Author: Ravi Shankar

Chief Executive Officer Marc Hertz and Chief Scientific Officer Vipin Kumar to present on translating immune biology and clinical signals into novel therapeutic approaches for IPF

LA JOLLA, CA, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — GRI Bio, Inc. (NASDAQ: GRI) (“GRI Bio” or the “Company”), a biotechnology company developing innovative therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic and autoimmune diseases, today announced that Marc Hertz, Chief Executive Officer, and Vipin Kumar, Chief Scientific Officer, will deliver presentations at the 10th IPF Summit, taking place September 29 through October 1, 2026, in Boston, Massachusetts.

The presentations will explore the role of immune biology in idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (“IPF”), strategies for building predictive preclinical and translational development programs, and insights from Phase 2a development of a novel immune-modulating therapy. The discussions will address how molecular and clinical findings can inform the development of treatments targeting the underlying drivers of fibrosis, reflecting GRI Bio’s focus on advancing GRI-0621, its oral retinoic acid receptor (“RAR”) β/γ-selective agonist being developed for the treatment of IPF.

“The 10th IPF Summit provides an important opportunity to discuss how advances in immune biology and translational research can help shape the next generation of therapies for IPF,” said Marc Hertz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer of GRI Bio. “Our recent Phase 2a findings have provided encouraging insights across lung function, translational biomarkers and tolerability, reinforcing our interest in targeting the underlying biological drivers of this devastating disease. We look forward to sharing perspectives from our development program and engaging with leaders in the field as we continue to advance GRI-0621.”

Details of the presentations are as follows:

Title: From Immune Biology to Early Clinical Signal: Building a Robust Preclinical & Translational Package for Novel IPF Therapies
Presenter: Vipin Kumar, PhD, Chief Scientific Officer
Date and Time: Wednesday, September 30, 2026, at 2:00 PM ET

Title: Insights From Phase 2a Development of a Novel Immune-Modulating Therapy in IPF on Translating Mechanism Into Meaningful Clinical Signals
Presenter: Marc Hertz, PhD, Chief Executive Officer
Date and Time: Thursday, October 1, 2026, at 1:30 PM ET

For more information about the 10th IPF Summit, please visit the conference website.

About GRI Bio, Inc.

GRI Bio is a clinical-stage biopharmaceutical company focused on developing innovative therapies for inflammatory, fibrotic and autoimmune diseases. The Company’s lead program, GRI-0621, is an oral RARβ/γ-selective agonist being developed for the treatment of idiopathic pulmonary fibrosis (IPF), a progressive and life-threatening fibrotic lung disease with significant unmet need. GRI-0621 is designed to modulate pathways associated with inflammation, fibrosis and tissue repair and is being evaluated as a potential novel oral therapeutic for patients with IPF.

In addition to GRI-0621, the Company is also developing a pipeline of novel type 2 diverse NKT (“dNKT”) agonists for the treatment of systemic lupus erythematosus. Additionally, with a library of over 500 proprietary compounds, GRI Bio has the ability to fuel a growing pipeline.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements may be identified by the use of words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “contemplate,” “could,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “seek,” “may,” “might,” “plan,” “potential,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “aim,” “should,” “will,” “would,” or the negative of these words or other similar expressions. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current beliefs and expectations. Forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements regarding: the Company’s expectations with respect to development and commercialization of the Company’s product candidates, the timing of initiation or completion of clinical trials and availability of resulting data, the potential benefits and impact of the Company’s clinical trials and product candidates and any implication that the data or results observed in preclinical trials or earlier studies, topline or interim data or trials will be indicative of results of later studies or clinical trials or final data, the Company’s beliefs and expectations regarding potential shareholder value and future financial performance, the Company’s beliefs about the timing and outcome of regulatory approvals and potential regulatory approval pathways, the Company’s expected future milestones, shareholder value and the length of time the Company’s current resources will fund its planned operations (which current estimate assumes only initial preparatory activities for GRI-0621 as substantial additional capital or resources will be required to fund a Phase 2b clinical trial of GRI-0621). Actual results may differ from the forward-looking statements expressed by the Company in this press release and consequently, you should not rely on these forward-looking statements as predictions of future events. These forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and assumptions that are difficult to predict, including, without limitation risks related to: (1) the Company’s inability to maintain the listing of the Company’s common stock on The Nasdaq Capital Market and to comply with applicable listing requirements; (2) changes in applicable laws or regulations; (3) the inability of the Company to raise financing in the future; (4) the success, cost and timing of the Company’s product development activities; (5) the inability of the Company to obtain and maintain regulatory clearance or approval for its respective products, and any related restrictions and limitations of any cleared or approved product; (6) the inability of the Company to identify, in-license or acquire additional technology; (7) the inability of the Company to compete with other companies currently marketing or engaged in the development of products and services that the Company is currently developing; (8) the accuracy of the estimated size and growth potential of the markets for the Company’s products and services, and its ability to serve those markets, either alone or in partnership with others; (9) that later data or clinical trials may be inconsistent with or contrary to data and observations to date, including that later data may not indicate a patient benefit, modulate toxicities or validate a mechanism of action; (10) inaccuracy in the Company’s estimates regarding expenses, future revenue, capital requirements and needs for and the ability to obtain additional financing; (11) the Company’s ability to protect and enforce its intellectual property portfolio, including any newly issued patents and its ability to obtain any expected patent term extensions, adjustments, exclusivities or disclaimers; and (12) other risks and uncertainties indicated from time to time in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”), including the risks and uncertainties described in the “Risk Factors” section of the Company’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K filed with the SEC on January 30, 2026 and subsequently filed reports. Forward-looking statements contained in this announcement are made as of this date, and the Company undertakes no duty to update such information except as required under applicable law.

Investor Contact:
JTC Team, LLC
Jenene Thomas
(908) 824-0775
GRI@jtcir.com

Nasdaq-listed AI company with robot fleets in eleven U.S. states and Canada hosts CEO fireside chat September 29, with investor meetings through September 30

LAS VEGAS, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — MBody AI Ltd. (“MBody AI” or the “Company”) (NASDAQ: MBAI) today announced that Chief Executive Officer John Fowler will present at the Lytham Partners Fall 2026 Investor Conference, held virtually September 29 and 30.

Mr. Fowler will host a fireside chat on Tuesday, September 29 at 2:30 p.m. ET. Management will hold one-on-one meetings with investors across both days of the conference.

MBody AI enters the conference with autonomous robot fleets operating in eleven U.S. states, up from nine in June 2026, plus a fleet in Canada. The Company’s fleets have serviced approximately 600 million square feet cumulatively. Capital from the Company’s August 2026 public offering is already at work, with the Company planning to deploy larger initial deployments with new customers and expand the fleet size of its existing customers.

The session will cover how the MBody AI Orchestrator^™ software platform deploys and operates autonomous robot fleets for hospitality and gaming operators under long-term subscription agreements, the recurring-revenue model behind those agreements, and the Company’s pipeline. The Orchestrator now has the capability to manage robot fleets from multiple manufacturers under a single system at customer sites.

MBody AI is extending its platform outdoors through a Fortune 500 gaming operator and has identified healthcare, retail, commercial real estate and data center operations as planned sectors beyond its core hospitality and gaming markets.

“With Orchestrator, every new deployment, every new site and every new task generates more operating data to improve the system,” said John Fowler, Chief Executive Officer of MBody AI. “That is the AI-enabled software business underneath the robots, and it is designed so each deployment strengthens the next. At Lytham, I’ll walk investors through how that model scales as we add sites, states, and sectors.”

Company Webcast

The fireside chat webcast will take place at 2:30 p.m. ET on Tuesday, September 29, 2026. The webcast can be accessed at the conference website, https://lythampartners.com/fall2026/, or directly at https://app.webinar.net/1wDjNEWZ6Jo. A replay will be available following the event.

One-on-One Meetings

Management will participate in virtual one-on-one meetings throughout the event. To arrange a meeting, contact Lytham Partners at 1×1@lythampartners.com or register for the event at https://lythampartners.com/fall2026invreg/.

Learn more about MBody AI’s growth trajectory at ir.mbody.ai  

About MBody AI Ltd.

MBody AI Ltd. (NASDAQ: MBAI) develops enterprise software that deploys and manages autonomous robot workforces for hospitality and gaming operators. The Company’s proprietary MBody AI Orchestrator is a hardware-agnostic software platform that manages diverse robot fleets from multiple vendors across sites and use cases under long-term agreements. MBody AI counts Fortune 500 operators among its customers.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release and the related fireside chat presentation contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements include statements made in graphics, images, headlines, and other visual elements of this release. All statements other than statements of historical fact are forward-looking statements, which include, among others, statements regarding the Company’s participation in the Lytham Partners Fall 2026 Investor Conference and the occurrence and timing of the scheduled fireside chat, webcast, and investor meetings; the Company’s use of the proceeds of its August 2026 public offering, including to fund additional robot deployments; the expected performance, functionality, and capabilities of the MBody AI Orchestrator platform, including the continued rollout of multi-brand fleet control capability across customer sites; the Company’s expectation that operational data generated by its deployments will refine its models and improve platform performance over time; the Company’s deployment pipeline, customer expansion, geographic expansion, and commercial scaling, including its ability to convert pilot deployments, including its outdoor pilot, into contracted, recurring revenue; the Company’s planned expansion into additional sectors, including healthcare, retail, and data center operations; the anticipated growth of the embodied AI market; the Company’s ability to maintain continued compliance with Nasdaq listing requirements; the Company’s continued qualification as a foreign private issuer; the convening and outcome of the Company’s annual general meeting, including approval of an increase in authorized share capital and the related amendment to the Company’s articles; and the timing and effectiveness of, and the Company’s ability to access the public capital markets under, its registration statement on Form F-3, including under the baby shelf instructions. These forward-looking statements are based on the Company’s current intentions, beliefs, and expectations regarding future events. Actual results may differ materially due to risks and uncertainties including, but not limited to, the risk that the conference, the webcast, or the scheduled meetings do not occur as scheduled; the risk that the Company applies the proceeds of its August 2026 offering differently than currently intended, or that additional deployments are delayed, reduced, or do not generate the expected revenue; the risk that the multi-brand fleet control capability does not perform as designed in commercial deployment or is not adopted across additional customer sites on the anticipated timeline or at all; the risk that the platform does not perform as designed or that operational data does not yield the expected improvements; customer concentration risk, including the Company’s substantial dependence on a limited number of enterprise customers; the Company’s ability to convert pilot deployments, including its outdoor pilot, into contracted revenue; the risk that the Company does not expand into additional sites, states, or the planned sectors described above on the anticipated timeline or at all; the risk that the Company fails to satisfy Nasdaq continued listing standards, including the minimum bid price and shareholders’ equity requirements; the risk that the Company ceases to qualify as a foreign private issuer and becomes subject to domestic reporting requirements; the risk that shareholders do not approve the proposals presented at the annual general meeting or that the related charter amendment is delayed; the Company’s ability to satisfy the eligibility requirements for Form F-3 and limitations on the amount of securities that may be sold thereunder; the Company’s need for additional capital and the dilutive effect of any financing; market conditions; and other factors described in the Company’s filings with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company undertakes no obligation to update forward-looking statements except as required by law.

Quick Facts

Issuer	MBody AI Ltd. (NASDAQ: MBAI)
Exchange	The Nasdaq Capital Market
SEC classification	Services-Computer Integrated Systems Design
CUSIP	M6S83C106
Announcement	MBody AI CEO John Fowler will present at the Lytham Partners Fall 2026 Investor Conference Fireside chat: Tuesday, September 29, 2026 at 2:30 p.m. ET
One-on-one meetings	September 29-30, 2026
Webcast	https://app.webinar.net/1wDjNEWZ6Jo

Investor Relations: Lytham Partners, LLC | 602-889-9700 | ir@mbody.ai

Media Contact: Core IR | ir@mbody.ai

A photo accompanying this announcement is available at https://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/3da20d15-6dc2-42a3-ac2c-6f4f9b791446

BOISE, Idaho, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Idaho Copper Corporation (NYSE American: COPR) (“Idaho Copper” or the “Company”), a critical minerals developer advancing the flagship CuMo copper-molybdenum-silver project in Idaho, today announced that Chief Executive Officer Andrew Brodkey and Executive Chairman Robert Scannell will present at Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference, taking place October 1-2, 2026.

Messrs. Brodkey and Scannell will deliver a corporate presentation and host virtual one-on-one meetings with institutional investors throughout the duration of the event. Details of Idaho Copper’s participation are as follows:

Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference
Conference Dates: October 2, 2026
Location: Virtual
Format: Presentation & 1×1 Meetings
Presentation Date: Friday, October 2, 2026
Presentation Time: 9:30 a.m. Eastern Time
Webcast: https://channelchek.cc/4xnZm1S

Andrew Brodkey, Chief Executive Officer of Idaho Copper, commented, “Noble’s Emerging Growth Conference should give us direct access to the institutional investors and analysts following the critical minerals sector, and it comes at an important moment for Idaho Copper. Following our uplisting to the NYSE American and the strengthening of our balance sheet, our focus is on advancing the CuMo project – one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the U.S. and what management believes is among the largest undeveloped primary molybdenum deposits in the world. We look forward to sharing our story with a broader investor audience and outlining the milestones ahead.”

About Idaho Copper Corp.

Idaho Copper Corporation (NYSE American: COPR) is a critical minerals developer focused on exploring and developing the CuMo copper-molybdenum-silver-tungsten-rhenium project located in Boise County, Idaho. The CuMo project is one of the largest undeveloped copper deposits in the U.S., and what management believes is among the largest undeveloped molybdenum deposit in the world, which also contains significant amounts of silver, rhenium, and tungsten — all considered critical or of strategic importance. The project comprises approximately 2,640 acres and consists of 126 federal unpatented lode mining claims and 6 patented mining claims. To learn more, please visit www.idaho-copper.com.

Safe Harbor Statement

With the exception of historical information contained in this press release, content herein may contain “forward-looking statements” that are made pursuant to the Safe Harbor Provisions of the U.S. Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Forward-looking statements are generally identified by using words such as “anticipate,” “believe,” “plan,” “expect,” “intend,” “will,” and similar expressions, but these words are not the exclusive means of identifying forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include statements regarding Idaho Copper’s participation in Noble Capital Markets’ Emerging Growth Virtual Equity Conference and statements relating to expected developments and growth in Idaho Copper’s business. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and are subject to uncertainty and changes in circumstances. Investors are cautioned that forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from the statements made. In addition, this press release contains time-sensitive information that reflects management’s best analysis only as of the date of this press release. Idaho Copper does not undertake any obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements to reflect future events, information or circumstances that arise after the date of this release. Further information concerning issues that could materially affect financial performance or other forward-looking statements contained in this release can be found in Idaho Copper’s periodic filings with the SEC.

Investor Relations Contact
Lucas A. Zimmerman
Managing Director
MZ Group – MZ North America
(262) 357-2918
COPR@mzgroup.us
www.mzgroup.us

HARRISBURG, Pa., Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Orrstown Bank is proud to announce the launch of its newly redesigned website, Orrstown.com, a significant investment in client experience designed to make it easier for clients to access information, explore financial solutions, and connect with the bank’s products, services, and people.

The redesigned website creates a more intuitive, accessible, and user-friendly online experience. Developed with direct input from clients and employees, the new site includes the following key enhancements:

• Simplified website navigation
• Improved search functionality
• Enhanced mobile and tablet experience
• Easier access to branch locations and contact information
• Expanded financial education and resource content
• Streamlined access to personal, business, and wealth management solutions

“At Orrstown Bank, we’re always looking for ways to better serve our clients and communities,” said Adam Metz, President and Chief Executive Officer of Orrstown Bank. “The new Orrstown.com is more than a website redesign. It’s an investment in the client experience and another example of how we’re listening to feedback, responding to client needs, and making it easier for our communities to engage with our bank whenever and wherever it’s most convenient for them.”

While the public website has been redesigned, Orrstown Bank’s Online Banking platform remains unchanged. Clients can continue using their existing login credentials, account access features, Bill Pay services, and mobile banking applications exactly as they do today.

Clients are encouraged to visit the new website and explore its enhanced features at www.orrstown.com.

About Orrstown

With $5.6 billion in assets, Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Orrstown Bank, provide a wide range of consumer and business financial services in Berks, Cumberland, Dauphin, Franklin, Lancaster, Perry and York Counties, Pennsylvania and Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Harford, Howard, and Washington Counties, Maryland, as well as Baltimore City, Maryland. The Company’s lending area also includes counties in Pennsylvania, Maryland, Delaware, Virginia and West Virginia within a 75-mile radius of the Company’s executive and administrative offices as well as the District of Columbia. Orrstown Bank is an Equal Housing Lender and its deposits are insured up to the legal maximum by the FDIC. Orrstown Financial Services, Inc.’s common stock is traded on Nasdaq (ORRF). For more information about Orrstown Financial Services, Inc. and Orrstown Bank, visit www.orrstown.com.

For media inquiries or further information, please contact:
John Moss
SVP, Director of Marketing and Client Experience
717-747-1520
jmoss@orrstown.com

Agreement Provides an Exclusive 12-Month period to acquire Majority Ownership of the Remington Firearms Business

Boca Raton, FL, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Powell Max Limited (Nasdaq: PMAX) (“Powell Max” or the “Company”), today announced that it has signed a share exchange agreement with Blackrod Holdings, LLC, the parent company of Remington Firearms. The agreement marks a significant step in PMAX’s strategy to expand into new markets and pursue opportunities for growth.

In connection with the transaction, PMAX has initially acquired a minority stake in Blackrod and the agreement establishes an exclusivity period to pursue a larger business combination. The parties intend to negotiate a definitive agreement under which PMAX would acquire the remaining ownership interests in Blackrod.

“Remington is one of the most recognizable names in the firearms industry, with a legacy that resonates with generations of customers,” said Geordan Pursglove, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of PMAX. “This agreement reflects our commitment to pursuing transactions that we believe will create long-term shareholder value. We see tremendous potential in the combination of Remington’s brand recognition, experienced management team and rich history, and we are excited to be part of the business’s next phase of growth. We look forward to working closely with Blackrod’s team during the exclusivity period to continue due diligence and negotiate the larger transaction that we believe will benefit both companies and their shareholders. We are excited by what this opportunity could mean for PMAX’s future.”

“We’re very pleased to be working with PMAX and excited about the opportunities ahead,” said Todd McCoig, President of Remington Firearms. “The Remington brand has a proud history and an enduring connection with generations of customers, and we believe this relationship can help position the company for continued growth and long-term success.”

Both parties have agreed to negotiate in good faith toward a definitive agreement for PMAX to acquire the remaining ownership interests in Blackrod. The parties are working together toward that goal and are enthusiastic about the opportunity ahead. While completion of a larger transaction is subject to further negotiation and cannot be assured, this signed agreement provides an exclusive period for the parties to pursue it. Blackrod and its members are restricted from soliciting or negotiating competing acquisition proposals for the 12 months after this initial closing, unless the agreement is terminated earlier. PMAX looks forward to sharing updates as the parties make progress.

About Powell Max Limited

Powell Max Limited is a financial communications services provider headquartered in Hong Kong. The Company maintains a U.S. subsidiary incorporated in Delaware, with corporate staff located in Boca Raton, Florida. The Company engages in the provision of financial communications services that support capital market compliance and transaction needs for corporate clients and their advisors in Hong Kong. Its financial communications services cover a full range of financial printing, corporate reporting, communications and language support services from inception to completion, including typesetting, proofreading, translation, design, printing, electronic reporting, newspaper placement and distribution. The Company’s clients consist of domestic and international companies listed in Hong Kong, together with companies who are seeking to list in Hong Kong, as well as their advisors.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains certain forward-looking statements, including statements with regard to the Company’s proposed acquisition of Blackrod Holdings, LLC, the expected timing and completion of due diligence and the definitive agreement, the anticipated working capital funding, the availability of financing, and the expected benefits of the transaction. Words such as “will,” “future,” “expects,” “believes,” and “intends,” or similar expressions, are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to inherent uncertainties in predicting future results and conditions. Actual results could differ materially from those described in these forward-looking statements due to certain risk factors detailed in the Company’s filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). You are urged to carefully review and consider any cautionary statements and other disclosures, including the statements made under the heading “Risk Factors” in our most recent annual report on Form 20-F and other reports and documents that we file from time to time with the SEC. The Company undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by law.

Investors Contact:

IR@PMAXltd.com

Five bundles bring together essential Fluke tools around real-world workflows, giving students, recent grads and apprentices a clear path from foundational safety checks to advanced diagnostics

Everett, Washington, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — The challenge to find skilled electricians is increasing as electrification, infrastructure upgrades and new technologies drive demand. Highlighting this issue, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects more than 72,000 electrician openings each year through 2035*, highlighting the need to prepare the next generation for the trade. For students, apprentices and early-career electricians entering the trade, having the right tools to build hands-on skills and confidence is becoming increasingly important.

Fluke is addressing that need by today announcing five new electrical testing bundles designed specifically for the next generation of electricians. The bundles bring together trusted Fluke instruments for the real-world tasks electricians encounter as they build their skills and advance in their careers. These range from basic safety checks and outlet testing to troubleshooting circuits, measuring loads and diagnosing more complex electrical systems.

Instead of making new electricians piece together the tools they need, the Fluke electrical testing bundles provide a practical starting point based on where they are in their careers. Each bundle is designed to help them make accurate measurements with confidence from the start, while building a tool set they can continue to rely on as their careers progress.

“The future of the electrical trade will be shaped by the people entering it today,” said Vineet Thuvara, Chief Product Officer at Fluke. “As the industry evolves, electricians are being asked to work with more sophisticated systems and technologies than ever before. We have an opportunity to give the next generation more than a set of tools. By providing students with a connected ecosystem and seamless workflows across the instruments they use, we can give them the confidence to approach the job, solve problems and keep learning as the technology around them evolves. By putting the right instruments and connected solutions in their hands from the start, we can help build the skills and mindset that will carry the trade forward for years to come.”

Built around how electricians learn and work
The five bundles are designed to reflect the progression from foundational skills to more advanced troubleshooting:

• Student Essential Kit — Combines the Fluke 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester and ST120+ GFCI Socket Tester with Beeper for fundamental safety checks and outlet verification.
• Student Troubleshooting Kit — Features the Fluke 302+ Clamp Meter, 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester, ST120+ GFCI Socket Tester, and TL75 Test Lead Set, providing students and early-career technicians with essential tools for voltage detection, outlet checks, current measurements, and basic electrical troubleshooting.

• Apprentice Diagnostic Kit — Expands beyond the basic safety checks provided by the 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester and ST120+ GFCI Socket Tester, adding the Fluke 106 Digital Multimeter for AC/DC voltage measurements, continuity, resistance, and more advanced troubleshooting.
• Apprentice Dual-Meter Kit — Combines the 302+ Clamp Meter, 106 Digital Multimeter, and 1AC II Non-Contact Voltage Tester to provide flexibility for voltage detection, installation checks, load measurements, and troubleshooting across commercial and industrial applications.
• Journeyman Diagnostic Kit — Brings together the 302+ Clamp Meter and 17B+ Digital Multimeter, plus a K-Type Thermocouple, for more advanced electrical and temperature diagnostics.

Developed with input from students and apprentices, each bundle is built around the real-world applications electricians encounter as they progress through the trade. The progression moves from live/dead verification and GFCI testing to current measurement, AC/DC diagnostics, and temperature evaluation. By focusing on the tools they need for these specific tasks, the bundles provide a practical set of instruments electricians can put to use, rather than a collection of tools that may sit unused.

A stronger starting point for the skilled trades
Early-career electricians encounter a wide range of systems as they develop their skills, from receptacles and lighting to motor loads, HVAC equipment, panelboards and basic low-voltage wiring. Reliable measurement is fundamental across each of these applications, and developing sound testing habits early can help prepare electricians for increasingly complex work.

The bundles also give educators, training programs and employers a more straightforward way to identify core equipment for students and apprentices at different stages of development. As electricians progress, the tools provide a foundation for expanding into more advanced measurement and diagnostic capabilities.

To explore Fluke’s early-in-career electrical testing bundles and find the right starting point for students, apprentices and developing electricians, visit Fluke Electrical Testing Bundles.

About Fluke
Founded in 1948, Fluke Corporation is the world leader in compact, professional electronic test tools and software for measuring and condition monitoring. Fluke customers are technicians, engineers, electricians, maintenance managers, and metrologists who install, troubleshoot, and maintain industrial, electrical, and electronic equipment and calibration processes. Fluke is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. For more information, visit the Fluke website.

# # #
*U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

FLUKE is a registered trademark of Fluke Corporation. For more information, visit the Fluke website.

Q: What are the new Fluke electrical testing bundles?
A: The five bundles bring together essential Fluke tools around the real-world tasks electricians perform as they build their skills. They range from foundational safety and outlet testing for students to more advanced measurement and diagnostics for apprentices and journeyman electricians.

Q: What issue are these bundles designed to address?
A: Getting started in the electrical trade can be overwhelming, particularly when it comes to knowing which tools you need. These bundles take the guesswork out of building a tool set by pairing the right instruments with the skills electricians are developing at different stages of their careers.

Q: What is the benefit for students and apprentices?
A: The bundles give students and apprentices professional-grade tools they can learn with from the start, while making it easier to build their toolbox. Bundled kits offer 10% savings, and eligible students, recent graduates, and apprentices can receive an additional 25% off select Fluke instruments through the Fluke Education Partnership Program. This gives early-career electricians a more accessible way to invest in tools they can learn with now and rely on throughout their careers.

Attachments

• Student Troubleshooting Kit
• Journeyman Diagnostic Kit

CONTACT: Dave Smith
Fluke Corporation
dave.smith@fluke.com

Company Reaffirms Fiscal Year 2026 Guidance

CARLSBAD, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Carlsmed, Inc. (Nasdaq: CARL) (“Carlsmed” or the “Company”), a medical technology company pioneering AI-enabled personalized spine surgery solutions, today announced that Richard Heppenstall has been appointed Chief Financial Officer, effective immediately. Mr. Heppenstall succeeds Leo Greenstein, who has served as CFO since 2023 and will be leaving Carlsmed to pursue other professional interests.

“We are excited to welcome Rich to Carlsmed at a pivotal point for the Company,” said Mike Cordonnier, Chairman and CEO. “He is a proven leader with the deep Orthopedic and Tech expertise crucial to driving our strategy, and his deep financial and operational experience will be invaluable as we build upon our momentum, scale the organization, and execute against the substantial opportunity in front of us. With the new aprevo^® Lumbar spinal fusion procedure CMS reimbursement going into effect on October 1, and the upcoming launches of the aprevo^® Lumbar Bi-lateral procedure and corra™ cervical procedure, we believe we are well positioned for this next phase of execution.”

Mr. Heppenstall is an accomplished financial, strategic, and operational leader bringing nearly 30 years of experience across healthcare, life sciences, and technology. He previously served as the Executive Vice President, Chief Financial Officer and Treasurer of ZimVie Inc. from September 2021 until its acquisition by ArchiMed SAS in October 2025. Prior to ZimVie, Inc., Mr. Heppenstall served as CFO of Breg, Inc. from April 2019 to September 2021. Prior to joining Breg, Inc., he served as Senior Vice President, Finance and Treasury of Orthofix Medical Inc. from May 2015 to April 2019 and previously in senior finance and business leadership positions with Solera Holdings, Flowserve Corporation, and CooperVision. Mr. Heppenstall holds an MBA from Santa Clara University Leavey School of Business and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from University of California Irvine.

“I look forward to partnering with Mike, our executive team, and the finance organization to build on Carlsmed’s strong foundation and support disciplined execution,” said Mr. Heppenstall. “With compelling clinical outcomes data, strengthening reimbursement, and a proprietary, patient-centric innovation platform, I’m excited to help advance our vision of making personalized surgery at scale the standard of care for spine surgery.”

“On behalf of the Board and the entire Carlsmed team, I want to express my sincere gratitude to Leo for his leadership as CFO for the prior three years,” said Mr. Cordonnier. “His disciplined financial management, stewardship through our IPO process, and dedication to strengthening our finance function have positioned Carlsmed for continued success. We wish him all the best.”

Reaffirming Full Year 2026 Financial Outlook

The Company is reaffirming its full-year revenue guidance of $74 to $78 million, representing 50% growth over 2025 at the midpoint.

About Carlsmed

Carlsmed is a medical technology company pioneering AI-enabled personalized spine surgery solutions with a mission to improve outcomes and decrease the cost of healthcare for spine surgery and beyond.

Forward Looking Statements

Any statements in this press release about future expectations, plans and prospects, including statements about Carlsmed’s ability to execute on its strategic priorities and increase adoption of its product offerings, Carlsmed’s ability to scale, Carlsmed’s growth prospects, the impact of CMS’s reimbursement policy on Carlsmed’s business, the timing of Carlsmed’s expected product launches, the revenue ranges presented in our fiscal year 2026 guidance provided on August 5, 2026 and reaffirmed herein and other statements containing the words “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” “expect,” “intend,” “may,” “plan,” “predict,” “project,” “target,” “potential,” “likely,” “will,” “would,” “could,” “should,” “continue,” and similar expressions, constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors, including such important factors as are set forth under the caption “Risk Factors” in Carlsmed’s Annual Report on Form 10-K on file with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent Carlsmed’s views as of the date of this press release. Carlsmed anticipates that subsequent events and developments will cause its views to change. However, while Carlsmed may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, it specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing Carlsmed’s views as of any date subsequent to the date of this press release.

Investor Relations
Stephanie Zhadkevich
Vice President, Head of Investor Relations
IR@Carlsmed.com

Media
LeAnn Burton
Senior Director, Brand Marketing
Marketing@Carlsmed.com

ATLANTA, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — DLH Holdings Corp. (NASDAQ: DLHC) (“DLH” or the “Company”), a leading provider of digital, engineering, and scientific solutions for health and defense missions, today announced that it has been awarded a task order valued at up to $19.1 million to provide risk management framework (“RMF”) and cybersecurity operations support services to the National Institutes of Health (“NIH”) Center for Information Technology (“CIT”). CIT provides the NIH community with a secure and reliable IT infrastructure in support of its mission-critical research activities.

This task order is new work to DLH, and has a potential value of $19.1 million inclusive of all option periods. The base period and multiple options aggregate to a three-year period of performance. DLH joined with other leading technology services providers to form a well-positioned delivery team.

Under the task order, DLH will provide integrated cybersecurity services across NIH’s enterprise environment, including security assessment and authorization, vulnerability management, incident response, cloud security, security architecture, privacy, compliance, training, and program management. The work will support compliance with federal cybersecurity requirements and advance NIH priorities related to zero trust, cloud modernization, automation, and the responsible use of artificial intelligence.

“This award expands DLH’s support for NIH as the organization strengthens resilience, reduces operational risk, and maintains mission continuity in an evolving cyber landscape,” said DLH President and CEO Kathryn JohnBull. “This award aligns with our strategy to grow technology-powered solutions in core markets.”

About DLH

DLH (NASDAQ: DLHC) enhances technology, public health, and cyber security readiness missions through science, technology, cyber, and engineering solutions and services. Our experts solve some of the most complex and critical missions faced by federal customers, leveraging digital transformation, artificial intelligence, advanced analytics, cloud-based applications, telehealth systems, and more. With a world-class workforce dedicated to the idea that “Your Mission is Our Passion,” DLH brings a unique combination of government sector experience, proven methodology, and unwavering commitment to innovative solutions to improve the lives of millions. For more information, visit www.DLHcorp.com.

Contact Information:

Investor Relations
investorrelations@dlhcorp.com

Media
communications@dlhcorp.com

Safe Harbor Statement under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995:

This press release may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements relate to future events or DLH`s future financial performance. Any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances or that are not statements of historical fact (including without limitation statements to the effect that the Company or its management “believes”, “expects”, “anticipates”, “plans”, “intends” and similar expressions) should be considered forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or DLH’s actual results to differ materially from those indicated by the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements in this release include, among others, statements regarding expected contract performance, future task order value, and anticipated operational benefits. These statements reflect our belief and assumptions as to future events that may not prove to be accurate. Our actual results may differ materially from such forward-looking statements due to a variety of factors, including: the failure to achieve the anticipated benefits of any future acquisition (including anticipated future financial operating performance and results); the inability to retain employees and customers; contract awards in connection with re-competes for present business and/or competition for new business; our ability to manage our debt obligations; compliance with bank financial and other covenants; changes in client budgetary priorities; government contract procurement (such as bid and award protests, small business set asides, loss of work due to organizational conflicts of interest, etc.) and termination risks; significant delays or reductions in appropriations for our programs and broader changes in U.S. government funding and spending patterns; legislation that amends or changes discretionary spending levels or budget priorities; legal, regulatory, and political changes from the federal government that could result in economic uncertainty; the impact of inflation and higher interest rates; and other risks described in our SEC filings. For a discussion of such risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements, see “Risk Factors” in the Company’s periodic reports filed with the SEC, including our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended September 30, 2025, as well as interim quarterly filings thereafter. The forward-looking statements contained herein are not historical facts, but rather are based on current expectations, estimates, assumptions and projections about our industry and business. Such forward-looking statements are made as of the date hereof and may become outdated over time. The Company does not assume any responsibility for updating forward-looking statements.

SEATTLE and VANCOUVER, British Columbia, Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: ACHV), a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline as a treatment for nicotine dependence, today announced that new data evaluating the efficacy of 52 weeks of cytisinicline treatment for cigarette smoking and e-cigarette cessation will be presented at CHEST 2026, held October 18-21 in Phoenix, Arizona.

CHEST 2026 Presentation Details

• Presentation Title: Efficacy of 52-Week Cytisinicline Treatment for Cigarette Smoking and E-Cigarette Cessation: The Open-Label ORCA-OL Trial
• Session: Top Late-Breaking Abstracts: New Trial Data from Bench to Bronchoscope
• Date/Time: Tuesday, October 20, 2026, 2:09–2:13 p.m. MST
• Presenter: Mark Rubinstein, MD, Chief Medical Officer, Achieve Life Sciences
• Authors: Judith J. Prochaska, PhD, MPH, Stanford University; Neal L. Benowitz, MD, University of California, San Francisco; Dorothy K. Hatsukami, PhD, Masonic Cancer Center, University of Minnesota; Matthew E. Linley-Adams, Achieve Life Sciences; Mark L. Rubinstein, MD, Achieve Life Sciences; Nancy A. Rigotti, MD, Harvard Medical School

The presentation will feature results from ORCA-OL, an open-label study that enrolled 475 adults who previously participated in the ORCA-2, ORCA-3 or ORCA-V1 trials and were actively smoking cigarettes and/or vaping daily. Participants received cytisinicline 3 mg three times daily for 52 weeks with behavioral support. The analysis evaluated abstinence throughout the 52-week treatment period, including biochemically verified four-week sustained abstinence and seven-day point prevalence abstinence.

For more information about the conference, visit https://www.chestnet.org/learning-and-events/events/chest-annual-meeting.

About Cytisinicline
There are approximately 25 million adults in the United States who smoke combustible cigarettes.¹ Tobacco use is currently the leading cause of preventable death, responsible for more than seven million deaths worldwide and nearly half a million deaths in the United States annually.²,³

In addition, there are nearly 18 million adults in the United States who use e-cigarettes, also known as vaping.¹ In 2025, approximately 1.4 million middle and high school students in the United States reported using e-cigarettes.⁴ There are no FDA-approved treatments indicated specifically as an aid to nicotine e-cigarette cessation. FDA has awarded Achieve the Commissioner’s National Priority Voucher for e-cigarette or vaping cessation and granted Breakthrough Therapy designation to address this critical need.

Cytisinicline is a plant-based alkaloid with a high binding affinity to the nicotinic acetylcholine receptor. It is believed to aid in treating nicotine dependence for smoking and e-cigarette cessation by interacting with nicotine receptors in the brain, reducing the severity of nicotine craving symptoms, and reducing the reward and satisfaction associated with nicotine products.

About Achieve Life Sciences, Inc.
Achieve Life Sciences, Inc. is a late-stage specialty pharmaceutical company focused on the global development and commercialization of cytisinicline as a treatment of nicotine dependence. Achieve’s New Drug Application (NDA) for cytisinicline for smoking cessation in adults is supported by two successfully completed Phase 3 studies and an open-label long-term safety study. Achieve has also completed a Phase 2 study of cytisinicline in nicotine e-cigarette cessation, conducted an end-of-Phase 2 meeting with the FDA, and has received Breakthrough Therapy designation for the vaping cessation indication.

Forward Looking Statements
This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the “safe harbor” provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. All statements other than statements of historical fact are statements that could be deemed forward-looking statements, including, without limitation, statements regarding the potential benefits of cytisinicline, the potential market for cytisinicline, and the Company’s commercialization plans and readiness. Achieve may not achieve its plans, projections, or other expectations and may not be able to successfully complete its NDA resubmission or obtain regulatory approval for cytisinicline on the anticipated timeline or at all. These statements are based on management’s current expectations and beliefs and are subject to risks, uncertainties, and assumptions that could cause actual results to differ materially from those described in the forward-looking statements, including those detailed in Achieve’s most recent Annual Report on Form 10-K and subsequent Quarterly Reports on Form 10-Q filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. Achieve undertakes no obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events, or otherwise, except as required by applicable law.

Achieve Contact
Investor Relations
Nicole Jones
ir@achievelifesciences.com
425-686-1510

References
¹Agaku I. Tobacco Product Use among U.S. Adults, 2023–2024, NEJM Evidence, doi: 10.1056/EVIDpha2500339.
²World Health Organization. WHO Report on the Global Tobacco Epidemic, 2025. Geneva: World Health Organization; 2025.
³U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The Health Consequences of Smoking, 50 Years of Progress. A Report of the Surgeon General. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, National Center for Chronic Disease Prevention and Health Promotion, Office on Smoking and Health; 2014.
⁴Eunice Park-Lee, Lauren M Dutra, Hannah Cowan, et al. Tobacco Product Use Among Middle and High School Students in the United States: National Youth Tobacco Survey, 2025, Nicotine & Tobacco Research, 2026; ntag116, doi.org/10.1093/ntr/ntag116.

Proposed Acquisition Would Mark ECGI’s Entry into the $5.3 Trillion U.S. Healthcare Industry with an Experienced Operating Team Across Medicare Advantage, Healthcare Services, Insurance Administration and AI-Enabled Health Technology

ORANGE, Calif., Sept. 28, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — via IBN — ECGI Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ECGI) (“ECGI” or the “Company”) today announced that it has entered into a non-binding letter of intent to acquire Avanta Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries (collectively, “Avanta”). The proposed transaction represents a pivotal step in ECGI’s strategy to build a diversified healthcare platform spanning a developing Medicare Advantage health plan, healthcare management services, health technology, consumer health and supporting real estate infrastructure.

The proposed acquisition remains subject to due diligence, negotiation and execution of definitive agreements, required corporate and regulatory approvals, and customary closing conditions. Avanta Health Plan, Inc. is in development and will require applicable approvals and licenses, including from the California Department of Managed Health Care and the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, before it may operate or enroll members.

Proposed Transaction Structure

Under the letter of intent, ECGI would acquire Avanta Group, Inc. and its subsidiaries for up to 15,600,000 shares of newly designated Series V Preferred Stock. Twenty percent of the consideration would vest upon execution of a definitive agreement and be issued only at closing. The remaining 80% would vest in four equal tranches upon achievement of recurring revenue milestones of $100 million, $200 million, $300 million and $400 million, with any unvested shares contemplated to vest automatically on the fifth anniversary of closing. Each vested and issued Series V share would be convertible into 1,000 shares of ECGI common stock, subject to the definitive agreements, the Certificate of Designation and applicable law. ECGI would designate the new Series V Preferred Stock, with its additional terms to be disclosed in the definitive transaction documents and applicable public filings.

The parties are proceeding with due diligence and negotiation of definitive transaction documents. There can be no assurance that a definitive agreement will be reached, that regulatory or other approvals will be obtained, or that the proposed acquisition will be completed on the contemplated terms or at all.

“This is a pivotal moment for ECGI,” said Jamie Steigerwald, President of ECGI Holdings. “The Avanta platform is designed to connect the core functions that increasingly shape healthcare performance: insurance, administration, technology, member engagement and the infrastructure required to support delivery. We believe that combination can give ECGI a scalable foundation for growth while keeping the member experience and responsible use of data at the center of the strategy.”

Steigerwald continued, “Healthcare is one of the largest and most consequential sectors of the U.S. economy. Our objective is not simply to participate in that market, but to build an integrated platform capable of using automation and artificial intelligence to improve navigation, identify opportunities for earlier intervention, streamline administrative workflows and support more informed decision-making. We intend to pursue that opportunity with disciplined execution, strong governance and appropriate privacy, cybersecurity, clinical and regulatory controls.”

“We are excited to embark on this venture together with ECGI at such an important stage in Avanta’s development,” said Chi Luong, Chair of the Board of Avanta Group, Inc. “ECGI shares our vision of building a connected healthcare platform that combines insurance, operating expertise and technology to improve how members access and experience care. We believe this transaction can provide the strategic foundation and public-market platform needed to advance that vision, expand our capabilities and create meaningful long-term value for patients, partners and shareholders.”

The $5.3 Trillion United States Healthcare Market

The proposed transaction would position ECGI within a large healthcare market supported by long-term demographic demand. According to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS), U.S. national health expenditures grew 7.2% to $5.3 trillion in 2024, representing 18.0% of gross domestic product. Medicare spending accounted for approximately $1.12 trillion of that total, while private health insurance spending reached approximately $1.64 trillion. CMS projects that Medicare spending will grow by an average of 7.7% annually from 2025 through 2034, faster than other major sources of healthcare funding.

The Medicare Advantage Market

Medicare Advantage is a substantial part of the broader healthcare market. In February 2026, approximately 35.5 million people were enrolled in Medicare Advantage plans, representing 55% of beneficiaries eligible to enroll. CMS also projected that its final 2026 payment policies would increase payments to Medicare Advantage plans by 5.06%, or more than $25 billion, compared with 2025.

ECGI believes the scale of Medicare Advantage, combined with advances in AI-enabled health technology, presents opportunities to improve member engagement, care navigation, risk identification and administrative efficiency. These remain strategic objectives. Their development and deployment will depend on regulatory requirements, data availability, validation and operational readiness.

The Proposed Avanta Platform

• Avanta Health Plan, Inc.: a developing Medicare Advantage, Commercial, and Individual health-plan insurance entity, subject to all required licenses and approvals.
• Avanta MSO, LLC: a management-services organization intended to support healthcare administration and operations within Avanta’s medical network, directly implementing Avanta Tech and Avanta Health Plan’s innovations at the clinical level.
• Avanta Tech, Inc.: a health-technology business expected to support data, automation and AI-enabled capabilities.
• Avanta Mart, LLC: a consumer-health and wellness channel intended to deepen member and community engagement.
• Avanta Properties City Parkway, LLC: a real-estate entity intended to support healthcare-related infrastructure.

If completed, ECGI expects the transaction to create a unified platform through which technology and data can support multiple operating functions. Potential applications include member-service automation, care-gap identification, provider and network analytics, claims and workflow support, fraud-waste-and-abuse detection, and personalized health navigation. No assurance can be given that any specific capability will be developed, approved, deployed or produce the anticipated results.

About ECGI Holdings

ECGI Holdings, Inc. (OTC: ECGI) is a publicly traded holding company pursuing opportunities to build and scale operating businesses in large, evolving markets.

The Company’s core AI team includes Mr. Lev, who has more than a decade of experience in machine learning, quantitative financial modeling and decentralized systems. Most recently, he led generative-AI platform integration and machine-learning infrastructure at Elation, where he built production-scale large-language-model and telemetry systems connecting enterprise data with operational decision-making. Earlier, he co-founded Skryty, an AI firm that engineered a GPU-accelerated trading engine capable of real-time pattern recognition across NASDAQ market feeds. His prior work at Goldman Sachs and Bloomberg adds deep experience in signal generation, large-scale data engineering and applied financial intelligence. Additional information is available through the Company’s public disclosures.

About Avanta Group

Avanta Group, Inc. is developing a diversified healthcare platform across Medicare Advantage, healthcare management services, health technology, consumer health and supporting real estate. Avanta Health Plan’s contemplated operations remain subject to required licenses and regulatory approvals. Avanta was founded by a team of healthcare operations executives who have a successful track record of building other Medicare Advantage plans and medical clinics. The team understands the needs of diverse ethnic groups related to their health benefits and well-being.

Forward-Looking Statements

This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements include, among other things, statements regarding the proposed acquisition of Avanta; the negotiation and execution of definitive agreements; the creation and terms of Series V Preferred Stock; the issuance, vesting and conversion of transaction consideration; regulatory and corporate approvals; Avanta Health Plan’s licensing, launch and enrollment; the development and deployment of AI-enabled technologies; anticipated synergies, market opportunities, operating performance and growth. These statements are based on current expectations and assumptions and involve risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially. Such risks include the parties’ ability to complete due diligence and agree on definitive terms; financing and capital requirements; dilution; regulatory, licensing and compliance requirements; cybersecurity and data-privacy risks; technology-development and validation risks; competition; reimbursement and policy changes; and other risks described in ECGI’s filings and public disclosures. Readers should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements. ECGI undertakes no obligation to update such statements except as required by law.

Investor Relations, Media Relations and Corporate Communications
Investor Relations
jamie@ecgiholdings.com

Media Relations
media@nightfoodholdings.com

Corporate Communications
Editor@InvestorBrandNetwork.com
IBN | Austin, Texas
www.InvestorBrandNetwork.com
512.354.7000

Market Data Sources

Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services, National Health Expenditure Fact Sheet: CMS NHE Fact Sheet

Medicare Payment Advisory Commission, July 2026 Data Book: Health Care Spending and the Medicare Program