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Oncology Ventures announces the close of its oversubscribed $30 million Fund I to invest in data-driven startups improving cancer care and research. With a strategic emphasis on driving commercialization success, Oncology Ventures aims to make cancer care more affordable, efficient and accessible for patients and their families.

Oncology Ventures is led by Ben Freeberg, a seasoned healthcare investor—having served as VP at Optum Ventures and first hire at Alpha Partners. Additionally, his operational experience at cancer startup Thyme Care and his personal experience as a cancer survivor uniquely position Freeberg to invest in and empower the next generation of cancer startups.

"Cancer care today is prohibitively expensive and overly complex. We will invest in cutting-edge data and AI solutions to tackle the most pressing challenges in oncology, from early detection to treatment optimization," said Ben Freeberg, founder and Managing Partner of Oncology Ventures. "We are excited by the overwhelming support for our first fund to accelerate cancer innovation."

The impact of cancer is enormous, unsustainable and growing. Annual cancer spend in the U.S. is $210 billion, growing at 12% each year. 40% of people will develop cancer in their lifetime, and 42% of those cancer patients lose their life savings within two years of a cancer diagnosis. Oncology Ventures is investing in startups that will improve care outcomes and reduce costs, bringing value-based care to cancer.

Oncology Ventures’ advisory board features a distinguished group of healthcare, venture and oncology experts, including the former Chief Medical Officer of UnitedHealth Group (Dr. Lee Newcomer), the co-founder of Threshold Ventures (Emily Melton), CEO of Flatiron Health (Carolyn Starrett) and CEO of OneOncology (Dr. Jeff Patton).

Additionally, the fund is backed by premier institutions including Cardinal Health, City of Hope, and Moffitt Cancer Center. "Oncology Ventures represents a collective effort to bring meaningful change to the oncology landscape," Freeberg shared. "Our experienced team, advisory board and limited partners are dedicated to helping these startups scale and positively impacting patients, caregivers, physicians and all those navigating the challenges of cancer care."

Oncology Ventures has made seven investments to date. The fund’s comprehensive set of investment theses span early detection for cancer (Gabbi and mPATH) to care navigation during treatment (Reimagine Care) through to survivorship care (OncoveryCare). Further, the fund is advancing healthcare infrastructure through innovations in cancer clinical trials (IgniteData), precision oncology (Concr) and healthcare AI enablement (Health Universe). Oncology Ventures has secured numerous enterprise contracts for its portfolio companies through its network of limited partners and strategic industry connections.

Oncology Ventures is a New York-based venture capital firm committed to revolutionizing cancer care and research. With a focus on investing in seed-stage companies, the firm leverages its deep industry expertise and extensive strategic network to advance oncology innovation and assist its portfolio companies with their commercialization efforts.

By investing in startups improving early detection, care navigation during treatment, survivorship and more, Oncology Ventures has positively impacted the lives of 80,000+ cancer patients. The fund is backed by nine strategic investors (including Cardinal Health, City of Hope, and Moffitt Cancer Center) and a suite of institutional fund-of-funds, family offices, and individuals.

For more information, email info@oncology.ventures or visit https://www.oncology.ventures.

To stay up to date on Oncology Ventures’ investment theses, for the latest on cancer innovation, and to get a small dose of comedy, subscribe to our monthly Substack newsletter.

After winning “Best Content Creator” at the internationally recognized Septimius Awards in Amsterdam, Nicole Arbour has decided to decline the award upon discovering concerns about the show’s producer’s previous projects. The 2024 Septimius Awards, held on August 20, recognized notable talent such as Cuba Gooding Jr., with clips of Arbour’s music video “This Is It” shown during the event. However, upon learning about the founder’s involvement in a controversial film titled "Are All Men Pedophiles?," Arbour chose to reject the award in order to stand against child exploitation.

Arbour, known for her viral comedy, music, and social media presence, has supported organizations fighting against human trafficking, including Operation Lightshine and Sentinel Foundation. Her decision to decline the Septimius Award reflects her commitment to opposing exploitation and promoting the welfare of children.

Arbour conducted research on the film background of the Septimius Awards’ founder, Jan-Willem Breure, and found that Breure was involved in the creation of a documentary that Arbour found concerning. This led to her decision to not accept the award.

In her podcast, “The Arbour Affect,” Arbour addressed her audience of 5 million followers on her decision and encouraged others to consider the ethical implications when engaging with organizations and events. Arbour’s refusal has gone viral with over 1 million downloads and views of this episode in less than 24 hours.

Arbour’s refusal has garnered attention from her audience of 5 million followers, many of whom have expressed support for her decision. Jan-Willem Breure, the founder and director of the Septimius Awards, has not yet responded to Arbour’s decision, but he did direct a re-filming of the award presentation in her category, giving her trophy to Indian sketch comedy group Sevengers.

Licensed mental health counselor J.C. Schildbach, MA, LMHC, ASOTP, has commented on the concerns surrounding the film’s content, noting the importance of addressing sensitive issues responsibly.

Arbour hopes her decision will encourage others to consider the values of organizations and events they support. She also invites those interested in combating child exploitation to donate to: https://foundationsentinel.kindful.com/campaigns/1184598

Link to “The Arbour Affect” podcast episode: https://open.spotify.com/episode/6bzt2fzQTyci0CZWsk9wBE?si=53db6557fab244df

About Arbour Entertainment

Arbour Entertainment is an agency for digital disrupters, affiliated with comedian and recording artist, Nicole Arbour. Known for her debate starting unapologetic comedic takes, Arbour has generated over 1.5 billion video views, received an honorary star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame for "Special Achievement in Social Media," and was named the "#1 Influencer to Follow in 2020" by Yahoo. For more information, visit https://arbourentertainment.com.

Media Contact

Kay Tam
+1 323-397-9200

Howard Finster's Paradise Garden hosts its annual two-day art festival, Finster Fest, on September 21–22 in Summerville, Georgia in historic Paradise Garden. Finster Fest will feature 70 folk, craft and fine artists, music and dance performances, and special guest presentations. In addition, patrons will experience a menu of tasty southern fare, a fun-filled children's art activity area, and, of course, the chance to tour Howard Finster's famous historic folk art environment.

Finster Fest features nationally recognized self-taught artists from 12 states including Marshall Blevins (Mississippi), Eric Legge (Georgia), Jim Kopp (Wyoming), Kimberly Dawn Crowder (Tennessee) and Kyle "Black Cat Tips" Brooks (Georgia).

Music performances will be headlined by Kevn Kinney, lead vocalist and guitarist of Drivin N Cryin, folk-country singer Caroline Herring and singer-songwriter Abe Partridge. The 15 music performances held in various parts of Paradise Garden over the two-day festival will include folk, Americana, gospel, bluegrass, indie and country music.

For the first time, Finster Fest will include dance, with performances-in-motion throughout the festival grounds by Atlanta's Beacon Dance.

Speakers will include Jerry Grillo, author of the biography Big Cat: The Life of Baseball Hall of Famer Johnny Mize; attorney McCracken Posten, author of the nonfiction true-crime story Zenith Man: Death, Love, and Redemption in a Georgia Courtroom; and art auction house owner and self-taught art expert Steve Slotin leading a discussion on folk art collecting. Festival food will showcase southern fare such as barbecue ribs and chicken and the Chattooga Garden Club's famous Paradise pimento cheese sandwiches and homemade pound cake, washed down with sweet tea.

"We are so appreciative of the National Endowment for the Arts and Georgia Council for the Arts for being our lead supporters as well as our festival patrons who travel from 14 states to attend this nationally recognized art festival," said Tina Cox, Executive Director of the nonprofit Paradise Garden Foundation.

Event Details for Howard Finster’s Paradise Garden Finster Fest Art Festival

Look for updates at Howard Finster's Paradise Garden on Facebook and Instagram.

About Paradise Garden Foundation

The Paradise Garden Foundation’s mission is to preserve, maintain and showcase Rev. Howard Finster’s visionary artistic site, Paradise Garden. The Foundation’s primary goal is to serve as a social, cultural, educational and artistic nexus for the benefit of Chattooga County and the Northwest Georgia region while also continuing to serve Finster's mission to spread the message and vision for his garden to people worldwide by fostering regional economic development via tourism, public service and creative enterprise. To learn more, visit www.paradisegardenfoundation.org, or call 706-808-0800.

About Finster Fest

Finster Fest launched in 1991 and is Summerville's biggest annual event, drawing more than 2,400 guests from all over the Southeast to Paradise Garden, which is included on the National Register of Historic Places. Proceeds from Finster Fest benefit the nonprofit Paradise Garden Foundation, which operates and works continuously to restore Howard Finster's 4-acre-plus art environment and cultural center. For more information, visit https://paradisegardenfoundation.org/finster-fest.

The Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress (UCSP) tentatively supports the claim that the Shroud of Turin is the actual burial cloth of Jesus based on The Urantia Book teachings.

"Now that the Shroud’s date has been identified as being consistent with the time of Jesus’ burial, The Urantia Book provides an intriguing account that supports the idea that this may indeed be the burial cloth of Jesus," said UCSP founder Rebecca Bynum. "The Urantia Book states that the Archangels, along with other celestial beings, received permission to dissolve the Master’s material body in an instant of time so as to spare the celestial beings from having to witness the body of their beloved sovereign slowly decay in the tomb. Jesus resurrected in a form of matter called morontia, the same form of matter from which our souls are made."

"The fact that Christ suddenly appeared to the apostles behind a locked door cannot be explained if he were still in his material body," added UCSP co-founder, Marti Garlow Leib. "Morontia matter is a vast level of reality intervening between matter and spirit, and all this is fully explained in the intriguing The Urantia Book."

The Urantia Book is not at all definitive on this matter. It does state the grave cloths were removed from the tomb and thrown over a nearby cliff by the captain of the temple guards, but there is no indication in the book that those grave cloths were found and preserved by early believers. 

"Although it is impossible to know whether the Shroud of Turin is the actual burial cloth of Jesus," began UCSP founding member Julia Raffety. "It is certainly consistent with the account of instantaneous dissolution of the body within those wrappings. Marks certainly would have been made simply from the heat generated."

"We also know that Jesus took great pains not to leave any writing or objects of veneration,” added UCSP founding member Dorenda Morse. "That said, people have been mulling over the Shroud of Turin for centuries and continue to search for the truth about this object. Science has done much to provide facts about the relic, but they haven't been to provide a complete answer. The search goes on for more proof.  There is much food for thought for the answer to this question in The Urantia Book.”

"Personally, I believe the only real evidence of Christ’s resurrection is spiritual," stated UCSP co-founder Cheryl Phillips. "And I believe the midwayers would have destroyed the cloth so as not to leave a relic."

The Urantia Book states: "The Christian belief in the resurrection of Jesus has been based on the fact of the ‘empty tomb.’ It was indeed a fact that the tomb was empty, but this is not the truth of the resurrection. The tomb was truly empty when the first believers arrived, and this fact, associated with that of the undoubted resurrection of the Master, led to the formulation of a belief which was not true: the teaching that the material and mortal body of Jesus was raised from the grave. Truth having to do with spiritual realities and eternal values cannot always be built up by a combination of apparent facts. Although individual facts may be materially true, it does not follow that the association of a group of facts must necessarily lead to truthful spiritual conclusions." (189:2:6)

"While we may never know the truth concerning the authenticity of the Shroud of Turin," added UCSP founder Rebecca Bynum. "We can certainly know the truth of the resurrection of Jesus and have faith that we, too, will be resurrected in morontia form on the Mansion worlds after death."

The Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress endeavors to bring new understandings about the nature of reality, the cosmos, philosophy, history, and the life and teachings of Jesus to the world.

About the Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress

The Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress (UCSP) is dedicated to the dissemination and teaching of The Urantia Book, aiming to bridge the gap between spiritual inquiry and scientific understanding. We reach out to religious groups, scientific communities, philosophical circles, and educational institutions to share the transformative vision of The Urantia Book. For more information, visit our website at https://urantiachurch.org.

Media Contact

Rebecca Bynum
+1 615-775-6801

The Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress (UCSP) is planning to go out on the road to visit study groups, college campuses, and other gatherings around the US to deliver the message that divine help is here in the form of The Urantia Book and that more divine help is on the way.

"While we respect the wisdom of moving slowly person to person in the early years, we feel we are being prompted to reach out to the wider world because the time for The Urantia Book is now," said UCSP founder Rebecca Bynum, who has been a close student of the book since 1980.

"Traditional religion is crumbling, but at the same time, there is a great thirst for true spirituality. Our ancient religions are accompanied by an ancient cosmology and creation myth, both of which are wholly inadequate for the modern age. The Urantia Book reveals the truth about the cosmos and our place in it. It holds the exact right message for this exact time."

Several other co-founders of UCSP express similar convictions, all eager to get out there and spread the powerful messages of the book.

Marti Garlow Leib said her life’s work has been to bring its teachings to bear on the problems of family and family life. "Today, the family is in crisis and needs a firm foundation and the comforting message of The Urantia Book. We can have no higher aspiration in this life than to create new life in partnership with God. Too many young people think of children as a burden and that is a big mistake."

Cheryl Phillips believes the time is right to bring the enhanced teachings of Jesus to the world. "The TV show 'The Chosen' and the Super Bowl ads of 'He gets us’ are bringing a new awareness of Jesus to the youth of today, making him more real. Now we can build the concept of the brotherhood of us all through Urantia Book teachings," said Phillips.

"We've all heard about the Father, the Son, and the Holy Ghost, but it has become almost a meaningless mantra, and was never fully explained anyway," added UCSP founding member Dorenda Morse. "The Urantia Book fills in all the blanks about God, Jesus, angels, the Holy Spirit, and more! It answers tons of questions you've always had, and those you haven't even thought of so far. It explains how God is a living part of you. It's a story that simply everyone needs to hear!"

Another UCSP co-founder, Julia Raffety, sees young people lurching from crisis to crisis with no overarching understanding of reality to stabilize them. "The Urantia Book provides the big picture and the long view which is missing in our world. There is great comfort in knowing we are not alone and that we are not responsible for everything and not in control of everything."

Tia Thomson said: “The pervasive message young people are given today is that there is no God and death is the end, which is simply not true. The Urantia Book is the bread of life with which to feed a starving world. It tells us who we are and where we are going—the meaning of life.”

The group is inviting other Urantia Book students to join them in this evangelical effort. They plan to go out for two weeks at a time, several times a year, beginning in early 2025. 

"Anyone who loves the book and is on fire to share it with others is welcome to join us," said Rebecca. "We plan to share the good news with music and overflowing happiness." Among the messages of comfort they plan to bring are that each precious person is indwelt with a fragment of God the Father, and that Father loves each of us with infinite love as if each were his only child.

Our planet is not an orphan, they will say. There are trillions of inhabited worlds throughout the master universe. And evolution is part of the divine plan of creation—life is not an accident.

"We longtime readers generally found the book in our youth and remember the thrill of that discovery,” added Bynum. "We want to be active evangels of the book before we graduate. We want to let young people know that we are not alone, help is here in the form of The Urantia Book, and more help will be coming soon.”

About the Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress

The Urantia Corps for Spiritual Progress (UCSP) is dedicated to the dissemination and teaching of The Urantia Book, aiming to bridge the gap between spiritual inquiry and scientific understanding. We reach out to religious groups, scientific communities, philosophical circles, and educational institutions to share the transformative vision of The Urantia Book. For more information, visit our website at https://urantiachurch.org.

Media Contact

Rebecca Bynum
+1 615-775-6801

Dialysis Education Services (DES), IKONA, and Lifeliqe are excited to announce a collaborative study to evaluate the impact of Lifeliqe's virtual reality (VR) product on dialysis workforce training programs conducted by DES. This partnership aims to leverage evidence-based approaches to enhance workforce engagement, address critical staffing shortages, and prepare for new technologies in dialysis care.

In response to the global dialysis workforce challenges, DES, IKONA, and Lifeliqe are joining forces to explore the transformative potential of VR in educational settings. This partnership focuses on assessing the effectiveness of VR tools in improving training outcomes, with a particular emphasis on workforce engagement, recruitment, and retention. 

By combining IKONA's expertise in patient education and Lifeliqe's cutting-edge VR technology with DES's extensive vocational training experience, the three companies are poised to transform how dialysis technicians are prepared for high-demand skills in complex care settings.

The study will employ a rigorous assessment process, including pre- and post-lecture knowledge assessments and surveys that measure the impact of VR on participants' learning experiences, motivation and confidence levels. In addition, the study will examine training efficiency and effectiveness to determine time-in-training for VR- and non-VR-prepared cohorts.

"Vocational training has to catch up with the times; efficient transfer of knowledge is critical in building a workforce these days," said Michael Morales, CEO of Dialysis Education Services.

"We know how painful these training challenges can be for the dialysis industry, and the negative impact it can have on patient care and outcomes. This study marks the turning of a new page, allowing us to rewrite the narrative of how people think about dialysis careers, training, and access in this new era of care delivery since the pandemic," said Tim Fitzpatrick, CEO of IKONA.

"We are thrilled to partner with DES and IKONA. This collaboration brings cutting-edge VR simulation technology to dialysis training, helping ensure that students are not only technically skilled but also confident in their abilities. Together, we are opening up dialysis career paths to more people and setting new standards in workforce training," added Matouš Tlapák, CEO of Lifeliqe.

The dialysis industry faces unprecedented workforce challenges, with increasing demand for skilled technicians and the need for innovative training solutions that attract, prepare, and engage clinic staff. By focusing on evidence-based approaches and leveraging VR technology, DES, IKONA, and Lifeliqe aim to transform workforce training and address some of the industry's most pressing and costliest issues. This partnership highlights the commitment to empowering dialysis professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to thrive in an evolving healthcare landscape.

With their focus on these critical areas, IKONA, DES, and Lifeliqe are committed to transforming dialysis training, empowering dialysis professionals with the knowledge and skills needed to navigate and succeed in their careers, and to improving the quality of patient care offered across dialysis settings.

Founded in 2009, Dialysis Education Services (DES) is a leading provider of specialized education and training for dialysis professionals, including nurses and technicians. As a board-certified vocational school, we have trained over 2,000 nephrology professionals, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary for performance excellence, certification, and professional development. Our mission is to enhance patient health, quality of care, and quality of life through innovative and interdisciplinary education. We offer a range of services, including hemodialysis training, certification reviews, custom training programs, and continuing education for nursing professionals. For more information, visit dialysiseducationservices.com.

IKONA, Inc. is a learning platform trusted by over 250 clinics to improve outcomes for people with End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD) using virtual reality and analytics. The company's expert team of clinicians, patients, scientists, and technologists are building a pipeline of evidence-based learning products across complex chronic areas, including End-Stage Kidney Disease (ESKD), Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD), Transplantation, Diabetes and more. IKONA is funded by the National Science Foundation, Department of Defense, StartUp Health, On Deck, and NVIDIA, and was named a Top 200 EdTech Startup globally in the 2022 and 2023 GSV Cups. To learn more about the company's mission to launch 10 million personalized learning journeys by 2030, please visit http://www.ikona.health.

Lifeliqe is the world’s leading workforce development and education tool for learning experiences in interactive 3D, augmented reality (AR), and virtual reality (VR). Following its merger with 3D content publisher Corinth in 2023, the company is setting a new global standard for upskilling, reskilling, and workforce training across classrooms and clinics in more than 100 countries. Lifeliqe has partnered with leading nephrology vocational schools and nonprofits to create and scale dialysis and clinical staff training through a hybrid in-person and VR curriculum. For information about Lifeliqe, visit http://www.lifeliqe.com.

Sourcegraph, the code intelligence platform, today announced that Sourcegraph has been positioned by Gartner as a Visionary in the first ever Magic Quadrant for AI Code Assistants. The evaluation was based on specific criteria that analyzed the company’s overall Completeness of Vision and Ability to Execute. Sourcegraph is placed as the only Visionary out of 12 vendors evaluated.

The best AI Code Assistants for enterprises make solving the hardest problems feel mundane. From code modernization to fixing security vulnerabilities across a codebase, the tool needs to focus on solving an enterprise's most pressing needs. Sourcegraph has spent the last ten years building its code graph, which powers Cody, the AI coding assistant for writing, fixing, and maintaining code, and Code Search, which helps developers explore their entire codebase and make large-scale migrations and security fixes. In seconds, developers can use these tools to answer technical questions, fix or update code, generate new code, and more—no matter the code host, preferred large language model (LLM), or scale of the codebase.

Magic Quadrant reports are a culmination of rigorous, fact-based research in specific markets, providing a wide-angle view of the relative positions of providers in markets where growth is high and provider differentiation is distinct. Providers are positioned into four quadrants: Leaders, Challengers, Visionaries and Niche Players. The research enables you to get the most from market analysis in alignment with your unique business and technology needs.

View a complimentary copy of the Magic Quadrant report to learn more about Sourcegraph’s strengths and cautions, along with other provider offerings, at https://www.gartner.com/en/documents/5682355. 

Gartner Disclaimer

Gartner, Magic Quadrant for AI Code Assistants, 19 August 2024, Arun Batchu, Philip Walsh, Matt Brasier, Haritha Khandabattu.

GARTNER is a registered trademark and service mark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the U.S. and internationally, and MAGIC QUADRANT is a registered trademark of Gartner, Inc. and/or its affiliates and are used herein with permission. All rights reserved.

Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of the Gartner research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose.

Sourcegraph is a code intelligence platform. Its code graph powers Cody, the most powerful and accurate code AI for writing, fixing, and maintaining code, and Code Search, helping devs explore their entire codebase and make large-scale migrations and security fixes. Sourcegraph's customers include 4/5 FAANG companies, 6/10 software companies in the world by market cap, government organizations, Uber, Palo Alto Networks and Leidos, and many other companies building the software that pushes the world forward. For more information, visit www.sourcegraph.com.

A new national survey of hundreds of higher education faculty found they face difficulties adopting EdTech and AI tools, question the technology’s value, and experience increased levels of professional burnout because of technology. Further, although faculty feel positive about certain features of tech-enabled learning, two-thirds indicated higher ed is moving in the wrong direction. Finally, teaching methods matter: a greater number of online-teaching faculty (42%) feel positive about higher ed’s direction than those teaching students in person (20%).

These are among the top findings of the third annual CIN Faculty EdTech Survey by WGU Labs, the research, development, and innovation arm of Western Governors University.

The uncertainty revealed in the survey highlights the frustrations higher education faculty feel about increased technology use overall and, specifically, continued skepticism about AI in instruction.

The survey also looked at whether technology has affected faculty’s day-to-day roles, mental health, well-being, and job satisfaction. Unsurprisingly, faculty are not immune to the burnout other professions experience:

"While these tools are designed to make lives easier, there is still much to learn about how they impact learning, skill-building, and mental health," said Dr. Omid Fotuhi, director of learning innovation at WGU Labs. "Faculty are seeking information, ethical guidance, and technical training to ensure these tools are integrated in a beneficial and appropriate way."

Additional key findings include:

These findings show clear opposition among higher education faculty to AI and EdTech tools in instruction and coursework, even as AI is quickly becoming a fixture in daily life and is a highly sought-after tool in the workforce. With employers willing to pay higher wages for employees skilled with AI, it’s vital students receive some form of AI literacy to achieve in future careers.

"It is imperative institutions provide the support, training, and guidance necessary for all faculty to effectively incorporate AI and other technologies into their teaching," said Jason Levin, executive director of WGU Labs. "Our findings suggest faculty offering online instruction and teaching in STEM fields show a greater willingness and likelihood of incorporating AI into their instruction, revealing that students in such learning environments or courses may be at an advantage in gaining greater AI literacy. Other programs will have to ensure their graduates are prepared and can compete."

WGU Labs’ third annual CIN Faculty EdTech Survey included insights from hundreds of faculty at community colleges; online, not-for-profit colleges; and public institutions. Additional findings and guidance for institutional leaders and faculty instituting EdTech and AI tools are available in the full report, which can be downloaded at www.wgulabs.org/posts/2024-cin-faculty-edtech-survey-edtech-and-the-evolving-role-of-faculty.

WGU Labs is the nonprofit research, development, and investment arm of Western Governors University, where our mission is to identify and support scalable solutions that address the biggest challenges in education today. Learn more at wgulabs.org or follow us on LinkedIn.

The College Innovation Network (CIN) at WGU Labs is a grant-funded, research-oriented initiative that connects institutions with the best solutions to ensure student belonging, engagement, and equity. CIN supports educational institutions by identifying areas of need, supporting the implementation of effective education technology for students, and evaluating impact through research. Our goal is to have a meaningful impact on higher education at large through the evaluation of impactful solutions that promote belonging, engagement, and equity. For more information, visit https://www.wgulabs.org/services/college-innovation-network.

The CIN EdTech Survey Series aims to generate valuable insights that help institutions understand how administrators, faculty, and students experience EdTech. These insights can be applied to improve faculty and student experiences, and ultimately bolster the impact of EdTech across the sector. Queries about the EdTech Survey Series can be addressed to info@wgulabs.org. 

Media Contact

Natalie Berkey
+1 385-428-9425

Richart Ruddie, a renowned serial founder with numerous successful exits, has unveiled his latest venture, Captain Compliance, a cutting-edge data privacy software company designed to assist businesses in navigating the complex landscape of data protection and regulatory frameworks.

Captain Compliance has been in stealth mode building out a robust suite of tools tailored to meet the diverse needs of both small and large enterprises. The platform provides software solutions to help with the growing field of Artificial Intelligence compliance to state level frameworks.

Some of the software tools automate processes for:  

These tools empower organizations to take control of their online privacy practices and ensure adherence to ever-evolving regulations. 

In today's digital landscape, businesses face significant challenges in maintaining compliance with stringent data protection laws. Violations can result in substantial fines, making proper data handling crucial for success. Captain Compliance aims to simplify this process, providing clients with the knowledge and resources necessary to navigate complex compliance requirements effectively. Just last month we saw Florida, Texas, and Oregon go live with new privacy laws and that wasn’t even the biggest news with billions of dollars in fines levied for privacy violations due to improper data privacy practices that caught the eye of regulators. 

The launch of the South Florida based company has a diverse all star team consisting of ex-Meta and Accenture partners, Chewy.com’s C-suite executive, IAPP certified privacy professionals, and other serial founders who've had successful exits recently. The company has been financially backed thanks to Ruddie's previous exits and early growth is being driven through opportunistic referrals from he and the other founders previous ventures and business contacts. While leveraging capital from Ruddie's prior successful exits to ensure a strong foundation for growth and innovation in the data privacy sector, Ruddie says, "I’m so impressed with what we’ve built for 1/80th of what others have in such a short period of time. With a tech stack built for scalability and speed our clients love what we’re delivering behind the scenes."

As a team of compliance superheroes, the driving force behind Captain Compliance, brings a wealth of experience to the table. With a network built up of 180 privacy & compliance experts from all over the world, Ruddie recognized the growing need for comprehensive data privacy solutions in the face of constantly evolving regulations and how having a global presence could help solve a clients needs whether they had issues with LGPD in Brazil or in France with CNIL or the more well known GDPR we have a team of experts to answer any questions at a local level.

"Our goal is to empower businesses with the tools and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly privacy-conscious world," said Ruddie. "Captain Compliance is committed to making data privacy and compliance accessible and manageable for organizations of all sizes."

For more information about Captain Compliance and its suite of data privacy solutions, visit captaincompliance.com.

About Richart Ruddie

Richart Ruddie is a serial founder and entrepreneur with a track record of successful ventures. His previous expertise in data privacy and removal work led to the discovery of the data security and compliance industry which ultimately led to the creation of Captain Compliance, a company dedicated to helping businesses navigate the complex world of data privacy regulations.

About Captain Compliance

Captain Compliance provides a user-friendly platform backed by privacy professionals. We simplify the process of navigating regulations, giving your customers transparent choices, and building essential trust for your organization. For more information, visit https://www.captaincompliance.com.

Media Contact

Captain Compliance
+1 323-397-9200

The Phi Beta Kappa Society (ΦBK), the nation’s oldest and most prestigious academic honor society, has granted a charter to the faculty at the College of Charleston.

Phi Beta Kappa celebrates and advocates for excellence in the liberal arts and sciences. Its Triennial Council awards new chapters every three years. This year, the College was one of three universities chartered to join the 290 existing Phi Beta Kappa chapters at America’s most esteemed colleges and universities.

"We are honored to install new chapters at the College of Charleston, Gonzaga University and Texas State University, reflecting our commitment to recognizing and fostering academic excellence," says Frederick M. Lawrence, Phi Beta Kappa secretary and CEO. "These schools exemplify the values of and relevance of the liberal arts and sciences, and we look forward to celebrating the academic achievements of their most outstanding students. We are thrilled to expand our network and welcome these distinguished institutions into the Phi Beta Kappa family."

The invitation to host a chapter at the College of Charleston follows an extensive evaluation process. To qualify for a chapter, College of Charleston faculty and programs demonstrated excellence in undergraduate liberal arts and sciences education throughout a multi-year review process. Only about 10% of the nation's institutions of higher learning have Phi Beta Kappa chapters.

"Having a chapter of Phi Beta Kappa at the College of Charleston is further affirmation of our institution’s academic excellence and rising national reputation," says President Andrew T. Hsu. "Phi Beta Kappa’s presence on our campus aligns perfectly with our mission to cultivate a vibrant, forward-thinking community of scholars."

Founded in 1776, just five months after the signing the Declaration of Independence, the Phi Beta Kappa Society is the most widely recognized measure of academic achievements for individuals and institutions. It's mission is to champion education in the liberal arts and sciences, foster freedom of thought and recognize academic excellence.
 

"Since its founding, Phi Beta Kappa has stood as a beacon of academic excellence and intellectual freedom. Establishing a chapter on our campus is a testament to the outstanding achievements of our faculty and students in the liberal arts and sciences," says Suzanne Austin, executive vice president of academic affairs and provost of the College of Charleston. "We are honored to join the ranks of institutions that celebrate and uphold these values, recognizing and nurturing the best and brightest minds through this prestigious honor society."

Phi Beta Kappa members include 17 U.S. presidents, 42 U.S. Supreme Court justices and 150 Nobel laureates. Its campus chapters invite for induction the most outstanding arts and sciences students at America’s leading colleges and universities.

The College will hold its official chapter installation and first induction ceremony for new members in the coming months.

About College of Charleston

Located in the heart of historic Charleston, South Carolina, the College of Charleston is a nationally recognized public liberal arts and sciences university. Founded in 1770, the College is among the nation’s top universities for quality education, student life and affordability. Its beautiful and historic campus, combined with contemporary facilities, cutting-edge programs and accessible faculty attracts students from across the U.S. and around the world. For more information, visit https://charleston.edu.

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) is thrilled to support the formation of the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council (KCAC) and the appointment of Dr. C. Michael White, Pharm.D., FCP, FCCP, FASHP, as the inaugural chairman. This council is a significant step in fulfilling GKC's mission to create a safe and sustainable kratom marketplace for consumers.

The KCAC will be comprised of individuals who have a broad range of experience with kratom, both supportive and critical. Members will share their experiences, reflect on the current state of evidence, and assess how potential outreach and regulatory options balance public health benefits against risks. The insights from this group will inform the Global Kratom Coalition’s ongoing efforts.

Dr. C. Michael White is an internationally respected clinical pharmacologist and pharmacist, making him an ideal choice for the inaugural chairman's role. He has published several comprehensive reviews on kratom and has been interviewed by numerous national and international media outlets about this herbal product. His work on kratom is part of his larger body of research on natural products, substances of abuse, and manufacturing quality.

Dr. White has extensive experience promoting consensus. He directed an Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality-designated Evidence-based Practice Center for over a decade, conducting rigorous and unbiased reviews of biomedical literature. These projects included key informant stakeholders who provided insight into the research questions and methods used to answer them.

"I am excited to gather this council together and learn about their experiences and thoughts regarding kratom," said Dr. White. "By sharing and discussing the evidence, we can ensure that everyone has the same platform of knowledge. Together, we will look for ways to maximize kratom’s potential benefits and minimize the chances of harm for consumers."

The KCAC aims to create a balanced and inclusive forum where diverse viewpoints on kratom are valued. The council will foster informed policy-making, drive consumer education, and support scientific research to ensure kratom is understood and regulated responsibly.

The establishment of the KCAC underscores the GKC's commitment to fostering a comprehensive understanding of kratom, advocating for responsible regulation, and ensuring consumer safety. By bringing together diverse voices, the council will help shape the future of kratom policy and education.

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.

For more information about the Kratom Consumer Advisory Council and the Global Kratom Coalition, please visit https://globalkratomcoalition.org.

Media Contact

Byron Johnson
+1 202-680-8129
bjohnson@globalkratomcoalition.org

Cats N Cars, a premier supercar giveaway platform, is redefining value by offering participants the highest entries per dollar spent through their unique blockchain-powered “supercharging” feature. As they strive for global sweepstakes success, Cats N Cars is not only committed to offering thrilling car giveaways but also ensuring strict compliance with sweepstakes standards, providing a fair and efficient experience for all participants.

When co-founders Eric DosSantos (CEO) and Travis Frye (CMO/COO) embarked on their journey, they underestimated the complexities of managing a sweepstakes, particularly the legal regulations, bonding, and registration requirements for both the U.S. and Canadian markets. Recognizing the potential pitfalls, they sought an experienced partner to ensure every aspect of their sweepstakes would be fully compliant.

After a thorough search, American Sweepstakes & Promotion Company emerged as the ideal partner. With 70 years of combined experience and a prestigious client list including Wendy’s, West Elm, H&R Block, and Cars.com, American Sweepstakes was a clear choice. Their exceptional customer service was evident when Gene Cairo, the company’s owner, personally spent an hour with Travis, explaining the intricacies of running a compliant sweepstakes.

With American Sweepstakes on board, Cats N Cars successfully launched their first giveaway—the BMW M6. The expertise, attention to detail, and professionalism provided by American Sweepstakes ensured a smooth and successful launch, allowing the Cats N Cars team to focus on delivering an outstanding participant experience.

As Cats N Cars gears up for their next exciting giveaway—the Porsche 911 Cabriolet—they are confident in their continued partnership with American Sweepstakes, knowing they have the support needed to maintain compliance and deliver an exceptional user experience.

Participants can enter the Porsche 911 giveaway by visiting the Cats N Cars website. Official rules and detailed information on eligibility, entry methods, and prize details are available online at https://shop.catsncars.com/pages/porsche-911-carrera-giveaway.

About Cats N Cars

At Cats N Cars, our mission is clear: to build the greatest supercar giveaway ever while providing a unique digital experience through our CNC cryptocurrency. Our goal is to create a utility token that enhances participation in our exciting events and community activities. To learn more about how we plan to support and grow the CNC ecosystem, explore our white paper and roadmap by visiting our website at https://www.catsncars.com.

Media Contact

Cats N Cars
pr@catsncars.com

Glazers Media, a company that specializes in entertainment and media, today announced that Vito Glazers will be performing live stand up comedy at the Hollywood Roosevelt this Friday night at 8 p.m. PT. Known for his hilarious and engaging performances, Vito Glazers promises an unforgettable evening of laughter and entertainment.

This event is significant for Glazers Media as it showcases the company's commitment to providing unique and engaging entertainment experiences for its audience. By hosting Vito Glazers at the Hollywood Roosevelt, Glazers Media continues to push the boundaries of traditional comedy shows and offer a fresh and exciting experience for attendees.

Vito Glazers, CEO of Glazers Media, expressed his excitement for the upcoming show, stating, "I can't wait to take the stage and share some new material with the audience. It's always a pleasure to connect with fans and bring laughter into their lives."

Looking ahead, Glazers Media plans to expand its entertainment offerings and continue to collaborate with talented performers to create memorable experiences for audiences worldwide.

For more information on Glazers Media and upcoming events, please visit https://glazersmedia.com.

Based in Los Angeles, Glazers Media is a titan in the public relations sector, dedicated to serving small businesses with a promise of guaranteed results. Our unique approach is not just about creating buzz; it's about crafting legacies. With a team of seasoned professionals and a track record of award-winning campaigns, we don't just reach audiences; we captivate them. Learn more about our revolutionary services at https://glazersmedia.com.

Media Contact

Vito Glazers
+1 323-397-9200

Out of home (OOH) advertising revenue increased 3.4% in the second quarter of 2024 compared to the previous year, accounting for $2.78 billion, based on figures released by the Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA). This marks the highest quarterly volume ever for OOH, propelling first-half growth to a 4.8% increase.

"Out of home’s record ad spend generation is a testimony to its effectiveness. Our position as a highly relevant consumer medium is reflected across the board, but particularly in the political arena," said Anna Bager, President and CEO, OAAA. "Political ad spend in OOH is at the highest levels ever because of our ability to deliver location-based targeting, and OOH’s resonance with younger and multicultural audiences. U.S. House and Senate OOH campaign spending in the first half of 2024 has quadrupled from 2020 and is up 70% from 2022."

The report offers a deep dive into trends and growth areas for the channel, including the below findings.

Digital OOH, which accounted for 34% of quarterly sales, increased 7.5% from a year ago.

The Transit category generated the greatest growth against the second quarter of 2023, increasing by 13.7%.

Seven of the top 10 product industries increased in quarterly volume led by Automotive Dealers and Services (+17.8%), Retail (+14.8%), Local Services & Amusements (+10.1%), Insurance and Real Estate (+8.1%), Public Transportation, Hotels & Resorts (+4.4%); Schools, Camps, & Seminars (+2.1%), and Restaurants (+1.3%), reflecting the overall broad strength of the economy.

The top 10 OOH product categories in volume for the second quarter were:

Online and Mobile Travel Services spending increased by 78%, while spending in the Computer Software category, which placed twelfth in OOH volume, jumped 46%.

Ranked in order of OOH spending, the top 10 advertisers in the second quarter were Hotels.com, Apple, McDonald’s, Verizon, Coca-Cola, Morgan & Morgan Attorneys, Amazon, Disney, Expedia and Universal Pictures.

Among the top 100 OOH advertisers, two-thirds increased their OOH spend from Q2 2023, and 14 more than doubled their spend including (listed by spend % increase): Ramp, Molson Coors, Ford, QuikTrip, Honda, StackAdapt, FanDuel, Sixt Rent the Car, Skechers, 7-Eleven, Hotels.com, Pepsi, Progressive, Total Wine & More.

One-quarter of the top 100 OOH spenders were technology or direct-to-consumer brands, including these twelve brands which finished among the top 25 (according to spend): Hotels.com, Apple, Verizon, Amazon, Expedia, Google, VRBO, T-Mobile, Netflix, Uber, Samsung, and StackAdapt.

OAAA issues full industry pro forma revenue estimates that include, but are not limited to, Miller Kaplan and MediaRadar/Vivvix (which is not adjusted to reflect changes in data sources), and member company affidavits. Revenue estimates include digital and static billboard, street furniture, transit, place-based, and cinema advertising.

For more information about specific category spend, please contact Steve Nicklin at snicklin@oaaa.org or (202) 833-5566.

The Out of Home Advertising Association of America (OAAA) is the national trade association for the entire out of home (OOH) advertising industry. OAAA represents over 850 members, including leading media companies, advertisers, agencies, ad-tech providers, and suppliers. OOH media includes billboards, street furniture, transit, place-based media, and digital formats (DOOH) across every sector of the channel. OAAA is the unifying voice for the industry, the authoritative thought leader, and the passionate advocate for advancing OOH advertising in the United States. The legislative unit of OAAA advocates for the responsible growth of OOH with federal, state, and local governments. OAAA-member media companies donate over $500 million annually in public service advertising. Founded in 1891, OAAA is headquartered in Washington, DC, with offices in New York City. For more information, visit https://oaaa.org.

Cassady Nordeen
+1 718-644-0273

AlgoDx, a leading medical AI company with EU and UK-approved ML-based software for sepsis prediction in commercial use, today announced that it has received 510(k) clearance from the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) for its sepsis detection software using a proprietary algorithm, NAVOY CDS®. This milestone marks a major step forward in AlgoDx’s expansion into the U.S. market.

NAVOY CDS® is a software as a medical device (SaMD) designed to support clinicians in identifying sepsis in hospitalized patients, including the emergency department. By leveraging routinely collected vital parameters, the software analyzes patient data to provide early warnings of sepsis, a life-threatening condition, enabling healthcare providers to initiate timely interventions.

"Receiving FDA clearance for NAVOY CDS® is a testament to our team’s dedication and expertise in developing cutting-edge medical device software for healthcare," said Andreas Macura, Chief Product Officer at AlgoDx. "We believe that NAVOY CDS® has the potential to significantly improve patient outcomes by enabling earlier detection and treatment of sepsis."

Dr. Enrico Petrillo, Director of International Research and Strategic Initiatives at Brigham and Women’s Hospital, Faculty Lecturer at Harvard Medical School, Executive Director at Network Medicine Alliance and Institute, and board chairman at AlgoDx, added, "This FDA clearance is a pivotal moment for AlgoDx as we expand our presence in the U.S. It validates our commitment to developing innovative technologies that address critical healthcare challenges. We look forward to bringing NAVOY CDS® to health systems nationwide."

Sepsis is the leading cause of in-hospital mortality worldwide, accounting for approximately 35% of all hospital deaths. Sepsis is a life-threatening condition caused by an extreme immune system response to an infection. It is a medical emergency that can lead to organ failure and death. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving a patient’s chance of surviving sepsis. AlgoDx’s solutions offer the potential to improve sepsis care by providing healthcare providers with a powerful tool to identify patients at risk in the emergency department as well as other hospital wards.

About AlgoDx

AlgoDx is a digital health company that enables physicians and healthcare providers to use data-driven solutions to deliver better patient outcomes and reduce costs. Recognized as one of the best startups in Sweden, AlgoDx is committed to developing innovative decision-support tools for critical care that use artificial intelligence and machine learning to provide insights for predicting acute complications. AlgoDx's main offering, NAVOY®, focuses on sepsis, a medical condition with high mortality rates and significant financial and social impact. For more information, visit https://algodx.com.

Media Contact

David Becedas

On August 16, hosted by the Center for International Cultural Communication and guided by China International Communications Group (CICG), the launch ceremony of Chinese Tea Global Communication Program: "Tea for a Harmonious World" was held in Beijing. Themed "Preserving and Promoting Tea Culture, Sharing and Learning for Global Good," the event launched the Chinese Tea Global Communication Proposal. The goal is to comprehensively enhance the effectiveness of international communication of tea culture, substantially enhance the global brand value of Chinese tea, and highlight it as a key cultural symbol of China.

 

Guests emphasized that tea, a globally influential healthy beverage, transcends history and borders, building bridges for trade and cultural exchanges. It promotes mutual learning and win-win cooperation among different civilizations. This event provided valuable discussions on promoting the high-quality development of the tea industry and continuously enriching the cultural connotations of tea. It also explored new opportunities to unite industry forces. Moving forward, the hope is to gather resources from within and outside the tea industry to a greater extent, establish long-term mechanisms, support the internationalization of the tea industry, enhance tea brands, and advance tea culture exchanges between China and other countries. It is believed that this event will provide an important opportunity and platform to further consolidate international consensus, strengthen multilateral cooperation, and promote the healthy, stable, and sustainable development of the tea industry.

At the event, Forbes China announced the results of the 2024 Forbes China Tea Industry Selection in four categories: 23 teas, including Anhua Dark Tea, Anxi Tieguanyin Tea, Fuliang Tea, Jietan Tea, and Keemun Black Tea, were selected as "Regional Public Brands of the Year." Fifteen companies, including BAMA TEA, Beijing Zhang Yi Yuan Tea Co., Ltd., Fujian Pinpinxiang Tea Industry Co., Ltd., HUNAN TEA GROUP COMPANY LIMITED, Empereur Tea Co., Ltd., Liumiao White Tea Co., Ltd., Menghai Chen Sheng Tea Co., Ltd., SICHUAN TEA GROUP, Sichuan Emei-shan Zhuyeqing Tea Co., Ltd., Tenfu Group Co., Ltd., TAETEA GROUP, and China Tea Co., Ltd., were named "Enterprises of the Year."

In addition, six companies, including Anhui Qimen Black Tea Industrial Group Co., Ltd., Fujian White Master Tea Co., Ltd., Fujian Ruiquan Tea Industry Co., Ltd., Riantea Ltd., and Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha(Group)Co., Ltd., were selected as "High-Potential Enterprises of the Year." Products such as State Guest Tea (Empereur Tea Co., Ltd.), Jin Guan Tuo Cha [Yunnan Xiaguan Tuocha (Group) Co., Ltd.], Your Lipstick (Anhui Qimen Black Tea Industrial Group Co., Ltd.), Anxi Tieguanyin · Saizhenzhu (BAMA TEA), Shine White (Fujian Pinpinxiang Tea Industry Co., Ltd.), and Zhuyeqing Tea (Sichuan Emei-shan Zhuyeqing Tea Co., Ltd.) were named "Influential Products of the Year."

During the event, speeches were delivered by leaders and guests, including Du Zhanyuan, President of China International Communications Group (CICG), Liu Zhonghua, Member of the Chinese Academy of Engineering, Long Zhuangwei, Vice Chairman of of the Committee for Agriculture and Rural Affairs, Guang Defu, Ambassador and Permanent Representative of China to FAO, Poornima Gunasekera, Minister and Deputy Chief of Mission of the Embassy of Sri Lanka in China, Zhang Zhongcan, Vice President of China International Tea Culture Institute, and Xu Shaogang, Academic Dean of the Academy of Chinese Culture. Over 300 people attended the event, including renowned cultural scholar Yu Dan, famous performing artist Zhu Shimao, M. Elmoussaoui Moulayzaine, Minister Counsellor of the Embassy of the Kingdom of Morocco in China, Khawla Alaleeli, Media Specialist of the Media Affairs and Public Diplomacy Office at the UAE Embassy in China, leaders from various regional tea brands in China, executives of tea enterprises, and domestic and international media reporters stationed in China.

About the Center for International Cultural Communication

Founded in 2021, the Center for International Cultural Communication (CICC) aims to promote international communication of the Chinese culture, advances cultural and people-to-people exchanges between China and other countries, and organizes and implements major cultural projects and cultural communication programs. For more information, visit www.heychinaculture.com.

About China International Communications Group

Since its founding in 1949, China International Communications Group (CICG) has been introducing China's development to the world and promoting international exchanges. CICG is composed of 21 subsidiaries, administers two national associations and has 26 overseas branches in 14 countries and regions. Annually, it publishes some 3,000 books and periodicals in over 40 languages. Its publications are distributed in more than 180 countries and regions, and its online audience spans the whole globe. To learn more, visit http://www.cicgcorp.com.

Media Contact

Jiang Hui
+86 10 6899 6113

Los Angeles-based Forte Speech & Language Therapy is pleased to announce the completion of a new website to more effectively communicate with clients.

The company, founded in 2023 by speech-language pathologists (SLP) Shawn Krumholz and Kylie Puckett, specializes in speech therapy services for both adults and children in Greater Los Angeles. In particular, the company offers both speech teletherapy and mobile speech therapy, which offers clients greater convenience and accessibility to their services.

"It's hard to make it to a session at a clinic," says Puckett. "Everyone has busy lives, and expecting people to drive halfway across the city to go see a speech therapist just isn't doable all the time."

In home speech therapy sessions have been shown in some cases to be more effective than those done in clinic. This is especially true for autistic children or children with anxiety disorders. In these cases, a child in their own surroundings helps put them at greater ease. Since one of Forte Speech & Language Therapy's areas of clinical focus is on speech therapy for autistic children, their in-home therapeutic approach can help attain greater clinical results.

Some may wonder, however, whether speech teletherapy is effective compared to in person speech therapy. However, multiple research studies have found treatment outcomes in general for teletherapy to be similar to in clinic therapy. In some cases, however, they can be more effective. This is the case for speech therapy for autistic children, for the same reasons mentioned above. It's also true for treatment for selective mutism, a speech related anxiety disorder.

These topics, and many others, are covered at length on Forte Speech & Language Therapy's new website. In particular, the company maintains an ongoing monthly blog covering a variety of topics related to speech therapy.

"There are just so many misconceptions about what SLPs do," says Krumholz. "When people think of speech therapy they often just think about stuttering, but there's so much more to it than that."

Those interested in contacting Forte Speech & Language Therapy may do so through their website at https://www.fortespeech.com, or through their Google business page.

About Forte Speech & Language Therapy

Forte Speech & Language Therapy provides comprehensive speech therapy services for children and adults. The center addresses various speech and language challenges with a team of highly skilled therapists, offering personalized therapy to enhance communication abilities. Forte excels in creating and implementing Individualized Education Plans (IEPs) and provides robust advocacy support to ensure clients receive necessary services in educational settings. By fostering a holistic and supportive environment, Forte Speech & Language Therapy is dedicated to delivering exceptional outcomes and improving the quality of life for its clients. To learn more, visit https://www.fortespeech.com.

Media Contact

Shawn Krumholz
+1 818-208-0027
hello@fortespeech.com

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) expresses deep disappointment with the recent decision by the California Senate Appropriations Committee to place Assembly Bill 2365 (AB 2365), introduced by Assemblymember Matthew Haney, into the suspense file. AB 2365, which aimed to establish regulatory standards for kratom products in California, stalled during the Senate's suspense file process.

Kratom, derived from the leaves of the tropical evergreen tree Mitragyna speciosa, has been used for generations in Southeast Asia for its mood-boosting and energy-enhancing properties. In the United States, nearly 24 million consumers have benefitted from kratom, and state-level regulation is crucial to ensuring the safety and accessibility of kratom products.

"Under the leadership of bill author Assemblymember Matthew Haney, AB 2365 represented a significant step toward establishing consistent standards for kratom products in the U.S. The bill would have ensured that consumers in California had access to safe, regulated kratom, while preventing the sale of adulterated products," said Matthew Lowe, Executive Director of the GKC. "We remain committed to advocating for this legislation, as it benefits Californians and serves as a model for other states."

The GKC supports state-level enactment of the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA) across the U.S. However, the GKC recognizes the need for even stronger regulatory measures than those currently in place to ensure consumer safety and informed use of kratom products. In the current marketplace, ‌a light-touch regulatory approach is not working. The GKC's recent efforts, including pushing for amendments to Oklahoma’s KCPA and introducing AB 2365 in California, underscore the coalition's commitment to comprehensive and effective kratom regulation.

AB 2365 sought to define and regulate kratom products, including leaf kratom and kratom extracts. The bill proposed clear standards for packaging, labeling, and testing protocols, while also addressing issues such as the sale of synthetic derivatives, age restrictions, and advisories for consulting healthcare professionals before use.

"We understand that this is a process," said Lowe. "Stakeholder education and buy-in is essential to ensuring consumer protection is balanced with protecting consumer choice and access to kratom in California. We are confident that as more Californians understand the issues and weigh in, their stories and quantifiable facts will win the day.  We will have kratom regulations in California that truly address the need for safe, accessible and regulated kratom products."

GKC is focused on the path forward in California and other states.

The GKC is also determined to address and dispel inaccurate information regarding the cost of implementing AB 2365. Contrary to critics' claims, the bill called for producers to pay tiered registration fees based on the number of units produced and total annual sales in California, which would allow for lower fees for small to medium-sized companies. 

"Ultimately, the merits of a consumer protection bill should be assessed based on how the provisions in the bill inform and protect consumers, rather than the cost to the industry," said Lowe in a recent Los Angeles Times article. "We will continue to fight for regulation that works."

The GKC also emphasizes the need to limit the amount of 7-hydroxymitragynine (7OH) in kratom products to less than 1% of total alkaloids, aligning with natural levels found in kratom leaves. The GKC strongly opposes recent attempts to increase the limit of 7OH in a kratom product to 2% by dry weight. This proposed amendment is not a modest change as suggested, and would allow for the proliferation of 7OH isolate products that pose significant public health risks. These suggested amendments are misleading, disingenuous and do not serve the pursuit of consumer protection.

Moving forward, the GKC will continue to advocate for safe and responsible kratom use, including supporting ongoing research into kratom's benefits and risks. Through $500,000 in unrestricted funding, the GKC has supported the University of Florida's research into kratom, which underscores the coalition's commitment to science-based advocacy.

As the kratom market continues to evolve, the GKC remains the driving force behind efforts to implement regulations that prioritize consumer safety and ensure the integrity of kratom products.

The Global Kratom Coalition (GKC) exists to protect and expand access to leaf-based kratom around the world. The organization represents the interests of advocates committed to positive change benefiting consumers. The organization supports education and the development of kratom science, which is central to the GKC’s mission—to empower individuals worldwide with access to safe and responsibly sourced kratom products by advancing scientific research and sensible regulation.

The GKC operates on five key values:

Please follow us at:

Website: https://globalkratomcoalition.org

Twitter: @kratomcoalition 

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/globalkratomcoalition

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/globalkratomcoalition

Media Contact

Byron Johnson
+1 202-680-8129
bjohnson@globalkratomcoalition.org

Since 1995, the Fixed Income Analysts Society has recognized leaders and pioneers who have transformed capital markets and provided enduring legacies with a formal celebration of their accomplishments. This unique gala serves multiple purposes for the investment community by assembling past, present and future generations and celebrating the outstanding contributions of a select few. We are pleased to announce this year’s Fixed Income “Hall of Fame” honorees:

These three professionals have distinguished themselves consistently for decades by providing exemplary service to their clients, firms, colleagues and communities. Consequently, their legacies for the industry and future generations of investors are expected to be long lasting.

FIASI employs a rigorous process to evaluate numerous qualified candidates for this prestigious award. As part of our vetting process, past FIASI Hall of Fame recipients and previous FIASI Presidents review a broad range of market participants and researchers. The FIASI Board further reviews candidate accomplishments, legacy and community contributions before selecting its honorees.

According to Erin Lyons, President of FIASI, “extensive deliberations by our Advisory Committee led to the selection of three very deserving Hall of Fame honorees. These three individuals have made long lasting contributions to the capital markets and thousands of people working therein.”

FIASI’s annual Hall of Fame gala provides a festive venue for market participants to recognize our industry’s leading executives. The 2024 celebration will be held on October 30th at the Union League Club in New York City. Those interested in recognizing the achievements of Mr. Gootkind, Mr. Hyman, and Mr. Milken by purchasing a table, attending the gala or placing a congratulatory advert in the event brochure should contact one of the FIASI representatives listed below.

FOLLOW US: #FIASI_HOF, #FIASI

About the Fixed Income Analysts Society, Inc.

The Fixed Income Analysts Society, Inc. (FIASI), based in New York, NY, is a not-for-profit professional society focused on providing education and networking opportunities to the fixed income community. Since our inception over four decades ago, we have stood as a beacon of knowledge and collaboration for individuals involved in the fixed income realm. Our vision is to encompass a wide range of professionals from various disciplines and sectors, including buy side, sell side, intermediaries, quants, academics, and those specializing in credit, rates, economics, securitized products, foreign exchange, emerging markets, municipal finance, and commodities. To learn more about our mission, membership benefits, and upcoming events, please visit our website at https://fiasi.org.

Media Contact

Lauren Nauser

+1 212-943-1900
Nauser@fiasi.org

Tacilent.ai, a cutting-edge artificial intelligence company, today announced the launch of RESSETT, the world's first AI Strategic Advisor Platform. This groundbreaking solution aims to empower organizations to navigate 21st-century challenges with clean data, responsible AI, and strategic insights.

At the heart of RESSETT is "Oli," Tacilent's proprietary Strategic AI Agent Advisor. Oli leverages 100 frameworks and regulations across 8 modules, covering critical areas such as Risk, Security, Technology, Operations, Finance, and Global strategies. This comprehensive approach enables businesses to develop actionable strategies and implementation plans for sustained growth.

"In today's fast-paced business environment, organizations need more than just data – they need actionable intelligence and strategic guidance," said Ron H.R. Johnson, CEO of Tacilent.ai. "With RESSETT and Oli, we're providing a 24/7 advisor capable of handling complex challenges and crises, while offering predictive analytics and modeling to stay ahead of potential disruptions."

 

Tacilent.ai's team comprises Ivy League graduates, Fortune 50 executives, and national security veterans, bringing unparalleled expertise to its AI-driven solutions. The company's offerings are backed by rigorous validation processes, ensuring sustained success for its clients.

For organizations looking to transform their strategic planning and decision-making processes, Tacilent.ai offers a free consultation to explore how RESSETT and Oli can drive growth and efficiency.

 

For more information, visit www.tacilent.ai or contact us at 770-727-3372 or info@tacilent.ai.

 

Tacilent.ai is a leading provider of AI-powered strategic advisory solutions, dedicated to empowering organizations with clean data, responsible AI, and actionable insights. With a focus on national security-grade data quality and a team of industry experts, Tacilent.ai is revolutionizing how businesses approach complex challenges and strategic planning. For more information, visit www.tacilent.ai.

Media Contact

Ron Johnson
+1 678-221-4241