed children’s playroom, a landscaped rooftop terrace with sweeping city views, a bike room, and storage available for residents to purchase. Two private cabanas on the building’s roof deck are also available for purchase. The landscaped central courtyard, visible from many residences and the building’s jewel box lobby, offers a rare and tranquil green space within the urban landscape.

“Following the success of Naftali Group’s other Manhattan projects, we are delighted to help bring The Willow to life in Gramercy,” said Alexa Lambert of Compass Development Marketing Group, the building’s exclusive sales and marketing agent. “We have already seen wonderful interest from buyers and brokers who recognize the exceptional quality and design this project offers as well as the opportunity to live in one of New York’s most iconic and fun neighborhoods.”

Perfectly located where the charm of Gramercy meets the vibrant energy of Flatiron and NoMad, The Willow is surrounded by the neighborhood’s picturesque tree-lined streets and buzzy neighborhood offerings. The Willow’s location also provides residents with proximity to many of Downtown Manhattan’s acclaimed cultural and lifestyle destinations, including fine dining, shopping, and green spaces like Madison Square Park, Union Square Park, and much more. Ample transportation options are also nearby, which ensures seamless connectivity to the rest of Manhattan and beyond.

One of the most active developers in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condominium projects in Manhattan since 2020 including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue, in addition to more than 37 total projects over the past three decades, including The Shepherd in Greenwich Village. Along with the forthcoming The Willow, the firm has several new development projects in the pipeline in Manhattan, including the recently launched The Henry on the Upper West Side and 255 East 77th Street on the Upper East Side, both designed by Robert A.M. Stern Architects. In Williamsburg, Brooklyn, the firm is developing Williamsburg Wharf, a 3.75-acre master-planned development along the Williamsburg Wharf, including the recently One Williamsburg Wharf, the project’s first condominium tower, and Two and Three Williamsburg Wharf, which recently launched leasing. In addition to Naftali Group’s active projects in New York City, the firm is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space in South Florida, including the recently launched JEM Private Residences in Miami and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale.

Construction at The Willow is well underway, and completion is slated for Q3 of 2026. Pricing begins at $1,225,000 for a one-bedroom residence. Sales and marketing are being handled exclusively by Compass Development Marketing Group. For additional information or to schedule a private appointment, please visit www.thewillow-gramercy.com.

About Naftali Group
Naftali Group, a privately held global real estate development and investment firm based in New York City, has a prestigious track record, having led some of the most significant developments and landmark restorations. Founded and led by Miki Naftali, Naftali Group is highly specialized in identifying and acquiring undervalued properties in premier geographic areas with strong potential growth while maximizing the value of unique and irreplaceable assets. Naftali Group pursues strategic acquisitions and continuously grows its extensive portfolio of new development condominiums, income-producing, mixed-use properties and other assets. Through innovation and discipline, Naftali is recognized as a leading developer with a current and past portfolio comprised of more than 50 projects encompassing more than $15 billion in total value. One of the most active firms in New York City, Naftali Group has successfully launched and sold out three record-breaking luxury condo projects in Manhattan since 2020, including The Benson at 1045 Madison Avenue, 200 East 83rd and The Bellemont at 1165 Madison Avenue. The firm has several new development projects in the pipeline both in Manhattan and in Brooklyn, where the firm’s waterfront development Williamsburg Wharf is currently in progress and estimated to be completed with the first phase in 2025. In addition to active projects in New York City, Naftali Group is developing over 3 million square feet of premier residential and mixed-use space across two projects in South Florida, including JEM in Miami and Viceroy Residences Fort Lauderdale. Visit: https://naftaligroup.com/.

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Axon Announces Body 5: Next-Generation Camera Built for the AI Era

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Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power of earlier-generation cameras, with upgraded connectivity, audio and battery life to support real-time situational awareness in the field

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Axon (Nasdaq: AXON), the global leader in public safety technology, today announced Axon Body 5, its newest body-worn camera designed to bring more powerful intelligence, connectivity and real-time support directly to officers in the field.

For years, Axon body cameras have helped agencies capture critical evidence and create greater transparency. Body 5 is built to help officers during the call, with information, assistance and backup on the spot.

“Officers shouldn’t have to choose between getting information and watching the scene. With Axon Body 5, they don’t,” said Rick Smith, Axon Founder and CEO. “They capture a license or document with the camera, keep their hands free and eyes up, and get information faster than writing it down and calling it in by radio. An officer fully engaged with the person in front of them, not down at a notepad, is a safer officer and a better-served community.”

Axon Body 5: Built for the AI Era

Built from the ground up for the AI era, Axon Body 5 delivers 25x the AI processing power than earlier generation Axon body cameras, alongside advancements in connectivity, audio, video and battery life. Together, these upgrades give the camera the physical power to run smarter AI features — both today and as new AI tools are developed in the future — while also making it more dependable for officers to use every day. 

For the first time, Axon is also introducing two versions of its latest flagship camera: Axon Body 5 and Axon Body 5 Pro.

Both models feature several key advancements, including:

25x more processing power for AI: A powerful new computing architecture creates the capacity to support current and future AI features directly on the body camera.Enhanced video: Improved video captures clearer evidence across challenging environments, including better low-light performance.Improved connectivity: Seamless connectivity in urban and remote environments – and more precise location capability – helps officers, cameras and remote support teams stay connected when timely information matters most.Longer battery life: 20% more battery life than the previous generation helps keep the camera ready and connected throughout an officer’s shift.

The Axon Body 5 Pro will continue to gain new AI capabilities as they become available, growing along with the AI Era Plan. Additionally, new hardware features include:

A near-focus camera: An additional dedicated camera lens lets officers scan driver’s licenses to check status and search for wants or warrants in seconds, without returning to the patrol vehicle, with relevant information sent to Axon Fusus to support real-time operations.Front-facing speakers: Four additional speakers project even more powerful audio toward the person an officer is speaking with, helping real-time translations from Axon Assistant carry more clearly over heavy traffic or crowd noise. Additional memory: Extra space lets the camera run several AI tools at once, helping officers stay better informed and work faster.

Bringing More of Axon’s AI Era Into the Field

Axon Body 5 helps officers get more out of the Axon AI Era Plan by bringing smart tools right to the scene. Axon’s portfolio already supports public safety professionals across a growing range of tasks. For example, Draft One helps officers turn body-camera audio into high-quality report drafts and Axon Assistant provides voice-based information access and real-time translation.

Increasingly, Axon is also bringing AI into real-time operations.

Axon Guardian is a new category of AI features within the AI Era Plan that was specifically created to work with an officer’s field-based devices – starting with body cameras and in-car cameras – to improve safety. Guardian is designed to flag potential risks as situations unfold and create alerts when additional attention may be needed. Two of the first features include:

Escalation Detection: When an Axon Body 4 or Axon Body 5 camera is activated and recording, Guardian has the ability to detect potential conflicts in real time and create an alert in Axon Fusus. A human reviews the livestream and decides if additional support or action is needed.Approach Alert: When active on Axon Fleet 3, Guardian can detect if the door of a stopped vehicle opens and alert the officer through the in-car display and their body-worn camera.

Combined, Axon Body 5 and the expanding AI Era portfolio demonstrate the importance of AI as a critical resource to assist public safety professionals before, during and after an incident — reducing administrative burden, improving situational awareness and helping protect more lives.

Innovating Responsibly

Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework guides the development of all of its products. Designed with this in mind, Axon Body 5 and Guardian prioritize human oversight and maintain agency control over data. As a key part of the responsible innovation process, Axon’s independent Ethics and Equity Advisory Council was created to help responsibly develop and deploy new technologies with transparency, while aligning with community expectations.

General availability dates for Axon Body 5 and Axon Guardian will be announced soon. Product features and capabilities vary by configuration. For more information on Axon’s current products and services: Axon Product Catalog – Axon.com.

About Axon
Axon (Nasdaq: AXON) is the global leader in public safety technology supporting state, local, federal and international public safety agencies with technology designed to Protect Life. Complementing its mission, Axon’s growing Enterprise market focuses on protecting critical infrastructure and frontline workers across multiple industries including corporate security, hospitality, retail and healthcare. Founder-led since 1993, Axon builds products with transparency and responsibility. From TASER energy devices to today’s connected network of hardware – including cameras, drones, and robotics – cloud software, sensors, and AI-tools, the Axon ecosystem helps seamlessly protect people and places when it matters most. To ensure these technologies align with community expectations, Axon’s independent Ethics & Equity Advisory Council guides the ethical, inclusive, and accountable design of its products and services. Learn more about the EEAC and Axon’s Responsible Innovation framework at Axon Responsibility. 

Non-Axon trademarks are the property of their respective owners. Axon, TASER and the Delta Logo are trademarks of Axon Enterprise, Inc., some of which are registered in the US and other countries. For more information, visit www.axon.com/legal. All rights reserved.

Please visit https://investor.axon.com and https://www.axon.com/newsroom for more information.

Media Contact:
Kate MacKinnon
Vice President, Communications
press@axon.com

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In HelloNation, Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle Explains a Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design

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The article explains why smart geometry, not thicker walls, creates stronger, more efficient aluminum components.

ROCHESTER, N.Y., Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — What early design choice causes many custom aluminum projects to become heavier, costlier, or harder to manufacture? That question is addressed in a HelloNation article featuring insights from Custom Fabrication Expert Mark Coyle of American Custom Metals, Inc. in Rochester, New York, that outlines how misunderstanding aluminum behavior leads designers to rely on thick walls instead of stronger geometry.

The article begins by explaining that many people assume thicker walls automatically make aluminum parts stronger. It notes that aluminum does not respond to wall thickness the way steel does. Instead, its performance is shaped by how the metal flows through the extrusion die. The article states that custom aluminum design is more effective when profiles use ribs, chambers, and flanges to create stiffness without adding unnecessary weight. This guidance helps readers understand why adding material often increases cost without improving strength.

The article also highlights that thicker walls change how aluminum moves during extrusion. When heavy areas fill more slowly, the metal cools unevenly and can develop stress that only appears later. The HelloNation piece explains that well-balanced geometry keeps extrusion smooth and predictable. This consistency makes it easier to maintain dimensional accuracy across long production runs. By focusing on geometry, custom aluminum design avoids the problems that come with slow extrusion speeds and uneven cooling.

Another insight in the article centers on how ribs and internal supports influence stability. It describes how a thin wall supported by a properly placed rib often performs better than a thick wall with no reinforcement. This happens because the rib helps distribute load, improve stiffness, and guide the aluminum as it cools. The article explains that this structural approach makes custom aluminum design more efficient and gives designers more control over how the final part behaves under pressure.

The article also shows why early collaboration between designer and fabricator prevents costly changes. It states that a fabricator familiar with extrusion can catch potential issues before a die is built. Small adjustments to corners or transitions can remove weak points or improve metal flow. The article notes that this teamwork keeps the design aligned with real-world production. By working together early, both sides reduce the risk of redesigning the die after the first test run.

Machining is another area where the article explains how wall thickness affects performance. Features such as deep pockets or sharp internal angles may require slow feed rates or special tooling. When walls are thicker than needed, those areas can become difficult to machine cleanly. The article states that thoughtful custom aluminum design makes machining more predictable. Small changes, such as adding radiused edges or sizing features to match standard tools, help shorten cycle times and prevent tool wear.

Thermal behavior receives detailed attention as well. The article explains that aluminum retains heat differently depending on the mass of each section. Thicker walls hold heat longer, which increases the chance of distortion during extrusion, machining, or finishing. When a design uses geometry to create strength, the material cools more evenly. This reduces warping and helps long profiles stay aligned. The article notes that stable cooling is important for components that require a precise fit and consistent shape throughout an entire production run.

Cost is also a key topic in the article. It states that heavier profiles increase material use, extrusion time, and tooling needs. A custom aluminum design that relies on geometry instead of mass lowers material consumption and keeps the fabrication process efficient. The article explains that lighter parts are easier to handle, ship, and assemble. This saves money across multiple stages of production and supports long-term manufacturing efficiency.

The article also notes that smart custom aluminum design creates profiles that behave predictably during extrusion and machining. Smooth transitions, balanced wall dimensions, and structural features help reduce the chance of distortion or dimensional drift. These elements also lower scrap rates and support reliable performance. By using geometry instead of excess material, designers build parts that maintain strength without compromising manufacturability.

As the article concludes, it emphasizes that avoiding thick walls is one of the best ways to improve performance and lower cost. It states that the most dependable custom aluminum components come from designs that use structural features to strengthen the profile. When designers understand how aluminum behaves at each stage of extrusion and machining, they create parts that are strong, efficient, and consistent from batch to batch. This approach turns custom aluminum design into a predictable process rather than a series of uncertain adjustments.

A Common Mistake in Custom Aluminum Design features insights from Mark Coyle, Custom Fabrication Expert of Rochester, NY, in HelloNation.

About HelloNation
HelloNation is America’s Good News Network, a premier media platform built on the idea that good news travels faster when real people tell real stories. Through its community-focused publications and innovative “edvertising” approach, HelloNation delivers content that informs, inspires, and spotlights the leaders making a meaningful impact in their communities.

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World Young Scientist Summit 2026 Opens in Wenzhou, Zhejiang

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WENZHOU, China, Oct. 24, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — This is a report by China Daily:

On October 24, the World Young Scientist Summit 2026 opened in Wenzhou, Zhejiang. The event is hosted by the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST), the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, and the World Association of Young Scientists. Nearly 800 representatives, including scientists, educators, and entrepreneurs from more than 60 countries and regions, are attending the summit.

He Junke, Vice President of CAST in charge of daily work and First Secretary of its Secretariat; Lian Yimin, Chairman and Party Group Secretary of the Zhejiang Provincial Committee of the Chinese People’s Political Consultative Conference; Marcelo Knobel, Executive Director of The World Academy of Sciences; and Zhang Zhenfeng, Member of the Standing Committee of the CPC Zhejiang Provincial Committee and Secretary of the CPC Wenzhou Municipal Committee, attended the summit and delivered remarks. Yao Gaoyuan, Vice Governor of the Zhejiang Provincial People’s Government, presided over the first segment of the plenary session.

With the theme “Gathering Talents Worldwide to Create a Better Future,” the summit’s annual agenda is “Global Youth Action in the AI Era: Building a Sustainable Future.” It aims to draw on the insights of young people around the world, deepen international sci-tech cooperation, and jointly address questions about young people, science, the world and the future.

Efim Zelmanov, Fields Medalist and Foreign Member of the Chinese Academy of Sciences; Chen Yunji, Deputy Director of the Institute of Computing Technology, CAS, and Director of the National Key Laboratory of Processor Chips; Mary Garson, President of the International Union of Pure and Applied Chemistry; and Lu Chaoyang, Member of the Standing Committee of CAST, Executive Dean of the Shanghai Institute of Advanced Study, University of Science and Technology of China, and Chairman of the Council of the World Association of Young Scientists, delivered keynote speeches respectively on education reform in the AI era, AI and processor chips, young women scientists’ participation in science, and quantum computing. They explored new opportunities for scientific research, talent cultivation, and international cooperation in the AI era.

This year’s summit placed greater emphasis on the growth needs of young scientists, with young talents under the age of 45 accounting for 88 percent of participants. It aimed to build a cluster of international journals, bring together young scientific talent, facilitate a batch of international collaborative projects and advance the application and commercialization of scientific and technological achievements. The summit released the Report on the Distribution and Mobility of Young Scientists in the Field of Embodied Intelligence, launched the World Young Scientist Summit Partner Journal Program and the 2026 World Young Scientist Innovation and Entrepreneurship Growth Support Program. It also published the “Young Scientist Pioneers 2035” list and announced the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award. The awards were presented to four Chinese and foreign scientists.

Chen Tianrun, Founder of Hangzhou Moxin Technology Co., Ltd.; Yuan Yang, Assistant to the Dean of the Institute for Interdisciplinary Information Sciences at Tsinghua University; and two of the 2026 Sustainable Development Young Scientist Award winners, César de la Fuente and Nicola Segata, among other Chinese and foreign young scientist representatives, spoke at the flash-talk session to share their research practices and reflections.

In addition, the conference focused on fields such as future manufacturing, quantum information, embodied intelligence, brain-computer intelligence, environmental science, deep-sea resources, and life and health, and held 12 parallel forums. It also included the “Gravitation π” Future Technology and Concept Products Exhibition and Exchange, local thematic side events, and sci-tech and humanities study visits, further building an interdisciplinary, cross-regional and cross-sector platform for youth sci-tech exchange and cooperation.

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