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TEN U.S. CITIES JOIN CENTRAL EUROPEAN PRO-DEMOCRACY COALITION

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Alliance for Local Leaders International (ALLIES) Named Strategic Partner

BRATISLAVA, Slovakia, May 11, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The Pact of Free Cities (Pact), a global network of mayors dedicated to defending democratic values, civil rights, rule of law, and quality of life is proud to announce a major expansion. On May 12th, during the Pact’s annual summit, ten American cities will join the alliance which has been consequential in the fight against rising authoritarianism in Europe. With its new members, the Pact furthers the message of democratic solidarity across the Atlantic while adding a powerful bloc of pragmatic U.S. voices to the organization.

As a democracy promotion network, the Pact is committed to regular communication, the exchange of experiences, and the coordination of common positions. Member cities define shared problems, establish task forces to address them, and collaborate on joint letters, declarations, and projects. They also offer one another solidarity and mutual support, particularly those operating under hostile or authoritarian national governments, where cities continue to serve as bastions of freedom and democracy.

To support this historic expansion, the U.S.-based nonprofit Alliance for Local Leaders International (ALLIES) has been officially designated as the Pact’s Strategic Partner. In this advisory role, ALLIES will help facilitate the growth and operations of the Pact, including mayor exchanges and working to bring new cities into the coalition.

On the Front Lines of Democratic Leadership

Founded in 2019 by the mayors of Bratislava, Budapest, Prague, and Warsaw, the Pact of Free Cities was created to counter rising authoritarianism and protect shared democratic values. Member cities demonstrate the powerful role of local government in sustaining democratic culture and putting residents at the heart of politics.

Since then, mayors have time and again shown up as democracy’s front line of defense. Mayor Gergely Karácsony rebranded Budapest’s Pride parade in Hungary as a municipal event, defying a national LGBTQ+ assembly ban imposed by former Prime Minister Viktor Orban, drawing hundreds of thousands in protest of discrimination. Mayor Michelle Wu testified before Congress in defense of Boston’s immigrant communities at a time when few others dared speak out, while Mayor Jacob Frey prohibited city property from being used as ICE staging grounds, establishing support centers for Minneapolis’s immigrant residents.

Consistently ranked the most trusted political leaders in America, the inclusion of these ten U.S. mayors marks a significant milestone in the Pact’s evolution into a global network and sends a strong message of resistance to illiberal democratic trends and the centralization, and in some cases, abuse of power. These cities will now join Los Angeles, which has been a member of the Pact since 2021.

The newly joined U.S. mayors include those from:

Beaverton, ORBoston, MAChicago, ILCincinnati, OHCleveland, OHMontgomery, ALOklahoma City, OKSan Antonio, TXSan Diego, CASeattle, WA

“The addition of these great American cities brings a vital, pragmatic perspective to our shared global challenges” said Ambassador Nina Hachigian, Founder and CEO of ALLIES. “Mayors everywhere are on the front lines of the most pressing issues, from defending democratic institutions at the community level to tackling complex infrastructure needs. Their hands-on experience in delivering tangible results will be an invaluable asset to this coalition.”

About the Pact of Free Cities

Founded by four Eastern European capital cities in 2019– Bratislava, Budapest, Prague and Warsaw–the Pact of Free Cities is a city alliance that includes Amsterdam, Barcelona, Kyiv, London, and Paris, along with some 35 others. It unites mayors from around the world committed to protecting and promoting democratic values, defending civil liberties, combating the climate crisis, protecting vulnerable communities and fostering transparent, inclusive local governance.

About the Alliance for Local Leaders International (ALLIES)

ALLIES is a nonpartisan nonprofit that connects local elected leaders with peers around the world to exchange ideas, solutions, and solidarity. By empowering mayors and governors to work across borders, ALLIES helps local officials tackle shared challenges such as the rise of AI, climate change, and restrictions on city autonomy. As the Strategic Partner for the Pact of Free Cities, ALLIES provides the infrastructure and knowledge needed for local leaders to strengthen democracy on a global scale. Learn more at www.allies.net.

For media enquiries please reach out to the Alliance for Local Leaders International at info@allies.net.

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SOURCE Alliance for Local Leaders International

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LEAP Group Relaunches HumanView, a Growth Intelligence System Built to Explain Why Customers Behave the Way They Do

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6 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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Reimagined from the ground up, HumanView pairs statistical modeling with expert analysts to turn millions of real-world customer signals into business decisions

LOUISVILLE, Ky., Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — LEAP Group today announced the relaunch of HumanView, its growth intelligence service. The new version has been rebuilt from the ground up and now has a dedicated home at leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

HumanView analyzes what customers say and do across social platforms, e-commerce sites, review platforms, search behavior and user-generated content, including signals from Reddit, TikTok, YouTube, Meta, Amazon and Walmart+ that general AI tools cannot always access. Because the data reflects unprompted, real-world behavior, it avoids the response bias built into surveys and focus groups.

The service works in three layers. HumanView captures signals at scale, decodes millions of records through validated statistical models such as regression, correlation and clustering, and then relies on experienced analysts to interpret the patterns. Clients receive clear, human-validated insights instead of another dashboard.

“Machines find the patterns. Humans find the point,” said Alan Gilleo, CEO at LEAP Group. “The first version of HumanView showed us how much customers reveal when nobody is asking them questions. This version is built to explain why they act the way they do, and to put those answers in front of everyone making decisions, from product to service to marketing.”

HumanView focuses on three areas:

Growth Intelligence: customer motivations and how people perceive a brand and its competitors

Market and Category Intelligence: product pain points, service friction, unmet needs and competitive gaps

Audience Intelligence: new segments, positioning opportunities and gaps in the market

Every model is designed and validated by data scientists and benchmarked before it informs a recommendation.

To learn more about HumanView, visit leapgroupnetwork.com/humanview.

About LEAP Group
LEAP Group is a boutique marketing agency holding company with offices in Louisville, Indianapolis, Cincinnati and Chicago. Guided by the belief that brands should “Market Less. Matter More.,” LEAP gives clients access to specialized experts across its entire network. Learn more at leapgroupnetwork.com.

View original content to download multimedia:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/leap-group-relaunches-humanview-a-growth-intelligence-system-built-to-explain-why-customers-behave-the-way-they-do-302918557.html

SOURCE LEAP Group

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STEPHEN A. SMITH ADDRESSES WHITE HOUSE DINNER ATTENDANCE, REAFFIRMS COMMITMENT TO HBCUs AND PROTECTING CORPORATE INVESTMENT IN BLACK EDUCATION

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7 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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NEW YORK, Oct. 23, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — Stephen A. Smith, media mogul, New York Times bestselling author, and proud 1991 graduate of Winston-Salem State University, is addressing the public discussion surrounding his decision to attend a White House dinner with President Donald Trump, emphasizing his commitment to the long-term financial stability of Historically Black Colleges and Universities (HBCUs).

For Smith, the decision was rooted in a commitment to institutions that have educated generations of Black leaders, professionals, entrepreneurs, and public servants.

“I will always advocate for HBCUs and the students whose futures depend on them,” Smith said. “My reason for attending the White House dinner was to discuss the challenges these institutions face in securing long-term funding and to make the case that corporate America must continue to invest in them.”

Smith acknowledged federal support through the FUTURE Act while expressing concern that political tensions surrounding diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) could discourage private companies from supporting HBCUs. He maintains that these institutions deserve sustained corporate partnerships, philanthropic contributions, and public investment.

“If we truly believe in free-market capitalism, businesses should be able to support educational institutions and charitable causes without fear of criticism or repercussions,” Smith said. “HBCUs have made extraordinary contributions to this country. They deserve sustained public and private investment.”

Ashley Christopher, Esq., Founder and CEO of the HBCU Week Foundation, recognized Smith’s advocacy and decision to engage with the administration.

“Stephen A. Smith has been a powerful advocate for HBCUs, using his platform and influence to shine a national spotlight on our institutions,” expressed Christopher, “His continued support of HBCU Week helps advance our mission of connecting students with life-changing educational opportunities, and we are proud to have him as our ambassador.”

Since Smith became an HBCU Week Ambassador in 2019, the initiative has facilitated more than 15,000 on-the-spot college acceptances and raised and awarded more than $150 million in scholarships, according to the HBCU Week Foundation.

As public discussion continues, Smith is emphasizing the importance of ensuring HBCUs have the resources and partnerships needed to educate future generations and expand opportunities for students.

CLICK HERE to watch Smith’s full response to his White House visit.

MEDIA CONTACT:

media@mrsasinc.com

View original content:https://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/stephen-a-smith-addresses-white-house-dinner-attendance-reaffirms-commitment-to-hbcus-and-protecting-corporate-investment-in-black-education-302918547.html

SOURCE Straight Shooter Media

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Advantex Announces Completion of Financing and Extension of Maturity Date of Previously Issued Debentures

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7 hours ago

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October 24, 2026

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TORONTO, Oct. 23, 2026 /CNW/ — Advantex Marketing International Inc. (CSE: ADX) (“Advantex”), a leader in the merchant cash advance and loyalty marketing products for merchants, today announced the completion of a $250,000 secured debt financing. Advantex issued a $250,000 non-convertible debenture which bears an interest rate at 12% per annum and matures December 15, 2027. The proceeds raised from this issuance of the Debenture will be used for working capital purposes.

Advantex has also extended the maturity of its existing $700,000 in 12% secured debentures from October 10, 2026 to December 15, 2027.

About Advantex Marketing International Inc.

Advantex provides working capital to merchants. Advantex also provides specialized marketing programs that enable members of Aeroplan to earn Aeroplan points at participating merchants.

Advantex shares trade on the Canadian Securities Exchange under the symbol ADX. For more information go to Advantex’s profile on www.sedar.com

Forward-Looking Information

This news release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of applicable securities laws relating to the future business and operations of Advantex. Actual results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by these statements. The business and operations of Advantex described herein is dependent on a number of factors and is subject to a number of risks and uncertainties. Factors that could cause actual results to differ material include, but are not limited to, changes in Advantex’s economic and competitive conditions including but not limited to the industry sectors in which Advantex operates.

The statements in this news release are made of the date of this release. Forward-looking statements are made based on management’s beliefs, estimates and opinions on the date the statements are made and Advantex undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements if these beliefs, estimates and opinions or other circumstances should change, except as required by applicable law.

SOURCE Advantex Marketing International Inc.

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