Sensex rose 315 points to end Friday’s session at 73,896 while Nifty 50 gained 77 points to close at 23,140.50. Broader markets remained mixed, with Nifty Midcap 100 in red and Nifty Smallcap 100 in green.

Analyst Sudeep Shah, Vice President and Head of Technical & Derivatives Research at SBI Securities, interacted with ETMarkets regarding the outlook for the Nifty, options data, and an index strategy for the upcoming week. The following are the edited excerpts from his chat:

Nifty slipped 1% this week, logging 8 consecutive declines for the first time. How do you see Nifty panning out next week?

For the seventh consecutive week, the benchmark index Nifty ended on a negative note, marking its longest weekly losing streak since the COVID-led market decline in 2020. The sharp rise in the US 10-year bond yield, coupled with heightened volatility in Brent crude oil prices, has continued to weigh on market sentiment. The US 10-year bond yield is currently hovering at its highest level since 2007, adding to concerns over global financial conditions. With global headwinds refusing to fade, the real test for Nifty is whether the ongoing weakness has further room to run.
Technically, the weakness remains evident as Nifty is trading around 3% below its 50-day EMA and nearly 4% below its 100-day EMA, with both averages trending downward. The Daily RSI once again faced resistance near the 40 level and turned lower, indicating that the range has shifted into a super-bearish zone as per the RSI Range Shift theory. The failure of RSI to reclaim 40 suggests that every recovery attempt could face a familiar wall of selling pressure.

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The other momentum indicators are also reinforcing the bearish setup. The Daily MACD remains bearish, with both the MACD and signal lines trading below the zero line. More importantly, the MACD histogram has remained below the zero line for the last 30 trading sessions, highlighting the persistence of negative momentum. Thirty sessions of negative histogram readings are difficult to ignore, and the next move could reveal whether momentum is merely weak or turning decisively weaker.
Going ahead, the 23,270–23,300 zone will act as a crucial hurdle for the index. As long as Nifty stays below 23,300, the broader downward trend is likely to remain intact, with the index potentially moving towards 22,800, followed by 22600. For now, 23,300 remains the line in the sand: will Nifty reclaim it to challenge the bears, or will the downside targets come into focus?

What is your view on Bank Nifty ?

For the fifth consecutive week, the banking benchmark index Bank Nifty ended on a negative note and has now slipped below its recent swing low, indicating a continuation of the prevailing corrective trend.

The index is trading comfortably below its key short-term and medium-term moving averages, namely the 20-day, 50-day and 100-day EMAs, all of which are trending lower and reflecting sustained weakness in price structure. Further, the daily RSI has remained confined to the 46-33 range over the past 12 trading sessions, highlighting the absence of meaningful bullish momentum.

Going forward, the 55,100-55,000 zone is expected to act as a crucial support area, as it coincides with the 61.8% Fibonacci retracement of the previous upmove. A decisive break below 55,000 could accelerate selling pressure and drag the index towards the 54,400 level in the short term.

On the upside, the 56,000-56,100 zone is likely to act as an immediate hurdle. As long as the index remains below this resistance band, the broader bias is expected to remain negative.

Insurance stocks witnessed a heavy beating. What’s your strategy for PB Fintech, Turtlemint, others in the sector?

Policybazaar (PB Fintech) witnessed a sharp 36% decline on September 24, significantly distorting its chart structure. The stock has slipped well below its key moving averages, indicating a deterioration in the overall trend. The RSI has plunged to 24 from 61, signalling strong bearish momentum, while the MACD line has slipped below the zero line, further reinforcing the bearish bias.

The Rs 1,160–1,150 zone remains a crucial support area, as the stock witnessed a sharp rebound from this zone in May 2024. A decisive breach below this support could trigger a further extension of weakness.

Turtlemint has declined nearly 40% over the past two sessions and is now trading significantly below its listing price. The ADX indicator shows DI- comfortably placed above DI+, highlighting the strong dominance of bears over bulls. The Rs 98–100 zone is likely to act as an immediate resistance, and the bearish bias is likely to persist as long as the stock trades below this zone.

Given the sharp deterioration in technical indicators across the insurance sector, bottom fishing in the affected stocks may be premature. It would be prudent to wait for greater clarity on price action, signs of stabilisation and further regulatory announcements before considering fresh positions.

Where are you seeing a strong option position right now and which Nifty strikes could act as immediate support or resistance zones going into next expiry?

From an options perspective, significant call writing is visible at the 23,300 and 23,400 strikes, with call writing nearly twice and thrice the corresponding put writing, respectively, making these levels likely immediate resistance zones. On the downside, the 23,000 strike has witnessed substantial put writing, nearly four times stronger than call writing, indicating strong positional support around this level. Going into the monthly expiry on Tuesday, the 23,000–23,400 range emerges as the likely trading range based on the current option chain positioning, with 23,000 as the immediate support and 23,400 as the key resistance zone.

Any sectors looking relatively stronger amidst the current volatility ?

Technically, Nifty Pharma and Healthcare are expected to maintain their leadership position and continue outperforming the broader market.

Can you pick 5 stocks that look good on the charts for the coming week?

Technically, JUBLPHARMA, PRIVISCL, ZYDUSLIFE, HBLENGINE and AETHER are looking good.

Disclaimer: This article has been written by Veer Sharma, who is not a SEBI-registered Research Analyst or an Investment Adviser. Veer Sharma and his/her ‘relative(s)’ (as defined under Section 2(77) of the Companies Act, 2013) do not hold any financial interest in the companies mentioned in this article as of the date of publication. The views/recommendations mentioned in this article, wherever applicable, are those of the respective SEBI-registered Research Analyst/brokerage and have been reproduced/reported with due attribution. They should not be construed as the views or recommendations of The Economic Times Digital or the journalist. Readers are advised to consider the original research report and make their investment decisions based on their own assessment. Brokerage disclaimers here.

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If you are comparing Google review services, the headline price is only part of the picture. I also look at customization, delivery options, targeting, guarantees, support, and how transparent the provider is about its service.

For this guide, I compared six services: ReviewGrow which is leading the list, BoostMe and other providers.

1. ReviewGrow: Most Reliable Provider for Buying Google Reviews

Editorial rating: 4.9/5

ReviewGrow stands out as a top provider to buy Google reviews for your business due to its combination of extensive customization, safety protections, location targeting, and free reputation management tools.

Best suited to: Local businesses, agencies, brands, restaurants, healthcare practices, fitness businesses, hospitality companies, and other businesses that want a highly customizable Google review solution with ongoing support and reputation-management tools.

A Full Range of Google Review Packages

ReviewGrow offers scalable packages for businesses at any growth stage, allowing structured campaigns rather than one-off purchases.

Current packages include:

• 2 Google reviews: $20
• 5 Google reviews: $50
• 10 Google reviews: $100
• 25 Google reviews: $250
• 50 Google reviews: $500
• 75 Google reviews: $750

These tiered options make it simple to scale review generation based on your goals.

Customized Reviews Instead of Generic Copy

Instead of template responses, ReviewGrow lets businesses provide custom copy or generate feedback tailored to specific services, industries, and locations.

Gradual Delivery for a More Natural Review Profile

Orders can be delivered incrementally over time to maintain steady, organic-looking account activity.

Location Targeting for Local Businesses

Geographic targeting ensures reviews originate from specific target markets, enhancing local relevance across industries.

5-Star Reviews and Flexible Rating Options

Flexible 5-star and custom rating options integrate easily into existing reputation management efforts.

Strong Guarantees and Ongoing Support

ReviewGrow protects purchases with a money-back guarantee, refill protection for dropped reviews, and 24/7 support.

A Platform Built for More Than One Industry

Services cater to diverse sectors including hospitality, healthcare, fitness, startups, retail, and local professional services.

More Than a Review Service: Reputation Management Tools

Beyond paid reviews, ReviewGrow provides free utilities like a Google Review Calculator, AI Review Generator, and Review Response Generator.

Mini Case Study: Our Reputation Manager Assessment

We assessed ReviewGrow as we would any reputation-management provider: looking beyond the headline price to customization, delivery control, support, guarantees, and practical usability.

ReviewGrow scored particularly well because it combines custom review content, location targeting, reviewer preferences, gradual delivery, refill protection, and 24/7 support. Its additional reputation tools, including a Google Review Calculator and AI review-response tools, also make it more useful as part of a broader reputation workflow.

Based on these criteria, we awarded ReviewGrow an editorial score of 4.8/5, making it the highest-rated provider in our comparison. This is our expert assessment of the service offering, not a Google rating or a guarantee of results.

2. BoostMe

Rating: 4.7/5

Best for: Businesses looking for flexible packages and custom-written reviews.

BoostMe takes a straightforward package-based approach. Its current Google review service starts at $9.15 for one review, with larger packages including 5 reviews for $44, 10 for $87, 25 for $215, 50 for $420, 75 for $615 and 150 for $1,199.

The provider offers standard 5-star reviews as well as custom-written reviews. Its custom option includes business-specific writing and image reviews.

Key features

• 5-star reviews
• Custom-written reviews
• Image reviews
• Gradual delivery
• Location-focused options
• 15-day package refills
• 30-day money-back guarantee
• 24/7 support
• No password required

Reviews can begin appearing within 24 to 48 hours, with full delivery generally spread across one to four weeks depending on the package.

My take

The biggest advantage here is package flexibility. If you want to start with a small order rather than committing to a large campaign, BoostMe has a relatively low entry point.

Its custom-written option also makes it more versatile than a basic review package.

3. GetReviews.buzz

Rating: 4.5/5

Best for: Businesses that want to choose between different price and warranty combinations.

GetReviews.buzz takes an unusual approach to pricing. Instead of offering one standard price per review, its Google review service currently has three options:

• $15 per review: 30-day warranty
• $10 per review: 15-day warranty
• $7 per review: 7-day warranty

Each option requires a minimum order of five reviews.

Key features

• Customized content
• Human-written reviews
• Claimed verified local accounts
• Drip-feed delivery
• One-time replacement
• Monthly ordering option
• Different warranty periods

The warranty structure is useful when comparing the service with competitors because it makes the price-versus-retention trade-off easier to see.

For example, someone looking for the lowest advertised price can choose the $7 option, while someone who places more importance on a longer replacement window can choose the $15 package.

My take

GetReviews.buzz is particularly interesting if you want flexibility around warranty duration. Its pricing structure is clearer than many providers because you can see what you are paying for at each warranty level.

The main limitation is that the warranty periods are relatively short compared with some longer-term guarantees offered elsewhere.

4. Media Mister

Rating: 4.4/5

Best for: Businesses that want a broader digital-marketing provider with Google review customization.

Media Mister is a larger multi-platform provider rather than a company focused exclusively on Google reviews. Its Google review service allows customers to select options such as star rating, target country, quantity and custom comments.

The current service page also displays a 4.9/5 customer rating based on 35 verified reviews. That is Media Mister’s displayed customer score and is separate from my 4.6/5 editorial rating.

Key features

• Star-rating selection
• Target-country selection
• Custom comments
• Custom review text
• Gradual delivery
• No password required
• Money-back guarantee
• Customer support
• Multiple payment options

Media Mister currently advertises delivery that can vary according to order size and says reviews are delivered gradually.

It also offers services beyond Google, which may be useful for businesses managing their reputation across multiple platforms.

Again, this is a provider-published customer review, not an independently audited case study.

My take

Media Mister’s biggest advantage is breadth. If you are already using the company for other social or reputation services, having Google reviews available through the same provider can simplify management.

The pricing structure is less straightforward than some of the smaller competitors because the final price depends on the selected options.

5. RatingLeader

Rating: 4.2/5

Best for: Businesses looking for relatively straightforward pricing and ongoing review options.

RatingLeader currently lists its Google review service at €8.99 per review and allows customers to select different quantities, including larger packages.

One feature that caught my attention is its Continuous Growth option. Instead of placing individual orders, customers can select a monthly quantity and have reviews distributed on an ongoing basis.

Key features

• Personalized reviews
• Multiple quantities
• Continuous Growth option
• Gradual delivery
• Fast delivery
• 24/7 support
• Replacement guarantee
• Location and industry customization

The customers can provide instructions for review content, while its writers adapt those instructions into review text. The company begins working on orders immediately and can distribute reviews over several hours or days.

For Continuous Growth customers, RatingLeader offers replacement if reviews disappear and a 20% ongoing discount.

My take

RatingLeader has a relatively low starting price and a useful recurring option. I particularly like the transparency around the Continuous Growth model.

I would still compare its replacement terms carefully with competing providers before choosing a larger package.

6. OrderBoosts

Rating: 4.1/5

Best for: Businesses looking for a broader review-management platform rather than a Google-only service.

OrderBoosts has expanded its review offering across multiple platforms, including Google, Trustpilot, G2, Capterra, Yelp and TripAdvisor.

Its current Google review page lists:

• 5 reviews for $100
• 10 reviews for $180
• 15 reviews for $270

The 10- and 15-review packages are displayed at $18 per review, while the five-review package is $20 per review.

Key features

• Verified-account positioning
• Gradual delivery
• 24/7 support
• Location targeting
• Review planning tools
• 30-day replacement guarantee
• Multi-platform reputation services

OrderBoosts also offers tools such as a Google Review Score Calculator and Review Velocity Planner, which makes the service more interesting from a broader reputation-management perspective.

My take

OrderBoosts has a relatively polished review-management ecosystem and useful planning tools. Its main disadvantage in this comparison is that it is less established as a Google-specific specialist than some of the other providers.

For someone interested in managing multiple review platforms, however, its broader service range is worth considering.

How we rated these services

My ratings are editorial scores, not customer-review scores. I considered:

• Features and customization: 20%
• Pricing and value: 20%
• Delivery options: 15%
• Targeting: 15%
• Guarantees and retention: 15%
• Support and ordering experience: 15%

I also give more weight to information that is clearly disclosed rather than assuming a provider offers a feature it does not publicly describe.

How I Compared These Google Review Services

I would not choose a provider based on price alone.

When I compare review services, I look at six things first:

1. Customization

Can you specify the business, industry, services, location or other relevant details?

2. Delivery

Does the provider explain how and when reviews are delivered?

3. Pricing

Is the price visible before checkout, and can you understand exactly what you are purchasing?

4. Targeting

Can the service target relevant locations or other campaign characteristics?

5. Guarantees

What happens if a review disappears?

6. Support

Can you reach someone if an order has a problem?

That is why a $7 review is not automatically better value than a $15 or $20 review. The actual service included in the price matters.

Do Google Reviews Help Local SEO?

Reviews are an important part of a local business’s online presence, but I would avoid treating them as a guaranteed shortcut to higher rankings.

Your Google Business Profile also depends on factors such as relevance, proximity, business information, website signals, customer experience and overall local SEO.

Reviews can influence how potential customers perceive your business, and the star rating is highly visible in Google Search and Maps.

However, no review provider can legitimately guarantee a particular Google Maps or Local Pack position.

If you want to understand the relationship between reviews and local search in more detail, read:

Read more: How Google Reviews Affect Your Local Search Rankings

How Many Google Reviews Do You Need?

There is no universal number.

A business with 10 reviews and a 3.2 rating has a very different problem from a business with 200 reviews and a 4.4 rating.

The number you need depends on:

• your current rating
• your total review count
• your target rating
• the ratings of future reviews

For example, if your current average is already 4.7, moving to 4.8 can require considerably more reviews than moving a profile from 3.8 to 4.0.

ReviewGrow offers a Google Review Calculator that lets you enter your current rating and review count and estimate how many additional reviews are required to reach a target rating.

Alternatives to Buying Google Reviews

Buying reviews is not the only way to build a stronger Google Business Profile.

In fact, I would recommend that every business have a genuine review-generation process regardless of whether it uses a reputation-management service.

Ask customers directly

After a successful purchase or completed service, send the customer your Google review link.

Use a QR code

Google allows businesses to create a review link or QR code that can be placed on receipts, emails, printed materials or in-store signage.

Send follow-up emails

A simple message after a completed order can remind a genuine customer to share their experience.

Use SMS or WhatsApp

For businesses that communicate with customers through messaging, a direct review link can make the process much easier.

Respond to existing reviews

Replying to positive and negative feedback shows customers that you are paying attention.

Make the experience worth reviewing

The most sustainable way to build reviews is still to provide an experience customers genuinely want to talk about.

How to Get More Genuine Google Reviews

If I were setting up a review strategy for a local business, I would start with the basics.

First, create a direct Google review link. Then make it easy for customers to find it.

You can put the link in:

• thank-you emails
• receipts
• SMS messages
• WhatsApp follow-ups
• appointment confirmations
• QR codes
• post-purchase emails

Google itself recommends using a review link or QR code to make it easier for customers to leave feedback.

One important restriction is that you should not offer discounts, gifts or other incentives in exchange for reviews. You also should not pressure customers into leaving a specific rating.

The goal should be to make it easy for customers to share their genuine experience.

Final Take: ReviewGrow vs. Other Google Review Services

After comparing the six services, the biggest differences are not simply price.

ReviewGrow stands out for customization, location targeting and campaign flexibility.

BoostMe offers a wide range of package sizes and a relatively low starting price.

GetReviews.buzz gives customers several warranty and price options.

Media Mister is attractive if you want a broader digital-marketing provider.

RatingLeader has a straightforward €8.99 starting price and a recurring Continuous Growth option.

OrderBoosts is particularly interesting for businesses that want to manage review campaigns across several platforms.

The right option therefore depends on what matters most to your business.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can you buy Google reviews?

Yes, there are companies that sell Google review services. However, Google prohibits paid reviews and fake engagement that does not represent genuine customer experiences, so businesses should understand the policy risks before purchasing.

How much does it cost to buy Google reviews?

Prices vary considerably. In this comparison, advertised starting prices range from about $7 per review at GetReviews.buzz to €8.99 at RatingLeader, $9.15 at BoostMe and higher prices for some Media Mister and OrderBoosts packages.

Is it safe to buy Google reviews?

There is no way to guarantee that a paid review service is risk-free. Google prohibits fake engagement and can remove policy-violating reviews or impose restrictions on Business Profiles.

Can Google detect purchased reviews?

Google uses systems designed to identify suspicious and policy-violating review activity. A provider’s claim that its delivery method is “natural” does not override Google’s policies.

Can Google remove purchased reviews?

Yes. Google can remove reviews that violate its policies. In some circumstances, it can also restrict a Business Profile from receiving reviews or display a warning to consumers.

How many Google reviews should I buy?

There is no universal number. The answer depends on your current rating, number of existing reviews and target rating. A review calculator can help you understand the mathematics before deciding how many additional reviews would change your average.

Can I buy 5-star Google reviews?

Several providers in this comparison advertise 5-star Google review packages. However, Google requires reviews to reflect genuine customer experiences and prohibits paid ratings that do not meet that standard.

Can I customize Google reviews?

Several providers offer customization. ReviewGrow, BoostMe, GetReviews.buzz, Media Mister and RatingLeader all advertise options for influencing or supplying review content.

Can I target a specific location with Google reviews?

Some providers offer location-based targeting. ReviewGrow, BoostMe, Media Mister, RatingLeader and OrderBoosts all advertise location-related options, although the exact targeting capabilities vary.

How long does it take to receive Google reviews?

Delivery varies by provider and package. Some services advertise initial delivery within 24–72 hours, while complete delivery may be spread over one to four weeks.

What happens if purchased reviews disappear?

That depends on the provider. Some offer replacement or refill guarantees for a specified period. Always check the exact warranty before purchasing.

What is the best alternative to buying Google reviews?

For long-term reputation building, the most sustainable approach is to request genuine reviews from real customers. Google provides businesses with tools for creating review links and QR codes to make this easier.

In the past 24 hours, Bitcoin was down 0.3% and Ethereum was up 0.2% to trade near $2,688. Among the major altcoins, XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano gained upto 3.3% whereas BNB, Tron, and Hyperliquid corrected less than 1%.

Also Read | Explained: Which mutual fund ratios should investors check before investing?The global crypto market capitalisation went up marginally 0.3% to $2.97 trillion, according to Coingecko.

Nischal Shetty, Founder, WazirX said Ethereum followed a similar trajectory, ending the period close to $2,700. The initial rally followed the US Federal Reserve’s September policy decision. With the outcome largely priced in, the conclusion of the FOMC meeting reduced near-term uncertainty and encouraged investors to rebuild exposure to risk assets.

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Overall, the market structure has improved, but sentiment is already in the Greed zone, Shetty further said.
Over the past week, Bitcoin and Ethereum were up 3.6% and 2.2% respectively. Among the major altcoins, BNB, XRP, Solana, Dogecoin, and Cardano gained upto 13.3% whereas Tron and Hyperliquid corrected 0.2% and 0.3% respectively.Crypto markets are consolidating after Bitcoin’s rejection near $87,000. BTC is trading around $84,000, with 83,000 – 83,300 acting as key support, said Riya Sehgal, Research Analyst, Delta Exchange.

Also Read | Aditya Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund suspends fresh subscription in 3 international funds

ETF flows also remain positive, with Bitcoin ETFs recording about $191 million in net inflows on September 24, taking the six-session total to roughly $2.8 billion. Ethereum ETFs added around $66 million. For BTC, $83,000 and $85,000 remain the key levels for the next directional move, Sehgal further said.

(Disclaimer: Recommendations, suggestions, views and opinions given by the experts are their own. These do not represent the views of The Economic Times)

DENVER — Federal and state health officials are warning the public about a new and dangerous synthetic opioid called cychlorphine, following a social media post that began circulating among students at Colorado State University alerting them to the drug’s presence in the illicit supply.

The Drug Enforcement Administration’s Rocky Mountain Division, which has spent years warning the public about the dangers of fentanyl, confirmed that cychlorphine is making its way into the illicit drug supply and reaching unsuspecting users. DEA Associate Administrator Gary Owen addressed the broader trend of increasingly dangerous synthetic substances entering the drug supply in a statement posted to the agency’s social media. “Illicit fentanyl is being mixed with new, deadly and more synthetic drugs like xylazine, nitazenes, cychlorphine and medetomidine. These names may be unfamiliar, but the impact is devastating,” Owen said.

Former Acting DEA Administrator Derek Maltz addressed the specific danger cychlorphine poses in an interview with Fox News, emphasizing that existing overdose-prevention tools are not equipped to detect it. “Cyclorphine is 10x more potent than fentanyl. The fentanyl test strips that are out there. These single drug test strips are not going to detect it,” Maltz said.

One drug researcher told FOX31 that a central concern surrounding cychlorphine is that it has not been studied in humans, leaving significant uncertainty about how much of the substance could constitute a dangerous or fatal dose given its potency.

Despite that uncertainty, health officials have confirmed that existing overdose-reversal medication remains effective against the drug. A spokesperson for the Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment addressed this directly. “As an opioid antagonist, naloxone remains effective in reversing overdoses caused by synthetic opioids like cychlorphine,” the CDPHE spokesperson said. Naloxone, commonly sold under the brand name Narcan, works by rapidly blocking opioid receptors in the brain, reversing the effects of an opioid overdose, including dangerously slowed or stopped breathing, and has become an increasingly widely distributed harm-reduction tool amid the broader synthetic opioid crisis.

The Stout Street Foundation, a Denver-area substance use treatment center, said opioids like cychlorphine can be crushed into powder form and either injected or snorted. Counselors at the center expressed concern about the drug’s growing and largely undetected presence in the illicit supply. Stout Street Foundation Chief Operating Officer Joseph Ellis explained why awareness efforts around the drug remain limited so far. “It’s new enough that there’s no street name for it,” Ellis said. “People aren’t aware how prominent it is in the fake pills that are on the streets.”

The DEA’s Rocky Mountain Division told FOX31 it has not yet identified cychlorphine within its own jurisdiction, which spans Colorado and several neighboring states, noting that the closest confirmed cases identified so far have been reported in Texas and Oklahoma. The agency said it currently classifies cychlorphine as an emerging threat, reflecting its limited but growing documented presence within the broader illicit drug supply.

The CDPHE spokesperson noted that, as of the most recent data, Colorado has not recorded any confirmed overdose deaths specifically involving cychlorphine. The spokesperson explained that this absence of confirmed cases may partly reflect testing limitations rather than the drug’s true prevalence, since cychlorphine, as a novel synthetic opioid, is not included in standard post-mortem toxicology panels and may only be identified if specifically requested by investigating coroners during an autopsy.

One drug expert cited in the report said cychlorphine has been found appearing in drugs where users did not expect to encounter it, a pattern consistent with the broader trend of synthetic opioids being mixed into counterfeit pills and other illicit substances without users’ knowledge. That unpredictability is part of what has prompted students at Colorado State University to begin spreading warnings about the drug across campus on their own, independent of the more formal warnings issued by the DEA and state health officials.

Officials emphasized that the absence of a reliable test strip for cychlorphine represents a significant gap in the tools currently available to drug users seeking to reduce their personal risk, given that standard fentanyl test strips are not designed to detect this newer synthetic compound. That gap, combined with the drug’s reported potency, has driven officials to urge heightened vigilance among anyone who may come into contact with counterfeit pills or other illicit substances circulating within the current drug supply.

For anyone concerned about a possible opioid overdose, whether involving cychlorphine, fentanyl or another substance, officials continue to emphasize that naloxone remains an effective emergency response tool and that anyone witnessing signs of an overdose, including slowed or stopped breathing, unresponsiveness or blue-tinted lips or fingertips, should administer naloxone if available and call 911 immediately.

With cychlorphine now formally classified as an emerging threat by federal officials and confirmed cases so far concentrated in Texas and Oklahoma, health authorities in Colorado and neighboring states are likely to continue monitoring for the drug’s spread, while urging both the public and coroners investigating unexplained deaths to remain alert to a substance that current standard toxicology screening may otherwise fail to detect.

In February 2023, City were charged with more than 100 breaches of the Premier League’s financial rules following a four-year investigation.

The club was referred to an independent commission over allegations it breached financial rules between 2009 and 2018.

The hearing began in September 2024 behind closed doors and concluded that December after around 12 weeks.

The Premier League claimed City breached rules requiring the club to provide “accurate financial information that gives a true and fair view of the club’s financial position”.

City strongly denied all charges and have said their case is supported by a “comprehensive body of irrefutable evidence”.

The club won eight trophies in the period covered by the case, including three Premier League titles, three League Cups, one Community Shield and one FA Cup.

The charges cover the mangerial tenures of Roberto Mancini and Manuel Pellegrini, and the first two years under Pep Guardiola, who left the club after 10 seasons at the end of the 2025-26 campaign.

A separate case between City and the Premier League was also heard last year.

In 2024, an independent arbitration panel found against aspects of the league’s Associated Party Transaction regulations (APTs) after City launched an arbitration challenge.

A tribunal held in February 2025 found the Premier League’s rules governing sponsorship deals from the period between 2021 and 2024 are “void and unenforceable”.

City and the Premier League reached a settlement in September 2025, with the club accepting the APT rules are valid and binding and both parties agreeing to terminate legal proceedings.

The rules were formed by the Premier League to prevent clubs from profiting from commercial deals with companies linked to their owners that are deemed above “fair market value”.

By Adriaan du Toit | Elizabeth Bakarich, CFA | Christian DiClementi

The rise of artificial intelligence could redefine leaders and laggards in emerging markets.

Artificial intelligence (AI) leadership is no longer a developed-market monopoly. Emerging markets (EM) now have their

A delivery service offering meals to people in need has spoken about the challenges of recruiting new volunteers due to rising fuel costs.

Maureen Bougeard said Meals on Wheels Jersey had received £38,000 from the Jersey Community Foundation to fund work supplying hot meals to islanders who are unable to prepare meals themselves.

She said the service packed and delivered meals to about 100 people, four days a week – but added fuel costs were having an impact.

“Very often volunteers say, you know, ‘the petrol’s getting expensive’,” she said. “We’re looking for new volunteers and I send the information out which says ‘you drive your car at your own expense’ and I don’t hear from them again.”

The secretary said the organisation had more than 200 volunteers.

“Our complete organisation is run by volunteers,” Bougeard said. “We don’t have any paid staff at all.”

Bougeard said some of the voluntary meal delivery drivers drove the length of the island twice in a day, adding most volunteers were retired people.

“I’m not saying everyone has a poor pension, not everyone is on the basic pension, but some are and they still manage to come and volunteer, which is absolutely fabulous,” she said.

The operator of a Village Inn restaurant in Oldsmar, Florida, has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection after reporting more than $554,000 in liabilities, according to court filings obtained by FOX Business.

VI Oldsmar LLC filed its Chapter 11 petition in the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Middle District of Florida on Sept. 18, electing to proceed under Subchapter V, which is a streamlined bankruptcy process for qualifying small businesses.

Court filings show the company listed about $72,335 in assets and $554,076 in liabilities, with between one and 49 creditors.

MAKER OF ICE CREAM SOLD AT GROCERY STORES NATIONWIDE FILES FOR BANKRUPTCY AS IT APPEALS $23.8M JUDGMENT

A Village Inn restaurant is shown in this Google Maps image. (Google Maps)

Its assets included about $5,235 in cash, $15,000 in food and paper inventory, $50,000 in kitchen equipment and roughly $2,100 in office furniture and equipment.

The company’s largest creditors include 3682 JAGS LLC, which is owed $250,000, the Florida Department of Revenue at $120,400, the Internal Revenue Service at $78,500, US Foods at roughly $40,301 and Sysco at $30,000, according to court filings.

According to the Tampa Bay Business Journal, the franchisee has struggled with the lingering effects of the 2024 hurricanes that struck the Tampa Bay region, along with declining restaurant sales and rising operating costs.

OUTDOOR RETAILER CLOSING NEARLY 60 STORES AMID BANKRUPTCY

A Village Inn sign is shown here. (Google Maps)

The Oldsmar restaurant remains open and has no plans to close, an employee at the location told The Street on Tuesday.

The Oldsmar filing marks the fifth Chapter 11 bankruptcy by Village Inn franchisees operated by managing member Lloyd D. Lehan IV since June, according to The Street.

The latest filing follows Bay Pines Group LLC’s Chapter 11 bankruptcy petition last month, court filings show. 

Bay Pines Group, which also is owned by Lehan, operates the Village Inn on Bay Pines Boulevard in Seminole, Florida, The Street reported.

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The Oldsmar filing reportedly marks the fifth Chapter 11 bankruptcy by Village Inn franchisees operated by managing member Lloyd D. Lehan IV since June. (iStock)

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Village Inn, which was founded in Denver in 1958 as Village Inn Pancake House, now operates more than 100 company-owned and franchised restaurants across several states, including Colorado, Florida, Texas and Arizona, according to its website.

Village Inn, franchise operator Lloyd D. Lehan IV and the Oldsmar restaurant could not immediately be reached by FOX Business for comment.

Quantum computing could give the U.S. and its allies a new tool in their effort to reduce reliance on China for critical rare earth elements, with one technology company betting the emerging technology can make extracting and processing limited Western supplies more efficient.

Pasqal is partnering with USA Rare Earth and Riven Systems to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence and rapid chemical testing can improve the separation and processing of rare earth elements.

Pasqal CEO Wasiq Bokhari told FOX Business that the goal is essentially to get more usable rare earth material out of the resources already available outside China.

China, Bokhari explained, has significant control over global rare-earth supply and processing, while the U.S. and its allies are seeking to develop alternative supply chains for materials used in magnets, electronics, defense systems and advanced manufacturing.

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Pasqal is partnering with USA Rare Earth and Riven Systems to explore how quantum computing, artificial intelligence and chemical testing could improve rare-earth separation and processing. (Victor Moriyama/Bloomberg via Getty Images / Getty Images)

“When we have smaller reserves, then it becomes even more important to be more efficient at finding that element,” he said.

Because rare earth elements generally aren’t sitting underground by themselves, and are mixed with other minerals, chemically separating them can be a complicated process.

Bokhari said quantum computing can model the molecules and compounds containing rare earths at a deeper level, potentially helping researchers identify properties that can be exploited to separate the valuable material more efficiently.

“What we can do is we can create models of the molecules or the compounds that these rare earth elements occur in… be able to identify their specific properties that we can exploit to then separate them more effectively from other things that are not so rare,” he said.

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Pasqal CEO Wasiq Bokhari told FOX Business that quantum computing could help make the extraction and processing of limited rare-earth supplies more efficient. (FOX Business / Fox News)

Pasqal is partnering with USA Rare Earth, which brings rare-earth resources and processing expertise to the project, and Riven Systems, which specializes in rapid chemical experimentation and testing.

Bokhari said the effort highlights how the U.S. and its allies can combine advanced technologies to reduce their dependence on foreign-controlled critical supply chains.

The implications could extend well beyond mines and processing facilities, Bokhari said, because rare earths are used in critical technologies ranging from defense systems to advanced electronics.

“There are these elements, these specific materials, and currently we have to buy them from China. Now suppose if we get into a sensitive situation in which we still need those materials, but now somebody else has control over them,” he said.

“They can constrict supply, which means we will not have access to those materials for our defense-related or non-defense-related applications,” he continued.

“During the COVID era, we saw what collapse of a supply chain could do globally. This is even more important because these are highly leveraged supply chains and going into very high-value components.”

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China controls significant portions of the global rare-earth supply and processing chain, while the U.S. and its allies are working to develop alternative sources. (Bert van Dijk/Getty Images / Getty Images)

Even relatively small improvements at individual stages of the separation process could compound into significantly greater yields, Bokhari said.

“For every ton of rock that I put in, I want to get certain amounts of rare earth elements. And if I can improve that by a factor of two, factor of three, factor of 10, that matters a lot.”

While traditional computers are superb at many tasks, Bokhari said quantum systems can have advantages when modeling materials, chemicals and molecules or searching through enormous numbers of possible solutions.

Bokhari compared quantum computing today to artificial intelligence (AI) before ChatGPT and other generative AI tools pushed the technology into mainstream consciousness.

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Rare-earth elements are used in technologies ranging from advanced electronics and manufacturing to U.S. defense systems. (iStock)

“It was working under the radar for the longest time,” he explained. “And then suddenly, there’s this aha moment, ‘Oh, this has something that I can relate to.’”

“I would say as a comparison, quantum computing is only a few years behind,” he added. “I think we will see in terms of the kind of impact we can generate from quantum computing, it is the same size of impact that you will see from Gen AI. We’re just a few years behind.”

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Bokhari pushed back on the perception that practical quantum computing remains the stuff of science fiction.

“Please don’t think of quantum computing as something that might be in the future. For Pasqal, it is here today,” Bokhari said. “In the end, it’s solving real business problems today.”