New Report: California’s Path to Affordable Energy Bills Starts in Homes and Driveways

BL Networks (BLNWX) Details Major Global Infrastructure Expansion and Upgrades

SHERIDAN, Wyo., Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — BL Networks, operating under ASN 399629, today detailed its ongoing global infrastructure expansion. Highlighting a multi-year project to strategically meet demand for associated privacy-VPS provider BitLaunch, it reinforces its commitment to deliver high-performance and low-latency networking to a growing global user base of privacy-conscious cloud users.

BLNWX: The Latest Network Expansions

Over the past three years, BL Networks has ramped up its mission to deliver private infrastructure to growing internet populations. Its most recent expansions include:

1. Singapore (May 2026) – BLNWX’s APAC debut

Responding to demand in the Asia-Pacific region, BLNWX launched its newest location in Singapore. The location was selected to deliver low-latency service to BitLaunch customers in the APAC region while maintaining the reliability and performance its users have come to expect.

2. Amsterdam (September 2025) – The 20 Gbps Upgrade

Amsterdam is one of Europe’s most critical routing hubs and therefore one of the most popular hosting locations. To meet significant user demand, BL Networks rolled out a third Amsterdam location with major upgrades. 20 Gbps network speeds built on tier-1 multi-homed bandwidth and modern DELL server hardware ensure that even the most bandwidth-heavy workloads remain stable.

3. Bucharest, Romania (March 2024) – Extending the European footprint

While locations in London and Amsterdam provided BL Networks with excellent coverage across Europe, there was room for improvement in the east. The launch of a new data center region in Bucharest delivered ultra-low latency to users in Eastern Europe. A favorite location for VPNs and web hosting providers, Romania has the fastest internet speeds in the region, enabling BitLaunch to deliver 20 Gbps up/down.

4. Dallas, Texas (February 2024) – Serving the South

Following rollouts in Los Angeles and Chicago, the next logical step was to serve the US’s southern states. Lying in the center of the telecom corridor, Dallas, TX was the natural choice. Strong fiber coverage and a low incidence of natural disasters, combined with proximity to some of the world’s largest networking firms, made it the near-perfect expansion choice.

Hardware specifications and performance standards

Rather than confusing users with varying hardware profiles, BL Networks has opted for strong baseline specifications built on:

• Modern Dell server hardware featuring Intel Gold CPUs
• Fast Samsung Enterprise SSDs configured in RAID10 for maximum I/O and redundancy
• High-speed ECC memory (RAM)
• Hardware-level KVM virtualization
• Industry-leading, heuristic DDoS protection

Just as crucial as the specifications themselves, however, is BLNWX’s philosophy of scaling sustainably with demand. Rather than overselling like many providers, it endeavors to under-promise and over-deliver.

BLNWX’s Eco Commitment

BL Networks’ philosophy of sustainability extends beyond responsible infrastructure scaling. As it expands its physical footprint, it remains committed to environmental sustainability through its Carbon Negative Pledge.

Doubling its commitments until it pays off its historic carbon debt, it has directly funded the planting of almost 25,000 trees and offset 961.54 tons of CO2e. It also endeavors to reduce its e-waste output by purchasing refurbished server hardware whenever it reasonably can without sacrificing quality.

BitLaunch VPN and the Future

BLNWX’s continuing infrastructure expansion enables not only capacity for its VPS customers but also new regions for BitLaunch VPN, which it launched in July 2025. The service allows users to deploy their own, private VPN across multiple regions in seconds.

Looking ahead, BL Networks remains dedicated to expanding its first-party network to more regions while maintaining its rigorous privacy and sustainability standards and continuing to eliminate the barriers associated with traditional payment methods.

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Bully Lifestyle Premieres “Bully Lifestyle: Hustle and Bloodlines,” a Six-episode Deep Dive Into the Culture, Passion and Debate Surrounding the Bulldog World

MIAMI, Fla. (Aug. 19, 2026) – Bully Lifestyle, the multimedia lifestyle and entertainment platform created by filmmaker, author and entrepreneur Demetrius A. Matthews, today announced the premiere of Bully Lifestyle: Hustle and Bloodlines, a six-episode hybrid documentary and reality series that deep dives into the culture, passion and debate surrounding the bulldog world. The series explores the breed and the people on every side of a culture outsiders often misunderstand, spanning French Bulldogs, English Bulldogs, American Bulldogs, American Bullies and the wider bully and bulldog family, using Matthews’ own experience as an entry point.

Part documentary, part personal journey and part unscripted reality television, the series explores the dogs, people, money, health questions, science and relationships that have turned these breeds into a global culture, drawing on interviews with breeders, veterinarians, enthusiasts, families and advocates who believe people should instead adopt from shelters and rescues.

“I didn’t want to make a film telling people that one side is right and the other side is wrong,” Matthews said. “I wanted to go inside this world and listen. I wanted to talk to the breeder. I wanted to talk to the veterinarian. I wanted to meet the families who simply love their dogs. And I wanted to hear from people who believe we shouldn’t be breeding dogs at all and that our attention should be on shelters, rescues and adoption. Those voices belong in the same conversation.”

At the center of the series is a simple question: Why are people so passionate about these dogs? That leads into a larger story examining why certain dogs command high prices, what makes a bloodline valuable, and what separates responsible breeding from irresponsible practices. The series also explores canine genetics and cloning, drawing on Matthews’ own experience researching the process, and its most revealing moments often center on people, not pedigrees.

Visually, Matthews wanted the series to look nothing like a traditional dog documentary, unfolding against the energy, fashion and architecture of Miami and South Florida, and blending documentary conversations with a cinematic lifestyle presentation. Matthews places himself inside the story, drawing on more than 15 years of personal footage woven together with new interviews.

The series expands into what Matthews calls the Bully Universe, a world connecting dogs to culture, family, art, health, science and entrepreneurship that also includes rescue advocates who believe attention should focus on dogs already awaiting homes. The Bully Universe extends to Matthews’ large-format coffee-table book, Bully Lifestyle: A Maximalist Expression, a photographic interpretation of the culture bringing together bulldogs, portraiture, fashion, design and fine-art photography. Together, the book and series form the foundation of a broader platform spanning film, photography, books, art, fashion and digital media.

“People see a bulldog walking down the street and they see the finished picture,” Matthews said. “They don’t necessarily know the family behind that dog, the veterinarian helping care for it, the history behind it, the health questions, the genetics, the disagreements within the community, or why somebody loves that animal as deeply as they do. I wanted to open that door.”

While breeding and bloodlines are part of the story, Matthews said they represent only one part of a broader conversation that weighs the responsibility of intentionally producing dogs against the argument that shelter and rescue dogs deserve greater attention, a tension the series presents rather than resolves.

Matthews is an entrepreneur, filmmaker, producer, photographer and published author whose work frequently explores identity, resilience and misunderstood communities. He is the author of five books, including his memoir, Code Switch: The Diary of Demetrius A. Matthews, tracing his journey from Chicago’s West Side through corporate America and entrepreneurship. With Bully Lifestyle, he appears throughout the series as participant, photographer, filmmaker and student rather than an outside narrator.

Across six episodes, “The Beginning,” “The Hustle,” “Bloodlines,” “Family Ties,” “In the Spotlight” and “The Movement,” viewers follow Matthews through the culture, business, science, controversy and emotional connection surrounding bully and bulldog breeds.

All six episodes are streaming now for $24.99 exclusively at BullyLifestyle.tv. Media representatives may request access to a private series screener.

Penske Automotive Sets Scene for Freedom 250 Grand Prix: NYSE Content Update

NYSE issues a pre-market daily advisory direct from the trading floor.

NEW YORK, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — The New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) provides a daily pre-market update directly from the NYSE Trading Floor. Access today’s NYSE Pre-market update for market insights before trading begins. 

Ashley Mastronardi delivers the pre-market update on August 21st

• The Freedom 250 Grand Prix commences this weekend.
  • Representatives from Penske Automotive (NYSE: PAG) and McLaren will join NYSE Live this morning.
  • President Donald Trump and First Lady Melania Trump are expected to attend the race.
  • The Freedom 250 Grand Prix marks the first ever NTT INDYCAR series race on the National Mall.
• Manchester United (NYSE: MANU) representatives will join Taking Stock.
  • Manchester United begins its Premier League season on Saturday at 7:30 AM ET.
  • The club will host a special match screening at Pier 17 in New York City.
• Investors are tracking the latest bond market movement.
  • The 30-year U.S. Treasury yield reached its highest level since 2007 earlier this week.

Opening Bell

Penske Automotive (NYSE: PAG) celebrates the Freedom 250 Grand Prix in Washington D.C.

Closing Bell

Manchester United (NYSE: MANU) celebrates the start of the Premier League season

For market insights, IPO activity, and today’s opening bell, download the NYSE TV App and check out the NYSE YouTube: TV.NYSE.com and YouTube.com/@NYSEofficial

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PM Modi Engages with Space Startup Leaders, Urges India to Lead Global Space Economy

New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi interacted with the CEOs and founders of 20 Indian space startups at Seva Teerth, highlighting the growing role of private enterprise in strengthening India’s position in the global space industry.

The interaction brought together entrepreneurs working across a wide spectrum of space technologies, including launch vehicles, reusable semi-cryogenic propulsion systems, avionics, satellites, advanced propulsion, space and defence intelligence, space-debris removal, and AI-powered hyperlocal weather and climate intelligence. The startup leaders outlined the rapid advances being made by India’s private space sector and shared their vision for its next phase of growth.

The founders highlighted their efforts to develop critical capabilities and technologies indigenously, noting the strong support provided by the government and increasing collaboration within the industry. They said the opening of the space sector to private participation had created significant opportunities for entrepreneurs and encouraged companies to develop innovative solutions for both domestic and global markets. Several companies are also showing interest in adopting technologies emerging from India’s private space ecosystem.

Prime Minister Modi congratulated the startup leaders for taking the initiative in an emerging and strategically important sector. He said the confidence demonstrated by private space companies has reinforced the vision behind opening the sector to private participation. With several countries either unable or unwilling to make large investments in space, he noted, India has a major opportunity to expand its global footprint and emerge as a leading space power.

The Prime Minister urged companies to look beyond conventional applications and explore ways in which space technologies can directly improve people’s lives. He called for stronger collaboration between space startups and organisations in sectors such as agriculture, environment and education. For instance, space-debris companies could work with environmental organisations to scale their solutions, while companies developing space-based agricultural technologies could collaborate with agricultural universities and government departments to help farmers make better-informed decisions and improve productivity.

Calling for the creation of a world-class space ecosystem, Modi said India should aspire to become the country the world looks to whenever space is discussed. He also underlined the potential of the sector to attract global talent, investment and companies to India.

The Prime Minister further encouraged space startups to establish closer links with Atal Tinkering Labs, saying early exposure to space technology could stimulate curiosity and innovation among schoolchildren and inspire the next generation of space entrepreneurs and scientists.

The meeting was attended by leaders of 20 startups, including Skyroot Aerospace, Agnikul Cosmos, Pixxel, Dhruva Space, GalaxEye, PierSight, Bellatrix Aerospace, Digantara, SatSure, Suhora Technologies, Manastu Space, Astrobase, TakeMe2Space, VyomIC, Cosmoserve Space, OrbitAID Aerospace, SkyServe (Hyspace), Serendipity Space, Vassar Labs and mistEO.

The interaction underlined a broader transformation underway in India’s space economy—one in which private innovation, government support and cross-sector collaboration are increasingly coming together to build a globally competitive space ecosystem.

Selective UPI MDR Will Need Reliable Merchant Intelligence, Not Just a Pricing Rule

As India reopens the UPI economics debate, the implementation challenge will be identifying, classifying and treating merchants fairly

BANGALORE, India, Aug. 21, 2026 /PRNewswire/ — At CARD91, we believe the UPI MDR debate must go beyond pricing. Any selective framework will require accurate merchant verification, consistent classification and ongoing risk visibility to protect legitimate businesses and ensure fair implementation.

The passage of the Taxation and Other Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2026 has reopened the industry discussion around the Merchant Discount Rate, or MDR, on UPI transactions.

The amendment creates a legal pathway under which the existing zero-MDR structure may be modified for specified digital payment transactions. However, the Government has clarified that no immediate charge has been introduced. Consumers and person-to-person payments will remain free, small merchants will remain protected, and no final MDR framework has been announced.

Beyond the question of whether MDR should return, the industry must consider how any selective framework would work in practice. If future rules differentiate between transactions or merchant segments, banks and acquiring institutions will need accurate and current information about the businesses accepting those payments.

Incorrect merchant identity, outdated business information or inaccurate classification could result in inconsistent policy application and unnecessary disputes.

“The most difficult part of a selective MDR framework may not be setting a rate; it will be applying the policy consistently to the right merchant,” said Ajay Pandey, CEO, CARD91. “Whatever parameters are eventually adopted, banks and acquirers will need verified and explainable information about the businesses accepting payments. The quality of merchant data will directly influence how fairly any differentiated framework operates.”

Four Questions the Ecosystem Must Address

1. Is the merchant identity properly verified?

Merchant verification must go beyond collecting documents. Banks and acquirers need to establish that the business is genuine, operational and consistent with the credentials submitted during onboarding.

2. Is the merchant classified correctly?

A merchant’s declared activity, actual business model and assigned Merchant Category Code should remain aligned. Institutions also need reviewable processes for identifying and correcting classification errors.

3. Has the merchant’s profile changed?

Verification should not end after onboarding. Business activities, ownership details, digital footprints and transaction behaviour can change over time. Material changes may require additional review, but controls should remain proportionate and should not create unnecessary friction for genuine merchants.

4. What happens when the system gets it wrong?

Merchants need a clear process for correcting identity, classification or policy application errors. Explainable decisions and transparent redress will be essential if financial policies are applied differently across merchant segments.

Why Merchant Intelligence Matters Now

UPI processed 23.66 billion transactions worth approximately ₹29.88 lakh crore in July 2026. At this scale, inaccurate merchant records can create operational complexity for financial institutions and businesses.

The issue extends beyond MDR. Reliable merchant information also supports appropriate transaction limits, effective fraud controls, regulatory compliance and accurate payment categorisation.

In July 2025, before the current MDR discussion, CARD91 introduced an AI-led merchant verification and classification capability to help regulated institutions strengthen business verification and classification. The current debate highlights why accurate and current merchant information matters beyond onboarding.

A risk score or automated system should not independently decide whether a merchant is subject to MDR. Any future structure must follow the regulations and operating rules established by the Government, RBI and NPCI. Technology should support institutional judgement and consistent implementation, not replace them.

“The goal should not be to add more friction to merchant acceptance,” said A.G. Ramakrishna, Chief Product Officer, CARD91. “It should be to ensure that legitimate businesses are treated consistently while financial institutions have the information required to manage risk and implement policy responsibly.”

India built UPI’s reach by making digital payment acceptance simple and accessible. If a selective MDR model is introduced, preserving that accessibility will depend not only on the pricing decision but also on the quality, transparency and fairness of its implementation.

About CARD91

CARD91 is a payments and onboarding risk infrastructure provider, enabling regulated entities to launch and scale customer programs with ease. The platform supports seamless onboarding journeys, fraud detection, credit decisioning, card issuance across credit, prepaid, and forex, and UPI stack capabilities across issuance and acquiring.

Through its NPCI-certified capabilities and technology stack, CARD91 helps institutions design bespoke customer payment programs and  market them with speed, security, and a seamless digital experience. Built by a team of bankers and technologists and proudly made in India, CARD91 operates across key financial hubs, including Mumbai, Bangalore, Delhi, and Chennai.

For more information, visit https://card91.io/ or contact sales@card91.io.

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