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Top Two Spots in American Banker’s 50 Top Innovators in Finance Awarded to CEOs of Vantage Bank and Custodia, Hazel Network’s Co-Founders

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Vantage Bank CEO Jeff Sinnott and Custodia CEO Caitlin Long secure the #1 and #2 spots in American Banker’s inaugural “The Most Innovative People in Finance” ranking as live testing for their joint tokenized deposit and stablecoin network advances

SAN ANTONIO and CHEYENNE, Wyo., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — American Banker placed the two co-founders of Hazel Network atop its inaugural list of The Most Innovative People in Finance, naming Vantage Bank CEO Jeff Sinnott at #1 and Custodia CEO Caitlin Long at #2 among the top 50 executives reshaping the financial services industry.

The Hazel Network functions as a turnkey tokenized deposit and stablecoin network built by banks for banks and tailored to allow banks of any size to integrate programmable tokenization technology. Built with programmatic compliance and operational controls baked in, Hazel features a unique bidirectional mechanism. All tokens in the system originate as tokenized deposits among member banks. When customers send tokens outside the network, the tokens automatically convert to a GENIUS Act-compliant stablecoin, seamlessly reverting to a tokenized deposit upon return.

The parties released Hazel Network on Ethereum mainnet in April and successfully completed the first of four stages of testing.

“Blockchain and tokenization level the playing field for institutions that listen and respond to their customers’ modern payment needs,” said Jeff Sinnott, CEO of Vantage Bank. “By dedicating nearly half of our technology budget to true innovation, we’ve proven that traditional banking principles and decentralized assets can bridge successfully. Co-founding the Hazel Network alongside Custodia allows us to scale these exact efficiencies—such as slashing cross-border settlement friction—to community and regional banks nationwide.”

“We built Hazel Network to reduce the friction between the traditional banking world and its digital counterpart without creating barriers or causing asset disintermediation,” said Caitlin Long, Founder and CEO of Custodia. “Vantage brings the customer relationships and deep banking architecture expertise, while Custodia provides the digital asset infrastructure. To have our shared vision validated by American Banker as the top two innovators in finance is a testament to what bank-native digital assets can accomplish.”

Hazel Network represents a complementary partnership. Sinnott was recognized by American Banker for spearheading the first U.S. bank-issued stablecoin and driving blockchain-based payment initiatives, including an instant cross-border payment pilot for a commercial trucking firm that cut wire costs by 94 percent. Long was honored for her years of pioneering work building bank-grade digital asset infrastructure and regulatory clarity for stablecoins. The parties jointly pioneered a unified smart contract method that services both tokenized bank deposits and stablecoins within the same smart contract. The foundational token design is protected by US Patents 11,392,906, 12,450,578, 12,579,525 and others still pending. Additional patents are also pending on the unified-token model and still other subject matter.

Multiple member-based organizations in the banking industry, including the Texas Bankers Association and loan participation automation firm Participate, are providing support for banks of any size to join Hazel Network.

Banks interested in joining Hazel Network should contact Shawn Main at shawn.main@vantage.bank.

About Vantage Bank

Vantage Bank is prepared for what’s possible! We are dedicated to delivering sophisticated, innovative financial solutions while maintaining a strong commitment to the communities we serve. Family and employee owned, Vantage Bank is headquartered in Texas and operates through a diverse set of locations across the state. Our suite of powerful digital tools and services rivals those offered by fintechs and similar non-bank financial services companies. We operate within a safe and sound environment—providing peace of mind and the financial security that only a regulated institution can offer. By integrating advanced technology with personalized service, Vantage Bank empowers individuals and businesses to achieve their financial goals while upholding the highest standards of compliance and community engagement. Visit us at www.vantage.bank.

About Custodia

Custodia is a Wyoming special purpose depository institution formed to serve as a compliant bridge to the U.S. dollar payments system and a custodian of digital assets that can meet the strictest level of institutional custody standards. Custodia is required to fully comply with all applicable laws and regulations, including the Bank Secrecy Act and federal “know your customer,” anti-money laundering and related laws and regulations. Custodia also complies with Wyoming’s special purpose depository institution and digital asset laws, which include requirements that fiat deposits be 100% reserved and that Custodia meet the strictest investor protections in the digital asset industry. This press release may contain forward-looking statements, including forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements describe future expectations, plans, results, or strategies (including product offerings, regulatory plans and business plans) and may change without notice. You are cautioned that such statements are subject to a multitude of risks and uncertainties that could cause future circumstances, events, or results to differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements, including the risks that actual results may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements.

Media contact: Leslie Ausburn, 12103268992, leslie@kometcommunications.com

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SOURCE Vantage Bank and Custodia

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EARTHWORKS REPORTS MANAGEMENT CEASE TRADE ORDER REVOKED

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VANCOUVER, BC, June 5, 2026 /CNW/ – Earthworks Industries Inc. (TSXV: EWK) (OTCQB: EAATF) (the “Company”) is pleased to announce that effective June 4, 2026, the British Columbia Securities Commission (BCSC) has revoked the temporary management cease trade order (the “MCTO”) which prevented the Company’s Officers, Board and Insiders from trading the Company’s securities but did not affect other shareholders, including the public, to trade in securities of the Company.

The Company confirms that on June 2, 2026, the filing of the audited annual financial statements for the year ended November 30, 2025, along with the management’s discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates (the “2025 Filings”) for the period, which were required to be filed on or before March 30, 2026, were filed. On June 3, 2026, the quarterly financial statements for the 3 months ended February 28, 2026, along with the management’s discussion and analysis and related CEO and CFO certificates (the “2026 Q1 Filings”) for the period were filed. Copies of the 2025 Filings and 2026 Q1 Filings are available under the Company’s SEDAR+ profile at www.sedarplus.ca.

The Company is also no longer listed as being in default on the BCSC’s reporting issuers list, and on the reporting issuer list, or default list, of each jurisdiction of Canada in which it is a reporting issuer to the extent that such jurisdiction maintains a list and the Company’s Officer, Board and Insiders are no longer prevented from trading in the Company’s securities.

About Earthworks Industries Inc.

Earthworks Industries Inc. is a waste material management company focused on developing and expanding our operations into critical mineral recycling and recovery, with an emphasis on efficiency, scalability, and long-term sustainability.

Cautionary Statements

Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) has approved nor disapproved the contents of this news release, nor do they accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release.

Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements 

Certain information contained in this release constitute forward-looking statements or information under Canadian securities legislation. Generally, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as “will”, “expects”, “anticipates” or variations of such words and phrases or statements that certain actions, events or results “will” occur. In particular, ‎forward-looking ‎statements in this release include statements regarding: the anticipated timing for the filing of the Annual Filings; and the ability of the Company to comply with the requirements of NP12-203. Forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made and are subject to known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results to be materially different from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements, including that the Annual Filings may not be completed in the time anticipated or allowed for by the MCTO, in which case a general cease trade order may be issued with respect to the Company’s securities. Although management of the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those contained in the forward-looking statements, there may be other factors that cause results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company cautions readers of this news release not to place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements contained in this release as many factors could cause actual results or conditions to differ materially from current expectations. Additional information on these and other risk factors that could affect the Company’s operations are outlined in the Company’s continuous disclosure documents that can be found on SEDAR+ (www.sedarplus.ca) under the Company’s issuer profile. The Company does not intend and disclaims any obligation, except as required by law, to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether because of new information, future events, or otherwise. 

SOURCE Earthworks Industries Inc.

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Exigent Research Network Welcomes Nina Chavez as Senior Vice President of Growth

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WASHINGTON, June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Exigent Research Network, a leading company dedicated to bringing high-quality research opportunities to independent oncology practices nationwide, is thrilled to announce that Nina Chavez has joined the team as Senior Vice President of Growth.

Having previously served as the Vice President of Strategic Partnerships & Alliances at Flatiron Health as well as the Chief Operating Officer at New Mexico Cancer Center, Nina brings more than 20 years of experience strengthening community oncology practices through strategic partnerships, operational leadership, and practice transformation.

During her tenure at Flatiron Health, she helped launch major initiatives, including the Strategic Advisory Committee and Trusted Partner Program, further strengthening collaboration across the oncology landscape.

“We could not be more thrilled to welcome Nina Chavez to the Exigent Research Network team,” said Dr. Sibel Blau, President and Chief Executive Officer of Exigent Research Network. “Nina’s unwavering commitment to empowering independent oncology practices throughout her career has made a lasting impact across our industry. Her passion for community oncology, coupled with her ability to drive strategic growth, makes her the ideal leader to help guide Exigent through its next chapter of expansion and impact.”

“Throughout my career, I’ve been inspired by the dedication of community oncology and the resilience of the patients we serve. Exigent brings together many of the things I care most about: innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to improving outcomes. I’m honored to join the team and look forward to helping strengthen partnerships that advance cancer research and patient care,” said Nina.

With the addition of Nina, Exigent Research Network is well-positioned to accelerate its next phase of growth and broaden access to clinical research opportunities for community oncology practices nationwide. Her leadership will play a key role in strengthening partnerships and advancing Exigent’s mission of bringing innovative trials closer to patients, closer to home.

About Exigent Research Network: www.exigentnetwork.com

Exigent Research was formed from a partnership between the Quality Cancer Care Alliance (QCCA) and the National Cancer Care Alliance (NCCA). Building off deep networks and experience, Exigent Research is radically accelerating progress in cancer research with a unique network-based model. By democratizing access to clinical cancer research starting at the point of care, Exigent helps patients access the best and most innovative trials in their own communities, while advancing collective oncology knowledge across our network of practices.

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SOURCE Exigent Research Network

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HelloNation Explains Jet Noise on Whidbey Island, WA, Featuring Real Estate Expert Pamela Z Hill

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The article outlines practical ways buyers can evaluate military flight activity before purchasing a home.

WHIDBEY ISLAND, Wash., June 5, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — How can homebuyers determine whether military flight activity will affect their comfort in a new neighborhood? A recent HelloNation article provides the answer, featuring insights from Pamela Z Hill of Whidbey View Homes Inc in Whidbey Island, Washington. The article examines how buyers can evaluate jet noise on Whidbey Island, WA, before making a real estate purchase and why firsthand research is an important part of the decision-making process.

The HelloNation article explains that purchasing a home on Whidbey Island often involves more than comparing square footage, views, or price. Buyers must also consider environmental factors that can affect daily life, including the presence of military aircraft activity associated with Naval Air Station Whidbey Island. Understanding these conditions before making a purchase can help buyers make decisions that better align with their expectations and lifestyle goals.

According to the article, jet noise can vary significantly from one neighborhood to another. Some communities experience only occasional aircraft activity, while others are situated closer to active flight paths or training areas. The article notes that areas near Oak Harbor and Coupeville may experience more noticeable military jet noise during scheduled operations, while other parts of the island remain relatively quiet.

The article emphasizes that buyers should avoid assuming all neighborhoods offer the same experience. Instead, prospective homeowners are encouraged to research individual communities and learn how local conditions may differ. Small changes in location can have a meaningful impact on daily living conditions and overall satisfaction after purchasing a property.

One of the key recommendations discussed in the article is reviewing information available through NAS Whidbey. Public flight schedules, training updates, and community noise resources can help buyers understand when flight training activities typically occur and how frequently they may affect nearby areas. For people relocating from outside Washington, these resources can provide valuable context before beginning a home search.

The article also highlights the importance of visiting a property during active flight training periods. A neighborhood that seems quiet during one visit may sound very different when military aircraft operations are underway. Spending time both inside and outside the property can help buyers gain a more realistic understanding of the environment they may experience after moving in.

Another practical suggestion involves speaking directly with local residents. Neighbors often have firsthand knowledge about military jet noise, seasonal activity patterns, and how weather conditions can influence sound levels. These conversations can provide additional insight that may not be available through online research or property listings.

The article explains that environmental factors deserve the same attention buyers give to property condition, commute times, and local amenities. Because Whidbey Island real estate attracts individuals seeking scenic surroundings, outdoor recreation, and a slower pace of life, understanding how flight activity fits into that lifestyle is an important consideration.

The HelloNation article also notes that personal tolerance for noise varies considerably. Some people quickly adapt to aircraft activity, while others may find it more noticeable over time. This is why firsthand observation remains one of the most effective ways to evaluate whether a property and neighborhood are a good fit.

By taking the time to review NAS Whidbey information, visiting homes during flight training operations, and speaking with local residents, buyers can make more informed decisions during the home-buying process. Careful evaluation helps prospective homeowners better understand what daily life may be like in different neighborhoods and supports greater confidence in their final decision.

Jet Noise on Whidbey Island, WA: How Homebuyers Can Evaluate Before Considering a Property features insights from Pamela Z Hill, Real Estate Expert of Whidbey Island, Washington, 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.

www.hellonation.com

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SOURCE HelloNation

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