Newsroom

A new survey by JubileeTV shines a spotlight on the growing strain remote caregiving is placing on American families. The findings reveal that while 59% of adult respondents in the U.S. regularly care for aging loved ones from afar, more than 40% of those who provide care don’t even consider themselves caregivers—even as they invest significant time each week and deal with mounting stress, social isolation, financial obligations and career disruptions. It’s a crisis hiding in plain sight, as millions struggle with the unrecognized burden of managing finances, coordinating care, and providing emotional support.

A full report of the key findings can be found here.

“The disconnect between what people think of as ‘caregiving’ and what they’re actually doing is distressing,” said JubileeTV Caregiving Advisor, Lili Udell Fiore. “Many remote caregivers fail to see themselves as caregivers simply because they live outside the home, and they often feel ill-equipped to provide the necessary support. This uncertainty, combined with the emotional pressure and time demands of this hidden labor is an enormous burden for millions of people who are also trying to live and balance their own careers and lives. It’s time to accept the reality of these challenges and create solutions that help people cope with the pressures of trying to live their own life while they are caregiving for their loved ones and lessen their burden.”

Contrary to common perceptions, not living in the same household doesn’t make caregiving any easier. In fact:

The significant toll remote caregiving takes on the personal lives of caregivers extends well beyond the time spent providing support. The survey highlights the personal sacrifices caregivers are making as they balance their responsibilities:

Remote caregiving isn’t just a personal challenge; it’s having a significant effect on careers and workplace productivity. The survey underscores how caregiving pressures extend beyond the home, leading to professional sacrifices and long-term career impacts.

Adding to these challenges, many caregivers are finding that existing technology solutions are inadequate for their needs.

“The technology gap is a significant barrier for many remote caregivers,” said Fiore. “They need tools that are not only easy for their loved ones to use but also effective in addressing the unique challenges remote caregivers face. JubileeTV is committed to bridging this gap with solutions designed specifically to meet these needs and help ease the time spent on frustrating common problems.”

For more information on the study, visit this link.

The JubileeTV-commissioned study surveyed 2,000 adults in the United States who self-identified as someone who helps a family member over the age of 65 that does not live in the same household.

About JubileeTV

JubileeTV is dedicated to improving the lives of seniors and family members who care for aging loved ones. By leveraging the familiarity and comfort of television, the company's hardware and software solutions enable greater independence, reduce social isolation, and facilitate remote caregiving. Its transformative television experience simplifies TV operations for seniors, while providing peace of mind to family members by allowing for easy connections with and support for their loved ones. For more information, visit https://getjubileetv.com/

Members of the media are invited to attend a comprehensive briefing on the scientific research emerging around kratom on September 20, hosted in Washington, D.C. at the Cannon House Office Building, Room 360. The briefing will feature distinguished researchers and legislative leaders discussing the latest findings and future implications of kratom in the U.S.

Date: Friday, September 20, 2024
Time: 9:00 AM (Breakfast provided at 8:30 AM)
Location: Room 360, Cannon House Office Building, House Veterans Affairs Committee Hearing Room
Registration: Protectkratom.org/congress

Briefing agenda:

The briefing aims to enlighten legislative stakeholders and the media on the potential benefits and risks associated with kratom. Each expert will provide insights derived from their extensive research and experience with this botanical substance.

Participants will have the opportunity to engage with the speakers during a Q&A session following the presentations.

The discussion will be enriched with legislative perspectives provided by Congressmen Jack Bergman and Mark Pocan, who will address the current and future landscape of Kratom regulation.

For more information and to register for the event, please visit Protectkratom.org/congress.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association (AKA), a consumer-based non-profit organization, advocates to protect the freedom of consumers to safely consume natural kratom as a part of their personal health and well-being regimen. AKA represents the nearly 20 million Americans who consume kratom safely each year. For more information, visit www.americankratom.org.

News Shop Group, a Damman-based company providing technology solutions to customers, today announced that it is strengthening its core offerings through digital expansion in marketing technology. Through its site Smart Media, an agency specializing in website design, digital videos, and social media services, News Shop Group now provides smart solutions to support the sustainable growth of websites and social media accounts. News Shop Group relies on a targeted marketing strategy for a large number of leading companies and provides services such as content creation, professional website design, and strong social media account management. This strategy is directed to attracting potential customers and converting them into effective reference customers.

News Shop Group owner Khaled Alrawaeli states, "Our goal is to provide companies and websites with the strategies they need to excel in a market. We are confident that our proven plan will achieve measurable results, helping companies grow and build a strong presence on the web."

As part of this expansion, through its agency Smart Media, News Shop Group offers an initially free site for digital marketing efforts. News Shop Group exists to satisfy customers with advanced technologies.

About News Shop Group

Based in Saudi Arabia, News Shop Group is a umbrella company for Smart Media Store, Top Shop Store and Sweet Cake blog. For more information about News Shop Group, please visit https://smart7line.com or @smart7line on Instagram.

TechVillage, Moldova's flagship retreat for startups and investors, wrapped up its 2024 edition, held from September 6–8. The event brought together more than 30 startups from Eastern Europe and 20 investors and VCs from 12 countries, creating a dynamic platform for meaningful, long-term partnerships.

Set in Butuceni, a scenic Moldovan village, TechVillage redefined the traditional startup event model. Unlike typical conferences, TechVillage adopted an "unconference" approach. Startups and investors interacted in a relaxed atmosphere like campfires and outdoor activities, and over traditional Moldovan meals. This unconventional setting encouraged deeper connections.

Highlights from TechVillage 2024

High-impact connections: The event's small-scaled format allowed each startup to have personalized discussions with investors. Some startups are already in talks for potential deals right after the event.

Cultural immersion and adventure: Participants explored the beauty of rural Moldova through village activities and wine tastings, which helped break the ice between startup founders and investors.

Diversity: Even though it is a small event, TechVillage brought together angel investors and venture capital representatives from 12 countries. Attendees of TechVillage 2024 included: Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund, Business Angels Moldova, Science & Technology Angels Network (STAN), Katalista Ventures, Contriber Ventures, N1 Ventures, Tensor Ventures, Vitosha Venture Partners, Startup Wise Guys, LAUNCHUB VC, Sparking Capital, Impact X Ventures, Vintage Investment Partners, and Transylvania Angels Network.

TechVillage showcases Eastern Europe's growing innovation landscape, with startups in AI, healthtech, fintech, and more.

Participants enjoyed a village quest, fed horses, and even made wine by hand. The first day continued with investor and startup pitches, ending with a Moldovan dinner, traditional dances, and music. The second day focused on one-on-one sessions, ending with a special vineyard dinner and networking by the campfire. The final day included hillside networking and a cave lunch with wine tasting.

The 2025 edition aims to introduce even more opportunities. Startups or investors can secure their spot for TechVillage 2025 now by joining the waitlist by visiting https://techvillage.md.

About TechVillage

TechVillage is an annual event that brings together startups and investors in the picturesque village of Butuceni, Moldova. This event is organized by XY Partners and Technovator, with the support of the regional investment fund Ukraine-Moldova American Enterprise Fund in partnership with the Future Technologies Activity in Moldova (FTA), funded by USAID, Sweden and UKaid with the assistance of Switzerland and Helvetas as part of the OPTIM project; and Invest Moldova Agency. For more information, visit https://techvillage.md.

DX, a full-service strategic marketing and solutions company, today announced the launch of DXKulture, a DEI-certified advertising technology platform, built by marketers and focused on diversity, equity, inclusion, and emerging cultures—providing everyone with an equal voice at scale. DXKulture is a global advertising platform with the largest DEI-verified supply and omnichannel solution to reach underrepresented audiences with a focus on transparency and campaign ROI.

DX has over 20 years of experience working with a varied roster of clients including: Paramount, National Geographic, Univision, Schmidt Bros. Knives, Franklin Templeton Investments and many more. During its tenure, DX saw a demand from clients to reach highly targeted nuanced audiences. To achieve that reach, DX began working more directly with a wider range of publishers to create marketing-based partnerships for their sites. Simultaneously it became very evident that the existing ad tech infrastructure is not set up to reach diverse hyper targeted audiences at scale with meaningful, authentic engagements leaving many publishers and communities out of the advertising ecosystem.

Authentically reaching diverse consumers is growing more complex as states pass new legislation requiring a lens for Sensitive PII and safeguarding ethnic targeting. The DXKulture supply-side platform (SSP) simplifies the media buying process by creating sources of inventory that are diverse-owned and operated as well as a curating data intelligence surrounding a breadth of hyper-nuanced audiences—able to be bought with a simple touch of a button across all media platforms including: display, audio, mobile, social, digital out-of-home, CTV, and in-hotel.

Sandy Rubinstein, CEO of DX and DXKulture, said, "DXKulture is about lifting everyone up, sharing each audience’s unique perspective, and amplifying those conversations with like-minded people. We built DXKulture to turn traditional adtech into an 'enabler for good' by creating end-to-end monetization solutions that democratize access to necessary ad tech while ensuring great revenue shares make it to those delivering the most value—the publishers and content owners—all while super-serving the advertiser and the consumer."

"Working with Sandy and her team is always a pleasure. They focus on creating meaningful connections with our customers via hyper targeted social media. The opportunity to further focus targeting to DEI communities and build those relationships is very exciting," added Samantha Sichel, Head of Social Product & Digital Innovation at Live Nation Entertainment

DXKulture is a multifaceted product offering media, grounded in marketing support, research and insights. Given DX’s roots in the entertainment and television industry, CTV and FAST offerings are a tremendous priority and a key part of the company’s future plans. DXKulture believes that the CTV/FAST ecosystem is an underutilized marketplace for advertisers and provides rich access to nuanced audiences. DXKulture is rolling out a suite of custom CTV solution offerings and further talent announcements in the coming weeks.

For more information on DXKulture visit https://dxkulture.com.

About DX

DX is a full-service strategic marketing shop with in-house capabilities for B2B and B2C that span strategy, creative, content, CRM, research and insights, and e-commerce. Our multi-channel approach ensures we deliver strategic plans and cost-effective results to move your business forward. To learn more about DX, visit https://dxagency.com.

Botanic Tonics, maker of feel free, announced today that it has reached a settlement agreement in the class action lawsuit "In re Botanic Tonics Litigation" (Case No. 3:23-cv-01460-VC, N.D. Cal.). The settlement, which is subject to court approval, resolves claims related to the marketing and labeling of Botanic Tonics' feel free product.

Botanic Tonics acknowledges that its early marketing practices fell short of the high standards of transparency and consumer education that the company now champions. While these practices did not violate any laws, the company recognized the concerns raised by consumers and took significant steps to address them. The settlement includes both monetary relief for eligible class members and reinforces Botanic Tonics' unwavering commitment to enhanced product labeling and consumer education.

Since its founding in 2020, Botanic Tonics has been dedicated to serving its customers and providing an exceptional product. When consumers voiced concerns in 2022 about how the product was being marketed in some instances and a perceived lack of consumer awareness about the product's contents, the company listened intently and took decisive action. For over two years, Botanic Tonics has been focused on enhancing transparency, safety, and consumer education, setting new standards for the industry.

"This settlement marks a significant milestone for Botanic Tonics," said Cameron Korehbandi, CEO. "We've always been committed to being the best company we can be for our customers. By actively listening to consumer feedback and continuously refining our practices, we aim to set the gold standard for the entire premium plant-based supplement industry, particularly for products containing kava and kratom."

"We believe in the transformative potential of premium plant-based supplements like kava and kratom when used responsibly," Korehbandi added. "Our mission is to ensure every consumer has access to clear, comprehensive information about our products, empowering them to make informed choices." 

Botanic Tonics' feel free CLASSIC stands out as the only ready-to-consume tonic using high-quality kava and natural whole leaf kratom in its purest form. The company takes pride in sourcing kava from the pristine islands of Vanuatu, where this revered plant is native and has been used in traditional practices for centuries. This commitment to authenticity and quality sets Botanic Tonics apart in the market.

The company remains dedicated to leading the industry in research, education, and collaboration with regulators to ensure the safest possible market for kava and kratom supplements. This proactive approach reflects Botanic Tonics' commitment to excellence and consumers.

"We believe that an informed consumer is an empowered consumer," Korehbandi stated. "By fostering a deeper understanding of kava, kratom, and other botanicals, we're not just selling products—we're cultivating a community of knowledgeable, responsible users." 

As the botanical supplement industry continues to evolve, Botanic Tonics is committed to staying ahead of the curve in research, quality control, and regulatory compliance. The company's dedication to growth and excellence ensures that it will continue to adapt and improve, setting new benchmarks for consumer safety and product efficacy.

Recognizing the rapidly evolving landscape of the botanical supplement industry, particularly concerning kava and kratom, Botanic Tonics is dedicated to staying at the forefront of research, quality control, and regulatory compliance. As new information emerges and industry standards develop, the company is committed to adapting its practices to ensure the highest levels of consumer safety and product efficacy.

Disclaimer: Consume responsibly. Adults 21 years of age and older only.

To learn more, visit our consumer education page.

Botanic Tonics is a premium plant-based supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, we produce tonics under our feel free brand. Our signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is the only ready-to-consume kava and whole leaf kratom tonic of its kind on the market, crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, energy, and focus. Learn more at https://botanictonics.com .

A viral video featuring 1st Phorm athlete and UFC star Michael Chandler is breaking the internet, with over 35 million views in just 24 hours after the UFC announced Chandler’s upcoming fight against Charles Oliveira at Madison Square Garden this November. The video, which shows Chandler playfully smashing a TV during a prank involving fellow 1st Phorm athlete Adley Kinsman and influencer Jake Stump, has created a whirlwind of excitement leading up to what many consider to be one of the year’s most anticipated UFC matchups.

The video, originally posted by Adley Kinsman, who is known for creating viral content for brands and celebrities, showcases Chandler’s comedic timing as well as his legendary strength—one that fans believe will be on full display in the octagon. In the video, Chandler humorously throws Jake Stump into a TV, leaving fans wondering if it’s his intense training regimen or his 1st Phorm supplements fueling his powerhouse persona.

Chandler, a top UFC lightweight contender, is no stranger to the spotlight. With a career that includes multiple title wins and accolades across mixed martial arts, Chandler’s fan base continues to grow both inside and outside the octagon. His upcoming fight against Charles Oliveira is set to take place at the iconic Madison Square Garden, where he’ll be looking to cement his legacy in UFC history. Fans are eager to see how this viral momentum will translate into the high-stakes matchup.

Adley Kinsman, recognized for her ability to engineer viral moments, has once again demonstrated her knack for creating impactful, buzzworthy content. Her partnership with Chandler highlights the athlete’s magnetic personality and unstoppable drive, while providing fans with a lighthearted glimpse into his life ahead of fight day.

As excitement builds for Chandler’s UFC showdown, fans are encouraged to follow his journey on social media and watch the viral video that has captivated millions worldwide. Catch the full clip on Kinsman’s Instagram at @adley, Chandler’s at @mikechandlermma, and Jake Stump’s at @misterstumpofficial.

For more information on Michael Chandler’s upcoming fight and to stay updated with UFC news, visit UFC’s official site.

LeanData, the modern revenue orchestration platform for today’s growth leaders, is thrilled to announce the launch of two groundbreaking products: Buying Groups Blueprint and Buying Groups Orchestrator. These innovative solutions are designed to help B2B enterprises optimize their go-to-market (GTM) strategies by leveraging the power of buying groups, enabling companies to drive more revenue, close deals faster and uncover new opportunities.

In today’s complex B2B landscape, enterprise purchase decisions are rarely made by a single individual. Instead, they involve a collection of stakeholders—commonly referred to as buying groups—who each play a critical role in the decision-making process. However, many organizations struggle to identify and engage these groups effectively which leads to missed opportunities and prolonged sales cycles.

“Buying groups have always been key to B2B selling—it’s how the best reps succeed. But scaling this approach across a sales team has been challenging,” said Evan Liang, CEO and co-founder of LeanData. “Now, companies are automating buying groups across go-to-market teams to drive stronger revenue results.”

LeanData’s new Buying Groups Blueprint and Buying Groups Orchestrator products address this challenge head-on:

 

LeanData is already helping leading companies like TechTarget, Siemens, Palo Alto Networks and NVIDIA to gain a competitive edge in their markets.

 

“LeanData is proving to be an amazingly useful component in our tech stack for both efficiency and innovation, especially as we evolve toward more sophisticated and nuanced buying groups motions,” stated John Steinert, Chief Marketing Officer at TechTarget. “We use LeanData for routing and related automations, leveraging both out-of-the-box functionality and additions custom built with the LeanData team. We’re grouping together different types of intent data-informed leads and contacts to form a buying group that we can understand and manage more effectively as we work it through our stages.”

“LeanData has been critical in laying the groundwork for NVIDIA’s approach to buying centers,” stated Aristomenis Capogeannis, Senior Director of Enterprise Revenue Marketing at NVIDIA. “Through LeanData’s matching and routing capabilities, it allows NVIDIA to detect key buying signals from the buying center, which feeds into sales efficiency and ultimately, more revenue.”

The launch of these products marks a significant milestone in LeanData’s mission to transform B2B GTM strategies. By enabling companies to better understand, construct and manage their buying groups, LeanData is helping them navigate the challenges of modern B2B sales, ultimately leading to increased win rates, faster sales cycles and larger deals.

The shift to buying groups is driving more revenue for organizations. According to Terry Flaherty, VP and Principal Analyst at Forrester Research on their recent webinar, Drive Long-Term Growth With A Customer-Centric Revenue Transformation, "One of the things we're seeing is if we form buying groups, leverage signals and deliver to sales—opportunities with three or more buying group members, the conversion rates are dramatically different—have seen ranges from 250%, 400% improvement."

For more information on LeanData and its new buying groups products, visit LeanData’s Buying Groups Resource Center, join the LinkedIn Buying Group Leaders community, or talk to a LeanData expert today.

About LeanData

LeanData is the gold standard in revenue orchestration, empowering growth leaders to excel in the buyer-directed world of modern B2B selling. With a fully integrated solution, LeanData simplifies the coordination of plays, people and processes, transforming buyer signals into actionable decisions that drive revenue. For more information, visit LeanData.com.

In the world of financial security and retirement planning, the quest for a trustworthy partner is paramount. Amidst a sea of options, Fisher Capital emerges as a thought-leader guiding investors through the choppy waters of market volatility and economic unpredictability. Recently, the integrity and trustworthiness of Fisher Capital have been brought to light following an audit by acclaimed investigative journalist James O’Keefe. This examination not only reaffirmed the company's status as a leading provider of precious metal IRA services but also highlighted its unwavering commitment to ethical practices and client well-being.

James O’Keefe, whose investigative prowess has unmasked questionable practices across various sectors, turned his focus towards Fisher Capital during Turning Point USA’s America Fest. The findings? Fisher Capital stands as a paragon of honesty and reliability in an industry often marred by skepticism. Unlike some financial institutions that have faltered under scrutiny, Fisher Capital’s operations reveal a steadfast dedication to upholding the highest standards of conduct.

At its core, Fisher Capital was conceived with the noble aim of helping families fortify their retirement savings against the inevitable ebbs and flows of economic cycles. In today's world, where fiscal uncertainty is exacerbated by factors such as inflationary pressures and global pandemics, this mission has never been more critical. The commendation from James O’Keefe serves as a testament to Fisher Capital's success in fulfilling this purpose.

Specializing in gold and precious metals investment strategies, Fisher Capital has earned accolades for its profound expertise in this niche area. The company’s team of precious metal IRA specialists offers personalized guidance to both novices and seasoned investors alike. Tailoring their assistance to align with each client’s unique financial goals and circumstances ensures that every individual receives a bespoke service designed to secure their financial future.

“In these times of economic instability, diversifying one's investment portfolio with tangible assets such as gold and silver is invaluable,” remarked a spokesperson for Fisher Capital. “Our aim is to equip our clients with the necessary tools and knowledge to make informed decisions that will navigate them through these turbulent periods.”

Fisher Capital extends an invitation to those anxious about their retirement savings to consider the merits of investing in gold and silver. By doing so, prospective clients can experience first-hand the superior service quality and expertise that distinguish Fisher Capital from its competitors. The company prides itself on fostering supportive partnerships with its clients, ensuring peace of mind when it comes to securing one’s financial legacy.

As a frontrunner in providing precious metal IRA services, Fisher Capital is devoted to assisting individuals in protecting their retirement savings through strategic investments in gold and silver. Central to its philosophy are integrity, unparalleled expertise, and solutions centered around client needs. By empowering investors to confront economic uncertainties head-on, Fisher Capital plays an instrumental role in helping them achieve lasting financial security.

Navigating the complex landscape of retirement planning requires a knowledgeable ally—one equipped with both ethical standards and specialized skills. For those looking toward their golden years with trepidation due to economic fluctuations or inflation concerns, partnering with an esteemed organization like Fisher Capital could be the key to unlocking financial serenity amidst chaos. With its proven track record underscored by James O'Keefe's rigorous audit results, it's clear that when it comes to safeguarding your retirement dreams against future adversities, Fisher Capital stands ready as your trusted guardian.

Fisher Capital is a leading provider of precious metal IRA services, dedicated to helping individuals safeguard their retirement savings through strategic gold and silver investments. With a focus on integrity, expertise, and client-centric solutions, Fisher Capital empowers investors to navigate economic uncertainties and achieve financial security. To learn more, visit https://www.fishercapitalgroup.com.

DayBreak Skincare, a new skin health company specializing in products made with a proprietary formulation of ultra-premium hypochlorous acid (HOCl), today introduced its first product, Mighty Mist. The company’s debut offering is a 4 fl oz hydrating mist designed to calm, soothe, and restore the skin, making it a versatile addition to any skincare routine.

Mighty Mist harnesses the power of MightyHOCl™, a premium form of hypochlorous acid, celebrated for its ability to calm and restore out of control skin while preserving your body's natural pH balance. HOCl is a naturally occurring substance produced by the body’s white blood cells and is recognized in the skincare industry for its ability to support the skin’s natural healing processes. This premium version, MightyHOCl™, is formulated in an FDA-registered and EPA-regulated facility that also supplies the world’s top hospitals. DayBreak Skincare is the exclusive provider of this specific HOCl formulation designed for consumer beauty and skin health, which was previously only available in healthcare settings.

“At DayBreak, we believe that every morning offers each of us the promise of a fresh start," says Seth Kravitz, founder and CEO of DayBreak Skincare. “Mighty Mist is our first step in delivering skincare rooted in real science that brings real results—no fluff, no filler, just honest, effective care. By utilizing the remarkable properties of hypochlorous acid, we’ve been able to create a product that genuinely transforms skin health.”

Mighty Mist is available in a 4 oz bottle ($26 MSRP). Mighty Mist is available starting today on the DayBreak Skincare website. 

As a new player in the skincare industry, DayBreak Skincare is committed to delivering high-quality, science-backed products that meet the evolving needs of skincare enthusiasts.

For more information, visit daybreakskin.com and @daybreak.skin on TikTok and Instagram. 

DayBreak Skincare is a skin health company specializing in science-backed products formulated with premium hypochlorous acid (HOCl). Founded in 2024, DayBreak exists to transform the way people care for their skin by offering safe, effective products that are rooted in trusted science. The brand was inspired by the founder’s personal journey to find healthier alternatives to the harsh, chemical-laden options that dominate the market. Discovering the remarkable benefits of HOCl, DayBreak was established to bring this powerful molecule to the forefront of skincare, offering solutions that empower people to take back control of their skin health. DayBreak Skincare is committed to challenging the status quo, prioritizing transparency and quality, and helping individuals feel confident in their skin.

EZ Newswire, an AI-enabled platform empowering organizations to turn their news into performance, today announced an exclusive multi-year distribution deal with Reuters, the world's largest multimedia news agency. The partnership enables organizations across the globe to increase the visibility and impact of their news in a premium environment that is both brand-safe and brand-suitable.

Available now, EZ Newswire’s customers can seamlessly create and publish their business news directly to a dedicated section on the Reuters website.

Since its beta launch in May 2023, EZ Newswire has experienced an increase in demand from enterprise customers for a better solution to create, publish, and amplify time-sensitive business news in premium environments. The collaboration with Reuters is consistent with EZ Newswire’s mission to be an innovation leader in the newswire industry through technology and partnerships to deliver high-quality distribution, measurable impact, and clear pricing tied to performance.

“We are thrilled to collaborate with Reuters and look forward to further innovating in the years ahead to build the most powerful news and business intelligence platform,” said EZ Newswire founders Neel Shah and Caitlin Kelly.

The public launch of the integration follows a successful closed beta test with a range of customers, comprising large enterprises, growing businesses, and non-profit organizations. The use cases included a broad variety of news and announcements, including product expansions (poppi), award recognitions (Fixed Income Analysts Society), business results (OAAA), events (Primary Ventures), promotions (Einstein Bros. Bagels), and partnerships (TransferGo and Visa).
 

Susan Magrino, CEO of Magrino Public Relations and one of the beta testers, commented, “As an agency representing some of the most innovative and influential consumer brands, our clients require us to work at a pace that meets their business demands and to deliver exceptional results. EZ Newswire is the solution we need for business news and their deal with Reuters provides a premium environment that ensures brand safety."

Recently, EZ Newswire polled hundreds of marketing and communications decision makers about their experience using legacy newswire services. Results were conclusive: 98% of respondents currently use newswires, yet nearly 80% have an unfavorable view on the return on their investment. Respondents specifically were most dissatisfied about quality of distribution and pricing, highlighting the need for the industry to build more modern solutions for brands to publish and promote their news more effectively.
 

"Just as media has transformed, we are excited to see EZ Newswire modernize the legacy newswire industry to meet the needs of marketing organizations like ours by bringing together transparency, performance, and ease of use,” commented Julie Thompson, chief marketing officer of the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA).

The collaboration with Reuters is part of EZ Newswire’s phased strategy to expand its product suite with powerful new integrations and platform features that enable customers to instantly reach and engage targeted audiences with their news at scale.
 

Earlier this year, EZ Newswire was selected as a winner in The MBA Fund’s sixth annual pitch competition for pre-seed and seed startups. In addition to the investment from The MBA Fund, Contour Ventures invested in EZ Newswire’s last round, which saw participation from existing investors, including HearstLab and the former heads of Forbes, Hearst, IAC, Ziff Davis, and Sinclair.
 

EZ Newswire empowers organizations to turn their news into performance. Our AI-enabled platform, exclusive distribution network, and amplification tools make it easy to create, publish, and promote news in premium environments to reach the right audience. From startup to scale-up to S&P 500, the most influential organizations rely on EZ Newswire to communicate smarter. For more information, visit www.eznewswire.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC), a leading advocate for responsible kratom use and evidence-based policy, welcomes Bloomberg's recent investigative report on kratom. The GKC believes this coverage provides an opportunity for further dialogue and a more nuanced understanding of this complex topic.

"We appreciate Bloomberg’s balanced reporting in their recent investigative report on kratom. This is a complex topic, and as such we believe it's essential to highlight certain critical aspects of this multifaceted issue," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the Global Kratom Coalition.

Key Points Highlighted by the GKC

1. Regulatory framework: The GKC believes that clear and comprehensive regulations are essential for ensuring the safe and responsible use of kratom. To achieve this, we propose a series of regulatory measures designed to address consumer safety. The GKC advocates for comprehensive kratom regulations, including:

A regulatory framework is a much better option for consumers. Thirteen states have passed kratom regulations that serve to protect consumers whilst preserving access to kratom, and many more are considering regulations. However, that leaves many states where no laws have been passed, with a regulatory gap. 

2. Not all kratom is equal: It is essential to distinguish between kratom leaf, concentrated extracts that match the chemical profile of the kratom raw material used, kratom alkaloid isolates, and, more recently, the rise in synthetically derived products that inaccurately call themselves kratom. 

Kratom leaf is an Old Dietary Ingredient (ODI) with a long history of traditional safe use in Southeast Asia. Kratom extracts are either ODIs or New Dietary Ingredients (NDIs) that are required to submit a New Dietary Ingredient Notification (NDIN) prior to marketing and sale. Isolated, purified, semi-synthetic, or synthetic alkaloids, like 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) isolates, are novel substances that are no longer kratom and should be subject to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) process for drug approval as established in the Food, Drugs, and Cosmetic Act.

3. Comparative risk assessment: A comparative analysis of CDC, FDA, and Poison Control Center data reveals that the risk profile of kratom is notably different from other commonly used substances. For example, kratom-associated fatalities are significantly lower than those linked to legal substances like tobacco or alcohol. Additionally, US Poison Control Center statistics show that kratom-related calls are similar in number to those for energy drinks and considerably lower than those for many over-the-counter medications. This doesn't mean kratom is without risk, but it does highlight the importance of informed decision-making when considering any substance.

4. Understanding dependence: While regular, excessive consumption of kratom use can lead to physical dependence, its abuse potential is considered much lower than that of classic opioids, like oxycodone or morphine. Studies suggest that individuals with a kratom use disorder primarily fall into mild or moderate categories, like patterns seen with caffeine use.

5. Problems with prohibition: Prohibition has consistently proven ineffective in addressing public health issues and kratom is no exception. Instead of making products inaccessible, which drives the market underground, regulators should focus on regulating kratom products to ensure safety and transparency for consumers.

6. Educating stakeholders: We have identified significant knowledge gaps about kratom among consumers, healthcare professionals, and policymakers. The GKC is spearheading initiatives to disseminate accurate, research-based information on both the benefits and potential risks of kratom.

7. Nuanced understanding: As emphasized in the documentary, the true nature of kratom lies between extremes. GKC acknowledges the potential benefits of kratom for many users while also recognizing the importance of responsible use and ongoing research. We aim to foster dialogue between kratom advocates and individuals with concerns about kratom use, promoting a balanced, fact-based approach. The Kratom Consumer Advisory Council has been formed to allow the voices of all individuals who have experience with kratom, whether positive or negative, to be heard.

The GKC remains dedicated to advancing responsible kratom use through science-driven policies, regulations, and industry standards.

About the Global Kratom Coalition

The Global Kratom Coalition is an alliance of kratom consumers, experts, and industry leaders dedicated to protecting and expanding access to kratom worldwide. The coalition focuses on advancing scientific research, driving consumer education, and developing robust regulations that protect consumers.

Bugle, a company that specializes in volunteer management solutions, today announced the launch of its volunteer management software. After years of research and development in partnership with the Department of Computer Science at North Carolina State University, Bugle's platform is now available to nonprofits worldwide. Bugle's software enables nonprofits to efficiently organize and fundraise for community outreach projects, with the option to start for free using Bugle's Community Plan.

This announcement marks a significant milestone for Bugle as it expands its reach to support nonprofits and their community outreach initiatives. Providing a robust suite of user-friendly tools for volunteer management and fundraising, Bugle's software makes organizing volunteer events as simple as hosting an Airbnb.
 
According to Ryan Johnson, CEO of Bugle, "We are thrilled to officially launch Bugle's volunteer management software. Our company takes great pride in equipping nonprofits with modern tools that simplify the unique challenge of organizing volunteer events. At Bugle, we believe that helping others shouldn't be hard, so we build software that makes it easy."

A mission-driven company, Bugle aims to double volunteering across the U.S. by 2030 and worldwide by 2036. Achieving this goal will provide an additional $1.2 trillion in global social services annually.

For more information about Bugle and its volunteer management software, please visit https://www.buglevolunteers.com.

Bugle is a Nashville-based volunteer management software company that specializes in empowering nonprofit community outreach. Focused on providing innovative solutions to streamline volunteer coordination, our software enables nonprofits to significantly increase their efficiency and impact. Our unique platform allows nonprofits to quickly organize events, capture volunteer data, and turn community outreach into fundraising success. For more information, please visit our website at https://www.buglevolunteers.com.

On the evening of September 14, Beijing time, the opening ceremony of the Yangtze River Cultural Arts Season took place in Wuhan, Hubei Province, China.

This ceremony created a cultural arts feast themed "with the sky as the curtain, the city as the scenery, and the Yangtze as the stage." Singers from the 13 provinces along the Yangtze River performed songs and dances reflecting local customs. A thousand university students from twelve universities in Hubei participated in a choir performance of "Song of the Yangtze." During the climax, thousands of drones illuminated the sky above the Wuhan Yangtze River Bridge, depicting landmarks from the 13 provinces along the river, followed by a dazzling fireworks display that lasted nearly ten minutes. Many citizens attended the event to appreciate the rich culture of the Yangtze River.

The opening ceremony was executed by Hubei Media Group and integrated elements of "culture + technology," using AR (augmented reality) technology and 3D drone light shows.

The Yangtze River Cultural Arts Season will continue until November 4, featuring various activities centered around Yangtze River culture and Chinese civilization, including themed art exhibitions, a film week, a stage arts showcase, a choir week, a reading week, a literature week, and an intangible cultural heritage exhibition. These activities aim to fully showcase the essence and charm of Yangtze River culture and encourage active participation from the public. All 13 provinces along the Yangtze River will participate collectively.

Manat Kaur, the visionary founder of Ring Premier, a leading custom fine jeweler specializing in lab-grown diamonds, has been prominently featured in Maxim. In the article, Kaur delves into the growing trend of lab-grown diamonds and the many benefits they offer over traditional mined diamonds.

In the Maxim piece, Kaur shares her insights on how lab-grown diamonds are revolutionizing the jewelry industry by providing consumers with ethically sourced, sustainable, and high-quality alternatives to mined diamonds. She emphasizes that lab-grown diamonds, which are chemically and physically identical to their mined counterparts, offer the added advantage of being environmentally friendly and free from the ethical concerns often associated with traditional diamond mining.

Kaur’s passion for innovation and her commitment to sustainability are at the heart of Ring Premier’s success. By embracing the potential of lab-grown diamonds, she has positioned Ring Premier as a leader in the fine jewelry market, offering clients custom-made pieces that reflect their personal style and values.

“We are thrilled to be recognized by Maxim for our dedication to redefining luxury through lab-grown diamonds,” said Kaur. “Our mission at Ring Premier is to provide clients with exquisite, responsibly sourced jewelry that they can feel good about wearing, knowing it aligns with their ethical and environmental values.”

The feature in Maxim is a testament to Kaur’s expertise and the growing demand for lab-grown diamonds. As more consumers become aware of the benefits of lab-grown diamonds, Ring Premier continues to expand its offerings, providing an extensive range of custom jewelry options that cater to the modern, conscious consumer.

For more information about Manat Kaur and Ring Premier, please visit www.ringpremier.com.

Ring Premier is a custom fine jeweler that specializes in lab-grown diamonds. Founded by Manat Kaur, the company is dedicated to creating luxurious, sustainable, and ethically sourced jewelry that reflects the values and style of its clients. With a commitment to innovation and quality, Ring Premier is redefining the future of fine jewelry.

Every AI founder today is wondering if they should be moving to San Francisco. A year ago, Hamza Zaveri and Angela Mascarenas were thinking the same thing as they embarked on their journeys as AI founders living in New York City and London. Pretty soon they realized there was a lack of a supportive ecosystem for AI outside of San Francisco, but they didn't want to move out of their cities. They took matters into their own hands and started bringing AI founders and developers together locally. Under The AI Furnace, they grew to over 15,000 members globally in 6 cities.

They are now funneling this movement of supporting local AI startups into The AI Hot 100 Conference on September 18 in NYC. The conference is bringing together 100 of the hottest funded AI startups from pre-seed to Series A on the East Coast, which they have curated as part of their AI Hot 100 Market Map. There will be 400+ attendees including top VCs, founders, operators, executives and researchers.

For the first time, The AI Hot 100 Conference will unite top AI startup talent from the East Coast, alongside leaders from government, venture capital, and big tech, including the New York State Economic Development Council, Andreessen Horowitz, Flybridge Capital, Gradient Ventures, Anthropic, and more. The event will showcase groundbreaking innovations and offer attendees a chance to connect with the who’s who of early stage AI. Expect to see breakthrough demos from the AI Hot 100 founders, giving an exclusive glimpse into the future.

You’ll get front-row access to 100 AI startups such as Maven AGI, Arcee AI, Metaphysic, and more which have raised a cumulative $150 million. Also, connect with over 30+ top VC funds with over $65 billion AUM in dry powder. Expect engaging talks and demos on everything from AI agents to AI-generated anime and AI-fashion models. Plus, there’s a mixer for founders and funders, plenty of chances to network over breakfast and lunch, and even a chance to connect with founders who are hiring. And don’t miss the afterparty to chill and unwind!

Sponsors include NVIDIA, NEAR Foundation, Fidelity, Rho, and Metronome.

You can buy tickets and find out more at https://aifurnace.com.

Angela Mascarenas and Hamza Zaveri aim to support local and regional AI talent around the world. They plan to curate the AI Hot 100 List for different regions and take The AI Hot 100 Conference globally to support local AI innovation. The New York City edition is just the beginning.

About The AI Furnace

The AI Furnace is a global network of 15,000+ AI founders, researchers and investors. We host IRL events in NYC, London, Boston and Paris. Built by AI founders to educate the world, we showcase the latest innovations and founders in AI through our digital media channels, newsletter, podcasts, videos and world-class events. Our founders have gone on to raise from the likes of a16z, Sequoia, Village Global, Google Ventures, and more.

Spynn Publicity, one of the top PR firms for startups, has launched new PR services designed to increase startup visibility. The company focuses on helping early-stage businesses connect with their audiences and build brand credibility through targeted media strategies.

PR for startups is essential to make sure they stand out and grow. Spynn Publicity’s new offerings include customized media placements and digital PR strategies to build trust and recognition. "Our goal is to create campaigns that genuinely connect with the right people," says Matteo Ferretti, CEO of Spynn Publicity.

As the global PR industry is expected to grow to $144.28 billion by 2028, the firm’s services are well-timed to help startups benefit from this expanding field. Using data and analytics, the company designs PR campaigns that align with client goals and deliver measurable results.

Spynn Publicity offers services like media content creation and securing placements in leading publications. These efforts help startups communicate their value effectively. "Journalists want stories that matter, and we help startups present their work in a way that gets noticed," says Ferretti.

 

The agency’s partnerships with major media outlets guarantee coverage for startups, helping them stand out in a crowded field. "We’re rethinking how startups look at public relations," Ferretti adds. "Our focus on PR for startups is to give them the visibility and trust they need to succeed."

For more details on Spynn Publicity’s services, visit https://spynn.co/.

About Spynn Publicity

Spynn Publicity is a public relations firm that specializes in media placements and digital PR services. Led by former journalist and CEO Matteo Ferretti, the company has helped businesses across industries achieve visibility and growth through modern PR strategies.

Today, Push Cash is launching instant, guaranteed payments for merchants and fintech platforms. Founded by former product leaders at Plaid, the company uses a first of its kind multi-network processing approach to realize higher payment authorization rates at better economics. While in stealth, Push Cash secured multiple enterprise customers in online sports betting, and will soon be available in additional verticals.

U.S. payments are stuck in the 1900s: Debit and credit card processing is expensive and rife with chargebacks. In an effort to minimize card processing costs, there has been a recent push by fintechs toward “bank transfers” (read: ACH). However, given ACH’s batch processing and lack of risk signal, bank transfers are slow and can sometimes indirectly cost more than debit card processing. Fintech innovation to date has focused on improving ACH or credit card processing, as opposed to trying to make payments faster and safer for consumers and merchants.

Push Cash has taken a new approach to payment processing. Instead of trying to optimize the performance of debit card processing or ACH processing, it optimizes overall payment processing by routing transactions to the payment network best positioned to minimize risk and maximize performance. This approach reduces merchants' payment costs by eliminating chargebacks and increases merchants’ top line by approving more good transactions.  

Eric Morse and Andrew Coover met at Plaid, where Eric founded the money movement team, creating the ACH processor Transfer and the ML-based risk tool Signal. Andrew led the transfer product's development. Before Plaid, Eric held various leadership roles at Visa, including developing their card-on-file token product.

Morse describes, “With Push, we wanted to start from a clean sheet of paper—could we actually speed up payments while also reducing risk? What if we combined push-style payments and strong customer authentication with a multi-network processing strategy?” This insight led to Push Cash, designed to eliminate the trade-offs between cost, risk, and performance in today's processing systems.

In addition to its launch, Push Cash also announced $4M in seed funding, led by Foundation Capital with participation from angels of Affirm, Bleacher Report, PayPal, Uber, SeatGeek. The raise supports building product and hiring the engineering and operations team.

“The multi-network approach that Push Cash has pioneered is quite novel and really moves the needle on payment performance for merchants. Those are rare commodities in the payments space these days,” said Zach Noorani, partner at Foundation Capital.

About Push Cash

Push Cash is on a mission to reduce transaction risk and take a merchant’s payments costs close to zero. With Push Cash, you can’t push money you don’t have, you can’t push money from a closed account, and you have to authenticate to Push. Push Cash will make account-to-account transactions instant, safe, and simple for consumers and merchants. For more information, visit https://www.pushcash.com.

Botanic Tonics, maker of feel free, appreciates Bloomberg's examination of the complex issues surrounding kratom use and regulation in the U.S. As a company committed to consumer safety and transparency, we feel it is important to provide additional context on several key points:

1. Leaf kratom vs. extracts/synthetics: There is a critical distinction between natural leaf kratom, which has been safely used for centuries, and concentrated extracts or synthetic compounds. Our feel free CLASSIC product uses only natural leaf kratom, not potent extracts or isolates that pose greater risks.

2. Dangers of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH): We share concerns about highly concentrated 7OH products flooding the market. Our products do not artificially boost 7OH levels, which can only be accomplished through chemical manipulation or adulteration. We strongly oppose the sale of isolated 7OH products.

3. Need for regulation: We actively support and advocate for appropriate regulation of kratom products to ensure consumer safety. This includes backing initiatives like the Kratom Consumer Protection Act and supporting the FDA's clinical research efforts.

4. Consumer education: We have significantly expanded our consumer education efforts, including comprehensive information on our website about ingredients, potential risks, and responsible use guidelines.

5. Voluntary responsibility measures: We have implemented numerous voluntary measures to promote responsible use, including:

6. Commitment to safety: All our products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility with rigorous quality control and safety testing protocols. Not all kava and kratom are created equal. Botanic Tonics goes to extraordinary lengths to ensure the highest quality and safety standards for its customers:

We acknowledge that while our early marketing practices met or exceeded all requirements at the time, we now realize that those rules and best practices were not sufficient. As a result, we have taken the lead in guiding the industry towards more transparent and consumer-focused efforts to drive education and awareness.

We have worked diligently to improve transparency and prioritize consumer safety. While kratom has helped many people, we recognize it is not appropriate for everyone and can be habit-forming if misused.

We remain committed to ongoing research, education, and collaboration with regulators to ensure the safest possible market for kratom products.

Disclaimer: Consume responsibly. Adults 21 years of age and older only.

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is a plant-based herbal supplement company headquartered in Broken Arrow, OK. Established in 2020, we produce kava-forward tonics under our feel free brand. Our signature product, feel free CLASSIC, is crafted with ancient functional plants to provide mood lift, energy, and focus. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and actively supports consumer safety regulations through transparent labeling and educational resources. Learn more at https://botanictonics.com.

Chalice Custom Algorithms, a leader in custom AI ad tech, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Riley as the company's new EVP, Head of Sales.

Michael brings a wealth of experience from his successful career at Nativo Inc, where he started as an account director and rose to Head of Sales through 7 promotions over 9 years. Michael's tenure at Nativo played an instrumental role in driving Nativo’s growth through consultative selling and innovative market strategies.

As Chalice continues to expand its offerings, including AI Audiences and CurateAI, Michael will lead the sales team in driving new business and building deeper relationships with brand and agency partners. His background in adapting products to meet the needs of the ever-evolving advertising landscape aligns perfectly with Chalice's pivot from custom bidding algorithms to a suite of custom AI powered products.

Ali Manning, COO of Chalice Custom Algorithms, expressed her excitement about Mike’s arrival: "We are thrilled to have Mike joining to lead us through the next phase of growth at Chalice. Mike comes at a pivotal time as Chalice introduces new products that package our custom AI capabilities into seamless audience and curation solutions across CTV, programmatic, and social platforms. His expertise in consultative selling and custom products will enable Chalice to scale our new go-to-market quickly, while always keeping the customer first."

Michael added: "Advertising is at its best when there is a perfect balance of some of the most advanced tech and most creative humans. Adam, Ali, and Joe have found that perfect balance, all in the midst of one of the most transformative periods in AdTech. I am excited to lead sales and bring my prior experience adapting products to best fit brands and agencies' needs as they look for better effective reach and more transparency."

Mike’s addition to Chalice Custom Algorithms marks a significant step in the company’s journey toward shaping the future of AI-driven advertising.

About Chalice Custom Algorithms

Chalice Custom Algorithms is the leading custom AI software in advertising technology. Chalice AI’s products are configured to make advertising directly impact the business outcomes that matter to advertisers, using the most advanced applications of generative and predictive AI. To learn more, visit www.chalice.ai.