SAN DIEGO, CA, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Faro AI, Inc. today announced it has raised $37.3 million in Series B financing. The round was co-led by Merck Global Health Innovation Fund and S32, with participation from all existing investors, including General Catalyst, Northpond Ventures, Polaris Partners, PTX Capital, and Zetta, and new investors, including Ankona Capital.

The financing will fund Faro’s next stage of growth as pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies increasingly look to AI agents to automate complex workflows across clinical development. Faro will use the proceeds to expand its agentic AI capabilities and accelerate its work with customers deploying AI agents across their development organizations, helping teams improve the quality and efficiency of the processes required to move medicines from first-in-human studies through approval.

Clinical development is built on a highly interconnected set of scientific, medical, regulatory, and operational decisions. Automating these processes requires more than applying large language models to the documents that describe them. AI systems need a structured understanding of the concepts, relationships, constraints, and intent that drive how clinical studies are designed and executed.

Faro has built proprietary clinical development data models that translate these complex and interconnected concepts into structured, machine-readable intent. This foundation allows AI agents to reason across clinical development processes and automate workflows while maintaining the context and oversight required by development teams. Protocols and other clinical documents can be generated from this foundation, but documents represent only one of the many outputs and workflows the underlying models can support.

Faro’s platform is now used by six of the world’s ten largest pharmaceutical companies, giving the company experience modeling clinical development programs across a broad range of therapeutic areas, study designs, and development workflows.

“By saving time and improving quality, agentic AI has the potential to transform the way the biopharmaceutical industry conducts clinical development," said Mike Morgan, Principal at Merck Global Health Innovation Fund. “Faro has built a foundational platform that creates an important opportunity to apply AI reliably to increasingly complex workflows across the clinical development continuum.” 

“This financing gives us the resources to accelerate what our customers are already asking us to do,” said Scott Chetham, co-founder and CEO of Faro. “Clinical development involves some of the most complex and interconnected workflows in biopharma. Our customers want to use AI agents not simply to generate content, but to understand development intent, reason across these processes, and automate more of the work required to move a program forward. Faro’s ontology and data models give those agents the foundation they need to do that reliably.”

Chetham continued, “We started by creating a structured model of the clinical trial because the protocol sits at the center of so many downstream development activities. As that foundation has grown, so has the opportunity. This round allows us to accelerate the development of agents that can operate across increasingly complex clinical development workflows and, over time, extend that foundation into other areas of biopharma.”

About Faro AI

Faro provides the structured data and AI infrastructure for modern clinical development. Its proprietary ontology and data models translate complex scientific, medical, regulatory, and operational concepts into structured intent that software and AI agents can reason over and act upon.

Used by six of the world’s ten largest pharmaceutical companies, Faro enables development teams to design and operationalize clinical studies, generate clinical documents, identify risks and inconsistencies, and automate increasingly complex workflows across the development lifecycle. By giving AI systems a structured understanding of clinical development rather than relying on documents alone, Faro helps pharmaceutical and biotechnology organizations improve quality, reduce rework, and move development programs forward more efficiently.

For more information, visit faro.ai.

Media Contact

Chief Commercial Officer, Faro
marketing@faro.ai

SÃO PAULO, Brazil, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- According to research from McKinsey, global financial markets hold more than $400 trillion in assets, yet only a fraction of traditional financial activity has moved on-chain. The barrier is less about whether blockchain technology works and more about whether institutions can adopt it without giving up the privacy, control and compliance frameworks that they already rely on.

That trade-off has proven difficult to solve. Shared ledger consortium models provide one option, but they struggle to scale. Banks hesitate to share private data, transaction operations, or trading strategies on a common ledger. As a result, many institutions use traditional systems alongside smaller blockchain efforts, leading to manual and disconnected workflows. 

Rayls Sovereign, launched by Rayls on August 25, 2026, closes the gap between control and connectivity by giving each financial institution its own private blockchain environment that integrates with its core internal systems, while maintaining connectivity to other institutional networks and public blockchains.

The open-source, EVM-compatible system operates within an institution’s existing technology environment, keeping data, keys, security and governance internal and under the organization’s control. The infrastructure brings financial activity on-chain without exposing sensitive information or requiring institutions to rebuild existing systems.

Private infrastructure, not an isolated network

The key distinction behind Rayls Sovereign is that privacy and sovereignty do not have to mean isolation.

Institutions use Sovereign to create and manage tokenized deposits, stablecoins, and digital assets in their private environment. Sensitive client information, balances and trading activity remain within the institution’s system, while only the minimal data or cryptographic proofs required to compliantly transact with their counterparties are shared externally.

This setup lets institutions transact with approved counterparties or link assets to public blockchain networks without exposing confidential information. The model maintains governance and privacy at the institutional level while allowing assets access to broader on-chain infrastructure when needed.

Built for existing financial infrastructure

Rayls Sovereign sits within the technology environment financial institutions already operate rather than requiring an entirely separate blockchain stack. The system connects with existing banking, treasury, custody and data management systems, while APIs and developer tools allow internal teams to integrate blockchain functionality into existing workflows without Web3 engineering expertise.

Rayls Sovereign is built for high institutional activity. It handles over 15,000 transactions per second with hard settlement finality in under one second, powered by Rayls Axyl, the platform's permissioned consensus layer. This supports high-volume payments, atomic delivery-versus-payment exchanges, and post-trade activities.

The platform is fully EVM-compatible. Developers can use familiar Ethereum and Solidity tools instead of learning a new system. This lowers the technical barrier for financial institutions to bring their products and workflows on-chain.

Production infrastructure behind Sovereign

While Rayls Sovereign is a new architecture, the technology behind it is already operating inside financial institutions.

The platform is an evolution of the Rayls Privacy Node, which has been used in production by major financial institutions for more than two years. Sovereign re-architects that infrastructure with higher transaction capacity, customizable governance, greater scalability, simpler deployment and deeper integration with existing financial systems.

Around 30 financial institutions have installed Rayls infrastructure, with Núclea and XP among those already operating in production.

Núclea, Brazil's largest payments financial market infrastructure, processes approximately $3.5 trillion in payments annually and has been a live client on Rayls since June 2024, using it for corporate receivables tokenization. XP also uses Rayls infrastructure for USDXP, its fully US dollar-backed stablecoin launched in March 2026.

Those deployments provide evidence that Rayls’ infrastructure can operate in production within major financial institutions, creating a foundation for broader adoption across additional institutions, asset classes and markets. Beyond its existing deployments in Brazil, Rayls was selected by Kinexys by J.P. Morgan for Project EPIC and has also worked with Mastercard on cross-border payments through its Start Path and Crypto Partner program. 

The core Rayls Sovereign platform is open source, allowing banks and financial institutions to inspect, test, and deploy the infrastructure without being tied exclusively to proprietary software.

This is important in an institutional environment where technology often undergoes extensive internal security, compliance, and operational reviews before it reaches production. Institutions can access Rayls Sovereign through a public GitHub repository and a Rayls-managed sandbox, alongside technical documentation, demos and institutional case studies.

Additional performance and privacy capabilities, including Rayls Axyl and Enygma, are available as premium modules. These can be accessed and used for free during pre-production development, before institutions move into commercial production. This structure gives institutions a way to start testing the core infrastructure independently. They can add additional capabilities as deployments progress toward production.

From private systems to connected on-chain finance

Rayls Sovereign gives financial institutions the infrastructure needed to bring significant assets and transaction volumes on-chain while maintaining the governance, privacy and policy controls required within their existing businesses. 

The technology behind the platform already has live institutional activity to build on. Núclea provides a production example for tokenized receivables, XP uses Rayls infrastructure for USDXP, and about 30 financial institutions have already installed the underlying platform.

Rayls Sovereign takes that infrastructure and gives each institution its own environment to operate within. For banks and financial market infrastructures that have faced a choice between closed private networks and more open public blockchains, this model offers another option: institution-controlled infrastructure for data, governance, and financial activity, with connectivity to broader on-chain markets when needed.

With production deployments already underway, Rayls Sovereign’s next phase  will focus on broader adoption across financial institutions, asset classes and markets.  The significance of the launch is that infrastructure already proven in institutional production is now being opened up for broader use. 

From August 25, 2026, Rayls Sovereign will be publicly available for institutions to evaluate and deploy it seamlessly. Financial institutions can access the open-source platform, Rayls-managed sandbox, technical documentation and institutional case studies at rayls.com.

To learn more about Rayls Sovereign, visit rayls.com/products/sovereign. 

About Rayls

Rayls is a public-permissioned, hybrid blockchain purpose-built for banks and financial institutions to operate on-chain while meeting regulatory, privacy, and operational requirements. Through Enygma, its quantum-safe privacy framework protocol, native governance controls, and Privacy Node technology, Rayls enables compliant interaction between TradFi systems and DeFi. By securely linking institutional workflows to public blockchains, Rayls supports the adoption of stablecoins and tokenized real-world assets. Rayls is focused on expanding on-chain finance through institutional participation, enabling broader asset access, deeper liquidity, and a more resilient global financial ecosystem. Through one of its core developers Parfin, Rayls has been supported by engagement with public and private sector institutions, including collaborations involving the Central Bank of Brazil, the Bank for International Settlements and the European Commission. Its growing partner network includes infrastructure and financial services providers such as Núclea, J.P. Morgan, Cielo. For more information, visit rayls.com or follow on X, Telegram, Discord and LinkedIn.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or regulatory advice, nor is it an offer, solicitation, or recommendation to buy, sell, or hold any digital assets, tokens, or financial instruments. Rayls Sovereign is a software infrastructure platform. Implementation, regulatory compliance, and governance of financial products — including tokenized assets and stablecoins — remain the sole responsibility of the deploying financial institution in accordance with applicable regional laws and regulations. Forward-looking statements regarding platform deployment, adoption, and performance are subject to operational and technological risks.

Media Contact

Bicky Khatkar
bicky@lunapr.io

ANTALYA, Türkiye, August 26, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For patients arranging dental treatment abroad, the clinical procedure is only one part of the experience. Initial assessment, treatment planning, appointments, imaging, travel arrangements and follow-up all need to work together. Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center, based in Antalya, Turkiye, has digitalised these services to create a more coordinated, transparent and manageable patient journey.

At a Glance

• Over 25 years of experience
• In-house digital laboratory
• Digitally integrated patient services
• London and Munich office
• International patient services

A Digitally Connected Route to Dental Treatment

From the first enquiry onwards, clinical and administrative information is organised within a connected digital infrastructure. Patients can receive an initial quotation and personalised treatment plan, while their dental history, X-rays, scans, and appointment information remain accessible throughout the process. Hotel details, VIP transfers, and practical information about Antalya are also coordinated as part of the same service model.

The objective is to make every stage of care easier to understand without replacing direct communication with clinicians and patient coordinators. Once patients return home, Attelia’s digitalised service structure continues to support online consultations, live assistance, and communication with dental professionals, extending the patient experience beyond the treatment visit itself.

Clinical Experience Strengthened By Digital Integration

Attelia has treated international patients since the early development of dental tourism in Antalya and traces its clinical experience to 1998. Its services include dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, smile design, restorative dentistry, and advanced oral and maxillofacial procedures. These clinical services are supported by digital systems designed to improve continuity, precision, and coordination and are very easy to monitor through a mobile app.

Digital planning plays an important role across several treatments. The centre uses CEREC CAD-CAM and NewTom volumetric tomography, allowing clinicians to assess anatomy, plan procedures, and support in-house design and production. The clinic also has an internal dental laboratory, a three-dimensional design, a computer-assisted treatment unit, and six fully equipped operating theatres, bringing diagnosis, planning, and production into a closely integrated workflow.

For suitable candidates, the clinic offers computer-guided, minimally invasive implant surgery. Treatment options also include All-on-4, All-on-6, and full-mouth dental implant rehabilitation. Implant suitability depends on individual clinical assessment, including bone condition and general health. Where additional procedures such as bone grafting are required, they are incorporated into a personalised and digitally supported treatment plan.

A Modern Multidisciplinary Model in Antalya

The centre brings together dentists working across implantology, prosthodontics, cosmetic dentistry, oral surgery, orthodontic, and maxillofacial disciplines. General anaesthesia is available when clinically appropriate, enabling selected complex procedures to be managed within the centre rather than through separate providers. Digitally connected teams can share treatment information and coordinate each stage through a single clinical pathway.

Dentist Mehmet Islek, founder of Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center, has focused throughout his career on advanced surgical techniques, implant surgery, aesthetic dentistry, and prosthetic treatments. He was also among the early adopters of volumetric tomography and computer-guided implant technology in Antalya, reflecting the clinic’s longstanding approach to combining clinical expertise with modern systems.

Attelia supports clinical development through Attelia Academy, which follows current dental literature and evaluated treatment methods. The organisation says its aim is to integrate proven innovation into daily practice without compromising established quality and patient-safety procedures. This approach extends from clinical technology to the digital coordination of the entire patient experience.

Quality, Value, and Continuing Care

Attelia’s central message to international patients is that advanced dental care can combine recognised materials, current technology, coordinated service, and competitive pricing. The clinic uses internationally recognised implant systems, including Straumann and Neodent, while treatment materials and warranty terms are documented for the patient where applicable. Digital records help keep this information consistent and available throughout the care journey.

The centre reports a score of 93.8 in Turkiye’s Health Quality Standards assessment. It also holds certifications covering quality management, medical tourism, customer satisfaction, information security, occupational health and safety, and environmental management. These standards support a modern operating model in which clinical quality, data security, and patient communication are managed together.

Alongside its two Antalya locations, Attelia maintains international communication and aftercare support through offices including London and Munich. Its digitally integrated service structure is designed to give patients access to consultation before travel, coordinated support during treatment and continuing assistance after they return home.

Patients may come to Attelia looking for dental implants, cosmetic dentistry, or a Hollywood Smile. What they experience is a clinic where digital technology is seamlessly integrated into every stage of care, enhancing precision, comfort, and the overall patient experience. The result is a more modern pathway in which information, clinical planning, logistics, and follow-up are easier to manage.

As dentist Mehmet İşlek explains, “At Attelia, outstanding dentistry goes beyond clinical excellence. It means using modern systems to create a seamless patient experience, from the initial consultation through to long-term aftercare.”

About Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center

Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center is an Antalya-based dental organisation providing implant dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, smile design, restorative care and advanced surgical services. Its integrated patient pathway combines digital treatment planning, an in-house laboratory, multilingual care coordination and long-term international aftercare support.

Disclaimer

The information provided in this press release is for general educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute formal medical or dental advice, diagnosis, or treatment plans. Digital consultations, remote assessments, mobile applications, and preliminary cost estimates provided by Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center are intended solely for initial planning and travel coordination. All treatment recommendations — including eligibility for dental implants, bone grafting, general anesthesia, and full-mouth rehabilitations — are subject to an in-person clinical examination, diagnostic imaging (such as volumetric tomography), and evaluation by licensed dental professionals.

Media Contact

Attelia Oral and Dental Health Center
info@atteliadental.com
+90 541 312 50 24

BROKEN ARROW, OK, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Botanic Tonics today applauded the Drug Enforcement Administration’s (DEA) final temporary order (Docket No. DEA-1644) placing three synthetic opioid compounds: mitragynine pseudoindoxyl (commonly known as MGPI), MGM-15, and MGM-16 into Schedule I of the Controlled Substances Act that takes effect August 26, 2026.

These three substances do not occur naturally in the kratom plant. The DEA’s own findings describe them as products of laboratory synthesis, chemically modified from purified alkaloid isolates and manufactured to produce opioid effects far more potent than morphine. According to the agency, they have been sold often as flavored, brightly packaged tablets marketed with language like “botanical,” “clean,” and “precision-formulated,” despite carrying documented risks of overdose, dependence, and death.

In its official announcement accompanying the scheduling action, the U.S. Department of Justice stated in a press release:

“This action is directed at deliberately manufactured and concentrated opioid products, not traditional botanical kratom. The published scientific literature has not established MGPI as a naturally occurring kratom alkaloid.”

Botanic Tonics has spent years drawing a hard line between natural kratom leaf and the synthetic, concentrated compounds now under federal scrutiny. The company’s flagship product, feel free CLASSIC, is formulated from natural kratom leaf and noble kava root. It does not contain mitragynine pseudoindoxyl, MGM-15, or MGM-16, and the DEA’s federal action does not apply to traditional, natural kratom leaf formulations.

“Consumers deserve products that are exactly what they say they are,” said Botanic Tonics. “What the DEA acted on this week were lab-made opioids dressed up in kratom packaging to fool people looking for a natural alternative. That’s a different category of product entirely, and drawing that distinction clearly has been a priority for us long before this ruling. We built feel free CLASSIC on natural kratom leaf, and nothing in this order touches that.”

Botanic Tonics has consistently supported regulatory efforts that separate unregulated, synthetically manufactured opioid products from naturally derived botanical ingredients like kratom leaf, and the company views this week’s action as validation of that distinction. Botanic Tonics continues to work with regulators, researchers, and industry partners to advance responsible standards for how kratom-based products are formulated, labeled, and sold.

About Botanic Tonics

Botanic Tonics is the leader in botanical supplements. Founded in 2020 and headquartered in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, the company's feel free® product line harnesses the wisdom of ancient botanical traditions to support energy, focus, and mood. Its flagship product, feel free CLASSIC®, combines noble kava root and natural kratom leaf, in a formulation that contains no synthetic ingredients, alcohol, or chemical extracts and is for responsible consumption, adults 21+. Its KavaMaté product delivers botanical pairings that provide sustained, grounded energy without the jitters associated with artificial energy drinks. With hundreds of millions of servings sold, feel free CLASSIC® is produced in accordance with strict manufacturing and quality standards, supported by independent batch testing and peer-reviewed research. Botanic Tonics’ products are manufactured in an FDA-registered, cGMP-certified facility and undergo multiple tests for consistency and safety. Botanic Tonics continues to lead the energy and supplement category in education and transparency through extensive consumer education. Learn more at botanictonics.com.

Disclaimer

The statements in this press release have not been evaluated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration. The products referenced are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. This announcement is provided for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice.

Warning & Caution

feel free CLASSIC contains natural kratom leaf. Read and follow all packaging instructions carefully. Consult a healthcare professional before introducing new botanical supplements to your routine. Not for consumption by or sale to persons under the age of 21. May interact with certain medications; consult a licensed, qualified healthcare professional before use. Do not consume with excessive alcohol. This product is not intended for those who are sensitive to the active ingredients or women who are pregnant, nursing, or trying to become pregnant. To learn more, visit the Consumer Education page.

Media Contact

media@botanictonics.com

MELROSE, MN, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For those seeking personal or business banking services, it can feel like an inevitable choice between personal service and convenience. Magnifi Financial, a full-service community credit union, is built to deliver both. Founded in 1939, Magnifi has remained rooted in the communities it serves while evolving to meet modern expectations, growing to $2.7 billion in assets along the way. What began as a single location has expanded into a regional footprint of 27 branches across Minnesota and North Dakota.

This growth reflects a clear focus: combining relationship-driven service with the digital capabilities of a larger institution. Members benefit from tailored guidance, local expertise, and a team that understands their goals — alongside seamless, intuitive technology that simplifies their financial lives.

Through comprehensive business and personal banking solutions, Magnifi supports members at every stage of their financial lives. From checking and savings accounts to lending, investing, and financial guidance, the credit union provides personalized products that help individuals reach their unique goals. Magnifi’s commercial banking experts support businesses of all sizes: from real estate, equipment, and business loans to broader financial solutions like deposit and cash management tools.

“As a not-for-profit, Magnifi reinvests directly into our members through better rates, stronger programs, and meaningful community impact,” says Chuck Friederichs, CEO. “Whether someone is managing their household, building their business, or both, we provide a unified financial ecosystem that supports their journey with us as their trusted partner.”

Trust, Scale, Innovation

In today’s financial landscape, digital speed and convenience are expected — but on their own, they’re not enough. Large banks and fintechs often excel in scale and technology, yet can fall short when it comes to personal relationships that build lasting trust.

Magnifi brings these elements together in a way that prioritizes both experience and connection. Just as important is an ongoing focus on financial wellness and long-term member success.

Beyond products and services, Magnifi is committed to helping members build stronger financial futures through education, intuitive digital tools, and proactive support that help them achieve what matters most.

“The future is defined by institutions that master the balance of trust, scale, and innovation,” says Friederichs. “To ensure we fit that criteria, we’re investing boldly in our technologies and elevating the member experience through every interaction. We’re ready to lead, serve, and design to ultimately endure and be here for future generations.”

Investing in Impact

At Magnifi Financial, impact goes far beyond financial services. With a culture built around meaningful action and community giveback, the credit union provides crucial investment in communities it serves.

The 3 Essentials program, which supports local need for food, shelter, and clothing, was created to foster life essentials and provide peace of mind for those in need. Since its creation in 2016, the program has provided more than 1.3 million pounds of food, approximately 4,400 nights of shelter, and over 1,500 articles of clothing.

The Magnifi Financial Foundation®, which was founded in 2015, supports local organizations that enhance the lives of members and the communities where they live, play, and work. Over the years, the foundation has donated more than $200,000 to vital organizations like schools and police and fire departments.

“We don’t just serve our communities,” says Friederichs. “We help in building, supporting, and maintaining them.”

About Magnifi Financial

Magnifi Financial is a full-service community credit union offering retail banking, commercial banking, mortgages, and wealth management services to anyone within its field of membership in Minnesota, North Dakota, and Wisconsin. Magnifi Financial serves members through an extensive network of branches and best-in-class digital services. Whether at home or on the go, members can access their accounts and manage funds with ease through a full suite of digital banking services. Magnifi Financial invests in each member’s personal financial needs and in initiatives that enhance the lives of members and their communities through the Magnifi Financial Foundation®. The Magnifi Financial Foundation funds initiatives that make a significant long-term impact on the betterment of Magnifi Financial’s members and the communities they serve. In addition, Magnifi gives back through its 3 Essentials Program. For every consumer checking account, auto loan, and mortgage loan opened, Magnifi's 3 Essentials Program provides food, shelter, and clothing to local communities. Magnifi is committed to its core values of building up our shared communities, providing financial solutions that are easy and simple, earning the trust and respect of each member through expertise, and doing what is right for the entire membership. For more information, visit mymagnifi.org.

Disclaimer

Magnifi Financial is an Equal Housing Lender. Federally insured by the NCUA. Investment and wealth management services offered through third-party partners are not NCUA-insured, have no bank or credit union guarantee, and may lose value. This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute an offer, solicitation, or commitment to extend credit or financial services.

Media Contact

Rachel Endrizzi
SVP of Marketing
rachel.endrizzi@mymagnifi.org

ALBANY, NY, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Great work in government affairs usually happens behind the scenes. Not this time. Capitol Confidential Pro, powered by USLege and supported by Times Union, today announced the 46 winners of the 2026 Best in Government Affairs Awards for New York — standout professionals shaping policy across the Empire State, honored across seven categories and selected entirely by their peers.

The inaugural New York program is peer-nominated and reviewed by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. Nominations were submitted by peers across the state — colleagues, clients, and counterparts who see this work up close — and the strongest nominations pointed to specific impact: bills moved, coalitions built, crises navigated, and careers that have shaped how New York works. From veterans whose names are synonymous with Albany excellence to early-career operators already three steps ahead, the honorees reflect the full spectrum of government affairs talent in New York.

The recognition landed with the honorees. "I am so excited and honored to be a part of USLege's inaugural class for these awards," said one 2026 winner. "I'm thrilled about this, and knowing it came from peers means a lot," said another.

Winners were selected following an open, no-cost nomination period and review by the 2026 New York advisory board: Kenneth Zebrowski (Brown & Weinraub), Lisa Hofflich (Bolton-St. Johns), David Carlucci (Carlucci Consulting), and observed by Brendan Lyons (Times Union). There was no cost to nominate or to be featured — this is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.

The 2026 honorees will be celebrated in person at Lark Hall in Albany this September, where each winner will be recognized on stage among peers, colleagues, and New York's government affairs community. In keeping with the spirit of public service the awards honor, the evening will also give back: Capitol Confidential Pro, Powered by USLege, will match guest donations to the Regional Food Bank of Northeastern New York, turning the celebration into direct support for New Yorkers facing hunger.

The 2026 Best in Government Affairs — New York Honorees

Association Advocates of the Year

• Therese Daly, United Way of New York State
• Catherine Chen, Asian American Federation of New York
• Kei Williams, New Pride Agenda
• Matt Nelligan, New Yorkers for Affordable Energy
• Jessica Klos Shapiro, Early Care and Learning Council
• Ashley Stuart, New York Health Plan Association
• Caroline Bobick, NYS School Boards Association

Longtime Legends in Government Affairs

• Perry Ochacher, Willett Public Affairs
• Bill Ferris, AARP New York
• Rick Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
• Christine Rutigliano, Roffe Group
• Robert Megna, Rockefeller Institute of Government
• Patricia Reilly, Patricia Reilly Consulting
• Ross Frommer, Columbia University Irving Medical Center

Policy Intelligence Leaders of the Year

• Katie Hohman, Plummer, Wigger & Hohman
• Cheryl Kraus, Farrell Fritz
• Emily Whalen, Brown & Weinraub
• Joshua Oppenheimer, Greenberg Traurig
• Karin Spencer, Spencer Strategic Solutions
• Jay Holland, Statewide Public Affairs
• Evan Sullivan, Ostroff Associates

Powerhouse Lobbyists of the Year

• Carol Ann Lemon, Malkin & Ross
• Diana Ostroff, Ostroff Associates
• Jessica Schafroth, Malkin & Ross
• Jack O'Donnell, O'Donnell & Associates
• Evan Stavisky, The Parkside Group
• Alyssa Lovelace, Hill, Gosdeck, McGraw & Nemeth
• Vincent Rossetti, Rossetti Government Relations

Rising Stars of the Year

• Caiti Anderson, Harter Secrest & Emery
• Laura Manley Ladopoulos, Manatt, Phelps & Phillips, LLP
• Jerry Hyppolite, Housing Solutions of NY
• Hunter Petro, Carlucci Consulting
• Sam Hartstein, Kol Yisroel
• Jasmine Wali, Elevating Action for Family Justice Fund

Strategic Communicators of the Year

• Adam Morey, J Strategies
• Nick Berkowitz, Open New York
• Joe Bonilla, Relentless Awareness
• Geoff Redick, Freelance
• Jaden Jules, DoorDash

Top Staffers of the Year

• Alana Sivin, New York State Assembly Speaker’s Office
• Godfre Bayalama, NYS Department of Financial Services
• Evan Schneider, Office of Senator Jamaal Bailey
• Mark Kissinger, Office of Assemblymember Amy Paulin
• Mary-Anne Dandles, New York State Assembly
• Darci Lindgren, Office of Assemblymember Charles Lavine
• Shalyn Ranellone, Office of Assemblymember John T. McDonald III

About USLege

USLege is an AI-powered legislative tracking platform transforming how government affairs professionals track, analyze, and act on policy at the local, state, and federal levels across the U.S. Built for the fragmented and fast-moving world of government relations, USLege unifies legislative CRM, live government video, and real-time bill tracking, powered by a customizable AI agent that delivers instant alerts, stakeholder-specific insights, and tailored content that matters.

About Capitol Confidential Pro

Capitol Confidential Pro is New York's dedicated legislative intelligence service, powered by USLege's AI-native platform and produced in partnership with the Times Union. Built for government affairs and policy professionals, it delivers faster, clearer visibility into the New York State Legislature — the bills, committees, hearings, and decisions shaping state policy — so the people who move New York can stay ahead of what matters.

About Best in Government Affairs Awards

The Best in Government Affairs Awards are a peer-nominated, peer-reviewed recognition program celebrating the professionals who shape state policy. Winners are put forward by their peers and selected through review by an advisory board of respected New York leaders. The program is free at every step — no cost to nominate, no cost to be featured, and no advertising or sponsorship dollars involved. It is peer recognition, not pay-to-play.

Media Contact

Head of Marketing, USLege
jess@uslege.ai

BASSETERRE, Saint Kitts and Nevis, August 25, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Saint Kitts and Nevis will track the money in its medicinal cannabis sector as closely as the plants. The Medicinal Cannabis Authority (MCA) has contracted GrowerIQ to run a national seed-to-sale system that records every financial transaction alongside every plant and batch, from the first licence application onward.

• Medicinal Cannabis Authority contracts GrowerIQ for national seed-to-sale tracking
• Requirement written into Regulation 55, tied to anti-money laundering obligations
• Deployed ahead of first commercial licence
• Third Caribbean government on the platform, after Barbados and Saint Lucia

The design follows the Federation’s own rulebook. The Cannabis (Medicinal Cannabis Licensing) Regulations, SRO No. 17 of 2022 require every financial transaction connected to a licensed cannabis business to be recorded in the national tracking system, with the Authority holding real-time read access. Regulation 55 names seventeen transaction categories, from investments, loans and capital expenditure through rent, salaries and taxes to dividends and banking. The regulation ties the requirement to the country’s anti-money laundering and counter-terrorist financing obligations.

The Authority is putting that system in place ahead of the first commercial licence. Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources the Hon. Samal Duggins has said the tracking system sets the foundation for the structured rollout of commercial licensing, patient registration and research.

“What is recorded properly from day one never has to be reconstructed later,” said Randel Thompson, Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Marine Resources. “That is what this system gives the Federation, and it is in place before the first licence is issued.”

“As CEO I am committed to following all compliance regulations as laid out by our very comprehensive Cannabis Act, No. 8 of 2020 and the Cannabis (Medicinal Cannabis Licensing) Regulations, SRO No. 17 of 2022,” said Nadiv Mills, CEO of the Medicinal Cannabis Authority. “Although it is challenging, this is what it takes to build credibility, sustainability and accountability. Now that we have secured a system that meets our high standards, we can confidently and legally proceed.”

Legal advisor, Saboto Caesar, noted that, “I am indeed grateful to continue to provide legal advice to the cannabis sector in the region as it pertains to compliant banking and cross border investment. The inclusion of a state of the art track and trace system provided by GrowerIQ for the cannabis industry in St. Kitts and Nevis is a reflection of a global best practice. This will for sure assist the industry in satisfying its national legislative requirements of including a track and trace system and also its international banking obligations to ensure that available technology is utilized to guarantee full traceability of all of the medicinal cannabis industry's proceeds from seed to bank.”

GrowerIQ’s national seed-to-sale system is an integral component of the Federation’s solution. By embedding traceability into both cultivation and financial operations, the Authority ensures that every plant and every transaction is accounted for from day one.

“Saint Kitts and Nevis wrote the money into its traceability rules, then went looking for a system that could carry it,” said Andrew Wilson, CEO of GrowerIQ. “The Authority set the standard. Our job is to meet it.”

Saint Kitts and Nevis is the third Caribbean government to select GrowerIQ for national cannabis traceability, after Barbados in 2023 and Saint Lucia in 2026. The platform supports EU-GMP and GACP workflows and operates in more than 24 countries and seven languages. Local producers will be trained on the system before commercial operations begin.

Learn more about the Saint Kitts and Nevis national cannabis traceability announcement.

About GrowerIQ

AI-powered GrowerIQ is the operational backbone ERP that unites the fragmented systems required by cannabis production facilities around the world. The company now powers country-level traceability and facilities in more than 24 countries and seven languages. For more information, visit groweriq.ca.

About St. Kitts & Nevis Medicinal Cannabis Authority

The Medicinal Cannabis Authority is the statutory body established under the Cannabis Act, No. 8 of 2020, responsible for licensing and regulating the medicinal cannabis sector in Saint Kitts and Nevis.

Media Contact

Andrew Wilson
CEO, GrowerIQ
info@groweriq.com
+1 855-892-7500

LAS VEGAS, NV, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Rezerra, a clean-energy infrastructure investment company, announced it has completed a $23.8 million acquisition of 49 battery energy storage systems, marking a significant expansion of its clean-energy infrastructure portfolio.

The newly acquired systems store electricity for use when it is needed most, supporting a more flexible, efficient and reliable power grid. As demand on the grid continues to grow, battery storage has become one of the most practical tools for keeping electricity available during peak periods and stabilizing supply when generation fluctuates.

"This acquisition reflects exactly where we believe energy infrastructure is headed," said Jesse Williams, CEO of Rezerra. "Battery storage is no longer a niche asset. It is a core piece of how the grid will operate for decades to come, and we intend to own and operate these systems at the highest standard."

Battery storage plays a central role in expanding renewable energy. Solar and wind produce electricity on nature's schedule, not the grid's. Storage systems capture that output and make it available beyond peak production periods, extending the value of every megawatt generated and reducing waste across the system.

The portfolio is supported by a 20-year servicing arrangement, reflecting Rezerra's long-term commitment to maintaining and operating clean-energy infrastructure responsibly. Rather than a short-hold financial play, the structure positions Rezerra as a long-duration owner and operator with accountability for performance across the full life of the assets.

"We are not buying assets to flip them," Williams said. "A 20-year servicing arrangement means we are committed to these systems, the communities they serve and the grid they support for the long haul."

Through investments like this one, Rezerra aims to reduce reliance on higher-emission peak power generation and help build a cleaner, more resilient energy future. The company plans to continue evaluating opportunities across the energy storage and clean infrastructure landscape.

About Rezerra

Rezerra is a clean-energy infrastructure company focused on acquiring, maintaining and operating assets that strengthen the power grid and expand access to renewable energy. Led by CEO Jesse Williams, a Las Vegas-based entrepreneur and investor focused on the energy sector, Rezerra invests in long-duration infrastructure including battery energy storage systems. Learn more at rezerra.com.

Media Contact

Evelyn Caroline
Levitate Media Solutions
evelyn@levitatemediasolutions.com

MIAMI, FL, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (Samsung) and Smartify Media, Inc.  (Smartify), a premium digital out-of-home and retail media network in North America, announced a strategic partnership that transforms how businesses and property owners monetize Samsung commercial displays, Samsung VXT Ads, Powered by Smartify.

Together, the two companies have integrated Smartify’s premium advertising platform directly into Samsung’s Visual eXperience Transformation (VXT) content management system, creating a seamless path for display owners to activate local, direct, and national advertising campaigns to earn passive revenue, with no new hardware or additional cost.

The partnership helps future-proof businesses with end-to-end digital signage support, transforming commercial displays from standalone communication tools into connected media assets participating in a national and local advertising ecosystem.

The integration has already started rolling out across the Smartify network, where Samsung VXT-powered displays are actively participating in Smartify’s premium advertising marketplace. Through the partnership, Samsung VXT users can gain streamlined access to Smartify’s advertising infrastructure, allowing participating businesses and property owners to monetize screen time with premium brand advertising while maintaining full control over their own content and scheduling. Campaigns are dynamically delivered through Smartify’s national programmatic infrastructure, direct advertiser relationships, and localized advertising marketplace, connecting brands and businesses to audiences across high-traffic real-world environments.

Samsung VXT is Samsung’s next-generation cloud-native content management and remote device management platform designed for commercial displays. Built to simplify deployment, content scheduling, monitoring, and operational control, Samsung VXT enables businesses to centrally manage digital signage networks across single locations or large distributed portfolios through an intuitive cloud-based interface.

Through the Smartify integration, Samsung VXT Ads, Powered by Smartify, Samsung VXT evolves beyond traditional display management by enabling participating screen owners to seamlessly access advertising monetization opportunities directly within their existing operational environment. The integration combines Samsung’s enterprise-grade display ecosystem and device management capabilities with Smartify’s premium advertising marketplace, creating a unified platform for content management, monitoring, and revenue generation. Samsung VXT Ads allows display owners to maximize their screens’ potential with a frictionless setup, smooth ongoing operation, and full creative, content, and campaign operational support. 

“Commercial displays are rapidly evolving from operational tools into valuable media assets,” said Joseph Kunigonis, CEO of Smartify. “By integrating Smartify directly into Samsung VXT, Samsung VXT Ads, Powered by Smartify creates a frictionless monetization layer that enables display owners to participate in local, regional, and national advertising demand without changing how they operate their screens. This partnership effectively transforms commercial displays into connected, revenue-generating digital real estate.”

Smartify currently operates one of North America’s fastest-growing premium urban and retail media networks, spanning over 40 top U.S. markets and generating billions of monthly impressions across storefronts, shopping centers, lifestyle destinations, and other consumer environments. The company’s platform enables national programmatic advertising, direct brand partnerships, and localized marketing campaigns while providing enterprise-grade monetization, monitoring, content management, and reporting capabilities.

The integration with Samsung VXT simplifies onboarding and participation for display owners. Businesses can maintain their existing operational workflows while seamlessly opting into advertising inventory monetization opportunities through Smartify’s network. Samsung VXT Ads, Powered by Smartify, requires no additional media players, software installations or hardware modifications.

“This partnership reflects the growing convergence of digital signage technology and retail media,” said Jonathan del Rosario, Head of Product – Display Solutions Division, Samsung Electronics America. “By integrating Smartify’s advertising capabilities into Samsung VXT, we’re empowering businesses to maximize the value of their display ecosystem, strengthen the impact of each screen and enhance the customer experience.”

The companies expect Samsung VXT Ads, Powered by Smartify, to accelerate adoption across multiple industries, including retail, commercial real estate, automotive services, hospitality, fitness, and restaurant verticals. In addition to monetization opportunities, participating locations may also gain access to localized cross-promotional marketing opportunities through Smartify’s growing national footprint.

About Smartify Media

Headquartered in Miami, Florida, Smartify Media Inc. (Smartify) is a premium digital out-of-home and retail media company connecting brands with consumers where they live, work, shop and transact. Its third-party audited and verified network provides access to premium audiences within brand-safe Smartify MainStreet™, Smartify Marketplaces™ and Smartify Everyday Commerce™ environments through programmatic, direct and hyperlocal advertising. Smartify’s AI-enabled technology integrates financial and operational data with historical performance insights and real-time signals to scale and standardize operations, enhance advertising precision, and optimize media monetization—increasing audience reach and campaign effectiveness for brands while driving recurring revenue for its partners. Learn more at smartifymedia.com.

About Samsung Electronics America

Headquartered in Englewood Cliffs, N.J., Samsung Electronics America, Inc. (SEA), the U.S. Sales and Marketing subsidiary, is a leader in mobile technologies, consumer electronics, home appliances, enterprise solutions and networks systems. For more than four decades, Samsung has driven innovation, economic growth and workforce opportunity across the United States—investing over $100 billion and employing more than 20,000 people nationwide. By integrating our large portfolio of products, services and AI technology, we’re creating smarter, sustainable and more connected experiences that empower people to live better. SEA is a wholly owned subsidiary of Samsung Electronics Co., Ltd. To learn more, visit Samsung.com. For the latest news, visit news.samsung.com/us.

Media Contact

Debbie Williams
SVP of Marketing, Smartify
debbie@smartifymedia.com

SAN FRANCISCO, CA, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- For years, the cross-border payments industry has competed on faster settlement, broader payment coverage and lower transaction costs.

Mesta believes the next phase of competition will look very different.

Today the company announced its white-labeled self-service customer portal that enables payment providers, fintech companies and B2B software platforms to deliver cross-border payment services entirely under their own brands while relying on Mesta's underlying financial infrastructure.

The launch builds on Mesta's broader vision of helping businesses manage the entire lifecycle of money through a single operating system. Instead of stitching together multiple financial providers, businesses can access Mesta's Store, Grow, and Pay capabilities from one unified platform.

The launch reflects a broader shift taking place across financial services. Rather than sending customers to third-party payment platforms, businesses increasingly want payment capabilities to exist natively inside their own products. Mesta now gives them two ways to achieve that. Enterprises building deeply embedded financial experiences can integrate directly through Mesta's APIs, while growing payment providers and software companies can launch through the White-Labeled Customer Portal. Both provide access to the same underlying infrastructure, allowing businesses to choose the path that best fits their growth stage.

Customers of fintech platforms, using this Customer Portal, can onboard themselves, complete KYB, manage beneficiaries and initiate international payments through a fully branded interface, while transactions continue to move through Mesta's global payment infrastructure.

Since launching in November 2024, Mesta has processed more than $2 billion in transaction volume across over 100 countries, supporting payments in more than 40 currencies while combining treasury infrastructure, traditional fiat rails and stablecoin networks into a single operating platform that enables businesses to store, grow and pay from one infrastructure layer.

"Payments are increasingly becoming infrastructure rather than destination products," said Sandeep Pyapali, founder and CEO of Mesta. "Businesses want to own the customer relationship while relying on proven infrastructure underneath. The White-Labeled Customer Portal is our answer to that shift. Whether customers integrate through our APIs or launch quickly with their branded Customer Portal, the goal is the same: make global payments feel native to their own products."

Unlike traditional merchant portals that require businesses to manage customer onboarding and payment initiation themselves, the White-Labeled Customer Portal allows end customers to complete these workflows independently, reducing operational overhead while improving scalability.

The launch extends Mesta's broader platform strategy of enabling businesses to store, grow and move money through a single operating layer spanning both fiat and stablecoin ecosystems.

As embedded finance continues to mature, Mesta believes invisible infrastructure — rather than customer-facing payment brands — will become the defining characteristic of the next generation of financial services.

About Mesta

Mesta is a global fiat and stablecoin operating system that enables businesses to store, grow and pay money through a single infrastructure layer. Its platform combines local payment rails, global banking networks and stablecoin infrastructure to help payment providers, fintechs and global businesses build modern cross-border financial products. Today, Mesta supports payments across 100+ countries and 40+ payout currencies and has processed more than $2 billion in transaction volume in 21 months since launch through 30,000+ cross-border transactions. Founded by Sandeep Pyapali, formerly of Uber, PayPal and BILL, Mesta is led by a team with deep experience in global payments, banking infrastructure and financial technology. The company is backed by leading venture capital firms and strategic fintech investors, including Village Global, Circle Ventures, Paxos, Garuda Ventures, Canonical Crypto, Everywhere Ventures and Inventum Ventures, reflecting strong confidence in its vision for the future of global money movement. For more information, visit mesta.xyz.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. It contains forward-looking statements based on current expectations that involve risks and uncertainties. Mesta is a financial technology infrastructure provider; banking, payment processing, and regulated financial services are facilitated through licensed partner institutions where required. Digital assets and stablecoins carry inherent market risks and are not government-backed or FDIC-insured.

Media Contact

Saurabh Singla
ZEX PR Wire
info@zexprwire.com

SHANGHAI, China, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Power MOSFETs are the heart of every electrical device — home appliances, industrial motors, new energy vehicle electronic controls, AI data center power supplies. The new-generation T2X technology platform optimizes gate structure, doping profile, and termination design to sharply reduce on-resistance at the same chip area, while also improving dynamic parameters such as gate charge and gate-drain charge. The result is a simultaneous reduction in both conduction and switching losses, breaking the traditional constraint that low on-resistance requires a large die.

Nexperia ranks No. 1 globally in small-signal MOSFETs and among the global top three in automotive power MOSFETs. Nexperia China's proprietary 12-inch SGT T2X automotive MOSFETs are industry-leading in conduction loss, thermal performance, surge withstand capability, and EMI characteristics, filling the gap in 12-inch automotive-grade high-voltage MOSFETs.

The products entering mass production this time have completed a full set of standardized reliability verification, covering both automotive and industrial grades. According to industry information, the effective chip output of a single 12-inch wafer is about 5.7 times that of a 5-inch wafer, about 4 times that of a 6-inch wafer, and about 2.2 to 2.4 times that of an 8-inch wafer. In terms of per-chip cost, this means a reduction of about 70% compared with 5-inch, about 60% compared with 6-inch, and about 50% compared with 8-inch.

The new-generation 40V products achieve an on-resistance as low as 0.48 milliohms, an improvement of more than 50% over the previous generation; the 80V platform reaches a minimum on-resistance of 1.3 milliohms, 45% lower than the previous generation. Device thermal resistance and avalanche energy lead the industry by about 20%, and 2,000-hour board-level temperature cycling reliability is likewise leading.

Nexperia China has released a portfolio of 19 automotive MOSFET products in the 40–100V range, designed for body control, infotainment, battery reverse protection, and LED lighting. Automotive-grade 100V products achieve on-resistance as low as 0.99 mΩ and can handle safe currents above 460 A, suitable for OBCs, traction inverters, and BMS.

The new-generation MOS products have entered the supply chains of leading domestic new energy vehicle customers, with mass production delivery in the second half of 2026. The entire series exceeds the AEC-Q101 standard, and failure rates for core devices in braking, chassis, steering, and battery protection are controlled at the parts-per-billion level.

On product iteration: Nexperia's development cycle used to take 24 to 36 months; now it takes 6 to 12 months. The localization ratio of some core devices has been pushed from under 20% to nearly 100%.

About Nexperia

As a frontrunner in the development and production of basic semiconductor devices, Nexperia Semiconductors (China) Ltd. (Anshi China) offers devices that are widely used in various applications such as automotive, industrial, mobile, and consumer electronics, supporting almost all basic functions of electronic design worldwide. Nexperia Semiconductors (China) Ltd. (Anshi China) provides products and services to customers globally, with these products becoming industry benchmarks in terms of efficiency (such as process, size, power, and performance) and gaining widespread recognition. Nexperia Semiconductors (China) Ltd. (Anshi China) boasts a rich IP product portfolio and a continuously expanding product range, and has obtained certifications under the IATF16949, ISO9001, ISO14001, and ISO45001 standards, fully demonstrating the company's firm commitment to innovation, efficiency, sustainable development, and meeting stringent industry requirements. For more information, visit nexperia.com.

Media Contact

info@nexperia.com

NEW YORK, NY, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Lucra, the leading social competition platform, today announced its live mini-games integration with Coverd, the gamified personal finance platform that gives users the ability to win their purchases back. Through a licensed deployment of Lucra's mobile mini-games suite, Coverd users can now play Lucra’s casual mini-games directly inside the Coverd app — giving its rapidly growing user base a new way to engage and win.

Coverd launched in March 2026 with a simple premise: everyday spending should be fun. Designed for the modern consumer who expects more from their financial tools, the platform combines personal finance utility with engaging mini-games, resulting in a novel hybrid, where users can win back money they’ve already spent. Since launching, Coverd has seen explosive growth, with hundreds of thousands of users already playing its games. The platform's engagement loop is set to expand significantly — and Lucra's mini-games fuel that expansion.

Under the partnership, Coverd licensed Lucra's full mini-games catalog. Lucra's titles are now prominently featured on the Coverd platform, and are becoming a core part of how Coverd's audience engages at the intersection of real life spending and mobile mini-games.

"Coverd has built something genuinely different in the fintech space — a product where financial engagement and competitive play are the same thing," said Dylan Robbins, founder and CEO of Lucra. "Their users are already showing up to play and win. By licensing our mini-games, we're embedding Lucra into a financial habit for tens of thousands of daily active users. That's a meaningful distribution channel and a compelling use case for what our games can do outside of traditional entertainment platforms."

For Coverd, the Lucra integration deepens the rewards loop that drives its core value proposition. Rather than passive rewards, users actively play for the chance to win their purchases back — and Lucra's proven mini-games catalog gives them another compelling reason to return to the app.

"We built Coverd around the idea that personal finance doesn't need to suck. Your money should work harder and be more fun to earn back," said Eric Xu, founder of Coverd. "Lucra's mini-games are a natural fit for what we're building. Our users are already showing up every day to engage with their rewards, and now they have more reasons to keep coming back."

The partnership extends Lucra's expansion into fintech and consumer finance, demonstrating the flexibility of its mini-games product across contexts well beyond location-based entertainment. As Coverd continues to grow its user base, Lucra's games scale with it; and the two companies are working together to create new tournament formats and different ways to play and earn.

Lucra’s mini-games are available now in the Coverd app. New users can sign up and start playing at coverd.us to win both in-app currency and real world prizes. 

About Lucra

Lucra powers competitive loyalty through a plug-and-play SDK, which integrates into apps or websites and enables tournaments, mini-games, and peer-vs-peer competitions, with real-money or rewards. It handles compliance, payments, fraud prevention, and settlement out of the box, so partners can instantly offer gamified experiences without building or managing complex infrastructure themselves. Top entertainment, hospitality, and consumer brands, including Five Iron Golf, Backyard Sports, ChessKings, TouchTunes, and more, use Lucra's white-label technology to power tournaments and challenges, build loyalty, and drive new revenue. Learn more at playlucra.com.

About Coverd

Coverd is the gamified personal finance platform that gives users a chance to win their purchases back. Launched in March 2026 and backed by Andreessen Horowitz, Tusk Ventures, Yolo Group, and others, Coverd provides an in-app rewards experience where users play to earn. Learn more at coverd.us.

Disclaimer

This press release is for informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or tax advice. Neither Lucra nor Coverd is a registered broker-dealer, investment advisor, or banking institution; Coverd operates solely as a gamified rewards platform, not as a deposit account or financial advisory service. Participation in Coverd rewards and Lucra mini-games is subject to official platform terms, user eligibility checks, identity verification, state and local geographic availability, and legal age restrictions. Participation in mini-games, challenges, or tournaments does not guarantee financial return, debt reimbursement, or cash prizes, as game outcomes may involve elements of skill, chance, or both depending on jurisdiction, and odds of winning vary based on user activity, platform rules, and specific tournament configurations. Users should exercise financial responsibility and manage personal spending independently of promotional reward features, as games of chance or skill should never be viewed as a means of debt relief, income generation, or financial recovery. Lucra operates as a white-label technology provider handling software integration, fraud prevention, and settlement infrastructure under applicable state and federal compliance regulations.

Media Contact

Lindsay Linhart
Brand Strategist, Lucra
lindsay@playlucra.com

HOUSTON, TX, August 24, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The Wyatt Foundation and Conceive Fertility Foundation today announce the launch of their Fall 2026 IVF Grant Program, which will award $15,000 grants to five individuals or couples in need of in-vitro fertilization (IVF) to build their families.

Now in its third year, the program has awarded $300,000 in grants, helping aspiring parents access fertility care that may otherwise be financially out of reach. Through their partnership, The Wyatt Foundation and Conceive Fertility Foundation aim to raise awareness of infertility, expand access to treatment, and make the path to parenthood more attainable for those facing financial barriers. 

The Fall 2026 IVF Grant Program kicks off on Monday, September 14, 2026, with applications accepted through Monday, November 9, 2026. Those eligible for a grant can apply by visiting yourivfgrant.com.

The Wyatt Foundation is the nonprofit arm of Inception Fertility, the largest provider of fertility services in North America and the parent company of The Prelude Network. The organization is dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of parenthood through assisted reproductive technology (ART). The Foundation was created by TJ Farnsworth, CEO of Inception Fertility, and his wife, Margaret Farnsworth, who conceived their first child, Wyatt, through IVF. 

“Every year, we hear from people who are ready to build their families but find themselves facing a financial barrier they simply cannot overcome on their own,” said Margaret Farnsworth, Executive Director of The Wyatt Foundation. “After three years of this program, we’ve seen just how transformative this support can be — not only in helping recipients access treatment, but in giving them renewed hope and the opportunity to move forward. We’re proud to continue this work to support even more families on their path to parenthood.”

Conceive Fertility Foundation, the nonprofit arm of Caden Lane, is a 501(c)(3) organization focused on supporting individuals impacted by infertility through education and financial assistance. Caden Lane CEO Katy Mimari launched the foundation following her own fertility journey and a desire to help others facing similar challenges. A portion of Caden Lane’s proceeds supports the foundation's grant programs, with donations facilitated through ShoppingGives, a registered 501(c)(3) platform that ensures 100% of funds are directed to Conceive Fertility Foundation.

“For so many aspiring parents, the financial burden of fertility treatment can make an already difficult journey feel impossible,” said Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane and Conceive Fertility Foundation. “Everyone deserves the opportunity to pursue the family they dream of, and through this partnership, we’re honored to help more people access the care they need and remind them that they are not alone on their fertility journey.”

Each grant covers the approximate cost of one IVF cycle, excluding medications or additional services. Recipients may seek care at a clinic of their choosing, and those who pursue treatment within The Prelude Network will also receive a 10% discount on services, which can be applied toward medications or other eligible costs. 

The program comes at a time when financial concerns continue to prevent many Americans from accessing fertility care. A recent national survey conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of BUNDL Fertility™ (BUNDL), a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program and part of the Inception Fertility family of brands, found that 48% of respondents have delayed fertility care because of financial constraints, while 73% of those who have considered fertility treatment said they are reluctant to see a fertility specialist because they fear the total cost of care.

To qualify, applicants must demonstrate financial need and provide a formal infertility diagnosis. The application period opens Monday, September 14, 2026, and runs through Monday, November 9, 2026. Grant recipients will be announced the week of Monday, December 14, 2026.

To learn more or apply, visit yourivfgrant.com.

About The Wyatt Foundation

The Wyatt Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization dedicated to helping individuals and couples achieve their dream of building a family through assisted reproductive technology (ART) by reducing the financial barriers to IVF through scholarships awarded based on financial need and clinical factors determining potential success. The foundation has two main goals: to provide financial assistance to individuals and couples who cannot afford fertility treatments and to fund research in the field of infertility.

The organization was started by TJ Farnsworth, the founder and CEO of Inception Fertility, and his wife Margaret, Executive Director of The Wyatt Foundation, who successfully conceived their first child through IVF. Upon the birth of their son Wyatt, TJ reflected back on his family's experience as patients. He realized that many aspiring parents were carrying the same emotional burden that he and his wife had — and that few fertility clinics took a holistic approach to consider the physical, psychological, financial, and mental aspects of infertility.

About Conceive Fertility Foundation

Founded by Katy Mimari, CEO of Caden Lane, the Conceive Fertility Foundation is a non-profit organization committed to supporting individuals affected by infertility through education and grants. Despite insurance covering diagnostics, treatment costs are a significant financial burden, and Conceive Fertility is a non-profit organization that exists to help couples who are struggling to conceive. A portion of sales from Caden Lane go to support the mission of the Conceive Fertility Foundation.

About The Prelude Network

The Prelude Network® (Prelude), the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America, is the clinic network of Inception Fertility™ — a family of fertility brands that touches every part of the fertility journey, including diagnostics and treatment to financial accessibility.  

Each clinic, as part of Prelude, is committed to delivering the highest level of personalized fertility care by the nation's leading reproductive endocrinologists, embryologists and practitioners by focusing on an excellence in science, medicine and the patient experience. The growing Prelude Network has more than 90 total locations nationwide, offering a wide range of fertility services including egg freezing, IVF, genetic testing, LGBTQ+ fertility options, and egg/embryo storage, among others.   

Those clinics within Prelude include Aspire Fertility Austin (Texas); Aspire Fertility Dallas (Texas); Aspire Fertility San Antonio (Texas); Aspire Houston Fertility Institute (Texas); Advanced Fertility Center of Chicago (Illinois); Center for Reproductive Medicine (Florida); Indiana Fertility Institute (Indiana); IVFMD (Florida); Main Line Fertility (Pennsylvania); NYU Langone Fertility Center (New York); NYU Langone RSNY (New York); Pacific Centre for Reproductive Medicine (Canada); Pacific Fertility Center (California); Regional Fertility Program (Canada); Reproductive Biology Associates (Georgia); Reproductive Science Center of New Jersey (New Jersey); Tennessee Fertility Institute (Tennessee), and The Reproductive Medicine Group (Florida).  

Media Contact

Mia Humphreys
mhumphreys@kruppagency.com
+1 239-297-6592

NEW YORK, NY, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Dottie Herman, vice chair of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, is expanding her professional focus into strategic advisory work, education, public speaking and a forthcoming book, drawing on nearly five decades of experience in real estate, entrepreneurship and executive leadership.

Ms. Herman’s extensive New York market experience spans luxury residential real estate, condominiums, development, investment and the financial considerations surrounding significant assets. Her longstanding relationships with investors, financial institutions, developers and business leaders have provided additional insight into the capital and market forces shaping major ventures

Her experience with Merrill Lynch provided an early foundation in institutional strategy, finance and large-scale real estate operations. Ms. Herman later pursued her vision of creating a major real estate platform spanning Montauk to Manhattan, ultimately helping grow an organization to more than 7,000 real estate professionals across more than 100 offices.

Strategic Advisory for High-Stakes Opportunities

Ms. Herman’s advisory work focuses on acquisitions, development, expansion and other complex opportunities involving substantial assets. Her experience navigating transactions and negotiations, combined with her understanding of New York’s financing and investment landscape, brings seasoned judgment to decisions where timing, capital and market positioning are critical.

Bringing Real-World Experience into Education

Ms. Herman is preparing a forthcoming book focused on leadership, entrepreneurship, resilience and business judgment. Drawing on lessons developed throughout her career, the book will explore navigating changing markets, recognizing opportunities and making consequential decisions.

Together, her advisory work, educational initiatives and forthcoming book mark a new chapter focused on sharing the knowledge and perspective developed over decades of business leadership.

Ms. Herman is also being recognized by Marquis Who’s Who for excellence in leadership and entrepreneurial achievement.

About Dottie Herman

Dottie Herman is vice chair of Douglas Elliman Real Estate, a national leader in luxury real estate. Boasting more than four decades of industry experience, she is a member of the National Association of REALTORS® (NAR) and sits on the Board of Governors for the Real Estate Board of New York. For more information, follow Dottie Herman on LinkedIn.

About About Marquis Who’s Who

Since 1899, when A. N. Marquis printed the First Edition of Who’s Who in America®, Marquis Who’s Who® has chronicled the lives of the most accomplished individuals and innovators from every significant field of endeavor, including politics, business, medicine, law, education, art, religion and entertainment. Who’s Who in America® remains an essential biographical source for thousands of researchers, journalists, librarians and executive search firms around the world. The suite of Marquis® publications can be viewed at the official Marquis Who’s Who® website, www.marquiswhoswho.com. 

Media Contact

Dottie Herman
dottie@dottieherman.com

BRUNSWICK, GA, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The American Kratom Association (AKA) today announced that it has filed a formal complaint with Georgia House Speaker Jon Burns requesting his immediate intervention in Chairman Rick Townsend’s administration of the House of Representative's Blue-Ribbon Study Committee on Youth Exposure to Kratom and Retail Available Substances.

The six-page complaint alleges that Chairman Townsend has failed to provide Georgia legislators and the public with a fair and balanced examination of the controversial kratom issue and instead has used his control over witnesses, agendas and public testimony to build a record overwhelmingly weighted toward his longstanding effort to ban kratom in Georgia.

“A Blue-Ribbon Study Committee is supposed to study an issue before reaching a conclusion. Chairman Townsend appears to have reached his conclusion years ago and is now constructing the Committee record around it,” said Mac Haddow, Senior Fellow on Public Policy for the American Kratom Association. “That is not an impartial legislative inquiry. It has fatally compromised the credibility of this Committee.”

Townsend's Record Matters: Three Years of Attempts to Ban Kratom

Representative Townsend has introduced legislation to fully ban kratom products in three successive legislative sessions. Each effort failed to advance in the General Assembly.

The AKA complaint argues that Chairman Townsend’s history makes the need for scrupulous fairness particularly important.

“Representative Townsend is entitled to advocate for a kratom ban,” Haddow said. “What he is not entitled to do is use the authority of a Blue-Ribbon Study Committee to create the appearance of an objective investigation while controlling the witness list and depriving legislators of meaningful exposure to evidence that challenges his preferred outcome.”

Townsend Rejected Stronger Enforcement While Complaining Georgia Wasn't Enforcing the Law 

The complaint also challenges Chairman Townsend’s repeated criticism that Georgia’s existing Kratom Consumer Protection Act lacks adequate enforcement.

The AKA agrees that enforcement needs to be strengthened.

But when the AKA proposed specific solutions during consideration of Townsend’s legislation — including mandatory product testing paid for by manufacturers; a publicly accessible state registry identifying products authorized for sale; stronger authority to remove noncompliant products; and registration fees and an excise tax dedicated to funding enforcement — Townsend repeatedly rejected those proposals.

“You cannot credibly complain that a law isn’t being adequately enforced while rejecting the tools and funding that would allow regulators to enforce it,” Haddow said. “If protecting Georgia’s children and consumers is really the objective, enforce tough standards against bad actors. Don’t use enforcement failures as a pretext to ban responsible products and criminalize consumers.”

A Blue-Ribbon Committee Cannot Become a Taxpayer-Funded Political Campaign

The AKA’s complaint asks Speaker Burns to intervene before additional hearings are conducted and before the Committee produces recommendations that could become the basis for legislation affecting hundreds of thousands of Georgia consumers.

“Chairman Townsend’s longstanding advocacy for prohibition makes fairness more important, not less,” Haddow said. “Instead, his administration of these hearings has created the appearance that taxpayer resources and the prestige of the Georgia House are being used to advance the same anti-kratom political agenda he has unsuccessfully pursued through legislation.”

“The credibility of this Committee has now been fatally damaged,” Haddow continued. “Georgia taxpayers should not be paying for a proceeding whose outcome appears to have been decided before all sides have even been allowed to present their evidence.”

The American Kratom Association’s formal complaint was submitted to Speaker Jon Burns on August 21, 2026.

About American Kratom Association (AKA)

The American Kratom Association is a consumer advocacy organization dedicated to protecting the rights of Americans to safely use natural kratom products. The AKA supports federal and state enforcement actions targeting chemically manipulated 7-OH products and advocates for the Kratom Consumer Protection Act — including product testing, labeling standards, and age restrictions — in states across the country. For more information, visit www.americankratom.org and learn more at kratomanswers.org.

Disclaimer

The American Kratom Association (AKA) is a 501(c)(4) consumer advocacy organization. This press release is intended solely for informational purposes regarding legislative and public policy matters. Statements made by the AKA have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA). Natural kratom products are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The AKA advocates for age restrictions, manufacturing standards, and legislative oversight through the Kratom Consumer Protection Act (KCPA).

Media Contact

Senior Fellow on Public Policy
press@americankratom.org
+1 571-294-5978

ELIZABETHTON, TN, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- The handful of Elizabethton, Tennessee teachers who formed what is now Northeast Community Credit Union (NCCU) in 1952 would find much in common with its more than 12,000 members today. Like the founders, local NCCU families, businesses, and organizations are still pooling their funds to financially empower fellow community members. 

As a safe, secure alternative to traditional banks, NCCU is a nonprofit organization that provides modern banking services and products with a member-focused mission. Rather than paying dividends to stockholders, NCCU returns profits to members by offering fewer or lower fees and highly competitive savings and loan rates. Independent rating firm BauerFinancial once again awarded NCCU a 5-Star rating, placing it among the nation’s top-tier financial institutions.

“In addition to saving members money, we also cultivate personal relationships regardless of the size of someone’s account,” said David LeVeau, president and CEO, a 26-year financial veteran who left a career in traditional banking three years ago to join NCCU. LeVeau initially made the move to the credit union in 2023 to implement a commercial lending program, then was promoted last year when the former president and CEO of nine years retired.

These personal connections give members a competitive advantage. While lending officers at traditional banks may have more restrictions on them to lower the risk and be more profitable, NCCU aims to be flexible, caring, and compassionate in its decision-making. 

Management is determined to find the best financial solutions for its members. Recently, a self-employed member needed a loan to purchase a commercial building at auction within a week. When it wasn’t possible to secure a business loan large enough due to a commercial loan regulatory restriction, NCCU’s loan officers swiftly brainstormed an alternative solution that included HELOC funds to make financing work for the member — just one of the many success stories.

All About Members

NCCU is experiencing rapid growth and making tremendous investments in technology, such as recently updated telebanking services, digital onboarding, and improvements to mobile and home banking. These upgrades have resulted in increased efficiency and a more streamlined member experience. 

“At the same time, we will never sacrifice the high-quality service credit unions are known for,” says LeVeau. “We meet members’ needs, whether they prefer the convenience of banking entirely online or feel more comfortable speaking in person with caring professionals at a branch.”

Out and About 

Beyond financial services, NCCU serves the community by donating funds and volunteer hours to local efforts that improve quality of life throughout Carter, Johnson, Washington, Unicoi, and Sullivan counties. 

As a community development financial institution, the credit union operates low-
income and financial assistance programs. It has a special interest in financial literacy initiatives, teaching classes and operating NCCU branches in all six local high schools. The credit union also awards monthly Helping Teachers Teach grants to local educators, annual scholarships to students, and contributions to several nonprofit organizations.

In 2024, Hurricane Helene devastated NCCU’s 19E branch, leaving a highly populated area of Carter County without easy access to critical financial services when they needed them most. NCCU quickly set up a temporary branch on the property until the old branch was rebuilt. It became a lifeline for impacted families and businesses who needed emergency loan adjustments.

“We’re flexible in responding to members’ special needs because we are not motivated primarily by profit, but by service,” concluded LeVeau. “That’s something large banks headquartered far away just can’t do.”

About Northeast Community Credit Union

Northeast Community Credit Union has served the community since October 1952, when it was chartered by the State of Tennessee. A not-for-profit financial cooperative, Northeast Community Credit Union serves individuals who live, work, worship or attend school in Carter, Johnson, Washington, Unicoi and Sullivan counties, as well as their immediate family members. For more information, visit www.BeMyCU.org.

Media Contact

davidleveau@bemycu.org

MIAMI, FL, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov") today announced the launch of GovSchema (govschema.org), an open-source, vendor-neutral standard for how AI agents read and complete government processes. At launch, the GovSchema registry includes 643 published schemas across 124 jurisdictions, covering processes such as U.S. passport applications, travel visas, and company formation filings.

Every government process, from a passport renewal to a business registration, is a form with rules: what the form asks for, which answers are valid, and how the steps connect. Today, every team building AI agents reverse-engineers those rules by hand, and no one is notified when a government changes a form. The result is duplicated effort and brittle, unverifiable integrations.

GovSchema addresses this by publishing three things in the open: a versioned specification that every schema conforms to, a public registry of published schemas grouped by jurisdiction, and documented verification practices for checking each schema against its live government source. GovSchema does not build an agent; it is the standards layer between agents and government services, in the position organizations like ISO, the IETF, and the W3C occupy in their own domains.

"AI agents are already filling out government forms on people's behalf, and every builder is guessing at the rules separately," said Adam Boalt, co-founder of HelloGov. "That's the wrong architecture for something this important. GovSchema turns each government process into an open, versioned, machine-readable schema that any agent can read directly, with a documented practice for verifying it against the live government source. We founded it, but nobody owns it. If you build agents or know a government process well, we want your contribution."

GovSchema is stewarded by an independent, open-source foundation. The specification, schema registry, and verification practices are public at github.com/hellogov-ai/govschema and openly licensed — schema content, specification text, and verification practices under CC-BY-4.0, and tooling and code under Apache-2.0. Each schema is semantically versioned and published to an immutable registry path, so an agent pinned to a specific schema version always resolves to the same document. Agents can consume schemas by direct HTTPS fetch with standard JSON Schema validation, or through optional convenience layers including a reference MCP server. Schemas describe forms and never contain anyone's answers; GovSchema stores no personal data, does not fill out or submit forms, and does not transact with any government. A live demo at govschema.org runs a schema-driven agent interview against a published registry schema, with every question, validation rule, and eligibility check drawn from the schema at runtime.

The launch follows HelloGov's recently completed merger with iVisa, which formed the world's largest international AI-powered consumer passport and visa platform, expected to process more than 1.5 million passport and visa applications annually. GovSchema draws on that operating experience — including thirteen years of continuously maintained global visa requirement data — while remaining independent of any single vendor's products.

About HelloGov

HelloGov AI, Inc. is an AI-powered consumer and business platform for government documentation. Following its merger with iVisa, the company combines thirteen years of global visa infrastructure with an AI-assisted passport application platform across more than 100 destinations and 14 languages. HelloGov's services will be available to customers globally through retail partnerships and travel memberships. Every application receives specialist review. HelloGov is a private company registered with the U.S. Department of State as a hand-carry passport courier, and it operates a marketplace of independent registered couriers. For more information, visit hellogov.com.

Disclaimer

HelloGov AI, Inc. ("HelloGov") and its subsidiary iVisa are private commercial entities. HelloGov is not a government agency, is not affiliated with the U.S. Department of State, and is not affiliated with any foreign government or embassy. HelloGov provides third-party application preparation, AI-assisted review, and courier coordination services for an additional fee. Registration as a hand-carry passport courier with the U.S. Department of State allows submission and pick-up of applications at regional agencies on behalf of clients; it does not constitute government endorsement, authorization to issue government documents, or a guarantee of application approval or processing times. Government application forms and official information are available free of charge directly from official government portals (e.g., travel.state.gov). Third-party service fees are separate from non-refundable government processing fees. 

Media Contact

Paula Voto Bernales
pr@hellogov.com

MCKINNEY, TX, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- On June 16, 2026, the Vive Bien/Live Well app became available to older adults in New Mexico as a free mobile tool for prevention-focused healthy aging. It was developed as part of New Mexico’s Integrated Care for Older People (ICOPE) initiative, led by the UNM Health Sciences Center in partnership with the New Mexico Health Care Authority. ScienceSoft joined the project as the technology partner thanks to its extensive experience in healthcare mobile app development.

Vive Bien/Live Well is designed for New Mexico residents aged 65 and older who want a simple way to monitor everyday health changes and prepare for more informed care conversations. In the app, older adults can complete self-checks in key areas that shape healthy aging: cognition, mobility, nutrition, emotional health, vision, hearing, and bladder health. Based on the results, the app provides personalized recommendations, local resources, and a care plan that can be shared with family members, caregivers, or healthcare providers. Vive Bien/Live Well is available in English and Spanish, supports offline use, and was designed with older adults in mind, including large fonts, high-contrast options, and clear navigation. The checks can be completed independently or with help from a family member, caregiver, community health worker, or healthcare professional.

"Many seniors do not have easy access to preventive screening, and care often happens only after something goes wrong," said Giselle Rodriguez de Sosa, MD, research assistant professor at the UNM School of Medicine. "With Vive Bien/Live Well, we wanted to bring prevention-focused support directly into the hands of seniors. The app helps older adults better understand changes in their health, take more control of their well-being, and walk into care appointments better prepared for shared decision-making.”

New Mexico’s ICOPE initiative is the first statewide effort in the United States to implement the WHO’s Integrated Care for Older People framework and is intended to support healthy aging for more than 387,000 older adults across the state. Earlier this year, the Vive Bien/Live Well project was presented at ICFSR 2026 in Washington, DC, where clinicians and clinic representatives showed interest in ready-to-use ICOPE screening tools, including those adapted for different older adult populations and care settings. The response reinforced the practical need for digital tools that make preventive care easier to access, especially in communities with limited access to healthcare providers.

The app is available on the App Store and Google Play. To help seniors, caregivers, families, and community members get started, the Vive Bien/Live Well team hosted a free program launch event on July 28, 2026, at the South Valley Multipurpose Senior Center in Albuquerque, with the option to join via Zoom. Attendees were able to explore the app, learn how to use its features, and receive support with downloading and signing up. More information can be found on the Vive Bien/Live Well website.

About ScienceSoft

ScienceSoft is an AI transformation and software engineering company with more than 150 successful projects for healthcare organizations in the U.S. and around the globe. Working in the medical IT field since 2005, ScienceSoft delivers secure, risk- and cost-aware, and highly interoperable software for clinical workflows, diagnostics, and patient outreach. Holding ISO 13485, 9001, and 27001 certifications, the company focuses on designing digital solutions that bring long-term clinical and operational gains despite diverse staff and patient expectations, shifting priorities, and legacy system constraints. For more information, visit www.scnsoft.com/healthcare.

About UNM Health Sciences Center

The UNM Health Sciences Center is New Mexico’s only academic medical center delivering advanced clinical care, training and educating the state’s next generation of health care professionals, and advancing medical research. With more than 800 beds and over 1 million patient visits annually, the clinical delivery system UNM Health serves diverse and often underserved communities across the entire state, operating a network of hospitals, specialty clinics, and research centers. The UNM Health Sciences Center is nationally recognized for its commitment to health equity, innovation, and public service, consistently leading initiatives that improve care access and outcomes for New Mexicans. For more information, visit hsc.unm.edu.

About New Mexico Health Care Authority

The New Mexico Health Care Authority (HCA) is dedicated to improving the health of all New Mexicans by building an integrated, accessible, and equitable healthcare system. HCA works across sectors to expand access to care, reduce health disparities, and strengthen the quality and efficiency of services for individuals and communities. The agency partners with healthcare providers, institutions, and public health organizations to advance statewide goals in preventive care, population health, and rural health equity. For more information, visit www.hca.nm.gov.

Media Contact

Alexa Tsviatkova
ScienceSoft
adtsviakova@scnsoft.com

HOUSTON, TX, August 21, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- A new national survey examining barriers to fertility care found that the cost of treatment and a lack of awareness surrounding financing options are inhibiting many Americans from pursuing the family-building care they need.

Conducted by Atomik Research on behalf of BUNDL Fertility™ (BUNDL), a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program and part of the Inception Fertility family of brands, the online survey included 2,000 men and women interested in having children/more children and found more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents identified the high cost of fertility treatments as their top concern, while nearly half (48%) reported delaying fertility care because of financial constraints.

One of the most alarming data points was among respondents who have considered fertility treatment, nearly three-quarters (73%) of whom said they are reluctant to see a fertility specialist because they fear the total cost of care.

"These findings show that cost isn’t just preventing people from starting treatment — it’s preventing them from taking the first step towards understanding their fertility health," said Cheryl Campbell, Director of Operations at BUNDL. “When individuals delay seeing a fertility specialist because they assume care is out of reach, they also delay a potential diagnosis, understanding their options, and learning about financial solutions that may make treatment far more accessible than they realize.”

Affordability Concerns Are Widespread 

The survey found that while 43% of respondents reported being very concerned about the affordability of fertility treatments in the U.S., only 28% reported being very aware of available fertility financing options.

“Delayed parenthood is a leading contributor to infertility, and waiting to seek treatment can significantly impact the chances of a successful pregnancy,” said TJ Farnsworth, founder and CEO of Inception. “It’s imperative to improve financial access and education of financing solutions so that more aspiring parents can take the first step toward family building.”

Americans Are Making Significant Financial Sacrifices 

Among respondents who have considered or pursued fertility treatments, only 15% used fertility financing, while one-third (33%) took on additional jobs to help fund fertility treatment expenses. Many others reported relying on personal financial resources to cover costs, including:

• 46% used credit cards to pay for fertility care
• 45% relied on cash or savings
• 42% used insurance coverage

These findings suggest that many patients are cobbling together multiple funding sources and making significant personal sacrifices to pursue fertility treatment.

For social media influencers Jessi and Alessio Pasini, the financial burden even led them to seek care overseas in hopes of lowering the cost. The couple, who built a community of more than 7 million followers and have openly shared their six-year infertility and IVF journey, ultimately returned to the United States to continue their care after learning about BUNDL. Their treatment at Tennessee Fertility Institute, part of Inception’s clinical network, The Prelude Network, helped them welcome their son, Lorenzo, in February 2026.

"One of our biggest hurdles to starting IVF was the financial uncertainty. As hopeful parents, it's incredibly difficult to invest so much money without knowing if you'll ultimately be able to bring home a baby,” said Jessi Pasini. “When we learned about BUNDL's money-back guarantee, it gave us peace of mind and took away so much of the financial pressure. We could focus on treatment instead of constantly worrying about what would happen if it didn't work.”

Women Report Greater Financial Impact 

The survey also revealed notable gender differences in perceptions of affordability and access to care.

Compared with men: 

• Women are more likely to be very concerned about the affordability of fertility treatments (48% vs. 38%)
• Women are more likely to have delayed fertility care due to costs (55% vs. 40%)
• Women are more likely to be reluctant to see a fertility specialist because of concerns about total costs (78% vs. 69%)

The results indicate that women may experience a disproportionate financial burden when navigating fertility treatment decisions.

A Need for Greater Access and Financial Education 

"One of the biggest misconceptions about fertility care is that it automatically means IVF and overwhelming costs. In reality, many patients have a range of treatment options, some of which are less invasive, less expensive, or covered by insurance,” said Jamie Grifo, MD, PhD, Program Director at NYU Langone Fertility Center and Chief Executive Physician at Inception Fertility.“That's why it's so important for anyone struggling to conceive to take that first step and meet with a reproductive specialist.”

According to Dr. Grifo, a consultation provides answers about a patients’ fertility, helps identify the most appropriate treatment path, and opens the door to understanding the financial resources and financing options available.

Survey Methodology 

This online survey of 2,000 U.S. American men and women aged 25-45 interested in having children/more children was commissioned by BUNDL Fertility. It was conducted by market research company Atomik Research, part of 4media group, a creative market research agency. The margin of error for the overall sample is +/- 2 percentage points with a confidence level of 95 percent. Fieldwork took place between May 4-11, 2026.

About Inception Fertility

Inception Fertility™ (Inception) is a family of brands committed to helping patients build their families. Built by patients for patients, Inception's purpose is to achieve the highest bar in science, medicine, and experience to enhance each patient's journey and achieve better outcomes. Inception's medical experts are leading pioneers in fertility care. Our doctors were some of the first to use breakthrough assisted reproductive technologies (ART) — including in vitro fertilization (IVF), preimplantation genetic testing (PGT) and fertility preservation services — and they continue to lead the industry by building on these technologies by through development, research and thought leadership. Through its growing family of national organizations — which include The Prelude Network®, the fastest-growing network of fertility clinics and largest provider of comprehensive fertility services in North America; MyEggBank®, one of the largest frozen donor egg banks in North America; BUNDL Fertility™, a multi-cycle fertility service bundling program; HavenCryo™, a long-term reproductive preservation and storage solution provider and NutraBloom®, a premium lifestyle brand with expertly formulated supplements to support individuals' health and wellness goals for preconception — Inception is working to deliver on its promise to elevate the patient experience at every step of their family building journey.

About BUNDL Fertility

With BUNDL, fertility patients can easily build a BUNDL of treatments that best suits their needs at a discounted cost, bringing patients peace of mind and giving them fertility financial freedom. At BUNDL, our goal is to allow you to take back control of your fertility by making your fertility experience as easy and fulfilling as possible. We understand how overwhelming the entire process of fertility uncertainty is. That is why we bundle multiple fertility treatments together to increase your chances of success while providing a peace of mind of lower cost treatment. For fertility practitioners, BUNDL is another opportunity to provide patients with a unique plan tailored to their specific needs, resulting in higher patient retention and success rates.

Media Contact

Mia Humphreys
mhumphreys@kruppagency.com
+1 239-297-6592

MINNEAPOLIS, MN, August 20, 2026 (EZ Newswire) -- Leadership executive and speaker Enrique Velázquez is expanding his professional work through Velazquez Leadership Studio, a new platform focused on people-first leadership, organizational culture, speaking, and leadership development.

Velázquez brings 27 years of leadership experience to the venture, including 17 years in global high-technology operations and more than 10 years in leadership roles with the City of Minneapolis. His public-sector career has included leadership positions in regulatory services, community planning and economic development, and public works, where he has led teams through organizational change, complex operations, and difficult periods affecting both employees and communities.

The launch represents the next stage of Velázquez’s career as he moves into full-time speaking, writing, and leadership development while continuing to develop the frameworks and tools that have shaped his work.

Building a Leadership Platform Around People

Velazquez Leadership Studio was created to bring Velázquez’s experience to leaders and organizations looking for practical ways to strengthen their leadership and workplace culture.

His work centers on the belief that people should not be treated simply as resources used to achieve organizational goals. Instead, employees, clients, and communities should remain central to how organizations make decisions, build culture, and measure success.

Velázquez has developed a collection of original leadership frameworks, including his People-First Leadership Operating System and the See-Serve-Empower × Labor-Work-Action framework. His work also includes the Virtuous Cycle scorecard, which gives leaders a way to examine factors such as autonomy, competence, and satisfaction within their organizations.

“People-first leadership is not soft leadership,” said Velázquez. “It is about recognizing the people in front of us, understanding what they carry, and creating the conditions where they can contribute, grow, and do meaningful work.”

TEDxDuluth Talk Reaches More Than 1.3 Million Views

A significant milestone in Velázquez’s growing public platform came with his TEDxDuluth talk, What Happens When Leaders Put People First, delivered on February 6, 2026.

The talk has surpassed 1.45 million verified views, along with more than 57K likes and 1,200 comments and counting. Best Of TEDx ranked the presentation No. 9 on its global Top 50 Most-Watched Talks list for the first half of 2026.

Following the talk’s growth, Velázquez was named among “12 Amazing Speakers and Thought Leaders to Follow in 2026,” alongside Simon Sinek. Velázquez is scheduled to speak at Gateway Gathering and Pitch Fest in October 2026 and is preparing for his first international speaking engagement in the United Kingdom in 2027.

Forthcoming Book Explores the “Bent Key Principle”

Velázquez is currently writing his first book, "The Bent Key Principle: What Happens When Leaders Put People First."

The book explores the connection between personal experiences and leadership, examining how the experiences people carry can influence how they lead themselves, work with others, and respond to organizational challenges.

The “bent key” serves as a central idea in the book: a person does not need to be perfect to have value or make a meaningful contribution. Understanding what has shaped a person can provide a starting point for growth and better leadership.

“The existence of this book is evidence that a bent key can still turn,” said Velázquez.

New AI Coaching Initiative Under Development

Alongside his speaking and writing work, Velázquez is developing FaroAI, a coaching application built around his leadership frameworks and methodologies.

The initiative is being designed as a collection of coaching tools and insights intended to give leaders a practical way to reflect on their leadership, work through challenges, and apply people-first principles in their organizations.

FaroAI is part of a broader effort to make Velázquez’s leadership frameworks accessible beyond keynote presentations and traditional leadership development programs.

Continued Growth for Velazquez Leadership Studio

Through Velazquez Leadership Studio, Velázquez plans to continue expanding his speaking engagements, leadership frameworks, writing, and digital coaching tools while working with leaders and organizations across industries.

His long-term goal is to help organizations move toward sustainable leadership practices where people, rather than process, property, profit, or public image alone, remain central to how decisions are made and work gets done.

About Velazquez Leadership Studio

Velazquez Leadership Studio is the leadership, speaking, and writing practice founded by Enrique Velázquez. The studio focuses on people-first leadership, organizational culture, leadership development, and practical frameworks designed to help leaders understand and strengthen how they work with people. Velázquez is a leadership executive, speaker, and writer with 27 years of experience spanning global technology operations and public-sector leadership. His work is grounded in real-world experience leading teams, managing organizational change, and working with communities across complex environments. For more information, visit enriquevelazquez.com.

Media Contact

Enrique Velázquez
leadership@enriquevelazquez.com